A/N: For TemperTemper who wanted to see me "tackle them actually getting together" and, thus, set this idea in my head. Thanks to Jess (CupcakeBean) bean for letting me throw ideas at her and navigating my crazy notes.
Spoilers: Slight references to 1x15 Two Bodies in the Lab, 2x09 Aliens in a Spaceship, 2x18 The Killer in the Concrete, and 4x13 The Hero in the Hold.
Disclaimer: No, Bones does not belong to me. Title (Something's Changed That I Can't Quite Put My Finger On *grumbles about ff's title limit*) found in Lady Antebellum's Love's Lookin' Good On You
One minute we're arguing about soy burgers and the next - the next - it's something completely different.
"Just try it, Booth. One bite. It's not going to kill you. In fact, it's better for you in-" I cut her off before she can launch into the a million and one reasons that her burger is better than the full fat ones I love.
"You never know, it might." I lean back in my chair, careful not to tip myself over as I have on previous occasions. You would think her dining set, as nice as it is, would be sturdier. "Besides, you-" I pick up my fork, stabbing it in her direction. "you still won't try pie."
"Maybe I've been contemplating the merits of trying it again. Tastes change." She looks at me challengingly and something I've never seen before flashes in her eyes. Fear? Recklessness? Love? Some combination of all three?
Realizing that, for once, I'm the one missing out on the subtext, I clear my throat. "What are you saying, Bones?"
"I'm tired of waiting."
"For what?" I feel like I'm back in trigonometry class, three steps behind the teacher. Why couldn't this be phys ed?
"For this." She gestures between us like it's the most logical comparison in the world and, well, I'm pretty sure I do a fairly good impression of a goldfish. She plows on, saving me from comment. "We've been more than partners for... a long period of time." It's not a question and I feel myself nod as she continues. "And we'd already go to great lengths to save each other-" Scenes flash in my head: Kenton, Gallagher, the Gravedigger (twice). "-both know we'd do it again even though we're not in a so-called romantic relationship." She pauses and I know better than to interrupt. I couldn't if I wanted to. "In addition, people already assume we're together despite our continued denial. We'd just have to remain professional. I can compartmentalize very well and you've managed to keep your hands off me this long..." She smirks that little half smile I'm sure only I get to see and crosses her arms, apparently content to let me process the information.
Why is she the one convincing me? The thought, which lodged itself in my head the minute she'd made her implication clear, continues to echo. I realize that I've been frightened - afraid to risk the most important relationship in my life (aside from Parker), afraid I wasn't good enough, that she wouldn't want me - and have been using her fears as an excuse not to move forward. I've been expecting it though - wanting it - for longer than I can remember. Hell, I had as good as told her the previous day when, as we closed yet another case, she'd gone off about how men were only attracted to superficial bimbo types. (She used longer words, but the intention had been the same) I feel my eyes widen in shock. Was that what she'd needed after all this time? A sign that I was seriously interested? I am such an idiot.
I barely register standing and walking to the other side of the table, but soon my lips are on hers and, oh God, she tastes better than I remember. All too soon the need for oxygen forces me to pull away and I stand there, dazed.
"Good." She rises and moves to her fridge, pulling out a slice of apple pie - two forks already nestled on the plate. I grin, moving my chair from the other side of the table to sit as close as possible. We have a lot to talk about.