Spoilers/Timeline: None/Set in future.

Disclaimer: Check out the other chapters of this fic. Title from the Counting Crows song Angels of Silences.


We step out into the frigid night, the door jangling closed behind us, and start down the block. I hang back a bit, watching as she gets caught in the moment: tiny flakes drifting around her, brisk air filling her lungs. Suddenly, her arms begin to windmill and I rush forward to try to steady her balance. It doesn't work and the only thing I manage to accomplish is providing a soft place for her to land.

"Damn ice." I mutter, my hands pressing into her sides. Still trying to steady her I suppose.

"Booth..." Her voice is shaky, breathless. I feel her hands snake through my hair and realize she's checking for any blood or bumps.

"I'm fine." She continues checking though and I shut my eyes enjoying the press of her against me.

It occurs to me that this is almost the perfect illustration of our relationship. I may have fallen first - recognized it first - but we're in it together now. One of us always pulling the other along, always prepared to catch the other should they fall. And, though nothing has been discussed, we've reached some sort of unspoken understanding that eventually... I shake my head. Better to leave the symbolic analysis to her, the writer.

I realize she's done with her examination and obviously satisfied with her findings as she's moved off of me and onto the sidewalk. I pull myself up and extend my hand to her, helping her to her feet.

As we start back down the sidewalk, I move to let go, but she grips my hand tighter. I relax, running my thumb across her knuckles and she lets out a soft sigh. I smile. Maybe we should lose our footing more often.