Title: A fathers thoughts
Summary: My version of Max's thoughts in my favorite scene from Judas on the pole.
Author note: This is my first attempt so please be nice. Any mistakes I take full credit for.
Disclaimer: Don't own Bones or the characters just a crazy fan
Nerves settled in the pit of my stomach as I approached the Jeffersonian institute. Being a wanted criminal means that not much scares me but the prospect of coming to face to face with my only daughter for the first time in fifteen years both terrifies and excites me. Walking with my son gives me back hope that I may be able to reconnect with my children even after all these years but I also know that my daughter is extremely stubborn; she gets from me I guess.
I'm pulled out of my thoughts as we enter the building. A large door with the words 'Lego-medical' lab stares back at me. As we enter a security guard approaches us.
"We're here to see Dr.Brennan" my son announces to him. I am flooded with warmth of what can only be described of as pride. Everything my daughter has achieved in her life, despite a less than favorable childhood. The guard turns to look both me and Russ over and nods his head to us
"I'll take you to her office"
"No that's fine we know our way" Russ's voice wavers a little and I am again reminded what lies ahead of us. He was a little apprehensive of this plan, keeping the truth from Temperance, but I explained to him it was for the best. She was like me, seeing the world in black and white, and this was just not the time to be open.
"Well she is currently with her assistant I will let her know you are here." With that he heads off in the direction of the lab.
"Come on dad" Russ whispers to me. I follow him, taking everything in as I go.
"I know. It's pretty impressive. When I first came here I was overwhelmed but Tempe practically lives here. It's her life." I simply nod back at him. I had kept track of my children over the years. It had been somewhat easier when it came to my daughter. I love to read about her work, her books; it makes me feel close to her. I had even once or twice toyed with the idea of going to one of her book signings. Knowing it would be too risky and painful I had stayed away. Yet here I was.
"Are you sure you are ready for this, dad. I know you think you'll be ok but this is Tempe you haven't seen her…well its just that, well. She looks a lot like mom."
"Russ I will be fine. I understand your concern but if this is in the interest of her safety and so I'm more than ready."
He nods and we continue towards a large room with class windows and door. I stop short, however, realizing it's my daughter's office. Russ turns back to me and comes back to stand near me as I sit down on the stairs behind me.
"I would feel better if we just wait here for her. I don't want to go into her office without her permission." Russ stays standing and gives me a look of understanding.
"Ok we'll wait."
I had been preparing myself all day. Took in what my son had told me earlier but as she walked towards me I was struck by how much she looked like my Ruth. I couldn't form any words as Russ introduced me as Father McGregor, all I could do was smile at her, a true complete smile of a father being reunited with his only daughter. I felt a little shock as our hands touched but hid it as best as I could. She smiled back at me and my heart skipped a beat .How much I had missed my little girls smile. I didn't even realize someone was approaching me from behind until I heard his voice.
Even as I'm talking, I'm taking it all in. I know I shouldn't be staring at her like this, she will be uncomfortable, it's in creditably suspicious but for a few moments I allow myself the indulgence of just looking at her. God, she is so beautiful.