Chapter 12

Mid-afternoon found the two of them sated and sleeping; Brennan had her head placed comfortably on Booth's chest, tucked just under his chin. She was wrapped securely in his embrace and their legs were intertwined. Stirring, Brennan opened her eyes and lay quietly just listening to the gentle beat of her new lover's heart. Pondering what had just happened, she glanced up towards Booth and smiled. Once upon a time, she was sure that if she allowed herself to feel what she was feeling at this moment, she would regret it. The walls that were erected after her parents left have been there for so long, she thought. She was always so afraid of what would happen if they came down. At this moment, however, she realized that she had wasted so much time. At this moment, there was no fear and no regrets for what transpired a few short hours ago. She couldn't recall ever feeling happier… safer.

"What 'cha thinking about so hard", she heard.

"What makes you think I'm thinking?" she replied.

Smiling, he added, "I can hear the wheels turning in your head."

"Booth, I do not have wheels in my head…. Oh, you were being metaphorical weren't you?"

Kissing the top of her head, he laughed aloud. "Yea….. I was being metaphorical." Waiting another moment, he asked, "So, are you going to tell me what you're thinking?"

Looking into his eyes, she answered, "I was thinking about how happy I am feeling…..how much time I've wasted… how safe you make me feel."

"Really?"

"Yea."

Leaning in to kiss her, he captured her warm lips and wrapped both arms around her. Responding in kind, things escalated naturally and once again the lovers coupled and explored each other.

Later in the day, famished, it was decided to make a phone call and order delivery. Neither one had a desire to leave the other to prepare food. When the knock came indicating the food had arrived, Booth jumped up and pulled on a pair of jeans. He immediately returned to the warmth of bed. Sitting up and using pillows to prop herself, Brennan accepted a plate and began to eat.

While consuming their food, they fell into light conversation and laughed with each other. Booth finally took the plates and put them on the table.

Clearing his throat, he began to speak. "So, Bones, I know you still need the cast on for a while until your leg heals, but you aren't taking pain meds like you were and …..well…. from today's activities, you seem to be feeling much better."

"I am feeling much more energetic and without the pain meds, I am feeling more like myself."

"I was wondering when you think you might want me to call Hodgins and have him send his jet."

"Oh."

"What's wrong, Bones? Don't you want to go home?"

"I've been contemplating that ever since I woke up in the hospital."

"What did you come up with?" he asked apprehensively. Trying to look brave on the outside, he was panicking on the inside, bracing himself for her to say she wasn't going back. What will I do if she says she's not going, he wondered.

"When I left Washington for Maluku, I had resigned myself to the fact that I was meant to be alone. I had finally admitted to myself that I wanted a chance with you, but I couldn't have that. Hannah made me realize that I needed to leave so you could be happy. But…. when I was alone on that island; there was no food, I was running out of water, the fever, my leg… I knew I was going to die and all I could think about was you." Pausing to swallow hard and blink back tears, she continued, "Suddenly, there you were. My hero rescuing me from my hell."

"Bones…"

"No, let me finish. Please. I thank you, Booth, for coming to find me. I have never known a finer man than you. I have also never felt like I had a home…. not since my parents and my brother left me all those years ago. I have lived many places. I have had many jobs. But, I never felt I had a home. So, when you ask if I want to go home, I have never known where that is."

"Bones, what are you saying? I thought after today….."

Reaching for his hand, she held it tightly in her own and kissed it. "After today, I know two things for sure. One, I love you Seeley Booth. And two, I have found 'home'. Wherever you are, that is home. I have never been more at peace than I have felt today and that is because of you. So, I will go wherever you go and that is home."

"Yea?"

Nodding, she responded with, "Yea."

Grinning from ear to ear, Booth leaned in again capturing her lips. Folding his arms around her, he gently pushed her down on the bed. Stopping for only a moment, he quietly whispered, "Welcome home, Bones". The only sounds that could be heard after that…. were the sounds of love.

Author's note:I am leaving our super couple here.I want to thank all of you who took the time to read my thoughts and those of you who took the time to send me reviews.I have had fun with B and B and plan to come play again soon.I hope you enjoyed the final bits.

Here's to Season 11 in 2 weeks!

Thanks again, Gatewatcher.