It's been awhile, so this one is lengthy. I hope you enjoy!

----

They danced around the subject from then on. No one mentioned the letters, or any of the other events of that night. It was funny how easy it was to avoid things if you just focused your efforts, Booth realized. Even though that night and that stupid recipe box consumed most of his thoughts, he pushed it back when she was around, throwing himself into his cases with urgency- even more so than usual.

She, too, was either a phenomenal actress or wasn't thinking about the notes at all, because she was exactly how she always was. It surprised him that there was no strain in their relationship, and he seemed to be the only one making a forced effort to keep things normal.

He had moved out of her apartment and back into his own just a few days after the night they had baked cookies, and he had a feeling she was as grateful for that as he was. He couldn't decide, however, if he was relieved or disappointed- probably a little of both.

He realized that he had been playing pretend- telling himself that waking up in her apartment, drinking coffee with her in the morning, constantly seeing her outside of work was his life, that it was the norm. And he had liked it, a lot. But now he was back at his own place, very much alone.

He prowled around his apartment restlessly.

----

Brennan was glad to have Booth out of her apartment. It had been just a little uncomfortable, after that night, though she tried valiantly to keep things exactly the same. Booth didn't seem uncomfortable with her at all. That was good, although sometimes she'd catch him looking at her longer than necessary, or staring into the distance, unconsciously tuning out what she said.

She bit her tongue every time she had the urge to ask about his notes; she wanted him to bring it up. Which he didn't, so she assumed he didn't want her to read them. It didn't seem like Booth to keep silent about it, though. She felt sure he wanted to read hers, and it surprised her that he could keep it to himself. When Booth wanted something, sometimes he was relentless in his pursuit to get it, whatever it was. In this case, she had assumed he would badger her until she relented, letting him read hers if she could read his. He didn't pester her at all, however, and she found herself a little bit disappointed.

The morning after the cookie baking and discovery of the notes, she had paced her office until she was frustrated and confused, then sought out Cam. Generally she didn't go to her boss for advice, but for some reason, she found herself walking to her office.

Cam looked up when she knocked, still working on paperwork, looking frustrated.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you." Brennan had said, turning to leave.

"No! Dr. Brennan, I'm sorry… it's fine. I could use the distraction." the woman had replied, getting up from her desk. "Let's walk."

Brennan followed her out onto the platform and then up to the lounge. She busied herself making tea while Cam sat in one of the plush armchairs, looking at her. "Did you need something?"

"No, I was just stretching my legs." Brennan replied. "Would you like some tea?"

"Sure, thanks." Cam replied, stretching out and adjusting the chair so she could set her feet on the seat next to hers.

Brennan finished making the tea in silence, then handed a mug to her boss and took a seat across from her.

The two women sipped for a few minutes, not saying anything.

Brennan decided to break the silence. She leaned forward and said, "I think Booth has feelings for me."

Cam nodded, but said nothing. Brennan was glad for the moment that she was having this conversation with Cam and not Angela.

"Sweets told us we should write down nice things about each other, and I did, and last night I found out he's been doing the same thing."

If Cam was confused, she didn't let on. "Really?" she said between sips.

"It was supposed to be an exercise to remind us of the things we value in each other. Booth despises therapy, so I assumed he wouldn't complete the exercise. But he has been, just like me, for months now."

"That doesn't really surprise me." Cam told her. "How do you know?"

"He showed me one last night. Actually, I told him about mine, first…" she trailed off. She didn't really want to tell Cam why she had told him about them- to stop him from kissing her.

"Are you guys going to read each other's?" Cam asked.

"I don't know… I guess I'll just wait and see if Booth asks. I'm sure he will."

"Maybe. Do you want to read his?"

Brennan didn't answer right away. She did, yes. But part of her knew that was a very, very bad idea. She didn't want to confirm what she already suspected- that Booth believed he was in love with her.

"Perhaps. I can't really decide. Of course I'm curious, but it might feel…invasive."

"Invasive? How would it be invasive if he gave you permission?" When Brennan said nothing, Cam said, "Would he feel as though he were invading your privacy if he read yours?"

"I wouldn't venture to say how he would feel." was her reply. Would he? She wasn't sure.

"Why are you here, Dr. Brennan?" Cam asked.

"I'm…writing, Dr. Saroyan." It sounded like an excuse, even to her ears. Probably because it was.

"Well, I hope it's coming along well." Cam stood up. "This tea is excellent, thank you."

She walked away. Coming to the top of the stairs, she turned, looking at Brennan. "Have a little faith in Booth, ok?"

----

I'm finding it hard to continue, I just can't decide where to go next! This chapter was iffy, so feedback (positive AND negative) is highly appreciated. Please let me know what you thought. I wasn't sure about it, but you're all kind and I figured I'd post it and could always come back to edit it if necessary. Thanks!
Hanna