Fic: Unwell (8/9)

[only_more_love]

Title: Unwell (8/9)
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: I'm standing here until you make me move.
Characters: Brennan, Booth
Rating: PG-13
Summary: "Yup, the mighty Temperance Brennan was sick."
Disclaimer: Bones and its characters belong to FOX, not me. This story is purely meant to entertain. No copyright infringement is intended.
Timeline: This takes place after Season 3, Episode 4 (The Secret in the Soil).  Some spoilers for that ep.

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Click here for other chapters of Unwell.

Long after Brennan went to bed, Booth sat slumped on her living room couch, idly flipping channels on the TV, only peripherally aware of the colors and images that flashed across the screen, his mind swirling with questions he couldn't answer. Had he said too much? Pushed too hard? Would she run? Could he catch her if she did?

Anxiety turned his stomach to lead as he pictured her sitting across the table from him wearing that calm, slightly bemused expression while he risked everything. He silently cursed himself for caring so much. Damn it, he didn't want to lose the closest thing he had to a best friend.

Sighing deeply, he dropped his head back and scrubbed a hand over his dry, tired eyes. Getting at the truth--that was his job. Hers, too. The truth mattered to Brennan; even when it was ugly or painful, she reached for it with both hands.

Sometimes not knowing hurt worse than finally, finally knowing. He'd seen it so many times--relief mixed in with the shock and the grief--when he told one more person his mother, father, wife, son, daughter would never come home again. Some days that felt like the worst part of his job. Some days it felt like the best. But every day he was aware it was part of his job.

All those years she'd spent wondering why her parents had left, wondering if they were dead or alive, wondering if they cared about her and her brother. Then she'd handed him the file that carried the shards of the girl she'd once been--and asked for his help. He understood what it had cost her to do that.

They weren't so different, under the surface. He never liked asking for help either--for the same reason he preferred not to sit with his back to a door.

So slowly he hadn't even realized it was happening at first, she handed him piece after jagged piece of herself, implicitly trusting him not to cut her with them. And despite his fear, he handed her the blade of Kosovo and left his back exposed. When he turned, she returned it to him sheathed, her gaze clear and unshadowed by judgment or disgust.

Then came the day he found Christine Brennan staring out at him from the Angelator, and her daughter staring at an old belt buckle, resignation carved into the hollows beneath her misty eyes.

My name is Brennan. I'm Doctor... I'm Dr. Temperance Brennan.

He watched her mouth tremble with the weight of the lies and the half-truths and all the answers she so desperately wanted but might never have. Turning her face into his neck, she soaked his t-shirt with her tears, her breath hot and shuddering against his skin.

That was as close as she ever came to saying please.

The truth could have broken her, but it hadn't. She'd broken down, but she hadn't broken. Not when it came to her mother. Not when it came to her brother. Not when it came to her father.

Tonight he had told her the truth as he saw it; the rest lay in her hands. He didn't doubt her courage when it came to facing down physical threats. He just hoped, for both their sakes, that she could be as brave when the risks weren't bruises and broken bones.

Still, maybe it wasn't fair to expect her to reach for a truth even he had had difficulty accepting. Denial was a warm, comfortable place. He realized now that whether he accepted his feelings or not, they existed. What he felt for her, the things he wanted from her and for her, what he saw in her eyes when he looked at her--they all existed before he stumbled across her note, even though he hadn't been aware of them--and they would continue to exist regardless of her answer.

Exhausted by his thoughts, Booth switched off the TV, turned off the single light that still burned in the living room, and dragged himself down the hall. Unable to stop himself, he closed his eyes and carefully flattened his palm against Brennan's bedroom door. Shaking his head at his own idiotic behavior, he finally stepped back from the door and quietly retreated to the guest room.

---

The next morning, as Booth was nursing his second cup of coffee in an effort to feel more like a human being and less like roadkill, Brennan joined him on the couch. "Morning, Bones."

"Good morning, Booth." Her gaze swept over his face and paused at his hair, which he knew was a little worse for the wear after he'd battled his pillow for supremacy most of the night. Unfortunately, the pillow had come out on top. Not that he'd tell Brennan that.

"Would you quit staring at me like that?" he said, frowning and peering at her over the top of The Washington Post's sports section.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked, her gaze flickering back to his hair.

"Actually," he said, narrowing his eyes, "I slept like shit." Scowling, he set down his coffee mug and brushed a hand through his hair.

"Me too."

Instantly, he sat up straighter. "Is your fever back? Are you feeling worse? I can--"

"Shh," she said, clapping a hand over his mouth. "That's not it." She removed her hand from his mouth. "I had trouble sleeping because, well, you were in the next room, and I couldn't stop thinking about our conversation."

He nodded and relaxed against the back of the couch. "Oh. I'm glad," he said, gratified by her honesty and relieved that he wasn't the only one who'd been too preoccupied to sleep. "Not that you couldn't sleep," he quickly added, "but that you were thinking about what I said." And hopefully about me.

"Yes," she said, tucking her legs beneath her and shooting him a sidelong glance.

"Yes, what?" he asked, wondering if he'd lost the thread of their conversation.

"Yes, I have thought about kissing you." Her lips curved in a small smile, and despite the abrupt change in topic, he nearly grinned back.

How often? When? Where? Are we talking naked kissing? "Yeah?" Only sheer force of will helped him keep his tone casual. She didn't need to know that inside he was pumping his fist in celebration and doing his patented Seeley Booth victory dance. Some things were private.

"Mmhm," she murmured.

He didn't see any point in even pretending to read the paper now, so he tossed it on the empty spot next to him. "So now what?" he asked, hoping he didn't sound too eager.

"I've told you before that I'm an empiricist. That means I believe in what I can measure, see--"

"Bones, I'm not a complete moron," he said, interrupting her mid-sentence, "I know what an empiricist--" The words were cut off as Brennan leaned in. With one warm hand on his cheek and the other braced on his shoulder, she kissed him. Her lips were even softer than he'd imagined, (and God, had he imagined), and though she kept the kiss chaste and close-mouthed, when he inhaled he smelled minty toothpaste and rumpled, just-out-of-bed Bones. It didn't take more than a second for the message to flash from his brain downward. He wrapped an arm around her to pull her closer, but by then it was already over.

"--touch and taste," she said, completing her sentence, clearly winded because she couldn't breathe through her nose.

Booth opened his eyes to see her sitting back on her heels, one hand still resting on his shoulder.

"What the hell was that?" he asked, covering her hand with his and staring at her mouth.

"Data collection." Brennan licked her bottom lip and Booth squeezed her hand, wanting nothing more than to tug her onto his lap for a second kiss. "I needed more data before I made my decision. And now you have to go."

"What?" he asked, blinking rapidly as he struggled to focus on what she was saying instead of the way her mouth moved.

"You've given me a lot to think about, Booth," she said, slipping her hand out from underneath his, "and now I need some space to think."

"But you're still sick," he protested. "I don't want to leave you here by yourself. You know, it's not like I'm pressuring you for an answer right this minute."

"I know that," she said, smiling slightly. "And I appreciate your help. But Angela called to confirm our brunch date, and when she heard I was sick, she insisted on coming over."

He didn't want to go; an irrational part of him worried that once he left her, the things they'd both revealed and the fragile understanding he believed they shared, would pop like a soap bubble. But he knew she was right: she needed time and space to think and come to a decision they could hopefully both live with. "I'd be happy to give you a little more data before I go," he said, giving her a good-natured leer as he took in her flushed cheeks.

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary at this time," she said dryly, arching one eyebrow. It was only a small consolation, but at least she still looked as stunned as he felt.

"Do you promise to call me if you need anything?" he asked, dipping his head to look directly into her eyes. Giving in to the urge to touch her, Booth brushed a strand of hair off her shoulder and felt her shiver. No matter what she said, he knew there was something beyond friendship between them.

"I promise," she said with a nod. "But I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Ok. Do you want some breakfast before I go?" he said, feeling strangely reluctant to leave.

"No. Go."

"Geez, Bones, you're a terrible host," he complained, rising from the couch.

Smiling, she folded her arms over her chest. "I don't recall inviting you over."

"True enough, Bones. But admit it--it wasn't so bad having me around, was it?"

She didn't fire back an immediate response like he expected she would. Instead, she glanced up at him, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Surprisingly, no." Then her eyes lit suspiciously, and he almost bent to kiss her again. "I especially enjoyed storytime."

He snorted. "Pervert."

"Prude."

"Come here, and I'll show you how wrong you are," he said, smiling slowly.

"Go," she commanded, waving him away and ignoring his comment.

"Fine," he said with a shrug, walking away. "Your loss," he called out over his shoulder.

"Booth?"

The question in her voice stopped him, turned him back around.

"Did you mean it?" she asked, her eyes serious.

"Did I mean what, Bones?"

"Everything you said last night."

It was a simple question, but there was an underlying note of vulnerability in her voice that squeezed his heart and made him wish he could give her back every hug, every kind word, every normal family moment she'd missed out on during her years in the system.

But he couldn't.

So instead he settled for making sure all traces of laughter were gone from his face before he answered. "Every word, Bones," he said finally. "I meant every single word."

---

With his clothes, toothbrush, razor, and shaving cream stowed in his duffel bag, he could no longer delay leaving. He found Brennan still sitting in the living room, reading the newspaper. "I guess I'll head out now," he said, stuffing his free hand into his pocket. Change your mind; ask me to stay.

She rose and came toward him, stopping a few inches away. "I hate saying thank you."

"This I know," he said, unable to resist smirking.

"But I also know that I am thankful--for our friendship, that is." Brennan cleared her throat and ducked her head, looking so shy and so sweet that it was all he could to keep from pulling her into his arms.

"Me too," he said, and as much as he meant it, he really, really hoped he wouldn't have to hear one of those "Let's just be friends" speeches from her whenever she made her decision.

"It's important to me that you know that," she said, looking up from the floor. "No matter if we remain partners and friends or become something...else."

"I know."

"There's just one more thing, Booth." She edged toward the door, her stiff posture making him frown. "Unless we have a case, don't call me." She tucked her hair back behind her ear. "I need a few days. I'll call you."

Upon hearing those words, he tried to keep the worry out of his face, but he must have failed miserably because she quickly added, "Soon."

"All right, Bones. Take care of yourself. Drink lots of fluids, sleep--"

With a groan, she yanked open the front door and shoved him through it. "I have managed to survive thirty years without your medical advice, Booth."

"That's just dumb luck," he shot back, plastering a fake smile on his face to cover his discomfort.

Of course, given his terrible luck, Angela showed up just then. "Booth"--her gaze shot to the duffel bag slung over his shoulder and her eyes widened--"what are you doing here?" She turned to look at Brennan. "Bren, what's going on?"

"Hey, Angela," he said with a nod. He definitely wasn't in the mood for an Angela inquisition.

"Bones, be good," he said, backing away so he could see her face for just one more second. Her gaze lifted to his, and she smiled before stepping back into her apartment.

Finally he turned away, forcing his feet to move. "But I just got here," he heard Angela complain from behind him. He walked faster.

To be continued...

---

A/N: I want to say something funny, intelligent, or witty here, but my brain is empty, so I'll just settle for sincerity. I am completely in love with Booth and Brennan. (Well, as much as you can be in love with fictional characters.) ;) Their banter is a thing of beauty, and yes, I think they have strong physical chemistry. But it's the understanding, trust, and empathy they have for each other that gets me every time. Life is so fragile; they understand that.

And I am totally rambling, so I'm going to be quiet now. I hope you found something you enjoyed in this chapter.

 

Comments

[mdemvizi.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for this! I was so wanting to know what was going to happen next!

Hoping we get fun Angela and Brennan discussing what happened :)

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Emily. :) I'm happy you're enjoying Unwell.

Hoping we get fun Angela and Brennan discussing what happened :)

Since the rest of the story is told entirely from Booth's point of view, we may not get a direct scene of Angela and Brennan's conversation.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_faded_dreamz_/]

nicely written. I liked the way you chose to write the dialogue between the two. I could picture it as if it was an episode, and to me that's important to see in writing. It's nice to see a fellow Bones fic writer keep to the show and not take it off track on a hell train. :D

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

Thanks a lot. I'm glad this seemed true to the characters.

It's nice to see a fellow Bones fic writer keep to the show and not take it off track on a hell train.

LMAO at your phrasing. :)

[http://users.livejournal.com/_faded_dreamz_/]

You're more than welcome. It really did.

It's sad to say but I've seen people literally try fan fiction and try to put Booth and Brennan in sexual situations and I literally went "AHHHH THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL FOR YOU TO DO!" It's scary sometimes. Lol.

Since its Booth and Brennan I see more that try to do it and fail at it. And then I read yours and I feel like a rock has been removed because you can actually put them together in those situations and make it seem real. :)

So lerdo gets double kudos! :D

[anadxof.livejournal.com]

That was perfect, from the anxiety of Booth until that spontaneous kiss. "touch and taste". Now I can't wait what Brennan has to say to Angela.

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much, Foxy. :)

[fangirlgonewild.livejournal.com]

I liked this chapter. They are playful, snarky, angsty, lovey...do I need to go on?

And - Prospect Mali! Jim hearts Pam.

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

Nope, you said it well. Thank you!

The Silence is awesome. *smiles*

[witchofthedogs.livejournal.com]

Yes.

[a2zmom.livejournal.com]

Just lovely.

She didn't need to know that inside he was pumping his fist in celebration and doing his patented Seeley Booth victory dance. Some things were private.

Ha. So very Booth. And I think they are very similar and I loved that Booth recognizes that.

Plus, such cute banter!

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

As always, thank you. They do have a fair amount in common, despite the surface difference. Glad you enjoyed the banter. ;)

[buffyangellvr23.livejournal.com]

very nice...glad you updated again.

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm happy you enjoyed it. :)

[sb158.livejournal.com]

I can see her needing time to process it all. Sometimes the big brain is more of a curse than a blessing. But this was sweet, and encouraging, since she didn't kick him to the curb. Had I been her, I would certainly have gone for more "data collection" though.

[pinktealeaves.livejournal.com]

Why do you always do this when I have to leave to work? ;) I'll be back in like 8 hours and write the proper comment, but until then... how am I going to concentrate in any other thing? :)

Nice to see this, can't wait to read it.

Hugs.

[odakota-rose.livejournal.com]

Well believe it or not, I was about to start pestering you for another chapter of this when I checked my friends list and found out it was already there, hehe.
Yes to the being in love with them, I know the feeling. I end up falling a little more for them every time.

[makd.livejournal.com]

Okay: you know what I'm gonna say: I LOVE this.

Well, it's true. :-)

And I am very, very, happy every time I read one of your B/B fics.
[sigh.] I can see them; I can hear them; I can smell Brennan's minty toothpaste and practically hear Booth's voice talking to himself.

Also: I can see Angela starting the inquisition.....:-)

[elena1701.livejournal.com]

I hope you found something you enjoyed in this chapter.

I liked every sentence in this chapter :) Especially this one:

Unable to stop himself, he closed his eyes and carefully flattened his palm against Brennan's bedroom door.

[xhio86.livejournal.com]

God, how can she be so Brennan?!? She just tasted a corner of Heaven and she doesn't crave more?!? Only Brennan could be so masochist to don't want at least another kiss from that gorgeous person that respond to the name of Seeley Booth...
I've to admit that I'm a little disappointed by her behaviour. I mean: come on, think to that poor man! He must be dying inside!!! ç__ç
But you really get them. I really think that only Brennan could want time to think having a Seeley Booth at her disposal... :P

Anyway I'm glad you're back with this story.
I love your drabbles, but I missed very much your multi-chapter fics. Especially this one and Presbyopia *_* Can't wait for the rest ;)

[nonores.livejournal.com]

Yay - I was wondering when this would be updated. At work yesterday I kept checking here hoping for some Prismatics or drabbles. So - much joy when I saw a longer post!

Very well done - everyone seems spot on. I hope Ange gets all the details!

Maybe I'm evil but I'm hoping that now Booth gets sick and needs someone to take care of him.

[pinktealeaves.livejournal.com]

As much as I hate too-much-thinking!Brennan, I can see her saying and doing things exactly the way you wrote her. Most of us would be like 'what do you have to think about?', but that's her.

Booth is so sweet that almost made me pout.

I am completely in love with Booth and Brennan. --> my favourite thing to say when I see a CUTE scene is: 'Awww, I'm dying of love...'. *g*

[killmotion.livejournal.com]

I did find comfort in this chapter. :) I loved how Brennan describes the kiss as 'data collection.'

[rainbowjumpsuit.livejournal.com]

*sighs happily*

That was another beautiful chapter. I think you capture both Booth and Brennan so well. You keep them so in-character. You've really mastered writing these two, and constructing a beautiful story. I love this fic, I don't want it to ever end!!

[hermyam.livejournal.com]

Re-read 1-7 before I went on to 8. Another beautiful chapter. It's just so Brennan that she would want to take time to think things over. Wondering whether Angela is going to be a help or a hindrance right now? Looking forward to your next.

[serenitysea.livejournal.com]

Oh. Just lovely.

[dabih.livejournal.com]

God, I can´t wait for the next chapter.

*hugs*

[toughlovebaby.livejournal.com]

yay an update :) i did enjoy this chapter! :) Love Brennan's line about data collection ;)

oh btw, i love the new layout. i was such a huge buffy/angel shipper back in the days ;)

[pipergirl07.livejournal.com]

Rambling good. Story gooder...

I'm glad to see a new chapter to this fic. You've done a great job in the story's progression, and it's unfolded in a way that would truly be believable in canon (unless she becomes pregnant, has triplets, and abandons her career to fulfil her life-long dream of being a stay-at-home mom. That might not fly ;)

Can't wait for the Brennan/Angela banter. Let the Spanish Inquisition begin. (bring forth the comfy chair!)

[sarabones.livejournal.com]

Awesome. Great. Perfect. all that :P

Well, I must agree with you.. I'm so in love with them.. in every single way ;)

[kate-lynne.livejournal.com]

wow thats cool!
i was waiting for the chapter :D hope to read more soon!
its my favourtit story that you've written lol ^^

[geezbones.livejournal.com]

YAY! I'm so happy when you update one of the 'old' fics :) And I think she missed the taste part, I mean, the data collection is not complete and as a scientist she should go through all the channels she has to gather the data right? lol. I want mooooooore!

[cute-az-can-be.livejournal.com]

I know I have said it before, and I'll say it again, you write Booth amazingly. Him thinking before he went to bed was written so wonderfully that I read it again. :) You have an amazing ability to write his thoughts and his feelings while keeping true to the character. Yes, I realise I am repeating myself from prior chapters and comments I left, but I just love reading your work. :D Can't wait for the next chapter and where things will lead.

thanks much

[(Anonymous)]

nice work, bro

thanks much

[(Anonymous)]

thats it, guy

[greenovalfruit.livejournal.com]

When? Where? Are we talking naked kissing?

That, I enjoyed :D