V.
Blinking against the burning in her eyes, Brennan bent over the autopsy table. She was tired to death, but intent on giving the pale bones lying in front of her the concentration they deserved. After a brief shower she had decided that going back to sleep was futile and had headed to the Jeffersonian. It was still early, and she welcomed the quiet atmosphere in the lab. Whenever she moved, the tendons in her thighs protested in pain, reminding her of the former night and the way she had clung to Booth's body. It was an exquisite ache, and she welcomed it.
Seeley Booth was a skilled lover, and Brennan wasn't overly surprised that they were as compatible in that department as they were in everything else. When she had knocked at his door last night, she had come in expectation of a satisfying sexual encounter. However, what she hadn't expected was the tenderness she had felt for him.
Brennan had never been one to hug and cuddle, but last night she had sought and found comfort in his arms long after their passion had been sated. She, who had struggled with insomnia for a while now, had fallen asleep almost immediately as his arms had closed around her.
Sleeping with Booth wasn't an experience she could compartmentalize at all; the way she had reacted to his name had been proof enough for that. He wasn't just a man she had chosen to spend a night with – he was her partner, the one who knew her as "Bones". Who had renamed her, soothed her tears, rescued her from grave danger. He was one of the constants of her life, and sleeping with a man who meant that much to her could never be just sex.
The realization came late, and she didn't know what to make of it, yet.
Brennan rolled her neck and sighed as her cervical vertebrae cracked. The intention of their experiment had been to find out if she and Booth were stopping each other from finding happiness with other people... or if there was a deeper meaning to their relationship. So far she felt no desire to resume the dating-others-part of the experiment, but the idea of going out with Booth again created a jolt of pleasure.
She heard footsteps in the hallway behind her and turned her head to find out who dared to intrude on her early morning musings. Standing there with only a hint of a smile on his face was her partner, and immediately her body tensed. He held a coffee in his hand and gestured for her to take it. The paper cup warmed her fingers, and some of the stiffness left her.
"Good morning."
"Good morning yourself. You left."
Booth thought about waking up that morning; the sheets rumpled and her scent still on his pillow, but Temperance Brennan nowhere to be seen. He had been unable to shake off the feeling of distinct loss.
"I did, but I told you I would."
"And I told you to stay."
He bowed his head, not wanting to look into her eyes at his next question.
"Did you run?"
She felt the pain of his insecurities and took a step in her partner's direction.
"No. I don't know. Maybe."
His shoulders slumped.
"Bones, I have to know. Are you still okay with this?"
"Booth... Look at me, please."
Brennan bent her knees slightly until her tilted head was able to catch his eyes.
"Last night was wonderful and unlike everything I've experienced so far. I had to process what that meant. And I really had to go home and change my clothes."
"Did you process what it means?"
He was looking at her fully now, and she held his gaze, letting him see everything she felt with calm openness.
"Well, I came to the conclusion that it means something. I really enjoyed spending time with you – maybe more than I should have."
"Why would that be, Bones? Don't you think that I enjoy your company just as much? You're not the only one on foreign ground here."
His words were touching, and she raised one hand to caress his face, feeling the roughness of his unshaven cheek against her palm. And the remaining tension left her.
"I'm sorry. Assuming that you are the people person of the two of us, I never thought about your feelings. I thought you know exactly what you're doing."
Her words were blunt, but Booth felt her candor soothing his confusion.
"Well, Bones, then let me tell you that I don't have the slightest idea what I am doing here. I haven't been prepared for this. For you," he added softly.
Wrapping her hand around his head, Brennan pulled Booth closer to herself until their foreheads touched. Her fingers played with the short hair on his neck, and she bent her head, rubbing her soft cheek against his stubbly one lightly. Very slowly his hands came around her waist, not pulling her close, merely holding her in the hint of an embrace.
Time stilled as the two of them stood like this, absorbing each others presence.
"What are we going to do now?" he finally said.
"Hmm, considering that the whole dating thing went pretty well for us... Seeley Booth, would you do me the pleasure to go on a date with me?"
He looked at her inquiringly.
"You want to take me out on a date?"
"I believe that's what I just said, Booth," she frowned in confusion, and he chortled.
"Of course, Temperance. Wherever you want to take me, I'm there."
Before she could speak, his hand shut her mouth.
"Don't take it too literally."
He could feel her smile under his fingertips, and his own lips curved as well.
"It's settled then. When?"
"I'd say tonight, but that might be hasty, plus, I need sleep. What about Saturday?"
Saturday seemed bloody far away, but nevertheless he nodded.
"Fine for me. And I'm sorry for interrupting your sleep, Bones."
"Somehow I doubt the sincerity of your last statement, but even if you meant it, believe me, that was the best reason for sleep deprivation I've had in a while."
She smiled at him, but his face got serious.
"You have trouble sleeping? Are you okay, Bones?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
"Just distracted, I suppose. I found your heartbeat very calming, though."
Booth though about the brief minute it had taken her to fall asleep in his arms and spoke from the bottom of his heart.
"Bones, forget the experiment for a while, if I can help you in any way, don't be afraid to ask. You're always welcome to call," he paused for a second, "or come over. I found your presence reassuring as well."
She smiled.
"That sounded quite corny, Booth."
"Yeah, I know, but it's the truth. I always have a spare toothbrush and an old shirt for you, Bones."
Brennan sensed the seriousness in his offer and was surprised about the lack of resistance she felt.
"I'll consider it, Booth."
He released her with a beaming smile.
"Great. We're solid, then?"
Remembering a conversation they once had shared, she looked at him with soft eyes.
"Yes, we're solid, Booth."
Voices in the corridor indicated the arrival of her coworkers, and the two partners stepped away from each other.
"I'll see you then."
"Yes, bye, Booth."
- BONES-
Later that night Temperance Brennan prepared herself a herbal tea. She was exhausted beyond words, and her flannel PJ's were as comforting as the scent of her freshly brewed beverage. The ache in her limbs had turned into a pleasant tingle, no more than a distant memory of a night full of passion. She hoped for a decent night of sleep.
Two hours later it was obvious that her wish wouldn't be granted. She looked at her alarm clock and growled as she spotted the number of the hour hand. Booth's offer crossed her mind. Sleep deprivation had made her weak, and she wondered about his seriousness in the matter. With a sigh she gave in and reached for her phone.
"Booth?"
His voice was thick with sleep, and Brennan almost dismissed her idea. Almost.
"Did you mean it?"
He silenced for a moment, trying to figure out what she was talking about. Then realization hit him.
"Come over."
Without saying more he hang up, and she was already out of bed, slipping into her shoes, grabbing the coat and her keys on her way out of the apartment.
Night traffic was light, and barely fifteen minutes had passed when she knocked at her partner's door again. Booth opened immediately, taking in her exhausted face and state of dress.
Without a word he stepped aside, and Brennan entered his apartment. She walked in the direction of his bedroom, kicking away her shoes, stripping off the coat. The moment it touched the floor, she had already forgotten about it.
Booth followed her wordlessly, switched off the light and found her curled up in his bed.
He slid under the covers beside her, tucked her in and enfolded her in his arms. She was cold to his touch, and in an attempt to warm her up, he rubbed her softly with his palms, irrationally thankful for her presence. Holding her like this was so new but so familiar at the same time.
"Trouble sleeping again?"
She nodded into his chest.
"Don't worry, I won't tease you about it. Sleep tight, Temperance. I've got you."
She nestled into his side, his hand stroking her back, his steady heartbeat thumping under her ear. Sleepiness overcame her, and she yawned. Gratitude and calmness filled her, as she committed herself to his care.
"Thank you, Booth."
His lips on her hairline was the last thing she registered.
"My pleasure, Bones."
- BONES-
Annoying ringing ended her dream state, and Temperance Brennan felt the early morning light on her face. She felt well-rested and stretched in pleasure. Although everything about the situation seemed new, she knew instantly where she was. And whose warm body was lying next to her. She smiled with closed eyes.
"Good morning, Booth."
"Morning, sleepyhead."
She cracked an eye open, and his beaming face entered her field of view, his hair seriously mussed.
"Slept well?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Good."
"I have to confess that I like this, Booth."
"What? Stealing my pillow and kicking me at night?"
His playful voice betrayed his words, and she protested.
"I highly doubt I'd do that."
"Huh? Nobody has told you before?"
"Well, there weren't that many presented with the opportunity, Booth," she confessed, and his face softened.
"I'm glad you're here."
And he lowered his mouth to hers, greeting her with a sweet and innocent good morning kiss.
She stilled for a moment before responding to his caress. This wasn't passion, this was intimacy.
Breaking the kiss, Booth smoothed her hair with his palms, causing her whole body to tingle.
"Coffee, Bones?"
"Coffee would be great. As would a shower."
"Did you bring clothes with you?"
She frowned at her inconsiderateness.
"In my car."
He chuckled.
"Don't worry, I'll get them for you."
After pressing his lips against her soft mouth one more time, Booth swung his legs and left the warm sheets, granting her another moment of laziness. Watching him while he pulled on sweatpants, Brennan lolled in her partner's bed, admitting to herself that she had not felt this good in a long time.
An hour later they left his apartment together, the scent of his shampoo in her hair, breakfast in her tummy and his hand on its place at her back.
- BONES-
Seeley Booth had known and loved his fair share of women in his life. He had courted them, protected them, taken care of them, but the moment Temperance Brennan had called him last night stood in no comparison to everything he had ever felt before. Pleasuring her body was one thing, and although it was an incredibly amazing thing, nothing had prepared him for the rush he had felt when she had revealed her weakness and need to him.
When she had come over last night, it hadn't been for some hours of friendship or pleasure, it had been for the comfort only his body could provide. She trusted him enough to let him see her vulnerability, and after she had fallen asleep, he had cradled her in his arms for a long time, holding her like the precious and fragile treasure she was.
Her brilliant mind had always challenged him, and undoubtedly he was reacting to her body as well. But even apart from her intelligence and her physical assets, Booth found himself enchanted by something that was purely her, hidden underneath all the strength and pose she emitted.
Sitting in his office on Wednesday noon, he thought about their upcoming date on Saturday, and he looked forward to it liked he hadn't looked forward to anything else for a very long time.
- BONES-
Brennan had thought about the perfect date for her partner thoroughly, and her preparations had occupied her a lot; therefore, it didn't surprise her when it was suddenly Saturday.
After the night in Booth apartment she hadn't had trouble sleeping again, but he had called her every evening to ensure it. His courtesy warmed her, and she found herself giving in to his caring. It seemed as if there was new kindness in their behavior towards each other, and although it should probably distract her, suddenly Brennan could focus on her work again.
They had shared some more meals at the Diner, and Brennan was relieved to find out that the disturbing tension between them had made room for something else as well.
Something soft and lasting.
She finished writing early on Saturday and completed her preparations for the night. Earlier today she had instructed his partner to dress casually and eat beforehand. She wondered if he would enjoy their date, but Brennan was delighted to spend the evening with her partner.
At 7 pm she parked in front of his building, and he was already awaiting her on the pavement. Entering her car, he placed a quick kiss on her cheek.
"Hi, Bones."
She smiled, leaning into his body for a moment.
"Good evening, Booth. Are you prepared?"
"As prepared as one can be without any idea what will happen."
"Fine. Then relax and enjoy."
She stepped on the gas pedal and steered them into another part of the city. Driving with him next to her was a rare pleasure, and Brennan was determined to enjoy it for as long it might last. Booth was humming along with the tunes in the radio and seemed to be completely at ease. From time to time she felt his eyes on her and wondered what might be going on in his head.
The man in question wasn't thinking about much, he was merely drinking in his partner. Her body emanated a trace of vanilla and roses, and she was clad in casual jeans and a red sweater – nothing he hadn't seen a million times before, but tonight he was allowed to admire her openly. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulder blades, shimmering as silky as he knew it was. His fingertips itched with the desire to fondle the auburn strands, and he smiled at the realization that he was probably permitted to do so – not now though, while she was driving.
"Why are you smiling, Booth?"
"Nah, it's nothing. I'm just happy."
"I'm pleased to hear that. We've reached our destination, Booth."
He ogled his surroundings curiously.
"The Verizon Center, Bones? You're taking me to a sports event?"
His voice was bright with joy.
"I was told that the boxing match taking place here tonight is supposed to be highly exciting, and considering that you used to box yourself, I thought you might like it."
Flickers of memories crossed his mind. Heels not made for walking, a hot dress, lipstick red as sin, blood and sweat. Catching her sparkling eyes, he guessed that she was thinking about just the same. He leaned closer to her, placing a light kiss on her cheek, whispering,
"It's a shame you're not wearing that red dress tonight."
"It's equally regrettable that you're not boxing yourself, Booth. I found your demonstration of physical power quite arousing, I have to admit."
"Not as arousing as you were as Roxy, Bones."
"If you behave nicely, maybe you'll be lucky enough to meet Roxy again someday."
"Oh, that's tempting. Although I have to say that the real Temperance is pretty exciting as well."
Suddenly her face darkened.
"Is that true, Booth?"
He cupped the back of her head and pulled her in for a quick kiss.
"Never doubt it for a second."
His voice vibrated with raw sincerity, and she relaxed in his hands.
"I'll take your word for it, then."
"Anytime, Babe."
And with a last shared smile they left the car, lining up with the crowd of people seeking entrance into the hall. When her knuckles accidentally brushed against his, he took her hand into his own, and she let him.
- BONES-
"Ouch, that hurt. Come on, man!"
Sipping beer out of a plastic cup, Brennan grinned at the sight of Booth caught up in the match. Truth be told, she didn't know much about this sport and was mentally referring to the boxers as "the one with red pants" and "the one in blue" – not that she would ever tell her enthusiastic partner – but she truly enjoyed the atmosphere. The air was vibrating with energy, as the audience got carried away by the fight.
"Aw, Bones, look at that left hook! That is power."
"Yes, I'm positive that will be quite painful tomorrow."
"Pain? Who cares about that when the victory is so close."
He regarded his partner and the natural elegance she radiated. She seemed somehow out of place in this setting, but her relaxed face reassured him.
"Are you enjoying the match, Bones?"
"I like watching it with you."
He brought his arm around her shoulder, squeezing her lightly.
"I'm surprised you chose this for our date. This is so unlike you."
"But it's like you, and I'm really content, Booth. Be sure, I want to be nowhere else at the moment."
Her acceptance pleased him deeply. She had tried to think out of the box to come up with something that would entertain him.
"That's very nice and considerate of you. Do I have to take you to an art exhibition the next time?"
His tone was light, and Brennan thought about what he had revealed inadvertently. Next time. He thought there would be a next time. More dates for them to enjoy, more fun to have, more time to spend together. And without reluctance she agreed.
"Only if you're sure you might enjoy it as well."
As the impact of her answer dawned on him, his face sobered.
"I'd love everything we'd be doing together, Bones."
She looked at him with wide blue eyes.
"Then... we should continue doing things together, right?"
His mouth lowered to hers, and when his lips reached her soft ones, slowly pulling them between his teeth, the action in the box ring was forgotten, replaced by a new and highly private excitement. She tasted like beer and fun, but also like something much weightier. Booth was familiar with the warmth of her mouth, the sensation of her rosy tongue against his own, but the feeling of kissing her had lost nothing of its specialness – he doubted it ever would. It still amazed him how willingly she responded to his touch, how open she was for his caresses.
They broke apart when a general roar indicated a turn in the events of the fight, looking at each other breathlessly.
"Thank you, Bones. For being so awesome. For being you."
She blushed and looked away.
"Booth..."
He cupped her chin gently.
"Please, accept it. You're so precious to me."
Her voice was barely a whisper.
"The role you have in my life is pretty significant as well."
A clang interrupted their exchange, shifting their attention to the ring where the guy in blue was throwing his arms up in the air, towering above his apparently unconsciousness mate in red.
"Oh, I'm afraid we missed the finale, Booth."
He covered her hand with his bigger one.
"I think we got the important part."
Leaving the hall with a stream of people, Brennan buttoned her coat and looked up at her partner.
"Are you in the mood for one more beer or do you want to go home?"
Unsure if "home" indicated "alone", Booth accepted her proposition thankfully, and soon the two of them found each other in a dark little bar, two cold beer bottles in front of them. A pianist played heartfelt tunes, designed to stir longing and sell more alcohol – but the two of them didn't need anything to stir artificial yearning. Kindness and affection were lingering in the air between them, joined by their old mate attraction. Booth noticed the way she brushed a strand of hair out of her face, the tight fit of her shirt around her chest and the sweet pulsating of her heartbeat next to the valley of her throat.
Brennan herself wasn't immune to the dark shade of his weekend stubble and she fantasized about feeling this roughness on her delicate skin. Heat was radiating from his steely body, and she was hypnotized by the way he shifted his weight from his left to his right foot. She could only guess the play of his muscles underneath the fabric of the jeans, but it was enough to send her on the edge. This was her partner. And she was deeply attracted to him. In more than only a physical way.
Taking another swig from his beer, Booth cleared his throat.
"So, Bones, this experiment. What is our result?"
Brennan felt a distinct déjà vu and wondered if they should have ordered Tequila instead.
"We're back to the question if this is going somewhere, right?"
The memory of kissing her in the rain sprung to his mind, and Booth thought about all the things that had changed since that night so long ago when he had gotten a first glimpse of the real her. One thing hadn't. She still fascinated him like nobody else ever could.
"Is it?"
He was looking at her so calmly, so faithfully, and in that moment Brennan knew that he would accept every decision she made. And in a very uncharacteristic gesture she surrendered herself to a mental image and let her doubts ripple through her fingers like the finest sand.
"It is."
"Take me home, Temperance."
- BONES-
No words were spoken on their way home – there was no necessity because everything had been said – and when Brennan unbolted her lock, she knew that she was opening more than only her apartment door for him.
Booth followed her into the dark space, and as soon as she had closed the door behind them, he turned around, pinning her against the wall. He did not kiss her, he just pulled her close into a tight hug, and she melted into his body, trusting him to support her weight. It was an embrace to remember, and the perfect feeling of it was imprinted on their minds forever. The rustle of her clothes against his, the scent of his after-shave, the softness of her hair, the strength of his arms, the fullness of her breasts, the kindness of his hands, the warmth of her breath.
They stood like that for an eternity, until he finally tightened his grip around her waist, encouraging her to wrap her long legs around his hips. She followed his silent instructions without demur, and Booth set himself into motion, carrying his valuable burden into the direction of her bedroom.
He bumped into Brennan's table on the way and debated for a second to place her on it, to feast on her right here and now, but something deterred him from doing so. This wasn't their first time to become intimate, but somehow he wanted more for her than only a table.
After some more struggles – mostly due to the distracting position of his head between her breasts – they finally made it to her bedroom in one piece, and her eyes fell to his face.
"Will you put me down now?"
The necessity of it wasn't lost on Booth, but, truth be told, the, well, caveman inside of him had been deeply satisfied by the idea of carrying her to bed. Nevertheless, he lowered her slowly, generating a blissful friction between them.
"I hope carrying me around doesn't become one of your habits because I want to be evenly matched, but I'm quite sure I won't be able to lift you."
She seemed to be serious, and Booth had to laugh at her unintentional funniness.
Taking a step away from her, he opened his jacket.
"Truth, Bones?"
She regarded him with a question in her blue eyes, as the jacket fell off his shoulders.
"You are the best in your field and generally outstanding. That's one of the many things I admire about you, but sometimes it gives me a kick to see that you're actually a normal woman. Whom I can carry around when I'm in the mood for it."
She nodded, picking up his game.
"Truth, Booth."
One by one the buttons of her coat were loosened by her long fingers until the garment slid down her arms, meeting his on the floor.
"I meant what I said, but part of me is pleased when you ignore my reasons and just do what you want with me."
Opening his collar stud, Booth simply pulled the gray shirt over his head, revealing his firm chest to her gaze.
"Sometimes I'm afraid I might not be intellectual enough to hold your interest. From time to time I even browse a dictionary to look up some of your words."
Brennan gasped, but accepted his honesty. She kicked away her shoes, and her fingers nestled with the button of her jeans, striping them down her hips until she was standing in front of him on long, gracious legs and bare feet. Her toenails were pink, and this girly thing touched him deeply.
"When we first met I was living my life without really touching other people. You changed that, Booth. And however scared you might be not to keep up with me intellectually, it's just the same for me when it comes to emotions."
Mimicking her former movements, soon his own shoes and pants were lying on the floor, leaving him in only his boxers and daringly colored socks.
"Four years, and I never knew you would polish your toenails pink. I love finding out those new facets about you. They're enchanting me."
Her sweater was next, and she pulled it over her head without much fanfare, disarraying her hair in the process. Seeing her dark lingerie for the first time that night, Booth took a shuddered breath and felt his body reacting to her.
"I don't want you to perform oral sex because I've never been able to give myself to someone this completely, but... maybe I'd let you do it someday if you were still interested then."
Nodding in acceptance, Booth balanced on one foot, removing his sock. This time she could see the play of the muscles in his legs, and she absorbed everything about it, as he repeated the action with the other sock.
"I'm glad you left in the cab that night in the rain. Knowing everything about you I know now... it would have been a steamy night and a disaster afterwards. I never would have had a chance to get close to the real Temperance Brennan. And I don't want to imagine my life without you."
Although Booth was almost naked in front of her, she found herself unable to tear her eyes away from his face. Inhaling deeply, Brennan brought her hands behind her back and unclasped the flimsy bra deftly. It fell apart immediately, baring her milky white breast to his hungry gaze. Full and curved, the taut peaks shimmering dusky.
"You're the one person I want to talk to when something happens in my life. Your opinion is so important to me, and whenever you approve of something I do, I am proud. Sometimes when I'm in the mall, funny socks catch my attention, and every time I have to smile – because I have to think of you."
Only one piece of clothes was left on him, and without breaking eye contact, he slowly removed it, revealing his body to her like he just had his insides. Her gaze fell down, and the proof of his masculinity sent a rush of heat through her body, finally concentrating between her legs.
"I've been in a lot of dark places in my life, Bones. You're dazzling me in a way that I can forget it. Whenever I look at your face, I see proof that there is enough goodness and beauty in this world to stand the rest."
It was her time to draw level with him, and slowly she slipped off her panties, and a part of her he already knew intimately was visible to his eyes. And it dazzled him like her face.
"I like that you call me 'Bones᾽. When everything about my past broke apart, and even my name wasn't my real name anymore... You told me that you knew who I am. That made it bearable."
They were standing in her moonlit bedroom with nothing more to reveal – at least not literally – drinking in each other without haste or shame. Brennan observed his swelling arousal, and her body reminded her with an ache that it knew exactly what to do about this. When Booth finally opened his arms to her, she followed the invitation willingly, closing the distance between them with two confident steps until their naked chests met each other and she was enveloped in his warmth.
Her cheek rubbed against his, and Brennan enjoyed the sensation of his facial hair against her smooth skin. A satisfied sigh left her mouth.
"It's hard to keep up with me intellectually, but be sure that your mind is highly inspiring, Booth. I could never lose interest in you."
"And I will never stop telling you about feelings, not even when you look at me as if I was speaking Russian," he mumbled against her face.
"Actually, I do speak a few words of Russian. But don't feel inferior; I know what you were trying to say. And please don't stop telling me."
"I have to think about you when I see fancy earrings in a shop window," he confessed, intensifying their skin contact, and she shifted her head in a manner that was more than helpful for his exploration.
"So... we really do want more from each other than friendship or sex. I hate to admit it, but Sweets and Angela have been right all the time."
Placing soft kisses along her jaw line, Booth needed a moment before he could speak again.
"Maybe we are not so clever after all – intellectually and emotionally wise."
"But now that we know, we have to examine it furthermore, haven't we?"
"I'd say let's try and see what benefits the real thing might provide."
"Booth?"
"Yes?"
"Stop talking and kiss me."
Not the slightest bit interested in denying her what she desired, Booth locked his hands behind her back and kissed her in a way that left no questions unanswered.
Slowly stepping forward, he guided her to the bed until the back of her knees made contact with the mattress and she fell onto the soft surface, pulling him with her. Her legs parted to accommodate his hips, and Brennan enjoyed the sensation of his naked body on top of her for the first time. His tongue was stroking her deeply, and another part of her body throbbed with jealousy at the intimate caress.
Soon his mouth wandered from her lips down her body until he caught one of her erect nipples. Swirling his skilled tongue around the peak, he sucked it deeply into his wet warmth, and she moaned in pleasure. His other hand found its way to her right breast, not to neglect it, and his thumb was mirroring the action of his mouth. When he swapped, her damp skin was cooling in the night air, and the change of hot and cold made her squirm on the mattress. Booth licked and teased her until her mind was foggy with desire, and her hands roamed over his well structured torso restlessly.
When Booth lifted himself from her and the contact broke, Brennan whimpered in protest, but he just settled next to her outstretched form, lying on his side. His gaze brushed over her overheated skin, and she felt it just as explicitly as she had felt his touch. His manhood was standing proudly between his legs, and she was pleased to see that he made no attempt to cover it. It seemed that they were way beyond hiding from each other – in more than one way.
"You're so damn beautiful."
"Why did you stop touching me, then?" she breathed heavily.
"Because I want to make sure that this lasts for a while, my dear."
Slowly turning to her side until she was facing her partner, Brennan lowered her hand, wrapping it around his silky shaft.
He groaned.
"This doesn't help in letting it last," he finally uttered under clenched teeth.
Brennan loosened her grip, merely brushing over his heat now.
"You're great, Booth. Everything about you is just great," and she slid down the mattress in an attempt to taste him, but he stopped her.
"No, Bones."
Her eyes flew open.
"No? Why? Men like it, you have to like it."
He tugged her into his arms.
"Oh, believe me, I have fantasized about your mouth on me a million times. I'm one hundred percent sure I'll like it."
"Then why? Is it because I don't want you to do it?"
"Yes. Don't see it as a punishment; it's not supposed to be one. It's just," she felt the shrug of his shoulders, "letting you do this just doesn't seem right when I cannot return the gesture."
"One day, Booth. I promise," she whispered.
He kissed her affectionately.
"I know. And I have no problem to wait until you're ready."
Their mouths found each other again, and Booth let his fingers graze down her sides to her hips and between her legs, eventually brushing through her soft curls. Without warning, he pushed one finger into her body. Swallowing her cry with his lips, he enjoyed the grip of her inner muscles around his digit, and his member throbbed, remembering the feeling of being inside of her. She was so wet that he slid easily in and out of her tightness, and her legs fell apart involuntarily, giving in to his ministrations.
His thumb joined in, brushing over her sweet nub, causing her to moan even louder.
"Booth, stop," she panted. "I don't give a damn about your plan to make this last. Inside. Now."
Figuring that they were already lying in a comfortable position, he moved her leg over his hip. As soon as she understood his intentions, Brennan's hand caught his steeling erection, guiding it to her entrance.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
And he entered her.
Her head started to spin and fell back in delight, but soon his arms came around her, holding her safely against his body. His palm pressing against her buttocks, he started to move. Exchanging sloppy kisses, Brennan felt her whole self opening to this; him.
She pulled him tighter as well, savoring the feeling of his perfect ass in her hand.
"Hmm, Booth."
"Just 'hmm᾽?"
"Hmm... harder?"
He almost laughed, and rolled them around in one fluid motion until she was lying beneath him. Immediately her ankles crossed behind his back, and the friction at their connection was almost too overwhelming to bear. Using his free arm, Booth caught her wrists with his hand, pinning them above her head.
Brennan was unable to move now, but she didn't feel uncomfortable by his domination. If possible, it even turned her on more, and her eyes held his with erotic intensity. Her palms opened, and she surrendered herself to this submission, giving him control. He rewarded her with a forceful thrust that hit her deeply in all the right spots, and she arched her back, getting even closer to him.
With every stroke her sensitive breasts rubbed against his smooth chest, and soon he was pumping into her without finesse. A layer of sweat covered his gorgeous body, and Brennan licked his salty shoulders, enjoying the taste. His raw strength was so hypnotizing, and she tried to delay the inevitable, unwilling to miss one moment of this, but when he lowered his head to sink his teeth into her neck, she was lost.
Clenching in a primeval rhythm, she embraced the delirium of her release, as he continued to thrust into her, riding her through her climax.
In a moment normally designed to be impossible for thoughts, a million images flowed through his mind. Brennan in his office, touching a human skull with bare hands. Talking to a tombstone. Wonder Woman and Snakes. A dolphin and her tears. A peaceful dance. They all had led to this very instant, and Booth felt gratitude so pure that it almost scared him, as he finally exploded, collapsing onto her welcoming body.
When he returned from his flight, he felt her hands on his head, stroking his hair as if she was grounding him. He blinked against the moisture in his eyes, pressing his face deeper into her heaving chest, unwilling to let her witness his weakness. The magnitude of what they had dawned on him in all its clarity, and he was irrationally glad that they had already talked about it. Booth doubted his ability to stand her logic right now, to convince her of something she wasn't already sure about.
Worried about his unusual silence, Brennan caught Booth's head in her palms, turning it slightly until she could see his face.
"Booth, look at me, please."
When his eyes opened, her chest swelled, and she was lost anew.
"It's okay, Booth," she tried to reassure him and herself.
He almost laughed.
"Normally, I should be the one calming you."
"Well, I have an exceptionally steep learning curve."
"So true and oh so modest."
"I don't know what you're trying to implicate here."
"Bones, I... I really feel like saying something nice to you right now, but everything seems to be inadequate."
"Inadequate? And you're worried about your vocabulary, Booth?"
Now he had to laugh.
"You're incredible. I feel like a sentimental fool, but you can still make me laugh."
"Well, maybe you're not the only one feeling like a sentimental fool right now."
"I'm glad we've talked about it."
"I'm glad for a lot of things right now, and yes, talking might be among them."
He kissed her chest tenderly.
"Ah, Bones, as soon as I feel strong enough to roll down from you, I will take you in my arms, kiss you goodnight, and when we open our eyes again, it will be Sunday. We'll awake without the alarm clock, and maybe I will make love to you before I serve you breakfast in bed. Deal?"
She smiled, absolutely in agreement with the scenario.
"Deal."
"And then the real thing begins?"
"As real as it gets."
-The End-
Thanks for bearing with me. Part two will be "The Real Thing".
UPDATE: The Real Thing is online.