Prompt 9: Presents

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Um, tissue alert!

I don't own Bones.

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Cleaning out Hank's rooms at the Retirement Home, Brennan found a box under the bed. Opening it, she found four wrapped presents. They were all wrapped in Christmas paper and had tags on each one. She found her name on one tag, Booth's on the second, Christine on the third and Jared on the fourth. Staring at the presents, Brennan felt a tear slide down her cheek as she realized that there were going to be presents to be opened from Hank to his family on Christmas Day and that he wouldn't be there to see it.

Her husband was still in prison and the death of his grandfather was just one more burden he had to bear. The old man had died suddenly of heart failure and as callous as most officials tend to be, they wouldn't allow Booth to attend his grandfather's funeral. Brennan knew that Booth was taking that bit of officiousness very badly and there was nothing she could do to fix it.

Setting the box aside, Brennan placed it with other items that she planned to take home for Booth. The rest of the old man's possessions would be given to the Salvation Army and Good Will. She just hoped she wasn't giving anything away that Booth valued.

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The day before Christmas, Brennan removed Hank's box of presents from the garage and carried it into the house. Booth and Christine were at the mall doing some last minute Christmas shopping, so this allowed her to place Hank's presents under the tree. No one would question them until tomorrow. Dreading the thought of everyone opening presents from Hank, Brennan knew that tomorrow was likely to end in tears, but she didn't see how she could prevent that. Booth and Christine deserved to see the last presents from the man they loved and since they were his last presents it would also be an emotional time. She had already mailed Jared's present and she was sure he would get it either Christmas Day or the day after. She hadn't dare let him get it earlier. Jared being Jared, he would have called his brother and ruined the surprise. Brennan wouldn't allow Jared to spoil it for her husband and child.

Placing a box of tissues on the coffee table near the Christmas tree, Brennan felt she was as prepared as she could be.

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Christmas Day came and as predicted, Christine had them all up at five in the morning. She wanted to open presents and Booth wouldn't deny her that pleasure even if it was too early.

Booth was the first to find Hank's present. The wrapped box in his hand, Booth stared at the tag with tears in his eyes. "Bones . . . I . . . how?"

Prepared, Brennan smiled grimly and explained, "When Hank passed away, I went over to the Retirement Home and went through his possessions. I kept some of them, as you know . . . While I was there, I found a box of presents under his bed. I don't know when he bought them, but he obviously shopped early. They were already wrapped and tagged. There was a present for you, me, Christine and Jared. I mailed Jared his present. He should get it today or tomorrow . . . I kept our presents in the garage until yesterday . . . Did I do the right thing?"

Fighting the tears that wanted to flow, Booth sniffed and nodded his head. "Sure, Bones. Of course. He bought presents and . . . and we have to open them." His hand trembling slightly, Booth tore off the paper and stared at the brown box underneath. Bracing himself, Booth opened the box and found a book, 'Shadow Warriors: A History of the US Army Rangers'. Curious, Booth opened it and found an envelope tucked inside. Opening it, he found a note from his grandfather.

I know things have been tough for you, but I have faith that when Christmas comes you're going to be home and you'll be able to open presents with your family. I'm proud of you Seeley. No matter what they say in the press, I know it's a lie and I know you're going to be vindicated. I saw this book in the book store yesterday and I knew you'd probably like to read it. I was always proud you were a Ranger. Rangers lead the way!

I love you, Son. I love you and I'm proud of you. Merry Christmas.

Unable to hold back his tears, Booth stood up and left the room quickly. Not sure if she should follow him, Brennan was brought back to the reality of the situation when Christine held up her present from her great-grandfather and asked her mother, "Can I open Pop's present?"

Her gaze back towards her daughter, Brennan smiled at the child. "Or course Honey."

Watching the child tear off the paper, they found a Leap Frog Learning Tablet. Excited, Christine stared in wonder at her present. "This is nice, Mommy. I showed it to Pops just before he went to heaven. He remembered Mommy." Sad that her great-grandfather was gone, Christine stared at her present. "I miss him, Mommy."

Brennan stood up and knelt next to her child. Placing her arm around her, Brennan soothed her. "Yes, I know. He was a good man and he loved you very much."

Her fingers rubbing the box, Christine sighed. "It's a nice present Mommy."

Her eyes catching the little keyboard Booth had given Christine, Brennan picked it up and handed it to the child. "Do you want me to show you how to play Jingle Bells?"

Taking the keyboard from her mother, Christine placed it on the coffee table and smiled. "Thanks Mommy. I want to play it for Pops. That will be my present to him."

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Christine and Brennan played with the keyboard for several minutes, when Booth returned to the living room. Leaning over he placed his hand on the little girl's head and smiled. "Hey, you learned that pretty quick there Munchkin."

Pleased that her father had noticed, Christine laughed. "I like it Daddy. Thank you."

Sitting down on the couch, Booth leaned back against the couch and watched his daughter peck out London Bridges Falling Down on the keyboard. She got most of the keys wrong, but you could tell what she was trying to play.

Glad that Booth was back with them, Brennan moved over to the couch and sat down next to him. "Are you alright?"

His arm now around her shoulder, Booth nodded his head. "Yeah, it just caught me by surprise that's all. I'm fine. Thanks . . . um, did you open your present yet from Pops?"

Her gaze moving to the unopened box, Brennan shook her head. "Not yet. I think I will wait until tonight. We've had enough sadness today."

Grateful for the reprieve, Booth kissed her. "Merry Christmas Bones and thank you."

Leaning against him, his arms around her, Brennan watched her child continue to play with the keyboard. "Merry Christmas Booth. I love you."

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