Chapter Three
"So Bones, how are you liking your anthropology book?" A bored Booth asked Brennan as he turned around to find her head into the old anthropology book again. They were in Chemistry and the two just finished a difficult chemistry worksheet.
It's been a week now since Temperance Brennan has been in this school and it's been a pretty good week as a matter of fact. For once in her life Brennan felt some sense of belonging in that library with Goodman, Angela, and Hodgins. Then there's Booth. He's been talking to her all week and he's probably one of the nicest guys Brennan has ever met. She felt some strange sense of trust with him. Temperance liked it, but at the same time she never understood why such a popular guy like Seeley Booth would talk to her. A geek and a loser.
Maybe the world isn't as black and white as most people think.
"It's fascinating," Brennan informed Booth enthusiastically. "I've read it about a dozen times."
"Really? I've done the same with this old book my mom gave me-" Booth paused, realizing where he was bringing this conversation to and stopped. He felt a sense of trust with this girl, but now isn't the time to be bringing up his whacked out family. "So, um anyway how's the Romeo and Juliet book going?"
"I'll be finished by this week. Not my favorite play that was ever written. It's just too...It isn't rational to me. I mean in that time and place, it was normal for girls at Juliet's age to get married, but true love like that? For one, I don't ever think she was in love with Romeo. She was in love with the idea he was untouchable. Plus love, it isn't rational. It's just a bunch of chemicals in the brain," Brennan said to him, taking her copy of the famous play out. "How do you even know that you want to spend the rest of your life with someone in just a matter of a day? There wasn't anything rational about their relationship."
"You know, Bones, some people do have love like this. There is such a thing at love at first sigh. I believe in it," Booth said to her, touching his own copy of the play gently. "Like my Pops and Nanna. He told me he took one look at her and knew he was going to spend the rest of his life with her, and he did. Bones, sometimes people just know these things."
"I still don't see the rationality behind it," She said, merely shrugging. "My head is in science and rationality."
"I know," Booth said, smirking at the girl. "It's what makes you Bones."
Brennan felt a small smile creep on her face as she looked at Booth in the corner of her eye. "And you believing in love at first sight, well that's what makes you as well. It's Boothy."
"Boothy?" Booth questioned, his tone amused as he looked at Brennan.
"Temperance. Seeley. I assume you two are done with your worksheets because of the non stop chitter chatter going on over here," Richards said as he came over to look at their sheets carefully. Mr. Richards just took one look at their papers and was immediately impressed by their work. "Wow, nice job. Both of you, and might I add Booth you've improved. Temperance, you're not letting him cheat off of you right?"
"Of course not Mr. Richards," Brennan said, frowning at him sternly. "I'm helping Booth. I would never let anyone cheat off my work."
"Yeah, it was all Bones. She helped me with the worksheet," Booth said, smiling at his chemistry teacher. "Maybe I'll pass this year."
"You will Seeley," Richards said, smiling at the teenage boy. "I'm sure of it. With Temperance as your partner you can't go wrong."
"Hey Bones, we're partners," Booth teased with her, grinning. Brennan chuckled as she watched Booth. He really looked like one of those energetic little puppies to her.
"Yes Booth, we're partners," She agreed, smiling fondly at the hyper teenage boy next to her.
"Since you guys love being partners so much, I might add that there is a project coming up," Mr. Richards said, raising his voice so the whole class could hear. "A small one, but you'll be working with your lab partners."
"So that means it'll be you and me, Bones," Booth said, smirking at her.
Brennan chuckled as she gave Booth a small smile. "Alright. I know you realize by now that I strive for A's and will do anything to get that grade...But, you have to participate too."
"Of course, I'm not going to make you do the whole thing by yourself," Booth said, raising an eyebrow. "I'll be a jerk if I did that."
"Good. Most people in my old school only wanted to be my partner sometimes because of that, so if you do not put any effort into it I'll tell Mr. Richards," Brennan muttered, huffing at the thought of the kids back in her old class like Becky. She always cheated off her and that's probably how that girl Becky passed the class.
"Promise Bones, I'll put my full effort into it and help in any way," He said, making an x with his finger over his heart. "Cross my heart and hope to die."
"Okay, good," Brennan said, smiling at him as she went back to reading her book. That's when the bell rang and it was time for them to go their separate ways for class.
"I'll see you later, Bones," Booth said, swinging his backpack over his shoulder. "Want to meet up at the library? For the project?"
"Okay," Brennan agreed, picking up her books as she looked up at him. He had an irresistible grin on his face as he looked at Brennan with his puppy dog eyes. She felt herself melting just looking at them. "I'll see you then Booth."
"See ya Bones!" Booth gave his partner one last wave before darting out of the class. As Booth traveled up the hall he felt himself grinning like a fool. He hasn't been this excited to see anyone in a long time. Bones, the blunt girl with the beautiful blue eyes. He never really saw himself being attracted to a squint, but something about Bones was different. Maybe it's because she wasn't a bitch or a stuck up like past girl's he's dated or befriended. She was an honest to god girl who didn't seem to look at Booth like he was some idol or toy.
Brennan chuckled as she walked out of the classroom after Booth. As she turned into the hallway, she accidentally bumped into none other than Hannah Burley, Seeley Booth's ex-girlfriend.
Hannah was one of those doe eyed girls with long blonde hair and big blue eyes. She was popular, a cheerleader, and of course captain of the homecoming committee. She was the embodiment of stereotypical popular girls, and she didn't like anyone who got in her way. Hannah use to be a sweet girl back in the day when she dated Seeley, but after becoming the center of attention she became rather cold to Booth. There break up was a pretty harsh one and everyone in the school couldn't stop talking about it for days.
"Watch we're you're going Morticia!" Hannah snapped at her as Brennan's books went flying.
"Sorry," Brennan muttered as she quickly picked them up. When Hannah saw who it was, she grinned. It's Mortica from Chemistry class, the same Mortica who's been hogging up her Seeley the past week. Hannah grinned deviously as she looked down at the new girl. This was going to be fun for her.
"Look who it is, the newbie," none other than Heather Taffot said as she came strutting over to her friend's side. Heather, a red headed girl wasn't known for her looks. She was known for her charm and way to get to people. Maybe that's why her and Hannah made such a good dynamic duo. Together they practically ruled the school. "She's been hanging out with Booth, hasn't she?"
"Oh yes, how's little Morticia been able to sneak her way to our Seeley. What a strange strange thing," Hannah added, smirking with Heather.
"Just leave me alone," Brennan muttered, trying to get away but was only to be blocked by the two girls. Brennan didn't need this now, especially since she wants nothing to do with these girls.
"Come on Morticia, let's have some fun," Heather said, smirking as she smacked Brennan's books out of her hands one more time.
"Heather! Hannah!" A female voice yelled, stopping the two from bullying Brennan. "Leave her alone!"
Brennan looked up to see a young African American woman with black hair and big brown eyes. She had a stern look on her face as she placed both hands on her hips, glaring daggers at the two bullies who were currently harassing Brennan. "Now ladies."
"Oh sorry Cam, just teaching her a lesson. That's all," Heather said, rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, alright. Sure, that's what you were doing," The girl, Cam, said sarcastically as she waved her hand at Heather's face. "Now go!"
"Whatever Camille," Hannah said, drawling out Cam's name as she and Heather walked up the hallway giggling.
"Are you okay?" Cam asked Brennan after a few minutes. She knelt down to the ground to quickly help Brennan pick up her books.
"I'm fine," Brennan responded curtly, looking briefly at Cam. She was mortified already and just wanted to get the hell out of this hallway. "Thank you."
"Hey, aren't you Seeley's lab partner in Chemistry?" Cam pointed out, recognizing her. "I've seen you talking to him."
"Yes, I'm Booth's lab partner," Brennan said, shrugging since she didn't see the significance of bringing that up.
"He's my best friend. I'm Cam Saroyan," Cam explained to the girl, introducing herself. "He seems to really like you."
"As a friend right?" Brennan asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because I honestly get confused in high school with the whole like and the like thing."
"Ah, I meant as a person I don't know how he feels about you like that, but I think he enjoys having you around in a good way. You know," Cam said, chuckling. "I feel like I'm kind of muttering a bunch."
"You are," Brennan pointed out with her normal bluntness. "But it's fine. Yes, I enjoy having Booth around too. Even though I find his logic and irrational thoughts strange, he's a good friend."
"Yeah that sounds like Booth alright...Anyway, I'll see you around," Cam told Brennan, smiling as she pointed to her next class.
"Bye," Brennan replied softly as she then scurried to hers. Brennan wasn't too phased about meeting Camille Saroyan, but she did respect the niceness of this girl. It's pretty rare to find someone who will stand up for her, so Cam probably wasn't a bad person at all. Also considering the fact she's a friend of Booth, so she's probably good.
As the day moved alone it wasn't long before Brennan was back with Angela and Hodgins in the library, hanging out like they've know one another for years. Brennan fit so well into this group, it's like she was a piece to their puzzle.
"I found new particles in the soil samples, I can't wait to analyze them," Hodgins exclaimed, eagerly running his hands through the dirt.
"That's great for you Hodgie," Angela said, chuckling as she secretly decided to try to sketch Brennan and Hodgins, working side by side.
"Oh no!" Hodgins then groaned hitting his face with his clean hand. "I forgot to collect some soil samples from flower bed A. Ughh!"
"Can you live without them?" Angela asked, raising her eyebrow at the dramatic Hodgins as he just sat there, shaking his head.
"Yes, but I really need them...Do you guys maybe want to come with me to get more... Please?" Hodgins asked as he looked at the girls with pleading eyes. "It's just up the block, back at my school."
"Alright...We'll go with you," Angela said, rolling her eyes at him as she jumped up from her seat. "Are you coming Bren?" she looked back to make sure he friend was fine.
"Yeah, I don't see why not," Brennan responded, shrugging, as she followed Angela and Hodgins out the side door of the library. They weren't too far from Hodgins's school. The prep school was only a block away and it also happened to be bitter rivals since Jefferson Prep always beat Washington High.
Angela and Brennan sighed as they looked down at Hodgins. They were standing in the school's front yard as he dug in the dirt for a few more soil samples.
As Angela talked about something with Hodgins, Brennan took in her surroundings of the campus. It was one of the biggest she's seen and filled with kids dressed in uniforms like Hodgins's one. They all looked slightly towards Hodgins, and some were laughing. Hodgins was known to be a big nerd in this school so the laughing was pretty much expected.
As Temperance looked around some more she noticed a young boy. He was about twelve with scruffy brown hair, brown eyes, and really bad acne on his face. He was holding tightly to his books as he tried to escape from really bigger boys who were all cornering him.
"Hey! Leave him alone!" Brennan shouted, feeling oddly protective of this boy, as she ran over to the area where they were cornering him. Hodgins and Angela looked up quickly when they heard Brennan shout.
"Oh shit!" Hodgins cursed as he saw Brennan begin to stride towards these boys, the biggest most meanest boys in their school. "This isn't good!"
"Why?" Angela asked him.
"Because Brennan's about to mess with the same guys who shoved my head in the toilet," Hodgins groaned as she smacked his face into his hand.
"Come on, let's go help her then!" Angela said, grabbing Hodgin's arm, running after Brennan who was already looking right at these boys.
"Mind you're on business girly," one of the boys spat, obviously the leader, as he slammed the boy's books out of his hands again to get a good look at Brennan.
"I do mind! You're teasing this poor kid. He obviously isn't doing anything! How dare you tease how he acts and who he is! Leave him alone!" Brennan growled protectively.
"What are you going to do?" the leader bellowed. "You're just a weak little-"
Brennan then stomped on his foot, causing him to clench it. When he went to drive from her, she yelped and kicked her foot up hitting him in the family jewels. He groaned as Brennan then grabbed the hand of the boy and ran towards Hodgins and Angela who looked awestruck at her.
"She just took down one of the toughest bullies in my school," Hodgins croaked as they caught up to Brennan and the boy. He felt his jaw drop as he looked at this girl, his new hero. "Way to go Brennan! You took down the leader!" He cheered, giving her a hug. This caused Brennan to freeze awkwardly as she looked down at the short curly haired bug boy.
"I have to say sweetie, nice save," Angela said, giving her friend a side hug, pulling her away from a gleeful Hodgins.
"I should say thanks as well, since you did save me from those bullies...So thank you," the boy said, scratching his head as he gave Brennan an appreciative look.
"It was no problem, what they were doing wasn't very nice," Brennan said, awkwardly shrugging.
"Hey! I know you, you're Zack. You're in my advanced biology class," Hodgins said, patting him on the back. "How old are you? Like eleven?"
"I'm thirteen," Zack said, raising an eyebrow. "And my IQ is one of the highest in this country."
"So you enjoy science as well?" Brennan asked, a bit eager to hear of someone just like her. "I enjoy anthropology myself and Hodgins is more into entomology, that area of science."
"Well it varies, but anthropology is a great science. I have to agree," Zack said, holding up his stack of books. "So where do you two females go because obviously you don't go to this private school."
"Public school, down the block," Angela filled him in, jerking her thumb back towards Washington High School before sticking the hand back into her jean jacket. "I'm Angela by the way. Angela Montenegro. Brennan's the one who saved you and Hodgins, you know."
"Oh, I'm Zack. Zachary Addy," he told them.
"Hey Zack, you should totally join us at the library. Goodman will like this little dude," Hodgins said, putting an arm around the boy's shoulder. "Plus we're low on the testosterone here!"
"Fine, it's up to Zack if he wants to come though," Angela said, giggling.
"I would very much like to come!" Zack said, grinning at the thought. "It'll be nice to converse with other scientists for once."
"Great, well them come on buddy. But let's get something straight, I'm King of the Library. Got it?"
"I don't know what that means," Zack said as Hodgins patted the young boy's back.
"Come on you two," Angela said, giggling as she looked at Brennan with an amused look. Brennan smiled, glad she saved this odd boy just like her. He was awkward and could easily make a good apprentice or assistant, but probably the important thing, as Angela or Booth would probably say, is he'd be a good friend to her.
"So Bren, how's things going with our G-Man?" Angela asked Brennan, smiling as the two linked arms. "He seems to really enjoy being around you."
"Well I enjoy his company, he's actually not a terrible person. He's quite nice," Brennan concluded, smiling at the thought of Booth. "He keeps emphasizing that we're partners though? He's excited about that?"
"It's because he likes you sweetie," Angela said, chuckling as patted her best friend's arm. "Trust me."
"Alright. I like Booth too, and I'm glad we're partners," Brennan said. "His friend Cam saved me today from Heather and Hannah."
"Cam? Oh I know her, she took art one year. Poor thing wasn't very good at it, but she's really smart. Not your level of smart, but she's pretty brilliant and really sweet. She plans to be a doctor one day," Angela told Brennan as Zack and Hodgins fooled around in front of them.
"She seemed nice, but I don't know...I don't need saving," Brennan muttered under her breath.
"It wasn't saving, Brennan. Think of it as a friendly gesture. Cam is best friend's with Booth, and since you are importance to Booth she wants to make sure her friend is happy. Plus I'm pretty sure Cam just wanted to be nice since Heather and Hannah are big bitches."
"Yeah," Brennan agreed. "Anyway I can't wait to get back to the library and maybe discuss anthropology with Zack."
"Sweetie, I'm sure he'd love to but I think Hodgins really excited to have found a guy friend since he doesn't hang around many," Angela said, chuckling as she pointed to the two. They were currently horsing around and talking about experiments they've done.
"I know, but I can't wait to talk anthropology with him!" Brennan exclaimed excitedly as the two followed the boys back to the library. Brennan was just happy to find someone who could be her assistant. This meant a lot to her and she couldn't wait to discuss more anthropological ideas with him. Goodman was even thrilled to meet Zack and planned to help the two young anthropologists in the making with their careers.
When the kids entered the library door they saw Goodman hanging out by his desk. They were about to intro due Zack when a man came rushing into the library, aimed right at goodman.
"Goodman, you're making a big mistake!" a man, all of a sudden.
"Just go Rodger," Goodman hissed, clearly angry at this man. He was a short caucasian man with brown hair, a mustache, and a tweed jacket. He held a paper in his hand as he slammed it on Goodman's desk.
"No I won't good Daniel!" the man named Rodger yelled back.
"What's going on here..." Brennan said, trailing off as the four teens watched the two men fight with one another. It was odd to see Goodman angry like this since he's such a jolly man.
"Is this that Goodman man you were talking about?" Zack asked, pointing to Goodman himself.
"Yes, but shhh kid. Let us eavesdrop," Hodgins whispered, looking at them closely as he moved a bit closer to hear better. "Maybe he's apart of the illuminati-"
"Hodgins, if I hear a conspiracy come out of your mouth or any other secret society I'll kick you where it hurts," Angela threatened, drowning at the curly headed boy.
"Sure thing Ange," Hodgins said, sighing as he watched them. "But you don't think that maybe-"
"No, Goodman is not involved with the illuminati. Neither is this dude. Now will u stop that before I hit you!" Angela said to him, showing off her hand. Hodgins just gulped a little as he then quietly turned to watch the men fight again.
"Leave," Goodman said, his tone icy as he led this man out out the door. "Now."
"With pleasure, but I'll be back," the man hissed back before Goodman shut the library back entrance on the man's face. He then turned to the group of four teenagers and felt his cheeks warm up.
"I didn't know I had an audience," He said, raising an eyebrow at the four teens.
"Sorry, we didn't mean to it's just you were kind of loud," Angela said, shrugging.
"Is everything okay?" Hodgins asked, clearly worried along with the others.
"Of course. Just a little misunderstanding," he said. Goodman just sighed and place a smile on his face as he approached them with his normal hearty attitude, like nothing back there happened. "So who is this new fellow?"
"Zachary Addy," Zack said, introducing himself. "Pleasure to meet you sir."
"Goodman is just fine," Dr. Goodman chuckled as he gave the boy a nice firm handshake. "Now, tell me, where did they find you?" They all laughed as they gathered around their library table.
Brennan smiled at her friends, ready to enjoy their few hours together. Though, something didn't feel right. Goodman acted like he was hiding something the whole time. She didn't have all the facts yet, but Goodman's gestures pointed to secrets. She understands a little psychology since she read a book on it last summer, but honestly she's never going to look back into that field again. Too much of a soft science.
Seeley Booth smiled as he entered the library. He knew Bones normally left a bit before six o'clock, so he made sure to tell his coach he wouldn't be able to come to practice today. He wanted, almost needed, to see that know-it-all girl.
As he entered the library he immediately saw her at a table with her other squints. Goodman was there too and he was helping them out with some stuff. There was a new squint at the table. He was currently talking to Bones seriously. He had to be about thirteen, or even younger than that. He reminded Booth of a boy genius or something.
"Hey Bones," Booth said, coming over to the table. Brennan looked up right away, tucking her reddish brown hair behind her ear to look up at a smiling Booth. "What's up?"
"Just doing some homework," Brennan said, looking up at the very muscular Booth. She felt herself blush a little at his presence. "You can join if you'd like."
"I'm sure, if it's okay with the other squints," He said, motioning to Hodgins, Angela, and Zack.
"Oh I'm not a squint," Angela said, raising her eyebrows as she pointed a finger to her chest. "I love them and hang out with them, but I'm not a squint."
"I don't know who he is and I think a squint is a nerd, but anyway I'm Jack Hodgins," Hodgins told Booth as he went back to analyzing his bugs. "I go to the private school down the road."
"And I go to school here, pretty sure you already knew that G-Man. I'm Angela Montenegro," Ange said as she gave Booth a teasing flirtatious smile.
Booth chuckled as he took a seat down next to Brennan. "Yeah I recognize you, you're the girl who always has her artwork hanging in here and all around the school. It's really good."
"Why thank you, and your football playing is pretty good too. I've brought Jack to a few games, though he doesn't really care much for football..."
"I'm more of a science kind of guy," Hodgins replied as he looked through his microscope.
"I can tell," Booth replied as he then glanced at Brennan. She turned to look at him, almost as if their eyes were connected to one another.
"And this is Zack," Brennan added, smiling at her new friend as she pointed to him. "We just met him today. He's into anthropology as well."
"Nice to meet ya kid," Booth said, giving the thirteen year old a firm handshake.
"You too," Zack squeaked before quietly retreating back to his book.
"So, do you maybe want to do some of that chemistry project?" Brennan asked Booth, taking out her notes.
"Sure," He agreed as he took out his chemistry folder. "I don't have football practice today so there's no rush for anything today."
"Football, the one with those sticks right? And you get a home run or something?" Brennan questioned with a frown, not really having a vast knowledge on sports.
"No, Bones. Not at all," Booth said, shaking his head. "You know, football. Great American past time? Homecoming, cheerleaders, what they hold the big pep rally's for?"
"Oh, those. I think I know what you're talking about. They had them in my old school, I normally skipped out on them. I found them kind of boring," Brennan admitted to him as she flipped through her textbook.
"How do you find a pep rally boring?" Booth questioned, wide eyed. "They're anything but boring."
"Well they've always been boring for me," Brennan said, shrugging. "And nothing you'll say can change my opinion on it."
"Alright, fine Bones. But it's like a high school right of passage to go to one, just like prom. Please tell me you went to your junior prom at least," Booth said.
"No, and I would've liked to go but I had other things to do that day. I rather not talk about it," She said, mumbling as she began to write some notes down for chemistry. "Just let's finish our project."
Booth felt a pain of guilt hit him as he looked at how Bones looked. She didn't want to show it and she tried not to show it, but Booth could see the tint of sadness in her eyes. He can tell he hit a nerve and felt nothing but guilt wash over him. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, not ever.
"Alright...Look, I'm sorry Bones if I brought up any sore spots," He said, fiddling with his hands. "I know I did, and I'm sorry."
"It's okay Booth, it's not a big deal," Brennan told him, giving him her best smile. "I just...I just rather not talk about it but thank you."
Booth smiled as he then scooted a little closer to the beautiful blue eyed girl. "Come on, let's get a start on this chemistry project because I know you're dying to start it."
"Great, let's," Brennan said, grinning as she eagerly began to talk to Booth about it. Even though Booth didn't get a damn word she said half the time about chemistry, he caught up to her and they were able to work together perfectly.
Angela, who was watching them as she sat next to Hodgins and Zack, who were designing some sort of experiment, smiled as she flipped the page in her sketch book and began to draw Booth and Brennan. The way they looked at each other was just...wonderful. Angela always knew when something was beautiful, and when it was she'd draw it on paper. Whatever those two have, it's something beautiful and alive.
"I gotta go," Brennan said, looking at the time on the wall. "My parents are going to be worried and want me home soon."
"I got to go too. I'll walk with ya," Booth told her, getting up with Brennan. "My car's in the shop and Jared's home sick so I'd be walking home alone anyway tonight."
"You don't need to Booth," Brennan said, raising her eyebrow as she put on her white scarf and knit cap. "I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself."
"Oh, I was just offering," Booth said, scratching the back of his head. "But that's fine if you don't want me to."
"Sweetie!" Angela exclaimed, tugging her best friend to the side before Brennan could respond to Booth's comment. Brennan looked at Angela confused as her best friend acted all secretive. She didn't know exactly what Angela was trying to achieve since all the guys were looking at them in confusion.
"Go with Booth," Angela told her in a demanding tone. She pulled Brennan behind one of the smaller bookcases, peering at the guys slightly who were looking rather confused.
"Why?" Brennan asked, scrunching up her nose, not seeing the big deal about it. "I'm okay Ange. I can go home on my own. I don't need a man."
"I know you can Bren, but just walk with Booth. It'll be good for you to have someone with you," Angela told her best friend, grinning as she motioned to the tall stud. "Plus the city can be really dangerous at night."
"But Ange-"
"Just trust me on this one sweetie. Okay?" Angela said, eying her as she patted Brennan on the back before bringing her back to face the three confused boys.
"Sure Booth, you can come," Brennan said awkwardly as she looked at Angela in confusion still. Angela just smiled as Booth headed out the door with Brennan.
"They're made for each other," Angela simply said, sighed as she turned to the other guys.
"But they're like complete opposites," Hodgins pointed out.
"Yes, but then again opposites do attract," Angela said, winking as she took a seat back at the library table.
"I kind of like it here, it's abnormal and I fit in," Zack observed as he looked around. This caused the others to chuckle as they slowly turned in for the night.
Booth gave Brennan a small smile as they walked up the sidewalk together. It was a nice September night and dusk was slowly approaching. There was tons of traffic up and down the streets since people were racing home to get to their families at this hour.
"I don't know why you needed to walk home with me, I've been taking care of myself for awhile," Brennan muttered. "I know how to deal with city streets."
"I believe you can Bones, I just wanted to walk with you," Booth said, sighing as he shrugged and shoved his hands into his varsity jacket. "I wanted to be a good friend."
"You think of me as a friend?" Brennan asked, looking at him with curious eyes. "We don't know each other that well. I'm socially awkward and not many people like me. So tell me, why would you, a popular jock, even want to be friends with me? It doesn't fit in with the social pyramid of high school."
"Social pyramid of high school?" Booth questioned, scrunching up his nose.
"Yes, high school in anthropological terms can be considered like a society in itself. As silly as that sounds, you have the populars who are at the head of the pyramid and then people like me are at the bottom for being unique," Brennan explained, fiddling with the end of her scarf.
"I see your point, but Bones I don't care about that whole social pyramid. I'd want you to be my friend because you're awesome. You are really intelligent, and you may not come across as this but you're a nice person beneath it all," Booth said, giving her a small smile.
Brennan paused for a moment as she looked at Booth with curiosity. "That's actually one of the nicest things someone has ever told me, one of them," Brennan whispered, looking at him with blue sparkling eyes.
Booth bit his lip as he gave Brennan a small pat on the back, "Bones, sometimes the world isn't as rational as you think."
"I know, you've told me that already," She said. "But I stand by my point."
"Alright, whatever. But in the meantime, I want to know more about Bones," He said, backing up in front of her to look at Brennan right in the eyes. "And if you please, you can learn more about me. Face it Bones, even if we don't become friends we're partners...And we have a project due in about week so I thought might as well get cracking."
"Alright," Brennan agreed, chuckling as she caught up with Booth.
"So to begin, what's your favorite animal?" Booth asked, looking at Brennan with an excited puppy dog look. Brennan found this all too amusing and chuckled. She found it pretty funny how Seeley Booth could be the biggest child in the world.
"Well my favorite mammal, I presume that's what you mean, would have to be dolphins. My mother and I both shared a love for them," Brennan said, her tone going soft as she touched the necklace around her neck. On it was a silver dolphin, the necklace once belonged to her mother but was given to her on her tenth birthday.
"Shared? If you don't mind asking why you used the past tense?" Booth asked quietly as he noticed the way Brennan seemed to become more distant.
"It's nothing, just my um mother isn't around anymore," Brennan said quietly as she looked down on the ground. She felt a wave of nervousness hit her. What if Booth found out about her foster home? Surely he'd make her the laughing stock of the school. Who wouldn't?
"Oh...Neither do I," Booth muttered, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets. He looked back at Brennan and saw how she looked at him sadly too. He gave her a small smile before giving her shoulder a squeeze.
"So anyway, favorite movie?"
"The mummy," Brennan answered, smiling as she noticed their topic would be leaving the idea of their family. "I love that movie! What about you?"
"I don't know, probably the Godfather..."
For the next half hour Booth got to know more about the girl behind Temperance Brennan, and vise versa. He liked her, as stubborn as she could be about certain things, she was amazing to him. She was his partner, his friend, he didn't ever want to let her down now.
Brennan on the other hand found herself confused as she opened up to this brown haired, puppy dog eyed boy about herself and he did the same. Coming to Washington D.C was one of the most interesting moves of her life, because for the first time she actually felt a sense of closeness to people. Brennan had Angela as a best friend and Booth, she wasn't sure what he was but for now he was her partner. This irrational feeling of joy made her feel like she belongs somewhere for the first time in forever it seems that long.
"Well this is my stop," Brennan said, pointing to the trashy white home on the corner. "Home Sweet Home."
"Oh it's um charming," Booth said hesitantly as he looked at the dump she lived in.
"No it's not, it's far from charming," Brennan said, frowning as she opened the rusted gate. "Can't you see how the shingles and siding is falling off."
"Yeah, I see Bones," Booth said, sighing as he leant against the rusty old gate.
"So I need to go, I'll talk to you tomorrow," Brennan told him, giving Booth a weak smile before heading towards the front lawn path. "It was nice talking to you."
"You too Bones," Booth told her, giving her one last smile before heading out. He slowly walked past her house as he watched her enter, feeling a sense of nervousness about this house though. Booth could just feel some bad mojo coming off of it or something. Whatever it was, it wasn't good.
"So how was school shrimp?" Pops asked as Booth came home. "You seem pretty happy."
"Yeah, I am pretty happy. Normally am," Booth said, chuckling as he gave his grandfather a pat on the back. "Today was pretty good."
"That's great to here, now come on. I need some help setting up the table since your brother is upstairs in bed sick," Pops said, motioning to the kitchen. Booth smiled at him as he went to join him in taking part in cooking dinner. Though the whole time Booth's mind wander again to Temperance Brennan, wondering what her family was doing.
A/N: Okay i know I haven't been updating this, but i gave you all a big chapter to maybe hold you off for a bit. Im sorry but I've been extremely busy with school lately but I'll try to update again soon! Don't worry, I want to write B&B action. Plus I got pissed because I lost all my editing I did on this document and just ugh. Life hasn't been to kind to me lately. AND ANYONE WHO WATCHED SEASON 10 PREMIERE OH MY GOD, I sobbed. I just, i've never been so upset. I still love the show, but I'm so sad about what just happened. Anyway in the meantime, thank you for reading, please review, and keep a look out for the next chapter lovelies! :)
