Disclaimer: I don't own Bones or anything to do with it, including any characters or places mentioned. I earn nothing for writing this. It's just for fun.

Chapter Five

Despite the fact that he had been in Bones' bedroom thousands of times before he felt oddly bashful as he raised his hand to knock on the door this morning. He wasn't sure exactly which this was. After all, nothing has changed between them, not really. Not yet at least. He knew that, even if they did, it wouldn't be the way he wanted. He tried to tell himself it was for the best.

"Bones, breakfast is ready," he called, trying to keep his voice soft. "Can I bring it in?"

"You may," the woman's voice answered. It sounded more cheerful than it had done before.

"Here ya go Bones," Booth grinned proudly as he brought in the tray on Spanish omelette, orange juice and a vase with an artificial flower in that he'd bought at the supermarket on the way back from taking Parker back to Rebecca's last night.

"Thank you Booth" Brennan replied sleepily as she heaved herself up into a sitting position so the tray could be placed on her lap.

That's 'kay Bones. I did it for you to prove that I care about you. Sorry about the lame flower though. I was going to buy you a bunch of your favourites, but I stupidly couldn't remember what they were..."

"Orchids," she supplied. "But that's okay because I don't I'm not sure I've ever told anyone at work that so I don't think that particular bit of memory loss has anything to do with your coma." She picked up her cutlery and began to eat. Her approval of the meal showed in her facial features. This made Booth's heart skip a beat. "This is lovely Booth. Thank you...and you don't need to worry yourself about your flower. This is already far more than I was expecting."

"Just what were you expecting Bones?"

The brunette stopped chewing for a second to think "I don't know. But I must confess that I have never heard of the idea of making someone you care about a meal before they have en got out of bed before." This time it was Booth's turn to be surprised.

"Really? Well, the idea is that you get up early so that you person you care about can have a little more time to sleep in bed. Except that part didn't really work today because I had to wake you up to get in here; but it's about sacrificing your own personal sleep in time so that they don't have to. It is seen as one of the easiest ways to show your care because sleeping in is was most people love to do. It is also a good way to say thank you to that person for all the hard work that they do for you if you know they wouldn't usually let you."

The light bulb clicked on in Brennan's head, " And because you have done it without them knowing, and they can't refuse if you've already gone to all that effort. It would be ungrateful and rude!"

"That's it!". Booth was excited that she was beginning to accept the simple things. "I'm glad you like the idea. And you've had a double bonus this morning, because you've been pampered and I taught you something new before your day has even started."

An obvious question hung on the man's lips but he was unsure if he should ask it. Brennan too seemed genuinely interested in the tradition he had opened her eyes to. Once again a silence fell over them. They had been through so many of these together, they usually no longer noticed. The clatter of the knife and fork been plopped back onto the plate made them both jump.

"Bones..."

"Yes?"

"...has no one really ever done this for you before?"

"No, never" the reply was so simple it stung Booth a little. Had no one ever really cared for his partner enough to do this, or had she never let them in far enough? He wasn't sure which answer was less upsetting.

"But you have a few special people in your life; I would have thought that they would have done it?"

"Those people aren't 'special to me' as you put it. They usually only come over when one of us is in need of a sexual release, that's all" she explained in that matter-of-fact tone of voice she used when discussing such topics that made Booth squirm.

"Usually they do not even stay the night. Quite honestly I cannot remember the last time I didn't spend the night alone." Her voice had its usual serious tone, but something in her eyes looked wistful. This was other side to Brennan that Booth had never seen. Normally, he loved seeing new sides to her and learning more about her life. However, he did not like this side of the mysterious Doctor Brennan. This side of her made him want to cry and he never wanted to see it again. He moved to hug her as he did when she was upset, but he caught himself in time and stopped.

She continued, "If I am truthful, I am not sure that I have ever been in a loving relationship. I am too scared to let anyone in that close because at some point in my life everyone always leaves. My mum and dad, Russ, Sully...I'm not sure what is it is about me. I think I am just unlovable, or not worthy of it at least. I must do something to cause people so much pain because there is clearly something that makes people have to run from me after a time. Maybe you will too." She mused. "Anyway, as nice as this is, I really do need to get ready for work."

Wow, Booth thought, There's still so much I don't know about her and all her emotional issues. I'm not sure I can deal with them. Not alone anyway. I don't want to make her snap.

Yes, he decided. There was only one thing for it. He was going to have to ask Sweets for advice. To do this, he would have to tell him everything. Sweets would not be happy.