A/N I owe everyone who's followed or read this story a huge apology for the long break. My muse apparently went on a round-the world vacation without me (and without notice may I add?). Plus there have been a lot of personal and work stuff to deal with.

I've always promised to finish this story, though, and I will. I hate unfinished stories as much as anyone-and I would never to do that to people kind enough to take time to read and/or review my story.

And, once again, I am in no way involved in the creation of Bones , except in this fanfiction universe. Bummer.

I was on the couch, tuned in (sort of) to ESPN on the TV when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I twisted my head around to see Bones standing behind me, frowning.

"What?" I asked. "The TV's not on too loud is it? I know you've been working on your new book-"

She shook her head. "I stopped working on my book a while ago, Booth. It's after midnight-and I had hit a cement wall, creatively speaking."

For a moment I just stared at her. "Brick wall, Bones. Not cement."

"Oh.' She bit her lip, then blurted out, "Are you all right? You've been fairly quiet."

"I didn't want to disturb you-"

Bones held up her hand, "I'm not talking about you giving me time to work on my book. You've been quiet since you got home. And you're not even really watching sports on the television-which is not like you."

I let out a long breath. "Got a call from Jared today. Apparently he's been talking to Mom a lot more recently. He said she told him she was seeing a shrink about some of the stuff we've talked about. " I held up my hand. "Yes, I know how you feel about psychology, Bones. I'm just telling you what Jared told me."

Bones nodded, then went around the couch to sit next to me. She leaned over to rest on my chest, her head tucked under my chin, and asked, "Are you all right?"

I let out a long breath. "I'm not sure, honestly. I mean it's good that she's finally willing to admit the kind of damage she left behind-" I stopped at the sound Bones made under her breath (which sounded suspiciously like a snort.) "What?"

Bones straightened up to stare at me. "I realize you are more cognizant of human behaviors and interactions than I am, but it appears to me that that is something she should have recognized a long time ago. She knew what sort of person your father was and left you there without making any provisions for your care and safety. I believe she is hardly in a position to complain now."

"You know, talking to a psychologist isn't always about complaining, Bones-" I stopped at the glare she gave me. "Fine. That thought occurred to me to when Jared told me. That she should have known-and at least acknowledged it when she was here. Jared she he and she were talking, but he got the feeling she handled it differently from how she did it with me. I feel like I was a guinea pig-and when one approach didn't work on one son, let's try another with the other son. Happy?"

Bones look and voice both softened. "This is a situation that has caused you a great deal of pain, Booth. That could never make me happy."

I look into those earnest eyes staring into mine, and realize it still amazes me that for all her awkwardness in some social settings (not to mention her tendency to blunt and literal) that in moments like these, she seems to know exactly what to say. I love that about the two of us as a couple. We've been through so much together as partners, friends and later as a couple-we know what to say. Not that we don't fight, and we're not those couples who finish each other sentences (as independent as Bones is, I try that and she'll cut me off at the knees), but in quiet moments like this, we can reassure each other. We've learned when to push, and when not to-and when sometimes we just need space. When we first started our romantic relationship, I would find myself comparing to other relationships I've had in the past, and realizing how much more real and solid this felt compared to the others (and I cringed a lot over my relationship with Hannah when comparing it to this one-and how truly superficial that one really was, and how close I came to missing out on this one by proposing to Hannah.)

I leaned over to kiss her gently. "I know that, Bones." I sighed. "It's just this whole thing is still bothering me, you know?"

Bones nodded. "I do know. But has talking to everyone that you've been talking to helped at least?"

I gave her a lopsided grin. "You know you sounded a little like Sweets there."

Bones rolled her eyes. "I do NOT spout psychobabble. However, I do believe getting various perspectives on a situation can help-I've found often when consulting with other scientists other solutions can present themselves-"

I raised my hand. "Please no examples of the Mumbo Jumbo tribe from east Oompa Loompa land. Not sure I'm up to listening to that."

Bones frowned. "There is no, oh," she said, catching sight of my grin. "you're making that tribe and location up." She shook her head at me. "You do realize if I discover a tribe like that one day, I'm going to get my findings published and you'll end up in a scientific journal."

"I can hardly wait-but I'm not holding my breath for it."

"Perhaps that might be best." Bones took my hand and held it. "So what about your mother, Booth. Do you think you need more time, or do you think you should talk to her again?"

"That's the million dollar question, and the one I've been thinking about." I gave Bones' hand a light squeeze. "But I think it's time to deal with this head on. I've had time-and a lot of help from friends –to get more of a grip on this, so I think it's time my mom and I sort out what kind of relationship we can and should have from here on out. Because I don't think this limbo can go on forever. Well, I suppose it could, but I'd rather not just leave it hanging. And while I'm still somewhat angry, I'm not as angry as it was. That's something, I guess."

"That's a great deal, Booth. That anger doesn't go away overnight-and no doubt it will pop up occasionally, no matter the relationship you do decide to have. I still have those feeling regarding Max-and at least he didn't know for sure that he was leaving me in a dangerous place. But whatever you decide to do in regard to your mother, Booth, I will support it. I hope you know that."

I pulled Bones back down against me and wrapped my arms around her. "Trust me, I do know. You've been with me through this situation-and so many others for as long as we've known each other."

"You've done the same for me numerous times, Booth."

I smiled and rubbed her back gently. "True, and I've never regretted any of it."

As we sat there, silently exchanging consolation and acceptance, I could feel even more of my resentment sliding away. I would always hate what my mom did-but everything in my life has lead up to this. This life I have with this wonderful woman and my children. Bones may scoff at fate all she wants, but I know better, and my proof is right here in my arms.

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Hopefully worth the wait! Feel free to let me know. We're nearing the end here, but feel free to leave suggestions, reviews, etc.

Oompa Loompas are from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (or from the movies-but the book did come first!)