This story is partially fanfiction, partially an ode to a very special place. This is different from almost everything else I've ever written, as I do not write M rated content or incredibly descriptive passages that are parts of a story and not just one sole paragraph.
I like it. I sincerely hope you do too.
The land here is uneven, undecided: sloped and jagged as if it hadn't had enough time to form properly. Forests give away to cleared fields; the pastures littered with rocks, divided by brooks, and filled with blooming flora. Buttercups shoot up from the packed ground, brilliant yellow so bright it burns the back of eyelids. Wild roses twist up through the shrubs, thorns glistening with the morning dew. Ferns cover the forest floor like a rug, soft to the touch and as green as a shiny jade stone.
Some may call the rough view ugly and displaced, insulting generations of farmers whose bloody hands and weathered faces reflect the land that has shaped them. The asymmetrical landscape has a personality, as if someone had ripped up flawless green meadows to reveal what lies underneath, as if it represented a soul, bare but exposed to grow as it pleased.
A square white house rested above a nearby pasture, a curious scene to look at. It stood on a few acres of well-kept land, but no cars filled the drive. Old lace curtains sheltered the interior from unwanted eyes.
The inside was simple. It had an old, musty feel to it, and the most modern thing about it remained the sole digital clock resting on top of the fridge. Nothing moved – nothing had moved for a very long time.
The stillness of the property was suddenly altered as a black nondescript SUV climbed up the short gravel drive and pulled to a stop near a small cluster of trees. A cardinal watched the couple as they got out of the vehicle from atop the old rusted gate, whistling its distinctive purdy purdy purdy call.
Brennan was now poised near the back of the SUV, staring up at the ancient farmhouse. Booth joined her, a pleased grin on his face.
"What do you think?" He asked his partner, stealing a sideways glance at her.
She put her hand up to block the sun, keenly observing their home for the weekend. "I like it." She finally stated.
"Me, too." He replied casually, slipping an arm around her waist. Brennan leaned into him.
"C'mon, let's get settled in." He eventually said, opening the trunk. Brennan let him unload, taking the key and opening the door with a gentle push.
The smell of flour and cut hay immediately hit her. She continued through the cluttered porch and into the kitchen, setting her purse on the table.
The kitchen was old, undoubtedly. A dining room table took up the right hand side, the seats having a pattern that reminded her of harvest leaves. Beside it was an old firewood stove. On the opposite wall was a cluster of outdated appliances: a fridge, an oven and stove, and a microwave. An old-fashioned kettle and teapot remained on the stovetop. The third wall held the sink and cupboards as well as a small window facing the cluster of trees and at the present moment, Booth.
Brennan made a circle around the kitchen, touching everything with a light brush of her fingers. In the same mesmerized state she moved on into the living room, adorned with one rusty colored couch and chair that led to a small bedroom and bathroom and back to the kitchen. Back through the living room and she headed up the creaky wooden staircase, arriving at three bedrooms, each filled with multiple beds.
She joined Booth back downstairs in the kitchen. He took one look at her face.
"Are you alright? You don't like it?"
She shook her head and sank into a chair, her face regaining colour. "No, I love it." She paused. "I've just never been anywhere quite like it before."
Booth nodded and kneeled beside her. "I feel it too. It reminds me of somewhere I used to know."
He straightened and offered a hand. "Let's go explore."
There was a slight breeze and the sky had clouded over, but it was still a nice day in June. The two had explored the property and then decided to go a little further.
Booth landed easily on the other side of the rusty unused gate and watched as Brennan gracefully executed the same. He was briefly caught up in her agility before Brennan's perky green eyes met his. He smiled back and stepped over the electric fence.
"Isn't this trespassing?" She asked as she followed him up what seemed to be an overgrown path.
He shrugged. "No one's going to find us."
"But still, we shouldn't be here?" Excitement edged her voice. He gave her a winning smile.
"I guess not, no."
They climbed up and arrived at what seemed to be a road at some point. They walked alongside each other silently, listening to the surrounding woods as they went. It was calming, and soothing. They passed by a well and wood piles as well as many small creeks.
The road opened up to a small vista. The golden afternoon sun had pierced through the layers of clouds bathed the field in a warm glow. The field sloped downwards, and cows of various tanned shades grazed below, no fence in between the beasts and where Booth and Brennan stood. Just behind the drove was a small cemetery, ancient white gravestones in contrast with the dark emerald of the pines behind. The land above the tree line seemed to go on forever - scattered farms, rivers, and roads.
Booth put his hands in his pocket and sighed blissfully. Brennan gazed out with soft eyes.
"It's so calming." She broke the silence. Booth didn't reply.
The cattle were now headed west in their field, disappearing out of sight. The couple headed down the incline slowly, having no urge to move quickly. From there they spotted their accommodations and made a full circle back.
They spent the rest of the day lazing around in the sun, eating the ripe raspberries from the nearby bushes and drinking wine. Soon enough the sun dipped below the horizon and the mosquitoes forced them inside.
A gentle breeze had started and chased away the humidity. They sat together in the kitchen, Brennan writing and Booth reading.
"Tomorrow we'll head into town." Booth said. Brennan stopped writing.
"Sounds good. I'd like to read up on the history."
"The town was settled by Irish immigrants in 1828." Booth said. She stared at him.
"I know a lot about it. I did my research." He explained. Brennan grinned before it turned into a yawn.
"I think I'm going to head up to bed." She said. "I'm exhausted."
"Same here." He nodded, getting up and offering a hand. She accepted and the two headed upstairs. They collapsed into bed, leaving the window open. Brennan's eyelids felt impossibly heavy as her head hit the pillow. She barely registered Booth's presence as he slipped into bed beside her. He looked down on her peaceful features and felt overpowering affection come from somewhere deep inside him. He leaned over and gave her a tender kiss on the forehead, watching the corners of her mouth curve into a smile in her slumber. Satisfied, he turned off the lamp and effortlessly fell asleep.