What did she do with the paper she saved, he wondered as he opened this latest gift. Save it to reuse later? Did she mark down who gave it to her and what gift it hid?
Or did she only save paper from him?
Her gifts, so far, had been creative and meaningful. He appreciated the effort she'd put into them because gift giving had never been her favorite thing in the world. Too many hidden meanings she didn't understand, she'd explained to him once.
As he unwrapped the gift, he reflected on what she'd chosen for him so far. A P.T. Flea ornament, a record player and a miniature skull. The gifts so varied, that while he suspected what this one might be, he couldn't take anything for granted.
There ended up being two gifts underneath the wrapping paper. The first, a hardcover novel about the history of the FBI. Knowing that was the unofficial gift, he laughed, placing it in a prominent position on his desk. Charlie had stopped in several times after the ornament had arrived, curious about the surprises showing up in Booth's office. It would drive him crazy to think that was the gift Bones sent over.
It seemed Angela wasn't the only well-meaning but nosy friend they had. At least Charlie didn't interfere quite like she did. Though he wasn't shy about saying what he thought either.
The second was a record. Which further explained the gift of the player that he'd reacted poorly too. It really had been just a gift. It was broken and she replaced it. A completely rational choice. The rule with the presents was to wait for the explanation. Too bad Bones frequently made him lose his mind.
"Where did she ever find this?" he asked, flipping it over. "Seal." He stared at the cover before flipping to the back again. "Kiss from a Rose," he muttered, running a finger along the list of songs. And recalled a high school reunion where he'd slowly danced with the woman he'd lost.
A mystery and twinkling stars that turned out to be the murder weapon. Was anything more appropriate for the two of them?
But there'd also been hotel rooms without connecting doors and a distance he hated. One that grew and grew until continents and oceans separated them.
It had been nice to know he was giving her something she hadn't received during her time in high school. A dance. Happy memories. Even if they were tinged with a sense of loss that hung over them while they swayed in each other's arms.
Doors had closed between them after their night at the Hoover. Thankfully, neither of them had locked them tight, leaving just enough of an opening that they could reopen them when the time was right.
"That was a terrible high school," Booth said, looking back. It was a miracle she turned into the amazing woman he was lucky enough to be in love with. "And that janitor," he mumbled with a shudder.
Next to his desk was the carefully wrapped item he planned to give Bones. Maybe she wasn't the only one who kept secrets well, considering he didn't mention her next gift was sitting next to his desk.
He'd only left her. And already wanted to see her again. Remembering her warning about intruding on her work, Booth figured he at least had a good excuse this time. Picking up the gift, he went to find her.
~OOOOOO~
Angela dropped a cup of eggnog off on Brennan's desk. "Are you ready for the Secret Santa party?" She'd managed to keep Hodgins from spiking the current drink in her hand, but he was alone with the remainder, so that probably wasn't true any longer. He wouldn't care if they were still in the office, though he would be careful about who was allowed to drink it.
Brennan didn't look at the cup or her friend. "I will not be attending." She was making changes to her trip to Scotland and wanted them finalized before the end of the day. The time until she left was growing short.
Her friend stood in silence. Nothing about this Secret Santa plan of hers had gone the way she'd thought it would. "I should have remembered how you felt about Secret Santa," Angela grumbled. "I was only looking for something the two of you could do together."
Unless you counted the fact that Booth and Brennan were a couple now. So maybe it hadn't been a total disaster.
She took another sip of her eggnog. "Why not?" Angela asked, expecting some anthropological answer about fake gifts being a way to assert dominance. "Why aren't the two of you attending?"
Brennan's blue eyes lifted after she entered one final piece of information. "You set us up, Angela. Booth and I don't feel that we need to attend festivities we never intended to be a part of. However, we will be attending the Jeffersonian Christmas party."
The words were toneless. Despite all her practice, Angela couldn't decide if Brennan was annoyed or not. Hodgins tried to warn her, but as usual, she'd chosen not to listen. "Should I apologize?" Angela asked. "You were so sad that night when it rained and I was trying to help."
Tilting her head, Brennan didn't want to be cruel. She understood Angela meant well. "No. You don't need to apologize. Your advice about sending an email to Booth was very helpful. That is what started this. Not your Secret Santa game."
Though she couldn't deny that their gifts had closed some of the wounds they both carried. Metaphorical ones at least.
"Are you guys happy? Are you happy?" Angela asked, knowing the answer. One look at her friend and it was clear how she felt. The sense of sadness that surrounded Brennan for months was gone.
"Yes. I'm not always sure about my feelings, but I am happy, Angela." Booth made her feel that way. Happy. Loved.
It was all Angela had ever wanted for her friend. Turning, she was surprised to see Booth standing in the door. There was a large gift in his hands. "More fake gifts?" she joked. "I should be annoyed at the two of you, but Brennan's happy. I'm guessing you are too?" she asked, though she knew the answer.
But neither of them were really paying attention to her anymore. And given the look they were giving each other, Angela had a feeling they were doing more than just going on dates. "Hey," she said, snapping her fingers. When Booth looked at her, she shook her head. "I remember those days. But I have a hit on your skeleton. Do you want the information sent over?"
"No. Send it to the state people. It was their case anyway. Let them wrap it up."
"Okay." She glanced back and forth between the two of them. "Behave you two. Remember her office is made of glass walls." Then brushed past Booth and escaped before he could respond.
Brennan tilted her head in curiosity. "Why are you back, Booth? I'd ask if we have a case, but those have not occurred recently." Her eyes shifted to his hands. "Also, you don't bring me gifts before we leave for a case."
Booth chuckled. "No more gifts of warm coffee waiting for you then." Thinking about their lack of cases, he tried not to shudder. "We're going to get slammed after the holiday," Booth said. "You know that right?"
"Slammed by what?" Brennan asked. "I am not familiar with that one."
"Cases. We are going to get a lot of cases." He held out the gift. "For you," he said, placing it on the desk in front of her. He stepped back. "Thank you for the record. I was thinking maybe we could have a private dance. Change how that evening ended."
"I purchased it at the same shop as the player. I was shocked to be able to locate it so easily. I feel it should have been more difficult." Her brows crinkled as she recalled the way the album cover appeared to change in front of her eyes. "That was a very strange place."
"Did you know," Booth began, sitting down on her couch. She really needed to get a more comfortable one. Or a larger one that he could sleep on easier when she was working late. "How much I both loved and hated the moments we had together before we left? And how upset I was with myself for letting you leave without at least telling you I didn't want you to go?"
"Yes. I knew that. At least, about the difficult moments. They were hard for me too." She looked at him, but he didn't appear upset by the memory. It seemed they both could look back now and accept all that had happened between them without it being quite so painful. "What would you have said?"
"I don't know." Booth said, smoothing his tie. "I just know we can't let that happen now. We need to be honest with each other." His eyes met hers. "I think I would have tried to understand why you were leaving. All the reasons, not just the idea that you were running from me. I would have told you how much I'd missed you. Begged you to write to me. Or at least, I'd like to think that's what I would have said." He shrugged. "But I also know that it doesn't matter. I love where we are, Bones. These moments aren't hard. They're amazing."
"I agree, Booth. This is amazing." Her fingers tapped against the paper. "I would have asked you not to risk your life like that. Reminded you that there were other places you could go that wouldn't require so much of you." Her fingers rubbed across the paper. "Can I open this now?"
There was eagerness in her voice. Brennan had avoided this holiday for years, but these memories would give her a reason to look forward to it. Maybe secret gifts could become their own holiday tradition.
Booth waved his hand. "Go ahead. I have to say, Bones, we are very alike is some of our gift ideas. First we both gave ornaments and now this."
The comment didn't make sense until she'd finished removing the paper. Picking up the frame, her eyes skimmed the label." It's Hot Blooded."
"I couldn't find the actual record. It's a replica of the gold one the song was awarded. It's our song."
"I've never had a song," she admitted softly. Emotions all tangled up, she closed her eyes and drew a deep breath, alarmed to feel like she might cry.
He'd given her so many firsts. First song. First man she could see spending the rest of her life with.
First man she deeply loved. It was time to tell him.
"Bones?" Booth said. He rose and made sure the door was closed. Approaching the desk slowly, he wasn't sure what to say. "Please don't cry." There were tears on her cheek and he reached up to brush them away. "You're killing me here, Bones."
Her eyes flew open and Booth realized that for a moment, she'd taken him literally. "I hate when you cry," he explained with a shrug. "Can you tell me what's going on? Bad memories?" he asked when she remained silent.
He worried she was thinking about the first time they'd enjoyed that song. Right before her refrigerator blew up and almost killed him.
She shook her head. Took a deep breath then another. And in her mind, slightly changed the final gift she was going to give him. "I'm okay." She flashed him a shaky smile. "No bad memories. Just happy. Singing that with you was fun."
Something in her eyes made him hesitate to push her. So he nodded and handed her a tissue instead. He could usually tell when she was hiding something but it felt like she was being completely honest with him. "You'll tell me later?" he asked.
"Yes," she said firmly. The moment had passed. She would tell him. The sentiment would align perfectly with what she planned to give him during their final and private Secret Santa party.
Having no idea what happened, Booth stepped back to give her space. "I have to go back to work. If you're sure you're okay."
Certain of her feelings and her plan, Brennan nodded. Standing she came around her desk and shot a quick glance through her glass windows before kissing him. "I'm sure. Have a good afternoon. I'll see you tonight."
~OOO~
A/N: A guest review mentioned they thought Booth had more gifts than Brennan. After this chapter Brennan has received the gold record, the bracelet, the stocking and the ornament. Booth has received the record player, the record, the ornament and the skull. (Not in that order for either of them). So they both only have the last gift to go.
