A LITTLE FUN UNDER THE SUN
Author's Note niah1988: Well, here's another chapter. I just love writing things from Booth's POV! I had loads of fun plotting this chapter with my amazing co-writer, Addictt. :)
Author's Note Addictt: More than 100 reviews! You readers rock our world! I hope you like this chapter :-) I surely did enjoy writing this with niah1988 (she's awesome)!
For our reviewers: We would like to thank skellingtonlover, brennanmars, mereva, infernored2937, jemb, SquintSquad10, seeley's sweetheart, SarahOhh, French-Fan-OTH, willgirl, x3 sierra, Becca Hilpz, Mariana D'Arcaii, SnoopGirl64, BonesDBchippie, jerseybones, a911chic, Bellabun, krisnina77, 2Bfan, ditzyblonde73, 0amy0, Amasayda, house-luvs-cam, blueheelers4ever, warmfuzzys, wolfmyjic, IrishChic20, 9ud9ir190ne6ad, kah154, PurplePicklesUnite, angel6 aka trinigyal, maricejayo, estelsphere, canadianagurl, squinter, Binas, HolidayArmadillo, hpottergurl, muppetmadness and bandbforever for their great reviews! They mean a lot to us :-)
Thank you Kelei for the beta-job. :)
This chapter's mainly written in Booth's POV but somewhere in the middle we will take a peek at everything that happens through Zach's eyes. :)
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Chapter 4 - A Little More Personal
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What does a man do when he's cold? He searches for a source of heat of course. Since there isn't a campfire around or some sort of heating system, I have only one option left - snuggle up against Bones. I crack one eye open to take a peek at my partner who's lying curled up at the other side of the bed. A snort escapes me when I see she has claimed the entire blanket. No wonder my toes are freezing!
Maybe the alcohol that is still running in my blood is making me a bit reckless but I reach over to wrap my arm around her waist and drag her over to my side of the bed. Those seven Mojitos she's had must've knocked her into one hell of a deep sleep because all she does is mumble something incoherent about Tarzan and Jane. I hesitate for one, maybe two seconds, before I lie down behind her, her body pulled flush against me, my nose in the dip of her neck and my left hand tucked under my pillow. My other hand I place protectively on her abdomen after I've draped the blanket over the two of us. There, that's a lot warmer.
With her scent invading my nose and her body heat slowly seeping into my skin, I drift off to sleep.
Until she wakes me up again some time later.
"You Booth, me Bones," she mumbles.
I barely manage to contain my chuckles. You Booth, me Bones? I never pegged you as someone who talks in her sleep, Bones, let alone quote a very famous movie line! The chuckles quickly die in my throat when she begins shifting around. Emitting soft groans, she pulls her legs up high, buries her head deeper into her pillow and covers my arm with her warm hands. I stay perfectly still, hoping she'll wake up and move away when she realises what she's doing. Or maybe I don't move a muscle because I want her to stay like this, relaxed and bending just the right way to fit perfectly in my embrace.
Her next action takes me by surprise. Temperance pushing back her hips draws all the blood to one particular place, leaving me gasping for air. Is she having another vivid dream? I'm pondering whether or not to take a headlong dive for the ground when she softly sighs my name. Not Michael's, or David's, or Sully's, or the name of any other guy she has ever slept with; no, my name.
It's enough to quiet any possible arguments my conscious might throw up, enough to freeze my movements in mid-air, enough to still the dozens of thoughts that are running through my head. The minute my name rolls over those sweet lips of hers, followed by a string of soft moans and sighs, my resolution of not steeling someone's property vanishes in thin air. I no longer care we're just partners. I no longer care what issues our position might cause in the morning. And I certainly don't care if she's seeing someone, aka my former friend, at the moment. Temperance Brennan, my partner in solving crimes, is lying curled up against me, sighing my name while probably dreaming inappropriate things.
Life can't get much better now.
That's why I bury my nose in her hair, tuck my legs firmly behind hers, and surrender myself to a blissful sleep.
Around 7.30am...
I yawn before I slowly open my eyes. The corners of my mouth curl up in a satisfied smile when I feel her stomach move up and down under my hand. She's still lying in my arms, even after all those hours of sleep. Just when I'm about to close my eyes again, she begins to move around. My eyes widen in fear. It's one thing to brush away all thoughts about crossing lines in the middle of the night, when it's just you who's aware of just how far you've crossed into dangerous territory. It's an entirely different story when the person you crossed the line for is waking up in the morning. In the same bed. In your arms!
I pull away my hand and roll to my side of the bed as fast as I can. Unfortunately, in my hurry, I roll away too fast. With a small yelp I tip over the edge of the bed and land on the ground with a muffled thud. I'm rubbing my sore spots and mumbling curses at the carpet when I hear more shifting around in the bed. Seconds later Brennan pokes her head over the edge to look at me.
"Are you dancing the tango again?"
"Bones..." I grumble, but the rest of my words never make it out of my mouth. I can't help but stare at her as she gives me a curious but innocent look. Is she even aware of the fact that she has spent almost an entire night in my arms?
She bravely meets my stare, her eyebrows slowly rising up. Eventually, I'm the one who turns away, refusing to participate any longer in this silent stare show down. Maybe it's for the best that she doesn't remember what happened last night. I don't want her to ruin the moment with some scientific explanation of how it is completely natural that people instinctively search for a source of heat when they're cold, body heat in our case. Oh great, I don't need her to ruin my mood with scientific mumbo jumbo; I'm already doing that myself!
"I'm in the shower if you need me," I throw over my shoulder after I've gotten up.
Damn it, Bones. Stop staring at me like that. Your stare is almost burning a hole in the back of my head. And my shoulders. Not to mention my hips. My mood immediately lifts. She might not remember how I held her in my arms and how she murmured my name but she can't deny that she can't help but stare at my physique. As I walk into the bathroom, part of me hopes she'll take my words literally and join me in the shower because she needs me. I shake my head. Pull yourself together, Seeley. You're taking things too fast again. She's together with Sully, for crying out loud!
I draw in a deep breath before I turn around to close the door. I catch sight of her still lying on our bed, staring at me. I flash her a half-crooked smile. I might have to restrain myself for the moment but that doesn't mean I can't tease her, right?
"You still owe me a back-rub, Bones!"
A couple of hours later, at the beach...
I pull up at Snowbay again. There are a couple of other beaches we could go to but so far we're enjoying it here. Angela once again instructs us to grab all the bags and carry them to our regular spot on the beach. Not this time, Angela. I've played your pack mule for too long now. I straighten up to my full length and flatly tell the artist that if she wants to drag all that stuff with her, that she should be the one carrying it. To my surprise she just shrugs and grabs a couple of bags before walking off towards the beach. Temperance, Hodgins and Zach do the same, leaving me behind with only one small bag to carry.
Guilt immediately washes over me. Just look at how Angela's struggling with all that stuff... I cringe when I see her trip and nearly fall down. She manages to stay upright though. The decision is quickly made. Even though I don't like being her mule, and my partner's mule at the same time, this isn't how my mother raised me. She taught me that a true gentleman always tries to make life easier for women. Technically Angela and Temperance aren't my women in the intimate relationship kind of way -even though I wouldn't mind pursuing that idea with my partner- but I'm responsible for them nevertheless! Just imagine what would happen if they didn't have me around if some deranged nutcase came by and began emptying his gun on them? Hodgins and Zach would probably try to protect them but they wouldn't do as good as I. Wow, hold it right there. What makes you think we're going to get shot while we're on holiday, hmmm Seeley? I shake my head. I definitely need this vacation.
I rush forward to "my two women" to give them a hand with their bags. Angela flashes me her all knowing smile while Temperance resolves to glare, even though I can clearly see the corners of her mouth twitch upwards. Crap, I've been played. They knowingly conceded when I told them to carry their own things because, being the gentleman that I am, I'd quickly come to their rescue and offer to take over all their bags. I mentally smack myself for being so stupid when they load all their things into my arms. Now I'm carrying even more stuff than the previous days! This would have never happened if I had just said yes instead of no in the beginning.
A couple of minutes later we arrive at our usual spot on the beach. We lay down our towels in the exact same order as the first day. I'm once again grateful for Temperance not lying so close to me. I don't think I could handle her lying at less than half a yard away after our rather eventful night. I quickly strip down to my swimming shorts, just like Hodgins and Zach are doing. From the corner of my eye, I can see Temperance fingering the hem of her shirt. Wait a minute, is she nervous? I suppress a snort. Bones is almost never nervous, but what could be the cause of her fumbling then?
"Come on, Bones. Get out of those clothes," I say. Oh boy, never thought I was going to say such a thing to her out loud in a public place with the squints within hearing range. "It's too hot to keep them on." Correction, you are too hot to keep them on. I groan. Here I go again with all my luscious thoughts. That's what happens when you haven't slept with anyone in a while. "Or are you afraid to show us your grandma bikini again?"
My words earn me a piercing scowl from her. Good. Very good. Scowl at me, Bones, I'm begging you. You glaring at me will distract me from your long legs sticking out of that short pair or shorts you're wearing. I give her a large smile in return, which falters in the end because all of a sudden, all I can think about is how adorable she looks when she's giving me those piercing stares.
"Booth, for the last time," she begins, only to be interrupted by Angela the next second.
"She isn't wearing her grandma bikini, Booth. We went shopping, remember?" The artist then turns to her friend. "Come on Bren, do as the man asked you. Strip those clothes off and show him your fabulous new swimming outfit!"
Temperance groans in response but pulls her shirt over her head anyway. If we had been in a cartoon, my jaw would've literally hit the floor. So long grandma and hello hot granddaughter!
I'm glad I'm wearing my sunglasses. That way she can't see how my eyes bug out when her new swimming top appears. Just enough fabric to cover up what needs to be covered up -in a public place; in the bedroom is something entirely different- and two small strings, one around her neck and one around her torso, to keep the skimpy thing in place. I immediately note that with one well-timed tug I could pull one of those strings loose, which would result in something that can only be described as very naughty and bad enough to get myself kicked onto the next plane home.
When I see her pop the button of her shorts, I clear my throat and take off my sunglasses, pretending to be busy with cleaning them. I grit my teeth as she pushes her shorts down those long legs of her, revealing a matching skimpy bottom piece. Again, just enough fabric to cover the unmentionables and a couple of strings tied together at her hips. If only I could reach over and… I shake my head. Remember what happened to Epps' arm when he tried to touch her hand. Just imagine what she'd do to you if you touched her hip…
Maybe she'd push back against my hand, just like she did last night? Oh boy, time for another mental slapping.
"Dude, if you gawk at her any longer, I'm giving you a twenty to stuff down her cleavage."
I glare at Hodgins who has sat down beside me. "Back off," I bark, sounding a lot more stressed than I want to. I can't help it. My thoughts were everywhere but at the beach a couple of seconds ago. You can't blame a man for chewing one's head off when he gets interrupted in his staring.
"I'm just saying that you're gawking at her like she's a stripper. If you wanna survive today, you'd better keep your eyes to yourself, before Dr. Brennan notices anything."
I give him a surprised look, perplexed by his advice. Since when does he look out for me? I guess all our collaborating on cases has caused this. Oh well, I might as well listen to him. Especially if I want to avoid the hospital today...
"So Booth, what do you think?" Angela cheerfully asks.
My gaze flies to my partner again. What do I think? Hot as hell! But that's not something you say to your partner... or your friend for that matter. Especially not when you've got feelings for said friend.
"Nice," I comment. Because that one-syllable word sounds too ridiculous to my liking, I try to elaborate. "Very nice." Way to elaborate, dufus... I loudly clear my throat before I put on my sunglasses again. "Really Bones, you look nice. You picked out a nice bikini."
And that's all they're getting out of me.
About half an hour later, Hodgins, Angela and Zach are throwing a Frisbee at each other. I sigh and take out my sun cream. Moments later I'm done with rubbing the cream over my arms and chest. Suddenly I feel someone squat down behind me. Turning around, surprise written all over my face, I find my partner sitting down behind me, reaching out to take my bottle of sun cream.
"Bones, what the hell are you doing?"
"Unless you want to get sunburned again, I suggest you shut up and let me do your back."
Why is it that every time she's wearing a bikini, her double entendres become even more... double? Let her do my back? You can do much more than my back, Bones. Why not just 'me'?
I have to suppress a shiver when her warm hand and the cool liquid touch my back. She's right. I don't want to get sunburned again. That's why I have to endure this sweet, sweet torture. It takes all the willpower I have to stay focussed and not get carried away by my imagination. I mean, come on! Wouldn't you be distracted if a beautiful woman rubbed sun cream in your skin?
"Done," Temperance simply states five minutes later.
"Thanks," I softly reply. I draw in a deep breath before I slowly turn around. "Bones..." I begin. "About your bikini..."
She lifts her eyebrows while giving me a nod, encouraging me to continue.
"Remember what I said about that dress in Vegas?"
She nods again.
"Well... The same goes for your bikini."
Surprise passes over her face before she gives me a small smile. I visibly relax when she comradely pats my shoulder, saying, "You don't look so bad yourself in those swimming trunks."
I grin broadly at her. "Thanks Bones, but let's be honest here. There aren't many clothes I don't look good in!"
I receive a good roll of her eyes for an answer but she smiles nonetheless. "Keep an eye on that back of yours," she tells me.
"Okay mom..." I playfully reply.
She doesn't show this side of her very often. I'm touched that she's looking out for me. I mean, I already knew she has my back whenever we're on a case but this is one of the first times she bothers to check on me with smaller things, like making sure the skin of my back doesn't get turned bright red and crispy again.
I don't complain when she's all 'sneeze on me and you're dead'. I like it when she turns to me when she's trying to step out of her safe world of science and I certainly like it when she's being seductive without being aware of the effect she's causing, but this side of her, that tender and caring bit, now that is something that makes me long even more for her.
Zach's POV
I observe everyone for a while. Angela and Hodgins left a couple of minutes ago towards the sea, probably to do some swimming, or maybe for some kind of playing. It's really not my business.
Dr. Brennan and Booth are tanning, but every now and then they look at each other. They exchange a smile, close their eyes and pretend it didn't happen. Over and over again. I really don't see the point. Maybe this is what the book, that Dr. Brennan gave me, meant by reflection... Yes, this definitely could be it. Desmond Morris is a clever man. He is an artist, just like Angela. He paints surrealism; I saw his work in London once. He is a writer, zoologist and ethnologist. He also travels around the world... I remember reading he has been in the Caribbean too. He is a respectable man, Desmond Morris. I sigh at my own thoughts. It actually doesn't matter. All of that, it just... doesn't matter.
I think back to last night. I really like Elena. She's a nice, pretty and smart young woman. And she likes me. With that thought my lips curl into a smile. I reach for my bag and search for my cell phone. Should I call her, or not? I try to keep my head cool when dozens of thoughts run through my head.
Why should I call her? Reason number one, I can get to see her again. Reason number two, I can get to hear her again. Reason number three, I can get to laugh with her again. Reason number four, I can get to... Fine, I just want to be with her.
Then, why shouldn't I call her? One, maybe it's too early. I don't want to seem pushy. But... I don't have that much time, I'm leaving in a few days. Two, maybe she doesn't like me. I'm not sure. She smiled a lot last night though... She even touched me. Plus, she gave me her phone number, and the number of her pager.
Conclusion: I won't call her.
No, I will send her a text message. I nod decisively at my thoughts. That's it. I'm sending her a text message instead of risking sounding nervous and scare her away. I turn on my cell, and think about what I'm going to send her. Ten minutes later I receive her response.
Zach, I would love to see you again. I have the day off from work. Where do you want to meet? x Elena.
A smile spreads across my face. She wants to meet me again! Quickly I respond to her message.
I'm at Snowbay. I don't know if you want to come here? You could meet my-
My what? Colleagues? Friends? Yes, friends. You wouldn't be invited on a vacation if you were just colleagues, right? A few minutes later my phone beeps again. I open the message.
I'll be there in 30. x Elena
Oh my God. I, soon-to-be-doctor Zach Addy, have a date.
Almost
an hour later...
"So,
tell me... What do you do for a living?" Elena asks me with a
smile, as we sit in a beach bar with Ice Teas in front of
us.
"I work at the Jeffersonian in Washington, as the assistant of Dr. Brennan. I'm trying to get my doctorate Forensic Anthropology. I'm also studying to get a doctorate in Engineering, but I mostly work at the Jeffersonian."
I'm rambling. I shouldn't. According to Desmond Morris, rambling is a sign of nervousness. Even though I'm nervous -if I would lift my drink to take a sip, I would spill Ice Tea all over myself because of my trembling hands; that's what nerves to do me- Elena's smiling at me. Either she doesn't notice my nerves or pretends that I'm in complete control of my feelings.
"That sounds really impressive. I've read Dr. Brennan's novels. They're pretty good," she tells me.
I smile. "Yes, I guess so. Tell me a little more about your work."
"Well... I'm an intern at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau. I work at the emergency department. I'm now in my second year."
"You're amazing." Did I just say that out loud? I glance at her. I did. Darn it. A blush appears on my face. "I'm sorry, that was-"
"It's O.K., Zach. Thank you..." Again, her sweet smile. I could just lose myself in that smile, even though that's humanly impossible. "Did you have anything in mind for today?" She whirls the umbrella from her drink between her thumb and index finger.
"Maybe I could introduce you to my friends, and then we could have lunch somewhere?" I ask a little insecure.
"Sounds like a great plan," she convinces me and I can see a twinkle appear in her light brown eyes.
Switch back to Booth's POV
I'm currently standing knee-deep in Mediterranean blue water, waiting for Hodgins and Bones to join me, Angela, Zach and... Helen? Elyna? Helyna? Doesn't matter. Although I have to say that I'm fairly impressed with his catch. He must've done something right, otherwise she wouldn't smile at him like that. I briefly wonder if he even knows the meaning of the smile she's throwing him. Probably not. Unless that Morris-guy has included a chapter about female smiles in his book?
"Here is the Frisbee," Hodgins announces as he and Brennan finally arrive at the shoreline, the entomologist holding the Frisbee.
"Great," I reply. I happily rub my hands. This is something I'm going to enjoy immensely. In my mind I can already see Bones jump out of the water to catch that Frisbee. I shake my head in disbelief. Why does it seem that I can't stop thinking about her in every possible, really dirty, way?
The six of us wade out of the water, wanting to begin the game fairly easy. For the next five minutes we lazily throw the Frisbee at each other, before slowly but surely moving into the water. When the water reaches halfway up our calves, we begin making things more difficult for each other. Angela throws the Frisbee in such a way that I have to duck and almost dive to catch it before it hits the water. Moments later Hodgins bites the dust -well, the water- when I whirl the Frisbee his way. Hodgins aiming the miniature UFO in Brennan's direction, makes her splash further into the sea, sending jets of water flying everywhere. Completely engrossed by her care-free behaviour -I can't remember a single time when she's acted so childish- I don't see the Frisbee coming my way until it hits my forehead with a soft bump.
"Bones!" I groan, rubbing my head.
"What?" she innocently asks. "Didn't your sniper senses see that Frisbee coming?"
I stare at her for a minute -my sniper senses, what the...?- before I toss the bright orange disk aside and rapidly close the distance between us. I hook my arm around her waist and completely ignore her protests as I drag her further into the water. Eventually, when the water reaches up to our belly-buttons, I put my foot down firmly and drag her forward, making her trip over my foot and fall down back first into the water. I nearly bend over double when she comes up for air, spitting out salty water and wearing a very dangerous looking scowl. Before I have time to stop laughing, she lunges herself forward against me. Together we topple down into the water again.
I stop breathing for a second. Not because I'm underwater, but because I'm mesmerised by what I see in front of me. Her face is no more than an inch away from mine. Clouds of bubbles caress her features as they rise up to the water's surface. I gasp for air, gulping down salty water in the process, when her eyelids fly open to search for my face. We gaze at each other for a brief moment while we float around between a ceiling of water and a floor of sand. Then the need for oxygen becomes too urgent. Flashing her a small smile, I push myself upwards again. The second we come up for air, we hear Angela calling.
"Hey guys, if you want a private moment, all you have to do is say so. No need to hide underwater, you know!"
I wade back to our small group, Bones in tow. "Yeah yeah, Angela. Let's see more throwing and less talking." I quickly pick up the Frisbee and toss it her way. Maybe that'll keep her busy for a while. The last thing I need is for her to get on my case about how Bones and I just shared "an intimate moment" underwater.
A while later...
About an hour ago we left the water to do some separate activities. Zach is walking along the shoreline with whats-her-name?.. Elena. Angela and Hodgins are getting some ice cream, and Bones and I are lying down on our towels, again. The whole day we've been playing games with each other. Stare and smile. Classic. It's actually one of the techniques Bones and I talked about yesterday. Although she probably doesn't remember anymore...
I roll over to her side; now we're only a few inches apart. Since we were the only two that wanted to do some tanning, she has moved her towel right next to mine. Her sudden actions evoked mixed feelings inside of me. All day I have been wishing for her to lie down next to me so I could feel my senses tingle because of her proximity, but at the same time I prayed for her to stay far, far away from me. There's no telling what I'll do if she stays this close to me for more than five minutes... all relaxed... wearing her tiny bikini... I squeeze my eyes tightly shut and command my libido to calm down.
"Booth.. What are you doing?" she asks me, cracking one eye open to look at me.
"I'm done playing. You up for some real action?" I throw a shadow over her when I get up. Both her eyes immediately open.
"Hey, get out of my sun!" she exclaims, propping herself up on her elbows.
I roll my eyes and extend my hand. "Come on, Bones. Get up," I say as I pull her to her feet after she has taken my hand.
Her soft touch makes me feel feverish, like her hands absorb my energy. I wait just one second too long to let go of her hand. Typical, I quietly snort. Having all those thoughts about her has lead to my stupid behaviour. I glance at her. She doesn't seem to have noticed my slip-up. Phew, that was a close one. No more slip-ups, 'kay Seeley? You can't afford to mess up things now.
"Okay Bones.. See that palm tree at the end of the beach?" I point out my finger to our right.
She nods.
"Last one there is a rotten egg." I start running, but not after I have thrown her one last charm smile.
"I don't have the right shoes!" I hear her call after me. "Nor the right clothes!"
"No, you don't," I mumble, snickering. I know I shouldn't be playing her like that, but give a man a break. If anyone, I say, anyone would see her in that bikini his mind would go playing tricks on him.
When I have found a steady rhythm, I look around to see where she is. The answer is stunning, in multiple ways. She is running a few feet behind me, wearing her shorts and tank top, and she is catching up. She must've seen my shocked face, because a smile spreads rapidly across her features. I quickly look forward again, before my mind starts visualizing pictures of her taking off her clothes again, while running. Come to think of it, she sure got dressed fast. I wonder if she could take those clothes off with the same speed.
Ten minutes long we keep running, sometimes I'm ahead and sometimes she is. As the end nears, we're running beside each other. Whenever I accelerate, she adjusts her speed to keep up and whenever she breaks away, I make an effort to catch up again.
A warm breeze whirls through her hair and we exchange a small smile. I wonder if I have ever seen her so beautiful. Images of the previous days flash through my mind. I wonder why every time I am running she is in my head, and I can't get her out. Hell, she's always on my mind. Suddenly, I become aware of my surroundings again. She is way ahead of me! Look where that dirty mind of yours had brought you this time, Seeley boy.
I speed up, and try to catch up with her. Which, obviously, isn't working. That woman sure knows how to use her legs!
My gaze is suddenly captured by them. Tall and slender, tanned and... Whoa, focus Seeley, focus. Do not look at the lady's legs! In the next couple of seconds I try to close the distance between us. My efforts are useless though. She reaches the palm tree a few seconds before me. Seconds!
Both breathing heavily, we lie down in front of the palm tree.
"What were you thinking about there, Booth, that got you distracted like that?"
"Nothing, really," I try to sound careless. It's not like I can tell the truth, is it? Just imagine if I did. Hey Bones, I was just drooling all over your legs, imagining what it would feel like if you wrapped them around me. Oh, you want to wrap your hands around my neck now to strangle me? Oh sure, go right ahead! Ha, if you think I'm going to tell the truth here, then you're sorely mistaken!
"Looks like you're the rotten egg, Booth. Remind me to bring a clothes peg with me to put on my nose the next time you visit the lab."
Another thing, which is irresistible about Bones; her weird sense of humour and her laugh. I give her a smile, despite the fact I've lost. She has won fair and square. No use crying over my temporary loss of manliness because I've lost to a girl. I'd lose every single game if it made her smile like that.
"Seems like Zach is having a great time," I say, when I've gotten a hold of my breath.
"Yes..." She remains silent for a few seconds, before she mumbles "So am I..."
"Really?" I ask, surprised by her sudden revelation.
"Yes, I haven't had a vacation like this since I was a kid. Since... you know," she trails off, masking the rest of her sentence with a subtle cough.
"Yeah... I know," I say with comfort in my voice before I take her hand. "It's okay, Bones." I stroke her hand with my thumb and I feel her slowly relax. We remain in that position for a few minutes. "It's been a while since I've been away on vacation myself."
She raises her eyebrows. "You went last year, with Tessa."
"She bailed out on me, remember?"
"Oh right..."
Something in her answer tells me she mentioned Tessa on purpose. I mean, Bones forgetting something? Come on! Hodgins would sooner abandon his conspiracy theories than that my partner would forget something. I decide to poke around a little.
"You didn't really like Tessa, did you Bones?"
She scrunches up her face. "What kind of question is that, Booth?"
"Fine, a different question then. What do you remember of last night?"
"I remember you using that infamous technique of yours on me. Then you bought me a couple of Mojitos."
"How many do you think you had?"
"Four... maybe five," she hesitantly replies.
She has lost count after the fourth cocktail. Great. Just absolutely great. She doesn't remember leaning against me for support, nor does she remember what she said to me in our bedroom. Or how I peeled her clothes off to get her ready for bed. For a brief moment my breathing speeds up again.
Don't go there, I command myself, but it is useless. Before I can stop myself I vividly recall how she smiled and tugged at my shirt after I had unzipped her dress. I struggled to keep my hands from touching her smooth skin; I can tell you that wasn't an easy task with all that alcohol running through my blood. As you might know, alcohol pushes us to ignore all stop signs and do exactly what we want to do. I'm just lucky I only playfully tapped her behind as I shoved her in the direction of the bathroom.
The last thing I remember is her coming out again, wearing her pyjamas, before she climbed into bed next to me. I know I should be proud of myself. A man never takes advantage of a woman when she's intoxicated, but last night was awfully tempting. If I had wanted to, I could've kissed her, and she would've been none the wiser.
Stop going there, I mentally scold myself. Nothing happened. Be proud. I give her a sideway look. Doesn't she remember anything at all?
"You called me 'Boothy'," I announce.
The effect is immediate. Her eyes widen and she gives me an incredulous look. "I did?"
"Yeah, you did." After a couple of seconds of hesitating, I decide to tell her what else she has said. The truth before everything, right? Well, the partial truth. Telling her absolutely everything would only complicate our friendship. "You asked me if you had seduced anyone last night."
"Did I?" she probes, lifting her eyebrows again.
"Yep, you asked me that exact question."
"No, I mean, did I seduce anyone last night?"
My blood races through my veins as I once again recall the entire bedroom scene. It wasn't just there that she pulled such a trick on me. At the club, when we were dancing -I believe it was after her sixth Mojito- she grabbed my hands to do a weird imitation of our dance in that bar in Aurora.
"Maybe you did... Maybe you didn't..." I reply mysteriously. There is no way I'm going to reveal what kind of effect she had on me last night.
She nods before turning her gaze towards the sea. "Thank you, Booth, for coming along with me. I needed to get away from work for a while. Away from Sully..."
This is my chance. I should tell her how wrong he is for her. I should tell her about the dull ache in my chest whenever I hear her say his name, how that same ache cuts through me the second I see them together. I really should... but I don't. For some unknown reason I can't push myself past my self-drawn lines. For the first time since I have laid down the rules for that thing we've got going on between the two of us, I wonder who I'm trying to protect here. My partner or myself?
"How's Sully anyway?" Great move there. Instead of asking how they are doing, you asked how he is doing. I suppress a sigh. Yet another slip-up... I silently pray she hasn't noticed my reluctance of acknowledging they're a couple.
"He's fine... I suppose..." She draws her knees to her chest and wraps her arms around them. "Are you happy for me, Booth?"
Whoa, where the hell did that question come from?! I shouldn't be so surprised. She's a very blunt woman. Combine that with Angela's efforts at getting her to open up about her feelings and you get that sudden question.
"Uhm... Yeah, I suppose I am. If you're happy, I'm happy." I imitate her movements, only I loosely rest my arms on top of my knees instead of wrapping them around my legs. "I'm happy for you, Bones," I say a bit firmer. Idiot, what the hell are you saying?! Do you want to push her even more towards her boyfriend? "Sully's a good guy, you know." I guess I do.
"So are you," she immediately returns.
Unintentionally she gives me an opportunity to wiggle myself out of this emotional conversation. "Of course I am. I'm simply the best," I say, tossing her a grin. Then I get up and reach out my hand, inviting her to take it so that I can pull her to her feet.
She carefully slides her hand into mine. "Yes, you are," she softly states when she's standing up right again.
I stare at her. Did she just say that I'm better than Sully? "As are you," I compliment her. If she notices that I'm not just talking about how good she's at her job, I'm going to slap myself around the place.
"Thank you, Booth. That means a lot to me."
"To me too," I mutter almost too quiet to be heard.
If only she knew how her compliment has just boosted my self-esteem. Can't fill her in though. She'd probably start another rant about the size of my ego. But when I look up to meet her eyes, I'm hit full-force by the surprise swimming around in her eyes. Does she really think I don't appreciate her compliments?
I shake my head. How many times do we have to go over this, cowboy? No more emotional talks with the lady. If you're not careful you might accidentally spill something that isn't supposed to be spilled.
I give her a wink as I let go of her hands. Apparently I haven't let go after I pulled her to her feet. What really interests me is that she didn't seem to mind us holding hands. Hmm... Right, snap back to reality, Seeley. Now!
"What do you think, Bones, you up for some ice cream?
"Sure," she answers, giving me a small smile.
"Great," I smile back. "Let's go then." I wrap my arm around her shoulder as we walk back to the rest of our team to tell them we're going to get ourselves something to cool off.
That evening, when the sun is setting...
I walk through our bedroom towards the bathroom to take a quick shower, when I hear voices coming from outside. Angela and Hodgins. They're talking about Zach and the girl. Interesting. I lean against a wall to eavesdrop on them.
"She's nice though," I hear Angela say. I nod and cross my arms. Yes, she is.
"And pretty." I concur!
"Hodgins!" Maybe that wasn't a smooth move, Hodgins.
"Sorry... She's smart too." She sure sounds a lot like Bones, if you add all those things up. But Bones is better nonetheless, but maybe I am a bit biased...
"Yes, she is. Do you know how Zach feels about her?" Interesting question there, Angela.
"No, not really." We all know how she feels about him, though. I mean, that girl obviously likes boy genius. Otherwise she wouldn't have stayed near him while we were playing in the water.
"Don't you guys talk?" Guys don't talk about feelings, Angela. I expected you knew that!
"About science, yes. About illegal experiments, yes. But stuff like that... no." Like I said, deep conversations about feelings is a no-no for a couple of tough guys.
"Hmm..."
They don't speak for a minute. Then I hear chairs being scraped over the floor, followed by the sound of Angela's flip-flops. They're walking away, damn it.
"I hope they get together soon." I do too, Hodgins. Although I'm never going to admit it out loud, I think Zach deserves his own special lady. When I no longer hear Angela's flip-flops I sigh and enter the bathroom.
The rest of the evening passes by slowly and very peacefully. We've decided to stay 'home' after last night to give every one of us our own little private moment.
After my shower I walk quietly through the house. Zach's designing a new kite and Bones is reading in the living room. I walk into the kitchen, and look through the window. There I see Angela and Hodgins, sitting on the beach, Angela drawing the waves and Hodgins just relaxing.
I open the fridge to search for a drink. Beer, Ice Tea, wine, water... Nothing really attracts me at the moment. I take a glass and decide to have some milk. Then I feel a pair of eyes looking at me. I turn around and see Bones staring at me. Her lips curl into a little smile. I lift my glass and eyebrows, gesturing if she wants a drink too. She shakes her head and her large smile tells me she's glad I asked. I return the smile and walk out of the house to search for my own private spot.
I sit down under a nearby tree. Slowly I empty my glass of milk, all the while pondering whether or not to call Parker. I eventually grab my phone and dial Rebecca's home number. Ten minutes later I say goodbye to Rebecca, who tells me Parker has to go to bed. I wish her goodnight before I end the call.
I rest against the tree for another ten minutes, before returning to the house. When I enter the living room again, Bones and Zach are still at the same place, right where I left them.
"Can I turn the TV on?"
"Sure." Zach doesn't even look up from his drawing.
"Go ahead," Brennan tells me and scoots over so I can sit on the couch.
I sit down next to her and flip through some channels. Local news, the Disney channel, CNN, BBC, AMC... Hey, the last one might be interesting. I check the TV guide to see what movie is coming up next. Miami Supercops! One of my favourite classic movies. I grin widely and make myself comfortable.
Half an hour later Brennan puts away her book and joins me in watching the movie. After an hour she starts yawning, and ten minutes later she falls asleep against my shoulder. Zach doesn't say anything and neither do I, but we both look at her for a brief moment. All that playing around today must've worn her out more than we all thought. About half an hour later Zach throws me a hesitant look.
Understanding what he's trying to ask here, I whisper, "I'll take her to bed." I softly nudge her shoulder. "Hey, Bones... Wake up..." She groans, obviously annoyed that I dare to tear her away from her sleep. "Bones..." I nudge her side this time.
"Booth," she mumbles, her eyes still closed. "Stop poking me. I'm trying to sleep here."
"Bones, I'd appreciate it if you could wake up long enough to walk over to our own bed. The couch is Zach's bed, and I really don't want to trade you for him." Brennan just mumbles something incoherent. "Bones, I'm being serious here!" More mumbling from the anthropologist. Okay, if she wants to play it like that... "Fine. I guess I'll just have to carry you to our room."
Before I even have the time to scoop her up in my arms, she jumps to her feet, thrusting a finger at me. "You are not carrying me around the house. I've got a pair of legs that I know how to use, thank you."
Oh Bones, not the legs again! I just got them out of my mind! Shaking my head and sighing deeply, I nod at Zach before I follow my partner to our room. It would've been great if she had let me carry her around -I would've done my role of knight in shining armour justice- but she decided to have none of that. Too bad. Oh well, at least I get to spend yet another night with her in one bed.
My mood brightens at recalling the previous night. Who knows, I might get lucky again...
niah1988: I think I just came up with a new genre, flumour!
Addictt: What the? °gives niah a strange look°
niah1988: You know, our story is full of fluff and humour, therefore 'flumour'!
Addictt: °raises her eyebrows even more°
niah1988: What? Isn't 'flumour' a great word?
Addictt: °gives niah an encouraging pat on the shoulder° Of course it is, honey. Of course it is... °mouths at the reader° HELP ME!