A/N: better late than never, I suppose. This chapter is slightly AU because I've filled in a bit of a blank as to what happened during the Christmas holiday during season 6. Truth in advertising...Hannah is mentioned briefly in this chapter.

This chapter as 2 songs mentioned: Merry Christmas, Darling by Frank Pooler and Richard Carpenter and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane.

The galleries of the Jeffersonian had been lavishly decorated for Christmas, with swags of greenery and festive red and gold ribbon festooned over the arched doorways, but Booth didn't have time to admire the scenery. He was in a hurry that Christmas Eve, marching across the museum as a man with a purpose. He had a personal matter that needed his attention, and time was running out if he wanted to get it handled before the Jeffersonian closed for the holiday.

As he thought about his errand, he scolded himself for considering it some sort of dreaded chore. Coming to visit his partner at the lab used to be the highlight of his day, but things had become very weird between them lately. It was hard for him to fathom how much their relationship had changed over the course of twelve months. Last year at this time they'd been planning to invite all of their friends over to Bones' apartment for Christmas dinner. This year...

"Well, let's just say this year, we're aren't going to celebrate Christmas that way.," he muttered in annoyance. He paused slightly before turning down the hall that led to Brennan's office. Why was he so aggravated about that? After all, it was to be expected that he'd want to spend Christmas Eve with Hannah…and he was looking forward to doing just that. He had a lovely holiday planned. Parker would be over on Christmas morning this year, and after opening presents, they were going to have turkey and all the trimmings for lunch...just the three of them, enjoying a pleasant day. Parker was still getting used to Hannah, and she wasn't exactly comfortable around children, but he knew they'd both adjust soon, and then they'd have a wonderful holiday, even if Hannah wasn't quite as excited about Christmas as he was. As a matter of fact, she was leaving for an overseas assignment late in the evening on Christmas Day.

However, if he was honest with himself, he'd have to admit that he was mostly irritated because his partner had made no effort to include them in any of her Christmas plans. He didn't like being snubbed by her, especially since Bones and Hannah were supposed to be friends. He couldn't imagine why he and his girlfriend had been left off her Christmas dinner guest list. After all, everyone had enjoyed such a good time last year, and Bones had talked about it becoming an annual event. So why ignore him now?

He shook his head as he made his way through the wing housing the offices. It wasn't rational for him to feel that way...he knew that. As he considered the situation, he wondered if Bones had made the decision to skip hosting a big holiday dinner this year. That would be logical, given that she'd had never been completely comfortable celebrating Christmas, since she didn't believe in God or the whole Christmas 'myth'. Still...it would've been nice to hear what sort of plans she had for the holiday, like if she was going to see her brother, or if her cousin was visiting.

"Well, maybe it's none of my business, but I'm gonna ask Bones what's going on with her Christmas plans this year. She's been so secretive lately.," he grumbled in a surly tone. "You'd think she was working on some special projects for the CIA or something…"

He heaved a sigh as he self consciously patted his jacket. The Christmas gift he had for Bones was securely tucked away in his pocket. He'd always gotten her a little something for Christmas, even though he knew she didn't celebrate the holiday. It had always struck him as so incredibly sad that she disliked this particular holiday so much. He knew her feelings were justified, with the timing of her parents' disappearance and how that had drastically changed her life. Still, he'd long ago decided it wouldn't hurt to try to cheer her up with a Christmas gift over the years, and in time she'd learned not only to receive her gift happily, but also to give him a gift in return.

Unfortunately, this Christmas season had been very different. She seemed to be avoiding him at all costs, and when they did talk, it was strictly business...something case related, and nothing else. No matter how often he tried to change the subject, she had refused to discuss anything with him that was unrelated to work. It seemed that her emotional walls had been rebuilt to the same point as when they'd first started working together.

"And now we hardly talk at all! It's like we don't even know each other any more!," he exclaimed to nobody in particular. "What is up with that? I mean, we're friends, right?"

His query echoed off the walls of the corridor, and suddenly he felt ridiculous. Maybe he needed to calm down. After all, it wasn't his partner's problem that he was frustrated and irritable that afternoon. "I trusted Hannah, and she thanks me by snooping in my dresser…"

Of course, he knew that wasn't actually what had happened. Hannah had been trying to help by putting the laundry away. It wasn't her fault that she'd found the package he'd had squirreled away in the back of the underwear drawer for months. The worst part had been explaining that the gift wasn't for her...and there'd been no easy way to explain why he'd purchased it with another woman in mind. And now Hannah's pissed at me, and rightly so, I guess. I gotta find something for her to make up for it, but this little beauty is for Bones...only for Bones...

He'd seen the exquisite lapis lazuli pendant in a market in Afghanistan while he'd been stationed there to train the troops, and it had immediately reminded him of his Bones. The heavy silver disk was suspended from a chain made in traditional Afghan style, and boasted a large blue center stone surrounded by several smaller turquoise beads. The brilliant blue color had reminded him of her eyes, and he couldn't resist…even though it was very expensive, he knew she'd love it, and he had to have it for her.

That had been before he'd met Hannah. It probably would've been more practical to give the necklace to his new girlfriend, but she rarely wore jewelry other than simple gold earrings. The pendant had instead been sitting in the back of his dresser drawer, waiting until the right time for him to bestow it on his partner.

But was this Christmas really the right time? He contemplated the question as he walked to Bones' office. Maybe he should've gotten her something less personal, but she was still his friend…she'd know that beautiful piece of jewelry was nothing more than a symbol of their friendship, right? That's all there was to it…a token of esteem...

He stopped short when he got to her office. The door was locked and all the lights were out. Even her computer monitor was black.

Surprised, he tried the doorknob again, but it wouldn't budge. It was obvious Bones was gone, but the question remained: where did she go?

Striding down the hall to Cam's office, he knocked sharply on her door. "Hey, Cam? Is Bones out sick today or something?"

Dr. Saroyan looked up from her monitor in surprise. "She didn't tell you?"

Booth rolled his eyes at her. "Tell me what? Where is she?"

"She's gone…," Cam began quietly. "I have to admit, it was somewhat of a surprise…but I guess I should've seen it coming..."

"Gone?" Booth was horrified. "What do you mean, 'she's gone'? I just saw her a couple of days ago. She can't be gone..."

"Take it easy, Seeley." Seeing that she had his attention, Cam continued in a calm tone of voice. "Dr. Brennan is in China. She and Professor Shi Jon Chen left the day before yesterday to do a study of some bones found in Wu Hong Cave. She said they're supposed to be 40,000 years old…"

"So she went now? Over Christmas?" Booth was astonished. "And she left a two days ago? Why didn't she tell me?," he stammered frantically. "Really? How long is she staying?"

"I'm not sure...a month? Six weeks?" Cam paused, trying to figure out why her friend seemed so upset. "The Chinese government invited Professor Chen to take a look at the find and he invited Dr. Brennan to go along. She was thrilled...she said ancient remains have always been her first passion…"

"Yeah, I know. That's what she said when we tried to see those old bones a couple of years ago." Booth swallowed, trying to clear the lump in his throat as he remembered their 'almost' trip to China. "She didn't even get to leave the plane last time she went there…we had to bring a murderer back to the States and she didn't have time..."

"So she said. And you don't have to worry, Booth…she'll be safe." Cam turned back to her monitor. "Because of Title 18, they have an FBI agent traveling with them...I think his name is Babcock? Something like that? He seems nice...and he's kind of cute..."

"Charlie Babcock? No way...that idiot? He can't find his ass with both hands!" Clenching his fists, Booth was shaking with anger. "And you just let her go, Cam? It's not like murders are gonna quit happening because Bones is out of town! Jesus, I can't believe this...she just goes galavanting off to Asia and nobody tells me, but that's okay, right? She's my partner, dammit...she should've told me!"

"For your information, Booth, Dr. Brennan is not a prisoner at this museum. She is able to come and go as she pleases. Anyway, her contributions to the study will be invaluable to the Chinese and bring prestige to the Jeffersonian." Arching an eyebrow, Cam turned back to her friend, somewhat shocked at his confusion. "She really didn't tell you she was going to China?"

"No! I mean, seriously, Cam! Why didn't you call me when she first brought it up? Maybe I could've talked her out of going!," Booth fumed. "She just up and leaves without saying a word, like I don't mean anything to her anymore...like our partnership is nothing. Not only that, I didn't get to say goodbye…" He glared at the pathologist, throwing his hands in the air. "Goddammit! What was she thinking? Of all the inconsiderate, harebrained schemes...and that Professor Chen is a louse...he's just looking to take advantage of her...and I didn't get to tell Babcock how to take care of her, you know? She just up and left? And you're okay with it?"

"You're being irrational." Cam returned to her typing. "Listen, Seeley, Brennan is a grown woman who can make her own decisions. She's traveled all over the world, and she can take care of herself. Besides, you know I'd never be able to convince her to change her mind about going once she'd made a decision, and It's not my fault she didn't tell you she was going to China, so get over yourself."

Another thought occurred to Booth, and now he was even more irate. "So what am I supposed to do in the meantime, Cam. since I won't have any help on my cases? Hold my breath and hope no murders occur? I'm sure that's gonna work! I'm her partner, for God's sake...I have a right to know if she's gonna go somewhere instead of being left high and dry! Son of a bitch!"

"That's enough, Booth." Calmly holding up her hand to interrupt his angry tirade, Cam exhaled slowly. "Dr. Edison will be available to assist you should the need arise. Now, I'm sorry you and Dr. Brennan haven't been communicating as well as you normally do, but there's nothing I can do about it. She has already left, so if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

Recognizing that he'd been dismissed, an angry Booth slowly turned and walked across the museum, taking the elevator down to the parking garage.

Somehow he found himself sitting in his SUV. He wasn't sure how long he'd been there, listening to the oldies radio station as it played its endless stream of holiday music in honor of the season while he tried to make sense of the news Cam had just given him.

He was fine...or so he told himself. Who really cared if Bones had gone to China for six weeks without telling him? Cam was right...Bones was a grown woman, and she could do what she wanted without his approval. As a world renowned anthropologist, her expertise was often sought by government entities all over the world. Realistically he should've expected this to happen more often...it was just like her trip to Mapuku all over again. He knew she'd often turned down offers to consult on new finds because of her commitment to work with him, and she'd been so excited to look over those Chinese bones two years ago when the find had first been discovered. Now that the opportunity had arisen for her to go see them, she needed to take advantage of it. She was off doing the exciting part of her job without him...leaving him all alone...but he was fine…

Or so he thought, until Karen Carpenter's velvety voice came across the SUV's speakers..

Merry Christmas, Darling.

We're apart that's true.

But I can dream and in my dreams

I'm Christmasing with you.

"Jesus...really? That's all I need…" Those words had struck an unpleasant nerve. He reached out to turn down the sound, but he wasn't quick enough.

That I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Happy New Year, too

I've just one wish on this Christmas Eve

I wish I were with you...

He sniffled quietly as he sat alone in his SUV, hoping that no one could see him wiping away his tears. "I shouldn't feel this way...I have Hannah, and I'm happy with her. She's not a consolation prize...I love Hannah, not Bones…not like that...it's not like Bones is my girlfriend. Hannah is my girlfriend."

After quickly blotting his face with his handkerchief, he checked the time. It was almost five, and he was supposed to meet Hannah for an apology dinner at Rigoletto's at six. Exhaling slowly, he backed out of his spot and left the parking garage. Maybe if he got to the restaurant early he could clean up a bit and she wouldn't suspect that he'd been crying over Bones, because that would never do.

Glancing in his rear view mirror, he sighed as he thought about the necklace in his jacket pocket. He'd have to find another hiding place for that little trinket. It was time to get over Bones for real...and go all in on Hannah.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Another twelve months had passed, and Booth's life had changed once again. He was humming happily as he bustled around his apartment's tiny kitchen on Christmas Eve, putting the finishing touches on their meal.

He smiled to himself as he thought over everything that had happened in the last year, knowing that he was a very lucky man. "Things could've been so different.," he murmured as he checked on the oven's contents. "I might've settled for second best, but now I've got Bones...and I'm so happy…"

"Booth, who are you talking to?" Brennan smiled as she joined him. "Are you speaking some sort of magical Christmas incantations over the lasagna?"

"No…" He quickly took her into his arms. "I'm just telling myself what a lucky man I am...I have a beautiful girlfriend…" He gently rubbed her abdomen. "...and I'm gonna be a dad again...I don't think I've ever been this happy."

"I'm happy, too." She gave him a beautiful smile before kissing him. "Do you think we have time for you to open a package before dinner? I have something special for you…"

Waggling an eyebrow at her, he grinned. "What kinda package are we talking about?"

"Behave yourself!" She giggled as he nibbled her ear. "We need to wait until after dinner for that!" Taking his hand, she pulled him over to the couch and made him sit down. "Close your eyes…"

He pretended to close them as she looked under their Christmas tree. "Here it is...I hope you like this, Booth…"

"I'm sure I will…" He quickly tore the wrapping paper away from the small box. "Oh, wow! A Luc Robitaille autographed hockey puck...and Flyer cuff links?"

"Yes...I couldn't decide which you would like more, so I purchased both of them." She smiled shyly as she ran her finger over the enameled hockey logo. "I find that I wish to indicate to other females that you belong to me. Anthropologically speaking, the gift of jewelry does that. These cuff links mark you as mine…"

"I see." He smiled indulgently as he listened to her explanation. "Okay, well, now I consider myself to be duly marked." He got up from the sofa and opened his wall safe. "And I'm glad you explained it so well. Maybe that's why I got this for you." He handed her a gift bag. "Merry Christmas, Bones…"

Pulling the tissue from the bag, she gasped in delight as she found the treasure tucked inside. "Oh, Booth! It's lovely...I love lapis lazuli…and the workmanship is excellent." She turned it over and studied it closely. "It's Afghani, correct?"

"I figured you'd like it. Here, let me help you…" He fastened the clasp for her and sat back to admire the pendant as it graced her throat. "I saw it at this market stall in some small town while I was stationed in Afghanistan, and I immediately thought of you…"

"You've had it that long? But why didn't you…" Brennan paused as she realized what had happened. "Oh…"

"Yeah. Life got in the way, I guess. I was going to give it to you last Christmas, even though things were awkward between us, but you'd left for China by the time I'd got up the nerve…"

"I'm sorry, Booth." She patted his knee as he pulled her close. "I felt as if I was in the way while Hannah was living with you, so I decided to leave town for awhile. I know now that it was inconsiderate of me as your partner not to let you in on my plans. I wanted you to be happy with Hannah without worrying about me…so I left."

"Except I've always worried about you...thought about you…" He sighed softly. "...loved you. I mean, I know we've talked through all that stuff about me and Hannah, but…it's true. I've always loved you...even when she was around. I think that's why she was so angry when she found that necklace in my underwear drawer. I think she knew, deep down, that she was always going to play second fiddle to you. Maybe that's why she said no to my proposal...and as upset as I was at the time, right now I can't help but be thankful that she turned me down."

Brennan nodded. "I'm thankful as well."

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Brennan cleared her throat. "Booth, do you know why I came home early from my trip to China?," Brennan asked quietly as she nestled against him. Seeing him shake his head, she smiled. "It was because I realized how much I missed having you in my life. Even if you were with someone else romantically, I still needed you as my friend. Now, just think...I get to have you in my life...as my friend and my lover, too...and it's a remarkable feeling..."

"Yep, and so now here we are...me and you, and we're gonna be a family, right? And we're gonna celebrate every Christmas with the biggest tree we can find, and have lotsa presents...maybe even a pony, right? And a giant TV for Daddy...106 inches, right? And it'll hang in the family room of our house...our home." Engulfing her in his embrace, he kissed her passionately. "And every year, Christmas will get better, because we'll still be together…us and our kids..."

She giggled softly as he gently caressed her. "I love you, Booth, and I'm looking forward to sharing many Christmases with you…"

"Really?" He gave her a sly grin. "Well, if you want, we can start sharing this Christmas right now.," he whispered as his kisses became more insistent. "After all, it is Christmas Eve...not too early to start our celebration…"

"Perhaps…," she purred as she ran her hands down his well muscled arms and then under his shirt. "...I'm sure it's already Christmas somewhere…"

Just then the oven timer rang noisily.

"Hold that thought." Booth jumped up from the sofa and ran to take the lasagna from the oven before hurriedly returning to the task at hand. "Now...where were we?"

"I believe you were about to wish me a Merry Christmas, Booth."

"Oh yeah...and while we're at it, let's go for a Happy New Year, too…"

She agreed with a sultry laugh that set him on fire. "An excellent idea. I love you, Booth…"

His heart leapt in his chest as once again he realized how lucky he really was. "I love you, too, Bones…"

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Through the years, we all will be together,

If the Fates allow.

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Yes, I know...Booth could be dense when it came to Hannah and his Bones...

If you have time to review, I'd appreciate it. One more chapter to go...