The Courage in the Scientist and the Mercy in the Heartbroken Man Chapter Twelve
Hey guys! Sorry about the delay :S Thanks for all the great reviews and I know I am so mean for leaving you with such a cliffhanger. I've been settling in to my new job here in China. Lots of work and very busy! I hope this makes up for it.
We left off with Booth and Brennan FINALLY getting together. But then something awful happened to Bones! What was it? Was she ok? Read on and find out! None of them are mine! Enjoy.
Sad and worried faces greeted him. The hospital was packed. The emergency room was bustling; people filling the seats in various forms of pain and agony. The waiting room was overflowing with commiseration and tears. Every one of them was a stranger. Separate situations that had incurred similar results. The whole thing served to make Booth uneasy. Collective misery.
His chocolate eyes searched the room for a familiar face. They alighted on Angela. Booth hurried over, trying to contain his concern and panic.
"What happened?" He asked urgently. He assessed her expression. She seemed calmer than she had been on the phone. And she was alone. If something serious had happened the rest of the Squints would be there. "Where is she?"
"She's in with the doctor. They wouldn't let me go in with her. It was a drunk driver. He just drove right into her."
Booth felt anger rising.
"How bad is it Angela?"
"I don't know."
"You have to know something!" Booth realized his voice had risen considerably when he saw people looking at him with interest. He reigned in his anger. "Did you come here with her? Was she conscious? Please, Angela, I need to know."
"She was awake. There was a lot of blood. I'm sorry Booth." Angela was shaking. Booth realised that she was in shock.
"Its ok." He placated, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Sorry, I shouldn't have yelled." He looked around. "I'm going to try and find a doctor." He moved to the check in counter.
Her nametag said "Doris" but her face said "go away". Her green/blue uniform held the wrinkles of a long day and her frazzled hair warranted brushing. But it was the tired, fed up expression etched into her face that gave Booth pause. This was not a woman who was going to give in easily. But he was determined to find out where Bones was.
"I'm looking for a patient that came in about half an hour ago. She was brought in an ambulance." He gave her a friendly smile, hoping to warm her up. Doris didn't budge. She gave him a stern look that told him she knew his game.
"Are you a relation?" She asked in a monotone voice. Booth tried to calm the tick in his jaw that was starting.
"No, but I-"
"Only relations and family members are allowed in there." She jerked her thumb towards the ominous double doors at one side of the room. Booth took a breath.
"I'm her partner. I need to see her."
"Relations only." Doris repeated, not even bothering to look at him now. Booth swallowed a growl of frustration.
"Listen, FBI, lady. I need to get in there to see that my partner is ok."
"Name?" Doris gave him a critical look.
"My name?" Booth was confused.
"The patient's name." Doris all but rolled her eyes.
"Temperance Brennan." Booth's hands were gripping the counter while he waited. Doris typed sluggishly into the computer. Was she purposely trying to drive him insane?
"No police escort. You don't have clearance."
"What do you mean? I'm FBI. I don't need clearance." Booth's voice was getting louder the longer this woman tried to keep him from his partner.
"I don't make the rules. She didn't come with a police escort so there is no need for FBI."
"I want to see my partner!" Booth hit his palm loudly on the bench. Doris didn't even flinch. Booth didn't hear Angela coming up behind him. He may have rechosen his words if he had.
"Listen, she is my fiancée, and I am going to marry her. I want to know that she is ok." It wasn't a complete lie. He did have plans to marry Bones. He was just jumping the gun a little.
"She is your partner and your fiancée? What do you think this is? My first day? Sit down and wait until you are called." And with that Doris closed the window on him and turned away. Booth stared at her, mouth agape. His fingers were itching to reach for his gun. A small voice from behind him pulled him back to sanity.
"Is it true Booth?" He turned, taking in Angela. She was standing there, her eyes wide and excited. She'd obviously heard what he'd said to Doris. Booth cringed, knowing that this information would be all over the lab in seconds if he didn't clear it up right away.
"No, Ange. I wanted her to let me in to see Bones."
"So you and Brennan aren't together?" Angela was assessing him with her artist's eye. Booth all but squirmed under her assessment. "Oh my god!" She squealed excitedly. Booth nearly leapt out of his skin.
"Ange…" he cautioned. He didn't want her to fly off the handle.
"You two totally slept together! When? How did I not know about this? Are you together? Was it amazing? She didn't run did she?" The questions spilled out in hurry and Booth was momentarily distracted from his concern for Brennan. He couldn't help the tiny smile that caressed his lips as he thought about being with Bones. His whole body was still tingling.
"Oh MY GOD! You did!" Angela was clutching his hands and doing happy little jumps. Booth tried to calm her.
"Its not what you think." He tried. But he could tell from the look on Angela's face that there was no convincing her that nothing happened.
"Tell me right now big guy. Do you love her?" Angela's face was serious. Booth looked into her eyes.
"Yes."
Angela nearly screamed, drawing quite a bit of attention. Booth took her by the arms and tried to shush her.
"Angela!" He hissed.
"Ok, ok. Sorry. I have just been waiting so long for you two to finally get together. Please tell me you are together." She gave him a hard look.
"We haven't discussed it yet. But I think so. I want us to be." He couldn't help the crooked smile on his face. Angela glowed. Then frowned.
"Hang on. What do you mean 'haven't discussed it yet'? When did you guys get together? Oh my god! It was last night wasn't it? You slept together last night! Oh my god!" She was back to hysterics. Booth put his hand firmly over her mouth, successfully quieting her.
"This is between me and Bones, ok Angela. I don't want everyone knowing about it just yet. It's still very new. I don't know how Bones feels about the whole thing. We haven't had a chance…" He trailed off, his eyes shooting to the double doors as a doctor came through. His entire body turned towards the doors, leaving Angela watching after him. As she realised what had caught his attention she quickly followed him.
"Angela Montenegro?" He called. Angela waved her arm.
"Here!" She called, quickly moving to the doctor with Booth. She nearly had to hold Booth back from pushing the doctor against the wall and interrogating him.
"You came with Dr Brennan in the ambulance?" He asked, looking at the forms on his clipboard. Angela nodded readily. "And you are?" He cast Booth a look.
"Her partner." Booth's voice was steely as he tried to control his emotions. They hadn't been told anything yet. It could be good news. He kept telling himself that. He didn't want to think about it being bad news.
"Ok. Well, I am Dr Grierson and I attended Dr Brennan in the ER. Can you tell me what happened to her?" He raised his pen, ready to write down Angela's story. She looked flustered. Booth frowned.
"How is she?" He asked quickly. He hadn't expected the doctor to ask them questions. He'd wanted answers.
"Dr Brennan is stable. I would like to know the details of the accident. We will have to file a police report and any information regarding the vehicle that hit Dr Brennan will be much appreciated. Did you get the licence plate? Or see what the drive looked like?" The pen was poised again.
"I'm not sure. I know that the car was red. And old. But it happened pretty fast. Maybe if I drew it." Angela was trying to be helpful but all she really wanted was to see her friend.
"Listen buddy," Booth said, taking a menacing step closer to the doctor. "I am the police. I will make the report. But right now I want to see my partner." He looked down at the doctor, who was obviously used to being threatened. He didn't even flinch.
"You are the police?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"FBI. Now I want to see Dr Brennan." Booth flashed his badge. The doctor looked at it for a moment and then back to Booth.
"This is against regulations." He started. Booth gave him a fierce look. "I will take you to see Dr Brennan. But you must not upset her. She is still under observation." He gave them both a stern look. Angela nodded but Booth just glowered. He was not going to wait much longer.
"This way." Dr Grierson said, turning and swiftly walking through the doors. Booth strode after him, not even looking to see if Angela was keeping up. They were led through a maze of corridors and past room after room of patients. The strong smell of disinfectant made Booth recoil. He had spent more than enough time in hospitals. He hated them. And he hated having people he cared about in them. His growing worry for Bones was gnawing away at his stomach.
Finally the doctor slowed his brisk walk and Booth halted behind him. They were standing outside a room. Booth assumed they were still in the ER ward of the hospital. He moved to go inside the room. Grierson stopped him, holding out the clipboard in front of the agent.
"You aren't to upset her, understand." He warned. Booth wondered why the doctor was so adamant that they didn't upset Bones. What was going on?
"I just want to see my partner." Booth said, exhaling. He felt so frustrated and tense. He knew that Angela was eager to see Brennan. Why couldn't this doctor get out of their way? Was she in such a bad state that he wanted them to be prepared? Was she dying? Why couldn't doctors be straight up and just tell it to you?
"And you will. But be warned that Dr Brennan wants to go home. We cannot allow her to do this. She needs to stay here for observation. I don't want you putting it into her head that she can leave. Understand?" Grierson looked to both of them. Booth nodded readily, assuming that Angela did the same. He would have promised anything right then if it meant the doctor would shut up and let them into the room.
"Keep it short." He said, stepping back and opening the door. Booth pushed past and allowed his eyes to take in the room of beeping equipment. There were tubes and machines and instruments. All of it made Booth feel on edge. He really, really hated hospitals. He finally found the courage to alight his eyes upon Bones. Angela, obviously not the squeamish sort, had ploughed right into the room and settled by her friend's side immediately. She was gabbling away but Brennan only had eyes for Booth. She caught his gaze, noting the pained, panicked expression that he held. She gave him a weak smile.
Booth smiled back, but it didn't reach his eyes. Instead, his concern burnt there. His Bones was in a hospital gown, lying on a hospital bed with an IV in her arm and a bandage on her forehead. She looked battered. Not broken. But hurt. And that hurt him. He felt physical pain at seeing her hurting. It was strange, but that was how deep his feelings for her were.
"You ok?" He asked, his voice soft. Angela stopped talking and took in the scene before her. She had the decorum not to scream with joy at witnessing a B&B moment. Booth was grateful for that. He personally would have preferred that she weren't there for this, but he was willing to ignore her presence if she would allow them one moment to themselves.
"I am fine. The doctors here are incompetent and believe I need to stay overnight. I have asked for a second opinion." Her eyes flashed with determination and Booth grinned softly at her words. That was the Bones he knew.
"But are you ok?" He asked again, knowing that this time she would realise that he was asking a deeper question.
"Yes," came her soft reply. Their eyes held. Booth took the four steps closer and took her hand. He leant down and kissed her gently on the mouth before trailing his lips every so softly over her bandaged forehead. Brennan winced slightly and Booth pulled back in concern.
"Do you know what happened?" He asked, sitting in the chair beside the bed. He glanced over at Angela, who was practically bursting with excitement. He almost rolled his eyes. She could be so immature. But that was what made her who she was he supposed. He gave her a tiny smile, sharing in her joy. He had to admit that now that his initial concern for Bones' wellbeing had dissipated, he was feeling the waves of joy that had filled him that morning. He was still worried about her, but he felt sure that Brennan would make a full recovery.
"Despite the doctor's assurances that I have a concussion I remember perfectly. You dropped me off at the Jeffersonian. Angela was also arriving and waved me over. As I was crossing the slip lane a car hit me. I believe that the driver was intoxicated, or that is what the paramedics at the scene said.
"I suffered minor head trauma, an alleged concussion, bruising of the third, fourth and fifth ribs and a sprained wrist. Considering the statistical probability of serious injury when being hit by a car, I have escaped relatively unscathed. I believe that if the driver had been going five kilometres faster I would be dead."
Booth put his hand over her mouth then. Her words were distressing him. He couldn't hear about how close he had been to losing her. He wanted to get his hands on that driver that was for sure. But for the moment he was just pleased to have her in front of him and safe. He took her hand in his and kissed it. He couldn't help himself. He was just so relieved that the driver hadn't been going five kilometres faster.
"Are you in pain?" Angela's voice shocked them both out of their moment. They'd both forgotten she was there.
"Not too much. They gave me some morphine, although I think it was unnecessary. Hospitals seem to be overly keen on medicating their patients."
"Honey, if you are hurting you should take something. You've told me that head injuries are the worst for residual pain." Angela gave her friend a concerned look. She also gave her a good dose of "mum to be" look. Brennan did not falter. Instead she looked at Booth with those big wide innocent doe eyes. Booth felt his heart skip a beat as he drowned in that shimmering blue. He smiled softly at her.
"I think that I would feel much better if I were at home. I would be much more comfortable." She gave him an almost pleading look. The combination of her eyes and her soft touches against his hand was undoing him. But her words set alarm bells off in Booth's head. He knew her game. He knew exactly what she was playing at.
"The doctor says you have to stay here overnight." Booth chastised, giving her his stern look. Brennan, amazingly, seemed unfazed. Despite the fact that she was now receiving stern looks from two directions. She even managed a casual shrug. This woman constantly amazed Booth.
"That doctor is a fool. And completely incompetent. I don't believe I need to stay here. I am ready to go home now. I am capable of taking care of myself. I don't need a hospital." Once again with the big blues. Booth steeled his heart.
"Not a chance Temperance. You are staying right here." He said in a no nonsense voice. Something in his eyes must have made her realise he wasn't kidding as she made no further argument. Or maybe it was the fact that she felt worse than she was letting on. Booth wasn't sure. But he was glad that there was no major argument.
He hadn't planned on spending the night after their first night together in the hospital. In actual fact he'd planned on spending it in bed with her. And neither of them would be getting much sleep. Unfortunately life was getting in the way. Their lives to be exact. This was the typical sort of thing that would only happen to them. One of them would get shot, or stabbed, or blown up, or hit by a car and they would be in hospital. And it would always ruin a moment where they were going to be honest about their feelings. Well not this time, Booth thought determinedly. They'd already expressed their feelings and he was not going anywhere. He was staying right by Temperance's side all night.
"Will you stay?" She asked so softly he almost didn't hear. Angela was grinning and standing up. She looked from Booth to Brennan and back again.
"I'm going to get going. Lots of things to do and all that. I'll leave you two to it." She smiled a mischievous smile as she headed to the door. "You feel better Sweetie," She turned back to them. "I'll talk to you tomorrow and I will want all the details." She smirked. Booth stood suddenly.
"Angela?" He paused, not sure how to say it. She smiled.
"Don't worry big guy, your secret is safe with me." She waved to them both and made her way out. Booth sat down again and retook Brennan's hand.
"Are you sure you are ok?" He asked, finally unable to hide his concern.
"I'm sure, Booth. My head aches a little, but the medication is helping that. I was very lucky. But I will heal and I will be fine." Her hand squeezed his and he loved her just that little bit more.
"I love you, Temperance. You know that, right?" He asked desperately. All of a sudden he wanted to make sure she knew it. He didn't want something to happen to either one of them without his feelings being clear.
"I think that I am coming to terms with it, yes." Came her reply. Booth looked at her to work out if she was serious. She was half joking, he could tell. He could also see her emotions burning in her brilliant blue eyes.
"You going to say it?" He teased playfully. He loved her laugh as it rang out, tinkling his ears.
"Not when you are asking me to." She teased right back. Booth grinned. She was telling him, in her own way, that she loved him too. And it made him deliriously happy.
"You should get some rest, Bones." He chastised, standing to fluff her pillow and rearrange the blankets. He leant over her and whispered in her ear. "Do you know how sexy you look in that gown?" He purred.
Bones snorted a laugh, her body shuddering under him.
"Nobody looks good in these gowns, Booth." She laughed. Booth smiled knowingly.
"You do." He said with conviction.
"You will stay, wont you?" She asked again, the little girl replacing the confident scientist. Booth kissed her cheek while brushing a stray tendril of hair off her face.
"I wont leave your side for a minute." He promised adamantly. Brennan nodded, and Booth could see exhaustion overwhelming her.
"I don't know why I am so tired. It's barely midday." Her voice was thick with sleep.
"Its probably the medicine. Get some rest. You will feel better afterwards." He gently stroked her forehead, easing her off to sleep.
"I'm glad you are here," she muttered as she fell under sleep's caress. Booth smiled to himself. He was glad he was there too.
…
"Are you sure you wouldn't prefer to go out for dinner?" Brennan's voice called from the living room. Booth was clattering and bashing about in the kitchen and she was becoming concerned for not only his safety but also her own. Was he going to blow something up in there? What was he doing anyway? She was certain she'd never made so much noise whilst cooking.
"No! I've got it all under control. You just relax there. Its almost ready." Came his voice from the kitchen. Brennan couldn't be sure, but he sounded slightly panicked. She considered going in there and taking over but knew that Booth probably wouldn't appreciate it. He wanted to do this for her. A celebration, he called it. She had argued that having one's stitches removed was not cause for celebration but Booth had begged to differ. He'd been so handsome when he'd told her he was cooking her dinner that she could hardly deny him. But now she was becoming doubtful that that had been the best choice.
"Are you certain, Booth?"
"Absolutely!" Came the muffled reply. There was a crash and a loud bang and then silence. She heard Booth's muttering voice and several choice words. She laughed to herself and set about lighting the candles. Booth had definitely gone all out to make this a romantic evening. She was flattered that he cared so much.
There was a flurry of noise and then Booth was there, wrapping his arms around her from behind. Brennan allowed herself to relax back against him. Even though it had only been a week since they'd slept together, told each other how they felt, and accepted one another, she felt comfortable with Booth. She'd always felt comfortable with Booth. Theirs was a symbiotic relationship. They complimented each other. And once she had learnt to trust it had been easy to open herself to him.
"Are you hungry?" Booth's voice was hot in her ear. Brennan shivered.
"Starving." She purred. She felt Booth stiffen against her. He knew she wasn't hungry for food.
Deciding not to play along, Booth pulled away gently and took her hand. Brennan allowed him to lead her to the kitchen.
"Aren't we eating at the table?" She asked curiously. Booth shook his head. Brennan took in the spread on the kitchen counter.
"Pizza?" She asked, amused.
"Home made pizza," Booth corrected, grinning. Brennan felt herself smiling.
"You made pizza?"
"Yes. This is my dad's recipe. Once, when I was ten and he'd been sober for a little while, he taught me how to make this. I never forgot. It was special, somehow. Something my dad shared with me. I've never made it for anyone before." He looked at her a little shyly. Brennan felt warmth flood her heart. She felt overwhelmed by the emotions flooding her. But she didn't shy away from them. She was gradually learning to deal with her feelings.
"It smells delicious." She praised, walking to the counter and looking at the food Booth had prepared.
"Here," Booth picked up a piece and held it out to her to take a bite. "Try some." He watched eagerly as Brennan leant forward and slowly took a bite of the cheesy pizza in his hand. As she pulled back to chew Booth took a bite himself. They shared the piece until Brennan was licking cheese from Booth's fingers.
She sucked his index finger into her mouth seductively, swirling her tongue around its length and looking up at him with huge eyes. Booth felt his cock harden immediately. He swallowed. Brennan pulled back, giving his finger a little nip. Booth chuckled, his hand coming up to cup her face. Pulling her to him in a passionate kiss Booth moaned as he tasted the flavourful pizza on her lips. Brennan opened her mouth to him. Her tongue sought his and they duelled passionately.
Booth turned them slowly, pushing Brennan's back up against the bench top. With his free hand he moved the plates of pizza aside, clearing some space. His other hand was caressing Brennan's breast through her top. His fingers tweaked her nipple, teasing it, pinching it, urging it into a desperate peak. Their hips were fused together, his hard length pressed between them painfully. Booth growled in delight at the pressure she elicited by rolling her hips. She was a quick learner and their one time together had taught her well how to please him. She could already tell what things made him hard, made him shiver, turned him on. It was invigorating. It was sensual.
"Booth…" Brennan's voice was a husky whisper against his lips. Her hands were tangled in his brown hair. Her nails were trailing along his scalp, creating all kinds of delicious sensations. Booth's hands were trailing from hips to breasts, to hair, to backside and back again. His hips were settling into a slow thrusting rhythm.
As Brennan tugged on his full bottom lip with her teeth, Booth grasped her thighs in his large hands and lifted her onto the countertop. Once there, he settled between her thighs with a pleased sigh. His lips devoured hers passionately. He couldn't get enough of kissing her. She tasted so delicious and her kisses were so passionate and demanding. They were driving him insane.
His fingers deftly worked the buttons of her pants. Brennan lifted her hips willingly as he slid the fabric down her long legs and dropped them to the floor. Her delicate fingers popped the button on his jeans, and traced along the hard ridge of his cock through the denim. Booth moaned and thrust into her hot hand. He allowed her to rid him of his own pants before she worked on his shirt. Soon they were naked, flesh against flesh.
Booth's mouth and tongue devoured her breasts, while Brennan's nails teased his nipples. He brought her to the brink several times, not allowing her to tumble over. Brennan growled playfully in frustration.
"Please, Booth." She moaned. Booth smiled against her lips.
"Now?" He asked, his voice deep and husky. Brennan nodded against him, her hands bracing against his broad shoulders. Booth, hands on her thighs, slowly eased his hips forward. As the head of his cock brushed against her glistening lips they both shuddered. As he slipped inside they released a mutual sigh. When Booth hilted inside her, Brennan moaned loudly, her head falling back. Booth groaned in pleasure, loving the feel of her muscles milking his cock. She was so hot and tight. Her thighs around his hips were creating a delicious pressure, were so warm, so comfortable, that he felt he never wanted to leave the cradle of her sex.
His feet were still firmly planted on the ground, his pants bunched around his ankles. But his knees were trembling with the effort to stay standing. The sensations he was feeling were so amazing that he felt he might pass out. Brennan was panting against him. Slow, short gasps of breath.
Standing there in his kitchen, Brennan wrapped around him, Booth made slow, gentle, passionate love to the woman of his dreams, right there on the kitchen bench.
Awww isn't that sweet? I hope that made up for the delay. They are happy again! Yay. So Booth and Brennan are settling into their relationship. Both of them are finally learning to open up and let themselves trust. So where do they go from here? Stay tuned and find out…
