Waking Up Chapter 3

Booth's P.O.V.

I walked towards my office totally absent mindedly. My thoughts were still swirling with the implications from the information I had gained. It isn't everyday that you learn you have a long lost cousin and an aunt and uncle who just died. It isn't everyday you learn that you aren't alone… That thought made me stop, I am not alone, I have Jared. He's been with me most of my life.

But he doesn't really understand, he doesn't care what you went through, he only cares about himself. He doesn't want you in his life either, a little voice whispered in my head.

Amnity doesn't understand either, she wasn't there.

No, but at least she wants to be a part of your life, the voice whispered back.

I was still trying to gather my thoughts and accept that things had become so bad that I was brought down to arguing with myself, as I sat down. I knew what I had to do, what I wanted to do, but I was having a hard time verbalizing it. I had just resolved to speak when she started talking.

It took me a minute to understand what she was talking about and another to recover. "Whoa there, just wait a minute. You're leaving?"

So much for wanting to be a part of my life.

Shut up she's talking again. I quickly refocused on the conversation at hand.

"Well yeah. I shouldn't have imposed on you so suddenly. I can figure something out." Her tone was hesitant again, obviously having not expected to have me stop her. It occurred to me that she thought I was reluctant to deal with her, not that I can blame her since I left her sitting here for the last hour. And now she's looking for a way to back out.

You can't let her go.

Yeah I can, that little voice was starting to get real annoying. I wonder what Bones would say if I told her I was arguing with a voice in my head. Probably something about going to see a doctor because my brain is sending out false signals or something of the sort. I almost laughed aloud at my thoughts, but caught myself in time. I don't think she'd appreciate me laughing right now.

Yeah smart. And no you can't let her go. She just got here and she is the only link you have to family outside of Jared. Plus she needs your help. Are you really doing to let her down?

No, I'm not. I looked up just in time to see her take a breath to talk again and help up my hand to stop her.

"I appreciate the thought you've put into this, but I can't allow you to just go when you are in need of some help and I am in a position to help you. So where is all of your stuff?

Amnity's P.O.V.

I couldn't help but stare at him in wonder. I had imagined this happening, but I had never really believed that he would say yes. I felt like jumping up and running over and hugging him, but I managed to keep myself in my seat. It was a close thing, I could feel my body go ridged with elation, the excitement flooding my veins. I had to grip the arm rests of my chair to remember to stay put.

"Thank you Agent Booth. You don't know how much this means to me."

"You're welcome and you don't have to keep calling me Agent Booth, Booth is fine." I could tell he was getting more and more uncomfortable, but I was too happy to care.

"Okay Booth it is." I giggled lightly, I just couldn't help myself.

"So, uh… we should probably grab your stuff. It's getting late…"

"My stuff is at a motel just about six minutes from here. I can direct you from the road."

"Okay. How did you get here? Do you have a car?"

"No, I took a cab here." I observed his reaction to my news in amusement. He was obviously still uncomfortable, but gathering himself together pretty well.

"Well then," he said, "I guess I'll drive you. You ready to go? I want to get out of here before someone drops another surprise on my lap." A few moments of silence followed his annoyed statement before he realized just what he had said. "Ah, not that you are a bad surprise… I just meant that… uh." He stammered and blushed, I broke out laughing and shook my head. I wasn't really offended, I was too happy that he had accepted me.

He glanced at me trying to figure out how to take my amusement. I decided to take pity on him. "You ready to go Ag… I mean Booth?" I fumbled slightly but he paid no attention to my slip up so I ignored it too.

"Yeah." He spoke while gathering all of his belongings and making his way to the door. Looks like today was turning out to be a good day after all.

Booth's P.O.V.

As I walked out of the Hoover building with Amnity I could feel the stares of my fellow agents burning into the back of my neck. I attempted to ignore them. I know that they know that any rumors that go around about me will result in some serious ass kicking.

Anyways it wasn't their opinions that mattered, it's my partner's. Bones… who knows how she will react. I'll have to talk with her and Amnity before they meet.

"Over here Amnity." I called as she hurried after me.

I got to the car and opened the passenger door for her. I felt my face turn slightly red from embarrassment as she looked at me weird before getting in. At least she hasn't gone off n a tangent about being able to do things for herself and alpha male tendencies. Then again I think Bones is the only person that does that.

I hurried around the car and jumped into the driver's seat, hoping my face wasn't red anymore. She was still looking at me weird when it happened.

"I can open the door for myself Booth. You don't have to do that." I felt myself loose it then and I blame it on the day I had been having.

"Is it so wrong to open the door for someone? Why do all of you females have the need to be so damn independent? Can't you just appreciate the gesture for what it is?" My voice was tight with anger and I knew that I wasn't making a good impression, but really now was not the time to test my patience.

As the silence stretched on I realized that I had yet to release the steering wheel from my grip or look at her. When I finally did I wished that I hadn't. She was looking at me slightly alarmed and I had the feeling that she was ready to bolt. Oh crap. Why can't I just keep my mouth shut?

"I'm sorry Booth; I didn't mean to offend you. I do appreciate the gesture. I just didn't want you to feel like you have to wait on me hand and foot just cause you agreed to help me out." Her tone was sincere and I immediately felt bad for my reaction. I had to remember that she isn't Bones, she isn't the person I had been arguing with for the past two years.

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. This is just something me and my partner argue about a lot. I'm sorry I over-reacted." I watched her process that and noted the veiled excitement that crossed her face when I mentioned my partner. I'd ask about it later.

"Ah I see. No worried then, I'll keep my opinions about you chivalrous men to myself." Her tone was light and joking to break the tension, so I just gave her a sardonic smile back.

"So where are we headed?"

"Oh! Turn right out of the parking lot then take a left at the light."

We made it to her hotel and grabbed her stuff. She didn't have much for someone who was moving all of her possessions out of her house. I wonder where everything else is, or if she sold it all. It was two hours later when we finally made it home. We had to stop to grab dinner on the way home so it was late and we both agreed to be quiet going through my building.

Amnity's P.O.V.

When Booth opened the door to his flat/apartment thing the first thing I thought was: definitely a bachelor's pad. The second was: it's actually pretty nice. The third came when I saw something move out of the shadows. That thought was: wow. I didn't expect that. Which was followed by: I should have, I mean come on.

"Hello Seeley." The sexual voice came from a beautiful dark skinned, dark haired woman wearing nothing by one of Booth's (at least I assumed it was Booth's) shirts partially unbuttoned.

"Camille!" It sounded like Booth was choking as he said her name and stared at her in complete shock. "What are you doing here?" Booth was doing a great impression of a fish and I wished I had my camera on me.

"I figured you might appreciate a nice surprise after such as long day." She said as she sauntered up to him sensually, her eyes completely riveted on his face.

He, however, was still in shock. Since it appeared he wasn't going to say anything I figured that now would be a good time to leave. "Well I'll just go get the rest of my stuff from the car." She jumped at the sound of my voice and her eyes searched the shadows for me. It was then I realized that she couldn't see me because Booth was partially blocking me from view. So I moved out of his shadow and watched her eyes snap to my form. Then she screamed and grabbed at the shirt she was wearing, clutching it tightly around her. I made a hasty retreat before her reaction could turn violent and walked back down the hallway swiftly.

The last thing I heard was her shouting at Booth, "Who the hell was that?"

Booth's P.O.V.

When Amnity returned Cam had calmed down and changed back into her work clothes. She wouldn't admit it, but I could tell she was embarrassed from the pink flush on her cheeks that had refused to fade.

I was making a drink at the time, I deserved something strong after the day I had had.

She poked her head around the door cutely as if to make sure that it was alright to enter. I waved her in and pointed to a door on the right of the flat. "The guest room is over there. You can use it. I already put your other stuff in there. Why don't you go get settled and then come back out here for a nice chat." She nodded at my suggestions, gave a small smile, and disappeared through the door.

Sighing I turned back to pouring some scotch into my glass. I was not looking forward to all the explanations that would come with introducing Amnity, but I didn't think anything would be worse than her introduction to Cam. We would need to have a talk though. Another late night after a long day. Maybe I'll sleep in tomorrow.

I didn't have much time to contemplate things before Amnity rejoined us. "Amnity, I would like you to meet Dr. Camille S. She works at the Jeffersonian and helps me with my cases. Cam I would like to introduce you to Amnity Booth, my cousin." I looked between them both and noted the same look of veiled excitement I had seen earlier when I mentioned the lab.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I apologize for earlier. I had not expected Seeley to bring anyone home." Cam's voice was professional, but the ever present blush gave her away. I'm glad she took everything so well. She's just as surprised as I was.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too. I'm sorry I ruined your surprise." A slight bit of self-satisfaction tinted her words showing that she wasn't sorry at all.

Hmm… I wonder why she's happy that she ruined Cam's surprise… She can't already dislike her. Wow this could get complicated fast.

"It's not a big deal. I can surprise Seeley just about anytime I want." Cam's jab went straight home and I watched helplessly as the girls entered a battle of wills.

"I supposed you're right, that can happen anytime. Bringing home long lost family doesn't happen quite as often. It should take precedence I suppose." Amnity answered with a not-so-subtle glare which Cam returned. I was starting to get really nervous. Amnity's next question completely threw me.

Amnity's P.O.V.

"So are you guys dating then?" I directed the question to Booth and watched him closely knowing that Dr. S. was doing the same, but this would be my clue.

"I… uh… well…" I raised my eyebrows. His reaction was interesting and very heartening. I decided to add some heat to the fire.

"Just lovers then? Don't worry no judgments here." I almost chuckled with evil glee as he became increasingly nervous and uncomfortable.

"Seeley," Cam cut in, "she caught us, well me, in a very compromising position. There's no need to hide our relationship from her. In fact, I'm pretty sure you couldn't have since she's living with you now. You can tell her we're going out." She had moved over to stand next to him when she spoke and he didn't look comfortable at all.

"Yeah. I guess." He mumbled. I almost laughed at the uncertainty he was displaying, but stopped myself.

I was thoroughly pumped by his non-committed responses. Cam was a problem I hadn't expected, but it looked like she wouldn't be much of a problem, well at least on his side. The predatory look on her face when she looked up at him convinced me she would be the problem in this relationship.

I was even more pleased when he asked her to leave… sort of. "Well it's really late and Amnity and I have to go over a few things before we turn in. So I'll see you tomorrow Cam." Her stare was calculating, but she finally nodded in agreement.

He walked her to the door and gave her a kiss goodbye, a quick kiss, more like a peck really. I was just a few feet behind so I called out my goodbye and watched her walk away with satisfaction.

When Booth closed the door and turned to look at me I was grinning in amusement.

"We need to talk." Those words caused all sorts of people to get nervous and fear the worse, but coming from him after the mess I had just seen him in only caused my grin to expand.

He led the way tot eh dinner table and pulled out a seat for me. I rolled by eyes, but didn't say anything and he just ignored me. When he was settled he folded his hands on the table and took a deep breath. I waited until it looked like he was going to speak and then jumped in.

"So what was up with the whole deal with Cam? Are you dating her or not?" My question was straightforward and managed to completely unbalance him. I wasn't sure he was ever going to regain his footing at this point. But that was okay with me cause he needed to stay unbalanced if I was going to get my answers.

"Yeah, we are… I guess" The way he said it, through gritted teeth, like someone was dragging that answer out of him, gave me hope. His following qualifier threw me though. Still I went after it, like a dog on a bone.

"You guess? Shouldn't you know something like that?"

He sighed, good sign. It means he's giving into the inevitable, answering my questions. "We're seeing each other, but it's not really serious. It's not going anywhere. We're more friends than anything else."

"So your lovers then?"

"Something like that." He seemed uncomfortable with that term too and I wondered if he realized just how serious things were for Cam. I doubted it.

"And nobody knows, so I need to stay quiet about it?"

"I'm pretty sure some people know, but it's not an acknowledged fact. It's kept on a down low so that it doesn't interfere with work."

"So should I expect her over often?" If I thought he was uncomfortable before, it was nothing compared to now. Apparently he didn't like the thought of her here with me. I wondered why that was, probably cause it made the whole thing seem more serious than he wanted it to be.

"No, don't worry about that. I'll let you know if she is coming over, but I wouldn't expect that to happen very often."

"Okay, sounds good." And it did. I didn't dislike Cam, but she was in the way of my plan.

"Enough about me and Cam. We need to talk about how things are going to work out. I would also like some answers about your family." His change of topic was tine. I had all the info I needed for now and we did need to talk about that.

Booth's P.O.V.

Her face changed from inquisitive to serious in an instant and she nodded to my request.

"Okay so what are your plans for daily activities and long-term stuff?" I left my question open because I didn't really know what to ask, but figured that was a good place to start.

"Well my daily activities are mostly just small bits of my bigger goals. Those would be to finish settling my parent's material possessions, find a job, find a university to attend, get a car, and get to know my family here." The last bit she said with a smile and I couldn't help but smile in return. Lord please help me survive this girl.

"Other things I intend to do are shopping for food, cooking for us, and cleaning this place."

"What?" I asked slightly bewildered, "You don't have to cook, clean, and shop for food. I can do that."

"Well you haven't asked me to pay anything for rent so I might as well contribute somehow. Plus you're the one with a job, a very demanding job at that. You shouldn't have to come home and worry about cooking and cleaning when I am here and have tons of time to do that stuff."

I didn't really like the thought of her cleaning house for me, but she had a solid argument. The only thing that bothered me was what I was actually doing for her, besides providing a place for her to stay which I would have to pay for regardless of whether she was here or not.

"Okay. I can agree to that on two conditions. The first being that you cannot clean my room."

"Deal. I don't really want to mess with your personal stuff anyways."

"Good. The other thing is that you have to tell me if there is anything else I can do for you or help you with. Our deal seems a little unbalanced. You're going to cook, clean, and shop while providing me with access to family I didn't think I had. I'm only providing you a place to stay which I was paying for anyways."

"You're providing me with family too you know." She whispered that so softly I almost missed it, but I managed to catch it and mentally cursed myself for not thinking about that. She had just lost her parents. Of course being here for her would mean a lot to her, but she continued before I could apologize. "But I can agree to your conditions readily. There is definitely something you can help me with."

"Name it." I was determined to make up for my blunder.

"I'd really like to meet your partner, Dr. Temperance Brennen." I laughed aloud at her request.

"That's it? That's all you want?"

"Yes. I've been dying to meet her."

"Well that's easy enough. We'll get together for dinner sometime soon; maybe I'll bring you by the lab with me." I was still chuckling lightly; such an easy request to fill. "Anyways, I think that's good for tonight. I'm beat. We'll talk again tomorrow. I think I'm going to go in late."

"I'm tired too so that sounds good." She pushed her chair back and stood up. "Good night Booth."

"Good night Amnity. Just let me know if you need anything."

"Will do." She turned and walked towards her room, but paused at the door and looked back at me. "Thank you again Booth. You don't know how much this means to me."

"No problem kid." I smiled as she shut the door behind her. I think things are going to be okay. And with that thought Booth retired for the night.