Chapter 14 – Emotional Responses

He went home after lunch knowing that there was no way that he could get anything done at the bureau. The last few days took so much out of him. Although he could probably cope with the events that took place, he found himself full of dread for the future. He was not the type of man that ever expected to live out a fairy tale existence. He had seen and done things that made that idea completely implausible. Still, he had always hoped to find some semblance of peace and happiness.

He was extremely thankful for fatherhood. Parker was the one thing in the world that made him feel grounded—connected to those people that managed to function each and every day without thinking about murder and mayhem. Sure, he had deep seeded fears about his knack for attracting danger and prayed every night that his son would remain safe. He loved that little boy like he never thought he would be allowed to love anyone.

He entered his apartment tossing his keys and phone on the table and glanced at his watch. It was only 3:40—he still had over 3 hours to go. He took off is suit jacket and stretched out on the couch trying to relax. If he could somehow get a handle on what was thinking—feeling—then maybe he would know how to proceed. Who was he kidding? One of the reasons he loved her was that he couldn't always figure her out. She presented a challenge that was irresistible to him on every level.

He was an investigator at heart. From a very early age, he couldn't leave things alone until he understood every detail. He always knew about the presents that his parents bought for Christmas and Birthdays; he got into trouble for taking apart the toaster and the VCR; and he always knew his brother's secrets and hiding places. He had a talent for understanding how things functioned—especially people—by looking at them, poking and prodding, and by asking questions. He was an expert at asking questions, and knew how to utilize his charm or force if necessary to get the answers. None of his skills worked with Temperance Brennan, at least not thoroughly. Sure, he knew her computer passwords and favorite things. He believed that he was closer to this woman than anyone else, but he always felt like there was more to learn. The more he learned, the more he appreciated her. Slowly, this combination of appreciation, challenge, and mystery transformed his feelings into love.

He laid there thinking about her for a long time before he decided to get in the shower and prepare for his date.

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

The day passed so slowly that it seemed like a week since he had seen her. He parked the SUV in her parking lot and sat for a moment to compose himself. He decided in that moment that he would wait forever if necessary. He said a short prayer asking for the strength and wisdom to handle whatever she might say or do and added an extra request hoping that she would at least give them a chance to explore the uncharted territory that existed beyond the line

"Hi Booth, you have perfect timing." She greeted him warmly at the door. Her apartment was swarming with cooking smells that made him hungry in more ways than one. "Hi Bones, something smells wonderful!"

"I made Lasagna. Would you like a glass of wine or a beer?"

"Beer would be great—as long as it is not Moroccan. How was your day?" He said following her into the kitchen. She turned with his beer in her hand, and practically bumped into him. He didn't realize that he was standing so closely. For a moment, her perfume fought through the smell of Lasagna and assaulted his nose. He tried to absorb it.

"Why don't you go ahead and have a seat at the table. I am starving. We can talk once I get everything served."

"Is there anything that I can do to help?"

"Sure, if you want to grab that basket of garlic bread and the salad, I will bring in the entrée."

He did as instructed, and soon they were both seated at the table. She turned on some jazz, lit the candles, and dimmed the lights creating a pleasant, comfortable space. He was utterly content.

"This looks fantastic—thanks Bones."

"I just figured that since we always go out to dinner, it might be nice to have a meal cooked at home for a change. I never get the chance to cook, but I really love it."

"It shows. Next time, it is my turn to show you my kitchen skills."

"You cook?"

"Why yes, Bones. Surprised?"

"A little, but I am willing to tempt fate and give your cooking a try."

"Very funny. So, how was your day?"

"Very busy. I did some of our paperwork, took care of several emails and other correspondence, and I had a meeting with my publicist this afternoon. Everything went smoothly, but I was glad to get home. When we are on a case, it feels like we work 24 hours a day until it is done. It is a shame that the rest of the world refuses to stop and wait for us. "

"I know what you mean, but at least we solved this one fast. How is the new book coming along?"

"It is almost finished, thank goodness. I am ready for a break."

"It never ceases to amaze me how many things you juggle at one time. You are quite the multi-tasker, Dr. Brennan. Are you going to let me read this one?"

"After it is published." She smiled at him. "You don't give up easily do you?"

They chatted as they passed plates back and forth, and then took a break to eat. "Is there anything you can't do? This lasagna is terrific."

"It is good, isn't it?"

As they ate, he realized how truly blessed he was to have this woman as a friend and partner. She completed him in every way. "Bones, I think Sweets was right when he said that we com-PLE-ment each other—you make great lasagna and I eat it."

They finished dinner and sat at the table completely satiated. He wanted to say something but remembered what Jack said during lunch, 'the ball in her court.' He was thankful when she broke the silence. "Booth, I would like to talk about some of the things that happened over the last few days."

All day, he hoped that they would talk about the past days' events, but now he was unsure. He was suddenly scared, and he was not the type of man that scared easily. "Okay Bones, what is on your mind?"

"Do you think that emotional responses define people?"

Unpredictable as ever, she got the drop on him. "Um, that is a strange question. Could you be more specific?"

"Well, you are a person that follows his heart, and I can't help but notice in case after case and especially this case, that your judgments are heavily weighed by how you gauge the emotional responses in people. When Mrs. Marks did not react the way you thought she should, you were suspicious."

"That actually involves a whole series of questions Bones, and the answers are not simple ones. I am the 'people' guy in this partnership and there are many things to consider that can't be measured by your scientific voodoo. In a way, I would have to say that emotional responses do define people but it not the only thing that defines them. It is just that emotions are the first evidence that I get to measure."

"That makes sense. What did you think of me when we first started working together?"

"Are you asking me how I gauged your emotional responses?"

"Yes, I guess I am."

"Why?"

"I thought I was the one asking the questions here."

"Well, you certainly started this conversation. Okay, I thought you were a hard-nosed, no-nonsense, and brilliant individual. I was a little worried that you did not seem to consider the feelings of others especially when talking to loved ones about their losses. Sometimes, you are truthful to a fault. You were a little frightening and definitely forceful with all those martial arts moves." He was smiling now. "However, there were many moments right from the very beginning when it became clear to me how passionate you were about your work, the truth, and the preservation of human life. It was those (he used air quotes to accentuate the words) "emotional responses" that mattered to me and actually touched me."

"Booth I ..." She did not finish her sentence because his phone rang disturbing the moment.

He desperately wanted her to keep talking, but they both knew that he had to answer his phone. "I'm sorry; hopefully this won't be too important." He pulled out the phone and flipped it open, "Booth." He gave her a look that meant it was an important call and took a few notes before completing the call. "We have a new case. Remains were discovered on the shore of the Potomac. " She was wrapping up the leftovers and placing them in the refrigerator. He joined and carried the dishes to the kitchen. "You know, I am sure that it can wait a few minutes."

"No Booth," She said as she went to the closet to collect the gear that she stored at home in anticipation of their departure. "We need to ensure the integrity of the remains. You know that I like to be the first on the scene if at all possible." He was disappointed. He wanted to continue their conversation. "We will continue this later."

"Promise."

"I promise."

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

AN: Don't worry, I will continue this (for at least one more chapter)—I promise ;)