Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! Y'all are just AWESOME! Your reviews float my boat! So, here's another chapter for ya! Slightly M-ish at the end. Enjoy!

Chapter 21

In two swift steps, he had covered the room and was kneeling by her side.

"Temperance," he pleaded stroking her hair away from her face. "What's wrong? What happened? Is it Ben?"

"Nothing," she gasped between sobs.

"C'mon Bones," he whispered settling down beside her and lifting her onto his lap, "calm down and let's talk about this."

He waited for her sobs to subside all the while massaging his thumbs back and forth over her arm.

"I'm scared Booth," she admitted through her tears. "I'm scared that Ben won't make it through this, but most of all I'm afraid of how much I love him."

"Bones," he sighed tightening his hold, "Ben's gonna make it through this and come out a stronger person because of your love."

"I can't do it by myself," she confessed. "I thought I could, but I can't. I'm a lousy parent. I just left Ben in that hospital alone, because…"

"You are not a lousy parent, Temperance," he asserted. "You have given that little boy more love, patience, understanding, and hope in the past five days than anyone has his entire life. You are an amazing parent."

She shook her head in disagreement. Catching her chin with his thumb and finger, he brought her eyes to his.

"Don't argue," he instructed.

"But I just don't know how much further I can go," she sounded so defeated.

Unsure of her reaction to his next comment, Booth fixed his gaze upon the far wall before speaking, "I know you, and I know you've got a lot still left, but I'm gonna be there the rest of the way. You don't have to go through this alone."

"I can't ask you to do that," she answered.

"You didn't," he reminded, "I offered and I'll be here if you want me."

"I never stopped wanting you."

His eyes snapped back meeting her stare.

"I'm sorry," he began.

"I didn't say that to trudge up your guilt," she interrupted. "I said it because it's the truth.

You know, I put up these walls to keep people out, but the walls don't keep out the pain. Ben has taught me to hold on to the best parts of life and, Booth, I want to hold on to you."

Lowering his head, he whispered against her lips, "I'm gonna hold on tight and never let go."

Pressing his lips to hers, he was certain he'd never felt anything as wonderful has her. He would have been content to hold her and kiss her for eternity, but the part of his brain that was not operating on urges reminded him that she needed rest not further exertion. Slowly he pulled his lips away, savoring every last second.

"You need to rest, Bones," he reminded as he ran his finger through her hair.

She nodded and made an effort to stand but was hindered by the strong arms that were wrapped around her waist.

"You, my dear," he said while climbing to his feet, "will be taken care of today."

With that he picked her up off her feet.

Making their way into her bedroom, he sat her on the edge of the bed.

"I'll go back downstairs," he stated as she stood from the bed.

"Umm.." she fumbled, "I mean…would you stay here with me?"

"Sure," charm smile and all in full effect as he plopped down on the bed.

Stepping into the bathroom, she slipped into a pair of pajama shorts and a tank top before catching her tired reflection in the mirror. She paused for a moment contemplating if there was anything to help the rough appearance. Deciding that it would take tons of concealer and possibly hours to fix the train wreck, she pulled the door open exiting the bathroom.

Booth had turned back the linens and sat in a hunched position at the foot of the bed. He was hopeful of the progress they seemed to have made, but he also knew Brennan well enough to know that with a clearer mind all things may change. As the door crept open, he raised his head to watch her delicate form move toward the bed. Standing from the bed, he reached out a hand and guided her under the blankets. Their eyes met as he lowered a kiss to her forehead.

"Sweet dreams," he whispered.

He started to pull away, but her hand wrapped around his tugging him back to her.

"Are you going to stay?" she muffled a yawn.

"Yes, Bones," he answered, "I'll stay."

He made his way around the bed, kicked off his shoes, and slid under the blankets. She had rolled onto her side facing him. Her mouth situated as if to say something, but her fluttering eyes and the overwhelming comfort of sleep was taking over.

"Bones," he whispered.

"Hummm?" she returned.

"Were you wanting to go back tonight or in the morning?" he asked brushing the stands of hair behind her ear.

"Have to..be…there..tonight…" her eyes closed as sigh escaped.

A smile lingered on his lips as he snuggled closer to her wrapping her in his arms.

ooOooOooOoo

Brennan began to stir ever so slightly waking Booth from his restful slumber. Taking a moment to adjust his eyes to the evening sun that was pouring through the window, Booth finally allowed his gaze to focus in on the beautiful woman in his arms. It was a sight he'd missed, longed for, for the past two years.

Peeling his eyes way from her peaceful face, he glanced at the harsh glowing red lights of her alarm clock; six o'clock. Mentally, Booth calculated travel time and dinner, realizing that would put them at the hospital somewhere around or before nine. Reaching down, he caressed her cheek as he tried to gently wake her.

"Bones," he soothed. "Bones."

She shifted under his arm only to snuggle closer, resting her forehead into his chest. Booth rolled his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh; this was doing nothing for his self control.

"Temperance," he sang and gave her a shake.

"Wh….at?" she yawned refusing to open her eyes.

"C'mon Bones, you've got to get up," he reasoned.

"I'm up," she claimed.

"Sure," he snickered. "You look wide awake."

"Okay, okay," she mumbled. "I'm up."

Rolling onto her back, she ran her hand over her eyes forcing them to open. Booth immediately missed the feeling of her body curled against his, but he also knew now was not the time for his wants.

"It's six o'clock, Temperance," his voice soft. "I figured by the time we left and got something to eat, we would be at the hospital around nine."

"Your right," she added. "I need to get up."

He wanted so badly to pull her back against him; letting her sleep until she was fully rested.

"Thanks for waking me, Booth," she gave a sleepy smile before retreating to the bathroom.

After grabbing a quick shower, she tossed her hair in a ponytail and pulled on a pair of sage green shorts and a dusty yellow top. She moved toward her closet and pulled down a duffel bag. Satisfied with the packed items, she slipped on a pair of shoes and sat down to make an important phone call.

"Give me some lovin'," Angela answered.

"Um, I think that's Jack's current obligation," Brennan stated somewhat confused.

"It's a…never mind Bren," she continued, "How's everything."

"Fine…not really, Ange," she confessed, "but I don't know what else to say."

"I understand," Ange tried to offer support.

"Sorry I haven't called much, but not much has changed," Brennan began, "It's just so chaotic. I feel so overwhelmed. Ben is going through so much and I'm not sure how to help."

"Do you want me to come down?" Angela asked.

"No," she answered, "Booth's here now and we're getting ready to head back to the hospital."

"If you need anything, call me, okay?" she pleaded. "Oh and Bren, Just being there is more than you'll ever know."

"Thanks Ange," Brennan smiled.

"Anytime."

Taking one last look around the room, she headed downstairs to find Booth.

Booth was sitting on the couch flipping through the local channels when Brennan appeared at the bottom steps.

"Hey there," he threw her a smile.

"Hi," she replied with a smile of her own shifting the bag to the opposite hand. "Thought it might be a good idea to pack a bag."

"Always thinking," he stated heading in her direction.

He lifted the bag from her grasp and opened the door leading her out to his SUV.

ooOooOooOoo

Hand in hand they walked into Ben's room just before nine o'clock. He was sleeping just like clock work.

"Poor guy," Booth's voice hushed as he pulled a chair along side Brennan's. "He's finally getting some rest. Maybe it'll be a good night."

Tempe shook her head realizing Booth had absolutely no idea.

As if an alarm was set, Ben woke up about thirty minutes later hungry as usual. The routine had begun.

Booth watched in complete and utter shock as Brennan anticipated Ben every move, every need. By the time morning came and Ben was finally asleep, he looked at this amazing woman in awe. He realized he loved her more now than ever before, and he wouldn't let her go through this alone, not one day.

Ben had been sleeping for about two hours when Kate popped in on her rounds.

"You look better," she whispered to Temperance.

Brennan gave her a smile as she nodded toward Ben, "How'd he do yesterday?"

"The usual," Kate replied. "He was glad you went home to rest. He was starting to worry about you."

Brennan dropped her head and starred at the floor as she blinked away the tears that welled up in her eyes.

"He's gonna make," Kate encouraged. "He's a fighter."

Booth rubbed his hand across the top of hers hoping to help calm the emotions that threatened to spill over. Sandwiching his hand between her own, she gave a quick smile as her eyes rested on him.

The room had grown very quiet with the exception of the monitors that hummed and beeped their presence known. Brennan had dozed off using Booth's shoulder as a pillow and considering the circumstances he couldn't have been happier. The two people he loved most in the world were safe and resting peacefully. He was a lucky man to know them; to get the chance to love them.

Brennan stirred slightly rolling her head to rest against the back of her chair. While Booth would've gladly stayed there all day, he was relieved to find the opportunity to make an important phone call. Slipping out of the room, he dialed an all too familiar number.

"Cullen," barked the voice.

"Sir," he answered, "this is Booth."

"Ah, yes, I was just by your office," replied Cullen.

"Well, that was my reason for calling," he stated. "I've had a family emergency to come up and I will be taking the next week off, sir."

"Family emergency, huh?" questioned Cullen.

"Yes sir," answered Booth.

"Well, give Dr. Brennan my best. Oh and Booth, I hope Ben pulls through this," he replied.

"But sir," Booth paused, "How did you know?"

"I called the Jeffersonian looking for you and Dr. Brennan," he explained. "I guess Ms. Montenegro felt it necessary to give some perspective to an individual who might have been a little too demanding."

Booth smiled as the scene unfolded in his mind. He'd have to call Angela later.

"I see, sir," Booth remarked. "I should have told you myself."

"Not important, Booth," he replied. "I'll see you in a week."

Booth stepped back into the room to find Brennan awake looking through the same anthropology magazine she brought with her on Wednesday.

"Still reading that thing," he asked; his voice barely above a whisper.

She smiled before avoiding the question, "I thought you'd left."

"Nope, I'm not going anywhere," he announced sitting beside her.

"What about work," she questioned.

"I have the next week off," he replied with a smug grin.

"But Booth, I can't ask you to stay here," she whispered.

"You didn't," he answered. "And neither are you."

"What do you mean," her voice full of concern. "I'm not leaving Ben."

"There's a hotel right across the street," Booth explained. "After Ben gets his treatment and goes back to sleep, Kate will be here so you and I are going to get some rest and we'll be right back here by nine to stay with Ben."

"But you didn't bring a change of clothes," she reminded.

"Bones, I'm a FBI agent," he explained. "I always have a change of clothes."

For the first time, she felt some relief.

ooOooOooOoo

The pair grew closer with every passing day. Booth became part of the routine that comforted and cared for Ben. He also became the rock that Brennan could rely on; the person he wanted to be for her.

Friday had been Ben's last treatment and true to routine the pair stayed until it was over and returned to spend the night caring for their little boy. Saturday provided some change to the usually strict routine – no treatment. Kate appeared just like clockwork, Ben was already asleep.

"Why don't you two go on and get some rest," she suggested. "If something changes, I'll call."

Brennan contemplated the offer for a moment before looking to Booth.

"Your call," he stated.

"I think it would be a good idea," she answered.

Kate smiled as she watched the pair leave the room hand in hand.

"You know what kiddo," she whispered to Ben. "You may get a dad out of this too."

Kate turned not noticing the smile in the corner of Ben's lips.

ooOooOooOoo

At the hotel, Booth and Brennan climbed into bed just like they had for the past several days. Usually they talked until Temperance fell asleep, but today everything seemed different. Today they had survived.

"Thank you," she said rolling over to face him.

"You don't need to thank me,' he stated tracing her jaw line with his finger tip.

"I couldn't have made it with out you," she confessed.

"Yes you could," he answered.

"Booth," her voice lowered.

"Yes?"

"Kiss me."

"Absolutely," he grinned.

He leaned down capturing her face with his hands. She reached out to him kissing him with passion born out of fear, survival, and love. He kissed her with the strength and passion of a man who knew where he belonged. Tugging the buttons on his shirt through the confining fabric, she finally managed to free him of the bundle some article. Pushing her shirt up her body and over her head, he relished in the satin of her skin. Through their exploration, they managed to rid each other of the binding garments that obstructed their final goal. Lying there, Booth remembered how it felt to be loved by this woman.

"Temperance…,"

He couldn't stop touching her, feeling her, kissing her. She reached up and brought him to her.

"I need you…I want you, Seeley," she moaned against his mouth.

As he slid into her, there were tears in their eyes. Not for the pain or loss of the past two years, but what they had finally found together.

Good? Bad? Awful? C'mon give me something. Very worried about the ending of the chapter. Hope it wasn't too terrible.