A/N – OK, so I realize this chapters only short, but it does have some very important developments. Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. And to MickeyBoggs for giving this the once over earlier today.
Disclaimer – I can imagine can't I?
Enjoy
"Was it really necessary to imitate the vocalization of a piglet?"
The lab had ground to a complete halt at Angela's inhuman squeal from Dr. Brennan's office. When Temperance finally admitted to her best friend that Booth's feelings for her were welcomed, Angela reacted exactly as had been predicted by many.
"Yes! It so was, sweetie. I can't believe that you are finally dating Booth," she gushed.
Temperance rolled her eyes in exasperation. "You already knew that we had been engaging in sexual activity. I fail to see how this development is of such significance."
"You're kidding right? You guys were sleeping together as an arrangement. So that you could get pregnant. Albeit with fringe benefits."
"Fringe benefits? I don't understand?"
"You were sleeping with him, Bren! You were doing 'God know what' sort of unspeakable acts," Angela smirked. "If that's not classed as a benefit of trying for a baby, then I don't know what is.
Temperance sat back in her chair and considered Angela's remark. "The sex is rather… incredible." She grinned uncontrollably at the thought. "I'm just frustrated that my period started again. I really was convinced that we had accomplished fertilization after so many ejaculations."
"Never mind sweetie," Angela comforted. "There's always next month. And think of all the fun you'll have trying."
"That's what Booth said."
"Bren?" Angela settled herself on the sofa.
"Mmn hmm?"
"Now you guys are finally, like, official, have you considered that maybe putting the baby idea on hold might be appropriate?"
"What?" Temperance looked at Angela with suspicion.
"Just while it's all new with Booth? I mean, wouldn't it be nice to just enjoy what you guys have for the time being?"
"But if I wasn't planning a child then why would I be establishing a domestic unit? Had Booth and I participated in intercourse without the prospect of a child involved, which was extremely unlikely anyway," she added sullenly, "then it would most likely have been on a casual basis. Before this point I had no relationship potential, per se, to offer Booth."
"Sweetie," Angela argued. "Booth is your soul-mate. Baby or no baby. You guys are just meant to be."
"Yes…. But… Booth craves the nuclear family ideals. Were I not to desire a child I very much doubt that he would be happy with me alone."
"Where is this crap coming from, Bren?" Angela's frustration was evident. "He's already told you he loves you like, a gazillion times already."
Temperance privately replayed her almost photographic memory of the recent conversation with Booth's father. It would be hard to deny that his words to her had struck a nerve. "That is not a valid quantifiable unit of measurement," she protested, pulling herself back into the real world.
Angela glared at her friend. "You know exactly what I mean. So stop playing dumb."
"I wouldn't know how to play dumb. My IQ is exceptional. And if Booth really saw me that way before I craved the notion of motherhood then why'd he never say or do anything about it? It would be rational to conclude that 'loving me' is a coping mechanism to allow him to justify having a child with me. And… I can accept that. The idea of a secure relationship with a male who knows me well enough to accept who I am is an appealing one, none the less. Booth suggested that there is someone for everyone. I am not that naïve. Simply finding someone with whom you can be comfortable is enough to successfully raise a child."
"Oh, pur-lease!" Angela drawled. "For someone with an exceptional IQ you can be pretty stupid y'know. Everybody else has seen how much Booth loves you for as long as I can remember. You've just been too blind to notice."
"I have near perfect vision," Temperance observed rationally.
"Are you being deliberately difficult?"
The anthropologist looked blankly at the increasingly frustrated artist.
"You know what. I have… stuff," Angela murmured, temporarily defeated. "I'll see you later." Leaving Brennan alone in her office, she resolved to - somehow - convince her that what she had with Booth was nothing short of perfect.
As Temperance watched her friend go, her computer dinged, indicating new mail in her private account. Opening up the message, she read it with intrigue. An eight week dig in Peru, expanding on the finds that she had been involved with originally. It sounded exceptionally appealing, but a whole eight weeks? Perhaps, Temperance considered, she could attend for three, working around her ovulation period. Or Booth might like to accompany her. He'd been able to go to China after all. And he'd felt bad that she missed out on that occasion. It wouldn't hurt to ask him later she supposed.
She winced as a pain repeatedly twinged through her breast. This was getting more frustrating by the day. Reaching under her arm, Temperance could feel that her lymph node was swollen. Maybe it would be advisable for her to visit a physician. Perhaps, then she could get some explanation for the six pounds she had lost in the last four weeks. And the intermittent vomiting that occurred day or night. Besides, it was getting to be problematic when she brushed her teeth and found herself spitting out mouthfuls of blood.
Yes. A visit to her physician was long overdue.
Temperance looked back at her PC. There were many sites offering an online diagnosis. Surely it wouldn't hurt to get an idea of the potential problem. Quickly, she typed in her symptoms and waited for a result.
"Oh!" Her voice echoed around the empty office. The answer on the screen was not what she had expected at all.
This was serious.
**********
"Do you love him?"
Standing assertively in the doorway, Angela's question was precise and to the point. Exactly the way the anthropologist liked them to be. However the reply she received was less than convincing.
"I don't understand what love is, Angela. How can I authenticate an answer without knowing myself?"
"I expected this. So luckily I came prepared." Angela indicated for Temperance to sit with her. "Love is a verb, sweetie. It's something you do. And like I said before, we've all seen how much Booth loves you in the things he says and does where you're concerned. And…" Angela leaned closer. "We think that we've seen the same in you too. But I think you have to ask yourself, have you seen it?"
Temperance closed her eyes for a moment and thought back. There were so many occasions flooding her memory all at once that it made her feel faint. And she had never felt so strongly about anyone else beside Booth.
She loved him. Really truly loved Booth.
If her online diagnosis proved correct, then things were going to change forever.
"Please sweetie." Angela continued. "Don't hurt Booth anymore than you already have. Because it just isn't fair to either of you."
Hurting Booth just wasn't an option for her. Under any circumstances. And she would need to make some serious decisions. "You're right, Ange. I don't want to do anything that won't make Booth happy. I'm going to leave early. There's something I need to do. "
Angela grinned. "Go girl… but just remember the FBI frowns on acts of a sexual nature inside the Hoover building."
Temperance forced a smile. Because on this occasion, well, Angela couldn't be further from the truth.
