Booth was staring at the binder on his desk. Now that his case was over, he knew what was to come next. The rage and nausea inside of him was not helping.

"Hey," Sweets said, sticking his head past the door. "I thought you might use some help."

"I can't even open it," Booth said, jabbing the binder with his finger. "Maybe Cleo has managed to work through this, but I don't know if I can."

"They're bad guys, Booth. Just look at them like that. Bad guys who need to be rounded up and put away," Sweets said, coming in fully now. "If you give them your emotion, it'll make it harder."

"I want to kill them," Booth admitted. "How can anyone hurt a kid like that? Or in any way for that matter? Kids are...are..."

"Innocent human beings who are just trying to learn and grow into the people they want to be," Sweets answered. "I know. This one hits close to home a little for me too."

Booth was squeezing his stress ball very hard. Sweets imagined that Booth was pretending it was their faces.

"Should we get started?" Sweets pressed. "We did promise Cleo."

"We?"

"Yes. I promised her I would help too."

"All right then. Let's go."

...

It felt like a dream in some ways. Booth headed for each man's home and then place of work if they weren't there. Some cried. Some got angry and tried to run, and Booth favored these ones as he could tackle them down hard. Others sat in a stony silence and stared at nothing while his home was searched. One man cried and gave a list of new names for them to hunt down. Sweets made sure to connect with all the victims and made the request to be their therapist to help them with their treatment.

"That's all and then some," Sweets said after returning to the office and finding Booth. "That must feel good."

"They'll never forget it," Booth responded. He couldn't get the sick feeling in his stomach to go away.

"No, but they're still young enough that I can start saving and re-building self-esteem and work through the trauma with them so maybe there's a chance they won't be completely scarred forever," Sweets offered. "I have to believe there is hope."

"You'll do good," Booth nodded. He knew Sweets would. Booth had Cleo as proof that he was doing well.

...

Cleo was sitting at the table, head bent over an attempted drawing she was doing. Brennan had taken the day off since the case was over. She was working on her new novel. Booth came home just before dinner, and Cleo looked up at him when he stood in front of her.

"You got them," she said softly, seeing it in his eyes.

"Every last one, and then some," he answered. Cleo was surprised but not surprised. Booth squeezed her shoulder as he walked by, off to find Brennan. She was typing furiously in the other room.

"Hey," he said. She turned to look at him.

"Hi. Are you okay?" she asked, frowning at his facial expression.

"Just a really heavy day," he answered. She stood and wrapped her arms around him tightly. He rested his chin on top of her head. Even though it was over, he still felt as though he hadn't done enough.

...

"Aw, man!" Parker shouted as the soccer ball soared past him. Cleo was laughing. Brennan chuckled as Booth got involved and played keep away with the two of them. Parker had taken to Cleo very quickly, and they were becoming fast friends. They were currently at the park enjoying a lazy Saturday. Booth had requested a small leave, and Brennan didn't have any current cases that needed her attention. She knew Booth had been to see Cleo's social worker to discuss future plans. He had first asked her if their relationship was serious.

"Of course it is," she had answered, smiling. "I love you, Booth. I'm never changing my mind."

"Me either," he had grinned. Needless to say, that night had been very pleasurable for both of them.

Now, Brennan laughed as Parker and Cleo tackled his legs and knocked him down. Parker then stole the ball with Cleo chasing after him. Booth stayed on his stomach, watching. There was a big grin on his face. Brennan went over to him.

"Looks like you lost," she commented. She sat down beside him on the grass.

"Eh, if it means they're having fun, then I don't mind," he answered.

"Have you talked to her yet?"

"No. I'm saving it for later after Parker goes back with Rebecca."

"Do you think she'll be pleased?"

"I really hope so," Booth replied.

...

"What's up, Files?" Cleo asked when Booth knocked on her door later that night.

"Do you have time to chat?"

"Always. Is it about a new case? I'd love to help."

"I'm sure you would. I'm actually not working right now, so this is a personal call."

"Oh. You seem serious," Cleo said, sitting up straight. She had a sinking feeling in her stomach. He was going to tell her he couldn't keep her, that there was no way for it to happen. She felt her throat tighten.

"Well, it is a serious matter, and I want to know what you think," Booth went on. She stared, not saying anything. She didn't trust her voice.

"Cleo, I want to adopt you," Booth said, looking at her. "If you want to be, that is." She felt the words reverberate around the room before sinking in.

"Yes," she said instantly, bursting into tears. Booth was taken aback, wondering why she was upset about it.

"Are you sure? I...I thought you'd be happy..."

"I am happy, dork," she cut him off, wiping at her eyes. "These are happy tears, which I can honestly say I've never had before."

"Oh," he said, getting it. "Sorry." She laughed and hugged him.

"I thought you'd never ask," she said after.

"Well, here we are," he smiled.

"Do I have to call you Dad? I actually prefer Files..."

"Oh come on," Booth whined. He had been hoping to get rid of the nickname for good.

"What? It's one of a kind, like Bones."

"She has a point," Brennan cut in from the doorway. She smirked at him.

"Ugh, you two," Booth groaned.

"You love it," Cleo teased.

"Good night," Booth said, getting up to leave.

"You really do!" Cleo called after him. He closed the door behind him. Brennan stood in front of him, starting to laugh.

"Okay, I don't mind it, but don't ever tell her that," Booth warned.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Brennan shook her head. Booth kissed her then, feeling lucky that everything was falling into place. The future looked good.

The End

A HUGE thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and favorited! I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I know some events seemed unbelievable, but that's fiction for ya. Just like movies ;) I am contemplating writing a sequel one day. What do you think? Until next time!