A/N: My version of 'Man in the fallout shelter' is going to pick up after they get told they are confined to the lab.


They had just been told they were going to be in the lab for Christmas. They were going to send someone with supplies and vaccinations within the hour. They also were going to get Christmas Eve visits from their families, Brennan was concerned about Madelyn seeing her on the on the other side of the lab's sealed doors. As much as Madelyn loved being at the lab it still scared her.

"Great, this is great we get to spend Christmas being treated for lung fungus! This is all Booth's fault!"

"My fault, I wasn't the one who wasn't taking precautions when Zack cut the bone, Hodgins!"

"But if you hadn't brought the body here I would have been free enjoy my eggnog!"

"Everybody just shut up!" Five set of eyes looked at Brennan. Booth could tell something was wrong.

"Everybody out, NOW!"

The squints plus Dr. Goodman quickly left and Booth turned to Brennan. "Bones, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Bones."

"All right I'm mad that I'll be missing Christmas with Maddie!" I don't believe in it, but I do it for her because I remember how much fun it was when I was her age. We were going to go home and get whatever we need to make cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve and whatever we wanted to make for dinner. I usually do appetizer type stuff tonight and tomorrow and lasagna or something like that for Christmas. Then on Christmas Eve we bake, watch movies and hang out, it's one of my favorite days. Then I make Maddie go to bed by 9 and at 1 AM I put out her Santa stuff and go back to bed. This is probably the last year she'll believe. Then Maddie gets up at 5 and waits outside my bedroom door for the sun to come up, my rule is we don't open presents before the sun is up. If it's cold I'll let her come in my room and she always falls back asleep for another hour or two. This year we won't get to do any of it."

"Sounds like a lot of fun Bones. You can still do it; Maddie will have as much fun doing everything a day or two later as she does doing it on Christmas. She might even have more fun doing it late. Last year I was supposed to have Parker for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, but he got the stomach flu the day before and Becca didn't want to bring him over while he was projectile vomiting. He called me all upset because he wouldn't get Santa stuff at my apartment. I told him I called Santa and told him what was going on and he said he'd bring the presents whenever Parker felt well enough to come over. That'll give you some time when she comes home and doesn't see presents under the tree."

"Thanks Booth." Booth nodded and hugged Brennan, surprised when she relaxed a little and hugged him back. Just then Angela knocked, "Bren, Booth, the CDC is here with the vaccinations."

"We'll be right there Ange. Bones, do you have somebody to watch Maddie?"

"Yeah, I called her friend Katie's mom, she said she'd pick her up from school and watch her until this is over."

"That's good. Let's go get vaccinated."

Twenty minutes later they were done and Brennan noticed that Booth was having a reaction to the shot.

"Booth, you'll be fine in a few hours, why don't you go lay down in my office for a while?'

"K." Brennan helped Booth to her office. After Booth was settled in Brennan returned to the case and called Maddie when she knew she'd be home from school. The next morning Booth was over the effects of the shot and joined everyone for breakfast.

"Booth are you feeling okay this morning?"

"Yep."

"That's good."


They spent the rest of the morning getting the lab decorated for their makeshift Christmas. After someone from the CDC dropped off their Chinese food and they'd enjoyed each other's company they went to wait for their visitor. Madelyn was the last person to visit the lab at Brennan's request so that she'd have more time to help her through this.

Madelyn carefully approached the lab doors, "Mom?"

"Yeah, Maddie put your hand up against mine."

Madelyn put her hand against Brennan's and started crying. "Maddie, it's okay, I'm fine. Staying here is just precaution, in case I am sick you won't get sick if I stay here until I get better. I'm fine I'm not sick and I'm not going to get sick."

"You're not gonna die?"

"No, baby, I'm not going to die. I'll be home tomorrow and we'll go to the store and get stuff to make cookies for Santa and whatever we want to make for dinner. Then we'll make the cookies and watch movies like we always do. We'll both go to bed and when we get up Santa will have come."

"After tomorrow it isn't Christmas so Santa can't come anymore."

"I know but when I found out I had to stay here and that you'd be at Katie's I called Santa and told him what happened and he said he'd bring your presents when we get home."

"You can call Santa?"

Brennan chuckled at Madelyn's excitement. "Only parents can and only if it's an emergency."

"Oh. Is the lab scary?"

"No I keep the lights on at night."

"You're all by yourself?" Brennan could see the worry slowly creeping in to Madelyn's face

"No, Angela, Hodgins, Zach, and Doctor Goodman are in here with me. Booth's here too. "At hearing his name Booth walked over to the door. "Hi Maddie."

"Hi."

"Your mom is fine kiddo, she's not gonna die or anything like that for a really long time, okay? "

"Okay." Booth smiled and turned to go, but Brennan touched his arm, he stayed.

"Maddie, you need to go back to Katie's now."

"No, I wanna stay here."

"Sweetheart you can't. You can't come in here and you're not sleeping in the hallway."

"But-"

"No Maddie, I'll be home in the morning probably before lunch. You can call me as soon as you get back to Katie's tonight and we can talk some more. I love you."

"I love you too. Can't I stay?"

"Maddie, I wish you could or I could come home, but none of that can happen right now. Go with Julie, she said something about taking you and Katie ice-skating. "

"I don't wanna go skating!"

"Madelyn Christine you need to go with Julie, now." Madelyn begrudgingly walked away. "Bye, Maddie."

"Bye Mommy."

Brennan went to her office for the rest of the night. Around midnight Booth knocked on her door,"Bones, what are you doing up?"

Brennan looked up," I can't sleep. Why are you up?"

"The floor isn't the ideal condition for my back. Why can you sleep? Thinking about Maddie?"

"Yeah, she cried herself to sleep. she hasn't done that since she was four and I took away the TV for the weekend after she decided to finger paint the living room walls and carpet, there was a princess movie on that weekend too."

"Somehow I can't see Maddie being into princesses."

"Oh she was… that was the longest phase of my life. I don't know how many Cinderella dresses we went through, she wore one every day. I was late once a week, at least because I was trying to get her in something normal that she could play better in. She gave it up when the last dress tore because she grew and I couldn't find one like it that fit. Angela made her one, but it wasn't the same she said. I can't believe she thinks I am going to die. I have to get out of here today no matter what."

"We will. Parker asked me if I have to stay in here all the time now and if I did how we were going to go to soccer together."

Brennan laughed, "How's he handling this?"

"Okay, he doesn't really understand what's going on; he's too excited for Santa to care really."

"I wish Maddie were handling this better. I've never seen her so set on not leaving the lab."

"She's scared Bones and it's Christmas, she hasn't seen you in two days and when she does you're separated by five inches of glass with biohazard tape sealing the seam in the door. There's police, fire, hazmat and paramedics outside. She's smart enough to know that no matter what you tell her; all that stuff means it could be bad. Listen Bones I'm sorry-"

"Booth why are you apologizing? You did your job. The lab, more specifically Hodgins screwed up."

"Still-

"No, Booth don't blame yourself. This isn't the best Christmas, but it could be worse."

"How?"

"We could all be getting a needle in the base of our skulls right now."

"True. Why don't we go to bed, it'll make the time pass faster."

Brennan smiled, "You can have my couch, it isn't too comfortable, but it's better than the floor." I'll go bunk with Ange, she's got a bunch of yoga mats or something and it isn't bad."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Do you want me to leave my desk light on?"

"Can you? This place is freaky at night!"

Brennan smiled, "I have to do the same for Maddie, that's why she wanted to know if I was here alone the lab scares her."

"Smart kid."

Brennan laughed, "I will admit that sometimes the lab is freaky at night."Brennan shut off the overhead lights. "Goodnight Booth"

"Night Bones. Can you leave the door open? "

"Sure."


The next morning they all hurried through their breakfasts and waited for the CDC to tell them whether they had valley Fever.

"You're all clear. Merry Christmas and enjoy what's left of the holiday."

Brennan called Julie to tell her she'd be there soon to pick up Madelyn. Booth followed Brennan out of the lab."Merry Christmas Bones."

"Merry Christmas Booth. Are you leaving to get Parker?"

"Yeah, I get him for a few hours today then Becca is leaving to go to her grandparents tomorrow until New Years Eve and I get Parker the second they get back until the third. It isn't the best, but I'll take it."

"Yeah." Brennan turned to leave.

"Oh Bones, the grocery store on Jefferson is open on Christmas Day."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."


A half hour later Brennan pulled up in front of Katie's house and Madelyn had the door open before Brennan made it half way up the sidewalk.

"MOM!"

"Hi Maddie! Close the door before you let all of Julie's heat out." The door closed and Brennan quickened her pace and pushed open the door. Maddie threw her arms around Brennan's waist; she bent down and picked Maddie up. "I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too. Did you have fun skating with Katie?"

"Yep I only fell three times this time."

"You're getting better, face first?"

"No, I fell on my butt."

Brennan smiled, "get your stuff and say bye to Katie so we can go to the store and get stuff for our belated Christmas."

"Okay."

Once Madelyn was out of earshot, Julie spoke up. "I was able to find both things for Santa to give her with a note that the rest of it's at your apartment. plus she got a few stocking stuffers, Santa got too many for Katie. "

"Thank you."

"You're welcome; it was fun for Katie too."

"I'm glad Maddie was able to have fun today, I felt bad but there was nothing I could do."

"I understand and I didn't mind getting her."

Madelyn appeared at Brennan's side with a bag of stuff, "look mom I got a pillow person and an American girl DVD and stocking stuff from Santa! He left a note saying he'd bring more whenever we were home! See?" Madelyn handed Brennan the paper and she quickly scanned the note she'd emailed to Julie after she'd picked Madelyn up from the lab.

"That's great Maddie, on the way over I called Santa back and he said he'd bring your presents tonight while you were asleep."

"Cool." They left and went to the grocery store.


"Mom can you make those roll ups with the tortilla shells and cream cheese for tonight?"

"Do you want veggies or ham in them?"

"Turkey."

Brennan chuckled, "then do you want me to use southwest dip rather than the cream cheese?"

"Yeah."

"Okay what do you want for tomorrow?"

"Can we make pizza?"

"Yes go get whatever you want to put on it."

Brennan followed Madelyn around the store as she got pepperoni, red peppers, onions, mushrooms, cheese, and black olives. Then they got decorations for their cutout sugar cookies. As they came home Brennan had a thought that she hoped Madelyn would go for, but if she didn't Brennan wasn't going to push it. as Brennan was making the roll ups she looked at Madelyn and said,"Maddie, you like Booth right?"

"Yeah, he's nice and stuff." Madelyn stole some cheese that Brennan was putting on the roll ups.

"What do you think about inviting him for dinner tomorrow? We could do our normal Christmas ting in the morning and invite Booth for pizza making and a movie."

"That'd be fun."

"Okay, I'll call him later and see if he wants to come. Roll ups are done, I'm going to chill them while we make the cookie dough and it can chill while we eat and watch our movies then we can make em, bake em and decorate."

" Okay." Brennan put the roll ups in the fridge and got out the flour sugar butter vanilla and eggs and a few other things then she began helping Madelyn measure the ingredients. Three hours later Madelyn was frosting the last of the cookies while Brennan called Booth.

"Bones what's wrong?"

"Booth nothing's wrong what made you think something was?"

"Its late and you're calling me."

"Sorry."

"It's fine, what did you want?"

"Maddie and I would like to know if you'd like to come over tomorrow night for homemade pizza and a movie."

"Sounds fun Bones but I don't want to intrude on your day with Maddie."

"You won't be I asked Maddie and she's fine with it."

"If you're sure."

"I am."

"Okay what time?"

"6:30- 7:00ish

"See you then. I'm going to bring over our leftover gingerbread people. I made way too many tonight and found out Parker isn't a fan!"

Brennan laughed, "Maddie isn't either, but I am."

"Good we'll pig out on gingerbread people all night!"

Brennan laughed, "I'm also making marshmallow chocolate fondue."

"Yum!"

"Well I need to go get the kitchen cleaned up and someone off to bed. goodbye Booth."

"Goodbye Bones see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Booth."

Brennan went to the kitchen and suppressed a laugh, Madelyn was trying very hard not to make a mess that she made a big one.

"Having fun Maddie?"

Madelyn looked up with frosting all over her. "I tried to not make a mess…"

"Its fine Maddie, go take a shower I'll clean up."

"Really?"

"Yep, if you hurry I'll have hot chocolate ready when you come out."

"Okay."

Forty five minutes later Brennan tucked Madelyn into bed, "are you enjoying Christmas so far?"

"Yep."

"I'm glad sleep tight."


It was just after midnight when Brennan felt Madelyn climb into bed with her, "Baby it's too early for Santa, we've got a long time before the sun comes up."

"I know." Madelyn snuggled into Brennan's side and fell asleep. An hour later Brennan very carefully got out of bed and got Madelyn's bag of Santa presents from her closet and made her way to the tree.

As soon as the first sliver of sun peaked through Brennan's bedroom curtains Madelyn was up, Brennan sleepily followed her. Madelyn somewhat patiently waited for Brennan to make coffee and start the breakfast casserole. "Maddie you can open your stocking while I make the casserole if you want."

"Okay."Madelyn went over to the entertainment center and dumped out her stocking that was leaning against it.

"What did you get Maddie?"

"Candy, lip stuff, real nail polish, and hair clips, plus a necklace, gel pens and paper plus socks."

"Cool, I'm done with this. Do you want me to put your necklace on you?"

"Yeah."

Brennan wiped her hands and went over and knelt down behind Madelyn and took the necklace out of the box and fastened it around Madelyn's neck.

"There. You can open your presents now."

"You first." Madelyn got up and got an odd shaped package with a roll of tape on it."I wrapped it myself."

Brennan took the package, "It looks great, Maddie." Brennan pealed the paper off to reveal a basket of her favorite bath oils, soaps, candles, and lotions plus a gift card to a day spa for the day after New Year's. Madelyn picked up another smaller bag. "You got me another thing?"

"No, Angela said not to put it all in one thingy."

"Okay." Brennan opened the bag to find a bag of her favorite dark chocolates and a pound of fresh coffee. "Thanks Maddie I love my stuff. What are you going to do when I'm at the spa?"

"I'm going to Angela's."

"Okay. Open your stuff."

By the time Madelyn was done she had every American Girl thing Santa could think of, clothes and some movies. A few new leotards from Brennan and books. Her big gift was an IOU for a new bike.

"We'll go pick it out in a few days."

"Okay. I love all my stuff. The American Girl stuff is my favorite."

Brennan smiled, "I'm glad you like your stuff. If you want different color leotards we can exchange them."

"No I like them, specially the sparkly purple one."

"I thought you would. Let's go eat then you can get ready for the day and play with your stuff until Booth comes tonight."

"Booth is coming over?"

"Yes about 6:30."

"Cool."

Brennan smiled as she followed Madelyn into the kitchen.


Hours later Booth knocked on Brennan's condo door and smiled as Brennan answered the door; she was decked out in a Christmas sweater that wasn't obnoxious."Merry Christmas Bones."

"Merry Christmas Booth."

Booth entered the condo into the kitchen.

"We're making our own pizzas?"

"Yep, Maddie likes veggie with pepperoni where I'm just plain veggie. It's easier if we each make our own, plus Maddie likes to do it."

Booth nodded as Brennan went in to the hall and called out, "Maddie, Booth's here. Come on let's make our pizzas."

A few seconds later Maddie appeared,"Merry Christmas Booth."

"Merry Christmas Maddie."

Maddie took a seat at the table and Brennan placed a cookie sheet with a ball of dough on it in front of her and one in front of Booth before setting down and forming her own pizza crust.

"Mom can you help me? My crust has holes in it!"

Brennan chuckled, "Sure let me finish mine first."

"Maddie I'll help while your mom finishes up, okay?"

"Okay.

Booth pulled the cookie sheet to him. "You got it a little too thin in places. We can fix it though."

Booth piled the dough back into a ball and flattened it out again. "There you go."

"Thanks Booth."

"Welcome Maddie."

Brennan smiled and picked up the crusts to bake them a few minutes before they topped them. An hour later they were on the couch watching Home Alone and eating their pizza, cookies and chocolate fondue. At the movies end Brennan noticed Maddie was leaning on Booth asleep.

"Let me go get her in bed."

"I can carry her if you want so you don't have to wake her."

"You don't have to…"

"I don't mind Bones…"

Brennan smiled and stood up as Booth stood and gathered Madelyn in his arms. Five minutes later Booth and Brennan were in the living room. "Booth, Maddie likes you, you know."

Booth smiled, "I like her too she's a smart and sweet kid, just like her mom."

Brennan blushed a little, "her mom likes you too."

"I like you too, Bones. This was really fun; we'll have to do it again sometime. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Booth."

Booth left the condo and Brennan locked the door behind him with a smile on her face; it had been a great Christmas.