Note: Sorry for the delay. Life has been busy.

Disclaimer: I don't own them.

Booth stood at the rail looking out at the sea. In the distance, he could just make out the shoreline.

After months at sea, tomorrow he would be home. The pirate ship would dock in the harbor to get supplies and sell some of the spoils. He would again experience the sights and sounds of his youth – the bustling market, the stone church where he had gone every Sunday, the small cottage on the outskirts of town. He could see the woman he had once thought he'd love for the rest of his life.

Somehow, the thought didn't thrill him as it once had.

This was his chance to get his old life back – to return to the straight and narrow path, leaving the pirate life behind.

It should have been an easy choice – turn his back on a life of murder and theft and spend his life trying to atone for what he had done.

Of course, leaving the pirate life also meant leaving her.

What made her so different from every other woman he'd ever met? Was it the confidence? The independence? The aura of authority that surrounded her? The rare hints of vulnerability?

If he gathered his courage and tried to leave, would she let him go, or would she treat it as a betrayal?

His thoughts were interrupted by soft footsteps. He recognized the captain's gait as she walked towards him and stopped beside him. They stood in silence for a while before she spoke. "I know you're thinking of leaving."

His head snapped to meet her eyes. "How did you …?"

She laughed mirthlessly. "In the morning, we dock at the same town as when you joined us. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out."

"I just … I've always thought I'd live a normal life, you know – work hard, get married, have some kids. I never thought I'd be a pirate."

"You can still do that. You work hard here, and lots of the crew have families."

"I couldn't do that. I want to be part of my children's lives – not just some guy who shows up for a couple of days a year."

"So you're leaving." Her voice was flat and emotionless.

"I don't know." He turned to face her. "I just don't know. I should leave, but …"

She looked up at him, a sad smile on her face. "You're right." She reached out and caressed his cheek with her hand. "You should leave. Don't let us hold you back from what you want."

"But …"

"You're free to go – as long as you don't turn us in. I have no desire to hang for piracy."

He gazed into her eyes as he vowed, "I won't turn you in. I promise."

She nodded. "I believe you."

They turned back to the sea, watching in silence as the sun set. When darkness had fallen, Brennan reached out and took Booth's hand. When he looked at her, she smiled. "We need to say goodbye properly."

As Booth followed the captain down the familiar hallway, he wondered if this would truly be the last time. Finally, they reached the captain's cabin. She shut the door behind them and turned towards him. "It's your choice. What do you want to do?"

Confused, Booth asked, "What?"

She smiled and stepped forwards until their bodies were flush against each other. "I'll do anything you want me to do." Her hands reached for the buttons on his breeches as her lips captured his.

When his trousers fell to the floor, she broke off the kiss, asking again, "What do you want to do?" She licked his neck as her hands worked on undoing his shirt.

Still stunned, Booth tried – but failed – to answer the question. Impatient, Brennan murmured suggestions into his ear as she drove him crazy with her lips. "Do you want to fuck me from behind while I'm on my hands and knees?" She pressed a light kiss to his jaw. "Do you want to tie me up?" She sucked his earlobe into her mouth. "Do you want me to make you come with my mouth?" Moving lower, she licked the skin over his collarbone. "Do you want to fuck me against the wall?"

Booth couldn't believe what he was hearing – or how aroused he was. He took a slow, even breath, trying to stay in control.

Brennan wasn't backing off, though. She sucked his nipple into her mouth, teasing it with her tongue. "Do you want to fuck my bosom?" She lightly bit his nipple, pulling a groan from him. "Do you want to fuck my ass?"

"No!" The word burst from his chest before he even knew he was going to protest. "No, Brennan, I don't want to hurt you."

She looked up at him. "You wouldn't hurt me. We just need to …"

"No."

She shrugged. "If you're sure. So what do you want?"

He took a deep breath. "I want to spend the night with you."

Brennan laughed. "And?"

His hand went to her chin, tipping her head up to look at him. "I want to spend the whole night with you. I want to fall asleep with you in my arms and wake up beside you in the morning."

She sucked in a sharp breath, obviously taken aback. Finally, she nodded seriously. "OK. I did say you could choose." A mischievous smile crossed her face. "Does this mean I get to pick what we do?"

He smiled. "You can pick what we do first."

Booth lay on the bed, the captain in his arms. The first time had turned into a second time, leaving them lazy and exhausted.

Booth gently brushed the hair back from her face and asked, "What about you?"

Her eyes fluttered open. "What?"

"Do you want a family?"

"I … I'm not going to get married or have kids. My crew is my family."

"Why?"

"I'm a pirate, Seeley."

She closed her eyes again, obviously trying to avoid further discussion. Quietly, he said, "I think you'd be a great mom."

He could see a tear leak out of the corner of her eye and make its way down her cheek. Her voice broke as she spoke. "I'm not going to have kids."

"OK". He pulled her close, letting her cry against his chest.

He woke to the sun streaming through the windows, the captain still in his arms.

He carefully freed the arm that was trapped underneath her, rolling her onto her back as he did so. When she was fully on her back, he leaned over her and used his lips and tongue to tease her, much as she had done to him the night before.

She woke as he moved to her breast, gasping slightly as she realized what was going on. "Oh!"

He smiled at her. "Good morning." He moved back up her body and kissed her before deftly flipping them over until she was on top. "I want you to ride me, like you did the first time."

She raised one eyebrow. "Should I call Sully?"

He smiled. "You don't need him. I'm the only one you need." She rolled her eyes and sank down on him, taking him into her warmth. She started to move slowly, teasing him with every stroke. "You're so beautiful, you know." He didn't miss the slight hint of doubt cross her face. "You are. But it's more than that. You care so much – about your crew, about your friends, about your family. I'll never forget you."

She smiled. "You will. You'll get married and have kids and one day you won't even remember me. But it's a nice thing to say." She changed tempo, moving faster.

He gasped at the change, but shook his head. "I won't forget."

She leaned down, pressing a quick kiss on his lips. "Thank you."

There were shouts from the deck and they felt the ship hit the dock. She moved even faster, knowing they didn't have much time left. All thought of conversation gone, Booth's hips rose against her as they moved towards their climax.

She collapsed onto him and they rested for a moment before she rolled over and reached for her clothes. Reluctantly, he followed, pulling on his clothes. When they were dressed, he walked over to her and tenderly kissed her.

He turned to go. Just before he opened the door, he turned back. "Brennan?"

"Yes?"

"My dad's the barber in town. If you need me, he'll know where I am."

"I won't need you."

"But if you do."

"OK"

He took one last look at her and walked through the door.

I didn't realize this was going to happen this way. I'm toying with the idea of a epilogue the next time Brennan is in town, but I'm not sure. Thoughts?