They both lay back against the wall, silent, aware of the heated tension. Brennan was still feeling mixed emotions, but she decided to let that pass. They had to agree with each other to get through this.

Booth's head was leaned back on the wall, the dust combining with the already-formed clumps of dirt. He sighed and shook his head, trying to rid his hair of its invaders.

Both felt like they should offer an explanation. Both wanted to know the others past and reasons for being here. Both just wanted something to break the ice, but were too physically and mentally exhausted to do much at all.

Booth was the first to crack. "So you're a writer?" He knew he was creating meaningless conversation, but he had to break this silence.

"Yes," she replied. "I'm very skilled. I've been on the bestsellers list for quite some time."

"Huh," Booth grunted, unsure how to respond. "Are you working on anything new?"

"Yes, a book with the core idea of de-fleshed corpses and sexual intercourse in many different places."

Now Booth was feeling uncomfortable. "Wow, um, can't wait to read that."

"Yes, I expect it to be quite good."

Booth admired the modesty of this woman. He liked to occasionally hear someone who acknowledged their achievements. It was a welcome change from those complaining they weren't good at anything and constantly having to be reassured.

Booth stretched his back, the material binding his wrists straining. He lifted his hands up and began to search for the knot. He saw Brennan start to get up off the wall, noticing what he was trying to do.

"Please, let me help. I hate seeing you like this, and I think I have enough strength to do it now."

Booth doubted that. Her skin stuck to her bones, and she was sickly pale. He doubted she had enough strength to do much at all. But she seemed like a woman unwilling to back down, and she might be able to loosen it at least.

Obligingly, he turned around so his back was facing her. She once more slid her hands through the cotton. Her fingers made a slight give, and she used this to her advantage. She wriggled her finger up and down, creating an even larger gap. Eventually, she could fit more fingers through. Her fingers grabbed the thick section of the material and pulled.

To her relief, the section of cotton gave way, releasing itself. After that she was able to pull the entire knot free.

Booth wriggled his wrists, glad at the freedom of movement he now had. He rubbed the red marks created by the binds. They stung, but there was not much he could do about that.

He crawled back over against the wall, and Brennan did the same. He turned his head towards her. "Thank you," he said, and he meant it."

Brennan nodded. "Same to you," she whispered, but it was audible in the silent cell. But he wasn't exactly sure what that meant. So far he had done nothing to help her, and he still felt guilty about breaking his promise.

He didn't want to warn her that he would probably have to break another one too – that he would get them out of here. Safely. He knew there was little chance of that.

"How long have you been in here?" he asked. He had been in El Salvador for roughly three days, and she had been in here before he had arrived. "I'm not entirely sure," he heard her voice beginning to fade. "I don't know if it's been days, weeks or months."

He guessed a week, maybe more. Without food or water, it was a miracle she had survived as long as she had. And he knew she wouldn't survive much longer.

He began to wonder if Bruce and Brason would return. With both of them in here, would they continue torturing her? Him? Both of them? He didn't care what they did to him – he couldn't let them hurt Brennan any more. He would strike a deal with them – kill him and let her go free.

But knowing them, they'd kill him first then kill her.

He dropped his head in his hands. He felt a hand lay gently on his shoulder and he looked up. Brennan smiled at him. "It'll be fine, Booth."

He laughed inside. She was the one in the struggling condition. He was meant to be reassuring her. Seemed he wasn't too strong at the moment.

He wondered what was going through Brennan's head. Was she scared? Worried? Wondering what her future was? Or was she calm, knowing that there would be no future soon, and accepting that? He glanced at her. Her face was completely smoothed over, no emotion whatsoever. He glanced at her hands, twisting in her lap.

He was no psychologist, but he could tell by her actions that she was anxious.

Well, why shouldn't she be? She was waiting for him to do something. Waiting for the guards to return and attack them till they were bloody heaps on the ground.

Now he felt anxious.

He heard a scraping noise outside. Simultaneously, their heads snapped up, glancing towards the door. He heard Brennan give a slight whimper. The door rattled, and inside his head he could picture the pole sliding. He heard the thud. He visualized Bruce or Brason stepping fiercely towards the door, preparing to intimidate and beat them. He imagined their muscles bulging, their back sizzling in the hot midday sun – if it was sunny.

As if in slow motion, the door gradually opened. Light filtered in, blinding him momentarily. He could vaguely make out a thick, burly shape. He blinked multiple times.

There were two thick, burly shapes.

As if in some lame, romance/action movie, like a warrior desperate to save a village girl, he stood up and held out his palm.

"Leave her," he demanded. His voice came out weak, and his hand was shaking. He felt so corny. The guards did too. They chuckled at his attempt.

"What are you gonna do, boy? Knock us out?" They laughed again, deep, guttural murmurs.

"I have a proposal. Kill me. Let her go." Gee, he was really going by the movies on this one. He hadn't even thought this through. At this stage, the guards were bent over double, laughing with disbelief. He knew he could try and escape, but that was foolish.

"I'm serious."

This sent the men into even bigger fits of laughter. Finally, they managed to right themselves. They turned to each other and shrugged.

"Alright," Bruce nodded. "What are your terms?"

Sorry there was no drama in this chapter and it was kinda pointless, but i had to lead to the last idea. Thankyou to Gallaghergirl1 and BandBFOREVER once again, for the basic idea. Please review - leave your thoughts, comments, criticism - anything is welcome! and I'll try to update as soon as possible