new muse

[cakeorpickle]

You are going with a trial and error approach with this. Commendable, but if my stylization-- or voice as you call it-- is that particular and you are that nervous with it, why attempt this when the odds of your success are so minimal given the parameters of comfort and educational level? I must remind you that you have next to no knowledge of forensic anthropology. An introductory course in anthropology your sophomore year in undergrad is not sufficient enough.

However your success is not limited to a pass or fail remark. Simply 'stretching your legs' with this post is a start. Meager, but a start nonetheless.

Comments

[truthin_bones]

[It's a satisfying enough answer. She nods, even smiles some at the thought.]

A very worthwhile pursuit of your time.

[cakeorpickle]

Being an expecting mother, you must do the same. The schooling of your child, what you expect, how to raise him or her.

[truthin_bones]

Her. The ultrasound revealed female genitalia. Booth and I will be having a daughter.

[And even though it's all said so very matter-of-factly, she's smiling. Because she rather likes the idea of having a baby girl.]

Who will, of course, be receiving the best education in the D.C. area.

[cakeorpickle]

You had a preferred gender? [He asks. He's never thought of being a father. Sure, he had a large family and almost expected it to happen, but given certain things happening, it wasn't something he was entertaining as of late.]

I expected no less.

[truthin_bones]

Not at first but ever since seeing Booth's reaction... I find that am rather fond of the idea of a daughter.

He thinks it will be good for Parker to be a big brother to a little girl.

[cakeorpickle]

He is a good provider, and he certainly fits the paradigm for the stereotypical father/ daughter relationship. Overprotective, as it were.

I am sure the gender of the child would not affect Parker's ability to nurture a younger sibling. I grew up in a large family, and none of my siblings were bad at being a brother or sister. Of course alliances are formed based on personality traits and age relationship, but that is something entirely different and not a factor in a two child household.

[truthin_bones]

Too overprotective. I very much look forward to Booth transferring his evolutionary need to ensure the survival of his offspring to our daughter rather than to impede on my own independence. While I understand from a biological perspective that the quality of a male's sperm decreases with age, he has already proven his virility in the conception of Parker. The likelihood of his genes being passed on to subsequent generations already surpasses that of a male with no successful offspring.

Regardless, I agree with your assessment of gender roles in a modern American household. I would imagine Russ would have treated me no different if I had been his younger brother instead.

[cakeorpickle]

There is no biological need to produce a sucessful offspring now. [Ouch. Stepping on his manhood, Brennan.] Save for the emotional need sometimes attributed to females. But I am a male and do not produce progesterone during intercourse.

Gender roles in today's society, in regards to siblings, is nonexistent. When the chores are as simple as they are and there is no need to produce multitudes of offspring to help with the workload.

[truthin_bones]

I've felt no emotional need to reproduce. Even prior to my daughter's conception, any thought of having a baby was merely driven by the desire to responsibly pass my genes and intellect to the next generation.

[cakeorpickle]

That is all I feel. It would be a shame to let them die with me. But I still have time and the obstacle of finding the right partner while inside a psychiatric facility.

[truthin_bones]

[Quietly.] I do not think you will be in there forever, Zach.

[cakeorpickle]

[He just nods. This is redundant, but he knows she cares.]

I am glad you think that.

[truthin_bones]

[Sometimes, she's learned, redundancy can be soothing.]

If you would like, I can come visit you soon.

[cakeorpickle]

[The barest hint of a smile.]

I would like that very much, Dr. Brennan.

[truthin_bones]

I will be sure to do so then.

[cakeorpickle]

It makes me happy to know that. I do miss you. There was emotional attachment to you, and I am sorry I never recognized it before.

[truthin_bones]

The blame does not entirely rest with you. I was also reluctant to acknowledge any emotional bonds I had formed with co-workers. Angela being the exception.

The time I have spent with Booth has helped me to see that this is not necessarily a bad thing.

[cakeorpickle]

I was the one who broke the law. You cannot blame yourself for my actions, since they were mine alone.

I do not often understand the complexities of human relationships. It was my downfall. I am relieved that you have not followed suit, Dr. Brennan. If only I was more like you.

[truthin_bones]

I... have very good instructors. [And it's true. Because it's hard to know where she would be if not for Booth or Angela.

She falls quiet, looking away a little. Sad. Guilty.] I am sorry that I could not provide the same for you.

[cakeorpickle]

My actions are not your fault, Dr. Brennan. [He does not like that she feels guilty. Awkwardly, he puts a hand on hers and pats it. This is consoling, correct?]

[truthin_bones]

[She closes her hand around his and, in only a slightly awkward move, pulls him in for a quick hug.]

I was your advisor and your mentor. I should have payed more attention.

[cakeorpickle]

[It is not as awkward as he would thought, though his body was stiff.]

You made me realize the error in my thinking. That is more than anyone has ever done.

[truthin_bones]

[She ducks her head a little and wipes at the tears building in her eyes.

Stupid hormones.] I... thank you, Zack.

[cakeorpickle]

There is no need for thanking me. It was my honor. Perhaps the greatest thing I have ever done or will ever do, considering the circumstances. [This is pretty much the highest compliment he could ever give.]

[truthin_bones]

[She smiles at that, a proud yet sad sort of grin. The high praise is easily returned.] The honor was all mine.

[cakeorpickle]

[There is a small smile.] That means a lot to me, Dr. Brennan.

[truthin_bones]

I am very glad, Zack.

[cakeorpickle]

As am I.