I have been enjoying writing this one a very great deal, and I am thrilled that everyone is enjoying it just as much. This chapter gives Mitch's impression of what was going on in season 3. I hope you enjoy it. Gregg.
Disclaimer: I don't own, or profit from, these characters or franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Did I actually admit to that? A Soap Opera? Well, now that I've written it, I should be honest. I do watch soap operas. Not to get the thrill or titillation from them, but, rather, to be able to see what it is that influences people from an entertainment perspective. I do confess to this almost daily, as the images and thoughts that come to mind are somewhat similar to those that are created from hearing of Seeley's impure thoughts relating to Dr. Brennan. I wonder sometimes what my own confessor must be thinking of a parish priest such as myself.
I mentioned that the second year of the partnership demonstrated the loyalty that was there between the two of them, and by extension the whole team. Sadly, that loyalty was sorely tested when Dr. Brennan's young assistant, Zach, I believe his name was, accepted a call to go to Iraq and help with the identification of bodies. Dr. Brennan, it seems, was less than thrilled with the situation, and for some time appeared to blame Seeley for his having gone.
Now, I must come to Seeley's defense on this one. I try and not make judgments on events and actions that come before me, and in confession only do what I believe is required for the penitent to achieve absolution in the eyes of God. But in this case, I feel that Dr. Brennan was a bit unfair. The young man had come to Seeley and asked for advice. Seeley is not one to make light of anyone's honest convictions, or to try and disillusion them. He didn't try and stop Zach, but did warn him of what he was likely getting into.
Once Zach left, Dr. Brennan stayed in the lab, not going into the field to work with Seeley anymore. It tore at him, and from what I gather from recent conversations with Dr. Brennan, it had a negative effect on her, too. Seeley came to confession quite often that summer, and I felt his anguish to a profound degree. He honestly didn't know what to say to her to make things right between them.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, as the case may be, they were presented with that I think was the most emotionally damaging case that they have ever had, though the recent sniper case of Broadsky certainly rivals this one. An old legend, cult figure actually, the Gormagon, presented himself and it became the responsibility of Seeley and Dr. Brennan to stop this cannibalistic madman. It brought them back together as a team, and the return of Zach at this time helped to heal some of the damage that had been done.
One of the things that a priest always confronts is the question of how much conversation, companionship, or a shoulder to lean on is enough? What if someone falls through the cracks despite your best efforts? Was there something more that could have been done? Something that could have been said to prevent what happens? I can imagine it's what psychiatrists go through as they watch the progress, or decline, in their patients. When it comes to Seeley, I always wonder what sort of impact I have made on him. The fact that he keeps coming back for advice, for absolution, and for a deeper connection to the world around him, and with God should be answer enough for me, but that particular year makes me wonder all the same.
Of course there were some humorous elements of the year in question. I will never forget the story Seeley told me of when, during the Christmas holiday, at Brennan's order, he had to sniff the butts of the fake Santas to find out who the murderer was. I will also always look with pride on the fact that in spite of that rather distasteful experience, he went out of his way to make sure that her family had a Christmas Tree at the prison yard to appreciate. Once more he had shown her the true meaning of the holiday, and also made one more lasting memory that will hopefully mold his son into the fine man that everyone sees the potential in him to be.
I know that I shouldn't have a laughing reaction to this one, but one afternoon Seeley came into the chapel and was in a huff. I asked what had happened and he blurted out that "Bones" was concerned that if he didn't start eating organic foods his penis would shrink! I have to confess that I did laugh outright at that one. Seeley didn't think it was a laughing matter, seeing as he thought the goods were in fine form as it was. It was another good example that his feelings for Brennan were deeper than he would admit or his "size" wouldn't have had such a hold on his thoughts. I went to confession that night for the rather "earthy" thoughts I had after that conversation. I think I have had to spend more time in confession because of Seeley than all the rest of my life combined.
I was also highly amused when Seeley let me know that at the beginning of their third year working together they were required to begin counseling with a very young psychologist named Sweets. As can be expected Seeley was less that thrilled at the whole situation, but as he was not about to do anything that would jeopardize his partnership with Brennan, he reluctantly would go to the counseling.
Halloween provided some entertaining confession time for Seeley. It seems that he got to spend time on a case with Brennan with her dressed in a Wonder Woman costume. Now I didn't see said costume, but to hear Seeley tell it, certain obvious pieces of her anatomy, which he has always been very appreciative of, were almost spilling out of the costume from the word go. Now that confession was one for the record books as I crossed myself and recrossed myself any number of times as Seeley's desire to be thorough would make a pornographic movie star blush. At least I think so as I do not know any porn stars, nor do I have any desire to unless it is in relation to helping them find salvation. I also called Seeley a pervert an inordinate number of times in that confession, and handed out what Seeley called an entire oil tankers worth (as opposed to the usual "boatload") of Hail Mary's and Our Father's.
During this time of interesting occurrences, which both admit brought them closer together, Seeley was also having a glimpse of what it's like to be a confidant to someone other than ones best friend. Zach had had some real troubles when he came back. His awkwardness, and lack of social skills, had caused problems for him. As a result he sought out Seeley for someone to talk to about what he had experienced, and also for some form of personal validation. Seeley took it seriously, but at the same time couldn't help but have the same musings I mentioned above. As it would turn out, his worries would be substantiated in the worst possible way. I hasten to add, though, that having given it some real thought, I don't believe that it would have turned out differently even if Seeley had been able to foresee the mounting emotional problems that poor Zach had.
During the year the team steadily worked on uncovering who the Gormagon and his apprentice were. They managed to capture one apprentice, but not the actual monster himself. By the end of the year in question, they were getting close. Some would call it too close, as if it were some cheesy movie line, or literary thriller. Seeley and Brennan were almost killed during a chase at one point. The anger at Brennan having been injured, however mildly, was disturbing, and I worked with him on letting go of that anger as much as possible. The emotions that such conversations brought forth in me caused me to seek out the counsel of my Bishop, a very understanding and compassionate man of God whose wise counsel has helped me on many occasions.
One aspect of the relationship between Seeley and Brennan that has touched me deeply is Seeley's unwavering efforts to draw her out and help her become comfortable in social settings. His success is a great testament to his heart and humanity. Sadly, tragedy struck at the moment of his greatest triumph of that year. It also shifted backwards a lot of the hard won closeness that had been developed during that year leaving the loyalty and not much more for some time.
You see, Seeley was shot, taking a bullet meant for Brennan. He didn't die, but the FBI said he did in order for him to draw out a criminal from an old case. It worked, but while Dr. Brennan had been on his short list of those to definitely notify that he was indeed alive, she wasn't notified. Sweets decided not to notify her. Her anger over it, and his not telling her himself, was something he has described to me as something he never wants to see again. The hurt, the humiliation, the fear, and the extreme vulnerability that he said was in her eyes, and her bearing, still haunts him several years later. The worst part of it all was that shortly thereafter they found out who the Gormagon was, but that his new assistant had been Zach.
The close of this third year of partnership was emotionally traumatic for everyone. Seeley was rightfully worried about Brennan, and he admitted that even though he worked to bring her comfort, the issue of his supposed death had put a strain between them that made it difficult. Not even the kiss they shared at Christmas was enough to keep the strain at bay once the revelation of Zach came. I have to confess that even I was worried about Seeley, and also Brennan, at that point.
A/N: Well, there's another chapter. I hope you all enjoyed this one. I try and work on themes as I write Father Mitch's musings, so the season isn't looked at in a really chronological order, though it is a bit loosely. Thank you again for all the wonderful responses. Gregg.
