A/N: Ok, so I know it's after Christmas, but I didn't think anybody would mind. Here's the last chapter. Yay!
And a great big shout-out to BonesDBchippie. I have a special little inclusion in this chapter that you might recognize. HINT: you wrote it in one of your reviews and I simply loved it. Oh, and thanks for beta'ing!
Seeley Booth was a happy man. No, he thought. I'm more than happy, I'm… ecstatic. Reaching up, Booth ran a hand over his hair to smooth it down, and then took a step back to size himself up. Dressed in black slacks and a blue button shirt, he gave himself a satisfied nod. "Not bad, Seeley," he said aloud. He glanced down at his watch and smiled. In just over an hour, he would be sitting across from Temperance Brennan at one of the finest little restaurants in the city. Booth smile grew and couldn't stop the sigh that slipped through his lips. He had done it. He had convinced his partner to go out to dinner with him--to go on a date. Never in a million years would he have figured it would be so…what's the word? Oh yes, easy. His smile grew even more at this new thought. When he had first set off with the plan--no, idea? No, conspiracy? Yeah, conspiracy. He hadn't expected that Brennan would be so open up to it. Yup, this is gonna be a great Christmas. Booth gave one last nod to confirm his thoughts to his reflection, then turned from the mirror and left his bedroom. He walked through the living room, stopped at the coffee table and then bent down and picked up a carefully wrapped present--the last of the Secret Santa gifts. Booth held it gently in his hands and he couldn't hold back the twinkle that flashed in his eyes. Tonight's the night, he thought. Do or die time. With that, the agent crossed the room, picked up his coat and then left the apartment.
Temperance Brennan was nervous. No, she corrected herself. I'm more than nervous-- I'm anxious and scared. She took a deep breath to try and calm herself, but to no avail. She let her eyes slide over her reflection and smiled. Her royal blue dress hugged her curves and the sparkly material shimmered in the light. The color brought out the depths of her eyes, which is why she herself had bought the dress. Simple silver jewelry adorned her neck, earlobes and left wrist, and she had chosen makeup that complimented her dress, keeping it at a minimal--much in her style. Brennan smiled at herself when her eyes locked with her glass twin. "Not to shabby," she said, running her hands down the front of her dress to smooth out invisible wrinkles. After a moment of uncharacteristic primping, Brennan turned from the mirror and left the room. As she walked through her living room, the gentle snowfall outside her window caught her attention, and her mind drifted back to the snowball fight she shared with Booth. A smile pulled at her lips, and Brennan couldn't explain the feeling of light heartedness that she felt. Yes, she thought. Something is definitely changing between us. She continued through the living room to her kitchen, where she found her evening purse and a small present, carefully, and painstakingly wrapped. There was no gift tag, since she had already given out her few presents. Anyhow, the green ribbon gave it away. Only one present had a ribbon tied around it, and that was Booth's. And as if he heard her thoughts, a knock came at her door, causing her heart to skip a beat. Brennan stared at the door, absently wiping her hands down her thigh. This is it, she thought. Do or die. Then she smiled at the fact that she had said such a Booth expression.
Booth stood outside Brennan's closed door staring at the wood grain, and suddenly wishing he knew his pine from his oak. He licked his lips nervously, and ran a hand through his hair. Get a hold of yourself, he scolded. He was just about to raise his hand to knock again, when he heard the lock unlatch, and the door slowly opened. With wide, stunned eyes, he drank Brennan in. Taking in every curve of her body, the way her dress clung, the skin that the spilt showed up the side of her thigh. Again, Booth licked his lips, and then remembered to smile. "You look, um, fantastic," he said, mentally kicking himself for falling over his words.
Brennan offered him a smile- that sent his heart soaring, before murmuring, "Thank you." Booth watched as Brennan picked up her dress coat from beside the door before he took it and held it up for her. She slid into it, reached for her purse and then turned to face him. "Ready?"
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he half teased, as he stepped out of her way so that she could close the door.
"Well, you didn't so I thought I would throw it out there." Booth gave a chuckle as they began to walk down the hall, his hand resting comfortably on her lower back.
The car ride to the restaurant was quiet. Each lost in thought. "How was your time with Parker?" Brennan suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
"It was nice," he said with a smile. "He really liked the present you sent to him." Booth glanced over at her. "Were in the world did you learn about Zoo Books?"
Brennan gave a shrug. "Saw them on TV over at Angela's and thought they would make a good present. After all, you always talk about taking him to the zoo. I figured it was a sure thing."
"Well, it was," he said around a laugh. "Turning my son all squinty. What am I gonna do with you, Bones?"
"I didn't think you had to do anything with me, Booth."
The agent shook his head before his smile fell and his face turned serious. "I saw Angela today."
"You did?" Brennan looked over at him. "Why?"
"I took her to church," he told her as he tossed a glance over at her. Brennan nodded, understanding what the day was for her friend.
"I'm glad you were there for her," Brennan said, reaching out and brushing her hand over his. He captured her fingers and gave a slight squeeze. "How did you get reservations somewhere on Christmas Day?" she asked, changing the subject.
"I have my ways," Booth told her, waggling his eyebrows.
"Did you go all FBI on someone's ass?" Booth laughed as he remembered the first time she had said that to him.
"Didn't have too," he told her, pulling into a packed parking lot.
"Then how?" Booth didn't answer straight away. Instead, he pulled up to the front door and tossed her a smile.
"My ways," he said again, putting the SUV into park and then getting out. He walked around the front of the vehicle and opened Brennan's door. He offered his hand to her as she got out, noting with a sly smile how her dress had slipped up her thigh. Damn, he thought as he closed the door. When did Bones get mile long legs? He slipped the valet fifty with the instructions to keep the SUV close. The young man nodded as he pocketed the money.
"What ways?" Brennan asked, as Booth led her to the front door. Another young man opened it for them, giving Booth a reason not to answer. Inside, Brennan let her eyes scan over the decorations. Warm shades of rusty red and khaki brought out the rich warmth of the Mahanoy that lined the walls. Each small table was draped with a crisp white cloth and candlelight flickered within small holders.
"I have my ways," he whispered in her ear before turning his bright smile to the hostess. "Reservation for two," he said. "Under Booth." The woman returned his smile, before dropping her eyes to the chart in front of her.
"Yes, Mister Booth," she said. "If you two would follow me." Booth applied pressure to Brennan's back to gain her attention, and then led her through the dining area. They passed couple after couple, all of who sat eating quietly together. Some held hands, while others simply looked longingly at one another. As they came to the back of the restaurant, Brennan thought there was a mistake. Every table they passed was full. She was about to say something, when Booth nodded toward the stairs. Brennan tossed him a confused look, but preceded him up them. The hostess waited for them, and when they were both before her, she turned and led them down a small hallway, and out a set of French doors. The colder winter air hit Brennan and made her shivered, yet her eyes were focused on the small plastic tent that was set up on the balcony. The young woman pulled back a flap and motioned them in. Inside, Brennan found a small table set up like the ones they had passed. Two small heaters sat opposite each other and soft music played over an unseen speaker. Booth took Brennan's coat, handed it to the woman along with his own and then pulled out Brennan's chair.
"Your waitress will be with you in a moment," the hostess said, before leaving them alone.
"Booth, this is amazing," Brennan said, looking around the small tent and out through the clear plastic at the snow. "How did…?"
"My ways," Booth interrupted. Brennan was about to argue that that wasn't a good enough answer, but decided against it. Booth had gone through all this trouble for her the least she could do was be appreciative. So instead, she smiled and Booth relaxed. They sat and talked for a few minutes before their waitress appeared- a middle-aged woman name Christy. Soon Christy was on her way with their drink orders, leaving them to look over their menus. "Anything," Booth said pointing to the menu. "Anything you want."
"Well, I didn't figure you would bring me here and limit what I could order," Brennan teased, as she dropped her eyes to the list of food. "Booth…" she said as her eyes settled on the prices.
"Anything," he repeated.
"But, everything is so expensive," she protested. "I can't ask you to spend this much." Booth held up a hand to silence her.
"I invited you, remember?" he asked. "I chose the place. Don't worry about the cost."
"I know," Brennan began, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. "It's just that..."
"Bones," he said, effectively cutting her off and causing her to look up at him. "Don't worry about it, okay? Let me do this." She nodded, and Booth went back to his menu, happy that he had won the battle, at least for the moment.
It wasn't long before Christy had returned with their drinks, taken their orders and then returned shortly thereafter with two plates of food. Brennan picked up her linen napkin, laid it across her lap and then picked up her fork. As the first bite of food touched her tongue, Brennan felt her eyes flutter shut and a moan escape her. Slowly she pulled the fork out, and took her time chewing her food. Booth watched her with openness. Taking in the look of pleasure on her face, and how her jaw muscles flexed as she chewed. "Good?" he asked, after his first bite.
"Delicious," she corrected. They shared a smile, before each turned their attention to the food. The evening passed quickly, filled with good food and great conversation. Soon their plates were cleared and desert and coffee placed in front of them. "Booth," Brennan said softly, regarding him through her lashes.
He looked up from slowly stirring his coffee. "Yes?" he answered, equally as softly. Booth watched her as she dropped her eyes to her decadent chocolate cake and waited. He placed his spoon to the side and lifted the cup to his lips, letting the hot liquid wash into his mouth.
"Thank you," she finally said, looking back up to him. "For, you know." Brennan shrugged one slender shoulder. She took a deep breath in hopes of making her voice a sound a little stronger. "Being part of my family."
Booth smiled over at her. "You're very welcome, Temperance." Brennan shared his smile and then began to eat. Booth watched her, enjoying the way she licked her lips to clean off the icing. Brennan caught his stare and cocked her head slightly to the left in question.
"What?" she asked. "Do I have something on my face?"
"No, nothing like that."
"Then what?" Brennan picked up her napkin and wiped at the corners of her mouth.
"You look… gorgeous tonight."
"Then I normally don't look attractive?" she teased.
"I didn't say that," Booth quickly said.
"So you normally think I'm attractive."
"Yes," he said. "I mean, no." He stumbled over his words and then shook his head. He settled on his answer of, "Yes." Brennan smiled at him from over the table, enjoying the normally confident Booth now falter at her teasing. "You ready to go?" His date nodded as the flap of the tent opened then Christy entered carrying their coats.
"Thank you," Brennan said, taking her coat and slipping it on.
"Christy, it's been fun," Booth said. "You're the best." Christy smiled as her cheeks went a light shade of pink.
"You're too kind, Agent Booth," the waitress said. Booth handed the woman a folded piece of money as a tip, then offered Brennan his arm, and the two left the tent.
XxXxX
"You must be butter," Brennan said as her and Booth climbed the stairs to her apartment.
"What?"
"You must be butter," she repeated.
"Why do you say that?" Brennan pulled her keys from her purse and reached out to open her door.
"Because you're on a roll."
"Oh, boo," he said around a laugh as he followed Brennan into her apartment. Brennan joined the laughter, as she flipped on her lights and placed her purse and keys on the table.
"It was funny," she told him, turning to playfully slap at his arm.
Booth closed the door and shook his head. "Where did you get that from?"
"Don't remember," she answered with a shrug. "But considering your streak of bad one liners tonight, I thought it was appropriate." Booth placed his coat carefully across the kitchen table.
"They haven't been that bad, have they?" Brennan gave him a 'you've got to be kidding' look before opening the door to her closet and hanging up her coat. As she closed the door and turned around, she gave a slight yelp. Booth stood there holding a present.
"What's that?" she asked.
"Geez, Bones, I thought you could even recognized a Christmas present."
Brennan rolled her eyes, but reached out for the package. "What is it?"
"Well open it." Brennan looked at the box and then smiled up at him. She crossed over to her couch and sat, the gift in her lap. She gave one last sly look at Booth before she tore open the paper. She carefully opened the white box and starred in disbelief. Inside, on a bed a purple satin, was a silver necklace. The pendant that hung from it was dolphin.
"Booth," she said breathlessly. The eyes of the dolphin were green emeralds and a diamond was perched on the back fin.
"I really wanted something," Booth began, "that would be special." Brennan stood from the couch and threw her arms around his neck.
"It's perfect," she whispered. Booth smiled, as he held her tightly to his body. "I have something for you," she told him pulling away from him.
"Something for me?" he asked.
"Of course for you, I wouldn't say I did if I didn't, silly," her tone and look said she was totally serious. It was Booth's turn to roll his eyes as he watched Brennan hurry into the kitchen and then returned with a box with a green ribbon and a big smile on her face. "Here." Booth returned the smile as he took the gift and sat in Brennan's abandon seat. He turned the gift over his hands and carefully inspected it. "Open it," Brennan demanded. Booth laughed and tore the paper off. Inside was a box, about the size of the one he had given her, was a medallion with the Archangel Michael on it. Booth lifted it out the box and smiled.
"The Patron Saint of police officers," he said, and then picked his eyes up to hers.
"To keep you safe," Brennan told him. "When, you know, you're out there." She waved her hand to indicate the outside world.
"Thank you," Booth said, dropping the box. He placed the chain around his neck and fastened it.
"It looks great on you," Brennan said, as she sat down beside him. She touched the gold medallion and smiled. "Not that I believe, or anything."
"Yeah," Booth agreed. "But I do. And it means a lot that that matters to you." Their eyes locked for a moment and Booth fought not to lean forward and touch her lips with his.
"Well, I figured that you needed something to protect you," Brennan said. "You are my FBI agent, as Angela would say." Booth smiled at the comment. "And my Secret Santa."
"What?"
"Oh, come on, Booth, do you really think I didn't know?"
"Know what?" Booth asked standing from the couch.
"Booth," Brennan said softly, but Booth didn't turn to face her. He heard her stand and cross over to him.
"How long?" he began.
"Have I known?" Brennan finished. "Since the first gift."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because I thought it was sweet, and I figured that you had your reasons." She reached out and touched his shoulder. "What were your reasons, Seeley?" He turned to face her. His given name falling from her lips a surprise.
"I couldn't think of another way," he told her.
"Another way of what?" Brennan watched as Booth's eyes darkened with emotion.
"To show you that I care about you."
"I know that," Brennan said.
"But you don't know how much." Booth reached out and took her hand. "I wanted to show you how much I cared, and I thought the Secret Santa thing would work better than me coming right out and saying. Anyhow, I didn't want to scare you off."
"Why would you scare me off?" Brennan asked and then held up her free hand. "Never mind, I know. I'm not mad, Booth," she told him. "Like I said, I thought it was sweet." Booth touched her cheek and brushed his thumb over the corner of her mouth.
"Seeley," she said, giving up his name once again.
"Yes?" Instead of words, Brennan took a step toward him and brought her lips to his. The kiss was gentle and they both stood frozen. Brennan stepped closer still and wrapped her arms around his neck. Booth snapped out of his momentary shock and brought his arms around her, pulling her close to him as he deepened the kiss. Their tongues danced around each other, and Brennan couldn't hold back the moan. Finally the kiss broke, but neither one made to move. "I guess," Booth began and then licked his lips. "That this means you're up for a few more dates?" Brennan tightened her hold then pulled him back down to her.
"Maybe one or two," she teased and then gently touched his lips, but Booth pulled back slightly.
"Now you're not just saying that to sweet talk me into sleeping with you, are ya?"
"Seeley," she said. "Do I really need to sweet talk?" Booth matched her smile.
"Naw, I guess not," he said. "But I'm not easy, ya know?"
"Booth?" She said, her voice almost a whisper.
"Yes?"
"Shut up and kiss me." Booth's smile widened as he dropped his mouth back to hers.
XxXxX
Brennan glanced over at Booth. They sat curled up on her couch watching TV, Brennan comfortably resting in the crook of his arm. The show went to commercial and Booth caught her stare out the corner of his eye. "What?" he asked turning to face her. Brennan lifted her face and gave him a gentle kiss.
"Thank you," she said.
"For what?"
"Teaching me the Science of Santa." Booth tightened his arm around her shoulder.
"You're welcome, Temperance," he said. "But you didn't need me to teach you. It was there all along."
"Maybe," Brennan said. "But you helped to bring it out."
"Next year," he said as the show came back on. "You get to play Santa."
The End
So, I hope you all liked it. A little Holiday Myjic for ya.
Thanks for reading.
Blissful Writing,
Wolfy and Branwyn