Temperance Brennan woke up the next morning with, unlike the day before, a smile on her face. As she rolled over in bed, she remembered the events of the day before. After they had finished watching It's A Wonderful Life, they watched a few more movies, and then Booth made her dinner. Yes, Booth can cook. Unbelievably well, actually. It had been a wonderful day. For a moment, she had forgotten the disgusting things she saw through her work day in and out and actually believed that it truly is a wonderful life. She recalled thinking when he left how simple life would be if he lived with her, and he never had to leave her life. But deep down, she knew that even if they didn't share an apartment, he would never stop being a crucial part of her life, and he would never do anything that would hurt her, and he would never, ever leave her.
Temperance felt her throat constrict a little at this last thought. If they ever had a relationship, it was forever. The thought warmed her a little, but it also terrified her. But this mix of emotions -- happiness and fear -- was something she was getting used to when she thought of Booth. Yes, she admitted she loved him, and that made her happy beyond words, but it terrified her. She desperately wanted to talk to Angela about all of this, but she could hear the squealing of her best friend when she told her she loved Booth. And, at this point, it just wasn't something she could handle.
After this early morning analysis, Brennan looked over at the clock and panicked, seeing that it was 9:30 in the morning. So maybe the analysis wasn't so early in the morning. She briefly wondered why no one from the Jeffersonian had called her to ask where she was (the roads had been cleared enough the day before to allow driving). Then, she heard a pounding at her door. She took a brief moment to put on a pair of jeans before answering, just in case it was Booth.
Unfortunately, it was not. Her apartment was suddenly a bustle of activity when Angela flew into her living room.
"Sweetie! Isn't it great! No Jeffersonian for two weeks!" This, of course, was news to Brennan.
"No Jeffersonian for two weeks? Why, the roads are fine."
"Oh, you didn't hear? There was some water damage to one of the galleries, and they've closed down the entire place for some renovation and to update some of the electrical fuses. So, lucky for you, you don't have to work. And that means Christmas shopping!"
Temperance couldn't help but smile at her friends albeit uninfectious enthusiasm. Every year, Angela dragged her Christmas shopping. This year, however, Temperance thought she might even be a little bit excited. She pushed the idea that it was because she was buying a present for Booth out of her mind, and told Angela to wait a few minutes while she took a shower and get ready.
Half an hour later, Temperance was finally ready, and they made their way out the door. She had decided that no matter what her friend's reaction was going to be that she really needed to talk to her about Booth.
As they got into Angela's car, Temperance brought up the subject.
"So, Booth came over yesterday." She had to grip her handle on her door as Angela grinned and looked over at her, causing her to swerve erratically. "You're almost as bad as he is. Eyes on the road. It'd be unfortunate to die on the way to the mall."
"Cute Bren. There's that sense of humor I love so much. So, McDreamy came over, huh? What'd you guys do?"
"McDreamy? I don't know what that means."
"Of course you don't. Anyways, what you guys do?"
"We watched It's A Wonderful Life. And then Citizen Kane. And then he made me dinner."
Angela bit back a squeal as she grinned to herself. "So, did he stay over?"
"Of course not. Angela, I think I might like him."
"Hallelujah. You're officially the last person to figure it out. Except for maybe Booth, who has been in love with you since day one, and you have been completely oblivious to it."
"Ok, we're not going to jump to conclusions. I've looked at this as rationally as I can, and I have come to the conclusion that the only thing that would describe the feelings I get when I look at him is that I have developed feelings for him. But I never said I loved him."
"I guess we'll just have to wait for her to figure that one yet," Angela muttered to herself before looking over at her best friend. "Look, sweetie you really need to tell him how you feel. He completely adores you."
"I know. I'm just not good at this sort of thing. And it's terrifying. I don't let people into my life in a romantic sort of way. I meet a guy I find attractive, and then I usually sleep with them, have a little fun and send them on their way. I don't rely on men. And I don't really want to start doing that now."
"Booth's not just another man. He's something that's only going to come along once in a lifetime. And you'd be an idiot not to take advantage of that. You could have something really amazing with Booth, if you're willing to give it a shot."
Temperance knew Angela was right. A relationship with Booth would be amazing. She'd just have to get up the courage to talk to him about it. Upon that decision, Brennan closed the subject for any further discussion, choosing instead to talk about less stressful things.
"So, Russ is coming up for Christmas this year." Angela looked over at her friend as she said this, seeing the happy look on her face.
"I'm so glad you got him back. He's a good guy."
"Yeah, I am too. I have my brother back."
They continued to make small talk until they reached the mall. After stopping at the food court for a brief snack, they began to make their way through the stores.
Four hours later, Temperance had found all of the presents she needed except for two things. One was something to put on her mother's grave. Ever seen Booth had brought her to Christine Brennan's grave, she had been visiting it regularly, and she felt like she needed to get something to put there for the holidays. She settled on a dolphin ornament she found.
The other present was a little bit harder. She needed to get something for Booth, but nothing seemed right. Something like a tie was much too unsentimental, but she wasn't sure if she could find something that would convey her feelings for the man without technically being in a relationship with him.
"Angela," Brennan whined as they sat on a bench in the middle of the mall, "I have absolutely no idea what to get Booth."
Her friend smiled at Brennan's newfound uncertainty. A year ago, she would have gotten him a tie or something, but this distress over the perfect gift showed exactly how much the FBI agent had touched her life.
"I know what to get him sweetie, don't worry." Temperance looked over at her friend curiously. How did Angela always know exactly what to do?
"And that would be?"
Angela pulled out a pack of newly developed photos from her purse. She flipped through them, handing a bunch over to Temperance that were candids of her and Booth. Temperance finally settled on one that she thought was perfect. Booth was leaning in the doorway with his sleeves rolled up to his forearms and his tie loose, looking perfectly at ease. He was gazing at Temperance, who was sitting on the floor near his feet, surrounded by papers regarding their latest case. They were teasing each other, and both smiling a little, looking completely happy.
Temperance grinned and leaned over to give Angela a hug. This was going to be a perfect present.