HELLO, YOU GUYS!

Finally, I'm back. FIRST THINGS FIRST, THANK YOU, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, for the support you have given me, for those who have taken the time to send me a word of encouragement, letting me know this story hasn't been forgotten; those who have also send me their best wishes and positive energy, you are a ray of sunshine on cloudy days. As I have told you before, I refuse to give you something that is not top-quality.

It has been hard, as this disease is very energy-draining and consuming. Some days I have only been able to read, not being able to lift my fingers to write, but that has kept my English up to date during this long hiatus. I hope those of you who have always been there are pleased by this update.

So without any further delay, here we go.

Before they knew it, 3 days had passed, days which had been filled with conversations, slow walks down the beach holding hands, but above all things, a silent companionship and teasing banter, which was a relief to both of them. Overall, it felt like the cracks that had appeared on their relationship due to their mutual mistakes were steadily but surely mending, bringing them back to the people they had once been, but with the added joy of being together as a real couple now, and hoping for a future as partners in every sense of the word. They were certainly giving it their all to reach that much desired goal, but at the same time it seemed they had reached an agreement to lay off the heavy subjects for a little while so they could enjoy this new beginning like any new couple would, even if, given their history, they were past the uncertainty and awkwardness common to those beginnings, as they had managed to get to know the other in such a deep level that many couples didn't get to meet, not even in long years shared.

They were also incredibly grateful to Max, who had wisely given them the space they needed, joining them when he knew his timely "interference" would be well received. Deep inside her heart, she had to accept that this feeling of family, of belonging was what she had been aching for ever since her family had been torn apart, and seeing the two men she loved with all her heart together and bonding, and seriously fawning over her, was more than she could have ever hoped for.

They had already discussed the subject of her return to DC and to her work at the Jeffersonian, but they hadn't reached any final conclusions yet, and while he would miss her badly, he knew that when this week was done, he would have to go back to his reality and keep waiting for her to return, if that's what she needed him to do. At least, now he had seen with his own eyes how solicitously Max was taking care of her, and the extent to which they had reconnected, and in turn, that filled him with hope. Despite her words, he thought there was a tiny part of her still harboring doubts regarding her new emotional developments, but seeing how openly she was accepting Max's attention without fussing, at least much considering her innately independent streak, he knew she would really try and fight for them. For him, the waiting, if that's what was in store for them, would be a hopeful one, not the uncertain and hopeless one of the past weeks when he didn't know what her heart was keeping in store for them all.

However, he had learned, the hard way, that life didn't stop even if you were in the middle of the most important vacation of your life, the one that could define your future, because on Tuesday, he received a phone call from Hacker, who was going against his own directive to let him rest, hinting at the seriousness of the situation.

He had woken up unreasonably early, and as much as he tried, even if her enticing body was beckoning him to stay right where he was, he knew he was restless, and had much pent up energy to burn for him to be able to go back to sleep, so he had left her on the bed, sleeping peacefully, adjusting the covers and pillows around her so she didn't miss his presence, for an early morning run. The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, and he realized he most certainly needed the workout, as his body was so wired he hurt, and cold showers weren't enough to appease the hunger and desire sleeping next to her was awakening in both his body and his mind. He had already guessed the torture he would be submitted to, but the longing and vulnerability he had heard in her voice when she asked him to share her room had made him cave on what would have normally been a definite refusal, even if her pliant, soft, deliciously-curvy body was making him ache to a degree he never thought he could reach, not even when he was denying his feelings for her or waiting for a chance to be together all those years ago, and testing his self-control to limits he didn't even know he was capable of achieving.

The worst part was, he thought as he let the delicious burn of exercise infuse his every muscle, that they always managed to wake up tangled in each other, her head on his chest, his hands around her, or her back to his front, her mile-long, silky legs brushing his, making his morning erection feel all the more painful, and yet he couldn't make himself regret his choice to share her bed, because even if his body was screaming at him to take what he knew was finally his, his heart was too joyful for having been given his blessing to let it go to waste with his impulsiveness, and guessing from what this was hinting at, he knew that when their time came, their joining would be nothing short of spectacular and soul-shattering.

As he had predicted, her early morning beauty never failed to leave him stunned and paralyzed. For all the times he had admired her during their years together as partners, in work, casual or fancy clothes, seeing her only in her pj's, her face completely bare of makeup, her hair cutely tousled from sleep was the picture he definitely loved the most: when she first opened her eyes, they were so clear and yet so deep, like a pond surrounded by morning mist, her face unguarded, her smile content and filled with love, love for him. It was a rare privilege he had been gifted with, and he treasured it for what it was, something he knew he would never take for granted, no matter how many years he got to spend with her, which he hoped were the rest of his natural life.

Despite their agreement to wait to breach that final line that would transition them from partners to friends to boyfriend and girlfriend to lovers, that didn't mean they didn't make out for what seemed like hours, making things all the more difficult for him and his resolve to stay strong and not rush things. She hadn't realized how far his control regarding her actually went, because otherwise she would be on her back and with his hips pistoning wildly inside her warm heat, claiming her, marking her, making her irrevocably his. He had also noticed that despite her usual bluntness and self-assurance, deep within her lived the insecure 15-year old who just didn't know how truly beautiful and perfect she was, and that touched him even more deeply.

He had taken his cell phone with him, not wanting her to worry if she woke before he returned and didn't find him next to her, so when it rang, it didn't surprise him that it did. His surprise came from the fact that it wasn't her calling him at 10 to 6 in the morning, and he had learned that any call at that hour could only mean bad news. However, it wasn't Rebecca or any of his friends, his ID caller telling him it was actually his boss, and even if the guy had actually told him to forget about work and enjoy his rest and take care of their favorite scientist, the fact that the man himself was calling him at this hour of the morning was enough to make him realize it was an important issue, so he stopped his fast-paced running, and picked up the call.

"Booth", he answered in his usual away, although breathlessly, "Hey boss", and he heard his boss' deep, gravelly voice.

"Hello. Booth. Am I interrupting anything?", Booth almost chuckled as he realized Hacker was assuming he had interrupted some early loving time between him and Bones.

"Just my morning run. What is it, boss? I know you wouldn't call me at this hour if it wasn't important. So shoot", Booth actually enjoyed that after they had stopped their cock-fighting over Bones, they were back to their comfortable, jovial relationship.

"Booth. I'm sorry to call you, at this hour, and even more when I was the one who told you to take these days and forget about us, but in these cases, you're the one I definitely need to call", Hacker said, and while the praise made Booth smile, he could hear the concern in his voice.

"It's ok, boss. I understand. That's why I never turned off my cell phone, so you could reach me, in case anything happened. So tell me", Booth asked.

"A body was found this morning by someone passing by during their early morning run, about 1 hour ago. It's partially defleshed, so I called Dr. Saroyan for the initial examination of the crime scene – the man was found on a park near Woodland actually", Booth couldn't believe that he had to go back to that neighborhood again, not when the Lauren Eames debacle was still so fresh in their minds. "I don't know much, as Dr. Saroyan, Dr. Hodgins, and Mr. Clark Edison are still there, conducting the first in-situ examination. I called them about 20 minutes ago to check on things, but she told me she needed another hour, since they know Dr. Brennan is so picky about her remains", Booth sighed, knowing that was true. If Bones returned to work and their case got complicated because the initial evidence was processed incorrectly, she would make everyone's lives extremely difficult.

"Booth, I know that Temperance is on an indefinite leave of absence, due to her recovery. But you're there with her, and I'm aware your words can swing her decision to return a bit earlier to help us", Booth rubbed his jaw pensively. He didn't want to pressure her into returning, but if Hacker himself thought they needed her on board, he had to give it some thought, because even if the guy was a bit pompous and maybe a bit goofy at times, he was business smart, and he wouldn't ask for something like that from him if it wasn't important.

"Boss, I can't promise you she will return with me, even if I ask. It all depends on how she's feeling. I guess the best thing for us to do is to let Cam and the rest of the squints examine the body closely, and depending on what they find when they bring the body to the lab, you tell me if I do have to return, and most important, if you truly need Bones on board, ok? Is that enough compromise for you?", Booth asked, and he heard a resigned sigh over the line.

"It's enough for me for now. And you're right. Perhaps this was straightforward, and we won't have to deal with any of those usual murder debacles you like so much. I'll put Ginny Shaw on the case. You know her. She's a bit green yet, but she can help your squints while you return. I'll make sure she texts you with any new information, and I'll call depending on what they find".

"Thanks, Boss, I appreciate it", Booth said, and Hacker replied, "Enjoy your vacation. And tell Temperance I wish her a speedy recovery", there wasn't any intention or subtext as Booth could hear in his voice, and was relieved, as he wasn't about to indulge in a fight with his boss, like peacocks fighting for the female's attention.

With those thoughts in mind, he started to run back to the house, knowing he had been away for a long while, and pushed himself to the limit, feeling his heart pound against his chest heavily.

When he reached their shore, his heart skipped about because she was there, like a vision, in the satin nightgown she had put on last night, smiling softly at him, clearly waiting for his return.

He reached her with a smile on his face, and stopped in front of her.

"Hey", he panted, "What are you doing up? It's awfully early", the sun was peeking from the horizon, giving the sky that golden, pinkish glow of the new day.

"I missed you. The bed wasn't the same without you in it, and I should be the one asking why you woke so early. Are you ok?", she said, standing before him, and he retreated.

"Don't come any closer", he warned, and her confused look made him smile gently, "I'm all sweaty, I desperately need a shower", he gasped as she ignored him, and touched his chest over his t-shirt, which was soaked with perspiration, and saucily replied, "What if I like you all sweaty? Huh?", she taunted, and he couldn't help himself. He groaned, and wrapped his arms around her, making her giggle as he hid his cheek against her neck, rubbing himself all over her, making her nightgown damp.

"Who am I then to deny you, milady?", he said, kissing her skin, the teasing giving way to tenderness, her hands tracing his damp skin with infinite gentleness, caressing his sweaty hair, giving herself completely over his touch, a wild current of passion flowing underneath the surface. She didn't ask why he had gone running, because she was feeling the same way, only she couldn't solve the issue as he did. She knew about male anatomy too much not to have noticed the evidence of his desire every morning against her backside, and how he gallantly and silently had simply turned to the shower, and let his frustration literally go down the drain. She was flattered he was so affected by their physical connection, but it was her heart which felt like it was about to overflow, as his patience and love bathed her like spring rain falling on parched ground. She was thankful he hadn't pressed for more than heavy petting and long, passionate make-out sessions, because while she desired him greatly, she wanted to do things the right way, and not rush things like she used to, and she knew he was feeling the same way.

Despite her soothing caresses on his body, she noticed the remaining tension on his shoulders, and having learned how to read him, she asked, "What is it, Booth? Even I can see you have something on your mind", he sighed but relented and nodded against her skin.

He was still panting slightly, and he smiled, and silently taking her hand, he led her up the small staircase and to the chaise lounges on the terrace, and sat next to her.

"Hacker called", her face fell as she knew that could only mean he had to leave, and sensing her pain, he reached for her hand, and squeezed it gently, "There's a case. Cam and the squints are on it, and he placed a Special Agent, she's kind of green from the Academy but very proficient, to help them out if needed. He wanted to ask if I could return earlier if they hit a roadblock in the investigation which Shaw can't solve", she nodded. "We compromised. Depending on how things develop, he will call me", she felt relieved as he didn't actually have to leave right away, and they could still enjoy their time together.

"Bones, you know I would never pressure you into returning I you're not ready, but he also wanted to know if you could help as well, depending on how the case goes", seeing her torn expression, he got on his haunches before her, his forearms placed outside her thighs, and smiled gently, "Bones, you're the best, and if I'm the best is because of you, so he wants us both, depending on how things go. I told him I would ask, but that the decision is up to you. I'm not going to pressure you, ok? You'll go back when you feel like it, and only when you're ready", his smile was so open and loving she bent and kissed him softly, a simply caress of their lips, like butterfly's wings caressing the skin.

She sighed, and nodded, "I can't ask for more. I have to return eventually, and I think going back to work would help me feel more like myself, and help my recovery. I think I have already gotten what I needed and wanted from this holiday here, and having you here with me has been instrumental for that. Besides, I don't fear going back to the Jeffersonian. What happened was only Taffet's doing, and I won't let her take away the joy of doing what I love. And Andrew, despite his position, is a kind man, and I know he wouldn't have called you if he didn't think it was necessary. If they truly need us, WE will go back, together, and do what we do best", her soft smile and sparkling eyes prompted him to stand, taking her in his arms, no longer caring that he was getting her soaked with his perspiration.

"Thank you, Bones. I wasn't looking forward to working cases without you, but I don't want you to cut this trip short. You're resting, for once, and I don't want you to let go of that. Besides, you're bonding with Max", he said, and she shook her head.

"While this holiday has been everything I needed, you know me, and I can't stand idleness for too long; you're not making me do this. I had already thought it was time to return and retake my life in DC, and work to make this relationship succeed, not in this scenario, where everything is perfect, but with all the variables we deal with in our everyday life. If our help is needed, we will go back, but if it isn't, then we will stay here until Sunday, and return together", this time it was he who initiated their soft kissing, and stopped only when oxygen became a necessity.

"Thank you, baby", at her disbelieving stare, he laughed, "Hey, I wanted to try it out", he said referring to the pet name, and her half-amused, half-annoyed frown.

"Booth, even if you make it sound good, I'm not found of pet names. Besides, I'm Bones to you, and it's enough for me", she said, her posture regal and commanding, and he couldn't help but lean in and nuzzle the soft skin of her neck.

"I knew it had grown on you", he teased. "Of course, you're Bones. But you're also, my sweet, sweet baby, and believe me, I will get you to like it as well", his tone was smug, but feeling his nose gently nuzzle her, and the warm breath caress her skin, she couldn't make herself chide him further when he was being so gentle and loving.

"And now, I do have to go and take that shower before I stink", he teased and quickly stealing another kiss, he went up the stairs to their shared room to start his shower.

She chuckled, and took a look at herself. Indeed, during their embrace, a large part of his perspiration had soaked the satin of her nightgown, and instead of feeling grossed out by the realization, she felt her belly flutter with that familiar feeling of desire. Anthropologically, she knew it was the impact of his pheromones hitting her full blast, prompting her to mate with a superior male, because he was indeed a real alpha male, but the heart she was learning to listen told her it was because she could already imagine how it would feel when her body was bathed in his sweat when they finally made love, and her cheeks tinted pink, her body familiar with the fantasy, and her insides fluttering with need.

She moved to the kitchen, deciding to treat them all to breakfast, and enjoying his musky smell on her skin while she worked on making them a tasty omelet and orange juice, taking advantage of those few moments before he called to let her know she could go up to take her own shower.

When Max came downstairs still in his sweatpants and t-shirt, Booth following closely, smelling clean and delicious from his shower, she had already finished preparing them breakfast, of course with a side of fruit so they also ate something healthy. They chided her for working, but she brushed them off, saying she was feeling good enough to do some actual work, and that she felt better for taking care of them for once. They had simply smiled and thanked her, Booth leaning in to kiss her lips gently and chastely, minding Max's presence, who simply chuckled at their affectionate display and let them be.

The rest of the day passed in the same way as the following, and they realized they were growing more relaxed as it passed without any messages from Hacker, Shaw or any of their squints. They went to bed, their bodies tightly pressed against the other, sharing their warmth, like they wanted to blend into the other' skin, to somewhat assuage the need they would not be able to ignore for much longer; and they woke up in the same manner, hopelessly entangled, but sated, at least for a little while.

The three of them made breakfast together, and after sharing household chores, of course, giving her the lightest so she didn't put any strain on her body, they made their way to the beach, and shared a long walk.

When they returned, Booth instantly went to the kitchen so he could pick his cell, which he had let forgotten, and frowned when he noticed there were two missed calls, one from Shaw and the second one from Cam, with two voicemails he assumed came from them.

He pressed call, and started listening, his earlier smile giving way to a concerned frown. The first one came from Shaw: "Agent Booth, this is Agent Ginny Shaw. Your people already defleshed the victim, after gathering all the physical evidence; initial examination found a bullet wound on his chest, which they assume nicked a rib, and severed his aorta. Dr. Hodgins found traces of copper on the bones and flesh, and he's currently investigating what that might mean. I'll call with more updates", his heart had started beating faster, as he knew what copper could mean.

He pressed so he could hear the second one, which he realized was from Cam: "Seeley, I know this is extremely bad timing, and believe me, I hate doing doing this, but we could truly use some pointers. Perhaps Agent Shaw already called you to let you know this, but from the initial examination and the defleshing, we found cause of death to be a bullet wound to the chest which nicked a rib and severed the victim's aorta, a man in his mid-40's. Hodgins found traces of copper on the bones and on some samples of flesh around the wound, but we don't know what to make of them, as the bullet doesn't fit any ballistic criteria we know. Please, I know you're lost somewhere in paradise, but any insights would be really appreciated. Call me when you can. I hope things are going as we all expect with Dr. Brennan, and tell her we wish her a speedy recovery, and that we are missing her lots, ok? Take care of her, big guy".

He pressed "end", and sighed deeply. His ever-reliable gut was telling him something was definitely off, and a part of him certainly didn't want to go there, knowing that what he might find would not be pretty. He didn't want to even consider the possibility: it would be too much of a coincidence that such a case would fall to his hands.

He could see Bones and Max still on the terrace, and she turned her head, and smiled softly at him, a smile he tried to reply with his own, but felt fake.

He pressed "call", and waited only two rings until Cam picked up.

"Seeley, I'm so glad you called!", he could hear the concern on her voice, despite her cheerful greeting. "Hey, Camille", they both chuckled at the teasing of their usual name-game banter.

"How are things going over there?", he was thankful for Cam, because he knew she had always had his back, and let his mind enjoy the peace as memories of the past days washed over him.

"It's been going great, Cam. Really, really great", it was like he could hear her smile over the phone.

"How's Dr. Brennan feeling?", she asked, real concern dripping from her voice.

"She's doing much better. She tires a bit easier and a bit quicker, but she's great. Being here has done wonders for her, and Max has been doing a great job of playing nurse", Cam's chuckle came over the line.

However, they knew they couldn't indulge in this moment, and he decided to get things over with.

"Cam, I heard your message, and I know you wouldn't have called me otherwise. Tell me", he asked.

"Ok", she sighed, "A man about 45-47 years old was found near Woodland, on a park. We estimated time of death at about a week. He was planted behind a bush, near a tree. A jogger found him when he went to rest during his morning run. Anyway, after samples were taken, Hodgins found traces of copper in the flesh, and in the bone, since the bullet nicked a rib. Clark and Angela have been working on trying to figure out what kind of bullet it is, but it's no use. It doesn't match anything we've seen", he could hear the restlessness in her voice.

He felt a knot forming on his stomach the more he heard, but he swallowed, and forced it down before he replied, knowing his vacation had come to an end.

"You won't, Cam. If the bullet was copper, and it doesn't match any ballistic report, it's because it was handmade", he heard her startled gasp, but continued, asking the question he dreaded, "Cam, do you have an ID on the guy?".

"Actually, we are still waiting on that. Clark stayed here until this morning, going through everything again, and gave Angela the skull with tissue markers when we first arrived. She finished about 1 hour ago, and she's been running CODIS, and the FBI, but there's no missing persons or any profile on him", she replied, and with a heavy sigh, praying he was wrong, he replied, "Tell Shaw to ask Hacker so he clears Angela for access to the military database".

"What?!", Cam asked, "Military? Seeley, why…?", he cut her off before she could rant any further, "Cam, that bullet was handmade, and only a very select few know how to make it, myself included. Trust me on this. I don't know, but I have a feeling our victim is somewhat related to the military", he knew she had already understood the words behind that statement. It had to be handmade by someone exactly like him, and for them not being able to find anything on the victim also meant that things were quite shady.

"Seeley, I have always trusted you, and your instincts, but if you're right, this could be bad. Very bad", he could practically see her frown, and her worry. "I'll call Shaw right away, and let me tell you, I hope for once, you and your gut are wrong".

"I do too, Cam. Call me when you know something. Bye", he closed his phone, and rubbed his temple, feeling a massive headache coming his way.

He jumped a bit when he felt her soft, cool hands placed over his own on his face, leading him away from the spot he was rooted to, and kneading his tense muscles, her front pressing against his back, making him close his eyes and let out a few breaths, her presence already soothing and calming his frayed nerves.

"What is it, Booth?", she asked, and he turned so he could face her, trying to smile, but knowing she had already guessed his worry.

"Shaw and Cam called, about the case. It´s... it´s getting complicated", he said, trying not to burden her with worry.

Silently, she led him to the kitchen island, so Max was out of earshot, and she asked. "Come on, Booth. We´re partners, and if I´m to be your partner in every way, we need to share these things", he sighed knowing she was right, and he began,

"The guy they found, he had a bullet wound, straight to the chest. They already found that COD was a nicked aorta from the bullet. The thing is... the bullet is copper. And that... is not common. It appears to be handmade, and handmade copper bullet means... military", her eyes widened, and she asked.

"But Booth, if what you're saying is true, things could get very bad. Are you certain?", she asked, and sighing deeply again, he reached for her hand, and entwining their fingers, already feeling calmer by her soft touch, he nodded.

"I do hope I'm wrong, but it's not only that the bullet is copper. The victim is not turning up anywhere, and that rubs me the wrong way. I already told Cam to call Shaw so that Hacker gives Angela temporary access to the military database. Maybe... luck will strike and nothing will turn up".

"Booth, something else is wrong. You know you can confide in me", her soft fingers caressing her, and her open, deep blue gaze was everything he needed, and he closed his eyes.

"Bones, not many know this, but copper bullets are a sniper thing", seeing her eyes widen, he knew she was beginning to understand. "Only a handful of snipers are trained to know that, and that speaks of someone highly intelligent. My only hope is that it is not one of ours..."

"Because you might know who did it", their eyes met, and he nodded.

"Oh, Booth", she stood and came to his side, her arms going around him tenderly, his own replying instantly, finding the comfort and peace he so badly needed, burying his nose in her hair, smelling her soft, feminine scent, letting it soothe his senses.

Her hand was rubbing his back rhythmically, going up and down, loosening his tense muscles. "The best we can do is wait for all the evidence to be brought up. It will do us no good to get unnecessarily worried without having all the facts", she said, and he tightened his hold on her body, knowing she was right, but unable to completely let go of his worry.

"I know, Bones, you're right, we can't get ahead of ourselves, but... I can't not worry", he said, and she kissed his temple.

"Booth, I know that is a part of your past that you can't leave behind somehow, but you are a good man, the best one I've met, and it hurts me deeply that you can't let go of the guilt you carry around", their eyes met, and she smiled softly at him, "It's time to turn a new page. You've never done anything wrong, and you have to remember that everything you did was in pursuit of the greater good. Doesn't your Bible speak of a "Lord of the armies"?", his eyes widened, and she smiled sheepishly, "I had to understand you somehow", he chuckled, and bent his head for a soft, tender kiss.

"It's amazing what you do to me. Even knowing you read the Bible so you could understand me is beyond me. Bones, whatever did I do to deserve someone like you?", he asked, and she shook her head.

"You were you, Booth. You stood by my side, you were my friend, my partner, through everything, you were... the man I loved, even before I found myself capable of giving myself to anyone, of trusting anyone deep enough to let go and let them in. You did that, Booth. SO, please, don't ever doubt yourself, because I don't", their lips met again, and time lost all meaning until the sound of a throat clearing broke them from the bubble they had wrapped themselves into. They turned their heads to see Max leaning against the door, with an indulgent smile on his face, one they had seen many times during these days whenever he found them together, and they smiled softly at him, not at all ashamed by their display of affection, and seeing the pleasure in Max's face that they were finally together.

Max had seen the whole scene from the terrace, and while his intent was never to spy on them, seeing the worry on Booth's face made him do so, concerned by everything that could threaten his daughter's happiness, but his worry eased as he saw them sweetly locked in a loving kiss. He had ached badly to see his daughter give her heart to the man he had always known she loved, and relieved because no matter their past, Max knew there wouldn't be a better man for his little girl, completely assured that only Booth matched him in the fierce protection and adoration he felt for the woman that had brought them together.

"Hey, guys. I was thinking I could make us some pasta, are you game?", the couple nodded, and Max, sensing they needed an outlet for the tension they were still carrying, decided to engage them in conversation, which seemed to flow, though slowly, until all that was left was the diluted worry of an ill-remembered and long forgotten fear.

Don't worry. I will post another chappie right away. This is getting heavy... Hope you're liking it... And where I'm taking it... Science is not my forte, but I hope I'm doing fine, and I'm honoring our show...