Welcome to our new story, everyone! After Danger in the Date, we decided to go for something less angsty. This fic is to make you feel good ;). Enjoy!
CHAPTER 1: Physically
While whistling to a tune he liked, Booth did bathroom duty without complaining. He'd already cleaned the toilet, and now proceeded to lift the lid from the small waste bin. He reached to grab the plastic waste bag and close it off, when he noticed something and stopped. Was that...? Naw, it couldn't be. She'd tell me. Wouldn't she? Forgetting about his tasks, Booth took the thing out. Holy mother of God.
She stood in the mall, staring at baby clothes, trying to process the meaning of the positive pregnancy test she had taken earlier that morning. Brennan didn't know what to think about it. Booth and I have been together for a few months now. But does that mean that our relationship is strong enough for this? Besides, we haven't even talked about it. I suppose I knew he's always wanted more children. But do I want children? And even if he does want them, would he want me to be their mother? The doubts flashed through her mind at a dizzying speed, leaving her immobile, staring at baby clothes and pacifiers.
He scrambled into the living room, searching surfaces and drawers for his phone. Finally, he found it. His fingers speed-dialled the love of his life.
Brennan could feel the phone vibrating in her jacket. She really wanted to ignore it, to just turn her cell phone of. But since she had done that once - in the beginning of their relationship - she had never done it again. She smiled softly as she remembered how Booth had stormed into the lab, worried sick because she hadn't answered his phone calls. He had made her promise to never do that again, to keep her phone turned on at all times. Since he had made sense - claiming that they had a dangerous job and that they had to make sure they could always contact each other - she sighed, got her phone out of her pocket and answered as she walked out of the mall. "Dr. Brennan speaking."
"Bones!" Booth called into the phone like a worrying idiot. He realised how he sounded and tempered his voice to a normal level. "Temperance, honey," he continued, "Where are you, darling?"
"I'm outside of the mall, Booth," she answered him slowly, slightly surprised as he yelled into the phone.
"Okay. When are you coming home?" he asked eagerly.
"Well, to be honest, I'm not sure yet, Booth." Brennan had planned to think this through before she went home again and had found a way to tell him. And since she was nowhere near that, she hadn't been planning on going home yet.
"Where do you need to go, then?" Booth couldn't wait for her to get home. He certainly refused to have this conversation over the phone.
Damn it, I hadn't thought about giving him a plausible explanation. The truth was that she had been trying to decide whether she should go to the hospital and see her OBGYN or if she should tell Booth first and go to the doctor together.
"You still there? Listen, I don't care what it is you wanted to do, except when it's really important of course, but I'd really like you to come home. Please? Can I pick you up somewhere?"
"Uhm, okay. I'm standing outside of the mall right now, I suppose you can pick me up. Booth what is wrong?" A horrible feeling settled inside of her. "Did I do something wrong? You're not mad at me or anything are you? Because if you are, I would rather you just tell me."
"No, no! I'm not mad at you, on the contrary! I miss you. Listen, I'm jumping into the car right now. Will you be waiting at the coffee parlour? I'll call you when I get there." Booth pulled on his jacket and grabbed his keys.
"Okay. I guess I'll see you soon." She started to walk towards the coffee parlour as she said goodbye and disconnected the call. I wonder what that was all about. Once she got there, she ordered a cup of hot chocolate milk, knowing that if the test had been correct, she should avoid caffeine for the sake of the embryo growing inside of her. The mere thought of a growing tiny human being inside of her made her body feel warm. Strangely, it came with a sense of being strong and incredibly vulnerable at the same time. Brennan sipped her hot beverage as she pondered the facts of her situation and what they meant to her.
Booth focused on the traffic as much as he could. Finally, he reached the shopping centre, parked the SUV - which took some time - and got out. With both nervousness and energy, he walked towards the coffee parlour. He entered and his eyes wandered through the space. Most of the tables were occupied. Automatically, he scanned the ones near the corners and windows first. There she was, her back towards him. Gorgeous shiny auburn curls falling down her back and shoulders. A calmness radiating off her that made one notice her. She was special. You could see that by as much as glancing at her. Booth smiled, so proud that this woman wanted to belong with him. He approached her table. "Good afternoon, gorgeous," he said and pressed a loving kiss in her hair, to her temple. As he noticed her cup of chocolate milk, he opted to sit with her instead of whisk her away immediately.
Brennan smiled at him as he kissed her and sat down on the opposite side of the table. "Do you want a cup of coffee?" he asked as she took a sip, slightly turning her body towards the counter, ready to get up and go get something warm for him to drink. It's a cold winter this year.
"No, just drink yours and we'll be off," he smiled at her. He was fidgety, itchy in his seat. "Good choice, though, hot chocolate." Booth realised he was rambling. "How was the shopping?" He loved watching the expressions on her face. They showed so subtly, and so beautifully. He could still see the remnants of her content at getting kissed by him. She could deny it all she wanted, but she always gave herself away. She loved to be loved. And she was.
She nodded as she turned back to him. "Well, I didn't really buy anything. Except for the hot chocolate of course." She looked at him. "You know, it reminds me of my mom. Especially this time of the year. With the snow outside, me and Russ would always hold little contests. Like, who could build the bigger snowman. We would spend hours trying to get ours to be as big as we could and then Dad would come out and judge, although he never really picked. I still can't understand how he got away with that, but he did." Her voice became softer as she talked about her own family. "My mom would always stay inside and make hot chocolate for all of us when we did that. She said that you needed something in your tummy to warm you up from the inside out."
Booth smiled. "I can see that," he agreed with her mother. It felt like a big loss that he'd never had the chance to get to know her mom. He always pictured Ruth Keenan - or Christine Brennan - as a strong, confident woman with classic beauty which she deemed unimportant. A woman who could hold up her own and simplified the world around her by catching it in a net of logic and reason, though she possessed a good intuition and a caring personality. Much like her daughter. "So you didn't buy anything?" Booth changed the subject. "How did that happen?"
"I wasn't looking for anything specific, so I didn't buy anything. Is there something we need at home? Something I was supposed to buy?"
"Nope." She was drinking her hot chocolate too slowly – which only meant that she wasn't gulping it down like he desired she would so they could get out of there and go home. Where they could discuss the possibly perfect news. "But you've enjoyed yourself? I hope you did, because while you were gone I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen. How 'bout that, huh?" Booth said with a self-satisfied grin.
Brennan put the cup to her lips and sipped at the liquid as she processed his words. The kitchen AND both the bathrooms? What if he found it? Oh god, I have to go home and check. What if he did? Am I okay with him knowing? Well, it really doesn't matter anymore, it's too late now anyway. Quickly, she finished the hot chocolate and put the cup back down, a game plan all set in her mind. "Really, huh? The kitchen and BOTH the bathrooms? Now that I'd like to see!" She got up, winked at him and pulled on her coat, her gloves and her scarf. "Let's go!"
Yes! Now she was moving at the pace he preferred. Booth smiled at her and got up, too. She signalled the waitress and left money and a generous tip on the table. Then, she took the arm he offered her and they walked out into the cold. The freezing air hit their warm faces and stung a little. They hurried to the SUV. "You'll be amazed at the lengths I go to in order to keep your surroundings clean," he said grinning as they climbed in and he settled behind the wheel. "You'll be amazed at the lengths I'll go to to do anything you ask from me." That was both the truth, and a small hint to prepare her for his questioning, if it came to that.
She frowned a little at his words. "I know Booth. You've proven your willingness to protect me over the years. I know how much you care about me." She slightly turned her head and added softly. "I love you, too." Even after nearly eight months of dating, she still felt self-conscious every time she said it. She had always proclaimed that love didn't exist and a part of her always feared he would call her on her change of heart, yet he never did.
His heart always melted at the way she spoke those words so shyly, but certainly not without conviction. He reached over and curled his fingers around her delicate yet strong and capable hand. "And I love you, Bones."
The rest of the ride home was spent in silence. She found herself thinking about the last eight months and all the changes that had occurred. Booth had told her he loved her and she had told him that she thought she loved him too, but that she wasn't sure. He had been very patient with her, moving things at a slow pace. When he comforted her one night, after a particularly bad dream – triggered by a horrible case, which had led to Booth staying the night at her place - she realized that she loved him, too. That had been the first time she had said it. It had also been the first time they had made love. Brennan smiled softly at the memory. A few weeks later he had moved in with her, since her apartment was the logical choice and now, now she was pregnant.
Booth couldn't help but glance at her stealthily several times during the drive home. Good. She did seem a little tortured. That meant there was a big issue she was dealing with. His insides had turned into jelly. Was he becoming a father again? Had they created a living human being together? Was it growing inside her body now? God, he loved her. With a smirk on his face, he drove them home and parked the SUV. After she unbuckled but before she could get out, he leaned towards her. "Bones," he said, and she questioningly turned her face towards him. He caught her lips with his and gave her a playful wink. Luckily, she laughed. He loved the sound of her laughter.
She laughed at his silly behavior. She got out of the car, but instead of walking towards the front door - like she usually did - she decided to wait until he joined her on the sidewalk. She smiled at him, trying to hide the nervous feeling in her tummy and realized that this time, there actually was something more than just the feeling of nervousness in her tummy. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned into him, so they could keep each other warm.
He held her to him and felt delighted at the pressure of her arms around him. They walked up to the house together, and she unlocked the door and got in first. She always went in first. Even though they were together, she hadn't stopped valuing her independence. He had known she'd do that from the start, and he was okay with it. As long as she let him hold her and express his love for her.
As she entered their apartment - it was no longer hers, it was theirs - she quickly took off her gloves and her scarf, followed by her coat and her shoes. She put them away and turned to him. Expectantly, she looked at him, once again wondering whether he wanted her home so quickly because he had found out, or if something else was going on.
They both peeled off their winter-protective clothing. Then she turned to him and regarded him with a look that suddenly made him wonder whether she knew that he knew. Booth swallowed, thinking feverishly if there could be any way he'd misinterpreted the stick. He came up empty. The thing had been positive. What did he want to say to her? Of all the beautiful things he could have said, what left his mouth was absolutely nothing. He opened it, yes, but the words got stuck somewhere in his throat. To cover up his speechlessness, he quickly bent down and kissed her passionately. They both knew what they knew, didn't they? His kiss was meant to take her doubts away. Why else would he be kissing her as if he saw her in a new light and his heart was on fire for her? Booth was kissing her like a luck-drunk, love-struck fool and he didn't care.
She was overwhelmed by his passionate kiss, but she didn't hesitate as she wrapped her arms around him and eagerly returned his kiss. As they broke apart for air, she comfortably settled in his arms, her heart racing. Does he know? I have to figure out if he found the test or not. She spoke up. "So, I think you said something about having cleaned the kitchen and the bathrooms? 'Cause that, I'd like to see." She quickly pressed her lips to his and grabbed his hand, leading him to the kitchen. As they got there, she looked around. "Well, the kitchen is very clean. Looks like you did a good job in here. BUT did you empty the trash can?" She let go of his hand and quickly checked it. "Yup, you thought about it. Let's go check out the bathroom."
Oh, she damn well knew that he knew now. She was just verifying it in a not so very subtle way. Booth was grinning the entire time as she pulled him from one room to another. Eventually, they entered the bathroom where he'd found the pregnancy test. His stomach did a flip-flop every time the word entered his thoughts. She checked the waste bin and color shot to her cheeks. They were standing on opposite sides of the room, Booth in the doorway and she next to the bin. For a moment, she didn't move, and with a wicked grin he spoke, "Don't worry, I saved your evidence."
As she opened the waste bin and found it empty, her cheeks flushed. It's gone. But did he see it, or didn't he pay attention to it? As he spoke up, she knew that he knew. "So you found it?" she asked him, wishing that the stupid blushing would stop. It was making her feel very self-conscious.
"Damn right I did," Booth replied, feeling as though his face would split in half from the ear-to-ear grin he couldn't get off his face. He was enjoying watching her reactions. Though he could hardly control himself, he remained standing in the doorway, a hand on his hip.
Well, he looked very happy and pleased with himself, but she hadn't really had time to think this through. But maybe, they could do that together. Brennan slowly approached him. "Well, in that case, I think we should talk, no?"
"What's there to talk about? Bones, you're becoming a mommy and I will be the daddy!" Booth called out and lifted her in his arms, twirling them around in the bathroom, not able to contain his sheer happiness any longer. He slowed down and allowed her feet to touch the floor. "But if you want to talk, that's fine, darling," he told her and lovingly kissed her mouth. "Though if you'd rather do something that doesn't involve talking, I'll be glad to participate." Not even awaiting her response, he hugged her.
She hugged him back. "Well, I still think we should talk. But let's not do that in the bathroom, okay?" She slightly pulled back and kissed his cheek, grabbing his right hand, guiding him back to the living room.
There was something funny about the way he walked. As if his feet weren't actually touching the floor. As though he was floating. As if he was a balloon that she was pulling through the house.
They sat down, facing each other. "You asked me on the phone when I was coming home, right? And I said I didn't know yet. Then you asked me where I still had to go, but I didn't really answer that one either, did I?" She squirmed in her seat. "You weren't supposed to know yet. The reason for my 'shopping trip' was to figure out whether or not I should go to the doctor before I tell you." She felt the blush intensifying as she stared at her knees.
"Uh huh," he replied stupidly, trying to get his mind back in place and down to earth. "Why wouldn't you tell me?" he asked, without judgment. Of course, he wanted to know the minute she did, but he could understand that women would always be a bit hesitant before telling their partners. Them guys were a big part of the whole process, but the final word was always for the woman. It was her body. A mutual decision, but she had the final say. Period.
"Well, I wanted to make sure, you know. Even though these tests are reliable, a blood test is the only way to know for sure." She shrugged. "And I needed time to think about it." Surely, he can understand that, right?
Booth patted her knee. "Of course." He smiled reassuringly at her. "So forget about my enthusiastic reaction just now. What do you think? How do you feel about this?" His eyes wandered to her belly, inconspicuously flat as usual, but harboring the tiny beginnings of life. Booth drew his gaze back to her eyes and left his hand on her knee.
"Well, it's a little soon, isn't it? I mean, we've only been in a romantic relationship for eight months. The actual pregnancy will be longer than that." She covered his hand with her own as she looked up at him.
"Okay," he nodded, "I can see that. But then, look at it from this perspective. You've just measured our relationship in terms of months. Time. Which is scientifically very nice, tangible and accurate. However, in terms of feeling, I feel like we've been together for years and I honestly believe that I'll never love someone like I love you. It just doesn't get much better than this for me. It's something I know in my heart. We'll have the rest of our lives to add to these eight months. And eight months isn't really eight months, is it? We've known each other for over five years. That's how I look at it. You have a right to feel differently, though," he assured her.
Brennan thought about his words for a few moments. She nodded. "We have known each other for quite a while now. And these eight months have been really good. But it's just," she sighed, trying to find the right words. "It's unexpected, I suppose. I know what I said in Sweets office, about having kids, but the circumstances were different then and I suppose I just went out for a bit to think about whether or not I want to have kids. Be a mom." That's where part of the problem lay. She was convinced Booth would be a terrific father for their child, just like he was for Parker. I want to be a good parent, just like him, but I don't know if I will be.
His chest swelled as she said that the months they've been together were good for her. "You'll have nine months to adjust to the idea, Bones..." he began, smiling, "No, sorry, that was a joke. And with bad timing," he added, smiling apologetically now. "What I meant to tell you," he took her hands in his, "is that as far as the choice to have children is concerned, that's up to you. But I know you and I know how your mind works. First of all, it's way too fast for me to keep up," he cocked an eyebrow at her, keeping the tone of their conversation light. "But all humor aside, I want you to know that I think you'll be a great mom if you choose to have this child. I really do." Booth squeezed her hands.
She squeezed his hands back, feeling overwhelmed by the emotions that flowed through her body as he so easily singled out her biggest worry and eased it without her even having to voice it. "Choose? You mean that if I decide that I never want kids and that if I decide to end this pregnancy, you would be okay with that?" Tears shone in her eyes as she realized how selfless he really was when it came to her.
His heart ached for her. Booth knew how hard she was on herself. She would not allow herself a single misstep when it came to this. If he would have to live up to the standards she set for herself, he'd be frightened at the prospect of raising children, too. "You know, my first priority is you. If there's anything in this world I know for sure, it's that I want to be with you. I'll go through a little crisis, of course, if you decide you don't want this baby, but eventually, I'll learn to live with it."
Without thinking about it, she threw herself in his arms and started to cry from the enormity of emotions his words evoked. "That is the most caring thing anyone has ever said to me, Seeley."
Taken by surprise, he caught her immediately, protectively wrapping his arms around her. When Bones was in tears, everyone else had better leave her alone. He always made sure of that. "It's okay, Bones," he said reassuringly, stroking her back. "I'll never leave you. Not over this, not over anything." He pressed a kiss into her hair, the scent of which always managed to soothe him.
As she heard his words, Brennan pulled back. "No, no, you don't understand, Booth. I don't - I'm not going to abort." She held his face in her hands. "You'll have to teach me how to be a good parent though. But you'll do that, right?" She gazed in his eyes, trying to convince him she was serious, while simultaneously trying to find an answer to her own question.
Relief washed through him. A smile broke through. "My experience does trump yours in this case," he stated teasingly. "But we're in this together. No doubt in my mind I'm taking my half of the responsibility. Hell, I'd take full without a doubt. Point is, you're not on your own in this. You'll have to trust me. And I'll trust you." Booth cupped her cheek with his hand and wiped at a tear. "It's going to be great, Temperance," he whispered.
Reassured, Brennan softly pressed her lips to his. "I think we're done talking now. How about that other activity you wanted to engage in?"
What do you think about this first chapter? Do you want more? Please let us know!