[DISCLAIMER] Bones isn't mine.

26th December

The Reunion in the Hospital

Everybody kept their promise and, when they all arrive - Booth, Brennan, Christine, Hank, Cam, Wendell, Daisy and little Lance - in Hodgins' hospital room, a happy smile blossoms on Angela's face. She stands and embraces Brennan tightly, then does the same to the rest of the team, stealing Hank from Booth's arms. Booth notices the sad expression on Hodgins' face as he watches his wife cradle her godson and determines to cheer him up, whatever it takes. He leans down, whispers something in Christine's ear and nudges her forward.

"I made this for you, Uncle Jack," she says, anxiously making her way towards his bed. She eyes the machines and wires apprehensively as she hands him a piece of paper.

"Thank you, Christine." He admires the paper fondly. The little girl has drawn him a picture of their two families combined and written (in impressively neat handwriting for a five year old) "I love you, Uncle Jack. Get well soon!"

"Do you like it?" She asks as she plays with the hem of her dress.

"I love it. You're a very talented artist, Christine, just like Angie." He shares a warm smile with his wife as she returns to his bedside, Hank sitting on her knee.

"Daddy says I take after him, but," she lowers the volume of her voice, "he's not very good at drawing."

"Hey!" He protests, offended. "I heard that, Christine Angela!"

Brennan chuckles, leaning into her husband's side. "She's right, Booth. You're not a talented artist. I, however-."

"Mommy's not very good either, unless it's bones," Christine whispers to Hodgins, making him laugh. "Can I sit on the bed with you?"

"Christine-."

"Sweetheart, I don't think-."

Hodgins shoots Booth and Brennan a glare. "Of course she can. Just be careful with the wires and tubes."

"What are they for?" She asks curiously.

"Uncle Jack is poorly," Angela explains when he can't find words. "They help make him better."

"Oh. Ok." She continues talking to him, babbling away about anything and everything while the adults discuss their Christmas celebrations. Daisy had spent the day with the baby and her family, Wendell with Andie and Cam with Michelle.

"So, who won the competition this year?" Cam asks, grinning. It has become something of a tradition and everybody in their team anticipates finding out who the winner is.

"It was totally me."

"I was successful this time around."

Booth mock scowls at her answer. "I won, Bones."

"You did not!"

Christine sighs loudly, attracting the attention of all the adults bar her parents. "They've been arguing since yesterday morning."

Everybody laughs, not surprised.

"Tell us what you got each other and we'll decide," Wendell suggests to which everyone agrees.

"This is why you've always been my favourite intern, Mr. Bray," Brennan says.

Booth points his finger at his wife. "Hey. No blackmailing."

"Whatever. You tell your present first."

He clears his throat. "Ok, so I got Bones this really expensive diamond charm necklace, which my beautiful wife is modelling right now. It has the letters of our names dangling from the chain, right, so it's very thoughtful and sentimental and did I mention expensive?"

"Yes," she responds, rolling her eyes at him.

"Ooooh! It's beautiful, Dr. Brennan," Daisy says, ogling the diamond necklace.

"It really is," Cam agrees.

"How can you not love that?"

"I love it, I'm not saying I don't. I just think my gift is better."

"What is it, Dr. B?" Wendell questions.

"A month long trip to England."

"To see Parker?" Hodgins confirms. "That's awesome!"

"You're so sweet, Brennan," Angela compliments. "I'd say you definitely win."

"Ha!" Brennan says loudly, cheering in Booth's face, who just shakes his head.

"Me, too. Sorry, Seeley!"

"I thought you'd be on my side, Camille," he cries. "You've known me longer."

"Yes, but you very rarely get to be with Parker and it gives Christine and Hank a great holiday, too, so Dr. Brennan wins."

"Whatever." He folds his arms across his chest defensively, catching the time on his watch. "Oh! If we want dinner we had better be going."

Everybody piles out of the hospital room, a nurse coming in to free Hodgins of the hospital machinary and Booth helping him out of his bed and into the wheelchair. Angela pushes him through the doors, Brennan close behind with Hank's stroller. They head to a restaurant across the street and thoroughly enjoy their meal together, forgetting about all the bad stuff that has happened in the last few days and focusing on the great food and even better company.

The response to the last chapter was amazing, thank you so much! Hope you enjoy this offering just as much! :)