Chapter 22

One Week Later at 9 p.m.

Seeley Booth lay on his couch watching television. He had just put Parker to bed but he was dreading another quiet night. The FBI Agent hadn't spoken to his partner since last week when she had called him back into her room at the hospital. Brennan had pleaded with him to wait until she was released before making any decisions. Personally, Booth had been catching a lot of flak from Cullen about the transfer bit and nothing would make him happier than to rewind time and have things go back to the way they were before.

A knock on his apartment door interrupted his thought and he turned the volume down on the TV and got up to answer it. Booth opened the door, to find Dr. Temperance Brennan standing on his doorstep. She was wearing a blue and white striped button down top with navy blue slacks and a pair of dark dress slides. Booth's right eyebrow went up at this outfit, considering it was something she usually wore to work.

"Can I come in?" She asked.

"Of course where are my manners?" Booth blushed and let her in.

"Why the nice outfit?" He asked as she took a seat on his couch.

"Angela said I should look nice when I left the hospital and I just didn't bother to change as I went around today." Brennan explained.

"You want something to drink?" Booth wondered. She nodded her head and the G-Man walked into the kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed two beers. He returned to the couch, sat down, and handed one of the beers over to her.

"Thanks." She murmured. Booth just nodded and the two drank in silence. Quite a few times, Temperance opened her mouth but no words came out. She wasn't sure what to say.

And you asked me what I want this year, And I'll try to make this kind and clear, Just a chance that maybe, We'll find better days…

Booth sat there with his beer bottle in one fist. The awkward silence was starting to get to him.

'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings, Designer love and empty things, Just a chance that maybe, We'll find better days…

Brennan set her bottle down on a coaster on the coffee table. Words still escaped her but her mind said that she had to do something.

So take these words, And sing out loud, 'Cause tonight's the night, The world begins again…

Out of the corner of his eye, Seeley could see that she was thinking hard about something and whatever it was, he hoped that things could return to the way they were.

I need someplace simple where we could live, And something only you could give, And that's faith and trust and peace while we're Alive

Temperance knew that this was it. Her head screamed for her to do the right thing because this may be her last chance.

And the one poor child who saved this world, There's 10 million more who probably could, If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them…

Before either one of them knew what was happening, their lips met. She could feel his hesitance and slowly started to pull away but suddenly there was a force stopping her.

I wish everyone was loved tonight, And somehow stop this endless fight, Just a chance that maybe we'll, Find better days.

He pulled her closer with his unoccupied hand and rid himself of the beer bottle in the other. This was all he wanted. Suddenly she cried out and quickly his hands flew away from her. Before Temperance could say anything, Seeley backed away from her, a sad look on his face.

"Please don't." She begged. She wanted nothing more than his touch.

"I can't even touch you without hurting you." Booth said.

"It's not your fault. I volunteered. Me, not you. Don't blame yourself. Just be here for me now. I… I… I need you." It was hard for Temperance to admit that she couldn't handle something on her own. Booth's expression softened. All he needed was those words. He moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her, holding the forensic anthropologist close. Neither one heard the pitter-patter of little feet.

"Daddy?"

"Parker, everything all right buddy?" Booth asked as he carefully let go of Brennan.

"I heard a noise." Parker answered rubbing his eyes.

"Everything's fine. Come on. We'll get you a glass of water and get you back in bed." His father said. Parker nodded and waited for his father to get him his drink. Booth went into the kitchen and returned a few minutes later. Parker guzzled the little drink and his father took his hand and walked him back down the hall.

Brennan watched the whole scenario play out and she realized how much Booth loved Parker. He loves his son, he loves his job, he loves me… that last thought lingered.

"Are you ok?" A voice pulled her back to reality. A smile crossed her face.

"I'm fine." Temperance answered. Booth sat back down on the sofa and gently placed his lips against hers.

"Listen, Parker and I were going to go to the park tomorrow and I know that you don't like kids but…" she didn't let him finish.

"Promise me something. Promise me that you'll stop blaming yourself and I promise to go to the park tomorrow." It didn't seem that easy fro him but if he wanted to be with her, he would have to try. Leaning in, he pressed his lips a little more firmly this time. A jolt went through Temperance as she let his tongue find its way inside her mouth. It would be a long time before either one would let go.

The End

Well there you have it. I hope you liked it. Please don't hesitate to throw praise or rotten food at me. ;) I might start another one by Monday; the plot bunnies have to help though. :)

18lzytnwer