"This is delicious," she said, taking another forkful of the stir-fry.

He couldn't help but grin as he watched her devour the meal. He knew she was hungry; she had only picked at her hospital food the last few days, not finding any of their vegetarian meals appetizing in the least.

She polished off her second serving with an appreciative moan before putting the plate on the coffee table and leaning back on the sofa to rest.

"You really are a man of many talents, aren't you?" she teased, realizing she had leaned back against the arm he had stretched out across the top of the sofa. She tensed instinctively, not knowing if she was putting pressure against his arm in a way he didn't care for. But when she felt his hand curl around her shoulder and pull her slightly closer to his side, Brennan felt herself relax into his touch.

"I called Rebecca," he said after a few moments of companionable silence. "I was supposed to have Parker this weekend, but obviously since I was in Florida we had to reschedule."

"Oh," she said, instantly feeling awkward. "I'm sorry you lost time with him to help me. I know your time together is very valuable."

Booth shook his head. "Its ok. Parker asked how you were," he said. "So did Rebecca. They were both pretty worried."

"That's very kind of them."

"Parker wanted to come over and sign your cast. I had to explain that it's a different kind of cast," Booth said, regarding the air-cast on her foot with an amused expression. "He'll probably want to sign that, anyway."

She thought for a brief moment before nodding. "He's welcome to sign the air-cast. I'm sure he would find it quite enjoyable."

"Rebecca and I rescheduled for this weekend. Maybe Parker and I'll swing by," he replied, pausing to explain himself. "I figured by then you'll be more mobile and able to get around on your own…."

"That's probably correct," she said, frowning. Her voice became soft. "Booth, I can certainly hire a home aid nurse to come assist me. You don't have to stay. I know you have other things to do."

"Nope. Nothing else to do," he said quickly.

"Booth…" Brennan's voice faded with the half-felt admonishment. She would enjoy his company if he stayed, no doubt, but she knew he still had a life to lead aside from playing nurse-maid for her.

He squeezed her shoulder slightly before pulling his arm away and sliding out from behind her on the sofa. He grabbed the plates from the coffee table, moving towards the kitchen.

"Bones, I'm exactly where I need to be. Will you just let it go?"

She called to him from the sofa, his tall frame standing at her sink as he rinsed the dishes and loaded the dishwasher. "What about your cases?"

"There are other agents."

"None with as high of a solve-rate as we have."

"That's because we are us, Bones. I can't solve those things alone. Without you, I end up pushing paper. And, really, you know how much I hate pushing paper."

"And your time with Parker –"

"Has been taken care of," he interrupted. He wiped his hands on her dishtowel, tossing it onto the counter.

"Booth, I'm sure you have things at your home you need to tend to. I will manage without you."

He stood, leaning against the door jamb to the kitchen, watching her from afar. He needed a little distance for what he was about to ask and resuming his seat on the sofa certainly wasn't going to give it to him. "Are you kicking me out? Does it bother you that I'm here?"

"What? No!" she said firmly, struggling against her cast and ribs to stand. She hated being an invalid and this was a prime example; when she wanted to stand toe-to-toe with him and state her case clearly, he was too far away and she couldn't stand. "I just do not want you to feel as if you have to stay here to ensure that I'm well taken care of," she said, finally leveraging herself from the sofa and to her feet – if a bit wobbly.

"First off, I don't feel as if I have to do anything," he said, walking lowly towards her. "I'm here because I want to be here – not because I have to. But I've already fixed everything so I can stay and help until you can get around on your own. Will you just let me help you?" he said, trying not to let the tension tinge his voice with anger.

He felt her settle a handle gently on his upper arm and he closed his eyes, getting his nerves under control. "Bones, just let me take care of you for a few days, ok? I'll sleep better knowing that you're ok."

She nodded in acquiescence and spared a brief thought for the woman she had become. Five years ago, she would have forced him to leave, forced herself to tend to her own needs, despite the frustration and pain of injury. She would have found his attentions unnecessary and his irrational need to see to her wellbeing overwhelming. She would have bristled at his affection.

She didn't know if she could pin-point when it started. She didn't know if she could identify the instance when he had made his presence in her life go from an 'annoyance' to a 'need.' She didn't know how it happened, but somewhere over the last few years, he had knocked down her walls, brick by heavy brick.