A/N: Interesting factoid you may want to know about this story. None of the chapters were written in order. Some scenes just come to me, begging to be written, and the rest have to be coaxed into writing themselves. So the first chapter I wrote will now turn out to be the sixth or seventh chapter, and since then I've moved chronologically backward, for the most part-not taking into consideration the the first chapter I posted, ofcourse. That was in fact the second to be written. I know, I know, it's confusing. And you couldn't care less. But it does mean I might have a slew of updates for you in the near future, 'cause a lot of the later chapters are ready to be posted. I still need some inspiration to write the fillers, though, so support and encouragement would be much appreciated.
Anyway, I was severely sleep deprived when I wrote this, so there are bound to be some errors-grammatical and otherwise. Feel free to point them out in your reviews. (See what I did right there? I didn't say it straight out. Hint-hint-nudge-nudge-wink-wink-charm-smile). Brownie points to anyone who finds a mistake, and if you can spot the show references and put them in context, I'll do you one better:I'll introduce any character that you request-in some capacity-even if it's someone who's only had a small role on the show. Right, I'll stop now. Atleast it's a nice, long chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 2
You're Gonna Be Okay
'Don't Call Me Bones.'-Temperance 'Bones' Brennan
Once they had unpacked all of the boxes from the trunk-with Booth around, the process was considerably quicker than Temperance had anticipated-they all sat down to a nice (if not quiet) dinner. As Booth had put it, 'nothing beats Chinese take-out on a Friday night'. She couldn't help but agree. The boys had talked and laughed, and Temperance reflected happily that this was the first time she had seen Russ so relaxed since their parents had left. Booth was friendly and personable, and while he managed to include her in the conversation over dinner, asking questions about school and embarrassing stories she remembered from her childhood with Russ, he never pushed her to reveal too much about herself. She decided she liked him.
After the meal was finished, Booth insisted on cleaning up alone, reasoning that they must be exhausted from the whole day of packing and moving boxes, and 'going round in circles because Russ was directionally challenged'. That last one earned him a smack on the head with the take-out menu, but Russ eventually thanked him and retired to bed with the promise that he would do the dishes the next day.
Temperance, however, stayed behind.
After Booth repeated his offer to clean up alone and Temperance repeated her refusal, he wisely opted not to press the subject and tossed her a towel, intuitively sensing her need for normalcy.
'I wash, you dry?'
Temperance nodded.
Ten minutes later-Booth had somehow managed to accumulate a pile of dishes in the sink during the course of the day-they had lapsed into a comfortable silence, working in a comfortable rhythm. They were just nearing the bottom of the pile when Booth let out a little chuckle.
'What?' Temperance accepted the bowl from his hands and wiped it dry.
'Ha. Nothin'.' He glanced sideways at her and flashed a set of perfect white teeth. 'It's just…you really don't know there was a remake of King Kong?'
Brennan rolled her eyes good-naturedly as he continued to chuckle. Booth had been appalled at her lack of pop culture knowledge during dinner, and when Russ had informed him that she barely watched TV, he had taken to quizzing her on a number of films and TV shows to determine whether she was really unfamiliar with them, appearing equally horrified each time she confirmed her ignorance. 'In my defense, you didn't know there was an original. That's the third time you've asked me that question, Booth. I'm afraid the answer isn't going to change.'
'It will tomorrow.'
Brennan gave a small laugh. 'How's that?'
'You and I, missy, are going to sit down to a good, old fashioned movie marathon.'
'A what?'
Booth gaped at her, leaning forward against the sink and turning sideways, his muscular forearms bunching.
'You've never had a movie marathon?'
Temperance shook her head.
'Ho boy. We've got a lot of work to do here.' Grabbing the towel from her hand, he dried the last dish himself and placed it on the counter.
Before she could open her mouth to ask what he meant, he cut her off.
'I think we're about finished up in here. How bout some ice cream?'
He grabbed two bowls from the cupboard overhead and asked Brennan to open up the freezer and pick a flavour.
When they each had a spoon in one hand and a bowl of Rocky Road in the other, Booth leaned against the little isle in the centre of the kitchen and surveyed Brennan. Opposite him, she mimicked his pose, the marble of the countertop cool against her back.
'So…' They both raised their spoons and licked them clean at the same time. Booth laughed. 'What do you like to be called?'
'Excuse me?'
'You know, by your friends. I mean, Tem-per-ance is quite a mouthful.' It certainly made her mouth fill with water, the way he drew out the three syllables. He flashed her one of those smiles again, and she was grateful for the support of the counter holding her up. She had never quite understood the phrase 'knee-weakening smile' before.
'No, it's not.' Brennan's brow furrowed adorably, and Booth smiled.
'Yeah, it is. Tem-per-ance. See, that's three whole syllables right there.'
'Well, not every name has to be boring and monosyllabic.' She paused contemplatively. 'Is that why you prefer to be called Booth? Because of your seeming inability to pronounce any word that has more than one syllable in it, See-ley?'
This time it was Booth's turn to frown.
'Ugh! I told you I hated my first name, remember?'
She did remember. The first time he had addressed her during dinner had been to inform her of that fact.
'Well, I happen to be quite fond of mine, so if you agree to call me Temperance, I could refrain from calling you-'
'Temperance it is.' He paused for a moment. 'But only until I can figure out something better.'
Before she could object, Booth quickly changed the subject.
'Wow, look at the time! It's barely 9' o clock. We really managed to get those dishes done fast, huh?'
'Well, yes, but I wish you'd let me wash some of them.'
'Hey c'mon, you dried them. That's a fair division of labour.'
'No, a fair division of labour would imply equal participation on both our parts. Everyone knows that washing requires far more effort than drying.'
'Alright, simmer down there. We're Mulder and Scully.'
'I don't know what that means.'
'It means the next time we do the dishes, you can wash, and I'll dry.'
'That sounds like a fair compromise.' She smiled and licked her spoon clean again.
'See, we make a good team.'
'I suppose we do. Although you were responsible for the abnormally large pile of dishes in the sink today.'
'Hey, don't give me that. Partners clean up each other's messes.'
'Partners?'
'Yeah sure, like Mulder and…never mind. I gotta know you have my back.'
'And having your back entails washing your dirty dishes.'
They both seemed to realise the ridiculousness of the conversation at the same time, and they erupted into laughter.
When the impromptu giggles had subsided a bit, Temperance turned to Booth curiously. 'How did you manage to pile up so many dirty dishes on your own?'
'What can I say, I eat a lot.'
'Clearly.'
'Hey, I am not fat!'
Oh, no, he certainly wasn't.
'I wasn't implying that you were, Booth. You're perfectly well-structured.'
Booth gave her another cocky grin. 'You bet I am.' He pushed off the counter. 'You're uh, structured very well too.'
His lopsided grin could have melted the Larson B ice shelf. *(See A/N)
He reached into the tub of ice cream next to her for a refill as Temperance went to rinse hers out in the sink.
'So I'm going to watch some TV for a bit, but I'll show you to your room so you can get some sleep. You must be pretty exhausted, huh?'
Temperance bit her lip. 'Well, actually, if you're not doing anything, I was thinking we could get started on that movie marathon', she began hesitantly. 'I mean, only if you want to, ofcourse.'
'Yeah?'
She chuckled at his excited little-boy expression. 'Yes.'
'Well, if we're going to have a late-night movie marathon…' He came to stand right in front of her, invading her personal space just a little. 'You're forgetting one very important ingredient.'Her breath hitched. 'What?'
'Popcorn.' He tapped her on the nose with his spoon. 'But we don't have any, so…' he handed her the spoon and a bowl. Oh. So it was her spoon. He was mumbling something to himself, but she seemed to have tuned out. Recovering, she looked down at the bowl in her hands and gaped at him. 'You really do eat a lot, don't you?'
'...don't have King Kong either, but we can improvise. What?'
'You eat a lot.' This time it wasn't a question.
'Yep.' He emphasised the 'p'. 'What can I say, man's gotta eat,right?'
'Well, I'm afraid I'm not a man, and my stomach has a bottom.' She handed him back the bowl and spoon.
Booth burst out laughing.
'What's so funny?'
'It's…stomach…bottom…' Booth caught his breath for a second and attempted to explain again when he saw her confused, hurt expression. 'See, you…you mean to say…"my stomach…my stomach is a bottomless pit"'
'No, I meant to say it isn't. Yours, on the other hand…'
Booth, now clutching the top of the counter to stay upright and wiping tears out of his eyes, had finally calmed a little as he turned to pick up his ice cream bowl. 'Boy, Russ said you were literal, but this…this is a whole other level.'
As he turned around and saw her petulant pout and the flash of hurt in those ice blue eyes, Booth instantly regretted his words, and pushed off the counter to move towards her once more. 'I didn't mean it like that-' he hastened to reassure her, but Temperance cut him off, smiling a little at the worried expression on his face. 'It's quite alright, I've never really understood that phrase anyway. Besides, I'm quite used to people telling me I'm not normal.' Booth's frown deepened at that, and for some reason Brennan felt compelled to soothe him. Taking the bowl of ice cream from his hands, she began walking towards the living room. 'I understand food is an essential requirement when participating in a movie marathon?'
'Yeah...Gotta have food. Food plus movie, that's the rule.' Booth stood there for a second longer, lost in thought, before he decided to let the issue slide, and quickly scooped himself some more ice cream before following Temperance out of the kitchen.
When he had loaded up the DVD player with the first installment of Back to the Future-he made a mental note to make her watch the X-Files later-and they had both settled down comfortably on the large, soft couch, Booth turned to his companion.
So…when you're done with school, you said you wanted to become a…what was it again? Patholigist?'
'Forensic anthropologist.'
'Ah. Same thing.'
'Actually, they are two very different-'
'I know. I just meant, they both deal with dead bodies, is all. You know, decomposed corpses, mutilated flesh…' Booth smiled
'Forensic anthropologists are not usually required to deal with flesh, actually. They mostly examine skeletonised remains-'
'So that's kind of your thing, huh? Bones.'
Temperance's brow furrowed 'Well, yes, I suppose you could say-'
'Hm. That could work. Bones. I like it.'
Temperance looked at him in confusion.
'You know, that's what I'm going to call you. Bones.'
'What? Absolutely not.'
'Why not, Bones?'
'Because.'
'Because? That the best you got, Bones?'
'I refuse to-'
'Sh,Bones. Movie's about to start.'
'Ugh. You insufferable, arrogant…man!'
Booth simply laughed and turned back to the television set as the opening credits came to a finish. There was a beat of silence as Brennan sat there pretending to be mad, and then-
'Eat your ice cream, Bones. It's melting.'
Temperance groaned. 'Can't you think of anything else?'
'Besides food?'
'No, besides Bones.' Apparently not.
'Alright then, Bones.' He turned to her fully and flashed her a wolfish grin. 'What do you want me to call you?' He tried to keep his voice as neutral as possible. Oh God, was he flirting with a 15 year old? What was wrong with him?
Temperance just huffed.
The first movie was nearing the end when she spoke again, looking down into her empty bowl of ice cream and swirling her spoon around aimlessly.
'Uh…you know…well, you could call me Tempe, but…' her voice, hesitant and shy, trailed off.
Booth, sensing something was wrong, hit the pause button and turned towards her.
'Hey, what is it?' His voice, soft and soothing, washed over her like a caress. When her eyes met his again, she had managed keep her tears in check, but the sadness spilled out anyway, and Booth, who had somehow moved closer to her, reached out and brushed a lock of hair from her face, letting his hand linger on her cheek. For all of his male bravado, he was generally a pretty compassionate guy-but with this girl he felt an irrepressible desire to soothe and comfort like he had never known before. As he looked into her eyes searchingly, his own widened with understanding. 'Your parents used to call you that.'
'You know I'm just-I'm just one of those people who doesn't get to be in a family. That's...'
Booth lifted her chin so she was looking him in the eyes. 'Listen, Bones. Hey, there's more than one kind of family.'
Their eyes met and held for the longest moment, an unspoken conversation flowing freely between. Temperance's breath hitched at the way he was looking at her. A chilly breezing wrapping against the living room window broke the spell, and Booth dropped his hand, reaching for the remote and using that as an excuse to move further away from Temperance.
'So let's watch the rest of this movie, huh?'
When the first movie was over and neither of them felt like bringing an end to their little marathon, Booth got up and wordlessly popped the second disk in.
Sinking back onto the couch with a sigh, he propped his feet up on the coffee table as the credits started up. 'Well, Bones? What didja think?'
'I must agree that the film was enjoyable, even if the premise is flawed and scientifically improbable.' She paused. 'And the title still makes no sense.' She reached for the remote to forward through the credits. 'And don't call me Bones.'
Booth just sighed.
An hour and a half later, Brennan was completely exhausted, but she didn't want to go to bed just yet. Booth's company was enjoyable, and she felt relaxed and…safe? No, that couldn't be right. It was irrational to feel less safe at any other time, considering she was never in danger to begin with.
Booth's deep, masculine voice jolted her out of her reverie. 'What d'you say, Bones? Shall we call it a night?'
'Mm…no' She stifled a yawn. Put the other one in.' It seemed like the series of films was endless.
'You sure? You're looking a little sleepy there.'
'M'fine.'
Halfway through the third film, Temperance was snuggled into the armrest on her side of the couch, sleeping peacefully.
Booth glanced over at her and smiled. She was unlike anyone he had ever met, this Temperance Brennan. Two weeks ago, she had lost her parents and everything that she held dear, and here she was, smiling and washing (drying) dishes and watching the Back to the Future trilogy with him. He made a silent vow to make sure she smiled more often. She had a beautiful smile. Booth didn't know what it was about her that made him feel things he didn't quite understand, but already he knew that she was going to be an important part of his life. He wasn't sure how, but he did. He just…knew. Realising that he had been watching her sleep while his internal monologue played out-and that was decidedly creepy, especially considering she was just a kid-he jolted out of the trance he'd slipped into and rose from his seat. After a moment's hesitation, he decided he should probably wake her. She didn't seem like the type who would appreciate being carried, though he would be more than happy to pick her up and deposit her in bed, and she wouldn't have to know a thing…No, he'd better wake her. Leaning forward, he gently shook her shoulder. She whimpered. He shook her a little more insistently.
'Temperance?'
'Mom?'
Her eyes flew open. Booth's heart clenched. Jesus.
Slowly, her gaze focused on him, and for a moment she looked horrified as she realised what she had said. She relaxed as it became evident he wasn't going to call her on it, however. They shared another one of those looks. Suddenly everything didn't seem so…wrong. Finally, keeping his voice soft and low as if he was afraid words would shatter the moment, Booth spoke.
'You're gonna be okay.'
For the first time in a long time, Temperance allowed herself to believe it. 'Yeah?'
'Definitely.'
After another moment-neither could be sure how long it lasted-Booth straightened. 'Why don't I just go put these bowls in the sink, huh? I'll even let you wash 'em tomorrow.' He flashed her a smile and moved back into the kitchen. Sleepily, she rose and followed after him.
He emerged from the kitchen to find her standing in the middle of the living room, groggily fighting to stay upright. Booth chuckled.
'You know, Bones, for someone who thought the movies were only "somewhat entertaining", you sure seemed pretty eager to watch 'em all.'
She smiled to herself. He was right. She had pushed herself to stay awake, but it hadn't been because of the movies. 'Don't call me Bones.'
He chuckled again. 'C'mon, let's get you in bed.'
Temperance turned and headed away from him, in the direction of the room he had pointed out to her earlier, while he followed a few steps behind.
'Hey, Bones?'
She turned to face him in the doorway. 'Hm?'
His smile became wider, threatening to split his face. Realising her mistake, she briefly shut her eyes and gave a soft, throaty chuckle. 'I ran right into that one, didn't I?'
'Walked.' Booth corrected automatically, still wearing that goofy grin.
'What?'
'It's walked.'
'Oh.' She smiled sheepishly and they just stood there grinning at each other until Booth spoke up.
'You know, Bones, I have a feeling this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.'
'The actual quote is "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.' Brennan smiled. 'But I can appreciate the sentiment.'
He looked shocked. You don't know King Kong, but you know Casablanca?'
'I told you, I quite enjoy the old black and white films.'
Still facing him, she took a step backwards into the room and reached for the doorknob.
'Temperance?'
Oh. He was definitely going to have to call her something else. She hoped he didn't notice her involuntary shiver as the name rolled off his tongue. Just like she hoped he hadn't noticed her reaction earlier, when that electric tingle had shot through her as he first grasped her hand out on the front porch while telling her his name.
She nodded expectantly, not trusting her voice to speak. '….Goodnight.' He looked like he was about to say something else, but then thought better of it.
'Goodnight, Booth. And…thank you.' She didn't specify what she was thanking him for, and he didn't ask. Smiling softly, she slowly began to shut the door, never breaking eye contact. She had it halfway closed when he reached out and placed his foot in the way. 'Hey, do you really mind if I call you Bones?' He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. 'It's just, we're probably going to be spending a lot of time together, what with you guys staying here and all, and I don't think I can call you'-he looked at her pointedly-'by your whole name all the time, and I don't want to call you Tempe, obviously-'
Temperance smiled. He looked adorable when he was rambling. Stop that, Temperance. 'Actually, I wouldn't mind if you called me that.' And she really didn't, surprisingly. The name didn't sound nearly so bad coming from his lips. She supposed he could make curse words sound like poetry.
Booth shook his head and interrupted her before she could continue. 'Nah…that doesn't really work for me.'
'But you can call me anything you like, Booth.'
He smiled. 'How bout this? You have a week to figure out what you want me to call you, but if you don't come up with anything that we both like, Bones sticks.'
She considered this for a second. 'Why aren't we coming up with a name for me to call you?'
'Because I have a "boring, monosyllabic name"' he imitated her words from earlier.
'Oh.' Well…he definitely couldn't call her Temperance…then maybe…Brennan. That would do just fine. Brennan wasn't dangerous at all. Brennan was safe. 'You could call me…Brennan'.
'You want me to call you Brennan?' Booth raised an eyebrow incredulously, as if he could read her thoughts. Temperance blushed, but the darkness made it impossible to notice. No, probably not, then. Brennan was too detached, too clinical, too…impersonal. He called Russ Brennan. Again, he seemed to read her mind. 'Russ is Brennan. Not you. That would just be…'weird'…confusing.'
She sighed. 'Alright then, I'll think of something by the end of the week. Would that be acceptable?'
'Sounds good to me. I have to like it, though. Same goes for you if I think of something. We'll each get…three vetoes.'
'Five'
'Four'
'Deal'
'Wanna shake on it?' Remembering the last handshake, Brennan just shook her head with a smile and made to close the door fully. Before she could, however, a thought struck her, making her frown. 'Booth?'
'Yeah?'
'What about the rest of the week?'
'Huh?'
'Until we decide on an acceptable name, what are you going to call me? You know, in the meanwhile?'
His mischievous grin was bordering on roguish. 'In the meanwhile, Bones, I can call you whatever I want.'
She rolled her eyes but her blush deepened. 'Oh, and Bones?'
'Yes, Booth?' She sighed heavily and leaned against the door. Considering his shoulder still rested against the jamb, to any observer it would appear as if they were completely invading each other's private space-standing inappropriately close, even-but neither seemed to notice or care.
They simply looked at each other for a moment, and after a dramatic pause, Booth drew in a deep breath and opened his mouth to speak.
'I have seen the original King Kong.'
'What? Why did you say you hadn't?'
He shrugged and gave her a small smile. 'Ah, I just wanted you to have that one. 'Night, Bones.'
She just huffed and closed the door in his face.
A/N:*(Remember guys, it's not '95 so the shelf hasn't disintegrated yet. Come to think of it, it happened around the time David B made his TV debut. Yep, he first came onto the scene in '93 in Married With Children, and then vanished mysteriously-only to make an appearance again in Buffy four years later. Hm. Wonder what he was doing in the meantime. You've got to admit, there's something to this theory.)
