The Ties that Bind

I own nothing; Bones belongs to Fox and its affiliates as well as Kathy Reich's. I simply want to borrow them for my own amusement. All constructive reviews are appreciated and welcome, no flames please. Ah here it is, the end. Thanks to EVERYONE who reviewed I finished this for you guys 

Temperance flew down the stairs plowing into Angela who was coming to see what on earth was going on in her best friend's office.

"Sweetie, where is the fire?" she was very worried about Brennan

"Angela, I have to go find Booth, please I'll be back soon this absolutely cannot wait." Her eyes showed her fear and for once Angela didn't say a word, she simply nodded and pushed Temperance towards the exit. She raced for the exit hoping he would be willing to listen to her.

Booth pulled into the parking lot a Sid's he needed a drink and he needed one now. Grateful for his familiar bar stole and Sid's reassuring face he slumped into his seat and waited for Sid to come tell him he was still on Earth.

"Tough day?" his voice betrayed concern

"One of those days that you write books from Sid my friend."

"You look like you could use a drink?"

"Sid that is why I came to you because when I'm here all is right with the world. Bad guys are bad guys; the police force is a pain in my ass and my partner" he smirked "ah my lovely partner, is socially inept and views me as a charming irritating nuisance." His tone was that of a tired man

"So I take it that you do want a drink then?"

He looked up his face irritated. "Yes, Sid" he drew out every syllable "Yes, I would like a drink."

Sid smiled and disappeared. Booth rubbed his temple. He realized that running out of the Jeffersonian at warp speed and driving using his FBI privileges while not on a case was perhaps not the best way to deal with the situation. He consoled himself with the fact that no one was injured and he was going to replace that nice old ladies petunias. As always, his thoughts drifted back to Bones. Did she really mean what she said? Granted he knew her and she had a tendency towards tunnel vision when she was angry or back into a corner but the Bones he knew would never say something as benefit for another person if it wasn't the truth. Also, he knew he was never supposed to hear that conversation so perhaps she did mean it. He smiled at the remembrance of Richards sulking out of the room; at least he had that victory.

"Here you are this will soothe whatever ails you." Sid had reappeared and provided Booth with a lifeline, he accepted it gratefully.

"Is this seat taken" a tentative feminine voice quietly said.

Booth didn't even have to turn around, he knew she would come. She wouldn't be Bones if she didn't

"It's your seat Bones, always has been." Yet he hadn't turned around

She sat slowly facing him but still keeping a safe distance barrier between them, "I guess you heard?" he voice told him that she knew he had.

"Yeah I did Bones, I have to say I'm surprised you went off like that but quite happy you did Richards is an ass."

"Yes he is" her admission startled him and he turned to smile at her.

"Listen Booth," taking a deep breath she plunged on "I meant what I said to him, he had no right whatsoever to say that about you. He has no idea about you or me." Her voice got quiet "As far as what I said yesterday, I'm so very sorry what I said was wrong and completely out of line." She captured his gaze now, never wavering in eye contact "You're a good man Seeley, you protect people for the life of me I can't understand why you put up with me heaven knows there are other labs you could go to. Im not good socially I can't connect the way you can." She finished sadly before she could start again he jumped in

"Bones, Temperance, I'm the one who should be sorry. I freely admit that I was very jealous and I overreacted completely. I forget sometimes that I have no claim on you, that you can take care of yourself quite easily." He smiled at the memories "As far as you not being able to "connect" as you put it." He reached over and grasped her hands in his bringing her a bit closer." You are without a doubt one of the most compassionate people I know. You give victims their justice when no one and I mean no one else can. Your beautiful, educated, dedicated and fun. And that Dr. Temperance Brennan is why I put up with you, why I trust you with my life and why I will always be there for you. You and me were Butch and Sundance."

"I don't know what that means."

He laughed "Oh Bones, I missed you." Standing he pulled her in for a tight hug reluctant to let her go.

"Hey!" she exclaimed "My shoes" she looked past him on the floor to her shoes from the gala.

"Yeah I thought they would make a nice peace offering." At this she smiled and reached up to kiss his cheek.

"Thank you, for everything" her meaning was not lost on him, he leaned in a kissed her sweetly.

"You're most welcome." Standing they left Sid's arm in arm. Partners in every sense of the word.