"I was so glad that you came to get me."
"I will always come get you, Bones."
Booth immediately realized his mistake and started to apologize.
"Temperance, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that. It just... flew out of my mouth. I didn't mean to hurt you."
I can't imagine not being allowed to call her that for the rest of my life.
But if she can't handle it I sure as hell won't make her.
But Booth was wrong.
For the first time since the rape she hadn't reacted to that word. She'd heard something on the hallway.
We may be running out of time.
She turned her attention back at Booth, who was in the middle of his apology.
"flew out of my mouth. I didn't mean to hurt you."
"Say it again."
Booth looked at her. The pain written all over his face.
I really must have hurt her, if she needs to hear the apology twice.
But I can't stand to see her in pain.
And I will do anything to avoid causing her that pain.
So he started to repeat his apology.
"Tempe, look. I'm really sorry okay? I..."
She interrupted his apology.
"Booth? What are you doing?"
He looked at her. He was confused.
"Well, uh, you said you wanted to hear the apology again, so..."
She shook her head.
"That is not what I said. I said that I would like you to say it again."
"Say what again?"
"Bones."
She stated matter of factly.
Booth felt his stomach do a flilpflop.
It was the same feeling he had when she'd permitted him to take the keys.
It was a feeling of unconditionnal trust.
"Are you sure?"
His voice came out shakier than he intended. But he didn't really care.
She's finally letting me in.
He felt as if a huge burden had been lifted of his shoulders.
"Yes."
She nodded.
But he still didn't understand.
"Why?"
"Because it is your nickname for me.
"That is why you have to say it."
"It's ours and it is time to take it back."
Nothing would have made him happier at that moment.
Maybe she can feel the connection between us. The one we've been to scared to acknowledge.
Well, we've already waited to long. I have to show her that she can trust me and that special bond that is ours only.
"Close your eyes."
She did.
Just say it, Seeley. Let her know. Say: I love you Bones. And your mine. No matter what anyone says.
He never got a chance.
The moment he opened his mouth to tell her, the door opened and number two walked in.
She was expecting Booths warm, soft, husky voice to call her Bones.
Instead she heard Number Two.
"Bones, you better be ready for this."
She wasn't.
Her body reacted violently. She started shaking and shivering as if she had just been electrocuted.
Booth felt angry, helpless and worried.
There was nothing he could do to help her.