A Pain That I'm Used To—Chapter 31
Disclaimer: Nope, they still don't belong to me, but Christmas is fast approaching…
Author's notes: Thanks to all of you who continue to read this small epic and special thanks, as always, to those of you who leave those wonderful words of encouragement.
To Tutorwife23—Thank you for your extremely nice lengthy review and welcome to what appears to be the never ending fanfic. (LOL)
To BonesDBchippie—Late review or not, you know I always look forward to reading what you thought about the chapter.
To Howdylynn—Yes, I kinda got my groove back, minus a muse. Thanks for the support.
To jaed621—I only worry because there are so many damn good writers on this site and I really want to do justice to these characters that we've all come to enjoy. Thanks for your kind words and your encouragement.
To elliot02uk—I'm glad you're back! Irritation or not (wink) you know that I love to hear from you. Is Booth a member of the split infinitive police? Cause he's the only I'll let issue any warnings…or place me in handcuffs…um, sorry, got off track there. Sorry that Chapter 29 was a disappointment to you but hopefully I'll make it up to you with this one. Truthfully I've just been thrilled when I'm able to sit down and words actually appear on my screen! (LOL)
I do apologize for the delay in updating. I'll save you the excuses but I will make a deal with you…if everyone continues to review, I promise to update as soon as possible. Is that a lame deal? Absolutely!
So please read, enjoy and press the little button at the bottom of the page!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"You know Bones I could've driven us to the lab this morning," Booth huffed as he quickened his pace to keep up with her.
"I was not willing to compromise my safety to satisfy your machismo Booth…"
"I think my machismo was pretty much satisfied last night." He grinned and wagged his eyebrows at her as they fell in step together.
"Don't let Angela hear you say things like that or we'll have our own version of the Spanish Inquisition," Brennan admonished him before continuing her original point. "Besides, with your head injury, you need to take it easy today…you know, hang out in my office…"
"And do what? Read your new manuscript?"
Brennan stopped walking and turned to face him. "Absolutely not. You know I don't allow anyone to read my manuscripts…"
"So you are working on a new one!" He wagged his finger in her face causing her to lean back slightly. "Are Andy and Kathy…you know…"
"Are they what?" Confusion set into her features as she contemplated Booth's question about her fictional characters.
"You know, knockin' boots? Doin' the horizontal rumba?"
Brennan stared at him with a blank expression as she attempted to decipher the slang terms.
Angela rounded the corner with Zach in tow and smiled at the couple. "He's talking about sex sweetie."
"Oh…why didn't you just say that Booth?" She turned and started toward her office again. "I'll never understand why you use such convoluted metaphors and euphemisms."
Quickly turning to follow her, Booth couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. "Call it retaliation for all those big squint words you and the others like to throw at me. Now, what's the answer?"
"To what?"
"Andy and Kathy? Will they or won't they in this next book?"
Brennan and Booth entered her office to find Russ sitting on her couch flipping through an anthropology text book. "Booth if you had read the previous book, you would know that they've already had sex…"
"God, it's nine o'clock in the morning," Russ said as he rolled his eyes. "Didn't you two get this out of your systems last night? I mean, that is why I was subjected to staying with Hodgins, whom in case you didn't know, sleeps in the nude."
Booth grimaced as he stared at Brennan's older brother. "Please don't tell me you have first hand knowledge of that."
"If I did, Hodgins would be a very dead man albeit a very rich one."
"Rich?" Brennan inquired as she grabbed her lab coat. "While Jack's salary is substantial, I wouldn't say that he's rich."
"Are you kidding me?" Russ' brown eyes grew wide as he stared at his sister.
"I'm sure that compared to a mechanic's salary Russ, Hodgins appears very rich." Booth glared at him in an attempt to convey that the subject should be dropped immediately.
"Um, okay," Brennan said as she looked at her brother and then Booth. 'I'll be on the platform working on a set of remains. I'm sure you two can find something to occupy your time." Gathering her long hair into a ponytail, she exited the office and ascended the platform area after scanning her card.
Booth grabbed one of the chairs that sat in front of Brennan's desk and turned it to face the couch and the platform area. As he settled into the seat, he took a moment to appreciate the view of Brennan, already in full work mode, her brow furrowed in concentration.
"I'm guessing that Tempe doesn't know about Jack's wealth. Why?" He watched as the agent leaned back and propped his feet on the coffee table.
"Because Hodgins doesn't want her to know that technically, in a roundabout way, he is her boss. His family carries a great deal of weight here at the Jeffersonian." Booth sighed and ran his right hand over his face. "So how are you doing Russ…besides the whole naked Hodgins episode?"
A wry chuckle escaped Russ' lips as he contemplated the question. He leaned forward and placed the text book on the table. "I don't know….I mean, I'm trying to hold it together for Tempe. On the one hand, I'm scared out of my mind for her safety and on the other hand, I'm so pissed off at her I could just…" He shook his head, fear evident in his eyes.
"That pretty much describes life with Temperance," Booth agreed.
"I don't know what I would do if something happened to her Agent Booth." His voice was soft, barely above a whisper.
Booth's dark eyes fell on the object of their conversation. "I know the feeling," he whispered in return. He watched as she moved with ease around the examination table, pointing out certain areas of the remains to Zach. The young man would study the part of the body that Brennan had pointed out and then stare at his mentor with obvious respect and adoration in his eyes at her intelligence and observations.
"Has your sister ever discussed your parents with you? The whole robbery crew syndicate thing and all…"
"We've discussed our old lives in Chicago before they disappeared. And yeah, we've had conversations and arguments about the search for Dad."
"But has she ever discussed her feelings with you?" He hoped deep down inside that Brennan had at least been able to talk to her brother but he knew that she hadn't.
Russ mulled over the question for a few minutes, replaying conversations he'd had with his sister since their reunion. "No, she hasn't," he answered with a sigh. "Not that that really surprises me. Tempe has never been one for letting other people know how she feels about something. Mom, Dad and me—we could always tell when she was upset….now you're the person with that special talent."
The men stared at each other for a moment, each understanding Booth's new role in Temperance's life. He was more than a friend and a partner now.
"Agent Booth…"
"Call me Seeley, Russ."
"Seeley, how bad was the explosion in the garage? Angela and Jack didn't want to talk about it and I think it's rather obvious that Tempe isn't going to discuss it with me."
Anger flashed through the agent's eyes at the memory of Brennan's car exploding. "It was bad," he answered firmly. "But it could have been much worse. Bones and I were lucky that day….one man died."
"Was Tempe the target?"
Booth nodded. "The bomb had been placed in her car. Fortunately I always drive us back and forth to crime scenes and most of the time I take her home."
"You love her don't you?"
"Do you really have to ask that?" Booth smiled.
Russ grinned back at him. "I'm her big brother, that's what I do."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"What else do you see Zach?" Brennan watched as the young protégé carefully scanned the remains. After a few minutes he shook his head and sighed.
"I'm sorry Dr. Brennan but I don't see any other injuries or anomalies that would aid in effectively determining a possible cause of death." He silently berated himself for failing in front of his mentor.
"Very good Zach, there are no other indicators present that would aid in that determination." She smiled at the look of relief that passed over his youthful face.
"I'll start placing the tissue depth markers for Angela," he replied enthusiastically.
"Oh joy for me," the dark haired artist replied with a chuckle as she ascended the platform.
Taking a seat on one of the stools, Angela rolled her body toward Brennan, who was now seated at one of the terminals. "You have an admirer Bren."
"What?" she questioned absently as she input the data that she and Zach had collected while examining the set of remains that had been taken from limbo.
"Booth's been sitting in your office ogling you since you left him in there with Russ." She sighed as she waved at Booth. "I wish a man would look at me like that."
"Hodgins stares at you all the time," Zach informed her as he concentrated on the skull.
Brennan turned to face her friend, her blue eyes wide. "Ange is there something…"
"What? No…no…nuh-uh. Zach doesn't know what he's talking about." Her glare was lost on the young man who was busy with his current task.
"I believe the lady doth protest too much," Brennan smirked.
Angela rolled her eyes at her friend. "Using my own words against me. That's low, sweetie…I've taught you well. Now what did Booth teach you?"
Narrowing her eyes at her best friend, Brennan sighed. "I believe I told you 'no details'." She turned away from Angela who was now in full pout mode.
"But sweetie, I've waited so long for this union. I predicted this union from day one! I will not be denied the steamy details of…"
"Please stop using the word 'union'. It makes it sound like Booth and I are fighting against the Confederate Army."
Angela laughed. "Most women would have said it reminded them of marriage."
"I prefer the Civil War over that topic," she mumbled.
"Oh Bren, you are one of kind. So, you and Booth are coming to the exhibit tomorrow, right?"
"Of course we are. I wouldn't miss seeing your artwork on display Ange."
"Well there will be no holographic images of dead people but there will be plenty of alcohol and food. By the way, it's very casual…Carly's gallery is more bohemian than ritzy."
"Booth will be happy he can wear blue jeans and his favorite leather jacket." Brennan's typing was interrupted by the squeal Angela emitted beside of her.
Embracing her best friend in a tight hug, Angela smiled. "You two are sooo good together. And it's so cute that you know he has a favorite jacket."
"Angela, do you want to discuss Zach's earlier observations about Hodgins?"
"Uh, no."
"Then let go of me." After being released from Angela's grasp, Brennan turned to look into her office. Her eyes connected with Booth's warm gaze and they both smiled. Angela was right—they were good together. He was good for her and to her. Brennan just hoped that she was as good for and to him in return.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Russ stood and stretched his stiff muscles. "Aww, how much longer is she gonna work?"
Checking his watch, Booth smiled. "She's only been at it for ten hours and since we're all going to Angela's exhibit tomorrow, she'll put in a few extra hours tonight."
"You're kidding right?"
"Nope."
"And you think you two will be able to maintain a relationship with her putting in these kinds of hours?" Russ asked, incredulity creeping into his voice.
"Forensic anthropology and helping on these FBI cases…those are Bones' passions. It drives her and she's damn good at it." Booth's pride was more than obvious.
"I just ask because I only work forty hours a week and it's hard to maintain my relationship with my girlfriend. You know, you come home, you're tired, the kids are crawling all over you…it doesn't exactly set the mood."
Booth smiled at the picturesque setting Russ had described. It was everything he had dreamed of when he was younger. A good job, a beautiful wife, several beautiful kids playing on a beautiful manicured lawn outside of a two story house with a white picket fence—that had been the ultimate fantasy. His dream had faded over time…especially after Rebecca had refused to marry him. He glanced past Russ and watched Temperance carefully lift a skull to her eye level as she studied it.
While she wasn't the 'stodgy traditionalist' she had accused him of being, Booth knew that he wanted to build a life with her. He realized that with their different belief systems it would be life of compromise but his unwavering love for her would allow room for a new less traditional dream.
"We'll make it work Russ. Your sister and I always figure it out…"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Hey Bones, you ready to go home?" He approached her, gently placing his hand on her back.
"As soon as I'm done with this and Angela reviews…."
"Angela left a couple of hours ago. So did Boy Wonder, Hodgins and your brother. Russ is staying at Hodgins' place again before he leaves tomorrow."
Brennan blinked a few times as she stared at him. "What time is it?"
"Eleven o'clock….it's time to go home. We've got to rest before Angela's big day tomorrow." He squeezed her tense shoulders and leaned down to place a kiss on the top of her head. She relaxed slightly under his touch and smiled at the effect he always had on her.
"You're right, let's go home."
"I will never grow tired of hearing you say that."
"What? Home?"
"No, that I'm right." He chuckled as she playfully slapped his arm. Pulling in her close for a quick kiss, he smiled. "But 'home' sounds really good too."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Booth come on. I don't want to be late," Brennan yelled down the hall.
He emerged from her bedroom, tucking his tee-shirt into his faded jeans and adjusting his belt buckle. "We wouldn't be running late if you could learn to keep your hands off of me."
"That last time was completely your fault."
"I can't help it if my chiseled body drives you crazy," he said as he struck a bodybuilder pose.
She rolled her eyes at his display and tossed his jacket to him. "Let's go…"
"Yeah, before your lust overcomes you yet again."
"Seriously, what's wrong with you today?" she asked as she slipped on her jacket and grabbed her bag.
"Nothing's wrong with me. It's a Saturday afternoon and I'm with the woman I love. It's just a bonus that neither one of us has ended up in the hospital today." He laughed as she stared at him as though he had lost his mind. "What I'm trying to say Bones is that I'm happy. Aren't you?"
Her brow creased at the term 'happy'. She tried to remember the last time she had felt truly happy.
"Temperance, is that really such a difficult question?" His voice carried a weight of hurt that she'd never heard before.
"I…I'm not sure…I mean, I…I think I remember being happy before my parents left but…"
"So it is a difficult question but only because you're overanalyzing it." He pulled her into a hug and held her tight. His lips brushed against her ear as he breathed in the scent of her shampoo. "Close your eyes and just tell me what you feel. Don't think about it…just feel."
"Booth, we need to leave."
"And we will after this. Now close your eyes."
"This is silly."
"Indulge me Bones."
"I thought I did that earlier…that's why we're running late."
"What are you feeling?"
"Besides irritated?"
Booth sighed at her inability to share with him. "Temperance please."
"Fine." She closed her eyes, inhaling Booth's scent and enjoying the feel of his arms around her. What did she feel? She clung to Booth and searched for the answer.
"Safe and loved," she finally breathed into his ear. "And…happy." Her eyes flew open at her own admission. "I'm happy Booth."
He relaxed his hold on her and leaned back to see her face. "Good. You deserve that Temperance. That's all I ever want for you."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Booth felt her hold on his right hand tighten as they crossed the street. The small gallery was full of people mingling close together, laughing and talking. He knew that crowds weren't really her thing but it always amused him of how self-assured she was until faced with a large group of living people. It wasn't a phobia so much as a dislike of people invading her personal space though Brennan was prone to invading the spaces of others when it suited her needs.
They carefully made their way through the eclectic crowd, comprised of earthy bohemians, average middle class blue collar types and slightly more wealthy upper crust alum. Hodgins appeared in the middle of the crowd and waved them to his position near the open bar.
"Good, there's still plenty of alcohol," Brennan said as she approached the entomologist.
"And it's good to see you too Brennan," Hodgins replied. "What took you guys so long?"
"Parking," Booth interjected before Brennan had a chance to answer the question in her usual blunt manner.
Slapping Booth on his shoulder, he laughed. "Parking…yeah right. Hey Brennan, Ange has been looking for you."
"Where is she?" she asked as she handed Booth a glass of beer.
He pointed across the room to a relatively large crowd of people. Brennan raised an eyebrow at him. "Thanks for narrowing that down Jack." She shielded her glass of white wine as she slowly made her way through the crowd.
"Ange said that the crowd would thin out in another hour or two," Hodgins said in a loud voice to compensate for the noisy crowd. "She's been really excited and nervous about this whole thing."
"What's the word on her work?"
"People love it of course. Especially this one guy, Brad." He snorted as he said the man's name. "What the hell kind of name is Brad?"
Booth grinned at the doctor's obvious jealousy. "Sounds like a frat boy to me."
"Totally a frat boy name!"
"When are you going to tell her?"
"What? That Brad is a frat boy? I think that's fairly obvious and needs no explanation."
"No, idiot. When are you going to tell her how you feel about her?"
Hodgins quickly downed the remainder of his beer. "A few more of these and I should be ready to make an ass of myself."
"You're able to do that at work without the benefits of alcoholic beverages," Zach said as he approached the men.
Booth quickly stepped between the two before Hodgins tried to physically hurt the young assistant. "Where's Russ?"
"With Angela. She said something about being left in charge of his safety and she was serious about her responsibility and…"
"I don't need to know verbatim what she said, kid," Booth replied as he held up his hand. "As long as he's with Angela, I know he's in good hands."
"If he's with Angela, he's in the best hands on the planet," Jack mumbled as he reached for another beer.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A few hours and several drinks later, the crowd had indeed thinned out and Brennan breathed a sigh of relief at the ability to walk around the gallery without bumping into someone.
"You okay sweetie?" Angela found her friend staring at one of her more forlorn pieces of work. She had completed that particular painting a few weeks after Kirk's death.
"I'm fine." She smiled at her friend before returning her attention to the painting. "I'm proud of you Angela. Your exhibit was extremely successful."
"Yes it was," she agreed enthusiastically. "In fact, Carly said that some guy bought one of my larger paintings for an obscene amount of money. I just hope it wasn't that annoying frat boy Brad." Angela chuckled. "But you know, it's not about the money….people really seemed to connect with my work, with what I was trying to convey."
"Of course they did. Angela, your work—your artwork and your work at the lab—they evoke such a wide spectrum of emotions."
Angela hugged her friend and laughed. "Look at you talking about emotions without a single anthropological rant. You've come a long way baby."
"Can I get in on this whole hugging thing?" Russ grinned at them as they released each other.
"You're leaving now?" Brennan didn't bother to hide her disappointment. Regardless of the fact that she and her brother had reunited, she always felt a wave of panic every time he left to return to his life in North Carolina.
"Well not right this minute but soon. By the way Angela, your work is really great. I don't know art but…well, I enjoyed your work."
"That's one of the nicest reviews I've ever had Russ, thank you."
"If you really want to hear a nice review of your work, talk to 'bug boy'. He's been telling everyone who would listen to him how great you are and how great your work is."
Brennan smiled as her friend blushed. "Sounds like Zach may have been on to something earlier."
"I think I'll freshen up my drink," Angela said as she excused herself from the siblings.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Booth sipped his beer as he watched Temperance and Russ talking on the other side of the room. He knew that she would be disappointed and a little upset after her brother left later. As he pondered how to relieve some of Brennan's sadness that he knew would set in later, his cell phone rang.
"Booth," he answered, his eyes never leaving Brennan.
"Special Agent Seeley Booth, it's so nice to know that your injuries from yesterday were not too serious."
His eyes grew wide at the sound of the familiar voice. "Max Keenan."
Booth took a deep breath and an opportunity to engrave the last image of a happy Temperance Brennan into his mind. He knew he wouldn't see her happy again for a long while.