Hope you all had a nice Easter weekend. So here we go on with our Christmas story. Made no difference here in Germany. The weather was nearly the same at both Holidays. Simply BAD.

Disclaimer: Sorry that Bones is not mine. Would have changed some episodes.

He woke at 2:00 am to an empty bed. Panic rose immediately, pushing him from the warmth of the sheets.

They hadn't closed the blinds before they fell into bed. The sky was free from residual storm clouds and the stars were shining bright, their light reflected against the brilliant white snow, resulting in a gentle glow through their room. He instantly calmed when he saw her standing near the window, gazing outside, obviously deep in thoughts.

He was taken aback by her stunning beauty, she hadn't even bothered to put on any clothes. He almost wanted to watch her standing there forever now that he had the permission to openly admire her. He was, very simply, in awe. He had gotten his best Christmas gift ever, and it actually arrived one day early.

Wordlessly, he moved behind her. She felt his approach before she heard him. He stood close behind her, and she let herself fall back against his chest.

"Hey," was all he said, wrapping his arms around her alluring body.

"I had to use the bathroom and when I came back in, I was drawn to the look outside. It is so peaceful here."

She was right. The white snow was sparkling in the starlight. The Christmas tree outside was still lit and its warm lights added even more twinkle to the view. He could understand how she was affected by the peaceful, serene view.

He pressed a light kiss to her shoulder and felt a soft shiver run through her body. So, he had to repeat it again...and again. "It's Christmas Eve Day!" He smiled and whispered in her ear eagerly.

"I know." She smiled patiently. "An eve and a day… It's a Christmas miracle." Since he had told her every year, she was able to complete his sentence.

"Yes, a miracle."

Brennan suspected that he was not saying that to mark the calendar day. It was spoken against her skin with a husky voice, and it made her heart race.

"Come back to bed. You'll get cold staying here at the window." He dragged her with him back to the bed, where he instantly wrapped his whole body around hers, spooning with a perfect fit.

She wiggled deeper in his arms, rubbing her butt against him, garnering a response. He growled. "Bones, you cannot rub yourself against my crotch like that. You're gettin' me all worked up." He was already rock hard and he heard her giggle. Oh, she's doing this on purpose... Two can play that game.

Suddenly he pressed a hand against her heated core, slipping one finger into her. Oh yeah, she's ready. His hand gently lifted one leg and he slipped into her. From that angle, he couldn't go deep, but it was enough for her to moan with pleasure. This was comfort… this was intimate… this was pure bliss.

§§§§

The next time they woke up the sun was already shining into their room and it was time to face the day.

"Good morning beautiful!" He pressed a soft kiss into her hair. She was stretching in his arms, groaning and not really wanting to open her eyes. It quickly became obvious that she was not a morning person.

"Bones, wakey, wakey!" His bright and cheerful wake-up call earned him a swift kick from her elbow, but she got out of the bed and headed into the bathroom. While brushing their teeth, he pointed to the shower.

"We should at least make good use of this big shower before we leave..." He winked at her and grinned when she got the signal.

In no time, she was standing under the steaming jet spray, and he followed her immediately.

Splashing soap in his hand, Booth started to rub it over her shoulders and back. Brennan leaned into his hands, obviously enjoying his touch. She turned towards him, giving his hands access to the front of her body. He needed no addition invitation and focused his attention on her torso.

Taking his cue, she started to soap his body in return. With a crooked grin, she quickly assessed that getting clean had never been so exciting. She took her time and enjoyed the sensations. Her hands roamed over his firm body, stroking him boldly, without hesitation.

Her deft fingers slipped down past his navel, reaching that special place where he wanted most to be touched. Finally she took him in her hand, exploring him.

"Bones" he hissed. His head fell back, liquid heat pulsing through his body. He was enjoying her caress too much and his eyelids fell closed. He felt her move, and suddenly, it was no longer her hand that was wrapped around him... His eyes flew open and he looked down. The view took his breath away.

"Bones..." His husky voice was filled with desire. "You don't have to do this," he urged, fighting his baser instincts to let her continue.

There would be time, soon enough, when he would give in to her caress and let her finish him with her talented mouth; there was no doubt about that. But not just yet... Everything was still new for them, and he wanted to come inside of her… deep inside.

His hands slipped under her armpits and he dragged her up to him. Crashing to her lips instantly, his hungry mouth moved over hers. He lifted her up with both hands and pressed her to the shower wall. Brennan wrapped her legs around his narrow hips, bringing him closer to her. In one swift forward motion, he sank into her. Yes, everything was still so new for them, but this already felt familiar. And perfect.

§§§§§

Half an hour later they left their room to enjoy the delicious breakfast served by the hotel.

Booth knew his partner was eager to get back to the lab. They had agreed to start the work after Christmas, but that didn't mean she wouldn't go earlier. He knew her too well...

He decided to make her an offer, meeting her halfway.

"Whatcha think… You've invited the whole crew for Christmas dinner tomorrow, but I know that you want to examine the remains, too, so here's my offer… While we're heading home, you write a list of what we need for dinner. I'll drop you off at the lab and give you some time to do whatever you wanna do at the Jeffersonian while I go shopping and pick up everything. Then, I'll pick you back up and help prepare everything that needs to be done."

He glanced at her, waiting for her answer.

"Will you pack some extra clothes for yourself, too?" She smiled at him.

The offer was more than he had hoped for. If it was possible, he was falling deeper in love with her.

"Does that mean you want me to spend the night?" He had to be sure that that's what she meant with her question.

"I enjoyed your company very much last night, and I thought it would be nice to wake up on Christmas morning next to you."

Deep warmth was running through his body. This was a big step for her to make, and it meant the world to him. His hand reached for hers and squeezed it lightly.

"You have no idea how much I'd love too!" He pressed a tender kiss to her palm. He wanted to kiss her more, but not in public.

They picked up their bags and checked out of the hotel. When they reached the SUV, they found it was buried beneath a fairly large snow drift. Luckily, Booth had all equipment necessary to free the truck from the snow. Now that the streets had been cleared, it would be a two-hour trip back to DC.

Shortly after they left the hotel parking lot, she turned to him.

"We should come back again. This place must be beautiful in the summer."

She didn't know how happy she made him with her simple suggestion. She was already making plans months in advance, and she referred to them as 'we'.

Oh Bones, he thought, you are more than good in relationships.

Booth reached over the middle console of the SUV to grab her hand, drawing small circles on her soft skin with his thumb. He had always liked driving in the car with her, enjoyed her company, but now he loved it.

Too fast, it seemed, they arrived at the Jeffersonian. She handed him the list she'd written on their way back.

"So, I'll pick you up at 5 pm, ok?" With one hand, he grabbed the back of her head, bringing her closer to him. Pressing his lips to hers, his tongue sank into her welcoming mouth. He had to be careful, he reminded himself as his arousal began to wash through his body again. He was afraid that if he didn't stop kissing her, he wouldn't be able to hold himself back from the next step. Slowly, he pulled back.

"Hey, I'll miss you," he admitted softly.

Her eyes met his and he was glad to see the kiss had affected her too. The pale blue of her irises had darkened several shades. He pressed another soft kiss to her lips before she turned to go into the lab. Still smiling, he drove back into the city streets, his next stop would be the grocery store.

Brennan had always been proud of her ability to compartmentalize. So, her inability to concentrate on her work that day baffled her. The scientist's thoughts were constantly returning to the previous night. Booth has turned her world upside down, metaphorically speaking, of course. The exquisite suite, the beautiful view, the confessions in the tub, the lovemaking afterwards, waking up in Booths arms. Everything they shared and the change of their partnership.

The most confusing part of it all was that she wasn't scared at all. It felt right… She felt safe. Brennan knew that she could trust Booth completely, with her body and her heart.

Love. The burning feeling inside has to be love, she rationalized. She had no other explanation for it. Booth had told her that he loved her, but she hadn't said it back, yet.

"I love you!" It was so easy to say it to the empty lab… it should be easy to say it to him, too. She made a vow to tell him as soon as possible.

Five o'clock came faster than expected. She heard the doors of the lab slide open, and there he was, walking in her direction. He always had been handsome, but that day his appearance took her breath away. He was beaming at her, and suddenly, her heart started beating wildly.

A/N: Thanks again for reading my story and I would love to hear your opinion. At least no bad cliffhanger today..