Just a quick disclaimer: Nope, I don't own the Bones characters hahahaha (do I have to keep this up?) But regardless, happy reading!


Booth and Brennan slowly strolled through the neighborhood once they left. Brennan had immediately gone into professor mode, pointing out different features from the buildings they were passing and the history behind them. Booth simply held her hand and walked alongside her letting her speak. He loved hearing her go into squint mode. There were times, like today, where she prefaced her mini-lectures with the fact that she was not an expert on everything. Though she was a genius, there were some things that she had limited knowledge about but as an avid reader and scholar, she read a lot of articles. Attended lectures when she could, hence her vast knowledge about many things.

"And the two buildings down there resemble the kind that was built in the gothic revival period in the 19th century. Though my knowledge on that particular period is limited, I believe that it was mainly churches that were rebuilt in this manner. I wouldn't be surprised if they are repurposed churches now." Brennan stood looking down the road they were about to cross.

She turned to look at Booth who was looking at her, a soft smile on his face. "What's wrong, Booth?"

"Nothing Bones," he chuckled, "Nothing at all."

"Then why are you laughing at me? It must have been something I said."

"No. No. No. Bones. I'm not laughing at you. I just…" he sighed, placing his hand on her lower back guiding her across the street, "I just really love when you go all squinty."

"I don't understand what that means. Squinty?"

"Yeah, you know. When you start talking about things you know… your mini-lectures. Whenever you start, you get this light in your eyes and this color in your cheeks. You get so passionate it looks beautiful. You look beautiful."

She turned her head and looked up at him. His fascination with her never ceased to fascinate her. She'd never met anyone who paid that much attention to her. Most had found her ramblings annoying, calling her a know-it-all and she could even remember at one point in their partnership when Booth would also cut her off when speaking. But even that was so early on, the more she thought about it, the more she realized that there were a lot of times he left her to ramble and would just listen.

She turned her head and blushed. Booth wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer so he could kiss her forehead. He then brought her hand down and held it in his as they walked into the downtown area.

The middle of the square was where the big Christmas tree lay, large red ropes around it keeping people back at a safe distance. On either side of the square, roads jutted out leading to different stores and restaurants. The whole area was dedicated to pedestrians only which made Booth glad they wouldn't have to worry about overzealous drivers on Christmas Eve.

Snow lay all over the ground and with the overcast weather, a lot of the outdoor string lights were turned on. They hung draped across the lampposts and the awnings on the buildings. Just like Cornerstone, their bed and breakfast, the area looked like a storybook destination.

Both Booth and Brennan were pleasantly surprised to see so many stores open and quite a few people milling about.

"I guess a lot of people are still last-minute Christmas shopping right now," Booth commented as he looked around trying to determine where they should go first.

Not getting a reply from Brennan, he looked at her and saw that her attention had been taken up by a family sitting at one of the benches. The mom and dad sat with their young baby strapped in her carrier. The little baby was bundled up so tightly, she looked like a mini snowman. A small smile played on her lips as Brennan watched them and her hand came to rest on her belly.

"You know, that'll be us next year," Booth leaned in and whispered.

"I find I'm very much looking forward to it," Brennan told him, still smiling at the sweet sight. She shook her head slightly and turned to look at him. "So, where do we go first?"

"I don't know, Bones. Wanna walk around the tree, and see if anything really grabs our attention?"

"Sure."

Booth took hold of her hand again as they started walking. They came across a photographer who was taking pictures of people in front of the tree and printing the pictures on spot. It took one puppy dog-eyed look from Brennan and Booth happily turned over the ten dollars for them to have their photograph taken. Then as they were walking away, something caught his eye in a store show window just across from where they stood.

Given that they had not been planning to be stranded in Philly, he didn't bring any of the gifts he had gotten Brennan or their baby. Even though she was still pregnant, Booth had been buying little baby things here and there. He'd been too excited to wait and was planning on wrapping them all and having Brennan open them on Christmas morning.

"Hey Bones, can we go in there for a few?" he asked pointing towards the store.

Brennan turned and looked at the small store he was pointing at. It was a store selling handcrafted items mainly those crocheted and knitted or embroidered.

"Sure, I don't see why not."

They headed in and Booth kept her busy walking around browsing for a bit. But when she became interested in a clothing rack of hand-woven scarves, he quickly stepped away and made his purchase asking the clerk to box it in an opaque bag.

"Oh Booth, feel how soft these are." She turned to him, raising an eye at the bag in his hands.

Booth winked at her, "Hey, these are. Isn't it like the one you always wear at night when we're watching movies together?"

"Yes, it's made of the same alpaca wool. I'm surprised to see these are also ethically sourced and approved. Not many places care too much about it."

Knowing how much his partner cared for animal life, Booth nodded his agreement. They spent a few more minutes looking before ducking out and continuing their day.

Brennan too had been thinking about what she could possibly get Booth as a last-minute Christmas gift. She'd gotten him what she thought would've been the perfect gift for him but, not having foreseen them being stranded in Philly, she'd left it at her apartment. Her plan was to make a quick trip to her place for some clothes, wrapping the gift then and bringing it back with her to Booth's where they'd spend Christmas.

After window shopping in a few more stores, Booth suggested they stopped at a small coffee cart for some hot chocolate. Brennan went ahead and found a small table for them to sit on, one which had a pretty good view of the entire square.

"One hot chocolate with nutmeg and cinnamon," he announced as he gave her the cup.

"Thanks, Booth," she smiled.

"So, how's it been so far Bones? You, ah having a good time?"

"Of course, Booth. This was a lovely idea. Granted my feet are a bit sore but that is to be expected with pregnancy and walking."

"Do you want to head back?" Booth asked suddenly worried.

"No. No, Booth. I'm okay. I just need a few minutes to rest my feet and put them up."

"Here," he scooted his chair closer to her and patted his lap. Brennan turned her chair to face his and lifted her legs onto his lap, letting her feet hang just over his lap so her shoes didn't dirty his pants. "Better?" he asked.

"Yes, much. Thank you, Booth." She smiled warmly at him. It was always little moments like this that made her fall so much more in love with him. He was always so attuned to her, knowing what she needed and stepping in to help. A wave of emotion ran over her. "I love you Booth."

Booth looked at her and could see the emotion in her eyes. Love, gratitude, and a hint of what he'd wished for her with that burning paper doll in Founding Fathers a few years back – happiness. How he'd hoped and prayed to be the one to provide her that. To help her be so utterly happy and now, like a miracle, they were here. "I love you too Bones."

They sat in perfect happiness for a few more minutes, people watching, talking about home, what they'd do once they got home. Brennan suggested they plan a day with Parker since Booth would be getting him for a bit this year just before new years. As she was looking at the stores, she saw the sign for "Artist Avenue."

"Booth, can we go down there next?"

Booth turned to where she was pointing. He immediately figured it'd be the best place to find her another gift. "Sure, Bones. Are you ready now or do you wanna rest your feet some more?"

"I'm okay now, Booth." He helped her bring down her feet and stand. Collecting their cups, he threw them in a nearby trashcan. He grabbed the bag with his other purchase and they set off hand in hand. Unbeknownst to them until then, they were staying in one of the more artistic neighborhoods in Philly. Many local artists had set up small stores or booths displaying their craft and selling pieces. Some even taking small and quick commissions on the spot to accommodate the need for last-minute unique gifts.

As they walked down, both of them found two different stores they wanted to go to.

"Hey Bones, I wanna check that one out."

"Booth, I want to go in there."

Laughing, they agreed to separate for a bit and meet back up where they were.

Brennan had spotted a painter's studio that was advertising small commissions being done that day. As she walked in, she was glad to see that no one else was in there. It was a small studio space with paintings hung on the wall like a gallery being displayed with the artist's name, medium, and price.

"Hi, I'm Peggy. How can I help you?"

"Hello, I'm Temperance. I saw outside that you're doing small commissions today. I wanted to know what kind of artwork you're offering?"

"Sure! C'mon over here." Peggy led her to the countertop/window display. "Since it's Christmas, I'm doing small hand-painted ornaments. Like these ones. I can do calligraphy, portraits, or a combination." Brennan looked at the small ornaments on display and immediately knew what she wanted. She reached into her purse and pulled out the photograph they had just taken earlier. She explained to Peggy what she would like, giving her creative freedom to determine the aesthetic of the piece.

"Oh, that's lovely! I'm sure he's going to love it!"

"So, you can do it today?"

"Of course! Business has been a bit slow so I only have two other orders I'm also working on."

"Thank you. What time should I stop by for it?"

"I'd say about three this afternoon if that's okay with you? It'll give the paint and varnish enough time to dry so I can wrap it for you."

"Oh, that's perfect! Thank you!" Brennan smiled, happy with her decision. She handed over her credit card paying Peggy confirming that she'd be back to pick it up. She figured that while she waited, she could talk Booth into grabbing lunch.

Booth on the other hand, went a little further down the street into a hand-crafted jewelry store. The store was slightly bigger and had quite a few rows of jewelry displayed from earrings to bracelets and necklaces.

"Hi there! I'm Jax, how's it going?" the man from behind the counter called out.

"Pretty good man, you make these?"

"Yep. All handmade. I'm a self-taught designer."

"Wow, they're amazing pieces."

"Thanks. So, what can I do for you?"

"I'm ah looking for a gift for my girlfriend… we ah kinda got stranded out here cause of the storm so it's a pretty last-minute gift."

"No worries, man. I can help you out. Is there something she's really into? Flowers? Animals? Gemstones?"

"She loves dolphins…" Booth smiled. "I was kinda hoping to get her something really subtle too, nothing too flashy but with just the right jazz."

Jax chuckled at the far-off look on Booth's face.

"I have just the thing but it might need a bit of custom work. Here." He led Booth to a small table to the back and pulled out a large black velvet box. He opened it and inside were a bunch of new pendants and gemstones. He fished around until he pulled out exactly what Booth was looking for. They made arrangements to get it custom fixed that day, Jax was super excited for the quick little project that he was sure would put a smile on the lucky woman's face. They spent a few more minutes discussing the chain length and Jax even offered to package and wrap the necklace for him.

"Thanks, man, so I'll see you at four?"

"Yep. By then it'll be ready for ya. She's one lucky woman."

Booth smiled and chuckled. "Believe me, man, I'm the lucky one." He shook hands with Jax and left the small store, eager to get back to his girlfriend. Brennan had also just left Peggy's studio having stayed and chatted to her a bit. She walked to their meeting spot and smiled seeing Booth approach.

"Hey beautiful," Booth greeted.

Brennan giggled, ducking her head shyly, "Boootthhh."

Booth's smile widened when he heard her whine and saw the faint blush on her cheeks.

"Did you find what you wanted to see?" he asked her.

"Yes, I did but I do have to stop by again this afternoon at three."

"So do I." he beamed.

They both smiled up at each other, guessing that they were probably getting the other gifts but refusing to admit to it. Instead, Brennan asked about lunch. "Do you think we could stop somewhere for lunch? As much as I think Mary-Anne and Frank wouldn't mind having us, we're already here and I did see some restaurants earlier."

"Sure Bones. And I mean we do have to stop by the stores again so, we could just hang out down here."

Much of the crowd that was out earlier had died down but there were still a few people milling about, doing some last-minute shopping. Booth and Brennan headed back into the main part of the square and began looking for food. Never ones to pass up a staple, they found a small corner diner that was open and decided they'd have lunch there. They managed to snag a table in the back corner, giving them a break from constantly being around people but by the window so they could still people-watch. They ordered their usual diner favorites and settled in for a relatively quiet and easy lunch.

Angela had texted letting them know that D.C.'s power had cut out pretty bad because of the storm and let them know that as soon as they were out of it she'd text them. Booth spent a few minutes talking to Parker who was already in Vermont with Rebecca and her family. He passed the phone to Brennan once Parker learned he was with her and listened in amused silence to his partner. It always struck him at how quickly Brennan and Parker had bonded. It seemed that now that he and Brennan were together romantically, that bond had grown even more between his son and partner. He wouldn't have it any other way.

Once lunch was consumed, Booth of course ordered a slice of their house pie, coaxing Brennan to try it. She'd only given in since it was pecan pie and not a fruit-based one. Booth had shifted over into the seat with Brennan once the pie had come so he could share it with her. He also wanted to rest his hand on her belly for a moment and check in with her and the baby.

"We're okay, Booth, really. In fact, he's been pretty quiet so far."

"That's weird, normally she'd be giving you grief by now."

"If you mean that I'd be feeling nauseous then yes. But we're entering the second trimester now so, my symptoms are going to be changing. I think the tea from Mary-Anne last night also helped." Brennan paused as she looked out the window before turning back to Booth. "When we get home, do you want to come with me to my next appointment? We can find out the sex of the baby then since I'll be 18 weeks."

"Heck yeah, I'd love to Bones."

"Okay but don't be disappointed if we don't find out. Sometimes the baby doesn't cooperate."

Booth rolled his eyes playfully, "Well our little bean will definitely cooperate. I mean, look at who her parents are…." His eyes landed on her belly where his palm lay, "Won't you baby girl?"

Brennan shook her head at his antics. They hung out in the diner for a few more minutes, enjoying the warm break from the cold weather. But then decided to peruse the square once more before going over and collecting their gifts. They visited a small candy store, buying a few naturally made chocolate bars wanting to gift Mary-Anne and Frank something small as a thank you for their generosity. Before long, it was time to go collect their gifts and then they headed back to Cornerstone for the evening.


I hope you enjoyed their little day out! I know the prompt was Booth trying to make Christmas better but I couldn't help but also have Brennan join in on getting an impromptu Christmas gift. As always, please, please review! It makes me so happy to read your thoughts :) And if I don't post before again, happy holidays to everyone who celebrates! I hope you have an amazing time and even if you don't celebrate, I hope you have a great weekend! Stay safe!