Disclaimer: I'm not sure how this works but everyone seems to be doing it so here goes – I do not own any of the characters etc

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"I wish you were coming tonight"

She really wanted him to be there tonight. The one person she wanted there more than anyone else, and he couldn't come. Her best friend Angela was going to be there with Hodgins and Zack, and David was would be there, but she needed him. It wasn't the thought of speaking in front of hundreds of people that scared her, she had lectured for longer than she could remember. But it was exactly the exposed social situation in which she felt so vulnerable, and he was the only one that could make her feel safe, comfortable.

"Bones, we've been through this…I'm sorry, you know I would be there, its just…"

"I know"

"Temperance, Good luck tonight!" but she had already turned around and was walking away. He knew she had heard him, and that was enough.

Special Agent Seeley Booth sat in his SUV watching Dr. Brennan open her door and disappear inside. He felt awful. For Temperance Brennan to admit that she wanted him there tonight was a revelation, and it killed him that it was one he was about to let go. Of course he wanted to be there too, but he had promised Rebecca weeks ago that he would have Parker tonight; and with his 'vague', as in non-existent parental rights he couldn't miss the opportunity to spend time with his son. Parker was the one thing he had in his life, it was for him that he kept fighting, stopped him from giving up. But as that thought continued to play over in his mind, he realised what was bothering him, the reason that he still hadn't moved. Parker was the one thing…

"And the winner in the category of Best Biographical Work goes to…"

Dr Temperance Brennan was barely listening as the prestigious event unfolded around her. Her intense gaze fluctuated between the door and the empty seat on her table. She felt a sharp kick graze her leg under the table. Lifted from her reverie she caught Angela's stern frown. She had not been the best company that evening, and her friend was reminding her of this in the way that made her Angela. She glanced around the table, everyone had made a real effort for her. Jack and Zack looked very smart, Dr Goodman had even come along. David had been glued to her side all evening, showing her off whenever he could. She smiled as her gaze fell on her brother Russ. She had not known that he was coming, but it was his appearance that was making this night bearable. Her smile deepened as she recalled how he had told her that it was all Booth's doing. He had booked the flights for him and everything.

"And the winner in the Category of Best Crime Fiction goes to…"

She was so deep in thought that she didn't even notice her whole table tense as the announcer's voice reverberated through the room. Nor did she notice David clutch at her hand.

"…Dr Temperance Brennan for Bred in the Bone!"

Only the sudden cheer that erupted around her as her friends all jumped to their feet brought her crashing back into the present. Their sheer exultation had brought her to her feet too but she still had no idea exactly what was going on. Six pairs of expectant eyes focused on her still did not help enlighten the situation. It was only when she found herself being ushered up towards the stage that it began to dawn on her that she had won. Before she knew it she was stood at the podium, microphone crackling softly as her heavy breathe rippled over it, a room full of people eagerly anticipating her words.

She froze. She opened her mouth but nothing would come out. Panicking slightly her eyes desperately scanned the room for inspiration. Seeking out her table she found her friends all stood obliviously smiling and waiting, along with the rest of the audience, with bated breathe. How could they not see that something was wrong? Her heart was racing and she was struggling for each gasp of breath. It had seemed like hours to her. Suddenly she saw him. He was stood by the door. She blinked to check that she wasn't dreaming; no, he was really there.

The understanding that she met in his eyes melted her heart and seemed to thaw her body. Every muscle in her body relaxed as the rest of the room disappeared.

"I don't know what to say…" more to him than anyone else.

Her gaze never left him, and as if in response he lifted his index finger. Everything came flooding back.

"Firstly, I would like to thank my publisher and my agent, without their support and encouragement my book would still be rough ideas clipped to my board…"

She stifled a giggle as he then revealed his middle finger and quickly flipped round his hand as he realised what he was doing, deciding the peace sign was safer.

"Secondly, my biggest thanks goes to, I can't believe I am going to say this, my fans. The concept of having fans is still a little weird to me, but without all of you who went out and bought my book I wouldn't be standing here today…so thank you!"

She didn't need to wait for him to raise a third finger but she was more than happy to indulge him. For the first time since she had spotted him she allowed her gaze to move, settling once again on her table.

"And finally I would like to thank all the people that are close to me, the people who without I wouldn't be the person I am today. To my brother, to my friends and…"

Meeting Booth's eyes again.

"…to the one person who makes it all fit together"

Don't worry, its not finished quite yet….