Title: Breaking Traditions
Author: Moonfairyhime
Disclaimer: I don't own Bones.
Rating: T, minor swearing
Summary: Booth always reflects on New Year's Eve, but someone won't let him wallow in memories this year.
Feedback: I'd really appreciate it.
Author's Notes: I'm normally not this somber, but Booth just brings out this side of me. I've taken a few liberties with this story; we know Booth has a brother, but we don't know anything about him, so I made stuff up. How creepy would it be if I was right on the money?
Booth had hoped to spend New Year's Day with Parker, but Rebecca had absolutely refused, saying he saw him at Christmas and wasn't that enough time together for one month. Booth picked up a picture of Parker that Sid took on Christmas.
"I'm trying, Parker. But that nasty bitch," Booth stopped and composed himself, "...But your mother just doesn't want me to get to know you. And now I'm talking to myself. Great. I sound like a squint." The sound of his door squeaking open had Booth reaching for a gun he didn't have on him.
"Easy, big brother, it's just me." Booth watched as his younger brother, Dean, walked into the room.
"I knew I never should have given you a key to this apartment." Booth said, standing up and hugging his brother despite his words.
"Yeah, yeah. You're still jealous I was named from the normal baby book." Dean said, grinning. "Now, big brother, what are you going to be doing on this fabulous New Year's Eve?"
Booth shrugged. "I was planning on getting really drunk and just watching the ball drop from the comfort of my living room."
Dean rolled his eyes. "Sure you were. I know you were planning on getting completely sloshed, but then you'd let yourself wallow in memories, thinking about what could have been and the what if's. This year, I'm refusing to allow you to do that. You're going out with me to a bar, get completely sloshed, and then crash at my place. Tomorrow, we're going to take our hung-over asses to a football game and probably end up drunk again."
Booth had an annoyed, but pleased smile on his face. "You know, I should probably shoot you for giving me orders like this, but I can't seem to think of one reason to not go along with your plan."
Dean grinned at his brother. "That's my big brother. I know how you hate to break traditions, but this is one I insist you break. I don't want you to sit here by yourself, wallowing in your pity. Sometimes, traditions need to be broken. Besides, if worse comes to worse, I'll let you wallow in a bar with some hot chick next to you who I'm sure will be glad to help you make New Year's resolutions."
Booth couldn't help but grin. "All right, Dean, let's go."
"Sure, but on one condition. The first round is on you."
"Deal."