Disclaimer- I can't make a profit because I don't own the characters you recognize... if I did, I'd be rich... rich I tell ya.
A/N- Are you ready to tag along on Booth and Brennan's date? Fluff galore. Oh, this chapter also makes reference to the episode, 'The Conman in the Meth Lab'; you know the episode with the speech about Brennan, not being distracted by shiny baubles again... (Season 4)
As Angela literally pushed her best friend, into the arms of Booth, and out the out the door, Brennan, was still giving Angela, notes on caring for Molly.
"Sweetie, she'll be fine, I'll be fine, we'll be fine, just go, have fun and don't worry."
Angela closed the door and slid the lock, into place. Brennan looked up at Booth, who was smiling.
"You think I'm silly, don't you?"
Booth kissed her cheek.
"Nope, I think you gorgeous and sweet and I think Molly, is the luckiest little girl in the world, because she has you as her Mom."
Brennan smiled, blinking back newly formed tears.
"Come on Baby, we have our phones, it'll be fine."
Temperance nodded, she couldn't understand why, she was so apprehensive about leaving her daughter, it wasn't the first time and Molly, was far more comfortable with Ange, now than when, they left her for the conference.
Booth took his girlfriend's hand, in his and gave a gentle tug.
"Let's go."
She didn't resist, allowing him to pull her into his side, as they walked toward the elevator.
The car trip was spent with Brennan, trying to guess where they going, Booth, stayed silent; neither denying nor affirming her guesses.
"I'm not saying anything Baby, you're just gunna have to wait."
He chuckled at her pout and continued down the lamp lit streets, toward their destination. Brennan tried to think where they were headed, but couldn't recall any restaurants in their general direction; they had left the food district and were heading toward the outer DC. Taking a sharp right Booth, turned into a graveled parking lot, he pulled out his cell and hit send.
"Come on."
Brennan frowned; their surrounds were pitch black, as he turned the head lights off.
"Booth, there's no lights."
He smiled and shook his head.
"Just trust me, get out."
She opened the door and slid from the car, as the park suddenly lit up, with hundreds of fairy lights. Brennan awed at the sight, it was beautiful. Directly in front of them, was a wall that surrounded a picnic area, from the trees above hung glowing balls of light, they were looped through the trees and lit the grounds in a warm glow.
"Booth... it's... how did you..."
Booth stepped around the front of the truck and smiled.
"So, do you like it?"
She looked up to his face and smiled.
"Like... Booth, I love it, it's beautiful."
She looked around quickly.
"Are we the only ones here?"
"Yep, the park is all ours."
Brennan turned back to the picnic area and smiled. Booth opened the trunk and pulled out a basket and a picnic rug, before closing the truck back up and locking the doors.
"Alright, we have a small walk ahead of us."
Brennan glanced to the picnic basket.
"Booth, that's an eating area just there."
He smiled, laced his fingers with hers and led her toward a black, wrought iron gate.
"I know, but that's not where we're, eating."
She followed him with a bright smile on her face, no one had ever, gone to so much effort to make a romantic evening for her before and she was happily anticipating what would be next.
They strolled through the park, admiring the pinks, blues, whites and purples of the lights. The foot path beneath them was derived from compacted red gravel and crunched gently with each step taken. Brennan could hear ducks chatting nearby and knew they must be approaching a pond or lake, however the elegance of the sight as they rounded a small bend in their track, halted her progress, as she froze in awe.
A white gazebo stood across a lake, a purple aura surrounded it, the trees on the banks were bathed in a pink glow and the lake, reflected the trees and grasses, making the entire scene seem dream like.
"Oh Booth."
She squeezed his hand in admiration and he motioned her, to step onto the grass and down a slight decline.
At the bottom of the hill a row boat sat, rocking gently with the movement of the water beneath it, reeds swayed, side to side, as a cooling breeze rolled across the pond.
"Hop in."
Bones climbed slowly, into the boat and sat on the seat at the far end, she took the blanket, Booth handed her and steadied the basket he rested on the floor. Untying the rope from its stake, Booth, climbed in and used the oar to push away from the shallows.
"Booth this is amazing, how did you get us access, to the park?"
Booth shrugged.
"Someone owes me a favor."
Brennan smiled.
"I'm glad we could come here."
Both rowed them out slowly, keeping his movements slow, he didn't want to create too much noise. The waves lapping at the sides of boat, had a calming effect and added to the romance of their location.
"So, you're glad we're not, at a restaurant then?"
Brennan nodded.
"I love this Booth, I'll never forget it."
Booth grinned. He had wanted the night to be memorable, from beginning to end and so far it seemed things, were working out.
They moored the boat on the other side of the lake and climbed out, onto a makeshift pontoon, Brennan, handed him the basket and blanket, before she too climbed out and joined her partner.
"Are we going into the gazebo?"
Booth wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple.
"Sure are Babe."
They walked carefully, not wanting to trip or fall, Brennan stopped halfway to admire the sight again, she couldn't get past how beautiful everything looked, they hadn't even had dinner and already, this was the best date she'd ever been on.
Booth spread the blanket onto the wooden floor of the gazebo and set the basket down, on a corner. Toeing off their shoes Booth waited for Bones, to sit before positioning himself across from her.
"Ok... I hope you're hungry."
Brennan smiled.
"I am."
Booth pulled out two wine glasses and a bottle of white wine. He poured and they clinked their glasses, each making silent toasts that the road they were on, would lead to constant happiness and a stronger bond.
Booth began pulling plates and cutlery from the basket and then container upon container. Brennan smiled at the selection, grilled vegetable salad, roasted pumpkin and feta cous cous, stuffed ricotta ravioli with basil and pine nut pesto, dessert would consist of chocolate dipped strawberries and mini tiramisu cups.
Brennan was speechless. Last but not least he pulled out two bottles of water, before looking up and giving the spread, a playful flourish.
"Dig in Bones, before it all goes cold."
She lifted her plate, as Booth scooped up some vegetables and held them out to her.
"Thank you, how did you get all this into the car?"
Booth smiled.
"Remember my chat with Lizzy at lunch time."
Brennan dropped her head, as her own memories of being somewhat jealous, came flooding back; she nodded.
"Well I was asking a favor, Ange picked it all up for me and put it in the trunk before coming up."
Bones scooped some pasta, onto her plate and then Booths.
"It all looks wonderful, I didn't know the diner had food like this, it's not on the menu."
Booth smiled.
"I emailed Lizzy a few things, the cous cous, pasta and tiramisu are family recipes, my mom taught me, I gave them to Lizzy to cook for us, I would have done it, but didn't have time."
Brennan was amazed at the lengths he'd gone to for her, she knew, she would never be able to top anything he came up with. Taking her first bite of pasta, Bones, hummed in approval.
"Oh it's delicious, thank you... for all of this."
"You're welcome."
Booth dug into his own meal, Lizzy had followed his instructions perfectly, the food was mouth watering and extremely addictive.
They ate slowly, neither in any hurry to finish.
"You do realize Booth, that now I know, you can cook, you're never leaving the Kitchen again."
Booth grinned.
"The thought did occur to me yes."
Brennan smiled, taking a bite of roasted egg plant.
"And, you're ok with that?"
Booth swallowed and took a sip of wine.
"I love cooking Bones; I mean granted, I like eating more, but I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my mom."
Brennan tilted her head.
"I always pictured you outside, running around and playing sports."
Booth nodded.
"I did, but sometimes when I had bruises or cuts on my face from my dad, I preferred to stay indoors, I hated, trying to come up with excuses for how I got a black eye or a busted lip."
Brennan watched her best friend's face, he wasn't sad, just simply stating a fact, she understood his desire to hide away, she had spent most of her teenage years hiding, it was hard work, but making up excuses and remembering the lies you'd told to cover the pain, was harder.
They sat in silence a little while longer, before Booth offered her more wine.
"So I thought after dinner we could head back to the car, put all this away and go for a walk, there's something I want you to see."
Brennan nodded.
"I thought you might like to check in with Ange too."
Brennan smiled, she had been wondering how things were going.
"I'm sorry Booth, I know I..."
Booth reached out, touching her knee.
"Hey, don't apologize, besides, I'd like to know as well."
Brennan lifted her eyes and saw the truth in his expression.
"Desert?"
He held out a spoon and a portion of the creamy coffee dessert.
"Thank you."
She took the spoon and dug in instantly, Booth halted his movement wanting to see her reaction to his dessert, her eyes closed and she tilted her head back, holding the bite in her mouth a few extra seconds, before swallowing.
"God, I could this eat all day..."
Booth smiled taking a sample for himself.
"You do you know that tiramisu, is one of my favorite sweets right?"
Booth licked his spoon and raised his eyes to meet hers.
"I know."
Brennan wanted to ask him how he knew, she couldn't remember discussing t with him, but the fact that she would have to stop eating the tasty treat in front of her, kept her silent.
They finished their meal and packed away the containers and plates and cutlery, leaving the wine out. Booth took Bone's hand and pulled her closer to himself.
"Come ere."
She smiled and edged closer, settling between his spread knees and resting back on his chest.
"Have I told you, how beautiful you look tonight?"
He whispered softly, as his fingers drew patterns on her arms, causing goose bumps to form.
"Cold?"
She shook her head in the negative, making Booth; realize he'd made her body react.
"So... that was a good shiver?"
Brennan smiled shyly; her body had never reacted so easily to a man, as it did with Booth, a ghost of breath across her skin was all that was needed to make her insides hum with desire.
"Definitely a good shiver Booth."
His arms wrapped around her waist from behind and held her warmly, she felt as if she was the most precious thing in the world to him. His embrace was tender and so full of love she could literally feel the effects settling over her. So many emotions were broiling inside her, she had never felt so much in any one moment before, it was confusing and fantastic at the same time and before she could begin to name each sensation, a new feeling washed over her, a familiar stirring, born of her best friend's lips on her own.
He kissed her slowly, feeling the steady climb of lust building within. He felt her turn in toward his chest, increasing the contact between them, as his fingers wound through her hair, gently tugging at the auburn silk, her own fingers sought for purchase at his shoulders, gripping his shirt and pulling herself closer to his torso.
Their bodies were fused and he wondered if she could feel the thumping, of his erratic heartbeat, just as he could feel hers. Breaking contact for a moment, Booth stared down, into the blue eyes that had made him smile so much over the years.
"I am going to be in love with you, forever Temperance. I'll never let you regret choosing me."
Brennan reached up and cupped his cheek with an affectionate smile.
"I chose you a long time ago Seeley and I've never, regretted it."
"Hey Ange, how's it going?"
Angela rolled her eyes.
"Sweetie everything is fine. Molly is asleep. She hasn't woken since you guys left, stop worrying."
Brennan smiled as Booth, walked up behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist.
"Ok, sorry Ange, I don't doubt your abilities, I'm just..."
"Nervous about upsetting Molly, I know Sweetie, but she's fine, dreaming peacefully, now go enjoy your date with that hunky man of yours and stop waiting, for something to go wrong."
Booth smiled, hearing Angela's reprimand to her friend.
"Ok, thanks Ange."
"Love ya Sweetie."
Ange was first to hang up and with a shake of her head, she went back to her magazine puzzles.
Brennan looked up at Booth and smiled.
"She's asleep, hasn't woken since we left."
Booth nodded, he honestly wasn't expecting anything different, Molly, had been sleeping through the night for a couple of weeks now, she knew she was safe and had even stopped wetting the bed. He understood Bones, anxiousness though, Molly, was her first child and had had a troubled start to life, Brennan felt as if she had to try harder to make sure Molly, was happy, almost as if she owed the little girl, for the worlds cruel beginning.
"Come on, let's go for a walk."
Brennan slipped her cell into her pocket and nodded, as her boyfriend grasped her hand and held it tightly.
The sounds of night time insects filled the air, joined by gentle crunch of gravel underfoot. Frogs caught in a competition of sound, became the back beat, for the nocturnal symphony. Brennan loved the sound of night, as a child, she and her mother would lay in their back yard watching the stars and listening, to the sounds of the night dwelling creatures. Living in the city silenced nature's musical, instead the constant hum of electrical currents and a cacophony of twenty four hour traffic became the normal. It was easy to forget what once would have existed, before our concrete jungle was built.
The gravel beneath, became soil and then grass.
"How do you know, where we're going?"
He smiled.
"Just do."
Looking around, everything seemed the same, garden beds had been designed with a symmetrical eye, so one side of the park mirrored the other. They walked past a rose garden, filled with pinks and purples, peaches and reds each colour a step higher than the last, the blooms were open and droplets of moisture clung to the petals, after their night time watering.
"Booth, exactly how often do you come here?"
Booth smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he continued on.
"I found this place about two years ago; I was driving around, trying to clear my head after the Stegman case and everything that was happening around it..."
Booth gave her a look wondering if she remembered what he was referring to; she nodded with an ashamed look on her face.
"I needed a place to pull over and chose the parking lot, there were no other cars around and I thought the silence, was what I needed. I got out and began wandering around, I followed this path we're taking, I had been praying silently for God to give me sign, to tell me what I should do and I stumbled on my answer."
Brennan frowned.
"My mom was a huge gardener, she would grow these massive pots of flowers and take pictures of them, she'd get them framed and write the flower meaning underneath, everyday I'd walk past them, not paying attention, but to this day, I can tell you what each pot represented..."
Brennan smiled and rested her head on his shoulder, she loved hearing him speak about his mom; he got an almost boyish smile on his face as he reminisced. They walked on down three stone steps, lined with moss and onto a leaf littered path.
"So when I found what I want to show you, I knew where I was supposed to be."
Brennan looked up, a little puzzled by what he was talking about, Booth saw her confusion and smiled.
"You'll see."
As they took a few more steps, Brennan could hear running water, she looked around but saw nothing, they approached a small incline under a large wisteria tree.
"Don't slip; the flowers get a little soggy when they drop."
Brennan smiled at his concern and heeded his warning, taking smaller steps, to ensure her footing. As they reached the crest Brennan, gasped, lit up with white spot lights on the ground, was a stream, surrounded by purple Azalea's and Daffodils, they approached slowly. Booth sensing his girlfriend was completely taken by the sight led her confidently through the flowers. The river began, as if the Azalea's had grown over a stream, a large log sat horizontally across the flow as water bubbled and trickled around it into a larger pond, surrounded by bright yellow Daffodils.
A small wooden sign told them the name of the waterway was 'Serendipity Stream'.
"Azalea's have a few meanings, but its oldest is Temperance."
Brennan gazed up at Booth, with admiration; they walked through the Daffodils on the stepping stones provided.
"Daffodils have the power upon being presented to someone, of telling the receiver that 'they're the only one' and..."
As they approached the back of the pond, a wall of Azalea's climbed toward the stars, with a sea of white Daisies at the base and a large cluster, of yellow Daffodils springing up from the center.
"Daisies are a flower of emotion, meaning a loyal love for their recipient."
Brennan had to wonder at the fact of Booth, finding her two favorite flowers, amongst a flower that was quite literally her name, surrounding a stream that had the very definition of making fortunate discoveries by accident, when the very thing that caused him to be in the park seeking answers, was her own lapse in loyalty to the man before her.
"I'm sorry for what I..."
Booth placed his fingers to her lips and smiled.
"Shhh, that's not why I brought you here, this meant something to me Bones, I believe that if we ask the right questions and listen, the universe answers us; God answers us, to me, finding this place was my answer, in my search for answers that night, miles from home, I found you, right here Bones and because of that, I drove back into town and went to 'The Founding Fathers' to find you'd organized a birthday party for me, complete with cake and gifts and speech that was everything I needed to hear."
Brennan smiled and turned into Booths chest, hugging him tightly and close.
"It is very beautiful here Booth, I'm glad you brought me here."
Booth smiled.
"There's something else I want you to see."
Brennan smiled as Booth, took her hand again and led her back the way they'd come. Holding his girlfriend round the waist, Booth edged back down the flower covered hill, to the path.
"It's down here."
He motioned to the left, where a zig zag pattern of bricks created a winding path, between fairy lit hedges. The walkway opened up to form a checker board effect on the ground, with bricks of multiple tones, while spotlights shone down from the trees, onto rows upon rows, of fragrant roses. Two large metal poles held speakers at forty five degree angles to the ground and as the couple walked into the paved clearing, a sensor triggered music to play.
Brennan held her hands up to cup, her agape mouth.
"Booth that's... that's my..."
Booth pulled a hand away from her face and pulled her into his body, intent on dancing properly to Seals, Kiss from a Rose.
Brennan rested her head against his shoulder, as he held her close, the warmth of his body making her melt, into his arms. They swayed gently, every now and then spinning, as the chorus played for the second time, Booth, dropped a tender kiss to her crown, smiling as she hugged him tighter. Booths hands ran over her back and shoulders, the sensation making her wish the night would never end. As the song drew to close, Brennan reached up kissing the lips that seemed, to taste better each time she made contact.
They kissed each other softly as the music faded out and nature started its own tune again.
"Booth?"
He hummed his response.
"Tonight has been wonderful, I honestly... I've never felt so loved, I had no idea a date could feel like this... and as much as I never want this night to end... I want us to go home, so I can show you how much I love you."
Booth caressed his best friends face and smiled at the honesty in her expression. He dropped a quick kiss to her lips, before pulling away and tugging her hand.
"Come on then... home."
Ok so, I'm going to try a keep the next chapter 'T' and I apologize in advance if anyone thinks it's and 'M' either way it won't be smut, I'm hoping for sweet and a huge helping of fluff.
**Please review this chapter though.**