I've been laughing at the absurdity of it since Season 2, but it makes for a great story for me! Russ apparently lives in the same area of North Carolina as I do, so I know quite a bit about the vacationing opportunities and local favorites without having to do any research, so. This [and the next] installment is actually going to be quite fun to write. I hope you enjoy it! By the way, I know that this chapter is a long one. Sorry, not actually sorry.
Disclaimer, Bones doesn't belong to me. Shocker, I know.
BRACE YOURSELVES. THERE IS A VERY LONG BUT IMPORTANT A/N FROM ME AT THE BOTTOM. I hope you don't skip it. As always, I am beta-less, so if you see any mistakes, PLEASE TELL ME. Okay, now go read my story :3
Booth woke to an empty bed; Hannah had already left for the White House. He was happy that he didn't have to deal with her this morning; he had far too much on his mind. His dreams had consisted of nothing but Brennan and himself, their wedding day, raising a family, growing old together. When he thought of Hannah, he thought that he could imagine those things, but they just didn't feel right. It felt right with Brennan. It shouldn't have felt that way.
Booth went through his morning routine quietly, and before he realized how much time had passed in thought, he was staring at a memo in his office at the Bureau. A memo from the Jeffersonian that stated Dr. Brennan was going on an impromptu Sabbatical with a return date that said nothing more than 'TBA'. "Bones is going on Sabbatical? Why didn't I know about it?" He thought to himself. He was furious. "Why hadn't she told me?"
Booth stormed out of his office, memo in hand, and headed straight for the Jeffersonian. When he arrived, he threw the car in park, and practically ran up stairs, his first destination being Brennan's office. Booth shuffled through the automated doors, immediately spotting Cam on the forensic platform. Their eyes met for the briefest of moments before he stormed off towards Brennan's office. Cam sighed and removed her gloves and protective gear so she could head him off.
Booth looked in on the locked and darkened office, Brennan wasn't there, and hadn't been in a while. He sighed, exasperated.
"I guess I shouldn't have expected any less," Cam said quietly, looking at her friend with a concerned face.
"Where is she? How long is she going to be gone? Why didn't she tell me she was leaving? What happens if there's a case?" The words spilled from his mouth.
"Dr. Brennan did not disclose her intended vacation spot, nor did she tell me how long she'd be gone." Cam recited.
Booth threw his hands up. "What good are you? You're her boss! You're supposed to know these things!"
Cam held her hands up in surrender. "All I know is, she came in this morning and flagged me down with urgent news. She asked for some leave, she said she'd try to make her vacation no more than two weeks long, and that if she told me where it was she was going, that you'd just track her down and drag her home. And I completely agree. Booth, she needs some time away. She was… I don't know. Off. She could do with some time, Seeley."
"Don't call me Seeley, Camille."
Cam just rolled her eyes and walked off. "Maybe you'll have better luck with Angela?" She called over her shoulder as she swiped her key card for the platform.
Angela. Of course she would know where Bones is. Bones tells her everything!
As if on cue, Angela exited her own office in search for Cam, and at the sight of Booth, she quickly turned around and ran back to her office. Unfortunately for her, Booth had already seen her and was heading her way.
"Angela! I know you know why I'm here," Booth called after her.
"I have nothing to say to you!" She called back. Booth hung on the doorway, peering inside the large office.
"Did she at least tell you why she was so hell-bent on getting out of town so quickly?"
Angela realized that she wouldn't be getting away from this conversation, so she got up from her desk and walked over to Booth who was still standing in her doorway. "Unfortunately, no. All she said was that she needed time. She refused to tell me what from or why, so I can't even really be mad at you because I don't know what you did."
"What I did?" Booth spat. "Why do you always assume that I am the one who messed things up? Bones isn't perfect you know, maybe you should take a good hard look at your best friend!" He was enraged to the point of violence, but he forced himself to stay calm while he was still in view of his coworkers. He took one last pointed dirty look at Angela and stormed off.
I can't believe her. Of course she'd go and make this all my fault. Nothing is ever her fault. I can't believe I fell for a woman like her…..I can't believe I'm still head over heels for her after all she's put me through. I should probably talk to Hannah. She doesn't deserve this.
Booth had taken his suit jacket off as he walked back to the parking garage, and when he reached his SUV, he threw it forcefully to the ground in hopes it would ebb a little bit of his anger. Unfortunately, it didn't, but he decided it'd be a great time to hit the gym, and then maybe the range.
"Hi Russ, I was actually just about to call you," Brennan said as she turned down her blaring music.
"Tempe, are you listening to… Rap?"
"Hip-hop, yes. It's keeping my mind from wandering. I'd rather not be deep in thought while driving long distances, Russ. I almost caused an accident last time, so I thought I would save the deep thinking for when I actually settle into my hotel," She explained matter of factly.
"Oh, well I guess I can't fault your reasoning. Anyways, I got your message, obviously. I was just wondering where you were, what your arrival time might be. We thought we'd take you out to dinner tonight, catch up. It's been a while since everyone's seen you."
"Oh that sounds wonderful, Russ! I find that I'm rather excited to see the girls again. It's been too long- oh, hold on one second. Booth is trying to call me," Brennan rolled her eyes and pressed decline. "Sorry, he's been relentless."
"Tempe, it's okay, you can talk to Booth and call me back-"
"No. I don't want to talk to Booth."
"Oh…Well okay. So… When do you think you'll be in town?"
"Traffic hasn't been too bad today, so I've been able to meet my timed landmarks early. I'm currently passing a town called Rocky Mount, and my GPS says that I should arrive in about two hours and forty-six minutes, so approximately four-thirty." Brennan smiled.
"Oh wow, you are making great time, Tempe."
"Thank you! Okay, well, I should probably let you go, you have to go get the girls from school soon, don't you?"
"Yeah, okay. Keep me updated, okay? Call me back when you're close, love you."
"Love you too, Russ."
Brennan hit the end button and returned her music to its obnoxious volume. The current song had a strong beat that she decided she really liked and would have to purchase later. For now, she returned to her uncharacteristic and awkward dancing.
"Seeley, how many of those have you had?" Hannah asked, pointing to the glass in Booth's hand as she hung her coat on the rack.
"I stopped counting…"
"Baby, I know something happened between you and Temperance, I called her today." Hannah said quietly. "I knew something was up last night. You're never that rough with me, although it was a nice change, I knew you were really angry about something, so I figured it had to do with the case you guys just closed, so I just figured it'd be easier to talk to her about it…"
"She actually answered your call? What the fuck! I've been trying to call her all damn day!" He slammed his glass on the coffee table. "What'd she tell you?"
"Oh you know, just that you guys had a serious talk last night and that I shouldn't be worried, but of course because she told me not to worry, that's all I've been doing."
"Okay, so what exactly did she tell you?"
Hannah sighed, not sure that she actually wanted to breech the subject in entirety. "She was honest. Completely and painfully honest." She sighed, knowing that now she would have to divulge every detail of their conversation. "She told me that the case had gotten to her, that she had connected with the victim and it made her realize that she'd been an idiot to throw away her chances to be with you."
Hannah wiped at a tear she hadn't felt form. "She told me that she got the message from the universe 'albeit a little late,' but that she didn't want to have any regrets. But she also told me that she wasn't going to ask you to leave me."
Booth sighed and let his head fall into his hands. "Is that it?"
"No… She told me that she kissed you…Twice. And then you drove her home, and didn't walk her inside. She said she was thankful that you didn't. She doesn't like it when you see her so raw and emotional. But I'm pretty sure she didn't want me to tell you that last bit."
"No, probably not…"
"So what now, Seeley? Do you love her? Do you want to be with her?"
"I love you, Hannah. I do, I really do," Booth said, hands still cradling his head.
Hannah took a deep breath. "You didn't answer my question."
"This isn't the kind of thing we should be discussing when I've been drinking…."
"Now you're avoiding the question, Seeley." Hannah could feel a sob building in the back of her throat, tears almost falling over the barrier.
He looked up tentatively. "Hannah, I love you. I want to build a life with you."
"But I will always be second best, Seeley, right?"
"You're not a consolation prize, Hannah. I love you. I. Love. You." Booth shot to his feet, angry now that she was so accusing.
"You love her more, I know you do. Admit it! You've always loved her." Hannah backed away. "I can't believe you used me like this," she spat, the tears overflowing.
"Hannah, no, it's not like that! I wasn't using you!"
"Oh please! Don't you think for a minute that I didn't see the way you looked at her. From the moment I got to DC, every second we spent together, I never saw you once look at me the way you look at her, Seeley. Just admit it. You love her. Say it! Say it out loud! Stop lying to yourself! Stop lying to me! I deserve better, Seeley. I never should have followed you back here." She said with a note of finality.
"You really want to hear me say it? Okay, fine, Hannah. I loved her. I love her. But she broke my heart, Hannah. She ripped it out of my chest and threw it on the pavement." He yelled, wishing he had something to throw. "She ripped it out and threw it away and stomped it into nothing. She broke me, Hannah. You put me back together. You were there for me, are there for me. I love you now. I'll get over her. I love you…"
Hannah got the full impact of his words, and though she was still angry, she spoke barely above a whisper. "You'll never love me like you love her, Seeley. And, you know what? That's okay, because I know that we would never work in the long run."
Booth gaze was suddenly piercing. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that we never wanted the same things, Seeley. You want a wife, kids, a big house with a backyard and a porch swing."
"Are they such bad things to want?"
"No, they're wonderful things to want. You are going to make some woman very happy one day, and if your luck has come back to you, it'll be Temperance." Hannah sighed and stepped back toward him. She placed her hands on his cheeks, forcing him to look her in the eye. "I'm saying that I don't want those things. Not right now, not for a while. I like living my life as freely as I do. I love my job, I love traveling. I love you, but I can see now that we just aren't meant to be."
Booth couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Hannah I-" Hannah silenced him with a kiss. It wasn't passionate, it wasn't sexy. Hannah's face was damp with tears, and she sniffled, trying to clear the tear-thick snot that kept her from breathing. This kiss was heartbreak. Hannah pulled away with a muffled sob, and Booth held back one of his own. "I'm so sorry…" Booth whispered, leaning his forehead against hers.
"I know."
"I do love you, Hannah. I really do."
"I know."
"So this is it?"
"It won't take you long to get over me, Seeley. Don't worry." Hannah pulled his face down, placing a quick kiss to his forehead. "I can have my things packed within twenty minutes, ten if you decide you want to help…"
Booth closed his eyes and wiped his nose on his sleeve. "Only if you want me to." He sighed.
"I'll be fine by myself, I have been so far, right?" She chuckled sadly and walked toward the bedroom where her suitcases awaited her.
Booth sat down on the couch again and topped off his glass of scotch. There was so much running through his mind, but he couldn't even find words to express the feelings inside his own head, so he just stared off into space and sipped on his scotch while he waited for Hannah to finish packing.
"Okay," Hannah sighed as she walked back into the living room, two suitcases in hand. "I guess that's it…"
Booth looked up at her, not sure how to respond. "Yeah… You good? Have everything, I mean?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure."
"Oh… Okay then."
"Seeley?" She asked quietly.
"Yeah?"
"If you want, I can call Temperance again. I'm fairly certain that you are the only one she is ignoring calls from… I could tell her what happened? Or, just that you're very angry at her for ignoring your calls… If you want, I mean." She bit at her fingernails nervously, having found nowhere else to put her hands.
"No, you don't have to do that for me… Not unless you want to… I won't use you that way."
Hannah scoffed internally. So he'll use me to attempt – and fail – to get over Temperance, but he won't use me for a simple phone call? Seriously?
"I'll call her. Leave a message. She should know what's going on." Hannah replied curtly, pulling her phone from her back pocket and punching in Brennan's number. She put a hand over the receiver and whispered "Its ringing! Oh, never mind. It went to voicemail. I leave a message."
"Of course it did…" He muttered to himself.
"Hey, Temperance, it's Hannah. Seeley didn't ask me to call you, this is all of my own accord. I just wanted to see if you had a safe trip. Call me back soon, I have something important to tell you. Bye."
"You didn't have to do that…"
"Its okay, I wanted to. She has a right to know…" Hannah looked to her feet, feeling more than uncomfortable in Booth's apartment. "I should go before it gets too late… I need to find a hotel…"
"Yeah…"
"Okay…" Booth stood up and walked over to her, opening his arms for one last hug. Hannah accepted, and though it was awkward, it felt nice that there was a finality to it. "Okay then…"
"Okay…" Hannah smiled half-heartedly. "See you…"
"Yeah, see you," Booth followed her to the door and waved as she walked down the hall towards the elevator, waiting until she was out of sight to shut the door and turn the locks.
"Amy, hi, it's me Temperance. I was just calling to let you know that I'm about thirty minutes out."
"Oh great! I'll let Russ know, and I'll get the girls ready. He says that we'll leave for dinner shortly after you arrive."
"Okay, I'll see you soon, bye."
Brennan's mind was racing, thoughts flying by faster than she could comprehend their meaning.
This was a silly idea. I shouldn't have come. Russ shouldn't be burdened with my ridiculous problems. I'm an adult, I should be able to handle things on my own. Booth would say that it is okay to ask for help. I don't really care what Booth thinks. Who am I kidding. Of course I care. Frankly, his is the only opinion I actually care to hear. I like it when he talks, especially to me. I miss talking to him. Temperance, no. It hasn't even been twenty-four hours since we last spoke. Missing him is ridiculous. I shouldn't miss him. I shouldn't. But… I do. I miss him. If he wasn't the reason for my duress, I'm sure I would be asking him for consolation. He's the only person I want to be consoled by. That's irrational. Irrational but true….
Brennan sighed as her GPS's navigational voice brought her out of her ambivalent thoughts. "In one hundred yards, turn right. Your destination is on the left."
She smiled as she pulled into her brother's driveway, waving to her bouncing nieces. She put the car in park and sighed contentedly. The drive was over, and she was exactly where she (thought) she wanted to be.
"Aunt Temperance hi! It's been forever since we've seen you!" Hayley exclaimed.
"I missed you so much!" Emma added.
The girls rushed Brennan as she stepped out of the car and stretched, her joints popping from being in the same position for too long.
"I missed you very much," she said as she enveloped them in a dual hug. When they released her, Amy gave her a quick embrace.
"It's so good to see you. Russ has been trying to get you to come back to town for a while, I'm glad it finally worked."
"I can't say the circumstances are pleasant, but I too am glad to be here. I forgot how beautiful this area is. I really should visit more often."
Russ smiled on as his four favorite ladies conversed and caught up for a few moments before herding everyone to the family car so they could make their dinner reservation.
Dinner was pleasant, filled with updates on Hayley's health and Emma's superior ranking within the school orchestra. Brennan told them about her adventures in Maluku. She refused to meet Russ's eyes across the table though; she feared she would break down in public.
As they conversed freely, Brennan downed her bottles of cider as they come to her. Russ eyed her, casually keeping count of her drinks. Booth must've really fucked up if she's trying to drink away the pain… He thought to himself before he waved down their waiter and silently asked him to close Brennan's tab.
"Thanks for dinner, Russ. It was delicious," Brennan said warmly as she and the rest of her small family walked toward the entrance.
"No problem, Tempe. It's nice to have you in town again, I didn't realize how much I missed you."
"Awww!" She leaned into Russ and gave him a tight hug.
"I think you've passed the window for safe driving Tempe…" Russ said as he noted his sister's affection along with her slightly off balance state.
"You would be correct. I shouldn't have had that last cider," Brennan placed a hand on Russ's shoulder to steady herself. "You think you could drive me to my hotel?"
"Of course, Tempe. I'll have Amy follow so we won't have to pick you up and bring you back to your car in the morning,"
Brennan gave him a thumbs up, unhooked her keys from her belt loop and handed them over before she made her way to the passenger side of her Prius. She watched as her brother kissed his wife briefly, and she couldn't help but think about Booth doing that to her. She shook her head in an attempt to rid her mind of the thought.
"Tempe? You okay?"
"Wha- Oh. Yes. I was just shaking off a thought. That's all." She gave her most reassuring smile before buckling her seatbelt. The ride to Brennan's hotel was short, it was only a few minutes from the restaurant and only a few more from Russ and Amy's house. Russ parked as close to the main entrance as he could manage before he got out and grabbed both of Brennan's bags.
Before he led her inside, Amy and the girls came over to wish a good night and give her hugs. Brennan kissed both of the girl's foreheads and promised them good beach fun in the days to come. Amy got another quick embrace and a kiss from Russ with a promise of his quick return before he led Brennan inside.
Russ slid the card into the key slot and opened the door when the green light signaled successful entry, letting Brennan slid past him into the darkened room. He placed the bags on the edge of the bed and turned to his sister who was now looking at herself intently in the mirror.
"Marco?"
Brennan's shoulders shook as the sobs she'd been holding in all day crashed over her. "Po…lo…" She huffed, trying to no avail to reign in the sobs. Russ put a hand on her shoulder and turned her around into a full on brotherly hug.
Hey, Hi, Hello. I hope you liked this chapter, even though it took me much longer than anticipated to write it. I know I lied. And I'm sorry. You didn't get to see Brennan drunk on a beach, but I swear to Cheesus that that will be in the next chapter. In fact, most of the chapter will consist of Brennan ignoring Booth and the Squint-Squad and then turning to rant to her sister in law about how stupid she was to fall in love with such a great guy, and then not tell said great guy how much she actually loved him until he had moved on and was in a serious relationship with another woman. WOW THAT WAS A MOUTHFULL.
I've been playing with the idea for a few weeks now that I would try to participate in the Bonesology Hiatus Drabble Challenge, but as I've been working on my drabbles, they've turned into something more along the lines of oneshots. I couldn't help myself. So, that's why the delay. I've been working on a few other Bones stories, and while I probably won't complete the challenge before the hiatus is over, I hope that I will complete the entire prompt list (I've already written out mini prompts that correspond to the prompts from Bonesology) sometime in the near future. So. Yeah. That's that.
I've also been reading a shit ton of Bones Fics here and over on AO3, so that has also taken up a lot of my time. I hope you don't hate me. But, I do have a lot of inspiration now, so maybe I'll have more than one chapter up this week? Or at least another Bones Fic of my own. Who knows? I've never had so many ideas at one time and I am really struggling to get them all down in one way or another.
Thank you for understanding and (hopefully) trying to be patient. Thank you so much for your continued support and love for this little story of mine. It means the world to me that people actually enjoy my writing. And now that I have bored you all with my RIDICULOUSLY LONG Authors Note, I will bid you good night. Best Wishes, my loves xoxoxo
P.S. Also, I know that this Authors Note has been like all over the damn place (mostly because I wrote different parts of it at different times, and I just keep adding on to it,) but thank you to those who read the entire novel of a note, and understood everything I was trying to convey. I love you guys. Thanks. Kbai 3
