Hopefully this chapter will be longer. Sorry about the short one before. Also, I know these scenes from the episodes may not be exactly write. I'm sort of re-writing them.

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Dr. Brennan didn't know what to think of her new boss. Camille Saroyan seemed like an efficient worker, but there was something about her that didn't sit right. Maybe it was the fact that she was stricter than Dr. Goodman, or the fact that she, for whatever reason, seemed to have a personal vendetta against Brennan. Either way, Brennan was sure she wouldn't trust Saroyan until she gave Brennan a reason to.

On top of getting a new boss, Brennan had just broken up with her boyfriend David after six months. And while she should be sad that she was basically alone, again, she just couldn't find an ounce of sadness towards it. She did have plenty other things to be sad about, like, finding out her mother was dead and having her dad alive but on the run, and having her brother living far away from her, but this thing with David didn't really make her sad at all. In fact, it made her happy. Especially because now that her and David were done, she was confident that her relationship with Booth would get back to where it had been.

While she was dating David, Booth kind of steered away from her. Sure, he was there for her and comforting during her mother's case and she was there for him that one time he confided in her with one of his sniper stories, but he didn't really hang out with her like they used to. So, she was happy to think that the two partners would get back into their old habits.

"Hey, Bones." Booth said, standing in her office doorway. She was happy to see him, but obviously not about to let him know that. "Angela has my notes, so I'll see ya tomorrow."

What? No dinner, no ice cream, not even a drink?

"Oh, um OK. See you tomorrow." What the hell?

Booth nodded and went on his way. Brennan waited a few seconds, and then got up to follow him. She wasn't going to stalk him, just see where he went. Maybe he was just tired, maybe he had Parker, maybe he…

Then she stopped. She could not believe what she was seeing. Booth had walked right into Cam's office and kissed her before leaving. He was back with Cam? Cam!? This could not be happening.

All of a sudden Brennan couldn't breathe. She felt like her chest was caving in. This wasn't a normal friendship, she decided right then and there.

She was starting to get feelings for Booth. It was almost unreal. What was she going to do now? The answer was simple. Brennan ran for Angela's office, flung the door open, and when Angela greeted her, she broke down crying.

"Bren?" Angela asked. "Bren, why are you crying? Come on, sweetie, it can't be that bad. Is it David?" Brennan shook her head. "Is it Russ?" Again, no. "Then what is it?"

"Booth," Brennan finally said, "Booth is dating Cam."

Angela put her arms around her best friend. "Oh, sweetie," she said, "I'm sorry but I don't understand. Why are you this upset? Did Booth say something to you, or Cam?" Brennan, again, shook her head. "Then what is it? What's wrong?"

Brennan took a few deep, calm breaths, and then said, "I think I'm falling for Booth." Angela just looked at her in shock before saying, "Oh, sweetie," and engulfing her best friend in a hug, and held her for a while until Brennan finally stopped crying.

Five months later…

It was over. Howard Epps was officially dead and gone from the lives of everyone at the Jeffersonian. Brennan knew that Booth felt guilty for basically killing Epps, although no one blamed Booth. In fact, they all thanked him. But Brennan knew Booth, and knew that he felt guilty about Epps, and guilty about yelling at Parker. So, when Brennan wanted to find Booth, she knew where to go.

To the carousel.

She stood to the side and watched Booth put his son on the ride, and he kissed his head, and walked over to her.

"Hi. How did you know I'd be here?" he asked.

"Saturday morning," was all she said, not to let her know that she really knew more about him then he thought. The pair went and sat on a nearby bench and watched Parker go round and round on the merry-go-round.

"It's over," Booth said suddenly, "with Cam, I mean."

Brennan let go of a breath she didn't know she was holding. What was she supposed to say to that? "Oh," was all she could muster. But maybe this was her shot. The shot she didn't get before. "Well, maybe…" she started, but was interrupted.

"You know, what happened with Cam happened because we had a personal relationship. When people work together in high-stress situations, it's hard to keep that balance. That's why there's this line, that can never be crossed," Booth said slowly, as if he didn't believe it.

"Never?" Brennan asked, trying to make sure she heard him right. He can't have meant never, never. Right? Just, for a little bit.

"Never, Bones. I don't ever want to do anything that would endanger my child's life or someone else's. Especially someone like Cam or you."

"Me?" she asked, her heart in her throat.

"Yes, Bones, you. You're my partner and, believe it or not, my best friend. I could never forgive myself if anything happened to you."

Brennan just looked at him while he looked at his son. She placed her hand over his and said, "Nothing is going to happen to me, Booth. I'm here, and I'm okay. You always make sure I'm okay. You're my hero."

Tears welled in Booth's eyes as he rubbed her hand with his, and watched as his son came running off the carousel and over to him and Brennan. Things were going to be different between them from now on.