Guys, I WILL THANK YOU A THOUSAND TIMES IF I HAVE TO…
I couldn't resist posting again… You deserve to see the first part of her journey… And I hope that by the end, you start seeing my point…
As usual, I own nothing, I gain nothing, just the pleasure of playing around… All of this belongs to the writers, producers and people at FOX…
However, this little baby is MINE, LOL!
SECOND DISCLAIMER: If you want to have a visual idea of how Temperance, Hannah and the ring looked, search google these images:
Emily Deschanel on Esquire Magazine June 2009 (she's on a velvet black dress and high-heeled stilettos)
Hannah´s dress: worldflash. /001/ carolina-herrera- wedding-dresses. Html (it is the 5th dress from the top)
Engagement ring: www. / sareen-diamond- # (without the spaces)
Continue second disclaimer: I GAIN ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FROM THOSE PAGES (just making you visualize better what is happening…
Hope you enjoy this.
This is the beginning of Brennan journey. It must be clear, it will take a while, since she has to see both sides of the coin. While she does, we'll also see glimpses of what's happening to the rest of the gang…
THIRD DISCLAIMER: Considering this is a repost, and considering some reviews, I will now add the phrase, Bren's dream world, so there's no mix up between her dream and reality.
So, without any further adieu…
Bren's dream world
She squinted her eyes, and when she opened them again, she saw the concerned faces of her friends hovering above her.
"I think she's ok", Angela said, relieved, "Sweetie?", Angela touched her arm, and she flinched a bit as she felt the very real sensation of Angela's warm hand on her skin, "You had us worried for a second. I guess you've been skipping meals again. Honey", she chided, "We've told you time and time again that is not healthy. ".
"I might… have skipped breakfast", Temperance said, and that is when she took notice of her surroundings, "But I'm ok now", she said, her throat closing at the images, confused at what was happening, her mind fuzzy for a few seconds.
They were in a parish room, the ones they kept for brides and their bridesmaids. She took a look at her friends, and realized they were in bridesmaid's dresses. They were wearing soft lilac chiffon dressed with an A-line, a wide dark purple satin band enhancing their tiny waists, their hairs pulled to the side in a low ponytail, with a lilac flower arrangement carefully placed on the band that held their hair, both women looking beautiful and fresh with their soft makeup.
She took a look at herself, and noticed her dress was different. She was wearing a beautiful black velvet dress. The neck line was daring, but tasteful, as it was heart-shaped, a diamond line holding the sides together, enhancing the firmness and softness of her skin and the swell of her breasts. The dress went all the way to her feet, and it had an opening on her right thigh that could only be seen as she walked. She stood up slowly, and saw her image on the mirror. Her hair was loose, and it was arranged into soft curls. Her hair was longer, and her bangs were blending with the rest of her curls. She had chandelier diamond earrings, a bracelet, and her mother's ring, along with high black strappy stilettos.
She was disoriented for a few seconds, she knew she was at a wedding, but if she wasn't the bride, who was?
"Temperance, you have to take care of yourself", she heard a third voice in the room, "I can't have my maid of honor fainting on me, now, can I?", she turned on her heels and stared.
Oh. My. God.
It was Hannah, who was in a very beautiful wedding dress; it was a perfect shade of ivory, with an accented pattern on her bust and on the trim of the dress, strapless, accentuating her slim figure; her curls were falling silkily down her back, a diamond barrette on top of her head, keeping the hair out of her face, and holding the short veil in place. Her makeup was soft, and her eyes shone with the glimmer of a woman in love, about to live her dream.
Her heart plummeted to the floor, but she put on her bravest face, "Sorry, Hannah. I promise you, everything will go perfectly", then her mind was suddenly filled with a thousand images at once, the current situations starting to make sense, like receiving a file with a background check, and for the life of her, she couldn't understand why. But in a few seconds, everything came back to her and she understood it all. They were in Booth's parish, in a back room, waiting to be cued in as they were all there for Booth's and Hannah's wedding.
She recalled in painful clarity how he had gone to her office, just 2 months ago, to ask her opinion on the most important purchase he had ever made.
It had been weird seeing him there, in the middle of the morning, after he had taken his space from the lab, only coming when there was a real need for him during a case, or when something extraordinary happened; as his coming for the sake of it was practically inexistent. His visits to bring her snacks or just to chat had stopped after his relationship with Hannah had deepened. However, she had vowed to be the best friend she could to him, and she was always pleasant and accommodating, determined to help him reach his happily ever after. So, on that day, after pleasantries, and a bit of small talk, she had seen him fidget until she demanded he told her what he needed.
"Booth, we're not working a case, and we both know you don't usually come here for nothing. And adding to that the fact that you definitely look… like you want to tell me something important. So, why don't you just save us precious time and get to it? I have remains in Limbo that I need to identify", he had stared at her for a few seconds, and hesitantly, he had started, "Bones, you know I value your opinion above all others, right? NO matter what", she had frowned a bit at his sudden change of mood from amicable and even playful to complete seriousness, and then he had added, "I… I've never stopped considering you my best friend, and I know I've neglected you lately, and I can only hope I can make it up to you somehow, but now it would mean… It would mean the world to me if I had your support on this".
"Booth, it doesn't matter what has happened between us, you're still a friend to me. I've… I've understood your need to build a life with Hannah, and that it's not easy to find a balance between her and how demanding our work together is. It would only be natural that she takes precedence over anything else", he had smiled in relief at her reassuring words.
"Thanks, Bones. It does mean a lot, knowing things are ok between us". He said gratefully.
She recalled that after her breaking down in front of him in his SUV, the next day she had dismissed his concern when he went looking for her, concern lacing his handsome face. She also remembered how she had told him that what had struck her so bad was not knowing, as an empiricist, how her life would have turned out had her choices been different. She had then given him a lecture on how she was pleased with her choices, but that she regretted the strain that their friendship had suffered because of her need to retreat into herself, and to adjust to the circumstances surrounding them. She had asked him to forgive her for not being brave enough to deal with the awkwardness of her initial rejection of him, and how she was sorry it had taken her traveling across the globe to realize that her job with him was the most fulfilling thing she did, telling him she was happy he had found someone he was happy with, someone who loved him as he had always desired, and that she didn't want things between them to become awkward.
She saw a glimmer of pained disappointment at her words, but he had said nothing. He had given her a soft hug, and told her he needed to meet Hannah for lunch, and that they would love to have her over somewhere during the weekend.
From that point forward, she had become a master at hiding her pain, sharing meals with them, seeing their relationship grow, knowing that he would never be hers. Until the day she was recalling right now.
"Bones, you know I trust you, with everything, right?", he had said eagerly, and she nodded, confused by his unusual grave countenance.
"I need… I know you don't believe in these things, but… You're still a woman, right?", he had said.
She had snorted, and said, "Of course I'm still a woman. I've never stopped being one", he had chuckled at her matter-of-fact response.
"Always so literal, Bones. Anyway, back to my point. As a woman, I was wondering if you… could give me an honest opinion", he said, and fumbled in his pants' pocket, until he retrieved a small blue velvet box, "On this".
He opened it, and her eyes widened as she saw the most beautiful engagement ring on its velvet prison. It was platinum, and it had a glittering square diamond standing proud in the middle, flanked by many little diamonds that enhanced the glitter around the center stone.
Hit by the meaning behind what she was seeing, she swallowed hard, and gathering her courage, she replied, "It's… beautiful, Booth. It truly is. I might not agree on marriage or see it as a viable alternative for me, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate its meaning for most people, anthropologically speaking, and particularly, what it has always meant to you", she had replied, and he had smiled, pleased at her words, "It's a beautiful piece of jewelry, and very tasteful, Booth, I'm certain Hannah will be very pleased when you present it to her", he continued to smile at her praise of his choice.
She tried to talk around the lump in her throat and ask the dreaded question, "When… when are you thinking of proposing, Booth?", she asked, doing her best to sound concerned in the way a friend should, not in the way a woman who was finally losing the man she loved would sound when she realized it was definitely over.
"This weekend. I'm taking her… I'm taking her to a cabin. It's secluded, and surrounded by lakes and nature. It's truly romantic. I… I asked Pops for the key… It is his, and I went last weekend to fix everything. I asked a friend to go this Friday, before we arrive, and give it the final touches", his eyes were sparkling with happiness.
She had raised her eyes to him, "Last weekend, when you said you had an undercover operation?", he had the grace to look sheepish, and replied, "I couldn't tell you I was fixing everything to propose to my girlfriend. We know you're not good at lying, and if Hannah had come here and asked you if you knew where I was, she would have seen past you", he explained.
"Maybe", she said, thinking how badly he had underestimated her acting skills, which she had been honing ever since she realized he would never back down from his decision to be with Hannah.
"So", he started, "You really think she'll like it?", he asked with a beaming smile, and hiding her bruised heart, she gave him a sad smile and said, "I already told you, she'll love it, Booth. I'm sure of it", she replied.
"I know she loves me Bones, but… Do you think she'll say yes?", he asked, with an eagerness that resembled much Parker when he wanted to be reassured of something.
`If she's not as stupid as I was and turns you down´, she thought to herself. Clearing her thoughts, she said, "If she loves you as much as she claims, something I believe you've told me she has proven to you time and time again, I believe that the most reasonable outcome would be that she accepts your proposal", she said, hiding behind her big words, acting calm and composed, when she felt anything but.
He chuckled, "Thanks, Bones. You always make me feel better. You're right. I have no reason to doubt that Hannah loves me, nor that she wants to be with me. Parker finally took to her, and they get along great. In truth, I was waiting only for that to happen. I wanted my little boy to be comfortable around her, and grow to love her before I popped the question. And the last time I had him, they truly had a great time together, I could see them bonding. He even asked Hannah to tuck him in", he had replied, happily, "It's only knowing Parker has accepted her that finally made my choice. Well, the decision was already made, but I would never jeopardize my relationship with my little boy. It took some time, but they finally bonded, and that was all I wanted".
She nodded, "I understand your meaning. You're a very devoted father, and you're very thoughtful in considering the consequences on your choices, as if you marry Hannah, she'll become a permanent in Parker's life. Did… Did you ask Parker about his opinion on the matter?", she asked, foolishly desiring that there was something to stop the snowball that was starting to fall.
"Yes, I asked before I went to buy the ring; I explained everything, and mucho to my relief, he said he likes her", he told her happily, "He said that he was starting to love her, because he could see she made me happy. And that he knew she loved me, and that he was glad I stopped feeling lonely ever since she was with me. So he told me he would love to have her as a stepmom, but that his only condition was that he could bring the rings to us. Imagine that, huh?", she had nodded, her eyes lying, showing him a happiness she didn't feel.
"I'm glad. Everything is finally coming along for you", she replied amicably, `And while you find your happiness, my world falls around me´, she had thought, but the smile never wavered from her face.
Days passed, and indeed, Hannah accepted. She had felt the team's stares of her when news of their engagement spread like bushfire through the lab, but she played her part to perfection, until everyone bought her lie, and finally gave up on the idea that she was upset about the news, dismissing their concerns for her as foolish. She was heart sore, but no one knew. Even Angela had been fooled, and that was saying a lot, since Angela was the second person who knew her best, after Booth.
To add insult to injury, Hannah had practically begged her, one day as she, Booth and Parker had lunch together, to be her maid of honor.
Her initial reaction was to refuse, Booth supporting her as he explained to Hannah that Bones wasn't truly into marriage stuff and that they shouldn't burden her with something that would make her feel weird and uncomfortable, but Hannah had pleaded her case in a way she couldn't truly refuse.
"Temperance, I have no sisters. My family is quite little, and my cousins are really annoying, meaning, we've never truly gotten along. Tempe, you're Seeley's best friend", she said, her emerald eyes pleading, "And as such, you have a huge place in my heart as well. It would mean the world to us if you were there, standing right next to us, supporting us. It would show us we can always count on you as a friend. Isn't it right, Seeley? Don't you think it would be amazing and a great gift to us if she said yes?", Hannah had asked excitedly, and leaning in to kiss her temple, Booth had replied, his eyes filled with love for the woman sitting right next to him, but staring back at his longtime friend,
"She's right, Bones. I would never push, but the truth is that it would mean the world to me if you said yes. It wouldn't be… complete. I mean, I can't ask you to be my best man", he teased, "But you're my partner, and it would be the best gift ever, more than anything your money could buy, if you showed us that you could put aside your distaste for the archaic rituals and join us", he said, his voice a mixture between teasing and a real request for her support. She was torn. She had fooled everyone, but she couldn't deny how it would break her heart if she not only had to watch him devote his life and love to another woman, but also practically push his hand into Hannah's in the process.
Parker, of course, had chimed in, much to her dismay, "Yeah, Bones. It wouldn't be the same if you weren't there. We're family, and as family, you could show Daddy how good a friend you are to him by being there. My mom explained to me that sometimes, when you love someone, and they're your friends, you do things for them, even if you don't like them so much. Like, for example, my friend Tommy loves basketball, and I don't like it so much, since I prefer baseball and football. Anyway, when we hang out together, some weekends we play my favorites, and the others we play his. So, if you don't really like weddings, you could still do it for Daddy and Hannah, and prove to them you're their real friend by doing something you hate", not one of the adults could argue with the simple logic he had used.
Seeing their three expectant faces, and disregarding the vice grip she felt around her bruised heart knowing she would only submit herself to more pain, she had only said, "Ok. I'll do it. If it's just to prove to you I really support your decision to enter a successful blending of familial obligations as well as monetary and property consolidation", Parker looked confused and just said, "What?", as he asked his father for clarification.
Booth laughed, "That she'll do it to prove to us that she really supports us getting married", he said, ruffling Parker's curls, whose face brightened at the explanation, Hannah joining them in laughter.
She had laughed too, but it was hollow. Fortunately for her, they were so immersed in their picture of family bliss they all missed the searing pain tinting her blue eyes.
From that point forward, everything was about the wedding. Angela was even helping Hannah plan, and of course, there was no way and Cam and her weren't involved by proxy, she even more as she had to "fulfill her duties".
She recalled when they went to find Hannah's wedding dress, the 3 women claiming it was one of the main duties of the maid of honor to help the bride find the perfect dress. Besides, she would need a dress too. To be honest, she would have rather have her teeth taken off with a plier without anesthetic, but she couldn't back down now. She couldn't blame them either, as she had squashed their concern, truly making them believe that there was nothing wrong with supporting Booth by accepting Hannah as one of them. Rationally she knew that any other reaction would have made them suspicious, so she had to play her part until the very end.
Hannah had looked radiant, and her eyes had pooled with happy tears when she indeed found the perfect dress, Angela and Cam practically cooing around her, appraising her beauty and approving her choice. Then, they had found the bridesmaids' dresses, Bones confused that Hannah had only asked for 2, not 3 dresses, until she was dragged to the other side of the store to find the most perfect black dress she had ever seen.
"I know it's against tradition. But you're a very beautiful woman, Temperance, and I've noticed how much black flatters you. You will look beautiful in this", Hannah had said confidently, her eyes shining.
"Hannah, I'm sure you realize black is a color usually related to mourning", she had said, matter-of-factly, and Hannah laughed, accustomed by her blunt responses, "Yes, but it doesn't concern me because I know you're not grieving. And I want my maid of honor to look stunning. Who knows? Perhaps we´ll be able to hook you up with some of Seeley's Army friends", she said teasingly, "Now go try it on".
Indeed the dress had looked stunning on her, and both Angela and Cam had agreed with Hannah's choice in dress, fussing over Brennan and telling her how astounding she looked. Hannah had even jokingly said that she could even overshadow the bride in that dress. Indeed, it left nothing to the imagination while being completely tasteful. Her earlier remark about the mourning couldn't have been more truthful, but that was just for her to know.
From there, the only thing she had been able to do was hide her pain, and hope she wouldn't be destroyed by it in the process.
From that moment, to finding herself ready to act as Hannah's maid of honor, everything had happened at lightning speed.
"If you're truly ok, Tempe, could I ask you a favor?", Hannah asked eagerly, and she nodded, too tired to argue, "Could you go check up on Seeley? He was so nervous yesterday, like he was afraid I was about to back down or something", she said, and Temperance shook her head, dismissing Hannah's concerns.
"It might be difficult for him to truly grasp that this day has finally arrived, even more when the notion of marriage and family life has eluded him for so long, since you're the first real successful relationship he's entered since Rebecca", she said, and Hannah chuckled.
"I know, but I would feel better if you went and took a look and tell me how he's doing, and tell him I'm ok, that I love him and that I'm not backing down on us", she smiled radiantly, making her acquiesce to her wishes. Temperance swallowed, but knowing there was no way out, she stepped from the room, leaving her 2 friends fuss over the new addition to their family.
She focused on her breathing, trying to keep her pulse from moving, but as she approached the door of the room she knew he was in, she felt her chest become tighter with each step, her limbs felt heavy and unresponsive.
She leaned her forehead against the cool wood for a few moments, and before she had a chance to go back and make up a lie for Hannah to hide the fact that she had lost her resolve, she knocked softly.
"Come in", came from inside, his voice strong. She opened the door softly, and her breath caught again at how incredibly handsome he looked.
He was still in his crisp white shirt and silky black trousers, his jacket carefully placed on a hanger next to the mirror where he was looking at his reflection. He was wearing a dark silver gray waistcoat that enhanced the width of his shoulders and the narrowness of his hips. His shirt was perfectly pressed, and he was fighting with his bow tie. In truth, she had never seen him look so utterly perfect, like a prince or a model straight from a magazine.
"Bones", he beamed at her, pausing for a second, before trying to succeed in his endeavors.
"Having trouble?", she teased a bit, and he replied, "You think being a sniper my hand would never falter, but I find myself… irrevocably nervous", he said solemnly, a bit amused at his predicament.
He hid his reactions to seeing her with him. No matter if he was going to be a married man in less than an hour, he couldn't deny the perfect beauty of the woman standing before him. And today she looked nothing short of perfect.
She went to him, and pried his hands away from the tie, taking over his task. Her hands didn't shake, thankfully, but she didn't meet his eyes, seemingly preoccupied with helping him get ready.
"So, I guess you don't believe in luck", he teased while he stared into her face as she tried to fix his tie with precise movements of her hand and wrists.
"Since I assume you're referring to the notion that it is bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, I'm not the bride, and you're right", she said, putting the finishing touches on his tie, "I don't believe in luck", she smoothed the fabric and released it.
The truth is that she needed to be far away from him. He smelled unbelievable, and he looked so beautiful, even if he would contest the adjective, it woke every female desire she had ever felt for him. What made her heart clench was seeing he had discarded his usual spiky hair for the softer look of the earlier days of their partnership, his perfect dark hair arranged in smooth lines, taking her back to days where pain was not the constant in her life.
"You're done", he looked at himself, and smiled, "Thanks, Bones. But, shouldn't you be with Hannah?", he asked, curious.
"She was worried about you, and wanted me to come here and ask if you were ok. She noticed you were feeling nervous last night. She wanted me to tell you that… she loves you, and that she won't be taking her word back on this", they had had a small rehearsal dinner at the Founding Fathers. She had politely excused from any dancing with him, saying the new shoes she was wearing had given her blisters that made it painful to walk, but that she hoped she would be in shape for the wedding. They had bought her lie, and she had found a much needed escape. She knew that one moment in his arms before the wedding, and her control would snap, making her beg for him to reconsider, to choose her, to love her.
"Backing down, Bones", he chuckled, "I know. But I'm ok. I'm more than ok, but thank you for coming and for… all your support. You've been amazing to us both", he smiled beautifully, a smile she had missed because it had been ages since he aimed it at her. But it broke her knowing he truly didn't mean it for her, knowing another woman was the reason he was feeling so content.
"I guess this is it, then", she said, swallowing hard, when the silence started to stretch.
He came closer, "It is. I can't wait to be on my honeymoon, Hannah and I are so looking forward to our getaway. It will be a nice chance to rest", he said, while he started to put on his jacket.
"I thought that what you were looking forward was not rest, but the opportunity to engage in intercourse multiple times", she said bluntly, hiding behind it to mask her pain, and he chuckled.
"Same old Bones. Always so direct", he teased while he made the jacket mold to his muscles, smoothing the fabric, checking that everything was in perfect order.
She spoke around the pain in her throat, and said, "You can always count on me for that", she said, and when he finished buttoning up, he turned to her, and asked,
"How do I look?", he said, and she chuckled, knowing that if she didn't resort to laughter, she would burst into tears.
"I'm sure Hannah will be very pleased with your appearance", he beamed at her answer.
"Bones, I've never really thanked you for doing this. I realize… It must have uncomfortable for you", he said, his eyes soft and thankful. She tried to hide her surprise, thinking he had noticed her pain, but his next words proved her wrong, "I mean, with all of your views on marriage, this couldn't have been easy for you. Having to help Hannah with something you despise", he said, adding to his earlier words.
She shook her head, her curls flying in the air, "While I don't see marriage as a viable option for myself, it doesn't mean that I don't see the value you've always given to it, how badly you've desired to finally create a family. Titles and all", she replied.
"Bones, I need you to know something", he said, startling her when he reached for her hand, making her stare into his brown eyes.
"You're so important to me. And I can't… I can't keep this a secret anymore", she felt her heart pounding in her ears, the rush of blood making her lightheaded,
"What?", she asked shakily, fighting to keep her heart from foolishly believing that that some providential event could put a stop to these chain of events, that he hadn't given up on her, that a miracle could take place.
"Bones… Hannah… Hannah is pregnant", he said, and her eyes widened, fighting the tears she knew she would have to hide, "We found out last week. Remember when I told you we thought she had food poisoning from trying the different caterers? That was just morning sickness. I… She asked me to keep it a secret. She's only 2 months, and she didn't want to jinx it, but… I couldn't leave for my honeymoon without you knowing, and… I know that after the ceremony is over, we won't have time to truly speak. I trust you so much, and… I know you'll keep our secret. I… I asked Hannah to let me tell you, and she agreed, saying there was no one she trusted more than you, given you're our closest friend", he said happily. She could see how excited he was by the news, and why not when he had made it clear he desired to form a family?
Understanding dawned on her, "So… I guess that is why she sent me, knowing you wouldn't have a chance to tell me afterwards with the party and all", she said, curtly.
"I guess so. Bones, I'm… I never thought I could be this happy. After so long feeling… hurt, and alone… She healed me, Bones. She truly did. The way she loves me… I know no one else loves me so completely. And I know she's the one. I know this will last", he said, staring into her blue eyes.
She smiled at him, hoping it came out sincere and heartfelt, "I'm sure too. She… she has proven herself to be willing and able to accommodate her goals and passion for her work with the family life you both want. I expect she's pleased to be pregnant?", he nodded, "Over the moon, Bones. Over the moon. We spent the entire night caressing her belly, the day we found out, making plans for our baby. We're going to start looking for a house when we return", he was positively beaming at the idea.
"Then, you're getting everything you ever wanted. No one… deserves it more than you do", she said, and slipped her hand from his grasp, knowing 1 more minute in his presence, and she would crumble like a house of cards before him, doing something as foolish as to beg him not to go ahead with this wedding and take her back, to love her back as he used to.
"Now that the purpose of my visit is completed, I will go and inform Hannah of your wellbeing. They must be waiting for me. Apparently, there are some rituals only a maid of honor can fulfill", she said, and with a stiff smile, she turned on her heels.
As she reached the door, she heard his voice, "Bones?"
She tilted her head, "I haven't said it, but you look incredibly beautiful too. I know you don't particularly believe in this, but… I hope you find love, and happiness, someday", she smiled, and with a curt nod exited.
Her eyes pooled with tears as she walked the hall. Oh, Booth, I already did. It was you.
She took a few moments, leaning against a wall, a hand on her chest, and hastily wiping the two treacherous tears that had escaped her eyelids before breathing deeply and making her way to the room where the women were waiting for her return, where she acted nonchalant and cool, following her cues, like she knew she was supposed to. She shared a look with Hannah that told her the woman already knew she was onto their secret, and that she was happy for it.
Hannah's father knocked on the door, to let them know they were ready for them to start. They grabbed their bouquets, and exited the door.
They reached the end of the aisle, 2 of Hannah's little cousins acting as flower girls, dressed in white and lilac, spreading flowers around, making everyone smile at their eagerness to cover the floor.
Then, it was Cam and Angela's turn, walking regally, with soft smiles on their faces.
Hannah leaned in to Temperance, "Tempe, it's up to you", she was startled as she felt Jared take her by the elbow.
She tilted her head, clearly surprised by his presence when he was the best man, and he was supposed to be standing next to his brother.
"What are you doing here, Jared?", he smiled at her confusion, "Big bro knows you hate this, so he asked me to fulfill a double duty, and escort you to through the aisle", she smiled gratefully at his support.
Over the months, seeing how Jared had turned his life around, they had found a way to get past their initial grudges, and they formed a friendship. She could see Jared now truly valued his big brother, and how he was finally supportive and caring, which was the only thing she ever wanted, to see Booth rekindle the bond he ached to have with his baby brother, to see him appreciate the support Booth had always given him, and replying in kind.
But it was just one week ago, during the party at the Founding Fathers, when a few exchanged words made Jared realize Dr. Temperance Brennan was not only a great scientist, but also an amazing actress.
"I always thought my bro would marry you, Tempe", he had said when they finally had a chance to speak apart from the group,"I never bought the `just partners´ bs, if you get me". He had seen her fidget during the entire night, and though she was all smiles, he had seen something flicker in those eyes that had captivated him (no offense to his lovely wife, though) from the first moment, and figuring his big brother had certainly a big part in whatever that was, he decided to find out.
She sighed heavily, "I guess I'm not really the type of woman he needed", she had replied, taking a sip of her wine, as they both watched Booth and Hannah laugh at a joke Hodgins was telling them, "She's good for him, Jared. That's all I ever wanted for him, what I couldn't give him", he saw the sadness in the blue pools, the crushing weight of her defeat.
"You were good for him too, Tempe. You always were. And he wanted you, I'm sure of it. But he had to mend his heart", she nodded, lowering her eyes to focus on the patterns on the table, as their romantic fallout was the loudest secret in the room among their friends and family, "I… I always imagined you in the family. Pops adores you, Parker too. You'll always be family to us, Tempe, to me. I will always owe you, because I know he wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for you. You're family, no matter who he marries.", she turned glassy eyes at him, grateful at this unusual display of solidarity, particularly coming from him, and saddened as she realized the one to truly see past her mask hadn´t been her friends, her family, but his brother, who she had always considered to have practically no emotional maturity or insight by the way he treated his brother.
"Only in heart, never in real life, Jared", she said, and he leaned to squeeze her shoulder softly.
"He doesn't truly know what he's letting go of, Tempe. You're truly an amazing person", a teary smile formed on her lips.
"Not amazing enough, it seems. But thank you, Jared. I'm glad to see how much you've changed, but mostly, how close you and Booth finally are. He needed you", he smiled at her.
"And I needed him. But he also needed you, Tempe", he replied, and she shook her head, "Not anymore", he pursed his lips, and hearing them call for him, with a curt nod, he went to the table and embraced his wife, his eyes meeting hers briefly before they gave everything away.
"Thank you, Jared", she said, her eyes grateful, and hooking her arm with his, they made their way through the aisle. She had a soft smile, ordering every facial muscle not to betray her and put the heartbreak she felt on display. She had refused to take a look at Booth's face, fearing she would be unable to go on, but when she was by the altar, she couldn't resist, and giving in, allowed herself to take one glance at him, and her step faltered. Luckily, Booth's eyes weren't focused on her, for once, so he missed it. Jared squeezed her forearm, lending her his strength so she could finish the ride, and before she knew it, she was at the top of the aisle, in her designated place. Fulfilling her designated role. No more.
The violins started, and everyone stood. While the entire assembly was smiling at the picture Hannah made in her beautiful wedding gown, Temperance's eyes were focused on Booth, on his beaming smile, on how his eyes shone with happy tears, how the haunted look had finally vacated his brown eyes.
The ceremony was beautiful, even to her. Her smile didn't falter, and she had the fleeting thought that she would have to massage her face when she got home to wipe it off her muscles. Every word, every loving vow felt like a blow to her solar plexus, but she didn't falter, telling herself it will be over soon, it will be over soon, like a mantra that would get her through this moment and to the next.
The only consolation was seeing the look of perfect bliss on his face, and briefly taking a look at the Cross, remembering that the meaning behind it was great sacrifices made in the name of love, she could only hope that Hannah would make herself worthy of the sacrifice that would surely steal everything that was joyful from her.
I'm already dodging the rotten tomatoes coming at me! Really, just bear with me and keep in mind that this is what she's seeing… Don't give up on me and on musie, who will be patiently waiting for your every word…
I hate asking for reviews, and I hate even more withholding chapters, but since this is a new concept for me to write, I want to hear your opinions before I go on… I already have the next chappie written out… A well-fed musie is very easily subjected to bribery, LOL!