It was really late and Booth and Brennan had agreed not to talk much anymore, deciding to just go to bed instead. They were simply exhausted. Brennan especially wanted to have some quiet time to think. Booth actually wanted to sleep, because the evening's events had left him feeling drained.

Brennan was glad to find that the room had two queen size beds, since she needed some space from Booth. Little did she know how much Booth disliked this arrangement. He was very worried that she'd reconsider everything, and the danger…the thought that she'd choose to run away from her feelings…still lingered in his mind.

One by one they finished their bathroom routine and climbed wearily into their beds. After the lights were turned off, all they could hear was each other trying to find the right sleeping position in their bed.

However, Booth couldn't calm down. He still had too much to think about, especially with what had happened during the day and then later that evening. Even at that hour, his feelings were intense. He still could feel her in his arms…he could still taste her on his tongue. He could still remember how it felt when his hands roamed over her body.

He lay on his back with his eyes open, staring at the ceiling. The curtains weren't closed tightly, and a small glimmer of light fell into the room, so it wasn't completely dark.

That's how he noticed that the covers of Brennan's bed had been thrown back, and she was trying to get up as quietly as possible. Booth held his breath. If she really tried to leave, he;d stop her. He'd no longer allow her to flee a confrontation. They had to face their feelings once and for all.

Brennan, however, didn't leave the room. She went to the window, and pushed the curtains aside a little more, looking out into the night. She was obviously deep in thought.

Booth silently watched her for a while. When she hadn't returned to bed after a few minutes, he couldn't help himself. He slowly got up and walked over to the window.

Brennan noticed the movement behind her, but remained motionless. Why didn't he let her be alone with her thoughts? What should she tell him? She had thought back and forth about how things could go on for both of them, but had found no solution. All she knew was that she couldn't bear the current situation. She had hoped that just one experience of what it was like to be loved by Booth would be enough, but obviously she had pushed open a door that she could no longer close. She had played too high and probably lost everything. Had she lost Booth because she didn't stay within the boundaries of his ultimatum?

"Hey." Booth stepped behind her so that they were almost touching. Very lightly he placed his hands on her hips. A shiver went through her. The memory of how he had held her by the hips hours earlier to control her movements was still too vivid. "Why didn't you stay in bed? What's keeping you awake?" His voice was gentle, even tender. He leaned forward a bit: "Because you have to know one thing, okay? I won't let you flee to Maluku again."

Brennan turned her head in his direction, very surprised. "Booth, the dig in Maluku is over. What makes you think I would flee there? Why would I go there?"

He stepped even closer to her, his chest touching her back. He knew that he was taking a daring risk, but he just couldn't stop himself as he closed his arms around her to hug her from behind. She froze, finding his action to be disturbing. She thought he didn't want to be anything more than just her partner, but this felt different. It was very confusing, because he was sending her so many different signals. She could barely breathe.

"You know exactly what I mean about fleeing. I'm talking about going somewhere far away just to avoid facing the situation." He now placed his lips directly next to her ear. "Please don't run away again. I wouldn't let you anyway."

She shook her head and remembered the talk she'd had with Emma. "Booth, I have no intention of running. I also think we need to talk, but not now." She turned in his arms. "Emma offered that she wants to talk to both of us tomorrow…well, actually later today." She tried a small smile. "After all, the whole weekend is paid for, so we can take advantage of her services."

Booth nodded. "Okay, I think that's a good idea." He pulled her towards the bed."But please, let's go to sleep now. It's almost 1:30 am. We should really rest."

They were now standing between their two beds. He motioned to his bed. "What do you want? Do you want to sleep in your bed or do you want to come with me?" Immediately, he raised his hand in a defensive gesture. "Just to sleep, nothing else. I promise you."

She shook her head. "No, Booth. I think it's better if I sleep in my bed. I really need some space at the moment." She slowly climbed into her bed and Booth did the same.

"Bones, please turn off your brain. Please really sleep, okay? Promise?"

He heard her deep sigh. "Yes. Booth. I'll do my best."

"Night, Bones!" He stirred around, trying to find a good sleeping position.

"Night, Booth!" She pulled the covers up to her chin. She really wanted to try to sleep instead of thinking at the moment, but unfortunately it was easier said than done. She just couldn't turn her brain off, especially since the main reason for her thoughts was laying in the next bed.

Booth was also pretending to be asleep. He felt her absence…felt the emptiness in his arms. He'd wished that she had come to bed with him, just so he could feel her close to him. There were no other thoughts….no other motives. It seemed the fear that she would once again withdraw from him completely would not let him rest.

At some point in the late hours, however, they both fell asleep, because the day had been so exhausting.

§§§

When Booth woke up the next morning, the bed next to him was already empty. After a brief moment of shock, he relaxed, since he heard the shower running in the bathroom. It seemed that Brennan had already gotten up to get ready for the day…and now he could breathe again.

Shortly afterwards she came into the room, only wrapped in a towel. That disturbed his breathing pattern again. She smiled at him, pointed to the bathroom and waved her hand.

"Booth, we're running late. We should be at breakfast no later than 9 am, which is in 15 minutes, so you should hurry."

He got up a little sullenly. She was right. He would've liked to exchange a few words with her, but again there was no time for that at the moment.

When he came out of the bathroom, she was completely ready and just waiting for him to finish as well. He'd already put on his boxer shorts while in the bathroom, so he quickly slipped on a shirt, trousers, socks and shoes, and together they headed towards the breakfast room.

The other members of the group were already busy with breakfast. They were the last ones to arrive. They quickly helped themselves at the buffet and then looked for a free seat. There were two seats left at Peter and Andrea Bloomberg's table, so they asked if it would be okay if they joined them.

After the two had said yes, they sat down and immediately began to eat the delicious breakfast. Booth had filled his plate with bacon and eggs, and Brennan was enjoying the fresh fruits and pancakes.

The Bloombergs were almost done eating, and Booth could tell Peter had something on his mind.

"Agent Booth, can I ask you something?"

Booth gave him an encouraging nod. "Please just call me Booth. I'm not primarily here as an agent. What's on your mind?"

Peter gestured to his wife. "Andrea and I are very concerned. Agent Shaw told us last night that we're somehow involved in an FBI investigation, but in all the excitement, I didn't understand what it was actually about. I've only heard about video recordings, and now, of course, Andrea and I are very worried about what this means for us."

Without stopping to eat, Booth gave the two of them an encouraging look. "I don't think you need to worry. I spoke with the entire investigation team last night. Here's what you need to know: the reason Bones and I were here in the first place was to set a trap for some criminals. Yes, it's about illegally recorded videos, and even blackmail and murder."

Booth put down his fork after all and spoke directly to the two of them. "And yes, unfortunately recordings were made of you, too, but I can assure you they won't be used as evidence in the trial. Only the videos of me and Bones will be allowed. I think Agent Shaw…," He nodded in the direction of where Agent Shaw was sitting. "...will talk to you today. She'll make an appointment with you at the FBI offices where you can review the footage. You can then decide what to do with it. It can also be destroyed immediately, okay?"

Peter and Andrea nodded. Now they were a little more at ease about the whole thing. Also, talking to their therapist had really helped them find common ground. Even with the not so nice ending, this weekend was a success for them.

Brennan had finished breakfast and Booth was eating the few last bites. This time Andrea turned to Brennan. "I'm glad you two didn't have any problems in real life…you just faked them. I can't explain it at all, but I know you guys are such an obviously happy couple." She smiled at Brennan, then at Booth. "You're really lucky."

"Actually:.." Brennan began, but Booth gave her a quick kick with his foot under the table. He apparently felt that they didn't have to share their whole story with each participant. He looked straight at her and she understood.

"Actually, yes, I think you're absolutely right. We're really happy with each other." She threw a questioning look at Booth, but he just nodded in agreement. Apparently she had given the right answer.

§§§

The hotel where they stayed wasn't designed for large meetings like the resort they stayed at for the weekend. There were no meeting rooms for the group to continue their meetings. However, the FBI had ensured that the participants could keep the rooms until the evening, so each of the couples had gone back to their respective rooms, along with the therapist. This wasn't the most comfortable situation, but it was the only way to still have therapy talks.

So, shortly after breakfast, Brennan and Booth were back in their room with their therapist, Emma Cohen. Booth and Brennan were seated on their beds, facing the aisle between the beds so they were looking at each other, Emma was sitting in a chair at the desk.

Emma didn't beat around the bush. "Seeley, Temperance and I had a chance to talk last night while you were investigating, so I already know a bit about your actual relationship. She said that you aren't a married couple but partners working together. However, from what Temperance has told me, you might be able to use my advice."

She looked at both of them questioningly but got no comment, just a nod.

"Okay, I'll summarize what Temperance told me, or how I understood it. You've been working closely together for many years, have gone through a lot in that time, are good friends privately, but not a couple. That doesn't mean that at different times in the last few years, one of you would've liked to change something about this situation, but the timing wasn't always right. Is that true so far?

Again just a nod from both Booth and Brennan. Somehow they also avoided looking at each other. It was strange to have an outsider describe their relationship. While this was all correct in a way, they both felt like they were so much more. However, neither of them said so.

Emma continued. "Okay, but what I've also noticed is that you're not doing well at all at the moment, and I think there are some issues to talk about " Now both Booth and Brennan look expectantly at Emma "Yes, I think you guys really need to talk, openly. Nothing should be hidden. You need absolute honesty." Now she smiled slightly. "You see, I think it's been years that you've worked together, but you two haven't shared how you really feel about each other." Emma threw her arms in the air. "Yeah, maybe you're not even admitting that to yourself."

She smiled encouragingly at both of them. "And that's why I'm here. I'm not going to tell you what to do or say. I'm just going to give you some nudges and you'll have to see what you do with them for yourself. Just pretend I'm not here."

She raised her index finger. "If I sense that something is going wrong, of course, I'll intervene. I've made it my goal to help you guys, and I won't rest until everything is settled between you, okay?"

Brennan and Booth nodded again and then they finally looked at each other. Yes, it was true…neither of them wanted to stay in the current situation.

"So…," Emma made an encouraging gesture. "Now please tell each other how you see yourself at the moment, and how you imagine the future." She looked at Brennan. "I think Temperance, you should start. Tell Seeley how you feel and how you think things should go on between you two. I have a feeling that both of you are more than unsure of what the other is thinking right now, aren't you?"

Brennan tried to concentrate, but she had no idea where to start. What should she say without him misunderstanding her? She was glad that Emma was with them as a coach who'd intervene if she said something wrong. Brennan had no trouble explaining the most complicated science, but when it came to emotions she was a complete novice and absolutely helpless.

She rubbed her hands nervously on her thighs and took a deep breath.

"Booth, I don't know if we can continue our partnership like it is now. I can't work with you like this anymore."

Booth was shocked. The last evening came instantly to his mind. What had he done? Had he crossed a line? Maybe he'd done something inappropriate, and she couldn't forgive him. Did she even feel sexually molested by him? That was a possibility, because although they'd officially been on duty, things had gotten a bit out of control. Was that the reason?

In a second he was off the bed and on his knees in front of her. He put his hands gently on her knees. "Bones, why? I don't understand…how can you say something like that?" He looked at her helplessly and found he couldn't read anything in her eyes that would help him.

How should she explain it to him? "Booth, after last night..." she hesitated. "What we did…well, I can't forget about it."

Of course, he took her words the wrong way and reacted accordingly. He looked at her in desperation.

"Bones, no…don't say that. Please, don't do this to me, okay? Don't do this to us. If I've crossed a line…if you're feeling sexually harassed, please forgive me. I thought you wanted it as much as I did." He grabbed her shoulders so she had to look at him and whispered, "Did I do something wrong? Did I read the situation incorrectly?"

Brennan didn't know what to say at first. Obviously he had misunderstood everything. Of course, she'd never feel bothered by him…he had to know that. "Booth, I don't feel harassed by you. I trust you. You should know that I wanted everything we did."

Relieved, Booth let himself fall forward so that their foreheads touched. "Then what is it? Why don't you want to work with me any more? I thought we were finally on the right track."

She shook her head slightly. "Booth, I really don't understand you now. Have you forgotten everything you said to me that night at Founding Father's? It was you who wanted nothing more than a professional partnership. You gave me an ultimatum."

Booth had no idea what she was talking about. "Bones, if I'm being honest, I don't have any clear memories of that evening…only tangled scraps at the most. What do you mean by an ultimatum?" He slowly got up from the floor, since that position had become uncomfortable. He slowly sat down next to her on her bed and looked at her with a questioning expression.

Brennen turned to him in surprise. Had he totally forgotten? Were they on completely different sides? "You don't remember? You said you just wanted to be my partner at work and if I didn't like that, then I should leave."

Even now, as she said those words, it felt horrible. The memory was too hurtful.

Booth looked at her in disbelief. "Oh God, Bones! No, I don't remember that at all…and I've been wondering why you're so closed off from me…you know, why you're acting so strange. Bones, I'm so sorry. Of course, I never meant it like that!"

Emma watched them both in fascination. Obviously, they really didn't need her, but what interesting statements they'd both made! What actually happened in their room last night? Maybe she would find out if she kept listening.

It was as if all of Brennan's walls were suddenly crumbling. For the first time since Hannah left, she could breathe again. Obviously, he hadn't meant it that way and she had misunderstood everything, too.

Booth was more than relieved when he felt her relax. "Well, so we don't talk past each other any more. Why can't you keep working with me? What's your reason then?"

Brennan took a deep breath. She needed to keep her head clear now, to avoid saying everything wrong again.

"As we drove here this weekend, I was sure you didn't want me anymore. I felt that the chance of a romantic relationship with you was gone, and that even the fact that Hannah isn't around anymore wouldn't change that. I realized you don't love me anymore, and I had to deal with that."

Booth shook his head in disbelief, but let her go on.

"But the first night of the undercover operation, when you held my hand in the night, I made up my mind that I would at least enjoy being close to you one more time. I wanted to enjoy every touch, every kiss, every caress, even if it was for the last time and only as part of our cover. That's why things got a bit out of hand last night. I wanted you to see me, touch me, caress me at least once, knowing that would have to last me forever."

Emma grinned. There…she had her answer. Her first impulse was to slowly disappear and leave the two alone, but their discussion was just too interesting. She actually wanted to find out more...of course, only to be able to help other couples in the future.

Brennan wasn't able to look at Booth at the moment. Therefore, she looked at her hands before continuing to speak. "I've found out that I can't bear to continue working with you without wishing that we were more than just partners. I can't see you every day, eat with you, spend time with you and without wishing to be held by you again…to be loved by you. I can't do this to myself every day. That's why I want to end our partnership…that's the real reason."

She was silent now and looked at him. Before she knew it, he took her in his arms so tightly that she could hardly breathe. "Bones, Bones…how can you think that I don't want you? That I don't want to finally have the relationship with you that I've dreamed of for years? Do you remember the case with the man and the three wives? I told you afterwards that there is one person you love the most."

She nodded slightly.

"And of course, for me, that person is you. I thought you understood that at the time. "

He moved away from her again so he could look into her eyes. "You're the person I love the most…the one I want to grow old with. There's no one else for me. You should know that."

She shook her head in disbelief. "But why were you so dismissive? You were obviously angry with me, with all of us. How was I supposed to understand that you still want me?"

"Okay, okay, I was angry. I still am somehow, but that doesn't mean I won't want to be with you in the near future. I just need some time to find my inner peace again. I need some distance from Hannah. I once told you that people leave marks on each other. The least we could do is let them fade away naturally…not, you know, scrape them off, or paint over them with new marks.

He now took Brennan's head in his hands. "You're too valuable to me, and I promise I won't screw it up again. This time I want to do it right. Rushing into a relationship with you right now, since I'm not really whole yet, would be totally wrong."

He looked deep into her eyes. "Can you understand?"

As far as the hands on the sides of her head would let her, she tried to nod. "Yes, Booth. I'll wait for you as long as you need me to."

She didn't know how happy those words made him. Everything fell into place. She felt they were finally on the right track, and she'd give him all the time he needed as long as she knew eventually they'd get together.

They had waited so long now, and taken so many detours, so they knew they could wait a while longer, since they were now looking forward to reaching a common goal.

He bent his head and softly pressed his lips to Brennan's. It was not a passionate kiss…more like a promise of what the near future held for them.

Emma hated to interrupt the intimate moment, but she cleared her throat slightly to remind them both of her presence…and she succeeded.

Booth slowly let go of Brennan and they both looked at Emma. Feeling slightly embarrassed, Booth cleared his throat. "So…um…now what?"

AN: I hope you like where this story is going. There are still two more chapters to come. There needs to be some more talk.

Thank you again for your encouraging reviews. They make my day.