The Thought That Counts
DISCLAIMER: Here is my first-ever Fan Fiction, a little Christmas B&B to kick off the holiday season!
I don't own the rights to these characters, they belong to FOX, but the story idea is all mine!
Ch. 1: The Best Laid Plans
Leaning back in her office chair, Brennan exhaled a deeply held breath, relieved at not only closing their latest case but also at finishing her latest book. She happily clicked "Save and Print" and then quickly glanced at the computer's clock, Dec. 24, 4:30pm.
Most of the Jeffersonian staff was long gone, ready to enjoy their Christmas holiday with family and friends. Cam had left around noon, picking up Michelle and then heading to her parents in New York. Sweets and Daisy, well…they were doing what they normally did, enjoying each other. The only people left besides her were Angela and Hodgins.
Feeling exhausted but happily contented at her recent accomplishments, Brennan's eyes drifted around her office. She wasn't one to go all out when it came to decorating for the holidays, but with the help of Booth and Angela, she was slowly coming around. She let out a small chuckle when she spotted the skull Booth had placed a Santa hat on, and she couldn't help but smile when she eyed the small Christmas tree Angela had placed on her coffee table. Her eyes soon drifted out the windows to the forensic platform. All of the big lights had been switched off, leaving only the soft glow of the tiny, white Christmas lights that Angela had so lovingly strung while she quietly hummed "Jingle Bells". For all its sterile qualities and the numerous stories of death and despair it held within its steel skeleton, the platform managed to look unexpectedly peaceful.
The faint sounds of Bing Crosby mixed with fits of laughter coming from Angela's direction began invading Brennan's office. "Mele kalikimaka is a wise way to say Merry Christmas to you… ". Oh, the ever-festive Angela! Unadmittedly, Brennan had always admired Angela's ability to remain upbeat even in the worst situations. Whether it was another gruesome case or another handsome guy, over and over, Angela's heart had been broken, and yet somehow she always managed to pick up the pieces and willingly open it again. I wish I could do that.
Brennan's deep thought was quickly interrupted by the sound of nearing jingling. "Hello sweetie!" chimed a cheery Angela, who was dressed quite nicely in one of her "Bohemian-chic" patterned dresses with a cute penguin pinned over her heart. Brennan stood, saying nothing, as she gave a questioning glance at Angela's shoes.
"They're left over from that elf costume, so I decided to wear them again. Fun, don't you think?" Smiling, she stuck out her left foot and jingled it for Brennan.
"Very nice Ange."
As Brennan returned her focus to the computer, shutting it down, Angela asked, pointing to her head, "And what do you think of this?" Brennan looked up to see the headband with an arm and a sprig of mistletoe attached, hanging above Angela's face, like a carrot dangling in front of a horse. Angela smiled slyly as Brennan rolled her eyes.
"It may look silly, but trust me sweetie, it works!"
Brennan coolly replied, "Did you know that previously mistletoe was thought to be a pest that killed trees and devalued natural habitats? And in Scandinavian mythology, it was used it to kill the Norse god, Baldr."
Angela smiled, sighing inwardly, "You always know how to brighten the holidays Brennan."
Brennan closed her laptop and turned her back to Angela as she gathered her manuscript, the pages still warm from the printer, and carefully placed it in her bag. "I never understood why people would want to stand under a poisonous plant to express their affections for each other. It's an odd tradition." Although, I have indulged in such niceties myself.
Her mind began to wander to that Christmas Eve in her office two years ago. Closing her eyes, Angela's voice trailed off as she remembered that day. Her heart was pounding so loudly she could barely comprehend Caroline's words. Her blood, so warm it threatened to burn the clothes right off her body. Suddenly, Booth was in front of her, and before she knew what was happening, like a wave crashing on the shore, their lips collided. She could feel the electricity of his kiss surge through her body as if she had just touched a live wire. Any remaining pillars of her control immediately crumbled. Her arms rested on his chest as her hands tightly clenched the collar of his trench coat causing her knuckles to turn white. Damn, he tasted good! Mmmm, brown sugar! And he smelled so good too! Who knew a just bar of soap could be so intoxicating? Her lungs ached from the lack of air, but she just couldn't stop, and then snap, just like that it was over! She stumbled backwards as her mind returned to Earth. What just happened?! That was definitely NOT like kissing my brother! She felt an intense burning in her cheeks and touched a few fingers to her numb lips just to make sure they were still there. She had kissed Booth, and dare she think it....loved every second of it!
"Earth to Brennan."
Brennan spun around to see Angela waving a hand in the air. She shook her head as if doing so could permanently displace the memory.
"I'm sorry Ange, what did you say?"
"I said, 'What are your plans for Christmas?' Still spending it with your Dad?"
Brennan folded her arms across her chest.
"No, he actually ended up going to Florida with Russ, Amy, and the girls. They're visiting Amy's parents and then all going to Disney. He hates Disney, but he couldn't say no to the girls."
"Why didn't you go with them?"
"Well, we had our family Christmas together last week, and I couldn't leave without finishing the case. Besides, my publisher wants my manuscript by the 28th, and I still have some editing to do."
Angela shook her head and sighed,"Oh sweetie."
"Ok, then, what about Booth?" A smile spread across Angela's face, and her deep brown eyes began to dance.
"What about him?" Brennan casually asked, knowing full well where Angela was going but was unwilling to follow.
"What's he doing for Christmas?"
"Same as always. He's with Parker." Brennan smiled inwardly, thinking of her partner and his son. Parker had such an infectious laugh, and she was always awed by the immense joy that washed across his face whenever he saw his father. His big brown eyes just lit up as he ran to hug Booth, and Booth's normally serious, "Special Agent" demeanor, was so relaxed and comforting as he held his son in his arms. Booth is such a wonderful father, hopefully someday I can be half as good a mother.
"Well, sweetie, you can't spend the holiday alone. Why don't you come over to my place and spend Christmas with Hodgins and me? You can sleep over, it'll be like a slumber party. We'll watch movies, have some eggnog, and Hodgins can make us breakfast in the morning. He makes the most amazing blueberry pancakes! What do ya say?"
As much as she loved Angela and appreciated her endless supply of kindness, Brennan couldn't help but feel like an intruder. "Thanks Ange, but I'd just feel like a fifth wheel."
"It's third wheel, sweetie, and you're not! We'd love to have you!"
At that moment, Hodgins entered, half-eaten candy cane in hand. "Hey Dr. B! Merry Christmas!"
"Thank you Dr. Hodgins, same to you."
"Hodgins, please tell Brennan she's not intruding if she spends the night at my place and has Christmas with us!"
"Oh, of course not Dr. B, we'd love it, and I make some killer pancakes!" he said nodding, with a big, toothy grin only Hodgins could muster.
"Really, thank you both, but no. I really have to finish this manuscript, and there's a new documentary I'm planning to watch on Howard Carter and the discovery of Tut's tomb. I'll be fine."
"C'mon Brennan."
"Ange, no."
Hodgins immediately recognized that definitive Brennan tone. Knowing full well he never should have entered such a conversation, he decided he'd better head back to Angela's office and gather their things. Stepping lightly with his words, he hesitantly uttered as he pointed at the doorway, "Ange, I'm gonna get our stuff."
Angela nodded, still unwilling to give up.
Hodgins moved toward the door. "Well, we'll miss you Dr. B! Have a good holiday!"
"Thank you Dr. Hodgins. Enjoy your pancakes."
Hodgins smiled back at her.
As Brennan turned her back again, reaching for her coat, Hodgins shot Angela a quick apologetic look as he exited. A silent "I'm sorry I couldn't help convince her."
Angela responded with a sad, appreciative smile, knowing that he'd tried.
Brennan was putting her arms into her coat and began wrapping her scarf around her neck.
"Sweetie, are you sure you won't come with Hodgins and me? I promise you'll have fun." Angela rested a comforting hand on Brennan's shoulder.
Brennan smiled, a unspoken thank you, but shook her head in a final no.
Angela sighed, "Alright then sweetie, if I can't convince you..."
"Ange don't worry about me."
Just as Angela turned to leave, she froze in her tracks, surprised to see Booth entering.
She bent her head down as a coy smile cracked her lips.