Well bonjour, Boneo-Goers! Few things:

One, this starts off in Season 8 because, for some reason, I can't find the stories I have on my phone for Season 7. Agghhh, I know. Big time jump, forgive me. I hope I didn't accidentally delete them all somehow. Phones can be very frustrating. Urgh, I will try my best! Just keep reading for when things take place. I'm sorry!

Two, I just thought I'd make a comment that, WOW! I'm liking these reviews, guys. Loving, in fact. People keep telling me my disclaimers are funny. And I'm loving this Muli-Chapter Fic. Woop!

Three, as I check my reviews 24/7, two people so far have asked me for Brennan having a craving. Well, people, sorry to say that that was one of my Season 7 stories. I KNOW. You have my permission to throw the tomatoes; I won't even be a moving target. Lots of shit was in that Season 7 set, I had like 6 stories, since not many came to mind for the short season it was. Although I will say that the craving has something to do within the first two chapters of this FF. The Oreos, remember? That comes up in my Season 8 stuff a little. ;)

Wow, kay, lots of A/N stuff. This was probably longer than this opening story for Season 8 is going to be. But enjoy! Remember, you guys are awesome. Stay beautacious.

Disclaimer: The only thing I own is the dance floor when I walk up in the club. No, I'm lying. Not even that. I don't own shit, guys.

Home

Takes place after The Future in the Past.

After what happened with Pelant at the Bureau, Booth ushered Brennan out of there and high-tailed it to the SUV. They were home in less then twenty minutes and thanked Max for being there while Christine was asleep. After Brennan insisted that he take some leftover dinner home with him, he was gone and both partners sighed after the long day they'd had.

As much as Booth would have liked to finish what they'd started nearly an hour ago, the moment had been officially ruined by Caroline's call. They had all the time in the world now anyway. He was just glad that she was home, and eve more so to hear her say the exact words herself. She was under their roof, the roof they built together for their family, and really, the feel of her so close to him after so long was more than enough physical contact.

After they got home they puttered around the kitchen, neither bothering for whiskey or wine like usual. Brennan did the dishes like she always did, like she'd never left. And Booth locked the front and back doors, heading into the living room afterward to pick up Christine's toys. When she'd finished the dishes, she said she'd be in their room and he nodded, doing one last sweep of the downstairs area before turning off the lights and heading up himself.

He walked past Christine's room, only to find it was practically wide open, allowing the light from the hallway to pour in. He normally kept her door just open ajar; just a crack. Booth took a step just inside the room enough to see his partner, leaned over the crib and peering down at her daughter. One arm leaned on the top wooden rail while the other adjusted tiny stuffed animals randomly.

A smile plastered on his face, he padded into the room, startling her when he placed a hand on her back and leaned over with her. "Just me," he calmed her. "What are you doing in here?"

She never looked at him as she gazed down at her daughter. "Thinking. Watching her sleep helps." It was like she had eyes in the back of her head, because when he gave a confused look, she shook her head and clarified, "Strange, I know. But it's like when she sleeps there's automatic peace."

He guessed he understood that. It was probably the feeling of having a baby in your arms then finding out it had fallen asleep and realizing that you were suddenly tired yourself. "What're you thinking about?"

"Pelant." Gee, go figure. "My time away. I know you-" she shifted her feet, watching the way Christine's small chest rose and fell. "I know you hate that."

"Yeah, but Bones," he pressed to her side and she got the message, standing up to face him, closely. "You're home now. Christine, she's safe. And Pelant-"

"Won. He won tonight."

"Shh," he shushed her at her raised voice, mindful of the baby. "Only if that's how you see it, Bones."

She shook her head, dejected. Seemingly at an internal thought. "Marigold. . ."

"Hey, stop it." He lifted her chin so she met his eyes. "It doesn't mean anything." Although in saying that, they both were aware of the opposite of that statement being abundantly true. It most definitely meant something, but only the sick mastermind himself knew exactly what.

She'd known him long enough to just go with it. Even though what he said wasn't true, he meant that it didn't mean anything now.

"Okay?"

She nodded, leaning in to him and pressing her forehead to his. "Okay."

"Come on," he kissed her forehead and took her hand. He squeezed it gently then let go, knowing she'd follow him. "Time for some shut-eye. It's been a long day."

"Booth," she said once they'd gotten in their room and he'd kicked the door so it lay open just a crack. She sighed. "I-"

Before she could say anything he cut her off. "Bones I know what you're going to say and – by the sound of your voice – it's going to be an apology. Don't say anything, just," he turned her around so she faced their bed and pulled the coat she wore off her shoulders and tossed it in the dirty laundry. "Y'know, relax, enjoy being home and go to sleep."

She turned back to him, a small smile on her face. "Well, it is nice to be home."

He sighed at the apology heavy in her eyes at that statement. Sorry she left. Sorry she'd lied. Sorry she'd taken Christine. He knew he should be mad, – maybe that would come later – but he didn't feel it today. Not now, not her first day home, and certainly not before he'd gotten her in his arms once again. "Come here." He pulled her in by her hands and engulfing her in his arms.

Her head on his shoulder, she nodded. Probably at an internal thought, his effort to further comfort her, or agreeing to needing it. "I missed you." She breathed, holding back emotion.

"I know. You may've said that before at the crappy motel."

"No but I really," she sighed, closing her eyes. "really missed you. Missed this. Contact."

Booth held her tighter. "I missed you, too, Bones. So much." He thought back to when they'd almost torn each other apart in the motel, how he himself was about to punch her in the face before the familiar features surrounded by unfamiliar blond caught his eye.

"Come on." he kissed the top of her head. "Time for bed."

They both changed, turned off the bedside lamps and got comfortable under their blankets. It wasn't long before she was sound asleep in his arms, leaving Booth to just feel that she was actually there. Home. Where she belonged.

GAAAAAAAAAHHHH! *throws computer across the room* I need those other stories!

Would you guys rather I waited to post the Season 8 stuff, or do you not care? Like I said, unless it's a Part One-Part Two chapter, the fics have nothing to do with one another, so I could do some Season 8 and Season 7 randomly. (IF I EVER FIND IT) Until you guys let me know, I'll continue with what I can currently find. *mutters* God dammit.