A/N: Please remember this story is AU. Also, when I published the first chapter, I didn't realize I'd made a mistake until a day or two later. Brennan's proposed trip is supposed to be to Costa Rica. Sorry for the confusion.
Thank you for all the comments. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Dr. Lance Sweets sat nervously in the waiting room outside Director Cullen's office, trying to convince himself that he was up to the challenge presented by the meeting he was about to attend. He wasn't sure why Cullen had asked him to stop by his office on such a short notice, and being unsure of things always made him anxious. He checked his phone for messages again, wondering if Dr. Brennan had anything else to tell him about Booth's present condition. She said she was going to talk to Dr. Jurzik and then she'd let him know what the doctor had said. Until then, all he could do was hope for the best.
Dr. Brennan presented a real conundrum in the current situation, especially since Sweets knew that the state of Booth's mental health was tenuous at best. Booth was still quite confused as to the actual depth of his feelings for his partner, especially since his dreams and reality seemed to be so intertwined in his mind at the moment.
On one hand, Sweets was certain that the anthropologist needed to give Booth some time and space to get his bearings, so he'd be able to heal emotionally as well as physically as he recovered from his surgery. That was why Sweets had suggested that she go on the anthropology expedition to Costa Rica.
That being said, he also knew that Booth's attachment to Dr. Brennan was so strong that having her gone for the six weeks dig in Central America might send him into an emotional tailspin. It wasn't uncommon for people who'd had a bad health scare such as his to undergo an extended period of depression, and with Booth being so confused, Sweets was concerned that her being gone might be a severe blow to his well being. The psychologist shook his head as he sighed, wondering what plan of action to suggest to the two partners that would preserve Booth's emotional health, Brennan's sense of logic and independence, and, of course, their work partnership.
He was roused from his musings by the receptionist. "Dr. Sweets? Director Cullen will see you now…"
She ushered him into the well appointed office. Director Cullen was sitting at his polished oak desk, with another man sitting across from him. "Thanks for coming by, Dr. Sweets. I know I didn't give you much notice, but that's just how things worked out." Cullen reached out to shake Sweets' hand and nodded toward the man in the chair. "This is Deputy Director Hacker…"
As he shook hands with both men and sat down, Sweets flicked a quick glance toward Hacker, who was a tall, homely man, aimlessly fidgeting with a piece of paper as he sat quietly waiting for the meeting to commence. Booth had mentioned that this guy Hacker was the man who'd taken the deputy director's promotion that he'd turned down when it'd been offered several months ago. To hear Booth tell it, Cullen was none too pleased with that decision, but Booth had insisted that he was perfectly happy doing field work, saying that he had no desire to sit in his office all day counting dry erase markers and paper clips while other guys went out to active crime scenes. The fact that his partnership with Dr. Brennan had produced such great results in closing cases had been the only thing that had placated the Director, who'd grudgingly agreed to Booth's request that he remain at his current assignment. Of course, Sweets knew that Booth would be happy doing fieldwork only so long as Dr. Brennan was his partner, but he'd kept his mouth shut about that fact. In that case, discretion was definitely the better part of valor.
"We're all real busy around here, so I'll get to the point.," Cullen growled, pulling a file folder from his desk drawer. The man always looked and sounded angry, like a bulldog with a toothache, but Sweets knew that under the terse exterior, Cullen was actually very concerned about Booth's health. "What can you tell us about Agent Booth's current condition, Dr. Sweets?"
"Well, the brain tumor the surgeon removed was both fairly small and benign, so Booth won't have to undergo any radiation or chemotherapy. He had a very bad reaction to the anesthesia, so he was in a coma for a few days, but since he's awakened recently, his recovery is back on track. He has suffered some memory loss, which is normal in these cases, but the doctor feels like it won't be any sort of permanent disability. If everything goes accordingly and there are no other setbacks, he should be ready to return to work in approximately six to eight weeks."
Nodding as he listened, Cullen regarded Sweets thoughtfully. "Have there been any unforeseen issues other than Booth's negative reaction to the anesthesia? I know about the coma...that was some pretty scary shit, right?"
"Yes, it has been quite frightening for his friends to deal with, too, but he seems to be past that crisis. And then there are the dreams..." Clearing his throat slightly, Sweets seemed unsure of exactly what to say, but seeing Cullen's glare, he shrugged tentatively. "Recently he's had some very disturbing nightmares...evidently they are quite vivid and emotionally draining, but the surgeon has assured him that those incidents will lessen as he heals…"
"Nightmares?," Hacker asked suddenly. His interest finally roused, he leaned forward in his chair. "What sort of nightmares?"
Sweets checked his nails, avoiding eye contact with the two men. "Since Agent Booth is a patient of mine, I'm not really at liberty to say without his permission…"
"Dr. Sweets, Deputy Director Hacker and I understand the whole doctor/patient confidentiality protocol, okay? However, there is a much bigger issue to consider during Booth's recovery and rehabilitation. You see, we're worried about his safety." He handed Sweets the folder. "Booth has been working on a RICO case for us...kind of on the hush-hush, if you know what I mean…"
Sweets quickly glanced through the pages. "He's been doing undercover work? That would surprise me, Director Cullen, since he's been so busy as the Special Agent in Charge of Major Crimes."
"Well…" Hacker cleared his throat and nodded slightly at Cullen, who pursed his lips and nodded back. Sweets fidgeted nervously as the directors silently discussed whether he could be trusted with the details. Finally Hacker turned to Sweets and explained. "To be honest, he wasn't exactly undercover. Booth has been maintaining some important special contacts for us...you know, confidential informants..people who've been involved in some way with a nasty organized crime family called the Council. It's a vicious group of gang bangers, which are headed by a man named C-Synch and his brother, Lil' Ray…"
"You mean, C-Synch, the impresario?" Sweets was shocked. "He represents a lot of popular acts, right? I mean, I know Lil' Ray is really hot right now. Wait...you're telling me they're affiliated with a gang?"
Hacker nodded. "I know it's surprising, but it's true. It seems the music business is often used as a front for buying and selling drugs...among other things. The Council buys real estate such as nightclubs and other venues legally, but it seems they use drug money to do so, with the money laundering and purchase arrangements usually arranged by a shady real estate agency that we've given a code name: the Persians. Then the gang uses the purchased properties as fronts for illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, and as houses of prostitution. The people who work for The Council are really cold blooded...they'll murder someone without giving it a second thought just to keep their business profitable, as will the Persians. Booth was trying to provide protection to our sources, and he did well, but we've recently learned that one of the sources was under extreme duress and gave the gang Booth's name…"
"Wow." Sweets felt his stomach turn over as a wave of nausea washed over him. "And Booth is a sitting duck in that hospital…he's in no position to defend himself..."
"We've had several agents stationed at the hospital ever since his surgery. There have been agents posted on the floor where his room is located, and his doctors and nurses have been vetted. That's not really the problem…" Cullen drummed his fingers on the desk as he stared at the psychologist. "Listen, I know this is touchy shit, but Booth's life is at stake, as well as Dr. Brennan's, so here goes. Has he mentioned any names to you? Names of people you've never heard of before? Maybe someone from one of his nightmares?"
"Well, there is a man's name that has come up several times…" Sweets paused, trying to decide the best course of action, hoping he could offer the Director some information without giving away everything else about Booth's mental health. "Dick Vorstenbach…Booth has mentioned someone by that name as he's been awakened from his nightmares. It's actually come up several times, which is odd, because it's such an unusual name to surface randomly like that..." He saw the expression of shock on Director Cullen's face as the older man gasped suddenly and then shot a horrified glance at Hacker.
"That's not good, Dr. Sweets...not good at all." Both men were obviously shaken by the news. Cullen seemed to try to steady his nerves before he spoke again. "Vorstenbach is the Council's mechanic...their hired gun. He's a ruthless assassin. Booth knew that, too...he must think the guy's after him…"
Sweets drew a shuddering breath as he realized what Booth's worst fears were...and that they might come true. "Actually, Booth's nightmares are usually focused on the idea that this man has murdered Dr. Brennan…"
Hacker exhaled slowly. "That would be more Vorstenbach's style...threatening someone close to Booth instead of threatening him directly. We have to figure out how to keep both Booth and Dr. Brennan out of harm's way, while still being able draw Vorstenbach out…"
He was interrupted by his cell phone. Glancing at the screen, he gave Cullen an apologetic smile. "Excuse me, sir. I really need to take this call…" He rose from his seat and quickly stepped out to the outer office, closing the door behind him.
Cullen and Sweets sat quietly for a few minutes, both turning the problem over in their minds. Finally Cullen slammed his hand down on the desk. "Booth has to die." Seeing his companion's horror, he quickly explained. "We need to fake Booth's death somehow. That'll take the heat off of him and Dr. Brennan until we can take care of Vorstenbach. The problem is how to do it. We can hide Booth pretty easily, but Dr. Brennan is another story..."
"Dr. Brennan is thinking of going on a dig in Costa Rica for six weeks…", Sweets offered.
Cullen frowned. "I thought Booth said Guatemala…"
"Costa Rica...Guatemala…" Sweets shook his head. "it doesn't make any difference as long as she's out of town, right? Perhaps while she's gone we could announce that Booth died from an unexpected side effect of his surgery...maybe a stroke or an embolism, or something like that...and then we can put him in a safe house." The young man hesitantly continued. "And I think the less Dr. Brennan knows of our plan, the better."
Cullen's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure, Sweets? If I remember correctly, there was hell to pay last time we faked Booth's death and you didn't tell her. He almost quit over it…and frankly, I don't blame him, as much as he cares for her." Cullen narrowed his eyes at the man sitting across from him. "He wanted me to fire you, Sweets. You know that, right? Booth was livid. In fact, he'd filed a formal grievance complaint against you, requesting that you be reprimanded. As a Special Agent in Charge, his word carries a lot of weight, and if it hadn't been for all that Gormogon shit blowing up like it did, you probably would've been kicked to the curb. The FBI can always find a psychologist, but replacing someone like Booth, with all his skills? Well nigh impossible…"
"I can imagine." Sweets felt a prick of conscience as he struggled with his thoughts, trying to decide how best to handle Dr. Brennan and her insatiable curiosity. He knew she wouldn't be able to accept Booth's cause of death without proof. It would be cruel to do that to Dr. Brennan again...to tell her that Booth died while she was gone on her dig, but I know if anyone would be able to compartmentalize in this situation, it'd be her. When things are safe again, we can explain the situation to her. Surely she'll see the logic in the plan if we're trying to keep Booth safe...and it will be interesting to see how she reacts this time...she's much more aware of her feelings for him now...
Trying to smile, Sweets continued. "I can imagine Booth was irate, but…"
Cullen scoffed at the young man's attitude. "No, you really can't imagine. Irate doesn't begin to cover it. It took a long time to talk Booth down, okay? Otherwise, you'd be outta here. So are you sure you want to keep Dr. Brennan in the dark on this? Because if this plan goes south, Sweets, I guarantee it'll be the end of your career with the FBI."
"Yes, I'm sure." Exhaling slowly, Sweets nodded. "If she thinks Booth is in danger, she'll want to stay here and help him instead of going on the expedition. The fewer people who know about us faking his death, the better., and she'll be out of Vorstenbach's reach if she goes on the expedition."
"You've got a point there, Dr. Sweets. Okay, that's what we'll do. I'm sure Booth will go along with the idea when he understands that we're doing this to keep Dr. Brennan safe…" Cullen rubbed his chin as he sat back in his chair. "Good...you tell him about our plan first thing in the morning…"
"Who, me?," Sweets stuttered wildly as he thought about facing Dr. Brennan. "I don't even know for sure that Dr. Brennan is going to Costa Rica…"
Cullen stood up, signaling that the meeting was over. "I'm sure you can handle it. Call me tomorrow if Booth has any questions. Now, if you'll excuse me…"
"Yes, of course." The young psychologist rose from his chair and turned to leave the office. As he rode the elevator to the floor where his office was, he cringed, thinking of how to explain the plan to Booth without getting his ass kicked…
Oooooooooo
Dr. Jurzik had been in to see Booth on his morning rounds the next day, greeting Brennan pleasantly as he walked into the room. After checking on his patient's sutures and bandages, he took quite a bit of time to review Booth's situation, asking him mundane questions about his nightmares, most of which Brennan had to answer because Booth's mind seemed to be elsewhere.
As soon as the doctor left, Booth gave his partner a questioning look as she stood at the foot of the bed, studying her as if she was a specimen under a microscope. After a few seconds, Booth noticed the annoyance in her eyes.
"What are you staring at, Booth?"
He grinned as he jabbed a finger at her. "You haven't been sleeping."
She laughed softly. "I could say the same to you, correct? However, I've managed to take a nap here and there. I actually function adequately with very little rest."
He shook his head at her comment. "You haven't been eating properly, either."
Her stomach growled in response as she dragged her hand across her face. "I'm alright, Booth. I'm not hungry."
"Right." He raised a skeptical eyebrow as she sighed, settling her hands on her hips. "Or you've been too busy hovering over me to take care of yourself."
"I need to be here with you. You've needed my assistance as you awakened from the nightmares. They make you disoriented and afraid, and I don't want you to have to deal with that by yourself."
He gave her a small smile. "If I promise to stay awake, will you go down and get something to eat from the cafeteria? Have a salad or something. Just go for a half hour, okay? I promise...no nightmares while you're gone," He gave her a charm smile. "You need to take a break. I'm fine, really...now go...please." Seeing her reluctance, he continued. "I tell you what...ask the nurses to call you if there's any change in my status, okay? That'll set your mind at ease, right?"
She glared at him, absentmindedly chewing her lower lip before finally nodding in agreement. "Those terms are satisfactory."
He grinned. "Good. I'll just watch a little TV, okay? Take your time. I'll see you soon."
She nodded slightly and headed for the door. As she slipped out, he grabbed the remote and turned on the television, settling on some sort of sports game.
She had no idea what sporting event it was, but he seemed to be enjoying it. Letting out a deep breath, she closed the door completely and stood in the hallway, feeling lost and alone. Wandering down the hall towards the cafeteria, she contemplated Sweets's suggestion. Should she go on the dig? Would Booth recover faster without her presence there to distract him?
Oooooooooo
Booth leaned back in his hospital bed, willing himself to relax as he looked around at the sterile environment while a sports commentator droned on in the background. Bones had finally gone to get a bite to eat at the hospital cafeteria. He was really worried about how she was taking care of herself...or rather, not taking care of herself...as she'd sat with him while he recovered from his surgery, because even though she was a grown woman, a genius, and amazingly successful in her career, she still forgot about some of life's little details, like having meals on a regular basis. So after having her look at him with those sad blue eyes all day, he'd finally insisted that she go to the cafeteria for dinner.
He'd had an ulterior motive as well. He needed a few moments of peace and quiet without someone hovering over him or poking at him with some big ass needle or cold electrical probe, asking him if he was comfortable or how he felt. He mumbled to himself as he tried to get comfortable in his bed. 'How are we today, Mr. Booth? Are you having any pain? Let me take your vitals...let me open up your hospital gown and expose your privates...let me put you in a really embarrassing position...let me grope you while I give you a sponge bath...' He knew the nurses were just doing their job, but he longed to tell them what he was actually thinking...something like…
"Well, Nurse Busybody, I'll tell you how I feel, if you really want to know. I feel like hammered shit, okay? I feel like I got french kissed by a goddamn Mack truck. I feel like a giant baby, wearing these fucking diapers and having to be fed and bathed because I can't do any of those goddamn things by myself. I can't roll over because of all the wires sticking out of me, so I look at the stupid ceiling all day. I feel like a fucking pincushion because I've been poked at so many times by needles and IVs. I feel like a fucking moron because I can't remember my own goddamn name from one minute to the next. I'm worried that I've scared away all of my friends. But other than that, I'm just fine...just fucking fine, okay?"
He groaned as he stared up at the ceiling once again before trying to concentrate on the game he'd been watching, which, unfortunately, was a lopsided affair and no longer interesting. Bored and his attention waning, he soon found that his mind was still trying to dredge up little bits of his latest nightmare. He'd tried desperately to forget it, telling himself it was just his imagination, but it kept bothering him for some reason. Why would I dream about Bones being murdered? I'd often had dreams about her before, but they mostly have to do with the two of us losing our clothes and making hot, crazy, gymnastic love...very erotic, but not scary...not like my most recent nightmares.
He didn't want to think about his nightmares any more, but they wouldn't go away. It was like he was supposed to remember something, but he couldn't quite get to it. What was it? What was he supposed to remember?
And then it hit him like a ton of bricks. Vorstenbach...now he knew why the name had come up in the dream. Dick Vorstenbach was the hit man for that gang in the RICO case Booth had been handling on the side, as a favor to Cullen.
That's it...Vorstenbach is dangerous...Jesus! Bones is in major danger! I gotta keep her safe, but how am I gonna do that lying here in this goddamn hospital bed? She's gotta get out of the way so that bastard can't get to her. Maybe I can get Sweets to call Cullen…I've got to take care of this now!
Oooooooooo
Brennan sat down heavily in a metal chair and put her plate on a small table next to a window overlooking a small green belt, oblivious to the sound and chaos bustling around her in the hospital's cafeteria. She tried to enjoy a bite of her salad, but she soon realized that she wasn't in the mood to eat, so she pushed the plate away. Cradling her tea cup, she took a sip and gazed out the window thoughtfully. It was a sunny day...peaceful...calm...but, unfortunately her restless mind was dredging up all manner of terrible 'what ifs', which kept her from enjoying the scene.
After a few minutes of being lost in thought, the sound of metal scraping tile in her vicinity brought her back to reality as Angela gave her a small smile.
"Hey, Sweetie. Booth said this is where I'd find you."
Somewhat startled, Brennan tried to shake off her morbid thoughts. "Hello, Angela."
"How're you doing?" Angela watched Brennan sit back in the chair and leaned forward slightly, taking her hand. "You're still worried about Booth, aren't you?," she asked sympathetically. "He's going to be fine, isn't he? The tumor was benign."
"While it's true that the tumor was benign, I still find myself to be somewhat concerned." Huffing out a sigh, Brennan fixed her gaze on the view outside. "Sweets thinks Booth will recover from the side effects of the anesthesia sooner if I'm not here, but I don't want to leave him, Angela. What if he slips into a coma again? Or perhaps he'll have a nightmare, and injure himself in such a way that can't recover. Who's going to help him? His grandfather is old, and who knows where Jared is...Rebecca is too busy with her job and caring for Parker..."
Angela shook her head, wearing a sad smile. "Actually, I think this is about more than you worrying about his medical well being, isn't it?"
Staring at her friend, Brennan shook her head. "I don't know what that means, Angela. I believe all of my points are valid."
"That's not what I'm talking about. I want you to consider your emotional well being, Brennan. What about your feelings for Booth? Remember how you went into surgery with him because he asked you to? And then you sat by his bed without moving for four days, right?" She paused, but Brennan refused to look at her. "What about the baby?"
"What baby?" Brennan's brows knit as she considered Angela's statement. "Oh, you mean in the story? That was just a plot device. I never meant for any of that to be taken seriously…and of course, I'm not pregnant in real life."
"So you're telling me that you've had no more thoughts about having a child with Booth? That was what you really desired, remember? He made a semen donation, because that's what you wanted, even though it would probably be really hard on him not actually being part of the baby's life. You know what a sacrifice that was for him, right? An indication of how much he cares for you? And you're just going to ignore it?""
"That's not any of your concern at this time." Shaking her head, Brennan stood up quickly and dismissed her friend. "I'm not really very hungry. I need to go back to Booth's room."
Angela remained at the table, watching intently as Brennan loaded a tray with pudding cups and then fled the cafeteria. Shrugging a shoulder as she watched her friend leave, the artist sighed softly, muttering to herself. "I sure hope those two can get their act together…'
Oooooooooo
Brennan walked briskly up the stairs, choosing to forgo the inactivity of using the elevator. She needed the time to focus her emotions...to compartmentalize, which, according to Sweets, was something she did very well. Pausing on Booth's floor, she considered Angela's words once again...particularly those about conceiving a child. Her best friend's interpretation of her actions didn't bother her. She thought she knew where she stood in terms of her feelings towards Booth...they were close friends, but nothing more. Unfortunately, she also knew exactly where Booth was standing now: on the opposite side of the line...or at least he was at this moment in time. All of those deep feelings might change as he recovered. After all...love was a rush of chemicals in the brain, and as his brain healed...as the neural receptors in his brain went back to normal...his feelings towards her would probably be quite different.
Perhaps artificial insemination was still something to consider. Booth had done as she'd requested, and had given his permission...but he'd also wanted to be involved in raising the child. Could she put herself in that position? Being close to him...knowing how he felt now...waiting for him to recover...waiting for things to get back to normal...wondering if they ever would get back to normal…
Her eyes snapped open as a nurse opened the landing door. "Ma'am? Are you alright? Can I help you?"
"Um, I'm fine. Thank you."
The woman nodded and skirted around Brennan. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she walked down the hallway. By the time she had reached Booth's room, she had what she hoped was a convincing smile on her face.
##########
The door to Booth's hospital room suddenly swung open and Bones walked in. His face brightened when he saw the pudding cups she was carrying. She set the tray down on the chair and sat lightly on the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Great. I feel great...even better now that I have all of that pudding to look forward to…" Inhaling sharply, Booth felt a wave of love and desire wash over him once again. God, she's gorgeous...and I love her. I don't want her to leave but I gotta keep her safe without hitting her stubborn streak. If I tell her I'm scared for her, she's gonna resist me. I gotta make it seem like her idea...
Taking a deep breath, he decided to take the plunge. Leaning back against his pillows, he gave her a brilliant smile "So, when are you leaving for Costa Rica, Bones?"
She was surprised that he would bring up her trip, but he'd always had a knack for knowing what she was thinking. "I think I'm going to change my plans, Booth. I don't want to leave while you're still in the hospital…"
He waved off her concerns, trying to fake a big smile. "C'mon, Bones. You heard what Dr. Jurzik said this morning, right? I'm gonna be fine. I'll be transferred to the rehab hospital for a couple of weeks, and then I'll go home, just like I've always done in the past when I've been injured in the field. No big deal..."
She shook her head, setting her jaw resolutely, and he could see that he was in for a fight. "Booth, surely you know that this surgery was significantly different from the other injuries you've suffered in the past. After undergoing brain surgery, you might have lingering after effects for weeks. With your memory loss, you might easily become disoriented…even menial tasks might become difficult in your condition."
"Sweets can help me some, and maybe I'll call Jared and see if he can hang out here for a couple of weeks. If not, maybe I can get a cute home health nurse for a month or so." He reached over to grab her hand, trying to convince her he was right. "I don't want to be responsible for keeping you from going on this dig, okay? I don't want to be the cause of you having any regrets about your career or doing your anthropology stuff. You've looked forward to doing this for a long time, so you should go, instead of worrying about me. I'm a big boy, Bones. I can take care of myself, okay? I don't think I'm gonna need your help." He tried to chuckle as Brennan brushed an angry tear away from her cheek.
"How can I enjoy my expedition if I'm worried about you, Booth?" Brennan crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him, daring him to argue with her. "I should stay and help you! You won't be able to do everything by yourself, so why are you fighting me on this? Surely you must realize you'll be in need of assistance."
Feeling an uncomfortable lump form in her throat, Brennan willed herself not to cry as he shook his head. The confusion of the day had culminated in his suggestion that she leave him alone, and she found herself becoming irrationally emotional. Cursing silently, she let out a quick breath and attempted to rein in her thoughts. Leveling a stern gaze at him, her demeanor changed as she scolded him. "You're being completely irrational. There's no reason for you to push me away like this when you know you'll need help, and I am available to assist you. Are you embarrassed that I might see you in a somewhat weakened state? Are you afraid I won't be able to handle your emotional instability while you deal with your occupational therapy? What is the problem?"
I don't want her to see me weak...but that's not the point, is it? "Of course I'm not pushing you away. I know you'd be a great help to me. It's not about anything you'd do or maybe wouldn't do for me." Groaning in exasperation, he rolled his eyes at her. "Listen to me, Bones. I'm gonna be fine, okay? I'm not trying to get rid of you or anything like that, and I'll have plenty of help. I just want you to be able to live your life without fretting about me, so I want you to go on this trip. I'll see you when you get back, okay? So promise me you'll go..."
He tilted his head and watched Brennan's reaction to his attempt at using logic. I think I've almost got her convinced...I'm gonna miss her...but she's in too much danger here…
Sweets's voice rang in her mind as she recalled him saying that Booth would recover better without her around. She hated to take the psychologist's advice, but in this situation it might be necessary. Perhaps her presence would indeed be detrimental to Booth's recovery.
She paused slightly, evidently thinking things over. "We'll see.," she mumbled. "I don't want to discuss right now, Booth...not while you're upset. Let me think about it."
Nodding, he patted her hand. "That's all I ask." Smiling, he tried to change the subject to ease the tension between them. "Hey...can you hand me one of those pudding cups?"
She stared at him, slightly confused. It took her a moment to understand his request, but then she quickly handed him one of the cups and a spoon. She blushed as her stomach growled at the pleasant aroma of the pudding and he gave her a pointed look.
"You were supposed to eat. You promised."
"I did."
"Liar. You've gotta eat, Bones. Starving yourself isn't normal, okay? Here...have one...look, it's chocolate..."
He gave her a silly grin and she smiled back as she opened the pudding cup. "Okay…maybe one…"
"Great." He ate a bite of pudding. "So you go on that dig, okay? And by the time you get home, I'll be better, and things will get back to normal around here."
She glanced at him as he chattered about her upcoming trip. He was recovering, confused, scared, stubborn, and their relationship was uncertain. She was confused, conflicted, scared by his coma, and possessive of her time with him.
It would be a long time before things got back to normal.
If you have time to review, I'd appreciate it. Laura