"Well, it's not Bronner's but they have just about anything you'd need for the holidays," Angela said as she and Brennan walked around the holiday warehouse. Trees stood in various spots around the acres large space, decorated in various themes whether by color or style. Garlands, wreaths, decorations and lights lined the shelves while displays of Christmas villages filled tables, and trains circled the merry little displays.
"How on earth do you know what to get," Brennan asked as she looked over the rows and rows of holiday fare. That was one aspect of the holiday that she never took into consideration, how much one put into the decorations.
"Well I went over to the house and drew some sketches of what I want the place to look like, so I just have to collect those things and we're good to go."
"You know, I don't think that many people realize that many of the traditions they follow for Christmas actually originated in Ancient Rome."
"Sweetie…"
"I mean, right around the winter solstice, the Romans celebrated the festival of Saturnalia, which was basically a giant orgy. At the same time, the feast day of Mithra was celebrated. Mithra of course was the risen sun, so what better way for early Christians to generate more followers than to set Christ's Mass on the same day. That way the feast day of the risen sun becomes the Feast Day of the Risen Son. Oh, that's pretty." She picked up a red and gold tree skirt to admire the embroidery on it.
"You know Bren, sometimes I think you let your brain get too much in the way and you spoil all the fun."
"I don't understand how knowing the history behind a holiday can 'spoil the fun'."
"You put too much in fact and can't see the magic that permeates this time of year. You know, it's the same magic that brought you and Booth together." The artist took the tree skirt from Brennan and threw it into a shopping cart.
"Booth and I aren't together because of magic Angela."
"Oh? So how do you explain that perfect kiss on a snowy evening? If anything was magic, that certainly was." The artist sighed and smiled, her expression becoming dreamy.
"I accept it as a moment of spontaneity between the two of us."
"Whatever sweetie. There was magic involved whether you believe it or not." Brennan sighed and crossed her arms. Angela sounded like Booth. What was it he had said during the whole mess with Jamie Kenton? "Oh, there's magic. Two people seeing each other across a crowded room, that old black magic got you in its spell…"
"So," Angela continued once she turned back to shopping, "how is everything going between the two of you? Are you more comfortable with the idea of sleeping with him?"
"That hasn't been brought up, and to be honest, I'm just enjoying the start of this relationship. I don't want to rush into anything that might harm what we have right now."
"You are so cute when it comes to Booth. Here you are, finally together. My baby's all grown up and saving China." Angela pretended to wipe away a tear as Brennan looked at her, perplexed. "It's a Disney reference Sweetie, don't worry about it. All I'm saying is that it's so nice to see you in a relationship that makes you happy."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now how about we get the rest of the stuff we need and go do lunch?"
"I think that sounds wonderful."
XxXxX
"Bones, you here," Booth asked as he poked his head into her apartment. When he knocked on the front door, he tested the handle, finding it unlocked once again. He'd really have to get on her about that.
"I'm in the kitchen," she called out and stepped out to greet him. He took in the Santa hat and holiday apron she was wearing and grinned. The apron had a Christmas tree on it topped by a tree angel that was singing. Just above the angel were the words, 'Hark the Angel Harold sings'.
"Well, don't we look festive," he said and wrapped his arms around her waist once she was close enough.
"Angela insisted that I get the hat and apron. She said that no self-respecting person could go through the holiday season without proper baking wear."
"Hmmmm, I think I agree with her." He brought his lips to her and kissed her deeply, pulling her closer to him as she responded. She wrapped her arms around his neck, getting a bit lost in the kiss. The kiss broke, but neither moved away from the other.
"What are you doing here this evening? I thought you were going to be home tonight?"
"I did a bit of shopping and thought that we could spend the evening watching some Christmas movies and wrapping presents."
"You didn't buy anything today did you? I was under the assumption we'd go together."
"We still can. I only picked up a few things, that's all. So, what do you say? You want to participate in the age old tradition of wrapping presents?" Temperance smiled at him before stepping out of his arms.
"Sure, just let me get this pie into the oven." Booth's eyes lit up at the words.
"You made pie?"
"Well, I don't cook that often, and I thought I could get back into practice, so I'm making an apple cranberry pie. Assuming it turns out okay then I can freeze it until Christmas Eve and give it to Sarah and her children."
"So you're not making it for me," Booth said, a pout on his face.
"Maybe if you're good I can make another one."
"Hmmm, and what do I get if I'm naughty?" Brennan blushed under the intensity of his gaze, unable to look away from the darkening orbs. Her heart pounded in her chest and she opened her mouth to speak, but for once was unable to think of anything. She was saved from a response when her oven dinged, indicating that it had finished heating up.
"I'd better go get that," she murmured and stepped out of his embrace. He sighed and put his hands on his waist as he watched her place the pie into the oven. By no means did he want to rush Temperance into anything, but damn if he didn't want to move their relationship along. When she turned back around after shutting the oven, he plastered a smile back onto his face.
"So, are we ready to wrap some presents?"
XxXxX
"How can you honestly say that this is the best holiday movie ever," Brennan asked as she watched Ralphie onscreen with a stick of soap in his mouth.
"Oh come on Bones, this movie is great. It shows what families go through this time of year perfectly. And everyone knows the line, 'You'll shoot your eye out kid'. It's a classic." He picked up a premade bow from a box and pulled the protective strip from it before sticking it on Brennan's nose.
"Booth, stop it," she said, pulling off the bow. She stuck it onto the gift she'd just finished wrapping and set it aside.
"Oh come on, don't take the bow off, that's my job."
"Your job? And why is that?"
"Because I'm supposed to unwrap my present." Brennan raised up one eyebrow as she looked at Booth.
"Is that what I am, a present?" She met his eyes, again amazed at the hold they seemed to have on her. Booth reached up and traced her cheek before sweeping a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I thank God everyday for allowing me the gift of having you in my life Temperance." Oh, now he'd done it. She fought the pinpricks of tears forming and leaned forward, capturing his lips with her own. Booth fell back slightly, holding onto her as he went down until she was laid out on top of him. His hands crept up underneath her shirt and he caressed the soft skin of her lower back. When she winced and pulled away a bit he cursed for forgetting about her wrist. "Hey, are you okay?"
"I'm fine Booth, really," she said and moved to a more comfortable position. With a sigh, Booth sat up, straightening her carefully as he did so.
"No, it's late, and I should probably go. We do still have work in the morning."
"Booth, stay." He looked into her eyes, expecting to see fear underlying her request, or a sense that she was just making the offer in an attempt to make him feel better about jostling her arm. But that wasn't what he saw there. As she stood up and held out her hand, he nodded and reached up for it. Who was he to deny her anything?
