Let me just say...THANK YOU! Y'all's reviews are simply the best. So, I thought I'd give ya another chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 20

Brennan rushed to Ben's side. He was huddled into a ball; his arms wrapped around his stomach.

"It hurts, Tempe," he cried, "It really hurts."

"Shh," she soothed sitting on the side of the bed and pressing the nurse's call button.

Kate rushed through the door moments later.

"What's wrong Ben?" she asked approaching the bed.

"My stomach, it hurts," tears streaked his face.

Reaching for the pink plastic pan, she questioned, "Do you feel like you're gonna throw up?"

"I don't know," he whimpered.

Kate gave a reassuring glance to Brennan, "Don't worry this is very common. Vomiting or severe stomach cramps are nothing out of the ordinary. Just keep the pan close by and I'll get some warm blankets. If it's just stomach cramps, sometimes warm blankets will help."

"Thank you," Brennan added before Kate retreated from the room.

She returned moments later to see Ben more settled. Brennan was caressing his back and humming the closest tune to a lullaby that she knew – Keep On Trying. Kate folded the blanket several times before wrapping it around Ben's middle. The combination was beginning to work a little magic as Ben's eyes began to flutter.

"The warmer is right across the hall. Works basically like a microwave," whispered Kate.

Brennan gave a 'thank you' smile along with a nod never interrupting the words to the song.

Once Ben's eyes were softly shut and his breathing evened out, Brennan moved off the bed and into the close-by chair. Situating herself as comfortably as possible, she picked up the magazine and attempted to concentrate. Concentration seemed to escape her unless in was on the six year old lying in the bed next to her. She simply couldn't take her eyes off him; too afraid that if she did he would disappear. Total illogical, but unfortunately she had some experience in the illogical effects of six year old boys.

Minutes passes then hours, Ben still slept and the soup he'd been brought for supper was cool to the touch. Kate had been by to check on him before her shift was over. She instructed Temperance to call the nurse's station when Ben woke up. They would check his vitals and bring in some pudding and Jell-O. Brennan was grateful for Kate; she wasn't certain if she would have made it through today if it hadn't been for her.

Brennan's eyes started to close when the gentle buzz of her phone pulled her back. She gave Ben imaginary hair a quick brush with her hand before stepping just outside the door.

"Brennan," her sleepy tone evident.

"Hey, it's me," Booth sounded equally tired.

"How'd everything go?" she asked.

Sighing, he answered, "Fine. We were just there as a precaution. Of course precaution also comes with a lot of paperwork."

"I can imagine," she whispered as she peeked in to check on Ben.

"How's Ben?" he questioned. "I heard him before I left; it didn't sound good."

"Side effects from the chemo," she replied. "He's resting now, but earlier the stomach cramps were awful."

"How are you holding up?" his concerned ever present.

"Fine, just tired," she stated looking at her watch. "I didn't realize it was almost ten o'clock."

"I know Bones," he admitted. "I hate it took this long, but I can leave the rest for tomorrow and come and get you."

"No," she soothed, "don't come and get me. It's only 12 more hours til his next treatment and 4 of those would be spent on the road. Isn't worth it. You stay in DC tonight, and we'll talk in the morning."

"Are you sure?" he questioned. Knowing full well that he'd gladly drive anywhere for her, but he was also glad to entertain the thought of going home and to bed.

"I'm sure," she answered. "Go get some rest. I'll talk to you later."

With a sigh, she snapped her phone shut and reenter Ben's room. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the restless form.

"Shh," she soothed, "it's okay, I'm right here."

Ben opened his eyes focusing in on Tempe.

"I'm hungry," his voice rough from sleep.

Temperance smiled. It was the best news she'd heard all day.

Following Kate instructions, she called the nurses' station. Within a matter of seconds, a nurse was there check Ben's vitals and chatting away to the little boy. When she finished all the necessary tasks, she asked the all important question.

"Is there anything I can get for you?"

"I'm hungry," stated Ben.

Looking around the room she spotted Ben's untouched supper.

"How 'bout I warm this up for you?" she gestured to the covered bowl.

Ben didn't speak.

"Kate mentioned something about pudding or Jell-O," Brennan chimed in.

"Well, that would probably be fine, but I think the soup would be a much better option," she replied picking up the bowl. "I'll be right back."

Returning moments later, she set the warm bowl on to the tray scooting it closer to Ben.

"There ya go," she smiled walking toward the door. "If there's anything else I can do, just yell."

Ben's stomach rumbled and although soup wasn't exactly what he wanted, he was too hungry to argue.

"Want some help," she inquired.

"Please," he answered.

Brennan patted his hand as she stood. Talking the lid off the green colored tumbler, she began stirring the soup and blowing at the steam that was rising up from the brown liquid. Placing a napkin across Ben's chest, she then scooped up a spoonful of the soup and placed it near his lips. Much to Ben's surprise the soup didn't taste as bad as expected and before long he had finished most of the bowl.

"Ugh," he grunted as Brennan raised another spoonful to his lips.

"What's wrong?" she questioned with concern as she return the spoon to its tray.

Ben couldn't answer. Seeing his cheeks growing, Brennan suddenly had her answer and reached quickly for the plastic pan still setting on the night stand.

Moments later Ben was curled into a ball, tears running down his face. Temperance dashed across the hall and returned with a warmed blanket. Wrapping it around his middle, Brennan sat on the edge of the bed and repeated the same routine as earlier.

ooOooOoo

As the sun peeked its sleepy head through the blinds of the hospital room, Ben's eyes finally conceded to rest. Brennan was still perched on the edge of the bed daring not to move until certain sleep had taken over the little boy. Finally satisfied that he was resting peacefully, she slipped off the bed and into the hard vinyl chair. She had closed her eyes for the briefest of moments before the door flew open.

"Breakfast!" shouted the orderly.

"Shhh," hushed Brennan pointing to Ben.

The orderly gave an embarrassed grin, sat the tray down, and disappear into the hallway.

Temperance readjusted herself in the seat and closed her eyes once more. As luck would have it, the door squeaked opened again. Admitting defeat, Brennan abandoned her semi-comfortable state as she gazed upon the intruder.

"Didn't mean to wake you," Kate commented with a hushed tone.

"Can't sleep anyway," replied Brennan looking down at her watch.

"How was last night?" she inquired.

"Awful," answered Brennan.

Kate gave an understanding and sympathetic nod, "I hate to be the barer of bad news, but it probably won't get any better."

"I guess that's to be expected," Brennan returned.

"When did he finally go to sleep?" Kate asked looking down at his pale features.

"Maybe a half hour ago," Brennan guessed. "Will you have to wake him for the treatment?"

"No, but he'll probably wake up when I start getting everything set up," she answered. "Have you gotten any sleep?"

"A little," she lied.

"Well, I'll leave you alone. Be back in a little bit to get everything set up," she whispered as she silently slipped from the room.

Realizing that 'little bit' would be in about 45 minutes, Brennan opted to make a few phone calls and stretch her legs. Crossing the room, she quietly pushed open the door and stood just outside Ben's room. Brennan pulled the phone from her pocket and lingered at the buttons before dialing.

"Dr. Goodman," came the assertive voice on the other end.

"Dr. Goodman, it's Dr. Brennan," she replied trying to shake the sleepiness from her voice.

"Aw yes, Dr. Brennan. So glad you called," his voice had an underlying tone of irritability.

"The reason for the call was to inform you that I will be taking the next two weeks off…personal matters," she replied.

"I see," he annunciated, "Would you care to elaborate on said personal matters?"

"I would not," she answered.

"Yes, well," he began, "I will expect to see you back at the Jeffersonian in two weeks and on time, I might add. By then I expect this personal matter to be cleared up or at least an explanation that leaves less to the imagination."

"Yes, sir," she stated ending the call.

Closing her eyes, she leaned against the cool plaster wall before opening the phone once more.

"Booth," came the muffled voice.

"Did I wake you?" she questioned.

"No, just had my mouth full," he explained.

Although she was exhausted and hungry for that matter too, she couldn't help but let a smile escape her lips as she pictured the whole scene.

"How's Ben?"

"He's hanging in there," she answered, "But last night was terrible."

"I'm sorry," was the only thing he knew to say. "You want me to come down?"

"No, that's okay," she lied again. "I know you're swamped with paperwork from last night and Cullen would probably be pissed if you disappeared."

"If nothing comes up, I'll try to come down tonight, okay?" he pleaded.

"That would be nice," she replied, "but if you do get a case, you know you're with Zach, right? I called Goodman and told him I'd be on leave for the next two weeks."

"Well, let's just hope we don't get a case," he smirked.

"I've got to go, Booth," she avoided his last comment. "Ben should be getting prepped for his treatment."

"I'll talk to you later, Bones, Bye"

With that she waltzed back into the room bracing for the next hurdle.

ooOooOoo

Carbon copies would be the best words to explain the following three days. Booth had indeed gotten a case; the much needed relief Brennan sought was trying hard not to kill Zach. The side effects from the chemo caused Ben's body to confuse his nights and days, and like any knew mother, Brennan's naps were always interrupted; keeping her from some much need rest.

Ethan was planning a nice relaxing day of golf, and wanted to make his rounds before beginning a care free day. Ethan's timing for rounds was sporadic to say the least. In his particular field though it didn't seem to matter, no one left their child alone to face the effects of treatment on their own. Ethan was surprise to always see Temperance, though, and became concerned knowing all too well the grueling schedule and emotional strain. When he stepped into Ben's room at four on Sunday morning, he was heartbroken by the view before him. Temperance was softly caressing Ben's back; her hum barely covering the sobs escaping his body.

"Temperance," Ethan whispered, "you've got to get some rest."

"I will. Ben will be asleep," she paused to glance at her watch," in about an hour."

"You can't keep this up," Ethan stated firmly. "You need some real rest."

Brennan just nodded as she continued to hum. Exiting Ben's room, Ethan immediately whipped out his cell and flipped open Ben's chart.

"Booth," he yawned into the phone.

Booth and Zach had finally wrapped up the case late Saturday afternoon and Booth found himself keeping late hours questioning and finally arresting a suspect Saturday night. All he wanted to do was get some sleep before the drive to see Ben and Brennan on Sunday. He was certain they would be a sight for sore eyes.

"Seeley, it's Ethan Johnson, Ben's doctor," he quickly stated.

"Ben!" he stuttered fully awake now, "Is he okay? What's wrong?"

"Ben is fine," he assured, "It's Temperance I'm concerned about."

"Bones?" he questioned. "Why?"

"She's exhausted," he stated matter-or-factly. "I'm not certain how much she's rested in the past four days or how much she's eaten, but I can assure you it's probably just the bare minimum to keep her body functioning. She needs to go home and rest."

"On my doc," were his only words before ending the call.

True to his word, Booth arrived at the hospital in under the usual two hour travel time. He methodically made his way to Ben's room quietly opening the door. Kate was jotting notes in the chart when she heard the door open. She immediately placed her finger over her mouth before pointing to a sleeping Ben and Brennan. Booth tip toed ever silently to Kate's side.

"I'm here to take her home," he whispered.

"No you're not," came Temperance's tired voice.

"I think that's an excellent idea," commented Kate.

Brennan opened her eyes ever so slowly. The dark circles almost looked painful and the sparkle that use to reside on the edges of blue was gone.

"Kate you know I can't leave," she pleaded. "Who'll be here when he gets his treatment."

"Me," she replied. "Dr. Johnson has left strict instructions for me to spend my shift with Ben."

"See, it's all taken care of Bones," he flashed his charm smile.

Brennan sat pondering the situation before reluctantly giving in to their persuasions. Standing, she bent over and kissed Ben's hand avoiding the now extremely sensitive scalp. She whispered in his ear before turning to Kate.

"Don't worry," Kate interrupted before the words left Brennan's mouth. "If anything happens, I'll call, promise."

Giving a tired smile she let Booth lead her out of the room and down the hall; his hand wrapped securely around her waist.

Brennan slept the entire two hour journey back to her place completely unaware of the stolen glances from Booth. Upon arrival at her place, Booth did a quick retrieval of her house keys before effortlessly lifting her out of the SUV and into his arms. Unlocking the door with ease, he quietly shut the door behind him before carrying her sleeping form up the stairs and to her room. He was surprised when she didn't stir as he placed her on the bed and removed her shoes. Covering her with the cashmere throw, he slipped out of the room and back downstairs.

He wasn't sure how long he'd been asleep, or what exactly had interrupted his slumber, but he knew something wasn't quite right. Listening, he finally realized. He bolted up the stairs, checking her room first and finding it empty he turned down the hallway toward Ben's room. That's where he found her; curled into a ball in the floor crying.

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