28. Home?
She had indeed been there when Booth woke up and he had been basically giddy with relief. Brennan had spent most of Thursday criticizing nurses and demanding to see doctors along with his x-rays. Booth for his part had been in a relatively good mood, charming nearly everyone in sight. Despite Brennan's seemingly normal behavior, he knew that she was holding something back. He hadn't pushed her on the issue, but he was going to have to at least bring it up soon.
It was now Friday and Booth was expected to be released that afternoon. Brennan was currently sitting gingerly on the bed next to Booth while they watched mindless daytime television. Deciding that she might actually be burning brain cells trying to follow the plotline, she turned to watch Booth.
His eyes were fixed on the screen but she suspected he was focused on something else. His eyes were sad and there was a slight pout on his lips. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.
"Booth, what's wrong? I would have thought that you would be elated to leave the hospital."
She broke him from his thoughts and he responded. "Oh I'm definitely glad to get out of here." He reached down to hold her hand. "But I'm just disappointed that our weekend away was ruined."
Her face relaxed with understanding. "Well, it may not be exactly as we planned, but…"
She was interrupted by Director Cullen knocking on the doorframe. "Agent Booth."
"Yes Sir?"
Cullen was amused to see the partners looking slightly guilty at their close proximity and Brennan began moving off the bed. He held his hand up to stop her. "Please, as you were."
She thanked him as she settled back into her partner. Booth tried not to smile when he snaked his arm around her waist. Inwardly Booth was ecstatic that Cullen approved of their relationship. He focused back on the fact his boss was standing before him.
"So what brings you here to see me?"
Cullen grinned and stuck his hands in his pockets. "Well I stopped by to once again thank one of my best agents for a job well done on his last assignment. I also came to inform you that after the physical therapist stops by, you are free to go. Then you can head off for your week long vacation as requested by your partner. After which you will need to have an appointment to assess the state of your shoulder. Once we get the results from that, we'll go from there."
Cullen watched as his agent processed the information he had been given. Clearly he hadn't been filled in on many of the details of his upcoming schedule. He shook his head at the two unusual partners.
"Well I have a meeting I need to get to. Hope you enjoy your week off with the good doctor." He gave Booth a quick wink and started walking out the door.
Booth turned to look at Brennan's neutral face and finally responded to his superior.
"Thank you sir, I'm sure I will."
Brennan finally met Booth's gaze. He smirked at her and simply asked her a question. "So, a week off huh?"
She maintained her logical façade. "Well you certainly wouldn't be able to go back to work after an injury like this."
He smiled as he pulled her closer.
"That's true, but it sounded as if I was going to be taking off a week…to go somewhere…with you. I seem to recall only making reservations for a long weekend."
Brennan looked down at her hands and began rambling.
"Well I was able to attain a refund for the reservations. I also spoke with Director Cullen and Cam to make arrangements to take a week off. Then I proceeded to talk to my father and inquired about using his lake cabin for approximately ten days. It has similar landscape as the resort and qualifies as fairly secluded. I assumed it would be an acceptable substitution. If, however, I was wrong in that assumption, we don't have to…"
Booth finally reached out and silenced her with his fingers on her lips. He was touched that she went through so much trouble to keep him happy. "Bones, that sounds perfect. I look forward to spending an entire week with you."
He watched her relax just a bit further as he moved his hand to caress her cheek. As they got lost in each other's gaze, he hesitated to ask her the question that had been bothering him for two days.
"Are we ok?"
She immediately tensed and he gently stroked his thumb across her cheekbone. "I know that brain of yours has been working overtime about something. I need you to talk to me about it; I can't always read your mind, Temperance."
Closing her eyes, she sighed deeply as she realized that she hadn't done a very believable job of appearing in control. Leaning into his hand to draw strength, she opened her eyes. He deserved to know what she was thinking, but she couldn't articulate it yet.
"I have been thinking; a lot has happened recently." She continued with determination. "I will talk to you, just not yet. I still need time to sort through everything."
Her honesty and sincerity was all he needed to hear to calm his nerves. "Ok Bones. I won't push you. I just wanted to remind you that I'm here."
His words were such a comfort to her. So many people couldn't comprehend that it took time for her to process emotions and their resulting consequences. Booth understood her and never judged her. It was one of the many reasons she respected him. The moment between them lingered and she didn't want to leave. She took the hand that was resting on her face and held it between them.
"I love you Booth."
He gave her a warm smile and responded. "I love you too Bones."
A few moments later, they were interrupted by a rather tall man clearing his throat. He introduced himself as the physical therapist, Dr. Seth Seaford. He reminded Booth of a California surfer and was instantly at ease from his relaxed manner. Dr. Seaford went through some simple details and then began slowly rotating Booth's arm. Brennan watched with interest as the two men discussed local sports while going through the exercises. Booth hardly flinched even though his arm must have been rather sore.
Before Booth realized it, they had finished the routine. He tried out his arm and looked with awe at the doctor. "Wow, it doesn't feel too bad, considering. Usually by the end of the first session, I'm seriously considering shooting my doctor." He gave Dr. Seaford a grin. "You're good; I'm going to remember you."
The man simply chuckled. "Well, thank you. I find people perform the exercises better when they are relaxed and not focused on the pain. Though I will say that I went easy on you since it is the first day. It's bound to get worse from here on. Do you have someone to help you, to push you?"
Booth indicated his partner. "I'll be on vacation with Bones here. I'm sure she's planning on running through them with me." The doctor turned to Brennan. "Yes, I did notice you were paying close attention earlier. Certain movements will be much more difficult for him than others. You shouldn't be afraid to hurt him a bit."
The doctor was only being thorough, but Booth was certain that Brennan was going to give him a harsh correction concerning her expertise. However, she surprised him.
"Thank you for your concern that Booth receives proper treatment. I have studied anatomy and physiology and know from personal experience," she paused to look at Booth, "that often one must endure intense pain in order to properly heal."
