Chapter 5
Later that day, Jack Hodgins rolled into the doorway of Brennan's office. She looked up from the data she was entering on her laptop.
"Dr. B, you got a minute?"
"Of course, Hodgins, what do you need? How was your evaluation on Tuesday? Are the results back yet?"
He hesitated, then plunged ahead. "I didn't mention this to the doctor; I don't want to get Angela's hopes up just yet. With your knowledge of physiology, I'd value your opinion. After my incisions healed, I could feel pin pricks when the doctor tested different areas, but just barely. Recently, I've noticed increasing sensations on my lower extremities and-"he paused delicately, not sure how to phrase the next part appropriately, despite his colleague's scientific expertise.
"Yes, Jack?"
Hodgins had never used her name before, but he did now. "Temperance, please, you can't discuss this with Angela. I've been experiencing slight arousal when we kiss and-"he finished, turning slightly red. "Do you think it's possible my nerves are regenerating? Could there be regrowth of my damaged neural circuits? It's been nearly two years; in your judgment, is some recovery possible? Could my virility return? Before the explosion, Angela wanted another child. I never thought it might be possible, but considering what I've been feeling lately, I'm wondering if I might be able to-", he stopped, not knowing quite how to continue.
Brennan gave him a sympathetic smile. "Yes, it's entirely possible. I can't assess the probabilities for you, but if you're having increased sensation in several areas, that's an excellent sign. It doesn't necessarily mean you'll walk again, but sexual function might very well be restored. There is no guarantee, but you should definitely inform your doctors, and request additional testing. Sometimes, medications can help. Your continued exercising to maintain muscle strength, mass and tone certainly facilitate possible neural recovery. I understand your desire for confidentiality and I won't mention this to Angela, but as encouraging and positive as she always is, I suspect this news will be uplifting for her."
"I know, Dr. B, but I don't want her disappointed."
Tell her, Hodgins. Hope is always a good thing. You know how many years I wasted worrying about my relationship with Booth. We're incredibly happy, but we could have been completely together so much sooner if I hadn't been so foolish and hesitant."
Hodgins smiled at her knowingly. "We scientists need our evidence, don't we?"
Brennan agreed wryly, "Oh, yes. How right you are."