A/N: If anyone has any questions, or would like to discuss the story beyond what is available in the reviews, I have created a forum area on here for this story within the Forums section. Amazingly, it's titled, "The Long Road Home Discussion Page" Please feel free to use it. I will answer any and all posts. Navigating to it is somewhat clunky, go to Forums / TV / Bones. It should be somewhere in the listing.


"So where are we?" Temperance asked. "And where are we going?" She and Cricket had moved up into the shade of the bridge.

Jon looked at his GPS indicator, "We're crossing into North Carolina waters now. We're actually going back towards the mainland." He turned to them, "I thought you guys might like to see some dolphins. There are a couple of spots where they supposedly congregate around here."

"Really?" Temperance asked. "Why do they congregate in these areas?"

Jon shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe the feeding is good in the area. I know there are some tour businesses that take people out dolphin watching. Maybe they feed them. Even though it's illegal to do so."

Temperance smiled, "That sounds like fun. I'd like to see some."

Cricket said, "Have you ever been swimming with the dolphins?"

Temperance shook her head, "No, I've always wanted to, but I was never around people who had the same interest in them as I do."

Jon said, "When you and Seeley come down sometime, we'll try and get something set up."

"I can see why you like this kind of life, Jon," Temperance said. "I don't think I've ever seen Seeley as relaxed as I've seen him on this boat. Both the last time and now."

Cricket said, smiling "And what does it do for you?"

"I've always taken vacations to other work sites. Identifying bodies in other countries, identifying remains during Katrina, doing research, those kinds of things. I have to admit, this is an extremely enjoyable way to live." She added, "At least for a couple of days, anyway."

"Afraid you would get bored?" Jon asked.

"Not necessarily bored…I think unproductive is a better word." She continued, "But I'm learning that small doses of aimlessness can be restful and restorative."

"Anybody I know been helping with that?" Jon asked with a smile.

Temperance glanced down at Seeley relaxing and talking with the others on the aft deck; she smiled, "I know I've changed in the past couple of months. Things I always thought were insubstantial and inconsequential seem to have taken on more meaning for me. Seeley's been a big part of that." Jon smiled and checked the GPS. "In the three-plus years since I've known him, we've gone from tentative acquaintances to colleagues to partners to friends to lovers." Jon turned back to her. "Sometimes it scares me. How far I've come in such a short time."

"Such a short time?" Cricket asked incredulously. "You're kidding, right?" Temperance looked at her uncomprehendingly. "Three years is an eternity in the relationship world. At least it seems that way. I see people all around me jumping in the sack within a couple of hours of meeting."

"But those people are just satisfying their biological urges," Temperance said.

"True," Cricket said. "But quite a few of them mistake that lust for Love and try to make those relationships into something they're not." She nodded her head, "Believe me, I think you and Seeley have done it right."

"How so?"

"You met basically as co-workers. You had a job to do and were thrust together to get it done. Your working together as partners allowed you the time to build trust and respect in each other. That trust lit the spark of friendship, which then blazed into an inferno of Love." Cricket looked at her solemnly, "You've got a firmer base than probably 75 percent of the couples that are out there today." She paused a moment, "I see the same thing with Jack and Angela; starting out as co-workers and building from there. I don't see any reason why, with the stoking and tending we talked about before, you four shouldn't be able to make it."

Temperance smiled, "What about you and Jon? You've only known each other, what? About two and a half months?"

Jon and Cricket looked at each other, smiling. "We got lucky. We're Soul Mates who were lucky enough to find each other." Jon and Cricket leaned into each other and kissed.

"But you said you didn't believe in Soul Mates," Temperance said.

Cricket shrugged her shoulders and smiled, "Hey…you telling me you can change your mind and I can't?" She looked at Jon, "Just because we're Soul Mates doesn't mean it's going to be any easier. We still have to talk and argue and work at it. We know we're never going to stop trying to make each other's day the best day of our lives."

Jon said, "That's something we're never going to do…take each other for granted." He reached out for her. Cricket placed her hand in his. "Love doesn't come around nearly often enough. We plan on cherishing each other every day for as long as we can."


The dolphin watching turned out to be well worth the effort to travel to and from the area. Once in place, it only took about a half hour before they spotted the first of the dolphins. Temperance, Cricket and Naomi sat on the swim platform, their legs dangling in the water. The dolphins' curiosity soon had them swimming alongside bumping and rubbing against their legs. Jon suggested that the women not be the initiators of the contact, but rather, let the dolphins' curiosity bring them closer. After awhile, Naomi offered her seat to Angela, who readily agreed. Occasionally, the women would place their hands in the water and the dolphins would move up and rub against them. Seeley and the other men were taking photographs with the many disposable cameras brought on board. Temperance was leaning forward to get a better look at the dolphins in the clear waters when one of them, poking its head above the water line, startled her. It looked as though the two were staring intently into each other's eyes. Seeley hoped he had snapped the photo before Temperance had jerked herself back in surprise, laughing.

"Are you going to get in the water with them?" Zack asked.

The women looked at each other uncertainly. Jon said, "I'm not sure that's a good idea. After all, they are wild animals. And nobody here is really trained in dealing with them in the wild."

"Yes," Temperance agreed, disappointedly. She looked up at Seeley, her eyes luminous, "I'd like to go on an excursion to swim with them when we go down to Florida." To Seeley, it almost seemed as though she were asking for his consent.

"Of course," he said, smiling. "Whatever you like." And then, "I just might join you." Her smile grew broader.


The Calliope had dropped anchor. True to his word, Jon had let Zack "open her up" while they were in open waters. Temperance, Seeley, Jack and Angela enjoyed seeing Zack's face light up as he steered the boat over the waters. Gone was the dour, blank, logical expression. This Zack smiled readily with a glint of true wonder and happiness in his eyes. Looking at Zack, standing with one hand on the wheel, and the other wrapped around Naomi's waist, they couldn't see the serious scientist they had all come to know. This was Zack, the young man. Enjoying every bit of the rush of this new experience. Even when Jon had him slow down and finally stop, the look of joy never left his face and eyes.

The sun was beginning its downward arc in the west. Oldies music was playing through the ship's sound system. This was Jon and Cricket's music choice. It was quite a bit different from Naomi's choices they had just finished listening to. The group had settled on two-hour blocks for each person's particular music taste. Although to be honest, Jon and Cricket had eclectic tastes all the way from Oldies through some newer Alternative and Indie music. Most of it was fairly soft and light, so there wasn't a major mutiny growing for someone else's music while theirs was on. Right now, Sawyer Brown's version of "This Night Won't Last Forever," thrummed from the speakers.

Seeley was sitting in one of the deck chairs, eyes closed. It almost looked like he was asleep. "Seeley," Temperance said.

Without opening his eyes he answered her, "Yes Temperance?" he smiled. The sound of her name on his lips always did that to him.

"Feel like going for a swim?"

"Yeah," he said. "How about in a half hour?"

"Okay," Temperance said. She smiled. Later, Angela, who had been watching her, said it was an evil smile. Temperance went over and checked the coolers. The one with the wine coolers needed more ice and drinks. She bent down and started removing the bottles. "Jon?"

Jon looked down from the bridge. Seeley looked like he was dead to the world in the chair. Angela and Jack were talking, curled up in one of the other chairs. Temperance was pulling wine coolers out one of the coolers. Zack and Naomi were playing cards on the deck and Cricket was nowhere to be seen. 'Probably in the galley,' he thought. "Yes, Temperance?"

"Do we have any more ice? This cooler's is almost completely melted." Temperance said.

"We've got tons of ice down in the freezer. When Cricket got that much I thought she had lost her mind. Then when you guys showed up, I understood why." Jon said. "Why don't you have Seeley grab a couple of bags?"

"Thanks," Temperance nodded her head. "Hey Seeley? Remember that first weekend you got out of the hospital?" Jon watched as she picked up the cooler to dump it over the side. "The first time we came out on the boat?"

Seeley, eyes still closed, smiled, "Yeah, those were a couple of great days."

Temperance laughed, "Remember that Sunday, when I had to put that plastic thing on your chest and shoulder so you could take a shower?" Jon watched her edge closer to Seeley.

Seeley laughed, "Yeah…and I sprayed you with water and got you all wet."

"Seeley?"

Something in the tone of her voice made him open his eyes. He looked at her, just as the water leaped out of the cooler at him. He heard Jon laughing and raised his hands to ward off the deluge, to no avail. The icy water drenched him. The shock of the cold water stole his breath. He leapt to his feet. Eyes wide, he looked around. Hodgins and Angela's eyes filled with mirth even as their mouths opened with shocked "Ohhhs." Zack and Naomi scrambled out of the way. Cricket appeared at the threshold into the cabin, laughter beginning to tinge her mouth. He looked at Temperance. She looked at him triumphantly. He started to move towards her. Her expression turned to one of amusement. She tossed the empty cooler towards him and ran to the side of the boat. Seeley batted the plastic cooler away, the hollow sound of it bouncing on the deck lost in the laughter. Using one of the coolers as a step to the gunwale, squealing, she propelled herself over the side, into the air, turning her body back to face the boat. Like a cartoon, she hung there a moment in midair as her momentum died. Temperance pressed her fingers to nose, pinching her nostrils shut and dropped towards the ocean. Seeley launched himself over the side towards her, but he missed as he mistimed his leap and arced just over her as she slid into the water. He didn't make nearly the same smooth entrance as she. His momentum expended, he dropped prone into the water with a loud 'Smack!' Howls of laughter ensued from the Calliope's occupants.

Temperance and Seeley broke the surface at the same time. They looked at each other. Temperance said, treading water, pointing her finger at him, "I told you I would get you back."

"That's not fair," Seeley said. "You didn't give me a chance to retaliate."

"Like you gave me a chance?" she splashed water at him.

Seeley thought for a moment, "You're right…even?" He swam closer to her.

She wrapped her arms around him, "Even," she said and kissed him. They dropped below the surface.

Angela and Naomi had taken positions standing on the gunwale to get a better look. They didn't see Jack and Zack standing behind them. They also didn't see the look pass between the two friends. It had never occurred to them to watch their backs until they felt the pressure of hands on their buttocks pushing them over the side of the boat. The only response they could muster was a weak squeal from Naomi. Angela at least had the wherewithal to shout, "Jack! You ass…" before the water silenced the insult. Looking over the side, to make sure the girls were all right, Zack and Jack saw them, limp-haired treading water easily. Temperance and Seeley had come to the surface and began luxuriating in the cool waters.

Jack raised his arms, "Ah ha…King of the boat." Zack looked at him strangely. By now, Jon had made it down from the bridge and was standing on the aft deck looking at the two men. Jack guessed at what was going through his friend's mind, and started backing away. It was at that point that Jack realized just how big and powerful Zack actually was, relative to himself. Zack picked him up, looking like he was landing a marlin and unceremoniously dropped him over the side. Jack popped up almost immediately.

Treading water next to Angela, she reached out and stroked his wet beard, "Sweetie, see what happens when you think you've got everything under control?" she said. He kissed her hand.

Everyone's attention was brought back to the boat by Zack, surveying the five people in the water. He raised his hands over his head. "Now who's King of Boat?" he asked. If he expected someone to answer, it never came as all of his visual points of reference seemed to be getting lower. From the perspectives of the people in the water, it looked like he was levitating. He looked down towards his feet and realized they were no longer on the deck. He saw, and then felt two arms wrapped around his lower legs and felt pressure in the backs of his thighs. Looking around he saw that Jon had raised him straight up in the air, with his shoulder serving as a brace for the back of his knees. He was at Jon's mercy, unable to move his legs. He heard the laughter from the group as Jon edged towards the side of the boat. Realizing he was lost, he waited for the short drop to the water's surface. It came soon enough.

Six people were now treading water. Jon stood on top of one of the coolers. Surely, he had nothing to fear from Cricket. They were a team. They were partners for life. They were Soul Mates. He stood there, his hands on his hips like some warped miniature superhero. Or maybe a super-villain. He laughed, deeply. Standing on the gunwale, he stretched out his arm and began, "Puny mortals. You are no match for…" At that moment, he heard footsteps behind him. 'Jeezus...She's gotten a running start!' he thought. He felt her hands press into his buttocks. He might have been able to ward off her attack; but his precarious stance on the gunwale offered his feet no purchase. He tumbled into the ocean.

He popped up to exclamations of, "Puny mortal!" and "I got a match for you…" Cricket stood on the deck alone, arms outstretched, in a Marilyn Monroe pose. He nodded, "I guess we all know who's in charge in this family," he laughed. To Cricket he said, "Are you coming in?"

"Maybe later," she shouted. "Right now I'm going to bask in my role as Queen of Calliope." She placed the back of her hand to her forehead and fanned herself with her other.

"Okay…Okay," he said and swam to the ladder. "Just need to keep an eye on these guys so nobody gets lost."

He started to climb the rungs. When he got to the top rung, his left arm seemed to give out. He dropped down, flexing his fingers. Holding onto the ladder by sliding his right arm through the rungs, he began massaging the tissue below his left elbow. Seeley shouted over, "You okay?"

Jon shouted, "I don't know," flexing his hand again. "It just seemed to give out." He started up the ladder again. Cricket extended her hand to help him up.

Temperance, treading water next to Seeley heard him snicker softly. She turned to him. Seeing his face, she said, "That's just mean," but she was smiling just as broadly as he was and turned back to watch the spectacle.

Jon grasped Cricket's wrist and forearm. She knew when Jon was in this playful a mood he wasn't to be trusted. She knew it was an old trick. She knew she had made a mistake as soon as his hand grabbed hold. She knew this was not going to end well for her.

To the onlookers, it was amazing how far she flew. Seeley said she must have jumped when Jon had pulled. But she always swore that she didn't. What was truly amazing to Temperance, though, was she had done a half-flip and entered the water on her back. It seemed truly comical to see Cricket's arms and legs sticking straight up and then lowering into the water. She popped up and turned back to the boat. Spotting Jon she yelled, "You jackass!"

Jon leaned back into the water, "You know you love it, Baby!"


"Okay…my turn," Naomi said, "What is your most irrational fear?"

Seeley groaned. But he had said he would play. Temperance rubbed his leg in encouragement. He looked around at the rest of the group seated around the electric lantern. This game was kind of a cross between Group Therapy and Truth or Dare. One person posits a question and everybody answers it, in turn.

Jack started, "Well, before the Gravedigger, it was heights. But now it's being buried alive." Angela stroked his hair and edged her head in to rest against his.

Temperance said, "I didn't think I had any, but that time I saw all those snakes, uncontrolled and moving all around," she shivered. Seeley wrapped his arms around her and squeezed gently.

Angela said, "Hypnotists," There was some laughter. "I don't know why, I just don't trust them."

Cricket said, "Spiders," Others shivered, "It doesn't matter the size, I see a spider and my back muscles just start crawling."

Jon said, "Heights…can't stand them. And I've jumped out of airplanes!"

Zack said, "I don't know if this is fear, but when I'm walking on the sidewalk, I never step on a crack."

"Yeah…yeah…" Seeley said, laughing. "Step on a crack, break your mother's back." Zack nodded and joined in on the laughter.

Naomi said, "I can't stand bugs. Creepy, crawly things," she shivered and shook her head.

Seeley took a deep breath, 'Here goes,' he thought. "Clowns," he said. Everybody stopped talking and looked at him. "I'm afraid of clowns."

"Really?" Jack said, trying to keep the laughter out of his voice. Seeley looked at him. Jack forced the smile from his face.

Cricket said, "Does it matter if the clowns are smiling or frowning?"

Seeley shook his head, "I don't know why. Maybe something in my childhood..." He shrugged and then started to laugh. Everybody else joined in.

"Okay," Jack said, "My turn…Where is home for you? Where do you come from?"

Zack said, "That's easy for me…Michigan. That's where my family is."

Temperance said, "Ohio."

Naomi said, "New York."

Cricket said, "Connecticut."

Angela said, "Well, if you recognized my Dad, you'll know that I'm from Texas."

Seeley said, "I grew up in Philadelphia."

Jack said, "I'm from Maryland…home of money."

Jon said, "Well, most of my family is from Arizona," he looked to Cricket and held out his hand to her. "I've got a house and business in Florida, but…" Cricket placed her hand in his. "I've always thought that home is where you feel most loved. So, for right now, this is my home." He kissed her hand.

Comments like, "Awww" and "That's Sweet," emanated from the group.

Angela took a drink from her wine cooler, "Okay, I've got one. What is your favorite guilty pleasure Disney movie?" Approving laughter came from the group.

Seeley said, "Okay, got a question for you. Is a Pixar movie considered a Disney movie? I mean they were part of Disney, and then they were sold off," he looked towards Jack, "and weren't they re-acquired?"

"Why are you asking me?" Jack said.

"Well, don't you keep up on business stuff?"

"No," he said. "I'm rich, why should I?" Jack laughed.

"Okay," Seeley acquiesced. "Anyway, Pixar part of Disney?"

The group agreed to include Pixar as part of Disney.

Cricket said, "Bambi."

Angela agreed, "Oh…isn't it so sad when Bambi's mother dies?"

Naomi said, smiling, "I liked Enchanted."

Jack said, "What else? A Bug's Life." The group laughed.

Jon said, "I'd have to say it's a tie between National Treasure and National Treasure: The Book of Secrets." Seeley 'oohhed' in agreement.

Angela said, "Fantasia is mine."

Temperance said, smiling, "There's the artist in you." Angela nodded. "I think my favorite is The Hunchback of Notre Dame." In response to the surprised looks, "What? I like the story! Based on a book by Victor Hugo…" Seeley put his arms around her and drew her into his chest. He kissed her ear.

Zack said, "I liked Tron."

Jack said, "Imagine that."

All eyes turned to Seeley. Everybody knew he had a movie in mind; especially so when he asked about Pixar. Jack said, "Let me guess!" Seeley breathed a bit easier. Jack stood up, "I'll say, it's Toy Story! And you wanted to be Buzz Lightyear!" Jack did a passable impression, "To infinity, and beyond." The group laughed. Seeley felt better about it.

He stood up. In an exaggerated 'Hero' stance, hands on his hips, jaw jutting forward, he said in his best 'Hero' voice, "Wrong. My small friend. My favorite is The Incredibles." He smiled his best charm smile. Temperance could almost see a gleam of light reflecting off his teeth. She began laughing, and the group joined in. After the laughter died down, he sat back down.

Temperance poked him with her elbow, "You're not going to get fat and out of shape are you, Mr. Incredible?"

"You can count on it, Elastigirl!" He leaned forward and kissed her.

"Okay," Zack said. "Not to put a downer on things…What would be a good death for you?"

Angela said, "Not to put a downer on things?"

Jon said, "I think it's a valid question. Don't worry about it Zack. Death is a part of Life. A good death for me; I would be surrounded by all the people I love. We've said our goodbyes, and I just go to sleep."

Jack said, "I think that's kind of a surprise. Most people would think that FBI guys would want to go out in a blaze of glory. Saving people…"

Seeley said, "Not really, Jack." He continued, "Most of the people I know in the Bureau wish they never had to draw their weapon. Keeping people safe, yes. But we all wish we could do it before it gets to that point."

Jack nodded appreciatively. "I think Jon's got the definitive answer for this one." Everybody nodded, except for Seeley. One by one, they turned to look at him.

He started, "I guess I should explain," he smiled. "I agree that Jon's death would be a good one. But I go back to a song I heard back in the 80s. It's called 'Heaven only Knows', by Richard Marx. Wasn't a big hit or anything, but the lyrics just really pierced my heart and stayed there."

'I like to think I'm a faithful man

To resist desire, and do all I can

I hope to die in the arms of the woman I Love'

He looked at Temperance. She was astonished at his openness in front of all these people. His eyes locked firmly on Temperance's, his voice hoarse, he said, "I honestly can't think of a better way to go."