Disclaimer: I, unfortunately, don't own anything related to the concept or characters from BONES. This story is not intended for any use other than my own amusement…and hopefully the entertainment of my fellow fans. However, with that said, all other characters are my own creation. I hope you like them…or love to hate them. :)
Author's Note: Ok. So, I officially gave up on begging for reviews in the last chapter, and what happens? I end up with more reviews than I've received for any of the previous 5 chapters. lol So, since I really do like and appreciate reviews, I'm going to continue with my not begging plan. :-P
A Special Thank You to Goldpiece for giving me her honest opinion after previewing the beginning of this chapter. As always, I appreciate your continued encouragement. Thank you so much:-)
Note: Thoughts are in italics.
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PIERCING THE STILLNESS
Chapter 10
Hotel Suite 125 – State College, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, September 5th – 5:09 am
She sighed and languidly closed her eyes as he leaned in from behind her. Using one hand to brush a silky cascade of hair out of the way, he placed a soft kiss just below her ear. Breathing in her soft scent, he traced his way up to her temple, where he placed another kiss, his lips lingering near her skin as she slowly turned to face him. He brushed his fingers through her hair to cup the back of her neck as, eyes still closed, she tilted her head back to allow him access to the smooth line of her throat. She breathed deeply as his head dipped lower, his mouth coming to rest upon her warm skin. He paused to run the tip of his tongue over her pulse, feeling the beat hasten at that gentle touch. A shuddering breath escaped him as her fingernails traced a pattern down his spine.
"Booth." Brennan whispered, trying to get his attention as she opened the door to the room. She chuckled when he didn't wake up or even move from his position on the bed. He looked awfully cute sleeping on his stomach, clutching a pillow like a teddy bear.
He hummed lightly as he slowly nipped and licked a path back to her waiting lips. Hearing her whisper his name, he captured her mouth with his – the contact searing a path through his body as he pulled her fully against him.
"Mmmm. Temperance," Booth muttered as he turned his head towards her in his sleep. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he hugged the bed's extra pillow closer to him.
Brennan's eyebrows went up in surprise as she walked closer, wondering if she wanted to know what he was dreaming about. But, shaking her head, she remembered why she was trying to wake him at this early hour. She reached out and gently shook his shoulder, calling his name a little louder this time. When that didn't work, she grabbed both of his shoulders and shook him harder. She called his name again, but to no avail.
She suddenly surprised him by grabbing his shoulders and turning him forcibly into the nearest wall. Once again moaning his name, she leaned up to resume their desperate and hungry kiss. Her nails raked along the skin of his shoulders and upper arms. He reached around her waist, tightening his grip and pulling her close.
Brennan watched as Booth suddenly clutched at the pillow like a lifeline and groaned. Hoping he wasn't sick, she placed her hand against his forehead to check that his temperature was ok.
He felt her reach up and run her fingers through his hair and then down to his cheek. He turned his head to the side, placing a kiss along the palm of her hand before licking the length of her slender fingers and pulling one into his mouth.
Startled when Booth licked her hand, Brennan reacted without thinking and slapped him. Instantly realizing what she had done, she gasped and pulled away as he opened startled eyes and blinked dazedly.
"Booth. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I just reacted. I'm so – "
Rubbing a hand over his face, Booth blinked a few more times before interrupting his partner's rambling. "Bones, what're you talking about? An', what time is it?"
"Huh?"
"You're standing in my room rambling apologies at – " He grabbed his phone to check the time, " – a quarter after five in the morning. What's going on?"
"You licked my hand. And, I just reacted. I'm so sorry I slapped you. You don't remember?"
Brennan thought she saw a spark of recognition in Booth's eyes before he sat up, still clutching the pillow. He looked at her in amazement before asking, "I did what?"
"I was trying to wake you up. But, you weren't cooperating. Then, you groaned, and I thought you might be sick. So, I felt your head to make sure you didn't have a temperature. When I moved my hand, you licked it. Then, I slapped you. I really didn't mean to, Booth. I'm so sorry."
Running his hands through his hair, Booth flashed back to the moment in his dream where Temperance had turned him against the wall and… He forced the memory from his mind. That must have been when he… Ah, hell.
"No, Bones. It's ok. I'm sorry if I did something to make you…uncomfortable." He gave her a sheepish grin. "I must've really been out. Normally I wake up at the slightest sound."
"It didn't make me uncomfortable, Booth. It just surprised me."
Booth's amused smirk made her realize what she'd said.
"I mean – "
Waving off the coming denial, he tried to find out why she was in his room at such an ungodly hour. "Bones, was there a reason you woke me up, in the first place?" He smiled to make sure she knew he wasn't unhappy, just curious.
"Oh! I got a call from Zach."
"At this hour? Bones, you're rubbing off on the kid a little too much, don't'cha think?"
"Zach is very dedicated to his work. I would think he should be commended for his initiative."
Shaking his head, Booth took a breath to explain his point and then changed his mind. "Never mind. Bones, could you do me a favor and order some coffee while I get changed? I think I'm going to need it."
"Already done. It should be here soon."
"Great. I'll just need a few minutes."
As Brennan exited the room and closed the door, Booth groaned and buried his face in his hands. That was too close. Shaking his head, he pushed himself off of the bed and hurried to throw on a t-shirt and sweats and took the time to at least brush his teeth.
As he entered the main room of the suite, he found Brennan at the door accepting breakfast and a precious pot of coffee. Dressed in her sleepwear, with just-out-of-bed hair, she was stunning. It was an opinion that the room service waiter apparently agreed with since he gave her an appreciative once over before tossing an envious look Booth's way. Booth smirked while Brennan, as usual, missed the entire exchange.
When she turned and noticed his smirk, she tilted her head to the side and her forehead crinkled. Booth's grin widened as he took in her appearance. She looked adorable. Not that I'd tell her that.
"Booth, why are you grinning at me like an idiot?"
Then again. "Ya know, Bones, here I was, about to compliment your appearance this lovely morning, and you go and insult me." He shook his finger as he walked towards her. "That's just not nice after slapping me awake at the break of dawn."
He reached for a cup and the carafe of coffee as she blushed. He filled a cup and handed it to her. He then uncovered the plates, determined which was hers and handed that to her as well.
"Thanks," she said as she walked to the sofa and sat down, resuming her position from the previous evening, with her plate in front of her. Booth, after filling his own cup, grabbed his plate and followed. However, this time he sat a bit closer to her than before. He did need to put his food on the coffee table, after all.
"So…" Booth allowed the statement to trail off as he took a bite of his breakfast steak. "Mmmm. This is good."
"So, what?"
Booth tried to smother his amusement at her uncharacteristic forgetfulness, but couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. "So…what did Zach say that was so important that we had to get up this early in the morning? By the way, I can get you more coffee if that'll help." He stuck another piece of steak in his mouth.
"Oh!" She grimaced at her lapse and looked at her cup. "No, thanks. I'm fine. Zach said something this morning about the case that gave me an idea. I think we might have a lead. Or, be able to get a lead. But, I have him checking on a few things just to be sure."
With a fork halfway to his mouth, Booth turned to her in amazement. "You're kidding! What did he say? What's the lead?"
"Huh uh. I'm not sure I'm right yet, and you know how much I hate to speculate without proper evidence to support my theory. However, can your people pull both student enrollment applications and employment applications for the forensics related departments at all of the schools that are involved in this case?"
"Of course. Anything you need."
"How long do you think it will take?"
"Well, it depends upon how quickly I can get the proper warrants and how quickly the schools respond. But, this is a serial murder investigation. I'm pretty sure I can pull a few strings to speed the process along."
"Perfect. Then all we need to do is get back to D.C. as soon as possible to review all of the data as it comes in. Zach should have what I asked him for by the time we get there."
"You're really not gonna tell me what your idea is, are you?"
She quickly nabbed a piece of steak from his plate and stuck it into her mouth. "Nope."
He smacked her hand with his fork as she reached towards his plate for another bite of steak. "In that case, no more steak for you." He stabbed the piece she had been going for and popped it into his mouth with a smile.
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Medico-Legal Lab at the Jeffersonian
Tuesday, September 5th – 11:29am
Brennan took a deep breath as she walked into the Medico-Legal Lab. She was happy to be home. After quickly finishing breakfast and getting ready to leave, she and Booth had had a quick and uneventful drive back to DC. It's amazing how much faster that drive is without football traffic. Since Booth had needed to stop in at his office to check on the status of the data he had requested, he dropped Brennan at her apartment so she could grab her car and get to the lab. Before he left, he'd said he would meet her in about 45 minutes. So, she'd only taken the time to quickly throw her bags in her front door before heading to work. She was anxious to see if Zach had been able to track down the information she has asked for that morning. And, if he had, she wanted the information to be ready for Booth when he arrived.
For once, she didn't spy a single member of her staff as she walked through the lab on the way to her office. So, she figured she could just drop off her laptop and grab her lab coat before hunting them down. Since the lights to the office were off and the door closed, she wasn't prepared for the sight that greeted her as she walked in and hit the light switch.
"What the hell?"
She had just enough time to register a large festive banner before soft music started blaring through her office's stereo system at a volume much louder than normal.
"Every
time I look at you the world just melts away
All
my troubles all my fears dissolve in your affections
You've
seen me at my weakest but you take me as I am
And
when I fall you offer me a softer place to land
You
stay the course you hold the line you keep it all together
You're
the one true thing I know I can believe in
You're
all the things that I desire you save me you complete me
You're
the one true thing I know I can believe…"
As the initial shock wore off, Brennan looked around her office, jaw hanging open. There were vases of roses, teddy bears holding hearts and dozens of pink and red balloons. But, the most eye-catching item was the large, sparkling banner opposite the door. It read: Booth & Bones – It's About Time!
Shoulders slumping, Brennan let out a heart-felt groan. In her excitement at having a possible idea for the case, she'd completely forgotten the scene from last night.
"Angela!" She turned towards the door to go find her best friend. But, she was too late. Her friend had found her, instead.
"Sweetieeeeee!"
Brennan suddenly found herself thrown backwards by the force of the bear hug her best friend gave to her.
"Oh, honey, you have no idea how happy I am for you and Booth. At first I thought that he was teasing me. You know, on the phone Saturday night. But, then I contacted you last night and...eeeeeee! I am sooo thrilled for both of you! You just have no idea how happy I am!"
By now, Angela had let go, but was still holding onto Brennan's arms, jumping up and down in her excitement. Brennan tried to get her to calm down so that she could explain, but it was simply no use. Angela was far too hyper to listen to reason. Well, at least the music stopped. She took another look around. "Actually, Ange, I think I can see how happy you are. But, I really need to tell you – "
"Hey, Bones! Whoa! What's with the new office décor? Isn't it a bit – "
"I'll be loving you, always
With
a love that's true, always
When the things you plan
Need a
helping hand
I will understand, always, always
Days may not be fair, always
That's
when I'll be there, always
Not for just an hour
Not for just a
day
Not for just a year, but, always…"
" – a bit much."
Booth stood in the doorway, completely dumbfounded. That is, until he was nearly tackled by one Angela Montenegro as she threw her arms around his neck in an exuberant hug. He held onto her with one hand, trying to keep them both upright, while using the other to hold a small stack of files out of the way.
Angela suddenly pulled back and kissed his cheek. "Booth! Sweetie, I was just telling Bren how happy I am for the two of you. I told her that I thought you'd been yanking my chain the other night on the phone, and I was plotting my revenge, believe you me. But, then, last night – Eeeeeee! Oh! It's fate! It really, really is!"
Angela grabbed his neck again, causing Booth to look over her shoulder at his partner, eyes pleading for assistance. The look on her face wasn't in the least bit encouraging. Brennan stood just a few feet way, hands on her hips and a rueful smile on her face. She pointed at Booth.
"This really is your fault, you know. You started all of this." She turned the pointing finger into the wave of her hand, indicating the various decorations about the room.
Still caught up in the artist's grasp, he practically growled, "This really isn't the time to place blame, Bones." He pulled back as far as he could from his friendly captor, "Ange, I really need to breathe here."
"Oh, I'm sorry." She chuckled as she continued, "I guess that might have been a little enthusiastic."
"A little? You think?"
"Well, can you blame me? It's just fantastic news! It's – "
Booth was getting ready to place a hand over Angela's mouth to stop another squeal when Dr. Goodman appeared in the doorway.
"For Heaven's sake, what is going on in here? Agent Booth, I really don't think it's appropriate for you to manhandle Ms. Montenegro – "
"I
would climb any mountain, sail across the stormy sea
If that's
what it takes me baby, to show how much you mean to me
And I guess
that it's just the woman in you, that brings out the man in me
I
know I can't help myself, you're all in the world to me
Chorus:
It
feels like the first time, feels like the very first time
It feels
like the first time, it feels like the very first time"
" – in that fashion." That last part of the sentence died off as he took in the full spectacle that was Brennan's office. At about that time, the song's chorus died away, leaving the office in silence. "Dear God." He sounded almost faint.
"Would someone please care to explain this…this…THIS?"
He got three answers at once.
"Well, you see Sir, Bones and I were – "
"Dr. Goodman, this was not my idea. I just – "
"Oh my god, you mean no one told you, yet?"
Dr. Goodman held his hands up. "Silence!" He looked at each person in turn. "Ms. Montenegro, please answer this question with one word and one word only. Are you responsible for the decorations and music in Dr. Brennan's office?"
"Yes, sir. But – "
"Stop! I said one word, and I meant it. Thank you for your assistance. You may now go."
Knowing he wouldn't change his mind, she kissed Brennan's check and quickly hugged Booth before practically skipping out the door.
Dr. Goodman, who had been staring at the sign, now looked at the Agent and anthropologist sternly.
"Now, would you both care to explain since it's apparently 'About Time'?"
He watched in amusement as Booth and Brennan looked at each other, blushing. Booth mouthed "you" while Brennan mouthed what appeared to be "your fault" and glared. Booth's shoulders sagged in defeat.
"Well, you see Sir, it all started when I was talking to Angela on the phone the other – "
"Dr. Brennan! I have the list you requested ready for your review…Wow." He looked around and then up at the sign before tilting his head quizzically. "What's 'About Time'?"
The three occupants of the office groaned in unison.
"Never mind, Zach. Where's the list?" She then shouted at him when he started to cross the threshold into the office. "No! Stay out there. I'll come to you." As she walked towards the door, Booth heard her muttering to herself. "I don't even want to know what song Angela picked out next."
Booth attempted to follow her but stopped when Dr. Goodman held out a hand. "Agent Booth, I'm fairly certain that you were about to explain the significance of all of this?"
The agent sighed from the tips of his toes and looked longingly at the doorway. "Yes, Sir. Of course."
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The song lyrics, in order of appearance, are as follows below. No copyright infringement is intended, nor is any money being made by me. Of course, if people look up the songs and like them, there might be some money made by you. :-)
Push – Written and Performed by Sarah McLachlan
Always – Written by Irving Berlin and Performed by Patsy Cline
Feels Like The First Time – Written by Lou Gramm & Mick Jones and Performed by Foreigner
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Well, I hope you liked it. You know what to do!