"Booth, it's a serial killer." she said, following him as he marched through the corridors.
"I know that." he told her.
"And he's after you."
"I know that too! I have been following the case, Bones."
"Well, what if he gets you?"
Booth turned around and smiled suddenly, a quirky, one-sided smile.
"Would you miss me?" he asked, grinning. She didn't grin back.
"Don't tease. I'm serious."
His smile faded. He stepped towards her.
"You're really worried, aren't you?" he asked, reaching out to brush her hair back from her face.
"Yes." she admitted. He didn't move his hand away. Instead he tangled her hair round his fingers.
"I can take care of myself." he said, gently. She shrugged, impatiently.
"I know. I know, but..."
"I'll be careful, I promise." he told her. He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. Before he could leave, she reached up, her arms around his neck, and pulled him in for a kiss, passionate and hasty and desperate.
Finally, she let him go. She stared up at him, feeling her eyes grow as wide as his, wondering if he felt that sudden twist in his stomach, knowing that a flush crept up her cheeks, but not feeling embarrassed. It had felt...exactly right.
"I needed to do that." she told him.
"I know." He agreed, and she sawthat he had needed it too.
He pulled his hand out of her hair, and stroked one finger down her cheek.
"I'll come back to you Bones. One way or another, I promise I'll come back to you."