Erin held Pax's shirt tightly in her hand, "I can explain! Here Pax, put on your shirt." she said as she tossed the shirt into Pax's direction. Brennan never took her eyes off Erin, "I can't wait to hear it." she said. Erin took a deep breath, "I did not invite him over. He showed up with a periorbital hematoma, a laceration on his temple, and a nosebleed. He had blood all over his face and shirt which is why I told him to take it off so I could wash it. I wouldn't have anyone over without asking you for permission. Nothing happened." she said out of breath. Pax felt it was safe to stand as Brennan's face had softened. "It's true. Dr. Brennan, I just appeared at your doorstep, as I remembered where Erin lived. She tutors me in math during lunch. I can assure you that nothing else happened here. I respect Erin and I am incredibly grateful for her help." he said as he stared at both Brennan and Booth. Brennan had gotten closer to Pax to inspect his injury. She cleared her throat, "I am glad you're okay, Pax. It is getting late. You should probably head home. I don't want your parents to worry." she said with a soft smile. Pax returned the smile and nodded. "Erin, thank you. Really. I'll see you on Monday." he said to Erin. Erin smiled, "Of course. Feel better. Keep applying ice!" she said as he opened the door. Pax turned to Booth, "I was a complete gentleman, sir." he said. Booth smiled as the young man displayed honor and courage. Booth nodded and patted his back.
Erin turned to her mother and Booth, "I really hope I didn't ruin anything. I can assure both of you nothing happened." she said as she stepped closer to Brennan. Brennan smiled and kissed Erin's forehead, "I believe you. You didn't ruin anything. How about you clean up and head to bed?" she said. Erin smiled and nodded, "Yes, of course." and immediately began picking up the family room. Booth took Brennan into the kitchen, "Sweet dreams, Temperance. I'll call you tomorrow." he said as he took her into his embrace. Brennan squeezed him tightly, as she could not believe she had just spent the night with the man she had loved for years. "Yes, please. To remind me that this wasn't a dream." she said. They both laughed, "It was not a dream. Good night, Bones." Booth said as he kissed her. "Good night, Booth. I love you." she said. Booth's grip got tighter, and he looked into her eyes, "Do you mean that, Bones?" he whispered. She nodded and kissed him once more, "Of course, I do. I only say things I mean. I love you, Seeley Booth." she said. Booth sighed a breath of relief, "God, I love you, Temperance."
Erin wanted to put away the leftover pizza but didn't want to interrupt them in the kitchen. She stood 6 feet away, "Can I walk into the kitchen?! Or should I give you a 10 second head start?!" she yelled. She smiled awkwardly and waited for a response. The couple laughed and took a step back, "You can enter!" Brennan yelled. Erin walked in smiling and put away the pizza into the fridge, "You guys are so cuuuute." she said. "Good night. I love you guys!" she said as she pecked both Booth and her mom on the cheek. Booth was surprised she had just received a kiss on the cheek from Erin and Brennan was too. Booth took Erin in for a hug, and she chuckled. Brennan also joined the hug as she was happy Erin had welcomed Booth so easily into her heart. For Erin this wasn't a hard thing to do, Booth's lion heart was always on his sleeve. Erin giggled, "Good night sweetheart." Brennan said as she kissed her forehead. Erin stepped out of the hug and retreated to her bedroom. Brennan looked at Booth, "You're happy." she said as she took his hand. Booth smiled and squeezed her hand, "I am, Bones. I am." he said. Brennan placed her arms around his neck, "You know…you are welcome to spend the night…" she hinted. Booth shook his head, "No, no. Out of respect for Erin. We can revisit spending the night when we talk to Erin." he said. Brennan smiled and nodded. "I understand. But I am sure Erin wouldn't mind. She likes having you around. She knows you aren't trying to replace Michael." she said as she rubbed his back. They embraced one final time and said goodbye. Brennan locked up and turned off the lights. She peeked into Erin's bedroom and saw her phone's glowing screen light up her face. Erin looked at her mom and smiled, "I won't stay up too late, promise." she said as she giggled. Brennan walked into Erin's bedroom and sat on her bed. "Honey, I want you to know you can talk to me about anything." she said. Erin smiled and assumed her mother was referring to Pax. "I know. But nothing happened. Nothing was close to happening. I am not intending to engage in any type of sexual activity." she said bluntly. Brennan rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Good to know." she said. Erin laughed, "If that changes, I will come to you." she said. "Anyways, Pax is just a friend. I don't think he even thinks of me in that way." Erin said, playing with her blanket. Brennan took her daughter's hand into her own, "Well, I know you didn't ask, but I think he does. He came here. He thought of you. He knew you would help him. That counts for something. Also, you are adorable. You are your mother's daughter." she said as she stood up. Erin laughed, "Yes, I am. I'm happy you had a good time tonight. You deserve it." she said. Brennan smiled, "Thank you. I love you, my sweet girl." she said while standing by the door. "I love you too, mom." Erin said as she placed her phone on her nightstand.