Booth's POV
The ride to his apartment went by faster than he thought, as it was early and the streets weren't busy yet with people trying to get to their jobs. Even though it had hurt to leave her side, he was thankful Max had come to relieve him of his duties before the squint squad appeared and bombarded him with a million questions he couldn't answer, so he could actually sort everything out.
When he reached his apartment's parking lot, he turned the engine off, but was unable to make himself move, keys still in the ignition, head tiredly falling back on his seat. He had come up with a million things to say to Hannah, and at the same time, he was aware he couldn't talk to her without opening to her fully, even if it angered him to share his history with someone he knew he would or could never trust again, but at least, Hannah deserved to know she wasn't fully to blame for the end that would surely come.
After a few moments of resting his head against the headrest, he tiredly made his way out of the SUV and slowly walked to his apartment, dragging his feet all the way up, not even saying hello to his doorman as he walked past him to the elevator.
He searched for his keys, and when he opened the door, he sighed deeply and entered, readying himself for battle. After he closed the door behind him, he was met with the smell of fresh coffee coming from his kitchen, along with the accompanying noises of Hannah moving about.
He leaned against the doorpost, watching her move, and after just a few seconds, she sensed his presence, and turned around, dark circles and red-rimmed eyes meeting his.
Hannah was a beautiful woman, and even first thing in the morning, she always managed to get his blood boiling. However, as he now stared at her, he found he was blaming himself for not seeing many things past her beauty, her carefree approach to life and open heart.
She was trying too hard to commit, to make herself part of a setting that wasn't hers, out of love for him, and he realized how unfair he had been. He had been trying to make her into someone that just wasn't her when he already had the woman for the job, even if she hadn't wanted it at first.
"Seeley", she said tearfully, "I... I didn't know... if you were coming back home. How's... how's Temperance?", fear laced her voice as he tiredly slumped in one of the seats.
He nodded somberly, but he couldn't be cruel to her, not even if he was angry, and rightfully so. He could see the honesty and heartbreak in her eyes, along with very real concern for the woman she had come to call her friend, and he sighed deeply, "Still fighting for her life. Hannah...", he said, rubbing the stubble on his chin, "We need to talk", she nodded, her eyes swimming with unshed tears.
"I know", she said softly, and after he tilted his head, she followed him to the living room. She took a place by the couch, and he sat in front of her, close enough so he could see into her face and read her every reaction, but far away to avoid her touch. He needed to be detached to have this conversation.
"Hannah... I don't know where to begin", Booth said, and he saw her eyes widen as he was certain she was expecting some sort of verbal lambasting from him, "I don't know how to start to sort of the mess I've made out of things. I won't lie, I was angry", she flinched slightly, "But I realize you're not truly guilty. I can't blame you for reacting the way you did".
Hannah's eyes were pooling with tears, and she desperately said, "You trusted me with your son, and I... I failed you", she wiped away a tear that had managed to slid down her cheek, "You have every right to be angry. But Seeley, you have to understand that I... Seeley, I haven't known your son for long, and it was not in my instinct... to protect him", when she saw the spark of fury suddenly fire in his eyes, she knew the last words had dissolved any semblance of peace he might have had regarding the subject and this conversation.
His eyes were filled with disbelief and anger when he looked at her, "It was... not in your instinct? Hannah, I trusted you with the most important thing I have. My son is my world, and I let you become involved with him, because, whether you like it or not, any association with me means that you have to deal with him. I know you didn't ask to be a mother, and I'm not asking you to become his mother, but God, Hannah", he said, running his hand through his hair, mussing it up even further than it already was, "I never lied to you: he always, always, comes first. I didn't hide that fact from you. I know this relationship was light and cool at first", he said angrily, "But the moment I decided to introduce you to my son, to let you become involved with him, you had to know you would be accepting some responsibility. You knew what I do for a living, how dangerous it is, and yet you took me in. God!", he let his hands run through his hair desperately, "You knew me in the most dangerous setting on the world, or was it just about the thrill?", his eyes trained on her, and she visibly flinched, giving him his response.
"Seeley…", she was afraid of him for the first time. She had never seen him so angry, least at her, and while she knew it was deserved, it proved to her that she didn't truly know him, "I can't… deny that at first, part of it was that thrill. It was fun, and exhilarating. You made me feel a live in a situation where hope is very far, where everything is so gray and sad", his expression was now unreadable, "But you can't deny that it was the same for you too", she tried to plead, and she saw his jaw clench, knowing she still hadn't found the right words to reach him, and fearing she never would.
"Of course, Hannah, at the beginning of a relationship, it is all about the fun. But when you come here, and move in with me, I don't know, stupid me", he said, with a bitter laugh as he slapped his forehead, "I thought, maybe she wants more, maybe I finally found a woman who wants the same things I do, who's ready to build a life with me. I let you get close to my son because I trusted you", he said, "Were you saving time until something serious happened?", he asked, now incredibly defeated and sad, "What if I had asked you to marry me? To build a family with me?", her widened eyes gave him the answer, and he shook his head, "Of course not", he stood from the couch, and started to pace.
"Seeley…", she knew he had read her answer. He had the incredibly ability to read people like a pro, and she knew he had seen she would have said no.
"Don't lie to me, Hannah. I can clearly see you would have said no", she let her head fall, knowing it was the true, "You know me, you know I need stability, that I crave stability so I can give Parker a second family. You knew this, I told you", he paced, but his eyes never let her figure, seeing how she braced herself, "How long did you think you would have been able to pull this off, uh? How long, Hannah?", he ran his hand through his face, exhaling deeply.
"I've told you, thousands of times, Seeley, that I'm not the marrying kind", she replied, "I do love you, very much, and I thought we would have more time… before it came to this", she pleaded with him, but when he fixed his eyes on hers, they were onyx and filled with the pain of what he saw as her betrayal.
"It killed me, Hannah, that while you only thought of yourself, the woman I've been neglecting for months, the woman I've abandoned to make this relationship work risked her life for my son. And I can only think this is all my fault. She might die, Hannah, and she will go thinking that I didn't love her, that all she was to me was a convenience", she gasped, and he bitterly continued, unable to stop himself from letting the truth finally out.
"Yes, Hannah. I love her. I tried to make myself forget about her, and I foolishly thought that my feelings for you had erased all my feelings for her, that I had succeeded. But I failed miserably, and seeing her like that, so broken, so alone on that hospital bed made me see how stupid I've been. She gave everything for me, and yet I gave her nothing. She pleaded, to me, you know? I told you, there had been something between us, and I guess you deserve to know the entire truth", Hannah's body stilled, and he swallowed hard before continuing, "I was in love with Bones for God knows how long before I had the courage to ask her to give us a chance. She said no. She was afraid, and the only thing I could see was my wounded pride and my even more wounded heart. I couldn't see she was afraid we would fail and she would lose me. When I went to Afghanistan, I was heartbroken, Hannah", seeing her eyes pooling with tears, he knew he couldn't hurt her, not on purpose. He surprised her as he sat again, right next to her, and took her hand in his, "You were my light in the dark. When I met you, I truly really wondered if there was someone out there for me. It´s true that at the beginning, I was looking for a good time, something to make my heart lighter, because it felt so, so very heavy", he said, his eyes softening at the sight of her tears, "But you know I wanted more, that I needed more. I didn't lie to you", he said softly.
"You didn't", she replied just as softly.
"You healed me, you made me see I could love again, with no fear. But the truth is there is only one woman who I'm scared to love, because she was my whole world for so long. And ever since I returned, all I've done is hurt her. She's stood by my side, supporting me, and I know it must have been killing her to see me with you, but she didn't falter. I was the coward, Hannah, not her", he swallowed, "You deserve to be loved to the fullest, Hannah, and I can't be that man. I realized that, and I'm heartbroken that it's taken for her to nearly die for me to see that while I do love you, the way I love her…", she nodded, defeated, tears falling down her cheeks, "The only thing I beg of you is never to think I used you somehow, because I didn't mean it. It was never my intention. I truly believed we could have a beautiful life together", he added, just as defeated.
"Seeley… I do want a life with you, but…I can't give up my dreams", she said, "And I'm sorry if you feel that I'm accountable for any harm that might have come to your son, but… being a wife, a mother, is not in me. Perhaps in a few years…", she trailed off, seeing the disappointment in his eyes as her words, and knew in that moment they were over.
He nodded, "I did love you, Hannah. I did. But I can't be with someone I can't trust with my heart, and how can we keep going on if I know we're building this on thin air? Hannah, you know what I want", she didn't have an answer to that, so a heavy silence followed.
"I'll go take a shower, and grab some clothes", he said, groaning as he stood up.
"Seeley", she called as he walked to his bedroom. He stilled, but didn't turn to face her, "I do love you, but I guess you weren't listening", she said, "I do believe you love me, and that's why I think we're not done, but I can see we're done for now, in your eyes. Perhaps, when your anger fades, we can salvage this", she hated that she was begging, "Seeley, I've never begged in my life, I'm proud and I have never needed anyone, but you've changed all that. Please", she said tearfully, "Tell me I haven't lost you. You were willing to build a life with me", she pleaded, "There must be something we can do".
He closed his eyes, hating that she was begging. He would have never expected that of her, and he knew that in her own free-spirited way, she did love him, but he knew it wasn't enough. "I need someone that shares my dreams, Hannah. And you have to be honest, you've just given me all the evidence that points otherwise. I'm sorry, I really am", he said with finality, her heavy sobs following him all the way to his room.
. . . . . . . .
He had lasted longer than he usually did in the shower, letting the hot stream of water hit his tired body, hands against the wall as the heavy downpour washed away the exhaustion of the last hours. He knew true rest could only come when she was awake and in his arms, but as Max had said, he needed to regain his strength if he wanted to be of any service to his Bones when she woke.
He seriously thought of foregoing his shave, but for her benefit, he groomed carefully, making an effort, just for her.
He entered his room, clad only in the towel wrapped around his waist, and he quickly found himself comfortable clothes for the long vigil awaiting him: his dark jeans, and his favorite Foreigner t-shirt, smiling faintly when he thought back of the silliness of them dancing together to their song, how carefree and beautiful she had looked letting go of her reserve and just embracing the moment; warm cotton stripped socks to fight the cold of the hospital, and his leather jacket along with his black sneakers. After he found his keys, weapon and badge, he made his way out the room.
She continued to sit where he had left her, her emerald eyes sad and broken, red-rimmed and puffy from her tears.
"Seeley, I am sorry", she said, and he just nodded, and replied with a soft, "I'm sorry too, Hannah. I had every hope of us working out, and for a while, we did. I wish you the best, Hannah, I truly do".
"I'll be gone by the time you get back. Tell Temperance…", she said, and he frowned when he saw Bones' sunglasses on Hannah's hand, "Tell Temperance I'm sorry for taking what was hers", he had the nagging suspicion it wasn't just the glasses she was talking about, "I do hope she gets better", he nodded, and squeezed her hand in thanks, her face filled with sorrow and despair.
"You are a good woman, and you'll make some lucky man really happy. I guess… we weren't right for each other in the end", he sighed, and turned on his heels, closing the door gently behind him, her renewed sobs following him all the way out.
. . . . . . .
Bren's dream world
It had been 4 weeks since their night together, and things weren't improving. On the contrary, they seemed to be getting worse. He was desperately trying to salvage his relationship with Hannah, but she could see in his eyes that he wasn't happy, that he was as sad and broken as she felt. Most nights she concluded that the longing she saw in his dark irises was just her wishful thinking, that it was she that wished for him to be holding on to their night together as she was, remembering every caress, every kiss, every sigh, every moment of their skins fusing, of their bodies becoming one for the first time.
She let her hands trace idle circles on her abdomen, feeling the calm that swept over her whenever she thought of the product of their night together.
When she first missed her period, she thought it might be the nerves, the stress of being hunted down by a killer, but when a week passed and her period didn't arrive, she knew it was time to make an appointment with her OB/GYN. And when she first heard the news, she wasn't surprised. As a scientist, she had all the facts: they had had unprotected sex during the entire night, and she had been off birth control for more than a year, having decided that if she was going to be celibate, there was no point in protecting herself against something that just wouldn't happen. Besides, remembering Booth's results back from when they took his sample for the baby that didn't happen, it was bound to happen as her doctor had teasingly told her her chosen donor "had supersperm".
But now, letting her hands press lightly on her still-flat stomach, she could only fear she was going to have to do this on her own. She knew the moment Booth found out, he would run to her side, but she didn't want him to be with her due to a sense of obligation. She wanted him to want her, to want this tiny life growing inside her womb, her love, because she was finally ready to admit that even if she couldn't quantify it, it was still real and as evident as the baby they were going to have. She could see the strain between he and Hannah, and she knew one word for her and it would be over, but she didn't want to be guilty for Booth deserting Hannah. All of her insecurities were returning, as she figured that if Booth was fighting so fiercely to rebuild his relationship, it was because his feelings for Hannah ran deeper. She didn't blame him, and she ached for him as she saw him struggling with his guilt over what he saw as his betrayal. He wasn't a cheater, and she knew he was beating himself up because he had failed.
And there was the matter of Broadsky. She hadn't been scared for her life, as she had accepted fully the dangers of what she did, but for the past 8 days, ever since she found out she was harboring a new life inside her body, she feared for this tiny being, and she feared what it would do to Booth if Broadsky succeeded and Booth found out he had not only taken his partner, but his child as well.
A knock on the door startled her, and she instantly lowered her blouse, patting her stomach gently as she had done ever since she first started suspecting she was pregnant, knowing how irrational it was, but surrendering to the comfort of at least trying to connect to her child in some way.
She out on her shoes back on, and walked to her door, startled when she looked through the peephole and it was Booth on the other side. Sighing heavily, she braced herself and started trying to psyche herself into believing she could hide the truth for him.
With a shaky hand, she opened her door, and smiled tentatively at him, "Hey", was her only greeting, and he smiled in kind at her, though she could see the strain of the tension in his shoulders, the fatigue etched in his warm eyes.
"Can I come in?", he asked, and she nodded, stepping to the side so he could make his way in. Out of instinct, he went to sit on her couch, but his body instantly reacted, tensing as his mind assaulted with the images of their night together. He made his way to the chair, and fell heavily on it, hoping she hadn't seen his reaction.
Unfortunately, she had, and she felt such a rush of compassion for him, seeing how shaken he still was by their night together. She was more certain that the only way she could tell him was when everything was over, not wanting to trouble him further and make him lose his focus.
"How are you, Bones?", he asked, and she smiled feebly before replying.
"Tired. Scared. But I'm ok. I can feel we're very close, Booth. But we are so involved we have been unable to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, and that's why we continue missing him. He's toying with us, though I can't still figure out why he would go after me and not after, let's say Hannah, or even Parker", seeing his distress, she shook her head, "Booth, you know that's a very logical question. Why me?"
"Because he knows losing you would destroy me", he said, opening his heart to her for the first time in a month, having missed their connection, hating that he was abandoning her to fix his broken relationship with Hannah, who was growing more and more insecure of his love for her with every passing day.
She sighed deeply, and replied, "You don't love me, Booth. If Broadsky has been following us so closely, he must know where your interests lie", he shook his head sadly.
"We both know that isn't true", their gazes locked heavily, hearts thudding heavily in their chests at the intensity of the moment, "If I lose you…", her eyes pooled with tears.
"I thought we had agreed, Booth. You made your choice, and I've respected it", she pleaded, and he kneeled before her, so much like that fateful night, unable to stop himself.
"It's killing me that I can't be here, with you, protecting you", she took one of his hands in hers, and caressed his knuckles softly, enjoying his closeness, her stomach leaping.
"I know, and I appreciate it", she wished she could tell him she was carrying his child, that she loved them both, but she knew that it wasn't the time, and perhaps it would never be.
Booth spotted a red dot next to her head, and without thinking, he yanked her to the floor just when they heard the hiss of a bullet pass through their heads, missing them both by mere inches, hearing the glass of her window shatter.
He cradled her head in his hands, leaning the weight of his body on top of hers, a second shot ran out, and he reached for his holster, taking his gun, and rising his head, he aimed towards the place where the hole the bullet had created was, shooting blindly, knowing he wouldn't get him, but enough to make their attacker run for cover.
After 5 minutes passed, and there were no more shots, he took his cell phone and dialed Charlie.
"Charlie, what the hell happened?", he was still sprawled on top of her, and she had moved her hands to cradle her stomach, mindful of her baby, knowing how irrational it was since it was still minuscule, but unable to stop herself from instinctively trying to protect the life of their child.
"Ok", he shut the phone, and noticing the way she was protecting herself, he worriedly asked, "Am I crushing you?", she shook her head, and he slowly started to straighten his body, noticing her hands on her stomach yet, "I did crush you", his eyes fixed on her raised blouse, and on that perfect skin he had nibbled on, caressed and kissed so thoroughly.
"You didn't, it was just reflex", she tried to cover, seeing his eyes fixed on her stomach, irrationally scared he would find out, though she knew her abdomen was as perfect and flat as it had always been, "What did Charlie say?", she asked, trying to deflect his attention from her body.
"That they are securing the perimeter, and that it seems the shot came from the rooftop of the other building. They are checking it out. Bones, this isn't safe anymore", she shook her head.
"Booth, this was very much like the time he shot at us in your SUV. He's trying to make a point, make us crazy", she said, crossing her legs behind her, and Booth rubbed his forehead in exasperation, knowing she was right, but the idea of her in danger was already breaking havoc in his mind, "You know he's trying to take us out of our controlled environment, and making a statement, so we don't feel safe", she said, trying to hide how shaken she was for her child.
"What am I supposed to do, Bones?", he asked desperately, and she went to rub his shoulder.
"I am thinking… what if we follow his game? He wants me, Booth. I can be bait", she said, and he immediately shook his head no frantically.
"Absolutely no!", he replied, "What can possibly lead you to think I will endanger you?", she gave him a sad look, and staring into his eyes, she replied-
"Booth, we can't continue doing this. At least, if I pose as bait, we can control where things will happen. And I have every confidence in your skill to stop him. I trust you, and we have the advantage. If he knows you as you say, he will never imagine you would agree to something like this", Booth's stare was fixed on her blue depths, mesmerized by her sparkling eyes and above all, by the complete trust and confidence she had in him.
"Bones, I don't want to negotiate with your safety", he said, and she tenderly replied, "This is my choice. Let's arrange everything, please? I don't know if I can keep doing this", she said, and he could see she meant it. But what he didn't know was that she was on borrowed time until the truth came out.
. . . .
As difficult as the choice had been, the execution was quite simple. They had decided they would do it at the dinner, since they figured Broadsky was very much aware the dinner was a huge part of their time as partners. They would keep her security detail, since a change in their routine could make Broadsky suspicious, and therefore it could thwart their plans.
The idea was for them to seemingly be fighting over something, which was not unusual for the partners, and to seemingly be so engrossed in their fight they appeared careless, thus inciting Broadsky into making his move.
The day arrived, and everything went on as normal. Charlie and the two agents of their security detail were onto their scheme, and it could appear normal as they would pretend to become scared of their fight.
At the dinner, they ordered their usual, tension running high, and for once, they didn't hide it, because if Broadsky was looking, they needed a good cover so their fight appeared realistic.
Brennan sighed deeply, and when Booth touched her arm in concern, with a subtle nod, she knew it was time.
Giving him an apologetic look for the hurtful things they were about to say to each other, she began, "I'm tired of you babying me, Booth. I can take care of myself", he shook his head, and flinched, removing his hand from her skin, as he had just been slapped.
"Well, forgive me if I want to take care of my partner! You're so…", he let off, and she angrily spat back.
"What? Infuriating to you because I don't submit to your alpha-male tendencies? You're such a chauvinistic, control-freak pig!", she said, and he laughed bitterly.
"I don't know why I even put up with you!", he replied, as they walked into clear view, bodies growing taut with tension as they instinctively felt it, Broadsky was indeed close.
"I can tell you a thing or two! Because no one in the world is as good as me, and you need me, and second, because no matter what, you can't live a life without me!", she screamed, letting a bit of her true anger surface.
Taking the chance, he replied, "Ha! It's you who can't live without me, you have even put up with me and Hannah so you can still revolve around me! So, who's stuck on who?", her eyes widened, but when she saw his irises slightly flicker to their right, she knew Broadsky was already aiming. Charlie and the other two security guys had flinched away, seemingly not wanting to intrude on their fight, thus making Broadsky believe he had a clear shot.
Their mistake was thinking that he was going for Brennan, but when she saw the red dot in the center of Booth's chest, she didn't even flinch, just thinking of his safety, of the safety of the father of her baby, and she screamed, "Booth!", throwing him to the floor as she felt a sharp pain run through her sternum.
Booth only blinked, and when she fell practically on top of him, to protect him, he instantly reached for his gun, and it was the glimmer of a gun on a window that made him aim. He felt it, he knew he had gotten his mark. He screamed, "Charlie, go!", Charlie didn't need any explanations as to where Booth needed him to go, "Rodgers, call 911", the people in the dinner were screaming, but all he heard was her ragged breathing as he cradled into his arms.
"Bones, baby, I'm here", he pleaded, "You can't die on me, ok?", he said tenderly, his eyes filled with pain and worry, "why, Bones, why?".
She smiled faintly at him, and said, "Your life is the most important to me", she said, "I couldn't have you die. Partners, right?", he nodded tearfully.
"No, not partners", she could feel the pain radiate from her upper right side, and it was the pain that was making impossible to breathe. He held her tenderly, not caring that his pristine shirt was getting sodden with her blood, his hands applying pressure to her wound.
Suddenly, the wail of the ambulance made him release a relieved breath.
"Bones, promise me, you'll fight. Promise me you'll use every bit of that beautiful stubbornness to come out of this", he pleaded, and she raised blood-stained fingers to trace his cheek tenderly as the paramedics rushed to her side.
"I promise, for you, for our son", were her last words before blackness engulfed everything around her, not seeing his eyes widen in surprise and the dam break in earnest.
. . . .
Booth's POV
He felt lighter somehow. Part of him made him feel guilty, hating how hard he had been to Hannah, but relieved the truth was finally out. He hoped she healed, and that she found a man who wanted to live as freely and carelessly as she did.
When he arrived to the hospital, the only one there was Rebecca, with his son, who ran to him. He kneeled down, and braced himself for the impact of his son's body against his chest.
"Daddy, Daddy!", Parker said, hiding his face against Booth's neck, who replied in kind, inhaling the scent of his son's shampoo, feeling calmer and more grounded.
"Hey, bub!", he said tiredly, but happy that he was here, and that Rebecca had understood his need to be near him and their Bones. With all the commotion, they had only had the chance to speak when he was at his apartment, and he had heard her chastise him and then thank him for protecting their son.
"Hey, Seeley", Rebecca approached them slowly, "How's Dr. Brennan?", she asked kindly, and he straightened his body, Parker's body safely nestled against his chest. "they wouldn't tell us anything beyond that she's being monitored heavily".
"She had a rough night, but when I left this morning, she was calmer", he replied, and then she warmly asked, "And how are you?"
He sighed deeply, and stared into her blue eyes, "Terrified she won't wake, but doing my best to be there without completely falling apart", she placed her hand on his forearm, silently lending him part of her strength. Whatever had happened between them, she couldn't deny he was a great father, and besides, she owed the good doctor big time. Her son was soaring and it was all due to that strange group of people that had won a place in his little heart.
"Parker couldn't sleep last night, and when he asked me this morning to bring him here… how could I refuse him, Seeley? I owe Dr. Brennan my son's life", Booth nodded, moved by her tearful admission, "And I know Parker won't be happy unless he sees her. Do you think it is possible for him to come in for a while? It's against hospital policy, but he would be more calm if he saw her for a moment", Booth held Parker tightly, knowing his little boy needed to be cuddled and feel safe in his parents' arms.
"I don't know, Rebecca. I can go in and talk to her doctor. One of the nurses told me we should talk to her, that it could help. Wait here, and I'll ask", Rebecca nodded and Booth's heart broke at the hopeful look in his son's eyes, knowing he had to do everything so Parker could see her and his little heart could find some rest.
"Daddy, was it my fault that she isn't waking up?", Booth's heart clenched, and he rubbed Parker's back soothingly, "Not at all, buddy. The woman who tried to harm you was very bad, and she's the one guilty for this. She is the one that hurt Dr. Bones", he said, rubbing a stray curl away from Parker's forehead, hating to see the pain in his son's eyes.
"But you saved us, you made sure she never hurt anyone ever again, right Daddy?", Booth's chest felt tight as his son's easy way of seeing how he had taken Taffet out, not an ounce of reproach or disgust at his actions, just pride and relief his daddy had saved them all.
Booth held him impossibly close to him, feeling his forgiveness and innocent view of his actions wash over him like a benediction, "Yeah, bub. She will never hurt anyone again", they stayed in silence, letting their embrace calm them both.
With a kiss to his hair, Booth passed him to Rebecca, aware that he wasn't ready to stand on his little feet just yet, and said, "I'll go talk to her doctor, and see if he allows Parker to enter for just a second. It's not regulation, but I'm sure we can do something, ok?", both Parker and Rebecca nodded eagerly, and he made his way into the ICU, and after spotting her doctor sitting in front of a computer, he called to him.
"Doctor, could you give me a second, please?", the doctor nodded, and after pressing some keys, stood up and made his way, leading him to a silent area.
"What is it, Agent Booth?", the doctor asked, and Booth gave him a sheepish look before replying, "Well, doctor. You know how Temperance got injured, right?", he said lamely, and the doctor nodded, and Booth continued, "If you do, then you must know she was wounded saving my son from a serial killer?", the doctor raised an eyebrow, knowing she had been wounded saving someone, but not that the someone was the agent's son, and least of all, that she had done it to protect him from a serial killer.
"I wasn't aware of the specifics", Booth gave him a pleading look before continuing.
"Look, doctor, my son is only 9 years old, and he's terrified, blaming himself for his Dr. Bones, that's what he calls her, being injured to protect him. I know this goes against regulation, and that you were more than kind in letting both Max and I stay, but please doctor, understand that my little boy needs to see her, so he knows she's better", the doctor seemed reluctant, and it showed in his next words.
"Agent Booth, I do understand, but I don't think it's wise. It's against protocol", Booth gave him another pleading look, and replied, "I know, doctor, I know, and I wouldn't ask, but he loves her, and the last image he had of her was of her body covered in blood. And he's a very bright child, he knows she was injured protecting him. Doctor, how can we deny him the chance to be at peace?", the doctor gave him a dubious look, but shrugging his shoulders, he nodded, and Booth released his breath.
"Ok, I'll allow this, since you've made a good point, yet again, but I need for you to explain to your son what he's going to see, the wires and the tubes she has so he's not surprised, and I can only let him in for no longer than 5 minutes, tops, ok?", Booth smiled and went to shake his hand.
"Don't worry, everything will go as you have instructed. Is Max inside?", the doctor nodded, "I'll go let him know Parker is on his way", they parted ways with another handshake, Booth going to her room, his eyes softening at her calm face, though it killed him to see the paleness of her normally rosy skin.
"Hey, Booth. Everything ok?", Booth could see what Max was truly asking, and he nodded, a look of understanding passing between the men, Max seemingly pleased at the outcome.
"How is she?", Booth asked, going to her side for a moment and taking her hand to brush a kiss against her knuckles as Max gave him space to be near her.
"The same. Her vitals are stable, and she remains calm, but apart from that, no reaction", Booth nodded, and after a few moments of staring into her peaceful face, he turned to Max.
"Max, if it's ok with you, I asked the doctor to let Parker in. My poor boy is beating himself up, he blames himself", Max nodded sensibly, "I can't let the poor little man remain with the image of her covered in blood. I'm not sure he believes me when I say she's better", Max sighed.
"Booth, your son is a delightful young man, very well behaved, and you're right. It would be cruel to let him remain with the image of my little girl bathed in her blood, protecting him", Booth was relieved at Max's understanding, knowing how much they had bonded, how much Parker enjoyed their time together.
"I'll bring him in", they shared a look and Booth went out the ICU doors, to find Rebecca still with Parker in her arms, cuddling him, and rocking him.
When they noticed he was back, Rebecca gave him an expectant look, followed by Parker's excited one, "Daddy! Can I come? Please, please?", he begged, and Booth went to take him in his arms, kissing his forehead tenderly before going to a group of chairs, and sitting with him on his lap.
"Ok, little man. They are letting us in", Parker's delighted smile eased Booth's heart, "But with some conditions, ok?", Parker nodded excitedly, keen to do anything that earned him the passage to go inside and see his Dr. Bones.
"First, I have to explain to you what you're going to see", Parker fixed his eyes on his dad's, clearly hanging to every word, "This is an ICU, that means Intensive Care Unit. Bub, that means there are very sick people inside, that need to be watched at all times, that's why they are not in private rooms, so the nurses and doctors can care for them all time. Bones is one of them. She was wounded in a very dangerous area, and since she still hasn't woken up, the doctors are keeping her here, so they can help her get better, understand?", Parker nodded.
"Yes, Daddy. Like Sleeping Beauty", Booth felt his heart tug inside at his son's untainted innocence, "Yeah, Parks, like Sleeping Beauty. Anyway, they have her hooked up to some machines. They look weird, and even painful, but they are there so she can get better. She has one here", he took Parker's hand and pressed against his knuckles, "where they keep her hydrated. Parks, there is a bag of blood hanging right next to her bed. They had to give her some, since the wound made her lost quite a bit. She has a bandage on her neck, since they had to operate on her, and a tube on her upper chest. That is called a central line. It's not painful, and they use it to give her medicine faster, so she can heal. And last, she has a tube in her mouth. It helps her breathe, so her lungs rest while she rests, and it does all the work so she can focus on healing. The doctor said you can go in, but only 5 minutes. But if you're scared or have any questions, don't be afraid to ask them, and please, if you feel you are about to freak out or something, tell me and I'll bring you here with your mom, ok?", Parker gave him a solemn look and replied,
"Daddy, I will be brave so I can visit Dr. Bones. I understand the machines are funny-looking, but that they are good for her, so she can come back to us sooner. I promise I will behave", Booth smiled, and Parker eagerly said, "Can we go in already?", touched by his son's eagerness to go inside, Booth stood, with Parker perched against his hip, and gave Rebecca a soft kiss to her cheek.
"I'll be back with him in 10 minutes, ok?", Rebecca replied with a smile, and they went in.
Parker snuggled closer to his chest as they traveled the ICU. Booth was thankful the curtains were drawn, and that the ICU wasn't as busy so they could give his son this little treat that he knew would ease his troubled little heart.
When they arrived to her curtain, Max was already outside, with a warm smile that Parker instantly responded to, "Max, Dr. Max", both men smiled at Parker's eagerness, but they both placed their indexes against their lips, and whispered, "Softly, Parks", he looked contrite, but didn't lose his smile, as Booth carefully made his way inside the room.
He waited for his son's reaction, as Parker grew silent and just stared at her from the foot of her bed, still perched on Booth's hip.
"She looks so peaceful, Daddy, like she's just sleeping", Booth pressed a kiss to his temple, and agreed, "Yeah, Parks. Like she's just sleeping", Parker didn't seem scared by the machines or monitors, which eased Booth's concern until his son spoke.
"Can we sit with her for a moment?", Booth nodded, and went to the chair, with Parker on his lap.
"Daddy?", he asked tentatively, "Can I hold her hand for just a while?", Booth agreed and carefully placed her hand in Parker's outstretched one.
She was frowning, and starting to grow frantic, and Booth was scared that right this moment, she was starting to have a nightmare, but surprisingly, the moment Parker's tiny hand made contact with hers, her brow eased, and her breath slowed down.
"Dr. Bones. I want you to know that I am very grateful you are ok. I was so scared", Parker said tearfully, "I know you were hurt protecting me. That makes you my angel, because angels protect us", Booth's eyes filled with tears at his son's tender words, "And you protected me. Dr. Bones, I love you very much, and I prayed last night to God so He makes you better. I wish you could wake up soon so I can tell you how much I love you", Booth was surprised at how much his son's words had resembled his of earlier, and he figured he wasn't the only one in love with their Bones. "You're very beautiful", Parker continued, "And smart, and you talk to me like I'm an adult. You're the only one who treats me like I'm a grown kid, not like a baby, and I like that you take care of my Daddy. Bones, I like you, and only you, and I want you to wake up so you can become my Daddy's girlfriend because I like you better than Hannah. She's ok, but you're so much cooler", Booth smiled at his candor, "And you make my Daddy smile tons when you are together. Please Dr. Bones, wake up soon so you can be with us", he pleaded, and Booth, understanding what the boy wanted, stood a bit, and bent his body so Parker hovered over her, and kissed her forehead.
"You are strong", he said, "And I trust you will fight to come back to my Daddy, to us, to Grandpa Max", the little boy said determinedly, "to the squints. We need you and love you. Get better soon, please?", Booth hid his moved tears from him, touched by his innocent, open-hearted pleas.
He sat again, and he joined hands with Parker, taking hers in their grasp, and he began, "Bones, Temperance, my son is smarter than I am. He could see that you make me the happiest, that I love you the most. It's true, when I'm with you, I have all reasons to smile, and even if I lost that smile a little, my mistake was thinking that I had stopped loving you. But I couldn't. You are a part of me, a part I can't forget or live without. Please, Tempe", he squeezed her hand, and raised it, waiting for Parker to drop a tiny little kiss to it before he followed, "Open your beautiful eyes so you can let us take care of you, forever. And I know you don't believe in forever, but if you want, I'll give you a thousand tomorrows you can trust until one day, you realize we have found our 50, 60, 70 years together. We love you. I love you. Come back to us, baby. I beg you, don't let us wallow in our guilt anymore", they stayed in peaceful silence until it was time for Booth to take Parker outside, who, before exiting, pressed another tender kiss to her hand, and another to her cheek, smiling sadly at her.
"I'll be right back, baby", he said, and with that, they both left, Max entering silently, discreetly wiping his eyes at Parker and Booth's heartfelt words to his daughter.
If they had truly imagined how much they were reaching her, they would have kept on talking for an eternity.