(Sorry I can't remember if it does or doesn't, but for the purposes of this story, Brennan's apartment does have a fireplace.)
Ch. 5: Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Exiting the car, Brennan's coat and hat were immediately assaulted by several hundred flecks of white, each longing to take her captive, as her boots quickly sunk into the newly fallen snow. Apparently, during the short ride to her apartment, Mother Nature had decided D.C. hadn't gotten enough snow and decided to up its yearly quota.
But Brennan honestly didn't mind. For all its chaotic qualities, winter also brought with it a certain stillness. While the snow swirled around her, no discernible sound could be heard. She could see that practically every surface was covered in a undisturbed blanket of white, as if the world had fallen asleep and only the spring sun's warm kiss could reawaken her. Brennan never ceased to be fascinated by such a simple phenomenon.
Noticing the cold biting at her exposed hand, she shoved it in her pocket, hoping to momentarily protect it as the other searched blindly through her bag for her keys. Frustrated, she bent her head to look in her bag, since apparently her hand was of no use, and she could hear Booth open one of the doors.
Aha, there you are!
Finally succeeding in the search for her keys, she popped her head back up to see Booth removing a small gift bag and a rectangular box from the back seat.
"Booth, what is all that?" she asked surprised and a little worried.
"What does it look like Bones?" He said with a smirk.
"But we always exchange our gifts after Christmas."
Oh no, I still haven't gotten Booth a gift! What am I going to do?
"Well, what's a few days early, huh Bones?" he said with a lightness in his voice as he closed the door.
Still unable to resist his charms, Brennan shook her head and gave him that well known "Alright, you win" half smile.
As they started toward the building, Brennan could feel a knot forming in her stomach and threw her brain into overdrive.
I have to come up with some sort of gift for Booth, but what?
It was a silent climb up the stairs to her apartment as Brennan continued to rack her brain for any idea of a potential gift for Booth. As she turned the key in the lock and opened the door, a small smile spread across Booth's face. He knew Bones always had a difficult time when it came to the holidays, but seeing her apartment with its simple yet tasteful decorations warmed his heart. In the many nooks and corners of her bookshelves and atop her tables, he could see the occasional snow globe, Santa Claus, or snowman. Along her mantle hung fresh cut pine garland intertwined with tiny white lights and dotted with pine cones here and there. The smell of the crisp pine mixed with the apartment's subdued hint of cinnamon was just incredible. It had the power to make even the biggest Scrooge happy.
Off to the right stood a modest sized pine tree neatly decorated with its own white lights, a multitude of ornaments, and was topped with a beautiful silver star. As his eyes scanned the tree, he felt his heart swell in his chest when they came upon the ornaments Parker had made for Bones. They were two gingerbread people hung next to each other; one with icing and sprinkles resembling a blue lab coat and a scribbling of long hair and the other was dressed in what appeared to be a suit and tie, with a smattering of spiked hair and a yellow dot in one of his hands, which he had been told was a badge.
Brennan set her bag on the desk, slipped off her boots, and removed her hat and coat, gently shaking off any excess snow.
After hanging her things, she inquired, "Can I take your coat Booth?"
"Oh sure Bones. Thanks." He set the gifts down as he removed his coat and shoes. "You're place looks really nice. Very Christmas-y."
Closing the closet door, she looked around. "Thanks."
"Well," he said rubbing his hands together and shooting her a smile, "should we open gifts first and then eat or eat and then open gifts?"
Brennan felt the knot return to her stomach.
How long can I keep him distracted?
"I'm hungry, let's eat first."
"Good choice Bones. Any requests?"
"You're the chef, you tell me."
He smiled, puffing out his chest a bit, at the prestigious title. "How 'bout pasta?"
Smiling, she responded, "Pasta sound good. Let me see go what I've got."
As she wandered off to check stock of her pantry, Booth asked, "Hey Bones, mind if I turn on some Christmas music?"
Searching through the boxes of pasta and jars of sauce, she shouted back,"Sure, I think my Dad left some Christmas CDs from our party last week."
"Alright, let's see what we've got here" he mumbled to himself. As he thumbed through the CD rack, something shiny below caught his eye. He stuck his hand underneath, finding a jagged piece of plastic. "Looks like a piece of a CD." Turning it over in his hand, he silently read the few discernible words on the small wedge. When he came to song number 7, he froze and popped his head up.
"Hot Blooded. Bones actually broke this CD?!" It appeared his partner wasn't as good at compartmentalizing as she tried to appear. In disbelief, he turned to look in the direction of the pantry, feeling his heart sink.
"Booth, did you find them?"
Her question brought him back to reality. "Uh...yeah Bones, I'm just, uh, deciding." His voice jumped a little, as he shoved the piece of plastic back into its hiding place, not wanting her to know he'd discovered her secret. He quickly placed the Dean Martin CD in the machine and hit play.
Bones returned from the pantry with a box of pasta in one hand and a jar of sauce in the other."How's this Booth?"
Trying to sound as normal as possible after his surprising discovery, Booth responded with a smile, "It's good Bones."
"What else do want to have with it? Salad?" She asked, thankfully unaware of any change in his demeanor.
Phew, she didn't notice!
"Salad sounds good," he responded as he removed his suit jacket and tie, placing them over a chair and rolling up his sleeves.
As Brennan searched the fridge for all the necessary salad components, she could hear Booth rattling through the cabinets in search of the perfect pasta pot.
"Aha, here you are!"
Closing the refrigerator door, she watched her partner sail with ease through her kitchen as he hummed along to the music, opening each drawer and cabinet to find exactly the right container or utensil needed to prepare his masterpiece. She couldn't help but smile to herself at watching his fluid movements; where other men possessing such knowledge of her private life had always summoned fear, when it came to Booth, an unexplainable sense of comfort washed over her at seeing how well he knew his way around.
Brennan stood beside Booth as she prepped the salad, chopping her lettuce, carrots, and tomatoes and tossing her colorful creation together as he lifted a pot of water onto the stove.
"Okay my lovely assistant, would you mind chopping some onions and a pepper for our sauce?" He said smiling as he handed her the vegetables.
"Assistant?" A feeling of sadness washed over Brennan, she could feel the color draining from her face. Every time she heard THAT word she was reminded of Zack.
Booth, noticing the blank stare, inquired, "Bones, are you okay?"
"Hmm? Uh, yeah Booth, I'm fine." She said as she placed the vegetables on the cutting board beside him and grabbed a knife from the block.
Booth waited a few moments, then cautiously asked, "You were thinking of Zack, weren't you?"
"What? No I wasn't." She said trying to sound the least bit believable.
"Bones, c'mon."
She sighed to herself.
Grr, he knows me too well.
She paused mid chop, "Okay, yes, I was," she responded slightly annoyed and obviously sad.
"I'm sorry Bones, I shouldn't have used that word. I wasn't thinking."
"It's alright Booth. I just have to accept the fact that Zack is gone and move on. That's all." She continued her chopping, hoping Booth would take it as a sign to cease and desist on this topic of conversation.
Sure Bones, that's all.
Knowing he better move the conversation on to a happier note, Booth nudged her with his elbow and gave her a wink as he poured the pasta into the boiling water, "Well, I can guarantee you one thing. As an assistant, Zack was never so beautiful."
Brennan smiled and rolled her eyes as she continued chopping.
Just then the CD moved on to that catchy Christmas tune, "Baby It's Cold Outside". As Booth stirred the pasta, he turned to look at Bones. With her head down, seeming completely focused on her task, he could hear her singing in a low tone, "This evening has been so very nice...". He smiled to himself as he poured the jar of sauce in another pot, deciding to quietly sing the male verses, "I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice...", and wondering if and when Bones would ever notice.
"I ought to say no, no, no sir..."
"Mind if I move in closer?..."
"At least I'm gonna say that I tried..."
"What's the sense in hurting my pride?..."
Finishing her chopping, Brennan gathered the vegetable pieces in her hands and carefully plopped them into the sauce. It was only now that she noticed their "duet" as they both finished the song in unison, "Baby it's cold outside!" They looked at each other, their eyes sparkling, and couldn't help but giggle like two teenagers.
"I still think you have a great singing voice there Bones."
Brennan could feel the blood rush to her cheeks, there was no use in trying to hide her blush. "Thanks, " she responded sheepishly as she grabbed plates and glasses from the cabinet.
After a few more turns of his spoon in the sauce and a quick taste test of the noodles, Booth declared it was time to eat. He carried the pot from the stove, draining the noodles in the sink, and then added them to a large bowl as he poured the sauce over top.
As Booth put the finishing touches on the main course, a generous sprinkling of parmesan and parsley, Brennan grabbed the salad from the counter and searched the fridge for a selection of dressings. Placing the bottles on the table, she then went to find the cork screw and came back to the table with her favorite bottle of red wine. Booth placed the large bowl of steaming pasta before them.
"Here Bones, allow me" he said holding out his hand for the cork screw.
Brennan made herself comfortable as he easily opened the wine, pouring her a glass and then himself.
"Before we eat, I think we should have a toast." They each raised their glasses. "To..to good food and good friends." He said with a smile.
She happily returned the smile as they clinked glasses.
Filling her plate with a generous serving of salad and an equally generous amount of pasta, Brennan occupied her fork with a few noodles and took her first bite.
"Well Bones, what d'ya think? I'm sure it doesn't come close to your Mac n' Cheese, but..." he said with a smirk.
"It's delicious Booth. You really are quite the chef."
"Well, you deserve some of the credit my lovely helper," he made sure not to use THAT word again, "we sure make a great team."
"We do."
Their dinner conversation flowed easily in that usual Booth-Bones way, as they talked about everything from their latest case, to science, religion, Parker, Max and Russ, and finally came to her latest book.
As they began clearing the table, Booth, with a twinkle in his eye, asked that all too familiar question, "So Bones, can I read your manuscript?" He figured he knew the answer, but maybe Bones was in enough of a festive mood to change her mind this one time.
"Booth, " she said in that "why did you even ask" tone as she handed him her plate, "you can read it when its published."
"I know Bones, but it never hurts to ask, right?" He said with a small smile as he placed their plates in the dishwasher. She felt her heart constrict a little at hearing his disappointment.
Closing the dishwasher door, Booth's disappointment quickly disappeared as he excitedly asked, "Shall we open presents then?"His eyebrows jumped and his eyes noticeably danced at thought of opening her gift. When it came to Christmas, Booth was still such a little boy.
Oh no!
Brennan had completely forgotten about the gifts, having pushed the thought out of her mind, hoping against all hope that Booth would be willing to wait the extra few days.
Guess not!
"Ready Bones?" He asked as he picked up the box and bag from a side table.
Bones swallowed hard, not wanting to hurt his feelings and admit she hadn't yet found him a gift.
"I....,"
Then she had an epiphany. She walked quickly to her desk and grabbed her bag. "I'll be right back!" she said with a swiftness in her voice as she hurried to her bedroom.
Surprised by her quickness, Booth made himself comfortable on the couch. "Uh, okay Bones!" he shouted behind her.
What was that all about?!
Wham! Her bedroom door slammed shut at her overly forceful push, and she switched on the bedroom light.
Booth jumped a little at the unexpected sound.
She placed her bag on the bed and opening her closet door, pulled the light's string with a jolt. She looked around frantically for her wrapping box.
Where did I put it?!
She moved some of her clothes out of the way.
Ah, there it is!
She rifled through the box as the medal string swung and bounced in the air, pinging against the bare bulb. She pulled out some colored tissue paper and the only ribbon she could find. She threw the lid, cockeyed, back on the box, shoving it with a swift kick against the wall. Exiting the closet, Brennan pulled the light string again with equal force. Laying the paper on the bed, she flattened it as best she could. Brennan then opened her bag and carefully removed her massive manuscript, placing gently on top of the paper. She folded each side in and then neatly twisted the ribbon around the package, tying it in a bow. She stood back to take in her on the fly creation and smiled.
There it is, the perfect gift for Booth! Let's hope he likes it!
She scooped up the present and gently opened the door as she switched of the light, finally able to catch a much needed breath.
"Sorry about that Booth." She said calmly, as she smoothed her hair and straightened her clothes, sitting down next to him, placing her gift on the coffee table.
Eying her gift and noticing the fair amount of wrinkles in the paper, Booth chuckled to himself, "That's okay Bones." "Now here, you open this first. It's from Pops."
"Oh, that was nice of him. What is it?"
"Well, you have to open it Bones. That's why they call it a gift," he said with a laugh.
"Oh, right, " Brennan laughed at herself for asking such a foolish question.
Brennan smiled as she read the tag, "To the beautiful Bone Doctor".
Removing the pieces of tissue paper from the top of the bag, Brennan noticed two thinly wrapped rectangular objects. She pulled out one and began tearing the paper. A burst of laughter escaped her lips as she eyed the gift and then shot a glance at Booth.
"What? What is it Bones?" Booth asked, scared to find out the answer.
Brennan pinched her lips together, unable to hide her smile, as she turned the picture to face Booth.
"Oh gees, " he said rolling his eyes, his cheeks turning red at the new sight.
"What? I think it's cute Booth," she read the picture's caption, "Pops and Shrimp, 1981."
Booth shook his head, undoubtedly embarrassed but amused, taking the picture in his hands. "Thanks Bones. That was taken on one of our annual fishing trips. God, I remember that day. Pops was such a great fisherman; the moment he stuck his hook in the water the fish just seemed to jump on."
"And you?"
"Well....let's just say I wasn't as lucky. We sat out there for six hours. Pops had caught at least eight or nine fish by then, and I still had yet to catch one. I kept telling him we could leave, but he said he was willing to wait. He never wanted to rush me." Booth smiled as he recalled that day.
"So I take it the fish your holding up in the picture was your only catch?"
"Yep, six hours later, and I caught a whole three pound fish," he said chuckling, "but for some reason, Pops was more proud of that one catch than all of the fish he had caught."
Brennan smiled, "Hank's a good man."
And he raised a good man.
"Yeah, he is Bones, he really is."
Brennan gently stood the picture on the table and then turned her attention back to the bag, pulling out the other gift. Booth watched a smile spread across her face as she tore the wrapping.
He couldn't help but smile himself at seeing this, "What's that one Bones?"
"It's that picture they took of the three of us at the retirement home's Thanksgiving." She moved the picture so Booth could have a clearer view.
Booth's eyes seemed to sparkle as they scanned the picture, "That was a great day. Pops really loves you."
Brennan turned to face him, surprised at hearing HIM say these words; Booth shocked at having said them. Brennan knew that Hank considered her part of his family, but to hear Booth admit he knew it too was something she wasn't expecting.
Well, here it is, Ch. 5, another one down! I hope to finish this story before Christmas, but that's the problem with writing Christmas fic, December is soooo busy it cuts into your writing time! :) I'm going to give it my best shot though! Enjoy and thanks again for the amazing reviews!!! Bones fans truly are the BEST!!!