As promised, here's a new oneshot to go along with the new season. I've already got one for "Boot" brewing too.

Gum

"Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more." -Erica Jong

Loving

Booth paced the floor of the ER waiting room for the hundredth time, alternately cursing himself for not getting to her before the crazy cult doc could stab her and thanking God that he had gotten there when he did in time to save her.

He couldn't take it any longer and he blew past the nurses with a quick flash of his badge and began hunting her down. She was just hopping down off of one of the beds and the doc who was seeing to her offered his hand to steady her.

"You okay, Bones?" he covered the distance between them quickly, sliding a possessive hand around to rest on his place on her back.

"I'm fine," she assured him, holding up her arm to show him the flesh-colored bandage that now covered the stab wound, "It only took a few stitches."

"Look at that," he grinned, "you can barely see it."

"I've informed Dr. Brennan that she should take the pain medication as needed and refrain from overusing her arm," the doctor addressed Booth directly, "Call right away if she experiences any light-headedness or nausea."

"Got it," Booth said, cutting off Bones' reply and steering her out of the room, "Com' on, Bones, let's go find some friendly furniture for you to rest on."

"I'm perfectly capable walking under my own power," she scolded him, "and it's you who is prone to odd side-effects when taking your medication."

"Yeah, I know," he said, "just, lemme do this, okay?"

She nodded, slowing down so that he could return his hand to her lower back as they walked toward his SUV, "This is not your fault. In fact, if anything you saved me."

"Avalon sent me," he muttered, brushing off the thanks.

"Regardless, I am grateful for your assistance," she gave him a small smile, melting his heart just a tiny bit more.

He regarded her in the yellow glare of the streetlights, thinking that it didn't matter what light she was in, she still looked beautiful to him.

"I-" he started, remembering his conversation with Avalon about the difference between his brain and his heart, but wimping out before he could follow through, "I'm glad you're okay, Bones."

She gave him a long look like she knew he was hiding something but couldn't figure out what it was.

"I am, Booth," she repeated, "I'm fine."

The drive was silent, but it wasn't the awkward kind and soon enough he was dropping her off at her apartment.

"Call me, you know, if you feel lightheaded or anything," he said, standing just outside of her door as she unlocked it.

"I will," she promised.

He gave her a little wave and she waved in return and he headed out to the parking lot. From the SUV he watched as the little shadow he knew was his Bones moved around her apartment and he cursed his cowardice.

The next time they were alone- no matter what happened- he would tell her how he felt. How he really felt. That he loved her. And maybe, just maybe, she would feel the same way too.