Disclaimer: I don't own Bones or the characters, I crashed this party.
Yenyen76: Only 8 more to go =/
Angelbach: Bwuahahaha kiss at Midnight fogetaboutit. LOL I couldn't resist them being all piled in one room together. Yeah, Reggie was just a little excitement and a reason for Martinez to show his gun ;-). /cough We don't discuss the number of bears I have /cough. Who says they did anything? o.O Hmmmm?
Jenheir1: Yum what a way to bring in the new year, right? /wiggles eyebrows. Well, it's kind of hard not to step on them. They're all big and musclie, hmm would that be mancarpet? Or Rangercarpet? Maybe even Armycarpet. I know I would have there's nothing worse than feeling like you're privacy has been invaded in your own home. Yeah, teddy bear collectors tend to have a lot unless they're partial to a brand. Hey sometimes you have to paint them a picture.
Nertooold54: Hmm I don't know about funny blergh. But hey to each their own amusement right? =D
Silver Maker: Just in under the wire. LOL I was at the bottom of the page typing the A/N when your review came in. Huh, I didn't even think of blackmail. /snaps fingers darn. I got my first bear (that I remember) when I was eight. Was bought for me by my dad in Rehoboth Beach. I don't have straw ones but I do have a bear made from volcanic ash. Hodgins always has stuff flying everywhere. Goo, turkeys, spam just to name a few.
Thank you guys for the reviews! I really appreciate that you've enjoyed this ride with me. And yes it's almost over, eight more chapters to go.
Chapter 64 – The Horrors of a Botany Lab
Legates winced, he hated that she had the Drill Sergeant's bark down. His hand froze hovering over the head of a bear.
"Step away from the teddy bear," she said in a calm tone that made him nervous.
It was the kind of voice he'd heard people use when someone was standing on a landmine. Standing up, he backed away from the bears. Cam strode into the room and looked around. Walking to the closet, she opened the door and saw a few coats still in the closet.
"Here pack those. Tanya, you pack the bears," Cam instructed then walked off. Legates looked at Tanya with a confused look.
"Steiffs," Tanya said, indicating the bears.
"And?" Legates said, still confused. Tanya shook her head and pointed to one of the bears.
"That bear, came from the Steiff plant in Germany. Limited Edition. It is old, really old. Collectors will pay upwards of five thousand for it without the little button in the ear. With the button, let's just say it'd put her through college," Tanya said. Legates took a step back from the bed and waved his hand.
"Have at it," he grunted.
He carried the box to the closet and shoved Michelle's jackets into the box then looked around the closet to make sure that nothing had been missed. With a grunt, he closed the box then looked around for tape. Seeing some on the bed, he stalked over and snatched it up. Tanya rolled her eyes at his foul mood.
"Are you seriously that pissed off that some girl ten years younger than you called you old?" Tanya asked as she carefully packed the teddy bears.
"Didn't sleep good either," Legates grunted as he taped the box closed.
"Ahh," Tanya said as she carefully placed the bears in the box after wrapping them in fabric. Tanya closed the box with a sigh.
"This box will go in the truck with you guys," Tanya said.
Legates nodded and picked up the box he'd just packed and then one of the bags that had teddy bears in it. Wrapping his fingers around the top of a second bag, he picked it up and headed out the door. Tanya picked up a box and another bag then followed him down the stairs.
They walked outside and found Michelle sitting on the back of the truck and Techie standing there talking to her. Michelle leaned her head back and laughed at whatever it was that Techie had said. Legates walked up scowling at the pair.
"So, we're packing your shit and you're sitting out here on your asses?" He snapped, tossing the bag into the back of the truck. Michelle glared at him and took a deep breath then exhaled.
"If you didn't notice, Legates, everything from the garage is loaded. We took a break so kill us," Michelle said in a calm tone that made Tanya snatch her head up.
"Hey Techie, why don't you help me get the rest of the bags," Tanya said, jerking her head.
"Yup, right behind you," he said, walking behind her towards the house.
Michelle turned her narrowed eyes on Legates. He looked up at her and had the distinct feeling his bad mood was about to start a fight.
"Your Steiffs are in that box," he said, pointing to the box Tanya had set next to Michelle. Michelle pursed her lips and nodded her head.
"Josh, this is the last time I'm saying anything. The next time you get nasty it will be a battle. If you are in that bad of a mood then you get your ass in your truck and drive back to your dorms. You can call me when you're in a better mood and I might, just might, talk to you," Michelle said in an even tone. Legates let out a sigh and then took a deep breath.
"Baby, I'm sorry I'm just really cranky. I don't mean to take it out on you," he said in a low tone.
"Then stop doing it," she snapped.
Techie and Tanya returned carrying the rest of her bags of bears. Michelle stood up and picked up the bags that they were tossing into the truck. When the bags of bears had been carefully set in the floor space left in the back of the truck, Michelle walked to the back and jumped down. She grabbed her box of Steiffs and put them in the front of the truck.
"Let's go," she said, climbing into the front of Tanya's dad's truck.
Techie scowled at Legates and shook his head. Tanya walked to the front of the truck and climbed into the driver's seat. Legates put his hands on his hips and looked up at the sky in frustration.
"Let's go, Sweetcheeks," Techie called out.
Legates jogged over to his truck and climbed in on the driver's side. He started the truck and scowled at the Sabbatino's truck as it passed him.
"It's your own fault," Techie said, smirking at him.
"Shut up," Legates grunted as he put the truck in gear and followed the other truck.
By the time they arrived at Michelle and Tanya's apartment, Legates felt properly guilty. She hadn't really asked him to help her move. He'd volunteered and it wasn't her fault some teenybopper called him old.
With a resigned sigh, he set his focus on adjusting his attitude. When he and Techie reached the truck, Michelle was already in the back, stacking boxes near the edge for Tanya. Tanya had a dolly next to her and was stacking boxes onto it.
"There's another two dollies in the truck," Tanya grunted as she hefted down a box marked kitchen.
"Baby, why don't you get down here and let me do that," Legates said, squinting up at her. She scowled at him and straightened up.
"I'm not saying you can't just that I don't want you to hurt yourself," he said sheepishly.
She put her hands on her hips and sighed. Blowing out a puff of air, she blew her bangs off her forehead.
"Fine, I should be upstairs with Tanya when we unload the dollies anyway," Michelle muttered.
Walking to the edge of the truck, she sat down so she could jump down. Legates wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her down. Before setting her feet on the ground, he squeezed her waist tighter.
"I'm sorry, Baby. I will try not to be so snappy," he murmured quietly near her ear. She nodded her head then wiggled until her feet hit the ground.
"Let's get to work," she said, lightly smacking him on the ass.
"Don't even think about it," Techie said, smirking at Tanya, "my cheeks aren't sweet like his."
Tanya let her laughter bubble from her throat as Legates handed down the dollies. After both dollies were on the ground, Legates began setting boxes on the edge of the truck. Three hours and what felt like fifty million trips too Michelle all of the boxes were unloaded.
Tanya drove her father's truck back to his restaurant leaving the other three in the apartment. While the guys moved the extra bed and dresser into the spare room, Michelle began sorting boxes into the proper rooms. Initially they had sorted as they unloaded the dollies but after a few trips they just wanted to be finished.
Michelle grunted as she moved the boxes into the kitchen. After Tanya returned, Michelle left her to sorting the kitchen and Michelle went into her bedroom. With a sigh, she looked around at the stacks of boxes. Shrugging, she picked up the box knife that lay on the table next to the bed and slit open a box.
She pulled out the towels then placed them in the laundry basket to be washed later. When Legates joined her half an hour later, he found her standing among five or six empty boxes. She stood over one looking into it with her lips pursed and a strange look on her face.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Legates asked, approaching slowly.
She looked up and he could see a sheen of tears in her eyes. She looked down into the box and he walked closer. Peering down into the box, he saw it was full of sheets. She folded the flaps and set the box to the side.
"Uhhh," Legates said in confusion.
"They were my dad's sheets," she said, slitting open a new box. Legates shook his head, leaned over and took the box cutter from her hand.
"Come on," he said, tugging her towards the bed. He sat down on the edge and pulled her down next to him. She let out a sigh of resignation and leaned against him.
"I would have thought after all this time it wouldn't bother me, you know. But when I opened the box, they smelled like his cologne even after being in storage all this time," she said, sniffling just a little. Wrapping an arm around her, he kissed her head then looked around.
"Do you want me to open any from the storage and take out his stuff for you?" Legates asked, hoping to bypass having her upset.
"No, some of his stuff I'll donate like his sheets but some I am keeping," she said, sighing.
"Okay, then what can I help with?" He asked, looking around again at the stacks of boxes everywhere.
"The clothes and other stuff in the boxes next to the closet need to be hung up," she said, gesturing towards a large stack of boxes. He nodded and stood up then walked over to the closet door.
He opened the door and expected a normal size closet. What he saw instead made him laugh and open the closet door as wide as it would go then began moving boxes into the closet.
"If you need me I'll be in the closet," he said, laughing.
"I KNEW IT," Martinez bellowed in laughter from the hallway. He had just passed Michelle's room when he heard Legates say that he'd be in the closet.
Legates shook his head and pulled the closet door closed. He smiled at Michelle's giggle. After finishing as much of the unpacking as they could do for one day, they ordered dinner and sat in the living room together.
After that first night together, time seemed to fly as the days turned into weeks. It was two days before Valentines Day when Legates walked into the apartment frowning about the news he'd just received. Tanya stuck her head out of the kitchen and grinned at him.
"Smile, Sweetcheeks," she said, happily going back into the kitchen.
"Whoaaa," Tanya shrieked and Michelle cursed loudly.
Walking at a faster pace, Legates stopped in the doorway and his bad mood disappeared in a puff. Michelle stood holding a cookie sheet with blackened hard, well he didn't know what they were on it.
"Baby, you're supposed to take them out before they get black," Legates said, grinning.
She scowled at him and looked at the cookie sheet. She touched them with her finger then nodded. Picking one up, she flung it at him. He ducked as it whizzed by his head. After hitting the wall, it left a black mark then fell to the floor leaving a black mark on the carpet.
"I'm not cleaning that up," Legates said, still grinning at her.
Michelle snorted as she threw the cookies then the charbroiled cookie sheet into the trashcan. Legates laughed at her frustration making her turn a glower on him.
"Aren't you supposed to be at your Botany lab?" Legates asked, crossing his arms. He had hoped he'd have time to figure out how to tell her he had to leave.
"Since it's up in Mount Vernon, I switched it to Friday so my class and lab are on the same day," she said, turning the oven off.
"Makes sense," he said.
"Not that I want to do it," she muttered as she started cleaning up the mess she had made of the kitchen. Legates shook his head, he might as well just spit it out.
"Uh, I hate to be the bearer of even worse news but," he paused. She turned and the look on her face made him spit the rest out in a hurry.
"They're sending us to Washington for four days for training," he said, trying to wipe that look of fear off her face.
"Uh oh, I'm gone with the wind," Tanya said, squeezing around Legates and scurrying down the hallway to her room.
Michelle, sighed in resignation and nodded. She knew that this sort of thing would happen, she didn't have to be happy about it but she did have to accept it.
"When do you leave?" She asked, getting ready to scrape the cookie dough in the trash.
He snagged the bowl from her hands and grabbed a spoon. She watched in fascination as he started eating raw cookie dough.
"Tomorrow morning," he said, taking another bite, "you should just make the dough and skip cooking it. Tastes better this way." She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.
"So, I guess tonight will be spent on the couch watching TV," Michelle said softly.
"We can go out and celebrate Valentines Day early if you want," he said just as softly. She looked down at herself then shook her head.
"No, I think I'd rather just sit on you and watch TV," she mumbled. He chuckled and shook his head.
"Whatever you want," he told her, setting the bowl down on the counter.
Grabbing the bowl, she shoved it in the refrigerator and left the kitchen. Legates followed her down the hall into the bedroom. He leaned against the door and watched as she changed into her pajama pants and tank top.
"You're upset," he said.
Michelle shook her head and walked to the bed to grab the comforter. She tried to get through the door and he stepped back to let her through. He followed her back down the hall into the living room. He grinned as she started nesting on the couch. He knew that she had it rough once a month but it was adorable the way she nested.
Walking to the couch, he sat on the end and waited for her to come to him. As he picked up the remote, he found his lap full of blanket and woman. With a smile, he flipped through the channels looking for something to watch.
"Hey guys, I'm going over to the restaurant. You want anything?" Tanya asked from the hallway.
"Yes, please," Michelle muttered. Legates looked up at Tanya and nodded.
"Okay, I'll be back in like an hour," she said, leaving the apartment.
They spent the evening curled up together on the couch watching TV. And even though they didn't have sex, Legates found himself content just to be where he was. His eyebrows rose at his own thoughts and he let a happy smile cross his face. The later it got the more antsy Michelle got in his lap.
"What's got you all bothered, Baby?" He asked, trying to shift so she could get comfortable.
"Tired," she muttered.
"So, lets go to bed," he said, trying to get up.
"Nuh uh, then tomorrow will come and you'll be leaving," she grumbled. He chuckled and squeezed her tight.
"Baby, tomorrow will come whether we sit here on the couch awake or whether we go to the bedroom and go to sleep," he whispered into her hair.
"I know," she mumbled.
She got up and picked up the comforter then padded away from the living room, leaving Legates sitting on the couch. He looked to the ceiling as if asking for guidance then got up off the couch. He walked to the bedroom and found her in bed, watching the door waiting for him to come in. He smiled at her and walked into the room, closing the door behind him.
Going to the dresser, he packed a duffel bag and left it sitting on the dresser. Changing into his pajama pants, he climbed into the bed with her. She scooted over next to him and put her head on his chest. Running his hand down her back, he waited as she fell asleep. He had never thought about it but he always made sure she was asleep first. Mentally shrugging, he slipped into slumber.
Michelle jerked awake and moved back from Legates who had started jerking and mumbling in his sleep.
"Josh," Michelle said softly, running her hand down his arm.
His arm jerked out and she leaned back to avoid his hand. Leaning closer, she ran her hand across his stomach and called his name a little louder. His arm jerked elbow first and she ducked just barely avoiding it.
"Michelle," he mumbled. She thought he was coming awake until she heard his next cry.
"Noooo," he wailed mournfully.
Michelle reached over and shook him hard. His eyes flew open, he sat up and his breaths came out in ragged gasps. Michelle straddled his lap, wrapped her arms around his head and pull him close to her. She ran her hands through his hair, whispering to him.
His arms came up around her and squeezed her closer to his face. He buried his face between her breasts and inhaled deeply. When his breathing had slowed down, he loosened his hold on her and lay back. He drew her down on top of his chest and she listened to his heart thundering in his chest.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up," he murmured.
"Nothing to worry about," she said softly.
She let out a soft sigh and bit back the tears that sprang to her eyes. She couldn't help but feel guilty that he was suffering because of her. She lay on top of him letting him hold her until she fell back to sleep. He let out a deep sigh and let his eyes drift closed. It seemed like moments but it was hours later when the alarm clock beeped, waking them up. Michelle groaned and started to roll from the bed.
"Baby, go back to sleep. You don't have to get up this early," he whispered, kissing her temple.
"Unngh," Michelle grunted as she rolled from the bed anyway.
While he went to take a shower, she moved quietly around the kitchen making coffee. She pulled down their coffee mugs when she heard him come out of the bedroom. Pouring him a cup of coffee, she fixed it the way he liked it then turned and fixed her own. Leaning against the counter, she sipped her coffee as he padded into the kitchen. Even after all these months, it still surprised her how quietly that man could move in army boots. He walked over, picked up his coffee and placed a kiss on her lips.
"Thank you," he said quietly. Michelle jumped when Martinez appeared at the door to the kitchen. Michelle glared at him and took a sip of her coffee.
"You guys really need to learn to make some noise, dammit," she growled. Martinez sniggered and pushed Legates out of the way so he could make his own cup of coffee.
"What are you doing up so early?" Martinez asked, looking over at Michelle.
"If I can't send him off with sex the least I can do is make my man a decent cup of coffee," Michelle said, sipping her coffee. Martinez choked a little on his coffee then swallowed.
"I really didn't need to know that, thanks. Where you going?" Martinez asked Legates with a frown.
"JBLM," Legates said, sipping his coffee. Michelle's face scrunched as she looked back and forth between the two men.
"Joint Base Lewis-McChord, it's just outside of Tacoma, Washington," Legates explained. Her expression cleared and she nodded.
"You guys talk about big words scientists use and you guys are just the opposite you speak in nothing but acronyms," Michelle said, smirking at them. Legates smiled and shook his head.
"What can we say? It's easier to say fubar instead of fucked up beyond all repair," Legates said, smirking.
Michelle shook her head and shot him a grin. Legates drank the last of his coffee, rinsed the cup out and put it in the dishwasher. Walking over, he boxed Michelle in between himself and the counter. Leaning over, he captured her mouth in a long, slow, sweet kiss. Legates pulled back then dropped another kiss on Michelle's forehead.
"I'll call you when we get there," he said quietly. Michelle nodded, her eyes still closed.
"Okay," she whispered.
When she opened her eyes, she was standing with Martinez and Legates was gone. Letting out a sigh, she carried her coffee to the bedroom. Setting the cup down on the night side table, she crawled back into bed. Grabbing Legates' pillow, she curled up around it and was attempting to go back to sleep when her phone buzzed. Picking it up, she glared at it.
If you need anything call Maggs
K
Go back to sleep ;-P
K
She threw the phone down and curled back up around his pillow. Her alarm went off a few hours later, making her groan. She rolled from the bed with a sigh and padded to the bathroom to start her day.
She went to her classes and went through her day as if nothing had changed. She pulled her phone from her backpack as she left her afternoon class. She had heard it ringing during class but ignored it. Looking at her missed calls, she smiled then called the number back.
"Hello," Legates answered.
"Hey, Honey," she said as she started moving towards the metro station.
"Hey, Baby. Why didn't you answer your phone?" Legates asked with a touch of worry in his voice.
"I was in class," she answered.
"Ahhh, which class?" He asked, he couldn't remember her schedule yet.
"Women's Studies," she said.
"Oh joy," he said sarcastically.
"Requirement for my degree," she snarked teasingly. He chuckled and leaned back against the wall.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class yourself?" She asked, swiping her metrocard then getting on the escalator down.
"Lunch," he said.
"Eat," she told him with a soft laugh. She could hear people shuffling in the background.
"They have you in barracks again?" She asked, wincing at the thought of him sleeping on those tiny beds again.
"Yeah, there's about sixty of us in here," he said.
"Poor baby," she sympathized.
"I just called to see how you were," he said, thinking he should probably eat.
"I'm fine, go eat," she said, smiling. He chuckled at the smile in her voice. He was so busted and knew it.
"If you need anything call Maggs. I'm serious," he said, putting on his serious face even though she couldn't see him.
"I'm a big girl but if I need anything I'll call Maggs," she promised, knowing she wouldn't have to.
"Okay, I'll talk to you later," he said, biting his lip as the words almost slipped out. Techie smirked behind his magazine on the bed below Legates.
"Bye," she said softly and hung up the phone.
The days dragged by and Michelle plodded through them trying not to be cranky. On Thursday evening there was a knock on the door and Michelle looked at it wondering who the hell that could be. Martinez and Tanya had gone out for dinner. Standing up with a sigh, she opened the door and her eyes popped at the sight of two men standing there holding large vases filled with baby's breath, white lilies and lady slipper orchids.
Smiling, she stepped back and allowed them to enter the apartment. They carried them in and set them on the coffee table. Michelle walked to her purse and retrieved a tip. Signing for the flowers, she tipped them then followed them to the door. After closing the door behind them, she sat down to admire the flowers. Reaching over, she pulled the card out and opened it.
Happy Valentines Day
Miss you, Baby
She smiled and tears glistened in her eyes. Even from the other side of the country, he made her feel loved and wanted. Glancing at the clock, she scowled. It was only three o'clock on the west coast which meant she had another two hours before she could call him.
Leaning back on the couch, she opened her Botany book and started flipping through the chapters to get familiar with them. When the clock ticked over to seven fifteen, she dialed his number. Legates smirked at the guys sitting around the table with him. He shot Techie an 'I told you so' look.
"Hey, Baby," he answered.
"The flowers are amazing," she said softly, smiling towards the flowers.
"Yeah, well red roses are overdone besides I know you like them," he said smugly.
"Oh yeah, how's that? I never told you," she questioned.
"Heh, if I told you I'd have to kill you," he said, chuckling.
"Not really what you want to hear from a sniper," she said, giggling. He snorted and poked at the food on his plate.
"So, you going to give him some action for the pretty flowers?" A voice came drifting through the line. A round of groans sounded from Legates' unit at the question.
"Are you telling people you don't get enough action?" She asked in a slightly irritated voice.
"Nope, just a guy being a tool," he answered.
"Well, tell him to stop," she muttered.
"Stop being a tool, Rawlins," Legates said, smirking at Rawlins.
"We can go out when I get back," Legates promised, still poking at the unidentifiable food on his plate.
"It's goulash," Techie told him. Legates snorted and poked at it again.
"I was thinking we could stay home," Michelle purred into the phone.
"Hmmm, reahheeealllly," Legates said, his voice dropping a pitch.
"Dammit, Michelle, don't do that," Techie hollered, wearing a grin. Michelle let out a throaty chuckle and Legates felt a shudder run down his spine.
"Legates, did you know your eyes are almost white?" Rawlins asked, taking a bite of his food.
"Mmmm reeeheealllly," Michelle growled into the phone. Legates let a slow smile cross his face but didn't say anything.
"Dammit, Rawlins, quit egging her on," Oaks bellowed from the other end of the table.
"Michelle, you had better not have plans when we get back. I don't want to deal with his cranky ass if you do," Perkins yelled. Michelle was starting to have fun and grinned.
"Oh I don't," Michelle said in a breathy tone. Legates closed his eyes, put his elbow on the table and dropped his forehead into his hand.
"Blink Dog, Lawful good, Magical Creature," Legates muttered, trying to control his blood flow which currently was headed south. Michelle chuckled and shook her head.
"Okay, I'll behave," she promised.
"Thank, God," he muttered.
"What the hell is he talking about?" Rawlins asked, wearing a look of utter confusion.
"We haven't been able to figure it out. It started when Michelle started coming around," Techie said, taking a bite of his green beans. Brown snickered from down the table, he knew exactly what it was but he wasn't telling.
"Okay, I just called to say thank you for the flowers. I'll see you tomorrow after my lab," she said softly.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Baby," he said. He listened as the line disconnected then hung his up and put the phone is his pocket.
"Did you have to egg her on, Rawlins. Dammit," Legates grumbled.
Rawlins laughed and smirked at Legates. The next morning arrived later than either Michelle or Legates wanted. Michelle made her way to her Botany class on the Mount Vernon Campus and sat down. Ten minutes into the class, her mouth fell open in horror as she realized that she would have to attend the lab in the Jungle Greenhouse.
Her mind scrambled through ways to get around the lab and only came up with one remedy. Sighing, she prepared to tell a professor something she wished she didn't have to. After the class was finished, she approached the front of the class where Dr. Jacobs was standing.
"Professor, I need to find another way to do labs. I am not able to enter a greenhouse that is a replica of," Michelle swallowed hard, "a Malaysian jungle," she told Dr. Jacobs, her Botany professor.
"Young lady, there is no excusable reason not to enter the greenhouse. There is nothing in there that is unsafe. Or if the plant is poisonous it is kept separated and clearly marked," Jacobs said, looking over the rim of his glasses.
Michelle closed her eyes and took a deep breath. After swallowing the panic she felt approaching, she breathed again. Opening her eyes, she looked Jacobs directly in the eye. She didn't know why she had to tell him this but it seemed apparent that he needed to understand.
"In July of last year, I traveled with my mother to Maluku. She was investigating a homicide of eight victims at the behest of the US Government and Dr. Temperance Brennan. While there Dr. Brennan and I were kidnapped and held hostage for twenty four hours. In that time, I was put in a pit, forced to hear a young Indonesian girl raped to death with a table leg and forced to watch as they tortured Dr. Brennan for eight consecutive hours for FUN," Michelle spoke quickly, barking the last word. Swallowing the bile in her throat, she swayed on her feet.
"If that is the case then you will need to obtain an excusal from the dean. Until then you will receive zeros for your labs. I will remind you that two zeros will result in failure of the lab and that your lab counts for fifty percent of your grade. You will be put on academic probation," Jacobs snapped, frowning at the girl.
Michelle's eyes shot wide in panic. Not seeing anyway out of the situation, she froze and tears filled her eyes. Backing away from her professor, she paused six steps away. Spinning, she bolted from the classroom, making the professor sigh and shake his head. Looking down at his sheet, he smiled. He saw that Dr. Jack Hodgins was going to be in the greenhouse. He was going to help identify a plant that the professors had been unable to locate.
If Dr. Jacobs hurried, he might be able to speak with the doctor from the Jeffersonian. Jacobs turned and walked quickly from the building. Michelle was booking it across the campus. Her lab started in half an hour and she wanted to make sure she had enough time to call Maggs. He'd be able to help, she hoped he was available.. When she approached the greenhouse, she saw students crowded around the door. She walked up and tried to see what was going on.
"What's going on?" She asked the crowd in general.
"Dr. Hodgins from the Jeffersonian is here," one of the other students whispered.
"Good class. You've shown up early today. This is great. You'll be able to see one of the world's top botanists at work. Come on," Jacobs said gleefully, waving the students into the greenhouse. Michelle froze and stared wide eyed at the jungle inside the greenhouse.
"Ms. Welton, now if you please or would you like a 0?" Jacobs said sharply, glaring at the young woman standing there staring transfixed.
Michelle swallowed, bit back her tears and stepped forward into her own personal hell. As she stepped through the door the smell of earth and greenery assaulted her nose, the wave of humidity caused her clothes to stick to her skin. She felt the blood sink from her face and saw the visions start to flash before her eyes.
Dr. Jacobs pushed past her and Michelle felt the arms from the person who had taken her hostage in the square wrap around her. She whimpered and a strangled sob escaped her throat.
"Hodgins," she whimpered as she fell to her knees.
Hodgins head shot up at the whimper and his eyes fell on Michelle. Her face was pale as she fell to her knees. He started to move, what the hell possessed her to come into this greenhouse? Jacobs spun on his heel with a glare.
"Ms. Welton, you will give Dr. Hodgins the respect he deserves," Jacobs snapped.
The esteemed Dr. Jack Hodgins pushed Jacobs out of the way as he barreled towards Michelle. Hodgins skidded on his knees in the dirt on the floor next to her. He wrapped his arms around her.
"Michelle, can you stand?" Hodgins asked her, trying to get her to stand.
"Oh, God," she whimpered, her breath falling in ragged gasps.
Her light brown skin was now covered in sweat that was pouring off of her. She was in a fetal position on her knees and Hodgins couldn't get her frozen muscles to move. She was shaking in fear and her breathing became quicker and quicker.
"Dammit," he cursed, looking around, "Michelle breathe please, your mom will kill me if you die on me in here."
Reaching in his Jeffersonian lab coat, he pulled out his phone. Students gathered around to watch the weird scene unfolding in front of them. Dr. Jacobs' face was covered in shock when Hodgins brushed Michelle's hair back from her face gently. Dr. Jacobs watched as Hodgins punched a number on his cellphone and put it up to his ear.
"Cam, hey. I'm over at GW for that identification. Michelle is in the Jungle Greenhouse. No I don't know why. I have no idea what the hell would possess her to even try. She's in a full blown panic attack. She's barely breathing, her muscles are frozen. I'm scared she might have a seizure. What do you want me to do?" Hodgins spoke into the phone and Jacobs eyebrow crawled up into his forehead.
"He's WHAT?" Hodgins squeaked in outrage. Jacobs pushed through the students and knelt down near Michelle.
"Ms. Welton," Jacobs said, reaching out his hand. Hodgins had shot out and grasped his wrist.
"Don't touch her," Hodgins hissed at him.
"Dr. Hodgins, we are trained for emergency situations. You need to let me handle this," Dr. Jacobs argued. Hodgins scowled and put his phone to his shoulder.
"Dr. Jacobs, you know nothing of this situation. Please just back off," Hodgins growled. Putting the phone back to his ear, Hodgins scanned Michelle.
"Cam, her lips are getting a blue tinge! What do I do?" Hodgins said, slightly hysterically.
"Okay, so I don't want to-" his words were cut off by the sound of skin hitting skin.
Michelle sucked in a breath and squealed in terror. She began to blindly scramble away from Hodgins who sat there in horror. Standing up, Hodgins spun around. Stalking towards the other doctor, he wore a look of anger Dr. Jacobs had never been privy to before.
"GET OUT!" Hodgins bellowed and pointed to the door.
"I was just-"
"GET OUT! Take the students with you," Hodgins bellowed again, his eyes having gone icy blue.
Hodgins eyes fell to a phone in the dirt of the floor that was singing a Disney song. Hodgins picked it up and saw 'Josh' flash across the screen. Scrunching his face, he sucked in a deep breath and answered the phone.
"Legates," Hodgins said. Legates' brow furrowed as he moved through the DC traffic. He pulled the phone away from his ear and looked at the screen.
"Okay, so I know you're not my girlfriend. You have to be someone I know so who are you and where is Michelle?" Legates asked suspiciously.
"Legates, it's Hodgins. I'm at GW in the Jungle Greenhouse. Michelle is somewhere in here having a panic attack. The stupid Dr. Jacobs smacked her and she took off in fear. I don't see her but..." Hodgins trailed off.
"On my way," Legates growled, pressing down harder on the gas and turning on his turn signal. Hanging up the phone, he tossed it in the console.
"Hang on, guys. We're taking a trip to a miniature jungle and we're going to shoot a Botany professor," Legates growled as he turned on his four ways. He cut across two lanes of traffic and exited the interstate abruptly.
A/N: Uh oh =( poor Michelle. Her mostly untreated PTSD has caught up with her. So tomorrow? Well tomorrow you'll have... a dream, six acres, asshole in a big truck, silence, Dr. Jackass, positive association, shrinky thing, interesting factoids, stupidity, us and her, goosebumps, ferns, a promise, stupid rules, fruitcake, dirty mouth, straps, not happening, shit end of the stick, questions, worst nightmare, patronizing looks, rights explained, personal hells, and freaked out guys.
A/N: Okay so I'm usually better at warning ya'll =( There's only eight chapters left of this story. The husband wants more of He's Ours, actually a lot of reviewers have wanted that so I might spit out a couple of chapters there while working on the sequels. But my main focus is the sequels. Hopefully they won't take too long but I make no promises. I should also mention that the Michelle and Legates stories have time jumps in them because otherwise there'd be chapters of nothing but him being shipped off and her being in school. I'm trying to do major life events for them so that (if I decide to do it) by the third story she'll be a doctor. Okay enough of that.
See that little link/button at the bottom? Push it and tell me what you think.