The rest of the day passed by without many other leads. Booth questioned the victim's boss but didn't really get anywhere and still had to wait on the victim's sister to return. Brennan and Wendell had a bit more luck on the forensics side of things. They'd been able to identify more kerf marks on the bones and provided Hodgins with some more particulates to investigate.

Brennan had felt the weight of her exhaustion throughout the afternoon and by the time she took a break around four, she was ready to crash. She kept her blinds closed and before locking herself in her office, she told Wendell to begin recording their finds and go home once he was done and if Hodgins found anything to call Booth.

She sat at her desk, head in her hands, and sighed. She wanted to sleep so badly, to just close her eyes and rest but she was so scared to do so. Her nightmares had been plaguing her all week and she knew if fell asleep, she'd be right back in that car running out of air. Even her brie nap earlier had been restless. Frustrated tears welled in her eyes, and she pressed the heel of her hands into her face to prevent them from falling.

But rogue tears still slipped through and before she could stop it anymore, they all started slipping down her face. She began crying earnestly, her feelings a jumbled mess. She was frustrated, angry, scared, and tired. Brennan hadn't felt the weight of these emotions since her parents left her sixteen years ago. Her body trembled with each sob and briefly, the thought passed her that she was grateful she was a silent crier because she couldn't take it if someone walked in.

But of course, she didn't think about her partner walking into the lab; his sole mission to check in on her and get her to go home at a decent hour.

Booth had long since packed up at the Hoover clocking out. With the victim's sister still out of town and the boss not giving them much to go, he was stuck waiting on Brennan and the forensics to hopefully find a new lead. He thought about what Angela had told him earlier; don't push her, let her come to you, and be there for her. But he hated seeing Brennan so upset and run down. She was his partner, his best friend and he wanted to help her. For saints' sake, she was the woman he loved.

Even if he couldn't pull her away from the lab, he could at least stick around until dinner and then push her to go home. Maybe even invite himself over for a movie or something so she wasn't alone. Booth knew how much Brennan had struggled with the reappearance of her father and the feelings of abandonment that came with that. And though she hadn't told him much, she had confided in him somewhat about the loneliness she felt in the system with no one to talk to. Booth did not want her thinking that this time around.

He strolled into the lab for the umpteenth time that day and made his way to Brennan's office. But he spotted Cam and was slightly side-tracked.

"Hey big guy," she greeted.

"Hey, Cam. How's the case? Any updates?"

"So far, Dr. Brennan and Wendell found additional kerf marks and particulates. Hodgins is still running tests to see."

Booth nodded.

"Hey, Seeley, do you know what's wrong with Dr. Brennan?"

"What do you mean? Did something happen?" The panic rose in him.

"I mean, she's been sort of out it today and a couple of minutes ago, she locked herself in her office and hasn't come out."

Booth sighed. "Cam, I…I think she's been going through a bit of PTSD with the anniversary of the gravedigger mess. It's around this time they were… you know."

Cam's face paled as she remembered. "Oh god… I should have… why didn't she say anything? Why didn't Hodgins say anything? I could've sent them home to take some time."

Booth scoffed. "C'mon you know Bones. She wouldn't have bothered anyone with it and Hodgins… Angela was telling me that he's been having nightmares so… and I mean with this case, none of them would have brushed this off."

Cam nodded. Hodgins and Brennan had outstanding work ethics and they were both so committed to the job she knew they wouldn't risk an investigation. "Well, for what it's worth Booth, try to talk to her. God knows she won't listen to anyone else."

"I'll try but I mean I don't want to push her and have her run Cam."

"Well, you love her Seeley. That needs to count for something now that she's clearly hurting." Cam eyed him. Booth balked and looked at his friend. Her eyes held a boldness in them, almost daring him to contradict her and deny it.

"I should be going but man up Seeley. Don't let her go through this alone." Cam walked away before he could even say anything. He looked up to see Bones' office door closed and her blinds drawn shut. Booth decided enough was enough, he was going to help his partner.

He walked to the office and tested the door handle, and it was locked. "Dammit," he muttered. He took out his phone and called her. He heard the phone ring from the other side of the door and some shuffling before she picked up.

"Bre—Brennan." She sniffled.

He knew that by her reply she didn't even bother to check caller ID. "Bones, it's me." He spoke gently.

"Booth, do we have another lead? Do you need me to meet you somewhere?"

Ahh, this woman he thought. Ready to brush her state of mind aside to get right back to work and bring a victim justice. "No, Bones. But I do need you to unlock your office so I can come in and check on you."

"What? Why? No Booth I – "

"Temperance, don't." At the sound of her first name, Brennan drew a breath. "I've been with you since seven this morning. I know you've been crying, and I know what time of year it is…"

She was silent on the other side.

"Bones please, I know you like to deal with things on your own and I respect that. I do. But…" he took a breath, "I've been watching you all day and it pains me that you're hurting. Please Temperance. You don't have to talk to me right now but just… let me be there for you, okay? We can sit in silence or go eat… whatever you want Bones, but I want… I want to be there for you." Booth sighed. There was a possibility she'd end the call and tell him to leave. But when he heard her shuffling and the door unlocking, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Brennan ended the call and opened the door. She stood on the other side looking up at him. Booth's heart went out for her. Her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, tears still pooling. Her hair was now out of the sleek ponytail she had in and thrown in a low bun, strands of it falling out. She'd taken off her lab coat and outer blazer and was in her regular long sleeve work shirt and slacks. She'd even taken off her boots and was in plain socks.

Booth walked in and locked the door behind him again. He turned to her and gathered her in his arms. Screw the 'guy hug', he needed her to know how much he cared. One of his arms went around her waist, the other around her shoulder holding her tightly to him. She was reluctant at first but soon buried her face in the crook of his neck. Her arms wrapped around his torso, hands gripping the back of his blazer.

Brennan tried to stop the tears from falling but the tighter Booth held her, the more she cried.

"Shhh… it's okay Temperance. I'm right here. You're okay." He cooed. Her body trembled with a few more sobs and then he heard her mutter something.

"What'd you say Bones?" He loosened his grip slightly so she could pull back.

"I said, I hate that I'm so emotional over this. It's been two years Booth…"

"I know, Bones. I know but you're dealing with PTSD. It happens. It's happened to me… still happens around certain times."

Brennan frowned. "About your time serving as a sniper?"

"Yeah, and when I was in the Rangers. Being a POW, it stays with you for years after it."

"How do you manage it?"

"I used to gamble. Take my mind off it but since I stopped gambling, I've tried talking about it. Gordon Gordon and I talked about it while I was in therapy." He wanted to tell her that he stopped gambling because of her but knew now was not the time.

"I'm not going to see a psychiatrist, Booth. Psychology is a soft science."

He chuckled. "I know Bones and I'm not suggesting you do. But it might be helpful for you to talk about it with someone. Whether it's me or Angela… just don't keep it to yourself." He tilted his head to look at her. He was also very aware that for the second time today, they were still in each other's arms and neither of them was making any moves to let go.

"I just - Talking about my feelings isn't something I normally do Booth. I don't know how... I -" Booth recognized her anxiety spiking again and rubbed an open palm up and down her back.

"You don't need to know Bones. It's just me. I won't judge you or think any differently of you. You know that right?"

At her nod, he pulled her closer again. Leaning his head down to her ear, he whispered, "Do you want to stay here, or do you want me to take you home?"

Brennan shivered hearing the softly spoken words and feeling his breath ghost her neck. "I drove my car here this morning, it's still parked a couple of blocks down." Booth nodded, knowing why she couldn't park in the garage and why she tensed this morning as they were walking to his SUV.

"But" she continued, "I can drive to my apartment if you want to follow behind me?"

"Yeah. Of course, Bones. C'mon, let's get out of here." He released her and watched her pack up. She shut down her computer and put on back her boots. He noticed that she'd found a vase and placed the bouquet of daffodils in it. She also retrieved the left-over lemon bars she had. Once she had everything, she followed Booth out of the lab. His hand, of course, resting on the small of her back.

On the short drive home, Brennan thought about how it felt to be in Booth's arms earlier. She wasn't expecting him to hug her like that, but she'd be lying if said she didn't like it. The safety and security his comfort provided her was something she loved. Brennan had never felt the intensity of that before. But she couldn't imagine feeling it with anyone else.

They got to her apartment and for more reasons than one, was glad Booth was there. She parked in her usual spot, and he was right there waiting for her. He helped her carry her things and the two made their way up to her apartment on the top floor.

Brennan unlocked the door and let them both in.

"If you don't mind Booth, I'm going to go take a quick shower." She put her messenger bag in the living room and took the desserts into the kitchen to put in the fridge.

"Not a problem, Bones. Go ahead. I'll be here."

She smiled and walked down the hallway.

Booth stood in her living room and looked around. He'd always loved Brennan's apartment. It was big but with all the decorations she had, it felt nice and cozy. Her home felt like her. She'd brought back a lot of souvenirs from the places she'd been to over the years and had them displayed all around her apartment. She also had a lot of photographs framed and hung around her fireplace. His favorite though, by far, was one of the two of them.

It was a weekend they didn't have any cases. Booth was bored and well, he did what he always did whenever he was bored. He called Bones and tried to get her to hang out with him. She'd told him that she was going to work on her book all weekend and he refused to let her work 24/7. The Saturday night, he showed up at her door and begged her to join him at a carnival that was passing through.

She made the mistake of telling him she'd never gone to one before because he insisted that she go with him; no buts or questions. They had a great time together that night. Just as Temperance and Seeley, two best friends. He'd beat her in skeeball, but she won him in the balloon dart. He encouraged her to indulge in the sweets and they shared popcorn and a gigantic bag of cotton candy. When it came to the shooting duck game, they went up, side by side and it'd been close, but he won her. And if he could see the look on her face when he chose the overstuffed dolphin as his prize and gave it to her as soon as the guy handed it to him, he'd do it all over again. Her blue eyes were even brighter than they had ever been, and her smile was radiant. The biggest he'd ever seen from her. They walked around some more and when they came across a man taking pictures of passersby for only five bucks a photo and printing them out right there, she looked to him and asked if he wanted to.

"Oh Booth! Look! Can we get a picture? You know… a memory of tonight?" she looked up at him with those blue eyes and he had no power to say no.

Booth nodded and laughed, "Sure thing, Bones." They both walked over and asked if they could get two identical copies, one for each of them to have. Booth stood slightly behind her; his arms wrapped around her waist. Brennan stood in front, slightly turning into him, her stuffed dolphin still hugged in her arms. The smiles on both of their faces were huge and happy. Each so utterly content being in the company of the other.

Booth kept his copy at work in his drawer. Whenever he was having a crappy day, he would open the desk drawer and take out the frame, spending a few minutes just looking at the picture reliving the happy memories. He turned around when he heard her footsteps.

"Hey, you look a lot more relaxed." She had washed her hair; it was still slightly damp hanging loose. She'd changed into an old Northwestern sweatshirt and yoga pants. Her feet were once again clad in fuzzy socks. Booth smiled at the image.

"Yes. The hot shower really helped. I also still have your spare duffle bag in my closet Booth. If you want to change out of your work clothes." Keeping a duffle bag of their things at each other's apartment wasn't uncommon for the two of them. In case of emergencies, they wanted to be able to have it.

"Okay, give me a few." Booth took off down the hallway to change and freshen up and when he came back outside, Brennan was in the kitchen making some tea. She turned to look at him. It was clear he'd washed his face and took some minutes to freshen up. He'd put on a pair of sweatpants and a black FBI t-shirt, also clad in his polka-dot socks. She smiled. It also didn't slip her mind that it felt very domestic to be with him like this.

"We still have some time before dinner. Do you…?" Booth trailed off not wanting to push her now that they'd gotten here, and she'd let him in.

"I… I don't know where to start Booth. What do you want me to say?"

"You don't have to say anything right now if you don't want to, Bones. But maybe it'd be easier if I ask you questions, and we go from there. Again, don't feel pressured to answer anything you don't want to."

Brennan nodded. "Okay, I find that would probably be best." She took her tea and went to sit out in the living room on the couch. Booth followed and sat beside her, slightly turned in towards her. He watched her take a careful sip of her tea and put it on the coffee table. He waited until she turned to look at him, an elbow resting on the back of the couch propping her head up.

"How long have you not been sleeping?" he asked.

"About a week." She answered already noting the shock that passed his eyes.

"Oh, Bones… why didn't you call me? Have you been dealing with this alone?"

"I didn't want to burden you Booth. It's been happening since I got buried alive every year around this time… I just. It made no sense to me to belabor over it when I knew it would end soon."

"Still Bones, you didn't have to go through this alone…"

"I've been alone my whole life Booth," she told him feeling frustrated. "Everything I have ever gone through I've gone through it alone."

"You don't have to any more Bones."

Brennan studied him for a minute. Desperately, she wanted to believe he would be there for her. That he was different, that he wouldn't leave like the rest of them. He'd already shown her that he was different. That he'd be there but she couldn't find it in herself to let go and fully trust him. Try as she might but Brennan couldn't let go of the fear she had. What if he saw something in her that made him want to run? What if she did something that finally pushed him away?

Tears welled in her eyes, and she forced herself to look away. She'd already cried enough. Booth scooted closer and held the hand that was in her lap. Gently, he ran his thumb over the back of her palm. He wanted so badly to tell her he loved her. That she could trust him. That he wouldn't be the one to run.

He wouldn't be like her exes, jealously prevailing or sailing away to do who knows what without considering her needs and wants. He'd be there for her. He'd love her the way she wanted to be loved and even when she woke up in the middle of the night screaming, he would be there.

"Booth, I – I appreciate your concern but – "

"No. Don't." he saw it coming even before she finished that sentence. "Don't shut me out Bones. Please, Temperance, we can stop talking about this right now if you're overwhelmed but please." He reached out and tucked a finger under her chin, turning her face to his.

The vulnerability he saw in her eyes stole his breath. She was actively fighting, trying to put up a wall but that silent fight was exhausting her. He told Angela he wouldn't push her, he told himself he wouldn't push her, and he wouldn't. But as Cam put it, "Man up big guy. Love her and be there while she's hurting."

"Bones," he whispered gently. "I know that you've been alone. I know you're so used to doing things one way. I do. Know that I do. But as your best friend, as someone who really cares about you, I can't let you do this alone. Besides, what kind of alpha male would I be letting you struggle without my help." He hoped his little quip would break the ice and it did.

She laughed softly, a breathy low laugh that had her smiling and shaking her head. Not knowing what else to say, she nodded, and, at that moment, it was enough.

Booth squeezed her hand and looked around. She had bought a TV and DVD player a while back at his insistence and had even stocked up on a few DVDs. "How bout a movie and then we order food?"

"Okay. Thank you, Booth."

"You're welcome, Bones."

They settled on Casablanca and a few minutes after the movie started, Booth ordered Thai food for delivery figuring that the comfort of it would be appreciated despite them already having it for lunch. Brennan didn't mind at all. They ate dinner while the movie was still playing and when she was done with her food, went to retrieve the lemon bars. She shared them with Booth and they both finished them. After the movie ended, Booth turned on the TV and when saw that E.T. was on, he left it.

"Booth, there's no way he's real. I mean scientists are still working to prove life outside of the planet but even if they did, I don't think they would look like that. Alien life would probably not even be supported on Earth."

"I know Bones, that's why it's fiction." She hmphed and settled back down to watch. Booth highly amused at her. Of course, his brainy genius partner would be restating the facts.

Brennan could feel the exhaustion fully catch up to her now and unable to hold herself up any longer, dropped her head against Booth's shoulder.

"C'mere Bones," he reached for the small throw pillow and put it on his lap. She settled down, too exhausted to even question the intimacy of the position. But she also trusted Booth to not do anything. Which he didn't.

But he soon lost focus on the movie and began looking at her. Brennan's eyes were slowly closing, and he draped his arm around her holding her closer.

When she fell asleep, he changed the channel to a sports station and lowered the volume so she could rest. How many times had he dreamt of this moment? Of being able to be with her like this? Nothing too serious or even sexual. Just sitting with her on the couch after a day of work and relaxing. Booth wanted it so badly and being here with her right now, quelled the want. Even if it was just for tonight.

She managed to take a two-hour nap and by the time she woke up, it was almost midnight. She sat up slowly realizing that for the first time in a week, she hadn't had any nightmares. Booth encouraged her to stand up and go get some sleep. The fear flashed in her eyes, and he promised he would stay in the guest room down the hall if she wanted. She nodded and Booth thanked every saint he knew that she didn't fight him on that.

He gave her one last hug before going to the guest bedroom and bathroom to brush his teeth and go to bed. He'd kept a few toiletries in the duffle bag she had and when he went to change earlier, he moved it into the guest room, already knowing he would have stayed with her tonight.

Brennan closed her bedroom door and could feel the anxiety increasing at going to sleep. But she went through her night routine and crawled in bed. Her eyes growing heavy once again and pulling her under.

This time she felt the shock of the stun gun first. The burning sensation flooded her senses. She tried calling out, but she was already slipping under. She woke up, who knows how many minutes later. Instead of sitting in her car, she was lying down. Barley was any light but she could breathe.

That was good she thought. But as she moved to sit up, she couldn't. Her body was stuck, heavy. She tried and strained but couldn't move or even wiggle her fingers. Then she saw the looming black figure. Shovel in hand. No, she thought. She opened her mouth to scream but no sound came out. She thrashed her head around and tried to breathe but even that was escaping her.

Brennan felt her heart speed up and at the sound of the menacing cackling, her fear spiked. When she saw the figure raise the shovel dropping dirt on her, she tried to scream, her voice hoarse without sound. She screamed and screamed until dust flew in. That's when she knew this was it. The only thought left was of Booth and how upset she was that she'd never see his face again. How she would never get to look into those warm, reassuring brown eyes. She would never hear him call her Bones again. The tears flowed freely creating a muddy streak down her face where the dust had now settled.

Why? Why hadn't she given him a chance? Why hadn't she given herself a chance to be loved by him and love him? She screamed one more time, gagging as the dirt swallowed her face and scream.

Sleep was the last thing on Booth's mind. He laid awake in bed thinking about Bones He was worried she would have another nightmare and not let him know. This is why left the door open to the guest room. He figured, it'd be easier to hear and with his sniper training, he'd be able to pick up on the slightest bit of noise.

It didn't take long for him to hear slight whimpering. He sat up in bed and threw on his sweatpants before walking down the hall. They got louder as he approached Brennan's door and sounded utterly broken. He didn't have time to think when he heard her scream and cough. He immediately opened her bedroom door and flew to her side, turning on the bedside lamp so she wouldn't wake in complete darkness. She was twisting, thrashing her head, chocking on her own air, calling out to him.

"Bones, hey, shhh, it's okay. I'm right here." Booth sat down on the edge of the bed trying to coax her awake.

"Wake up Bones, please wake up… c'mon baby, wake up…" he reached out, stroking back the sweat-drenched hair plastered on her forehead. Not bothering to take back the moniker.

"Boo- Booth – Help- "she muttered.

"Bones, I'm here. I'm right here. Wake up, please. C'mon." he coaxed her again until she flew upright screaming. He had to lean back so he wouldn't get hit by her arms that flew out.

"Bones, hey, look at me. You're safe. Nothing is going to hurt you. I'm here. Look at me, Bones." He reached out again rubbing her arms soothingly. Her panicked eyes darted around the room and when they settled on his face, gently lit by the lamp, she could finally take a breath.

Her heart was still thumping wildly and the last thought she remembered was the regret at not being with him. Brennan threw herself in his arms and held on as her life depended on it. She clutched at the back of his shirt and sobbed into his chest. Booth's arms wound around her tightly and he gently rocked her.

"I thought… I thought…. I was so afraid I was going to lose you…" she sobbed.

"No… No… No… never Bones. I'm right here. I gotcha."

She pulled back and looked into his face. He was looking at her with such concern and love. His gentle eyes holding her gaze. His strong arms holding her close to him, a physical manifestation of his tender strength and love. His face was so close, all she needed to do was close the distance and she did. Brennan stretched up and kissed him. Softly until she jerked her head away. Oh, no.

But before she could apologize Booth leaned in and kissed her again. Soft and slow but when she wound her hands in his hair, he lost it coaxing her lips open with his. He nipped at her bottom lip and when she gasped, his tongue plunged into her mouth. She kissed him back with as much desperation wanting to drown herself in the feeling of his lips on hers again. It'd been about five years since their last kiss but god, it was just like the last time. He was an excellent kisser and her head spun at the masculine, Boothy taste of his kiss.

Her soft kiss had surprised him but desire took over at that point and Booth couldn't help himself. Her lips were soft and supple. His hand had slid down to her lower back pressing her to him even more. The feel of her body against his driving his want. Her soft whimpers and moans spurring him on. Wait. Wait. Too fast. He thought absently. He slowed down the kiss, sucking on her bottom lip. Brennan whimpered and he nipped her lip gently before kissing her one last time. He pulled away, enthralled by the flush on her cheeks. Her lips were now red, and kiss-swollen. Her eyes no longer housing panic but hooded with desire. He reached a hand up and cupped the back of her neck. He sighed dropping his forehead to hers.

"Oh Bones," he whispered.

"I – that was…"

"I know, baby, I know. I mean… Bones." He silently kicked himself for the slip.

"Booth, I don't want to lose you." She didn't even acknowledge the moniker.

"You're never going to lose me Bones. No matter what."

"No, I mean… us. You and me. I don't want to lose the chance of an us."

Booth looked at her in surprise. He was not anticipating this from her. He moved his hand across her face holding her jaw and running his thumb gently across her bottom lip. How long had he dreamed of this moment? How long had he been waiting to kiss her like that? To hold her in his arms. Could this be the reprieve he had been dreaming of? But even so, he didn't want to take advantage of her. She'd been through so much emotionally, been reliving so much.

"Bones, God, you have no idea how long I've been waiting to hear that from you. And don't get me wrong, I want to. Heaven knows I want to. But you've been through so much emotionally… can I ask you a question?"

"Yes."

"What made you kiss me?"

She took a minute and swallowed. "I had another nightmare. I was in an open box… being buried alive… he was there laughing… and I – I couldn't move… I tried to scream but I couldn't," her voice caught on a sob. "I kept thinking I'd never see you again… I'd never get to talk to you… never get the chance to see what this could be like. I – I just couldn't…" a single tear fell down her face.

"Oh Bones, you never have to wonder."

Her hopeful eyes found his. He gave her a small smile.

"I want you so much, Bones... God tell me,"

"Yes. Yes." She breathed closing the gap again. This time they kissed soft and slow. Brennan giving control to Booth as his lips closed over hers again and again. She shifted and pulled him down over her. Booth followed willingly, never leaving her lips. Her hands wound behind his neck holding his head to hers. Booth kept one between her and the bed, resting on her back, the other running down the side of her body.

He moved over, trailing kisses along her jaw down her neck. She moaned arching up into him and tilting her head giving him better access.

"Oh god, Booth…"

He inhaled; his face buried in her neck. She smelt of birchwood and lavender and something distinctly Bones. He placed an open mouth kiss on her neck sucking gently. She shivered in his arms, her nails now digging into his shoulders.

Booth lifted his head and looked into her face. Her eyes had closed, and she was breathing heavily.

"Hey, look at me," he rasped out.

Her blue eyes opened, and he felt his body go hard. She was looking at him with so much love and trust. God, forbid he mess up now. As if she knew his thoughts, she nodded. "It's okay, I trust you. I want you. I… make me feel something other than fear Booth… make love to me, please."

His eyes rolled in pleasure at her plea. "If you're sure Temperance."

She nodded and smiled shyly at him. She'd always been confident in the bedroom with previous lovers. But there was something about Booth that made her feel so utterly decadent and being in his arms now, she wanted to feel everything. Everything he would give her.

He bent down and kissed her again. A kiss that confirmed, yes, I'll give you everything you'll allow me to.

He sat up on his knees pulling off his shirt and her hands automatically went to his torso. Fingers and nails running over his muscles. He leaned over and slowly peeled her sweatshirt from her body. He inhaled at her now naked top. She was perfect. In every single way.

"Oh Bones," he breathed in adoration. Brennan blushed at the sound of his voice. No one had ever been so vocal about her this way before. Booth bent over and kissed her neck, trailing kisses down until he reached her breast. He kissed around it, neglecting the place she wanted his lips most. Brennan was beyond herself. His tender, open mouth kisses on her body driving her insane with pleasure. Then, when his lip closed over her nipple, and he tugged with his teeth. She cried out in pleasure.

Her hand went to his head holding him there. As he worked her, she felt herself go absolutely damp at the feeling. Her core clenching trying to find friction. Her other hand ran up his back, nails slightly digging into his spine. Booth was lost in the feel of her in his mouth. The sounds she was making and the burn of her nails on him encouraging him. He moved over to the other breast, giving the same attention until Brennan was shaking under him.

"Booth… please…"

"What do you want baby? Tell me." He gently ordered.

"Touch me… please… ju – touch me…"

"You don't need to beg, baby. I got you." Booth sat up, pulling her yoga pants down, leaving her in plain black panties.

His eyes hooded over at the sight. Temperance Brennan was beautiful, that he knew but seeing her laid out, naked except for her panties, chest heaving with heavy breaths, her blue eyes, dark with desire. Lips plump, red, and swollen. She'd never looked more beautiful. Booth was determined to treat her like a queen. To give in to her every desire and want, loving her in a way she'd never been before. The gravity of this moment struck him, and he was humbled that she wanted him with her.

He slowly dragged her panties down her long legs. Baring her most intimate parts to his eyes and his throat worked as he saw her. Immediately, he felt his erection grow and hardened further. Her heart thundered and her pulse went wild as he undressed her. She was completely naked before him. She felt herself gush at being fully borne to him. Taking the metaphorical chain off her heart, she slowly spread her legs, opening herself to him physically and emotionally at that moment.

"Oh god Temperance, you are… so fucking beautiful" He ran his hands up her legs and she closed her eyes, opening her legs further for him. The safe vulnerability she felt made her dizzy with emotion. Booth quickly divested himself of his clothes, not wanting to be away from her more than necessary. He bent his head kissing her lips, his hand gently palming her folds.

Brennan ground herself against his hand wanting to increase the friction. He played for a few minutes before taking two fingers and rimmed her.

"Oh Booth" she gasped.

"Yeah," he agreed, absolutely wild at her wetness. Brennan's arms went around his neck holding him to her as she kissed him hotly. He fingered her until she was more soaked than she ever thought possible. She thrust her hips up to meet his movements and when her hip brushed against his erection, the two of them stopped and shivered.

"Oh Bones, Bones, Bones."

"Now, Booth, please. I want you."

"I need to- "

"No, it's okay. On… On the pill and I'm safe. If you – "

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't Temperance."

They locked eyes and as Booth shifted lining himself up, Brennan let out a moan. She shivered in pleasure and sweet anticipation. Booth dropped his upper body closer to hers, holding himself up on his elbows. "Look at me baby," he rasped out. He needed to be looking into her eyes as he slid into her. He needed that connection. Her eyes opened and he slid in.

She gasped and he groaned. She was so slick and tight but god, she felt like heaven wrapped around him. Brennan could feel him pulsating deep in her and became even hotter. The locked gaze she held with Booth intensified their connection. He stayed still for a bit giving her time to adjust to him and then slowly, he started a rhythm. She left a hand on his back but brought the other to cup his face. Booth leaned into her palm, pressing a kiss to it before bending down and kissing her.

He was addicted to her soft lips in his and even when they parted, the pace remained slow and steady, heavy with passion. It was a sensual dance between their bodies. Neither wanting to speed up. He made a low sound in the back of his throat and trailed his kisses across her jaw, down her neck, and back.

Brennan was absolutely beyond herself now. Drowning in the tender, passionate rhythm Booth was setting. She wrapped her legs around him and focused on the feel of him going in and out of her and started clenching her inner walls in rhythm.

"Oh, Bones" Booth groaned. He was holding on by a thread, the tightening at the base of his spine signaling his impending orgasm.

"Harder… god… Booth, let… go"

"Not without you," he breathed out.

He brought a hand between their bodies down to where they were joined. Finding her clit, his fingertips tenderly rubbed against bringing her higher with him.

"Oh… Oh… Oh… Booothhh."

He followed her breathy cues until he felt her clench down on him hard. He brought his lips to her ear whispering, "Let go for me, Bones. C'mon. Let go, I got you."

At the cue, Brennan lost it, blinded by the strength of her orgasm. She spasmed and shook, hands holding on to him and bringing his face to hers. She kissed him fervently and Booth pushed into her once more before stilling inside her coming apart himself.

"Hmmmm," she sighed. Stated and feeling oh so good.

Booth kissed her neck tenderly in response. He was sure he'd never experience such an intense orgasm like that before. Brennan had wrapped her arms around him, holding him close to her. Booth was afraid of crushing her, but she wasn't letting him go.

He finally slipped from her, she whimpered from the loss. But he rolled them over on the side, foreheads resting against each other's'. Her palms laid open on his chest and Booth held her hip running his hand over her slowly.

"Wow," she finally said.

"You can say that again." He said, body still thrumming. She smiled.

"What happens now?" she whispered.

"Well, if you were serious about us, Bones, that's what happens. But I need you to know that I can't walk from this now."

"I know Booth… I wouldn't ask you to… I won't lie and say that I'm not scared but… I trust you."

"There's nothing to be afraid Bones. Not now. Not ever again."

She nodded, yawning.

"Sleepy?"

"Yes… the exhaustion of not having been sleeping well combined with such a powerful orgasm has been…" she yawned "Making me… sleepy…" Brennan yawned again, rolling over. Booth chuckled, reaching for the duvet, pulling it up around them, and scooting close to her. He spooned her from behind and sighed happily at how right it felt to have her body cradled in his like this. He draped an arm around her, palm splayed on her taut belly. Brennan's hand rested over his.

"Night, Bones."

"Good night, Booth." She murmured sleepily. For the first time, she wasn't scared to fall asleep. She knew that he would be right there holding her. And if her nap earlier was any indication as well as the moment she and Booth just shared, Brennan knew he'd give her the reprieve she needed. He'd be the calm in the face of her nightmares. Keeping her close and safe and loved.

I hope you enjoyed it and it was written well. As I said, this is my first time really writing a detailed M-rated scene and I hope I did well! Leave me a review and let me know what you thought! Thank you for reading!