I don't possess any legal rights to the TV show 'Bones', its characters or any other intellectual property related to this tremendous television series.

This story is my version of the season finale – a long chpater, total of 6.

I welcome any comments, suggestions, etc.

Chapter - Exordium

The send-off was over; it wasn't really a party. While they stood at their favorite table at the Founding Fathers, it was a different mood. Usually, they celebrated a solved case, but in a sense, this event remained a mystery. There was nothing to celebrate. Brennan was off to an historic archeological dig and Booth was going back to the military – the duration for both - an entire year. The center was not holding; it was replaced with a void, nothingness, a region of space and time that held no future, no hope – emptiness.

The guests were confused; almost to a person, each felt Booth and Brennan knew each other better than any two should. Married couples ache for such closeness. Their feelings for each other, long suppressed by duty and fear, was palpable. Caroline was right – they were running from each other, not to anything. How is it that their co-workers and friends, even Parker, could sense the attraction? Although Booth tried, his effort was half-hearted – twice. Brennan was not ready, and that is what frustrated Booth. As well as he knew her, it appears it was still not enough. Yet, with this latest incident, she said she was protecting him from her. He didn't understand, perhaps never will. He wanted to understand, but the emotion of her rejection was nearly unbearable. He couldn't remember the last time he cried.

Parker remained next to his father, never letting go of his hand. The sad look on his face was especially heart wrenching. Booth looked down on his son, trying to maintain a loving smile. He had to really focus to ensure his quivering lips were not too obvious. If he started to tear up, then he'd look away. It didn't get any easier; Brennan was on the other side.

Brennan and Booth only spoke occasionally to each other during the send-off, but they never left each other's side. Brennan was afraid to look into his eyes, at least for too long. Booth constantly touched her, gentle reminders of his feelings, pointing out people to ensure they each said their good-bys to or to ask her if she would like anything to eat or drink. Booth knew he would never forget the feel of her skin or her beauty. He was already starting to miss her; the late night meals, visiting each other's apartment, the smell of her hair and perfume. He closed his eyes, knowing those memories would forever be seared into his mind. While important to him, he knew it would not replace the feeling when he would look into her eyes. Those eyes – so penetrating and while to some they are blank or emotionless, he knew better. They revealed more about her than anything else. He could not look away; she was spellbinding and alluring.

He pleaded with and reminded her to text or e-mail every day to let him know she was safe. He also emphasized to her that she ensure security personnel were always within 25 feet of her, 24/7. She nodded that she would do as he requested. Brennan knew better than to argue; it would only agitate him. Although he was training Rangers, she was convinced he would join on dangerous missions. He was the best sniper; Booth's commanders wouldn't forget that. He would then be in mortal danger. Her heart ached; if anything would happen to him . . . she had to set those thoughts aside. She tried so hard to keep that out of her mind, but it was useless. Her ability to compartmentalize, especially concerning Booth, was waning.

Booth was polite to the other guests, but was distracted nonetheless. He was going to miss his son terribly, but he was going to ache for Brennan. That security force had better be staffed with ex-Rangers or ex-SEALS. He would make some phone calls.

Although Catherine Bryar and Andrew Hacker attended, they kept their distance from the couple for most of the time. Prior to the Gravedigger trial, Booth had explained, almost apologized, that while he enjoyed Catherine's company, he wanted to be just friends. Yes, he was somewhat attracted to Catherine. A smart, beautiful woman showed real interest in him and he admitted he was excited. Yet, he didn't have that connection with her - no surprise there. One lunch and a few dinners did not do much for him. He couldn't shake Brennan out of his mind; he wondered if he could ever do so.

He had explained to Catherine that he would sit next to Brennan during the Gravedigger trial. Their kidnapping ordeals and aftermath were still a vivid memory and they needed each other for support. Catherine attended some of the trial and knew Booth held Brennan's hand. When Catherine saw them never leaving each other's side, she could feel the electricity between them. Booth would only be happy with Brennan. She hated to admit it, but seeing Brennan, Booth and Parker together looked almost like a picture-perfect family, despite the pervasive sadness that enveloped the scene. It looked like they had always belonged together.

Hacker did not feel the same way, however. He was somewhat pleased when Booth announced he would help the Army Rangers in developing a new training program and would therefore take a leave of absence from the FBI. While Booth and Brennan were by far the best investigative duo at the FBI, he wanted his shot at Brennan. Booth's presence around Brennan as her partner was a distraction and felt she wouldn't give her full attention to their relationship. However, after the trial, she explained that her interest in him would remain strictly platonic, although an occasional coffee would be certainly possible. Her message and body language were clear; her heart was crushed and he would not be the one to help mend it.

Still, with Brennan deciding on yet another excursion was typical; Booth thought he had scared her, yet again. Was she running to or away from something? Booth reflected on the past few weeks; those were interesting, but also fun, despite the dire consequences that had brought them to those situations, especially her school reunion and that rock n' roll fantasy camp. The aquarium investigation was also interesting, although he was not wild about her in the tank. He was not also comfortable when they discussed their dates. Despite his doomed gamble and their dating others, all in all, he was pleased they still enjoyed each other's company. He realized one thing, however; he had learned to compartmentalize when it came to Brennan.

It was a long shot that Brennan would reconsider her decision to keep their partnership strictly professional. Deep down, he felt he was still 'that guy'. His gut on such matters never proved him wrong. He hoped she loved him, but for whatever reason, she couldn't accept it – no scientific evidence. He prayed for wisdom and understanding. His faith in God never wavered, however; if it was meant to be, it would happen. Until then, he had to find ways to cope and going away for some time seemed logical. He could not remain in D.C. if she was not there. How ironic, he was using rationality to get him through this and he was hoping that she would see the emotional aspect.

0-2; he couldn't shake his batting average with women he loved. Rebecca had rejected his marriage proposal and Bones, while not a proposal, pretty much did the same thing – he was not good enough for either. He could only conclude that neither loved him, at least the way he was hoping. Cam was a love interest, but they never developed the deep connection. They each concluded that and it was a great feeling that they were the best of friends. He was also happy for Cam that she had a boyfriend. Best of all, Booth really liked the guy.

As he had a thousand times, he played out in his mind that heart wrenching scene over and over. Brennan had rejected his desire to pursue a romantic relationship; she told him that she was protecting him and that she needed proof, not just anecdotal evidence, of the long-term viability of a relationship. He didn't know how to respond – how can you prove it except through love, trust and commitment? What seemed ages ago, he recalled the first time he expressed his feelings towards her during the Harbinger case. He still battered himself with making the 'atta-girl' comment, but she looked so scared. He felt stupid then and the feeling never went away. It was one of his few real regrets in his life; now two of them were connected to Brennan.

And what was Bones' deal with Hacker? He just could not understand that one. He was harmless enough; a classic bureaucrat that had political connections and terrific administrative skills, but zero investigative and intuitive skills. If he ever had either, both disappeared long ago. His empty and somewhat gratuitous attempt to impress Brennan during his 'rescue' of them at the Jeffersonian was a laugh. Surely, even Bones saw through that. He chuckled to himself; the guy isa doofus. Hacker was adept at his job, but it rankled Booth that Hacker benefited from his successes. Booth wondered if he ever really needed his support, Hacker would deliver. He concluded only if it didn't harm Hacker's career.

Brennan was, is, his best friend. Booth told her things he never admitted to anyone. Partners did that. He couldn't think of one thing he wouldn't tell her, except one. He smiled to himself; there's no such thing as a guy hug. Guys don't hug things out. Bones didn't know that, though. It was really the only time to touch and hold her for an extended time. At some point, he would have to fess up on that one.

Wyatt was a bit annoyed with Booth. "Hope and patience": did Booth just forget his advice? What did Sweets have to do with this? Booth had blown the 'patience' part, maybe the 'hope' is still there? Wyatt was perplexed; he knew Brennan loved Booth, but felt it was not his place to tell him. It was best for these things to play themselves out. He's convinced of it – "hope and patience" he repeated to himself; it was and is the right advice.

Angela was crying, a lot. Hodgins tried to console her as best as he could. She would miss her best friend, but was more upset with the feeling of crushing loneliness Brennan would experience. Angela was convinced Brennan's love for Booth was so deep and enduring, but she wouldn't trust herself that she deserved a man like him. Angela just didn't know how to push her in the right direction.

As her father, Max wanted his daughter to be happy in whatever she did. He'll always feel guilty for abandoning her and Russ, but knew in his heart that what he and his wife did to save their family was the right thing. He watched her for most of the send-off, but sensed she had a heavy heart. He knew there was more to her relationship with Booth then just FBI partners. It was special and wanted that for her. He had told her that when she found someone she could trust, she needed to hang on to that person. More and more, Max knew that person was Booth. He had also pleaded with Booth to take care of her. His pleas did not appear to take hold.

Sweets was miserable. He held himself responsible for essentially breaking up the best FBI partnership. He kicked himself for being so careless; confronting Booth in front of Brennan to be the gambler. What was the point? Was he that selfish to prove his book was right? Sweets admitted to himself that Booth was right; Sweets' youth and immaturity occasionally manifested itself and in this instance, these two paid the price. He didn't know if he could ever forgive himself. Sweets knew that Booth may never trust him again; he couldn't blame him. Worse, the rest of the squints will eventually also blame him for breaking up the center. He could try to argue that Booth doesn't do anything he didn't want to, but what was the point?

His value to the Jeffersonian may have been irreparably compromised. It's why he was mulling resignation or at least asking for a transfer. Yet, staying with the FBI may not be beneficial either; this organization has its own communication network. Rumors would fly on how he ruined a great team. He groaned out loud at that realization.

He apologized to Booth, but was afraid of Brennan. He knew she would accuse him of experimenting on them again. She was right; subconsciously, he probably did - all for that stupid book. He was relieved he got both drafts from them. He was going to shred them and delete all of his work. There would be no physical evidence of his careless and thoughtless handiwork, but the emotional damage would last forever.

Brennan didn't like parties, not really. She often felt out of place. Yes, these were her friends but the purpose of the party was to celebrate her departure for another dig and Booth's return to the military. She had so loved these excursions; archeology was her first love. Yet, this time the feeling was hollow. While a once in a lifetime opportunity, some how it didn't seem as important. She really couldn't pinpoint it, but she knew she had to stop kidding herself; it always comes back to Booth.

When everyone had left the Founding Fathers, Booth asked Brennan if he could walk her home. She nodded yes; she could barely hold it together. Her eyes were filled with tears and Booth felt even worse. He hated to see her this way. He knew their year apart would be difficult, but necessary. Their respective assignments were important. She walked into the kitchen to get some water; they had enough wine and beer. He sat down on the couch and turned on her iPod; he silently prayed that it contained none of the songs Hacker put together. Pleased, it was a collection of songs he had mentioned to Brennan some time ago.

Brennan, with their glasses of water, joined him on the couch and sat closely next to him. It had been awhile they had been so close to each other, at least alone. Brennan asked, "Will Catherine be upset about this?"

Booth answered, "Probably not; we broke up just before the Graveyard trial." Brennan, with sadness, replied, "I'm sorry, Booth."

"I'm not", he answered. "I was not right for her." Brennan let go a long exhale. "I'm not seeing Andrew any more. He's nice, but something was missing."

He put his arm around her and she wrapped both arms around his chest. Just then, Brennan's iPod started playing an October Project song, Return to Me.

you rise like a wave in the ocean
and you fall gently back to the sea
now I want to know how to hold you
return to me
return to me

you shine like the moon over water
and you darken the sky when you leave
now I want to know how to keep you
return to me
return to me
turn to me
return to me

everything I tell you has been spoken
and everything I say was said before
but everything I feel is for the first time
and everything I feel I feel for you

I am here calling the wind
I am here calling your name
I am here calling you back
return to me
return to me

I know what it means to be lonely
and I know what it means to be free
now I want to know how to love you
return to me
return to me

I am here calling the wind
I am here calling your name
I am here calling you back
return to me
return to me

At the end of the song, Brennan looked up, with her eyes filled with tears and whispered to Booth, "You had better come back to me. I wouldn't know what I'd do if something happened to you." She hugged him tightly, turning her face into his chest. He could feel the dampness of her tears on his shirt.

"I'll be back, baby. With all of my strength, I will be back. You need to be careful in the Indonesian jungle. Promise me that you will listen to the security guards. Promise me."

"Yes, I promise."

"Also, I want you to have this." Booth removed his St. Christopher's medal, the one he let Jared borrow when he went on his India vacation, from around his neck.

Brennan was mildly upset, "Booth, no, you need to keep this. You're going to war, a much more dangerous place than the Maluku Islands."

Booth insisted, "Please, do this for me?"

Brennan relented, took it and put it around her neck. She promised herself she would not remove it until she returned.

They sat and listened to the music, a colleciton of new age, jazz, and light rock. Except when he held Parker for the first time, he had never felt this close to another human being. There was nothing sexual or even sensual about their physical closeness; simply an emotional bonding that would be forever a part of his soul and memory. He kissed her head, with his tears falling into her hair.

While holding Booth, Brennan tried to recall the numerous discussions where Booth explained love, commitment and trust. Six years ago, he asked her if she believed in fate; she didn't then and she didn't a few short weeks ago. Now, she was having doubts. Her education, intellect and construct didn't support fate. It's why she also didn't believe in God; only people impacted others' lives, not some spirit. She knew Booth tried to teach her otherwise, but she just couldn't see it. He unconvincingly tried to explain that we can't think like God. We'll find out His reasons when it's time. Brennan did not share his patience. She had faith, but it was in her science, not any religion.

He was nonetheless persuasive. He explained love is also like that; an unrelenting, powerful feeling of a connection with another person. He had promised her that she would experience it, being lost in another person. The heart is where love exists. She accepted Booth's contention that love causes the brain's reactions, but she hadn't experienced it yet, or so she thought. This is what confused her to no end. Booth changed her a lot, she admitted that. She trusted Booth, in every way. True, Angela was her best girlfriend; Booth was her best friend, ever.

Those two really got her going at times. Both of them explained love is forever, but Brennan found it difficult to accept the concept. How can something last forever? It's why she felt relationships were temporary; people always disappoint you, eventually, or worse, abandon you. She lived by the mantra that you can't get hurt if you don't permit others to get too close.

She thought why not go to the dig; it's her calling and it seems all the men in her life always left; her Dad, Russ, even Sully. She had a connection with Sully, but it now seemed more physical. Yes, he lived wide, but if he really loved her, as he said he did, he wouldn't leave. What was wrong with her? Was it her? Did Sully really think she would just want to sail around the Caribbean for a year? Angela said she should go. Even Booth said to go. But when Sully left, Booth was there to comfort her. It worked, because she somehow didn't feel that upset by his departure. She couldn't explain the reason and she hated that.

Yet, her life experience as a foster child and the feelings of abandonment had hardened her. Few people really were able to soften her; Angela for certain. She encouraged Brennan to get out of the lab. But it was Booth who made it happen. She valued their partnership and missed him when they didn't have a case. Her Dad noticed, so did Angela. But did Booth feel the same way?

It didn't matter – God, she was going to miss Booth.

While it was quite late, her mind thought of what it would be like to be gone for a year, apart from Booth. She didn't want the evening to end.

"Booth?"

"Mmmmm, what is it?"

"Can we stay like this until tomorrow?"

"I would absolutely love that, Bones. Thank you."

Brennan was emotionally drained and after several glasses of wine, fell asleep, without any nightmares, but holding a man she couldn't stop thinking about.

With that brief exchange, Booth knew he didn't have to worry about moving on; she was in love with him.