Michelle missed me. It was one of those moments where you instantly let go of all the stress you were feeling. I'd been under the impression that we weren't keeping our relationship going while we were away from each other, but my heart still belong to her. It was a relief to know she felt the same way.

The night after she texted me I confirmed my plans to go back to the Jeffersonian. I knew they needed a few more interns to help Dr. Brennan out, and I was willing to jump back into the lab. I didn't feel like I belonged at this new job, no matter how hard I tried. It didn't help that I missed the people I'd been working with along side Dr. Brennan, and I especially missed Michelle. Stealing kisses in the hallway when no one else was around made every day better. I only had a month to go, and then I'd be back in her arms…


A month had passed, though not quickly enough. I had the car packed and ready to drive back to Washington. I took a deep breath, staring at myself in the bathroom mirror one last time before I was ready to leave. My stomach was in a knot. I hadn't seen Michelle for longer than twelve seconds in the past four months, and I was hopeful she was actually still into me and not just wishing she was. I knew I was still deeply into her, that was for sure. I smoothed my hair down as best as I could and readjusted my hat. I was really afraid she wasn't going to recognize me without my hair. I'd decided at the last minute to surprise her. She and everyone at the lab had always teased me because it was so long and shaggy, I was hoping that I'd make a good impression on my return if I cropped it short.


The car ride was long and by the time I pulled into the staff lot at the Jeffersonian I was almost beside myself with anxiety. My stomach was completely wishy-washy and I was sweating even though the air conditioner was on high. Once inside I made a beeline to the restroom and blotted myself with paper towels. I reapplied my deodorant twice, making sure I didn't smell of sweat, and then went off in search of the most beautiful girl in the world.


Michelle's eyes went wide and she fell into my arms.

"Hi," she breathed, snuggling against me.

"Hi," I said back, holding her close.

She pulled away for a moment, looking me over from head to toe. Then she took my hat off and ruffled my hair. So much for smoothing it all down…

"I can't believe you," she whispered teasingly, "What am I supposed to grab onto when we make out?"

"I thought you'd be impressed," I replied, embarrassed.

"Flattered," Michelle said, "But I can't wait for it to grow back."

"I just -"

She put her finger to my lips and then shushed me with a kiss. The taste of her lips was a welcome flavor after having been separated for so long. I wrapped my arms around her, hands gently rubbing the small of her back. She threw her arms around my neck, cradling my head in her hands, keeping me close to her. Her fingernails scraped against the base of my neck and across my scalp. It was a weird sensation but it was oddly stimulating. I accidentally let out a soft moan and Michelle laughed, "You like that?"

I nodded and kissed her even more deeply, biting her lip playfully.

She kissed me in a trail down my neck, fingers rubbing in circles on the back of my head. "I still miss the hair," she breathed into my ear.

"I'll keep that in mind," I replied, this time kissing her with a lot of tongue involved.

"We should probably stop," Michelle mumbled after a few minutes, giving me one last peck on the lips, "I don't want to get too frisky, someone might see us." She winked at me and took my hand, "Come on, lets go find Cam so you can get back to work."