Disclaimer: I do not own Bones
Chapter Ten
It's been three weeks since Seeley Booth found out Temperance Brennan's secret and it's also been three weeks of getting nowhere. Police are still investigating the area, trying to see if there is any more evidence, but nothing.
Brennan was currently sitting on the bleachers with Angela and Cam, watching Booth and Hodgins try to teach football to Zack and Sweets. It was December now and it like there was a normal swing of things here for her. Problem is, Goodman was still not here. According to Cam he was interrogated by the FBI, but found nothing that proved he did anything.
"We'll get there," Angela said optimistically as she leaned back. "In the meantime, not to switch topics, but Hodgins and I might make it to third base sooner or later. God, the guy is such a romantic and sweet person. You'd be surprised how amazing he is, oh I'm so in love," she gushed, her tone slightly dramatic as she grinned widely.
"I can't believe you and Hodgins. From best friends to lovers, I find that fascinating," Brennan told her.
"It could be just like you and Booth. You two are close friends," Angela pointed out with a smirk.
"Yeah, well you and I are close friends, best friends actually, and I don't have any sexual attraction towards you. It's the same way with Booth," Brennan told her promptly, looking out at the field. She made eye contact with Booth after he kicked the ball for the others to catch. He smiled at her and gave her a little wave. Brennan waved back with the same charmed smile.
"Oh bullshit, Brennan. I've known Seeley longer than you anyway and I know when that boy is in love," Cam told her. "You're the first girl I've ever seen him look at this looks at you like you are his entire world."
"That's just...Ridiculous," Brennan said, fiddling with her hands. "We're just friends. Nothing more and nothing less."
"Whatever you say sweetie," Angela remarked, rolling her eyes a bit.
"How's the news about Goodman, Cam?" Brennan asked, changing the topic of her impending love life.
"Nothing so far. My mom is still examining the body and nothing good has come across yet," Cam mentioned, sighing a little as she rested her chin in her hands. "Poor Goodman. He's even been suspended from his job for a little bit or as the school board's putting it 'a temporary leave of absence'. Goodman has so many other things in his life he needs to work on, it's not fair."
"It's the justice system," Brennan replied. "He's innocent until proven guilty but he's also a suspect, which means even though he may be innocent he'll have to go under investigation for awhile."
"Oi, I just hope it isn't too long. Christmas is coming up and I don't want Goodman spending it in jail, alone," Angela muttered unhappily. "Christmas should be a time of joy and peace on earth. All that good will crap."
Cam laughed, "Yeah. I can't wait for Christmas though. Only a week left! I'm even excited for those little specials to come on, I still love watching them. It's a great time I get to spend with my family."
"Same," Angela added, chuckling. "I love it because that means my dad will be home the whole day, no interruptions. He makes sure of it. He has no tours or anything. It's just a day for the two of us...What about you Brennan? Favorite Christmas memories?"
Brennan paused for a moment and shook her head. "No. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore. I'm not religious so I don't see the point."
"Do you have one good memory though? When you use to celebrate it?" Cam questioned.
Brennan gripped to the fabric of her jacket. "I did. A lot with my family actually. We use to open presents under the tree. Stuff like that and they were nice memories."
"That's good," Angela praised, grinning cheerfully. "I might even throw a Christmas party this year for us. We all need a little pick me up, don't you think?"
"It would be a great idea," Cam agreed, smiling eagerly.
"What do you say, Sweetie? Are you down for a Christmas party?" Angela asked her softly. "I know you don't celebrate it, but just think of it as a normal party."
"I don't know..."
"Bren, don't make me beg. I don't want to beg," Angela pleaded.
"Fine." Brennan rolled her eyes playfully. "I'll go if you have one. If, may I remind you, if it happens."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever," Angela said, shrugging as she sat down between Cam and Brennan to wrap her arms around both of their shoulders. "It'll be fun. We need to bust a move or something along the lines of that..."
"Oh, I gottcha," Cam said, understanding where she was going.
"That doesn't sound too good," Brennan mused at Angela's word choice. "Wait, you mean dancing, right?"
"Yeah, sort of..."
"Oh, you mean intercourse," Brennan said, catching on followed by a wink. "Gottcha."
Angela and Cam just chuckled, followed by Brennan. The three girls laughed and grinned while the boys attempted to play a nerdier version of football.
"That was interesting," Brennan told Booth once the game was finished. They were all walking back to their cars happy. "And nice of you, teaching Zack and Sweets."
"Hey, Zack needs some guidance in how to act like a normal teenager and Sweets, well the dude needs someone to teach him the ropes. He reminds me of Jared when he was a kid just not as a stubborn," Booth teased.
"That is such an alpha male thing." Brennan chuckled as she walked closer to him.
"So, Christmas is coming up. Anything exciting?" Booth asked her, trying to keep up conversation.
"No. Being in a foster home they don't care too much for Christmas. I don't either since I don't celebrate the religious meaning behind the holiday. So to answer your question, I'm not doing anything. Maybe Ange's possible Christmas party, but nothing else," She told him.
"Oh…Well if you want Pops, Jared, and I are going to have a nice dinner after we head to Christmas mass. You're welcome to join us if you'd like," Booth mentioned to her.
"I'll...I'll think about it," Brennan said to him, her tone wary.
"Alright, but at least think about it. We would love having company over, the last few Christmases have been lonely, especially without my gram so it'd be nice," Booth tried to coax her more into coming. Seeley Booth was a good guy and the last thing he wanted was Brennan to spend the holiday alone, even if she thought it was silly.
"I will," She told him as he climbed into the front seat of the car.
"I forget what a normal holiday is like." Brennan turned to see Sweets walking over to her side. His hands shoved into his pockets as he dragged his feet through the snow.
"Me too, Sweets. Me too," Brennan agreed with the young boy, patting his head gently. Sweets was surprised by her affection, but he got it after a few seconds. They were foster kids and well, they needed to stick together.
Later that week Angela would have a Christmas party on Christmas Eve. She invited all her friends, but mischief was on little Angela Montenegro's mind. She was determined for some sparks to set off between Booth and Brennan, even Cam, Hodgins, and Sweets were interested in seeing them together.
"Ange, I don't know about this," Brennan said, slipping into the dress she gave her friend. "Won't it be exposing too much?"
"Bren, sweetie, you worry too much. You'll look perfect. Trust me!" Angela exclaimed.
"Come on Brennan!" Cam backed up Angela, egging her on.
The girls were getting ready in Angela's huge closet for the party. Angela was wearing a beautiful red and white candy cane themed dress that flowed all about. Cam was in a slim sexy midnight blue dress that went up to her knees, but fit the curves of her body perfectly.
"Fine!" Brennan gave up, coming out from Angela's bathroom and into the room. She was dressed in a slim green dress. Her hair was curled and her make-up was perfect.
"You look amazing sweetie!" Angela gushed, hugging her friend from the side. "Beautiful!"
"Really?" Brennan questioned, peaking in the mirror. For a moment, she didn't recognize the girl she saw starring back at her. It wasn't the lanky, poor looking Temperance Brennan she's been accustomed to seeing for the past two years. This was a beautiful young female in front of her. Images of her mother flashed in her head and Brennan smiled bittersweetly to herself. She remembered how her mother would get ready for events like this or when her father took her out.
"Wow...Ange, we all look amazing and wow," Brennan said, looking wide eyed at the mirror and then back at her friends.
"I know sweetie, that's what I'm here for!" Angela sung, grinning as she grabbed Cam and Brennan's hands. "Come on you two, let's go have some fun!"
"Let's get this party started!" Cam exclaimed, following Angela down the big winding stair case.
Angela Montenegro, being the daughter of the successful ZZ Top musician, lived in a very fancy home. Not as fancy as billionaire Hodgins' but it was very fancy, especially for Brennan. The first time she went over Angela's house a few weeks back she was amazed at how big it was. Angela's room even was huge and she had her own art studio on the top floor. Not that she was spoiled, but Angela was Billy Gibbon's only family after her mother ran out on them, so he made sure his little girl had everything she needed to live comfortably.
The main foyer of the house was strung with Christmas lights and blasting with all sorts of music. A large Christmas tree was decorated before them right by the dance floor set up.
Brennan observed all sorts of people at this party. Angela was fairly popular because she was so well liked. A lot were her art friends, some friends that Cam ran in the same circle as, some 'squinty' (as Booth would say) kids were there as well, and even a few jocks. Brennan recognized one, Wendall Bray. He was one of Booth's good friends here.
"Have some fun sweetie and go mingle, and if not find me and I got your back. Promise," Angela told Brennan as they stepped down the last step.
"Ok, thank you Ange," Brennan told her.
"My, my, don't you ladies look fine!" Hodgins greeted them as he came over with Booth, Wendall, and Zack. He each gave them a kiss on the cheek before heading to Ange last to place a big wet kiss on her lips. Angela giggled and pulled her boyfriend closer.
"You look great guys," Booth added, agreeing with Hodgins and the other guys. "And Ange this party is really great!"
"Thanks!" She said, giggling as Hodgins placed kisses on her cheeks. "I'm glad you guys are enjoying yourselves. Not to be rude, but excuse me, I have to deal with something!" She then tugged Hodgins by the hand an disappeared into the crowd.
"I'm going to dance. Naomi from my school's here. Hopefully she'll want to do the hand jive with me," Zack assumed.
"Hey Zack, maybe try a different dance…One more up to date," Booth suggested before the little squint left.
"Like the moon walk?" Zack asked curiously. "Or the electric slide?"
"Sure…" Booth trailed off, giving Zack an encouraging smile. Zack nodded, grinning, as he disappeared into the crowd.
"He's doomed," Sweets mused, heading off to go find something to eat.
"You look really beautiful Bones," Booth mentioned, turing to face her with a smile. He was in a white dress shirt and a pair of black slacks.
"Thanks," Brennan replied, blushing a bit.
"Wanna dance?" he asked, motioning to the dance floor.
"Nah, I think I'm going to go grab some punch first," Brennan told him hastily.
"You sure?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "It'll be fun."
"Really, go dance with Cam and Wendall," Brennan said, motioning to his friends, before scurrying away. Booth, sighing in defeat, turned to his best friend.
"Come on Seeley, I'll dance with you." Cam smiled, taking his hand and bringing him to the dance floor followed by Wendall.
Brennan sighed, taking a sip of punch. She wished she could act like Angela or Cam, but the dress was far enough. This was a big step for her. She couldn't be anything more than creepy Morticia because that's all she ever was. A creepy nerdy girl. The one no guy wanted to dance with, until now. This was new and strange for her.
"You should go dance with Booth." Brennan turned around to see Sweets again, sitting by the punch bowl. He was eating all sorts of appetizers Ange laid out for them.
"What are you doing here?" Brennan questioned, kneeling down to be his height. "Your foster parents..."
"They think I'm at a sleepover," Sweets told her. "Booth's letting me sleep at his house for the night, I needed to get away for a bit. Mine are very encouraging people, but they don't care because I have fourteen foster siblings. It's hard to control us all, it's basically like a group home."
"Oh, those weren't terrible though. No abuse," Brennan said softly. Sweets nodded in agreement.
"They're moving me after New Years to make more room though," Sweets told her quietly. "Somewhere else in D.C, but I'm not sure yet. I'm terrified, Brennan."
"Sweets, you'll be fine. You're a very smart kid and well, one day some family's going to find you and they'll be all over you. You're a kid still, adults love kids. Just act cute and innocent and you'll get the family of your dreams. I promise," She told him. "We'll still be here. Not for long, but until we graduate we'll be here. Zack will still be here and some of the others. You won't be alone."
"It's not always that easy though," Sweets trailed off. "Anyway, Brennan, you should dance with Booth."
"That doesn't have any relevance, anyway I can't dance," Brennan told him fiercely.
"Or so you think. You two gravitate towards one another, Brennan. Booth has strong feelings for you and I think you should follow how you feel about him, because I can tell he feels the same way," Sweets told her.
"It's irrational. It isn't something I would do though, and how do you know anything about feelings? You're nine," Brennan pointed out.
"Nine and a half actually, but hey, I'm a pretty smart kid. Just like you, a genius, said to me. I'm smart and I notice things about human behavior. Just give him a chance, will ya?" Sweets told her a matter of fact.
Brennan bit her lip and looked towards Booth, who was looking towards their direction with curious eyes. She sighed, giving in, as she then slowly began to walk towards him.
"Thanks Sweets," She muttered to him before she left. Sweets grinned in triumph as he watched Brennan make her way to Booth on the dance floor.
"So, someone's gonna finally dance with me?" Booth quipped, coming towards his partner.
"Yeah. I am," Brennan said, smacking his arm playfully. That's when Hot Blooded by Foreigner came on and the two both bounced up excitedly.
"Love this song!" Booth announced, bouncing up and down.
"I love this song too!" Brennan exclaimed, dancing around next to Booth. "I have their whole album."
"Wow, for some reason I thought you'd be into tribal throat noises or something," Booth teased with her. Brennan chuckled, nudging him as they both began to rock out to the tune.
Both were having so much fun as they twirled and danced with one another to the foreigner song. After a few very lively songs, they were surprised when a slow song came on. The two looked at one another shyly before Booth held his hand out.
"Come on Bones," He said. "Dance with me."
Brennan looked at his hand for a moment in thought. She was confused by all this irrationality, but she wanted to hold his hand. She wanted to dance with him and feel his touch.
"Okay," She gave in, taking his hand. The two began to sway back and forth.
"Enjoying your Christmas Eve so far Bones?" Booth asked her.
"Yeah, I'm having a lot of fun actually," She told him, grinning. "You?"
"Same. The most fun I've had on Christmas Eve in years," He said, twirling her around a bit. Brennan laughed as she leaned in closer to Booth.
"You're a great friend Temperance," Booth told her, sincerity laced his voice. "I just need you to know that, after these past few months and getting to know you, I'm glad I did. You and the squints came at a time I needed you guys, when I felt like my whole family was dropping like flies. You're such an amazing person..."
"You too Booth," Brennan told him, smiling shyly. "Makes me miss my family." She responded with watery eyes now forming.
"I know the feeling, Bones." Booth, sighed, wiping the forming tears and hugging her closer to him. Brennan enjoyed the comfort of Booth's arms, resting her head against his chest as they danced back and forth to the music. They danced with one another for the rest of the night and for the first time in a long time, Temperance Brennan had genuine fun.
Later that night, when the party was over, Booth drove Brennan and Sweets home. As they drove a light snow began to fall down on them.
"Looks like there's going to be a snow this Christmas," Booth mused, looking past the flurries coming down from the sky.
"Wow. This'll be so cool. I can't wait for Santa to come!" Sweets exclaimed, sighing before he laid down to go to sleep in Booth's back seat.
"He still believes in Santa yet he knows how human behavior works and is advanced in Biology?" Brennan questioned in a hush whisper.
"Hey, he's nine. I'm sure you believed in Santa at one point Bones," Booth pointed out.
"When I was a child and didn't know any better, but I learned fast," Brennan announced.
"Most of us do, but let Sweets hold on to it for as long as he can," Booth whispered to her. "Christmas was always ten times better when you're a child. You see it in a way adults can't. I still love this holiday, more than anything, but sometimes I try to think about how Christmas was years before all the abuse and they were great. But when my dad took up drinking, things began to die down for us..."
"My parents left me around Christmas," Brennan announced to him softly. "A week ago actually was the aniversery. Two years ago exactly. My parents just went to go get some milk and they never returned. We still don't know where they are...My brother Russ and I. You know, he tried taking care of me. He really did but he didn't know how to. I guess someone told him the best solution was foster care so he put me in it and moved out west...He sends me money every once and awhile and I always get a call from him on my birthday," Brennan confessed to Booth.
"Oh god Bones," Booth said, speechless. He couldn't see how anyone or anything could abandon her. "I'm...I'm sorry that happened to you. I really am."
"It's fine. It's in the past and well, I wish I knew where they were, but it's pointless to be worried about it forever. Gotta move on, you know?" She muttered softly.
"I know, but sometimes it's hard to..." Booth trailed off. "My mother left me and Jared. I don't know where she is either. My dad almost broke her neck one night and she took off, running out the door. I haven't seen her since then. Then one day Pops found my dad beating the crap at me, it was Jared's ninth birthday. He was going to hit Jared, but I took the heat. When Pops opened the door my dad just kicked me in the gut. He was stinking of brandy and I was bleeding like crazy all over the place. Since then we've lived here..."
"Oh Booth...That's terrible," Brennan said softly.
"Yeah, but my point is, I get what you mean but sometimes it's hard not to wonder where they are. I wonder at least once a day about my mother."
"I wonder about my parents. I'm not cold and heartless, I think about them I just don't dwell on it," Brennan responded, getting defensive.
"Bones, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just saying. I know you aren't cold. You're a warm and amazing person. You are kind. Don't ever say that again," He told her softly.
Brennan paused for a moment and smiled a little at Booth. "Thanks. Not many people say things about me like you do."
"That's because I know the real you and other people don't know what they're talking about." Booth grinned at her.
"Thanks," She replied softly. From there they drove to Brennan's home with the soft tune of Christmas carols in the background. When they finally arrived at the house the lights were out and Brennan was sure that her foster parents were drunk and asleep.
"Bones, I really don't want to let you go back into that house," Booth said woefully. "Even Sweets back at his tomorrow...I know he's safe in his, but you..."
"Booth, I'll be fine," Brennan insisted. "I'll be okay."
"It's just, you shouldn't wake up Christmas morning alone or spend it alone for that matter. Look, just please come to my house for Christmas dinner. It'll be a normal dinner that's all. We won't pray or anything and we'll open up gifts. Please Bones, just for my sake. Sweets will be there too."
"He's coming?" Brennan questioned, looking at the sleeping form of Sweets.
"Yeah. He doesn't need a Christmas with a bunch of other kids. He needs to spend it with a family, and you do too, because that's what Christmas is," Booth told her. "Pops is okay with it. He loves having you and the others over."
Brennan paused for a moment, but then looked at him with a gentle smile and sparkling eyes. "If I say yes will that make you feel better?"
Booth grinned, "Yeah. It would." They both chuckled as more snow fell down on the windshield of the car.
"I have a gift for you but it's stupid. I was going to give you something back at the house. I can't afford much because of my lack of money, but I got gifts for you and the others since you all like this holiday so much. I forgot what it's like to celebrate this," Brennan told him quietly as she went to grip to the door handle.
"You didn't have to get me anything Bones," Booth told her, touched by her gesture though.
"Well I did and you'll get it tomorrow." She quipped, winking at him before she excited the car.
"I'll pick you up around one!" Booth exclaimed, chuckling.
"I'll see you then," Brennan replied before she walked into her own home with a big smile on her face.
A/N: Hey guys! Sorry I haven't updated in awhile! Pretty busy and I'm trying to get some other fics done so I can focus on ones like this! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Thanks for reading, reviewing, and please look out for the next update :D