A/N: Song is More Than Words by Extreme, it can be found on You Tube

Chapter Seven

The meal had been amazing. Fresh fish caught that day off the very shore they were eating from could not be beaten.

Brennan adjusted her chair once the plates had been taken away, picking up her wine glass and touching Booth's knee in the process. She immediately moved and shot a look at him to gauge his reaction. In reply, he reached out and took her hand, gently placing it back on his knee and laying his hand over the top.

She smiled and held his gaze.

'May I get you anything else' the waiter interrupted.

'No thanks, just the bill,' Booth relied, never taking his eyes off the woman sitting opposite him.

'Right, what now? A little bit of dancing, a bit more wine…' he suggested, keeping his voice low and husky.

'Hmm, wine sounds good although I feel like experiencing a little culture,' she replied, a twinkle in her eye.

With that, they paid the bill and made their way along the beach back to the strip of bars and restaurants near the hotel.

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'Booth this is not culture. This is karaoke. We have this in DC, it really isn't that uncommon.'

'Which is a great reason why you should hone your skills before we get back home! Come on Bones it'll be fun!'

He led her into the Coco Loco karaoke bar and they took seats at a table near the stage. It was dark inside, the only light coming from candles on the tables and from the light on the small stage. The place was heaving and they were lucky to find a seat. A waiter came along with two glasses filled with rum punch.

'A free gift, sir, as long as you participate in the singing and entertain the crowd…'

The waited winked as he left and Bones glared at him.

'I. Am. Not. Singing. Period.'

'Aw come on Bones, just for me?' he pleaded. 'I mean, can't you sing, is that why you're nervous?'

That was all the teasing Brennan could stand. She tentatively stood up, glaring at Booth as she made her way to the stage. She whispered her choice of song to the DJ, then walked up the last few steps towards the mic.

As the first few strains of "More than Words" filled the bar, Brennan took her place before the mic, and clasped it with both hands. She had never sung in front of anyone before; but as she surveyed the crowd in front of her, she realized it was not that different from standing up in a lecture hall in front of 200 budding anthropology students.

She was a tad angry with Booth for tricking her into doing this. How dare he suggest she couldn't sing! Hah, far from it she thought as she had downed the last few sips of her punch. She wasn't sure whether it was the alcohol, but as the first few notes poured out of the speakers, Brennan felt empowered. All those lonely nights singing along to her CDs may have paid off after all!

Booth sat transfixed at the image of Bones standing on stage in front of a mic about to sing karaoke. This woman; a brilliant scientist who seemed so unaware of modern pop culture, was singing the first few words in a confident and strikingly beautiful voice.

Saying I love you
Is not the words I want to hear from you
It's not that I want you
Not to say, but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
'Cos I'd already know.


What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you

Brennan surveyed the crowd, the lights on the stage preventing her from finding Booth's gaze. Her confidence was soaring, and she knew that she actually sounded quite good. She knew that she had the confidence to do this because of him. As she met the chocolate brown eyes of her partner, a small smile escaped her lips. All her anger at him ebbed away as she saw him gaze up at her in awe.

Booth stood to meet her gaze, totally in awe. Sure she had had a couple of glasses of wine, but this new confidence took him by surprise. Suddenly their eyes locked, and Booth could have sworn that she was singing directly to him. The emotion pouring out of her was totally visible and undeniably directed at him. Booth surveyed the crowd and noted the gaze of many an admiring gentleman. His heart swelled as he realized that at that moment she was up there singing to him, and him only.

The crowd clapped appreciatively as Brennan opened her eyes and crimson crept up her cheeks. She had been so engrossed that she hadn't taken in the fact she was still in front of a crowd. Pulling away from the microphone, she climbed down the steps and directly into Booth.

"So there really is no end to your talents?"

"I guess not…" ever the kind, thought Booth. "Come on, lets get out of here. I've had my fill of Karaoke."

"Shame, Bones, I do a mean Frank Sinatra,' he said, breaking into the first few lines of Mack the Knife.

Rolling her eyes, Brennan led Booth out of the club into the warm night. They walked together along the boardwalk. The sea lapped against shore in a lazy motion; the moon glinting off the waves. As they walked, Brennan glanced as Booth. His features were picked up from the moonlight and he wore a contented smile on his face. He tunred to meet her gaze, simultaneously slipping his hand into hers.

Booth could sense Brennan looking at him. He usually praised himself on reading her expression and tonight was no exception. She definitely had longing in her eyes. Aldo a touch of wonderment. And there was definitely a hint of nervousness.

'Let's get a drink from the bar, then head down to the beach. It's much quieter there.' Booth decided that he needed some peace away from the noisy strip near the beach if he was to really do this. He had decided that it was time to let Bones know his true feelings. His heart ached every time he looked at her and he could take it no longer.

They both ordered their drinks; Booth chose a beer and Brennan chose her usual; a glass of red wine. The walked carefully to some loungers placed near the shore. Brennan had her glass in one hand and her sandals in the other. Way too painful, she thought, this is definitely a bare foot location. Sitting down, Booth placed his beer next to him and turned to face Brennan.

'Booth…I really am thankful that you could come and assist me here. ' Brennan looked up tentatively into his eyes. She remarked inwardly on how deep and soulful they looked tonight. Who was she kidding, they looked like that all the time. He looked amazing all the time. She felt a surge of attraction towards him, and moved closer to him, their thighs touching in the process.

She had let down her guard. As their eyes met, Booth realized that she was opening up to him. She licked her lips and kept them parted, looking into his eyes longingly. He inched towards her, placing his lips delicately on hers. It was certainly a leap of faith. The kiss was tender and passionate. Their bodies moved closer as their embrace intensified. All thoughts of self-consciousness vanished. All the tension that had built up since they met disappeared in an instant.

Booth pulled back, not wanting to panic her. He had wanted this moment for so long, but now it was here the last thing he wanted was for her to panic. They stayed locked in the embrace, staring into each other's eyes. The setting was perfect. The moon was full, lighting up the beach, and the sea was gently lapping at the shore.

Brennan's mind was racing. Was this really what she wanted? She couldn't deny that the timing was perfect. He was perfect. Yes, she decided, this is what she wanted. She didn't know whether it was the alcohol coursing in her veins, or the romantic setting, but all her doubts disappeared and she leaned in to kiss him again.