And can't you see we could've had it all?

[rachg82]

Damn period. It's making my head hurt. I kind of want to try my hand at a drabble fic in response to tonight's ending, but I don't think I can properly focus on one with the whole fire-in-my-eyes deal goin' on. We'll see.

In the meantime,

First off, remember how I said this song should be one of Booth & Brennan's themes for season 6?

…I rest my case.

To everyone who kept saying they didn't see the pissyness last Fall? TOLD YOU. The man's been pissed since he came back from Afghanistan (understandably. He's got a lot of stress to deal with--heartbreak, his childhood, the trauma of being a soldier/sniper, recovery from addiction, his career, etc). I've been waiting for him to put some of it--any of it--into words for quite a while now. I knew it was coming. He's always Mr. Cocky belt buckle. Always F.I.N.E., which as my good friend keenai so correctly told me recently, really only means "fucking insecure neurotic & emotional." Seriously.

I mean, for God's sake, he's killed fifty people. Socially sanctioned or not, HE KILLED FIFTY PEOPLE (and you know he cared. He could've been killing Charles Manson clones fifty times in a row & he still would've cared). One of whom was at his son's birthday party. After growing up in a physically abusive, alcoholic home. Lord only knows what happened to his mother. He ended up an addict too, gambling & then trying to fix the problem on his own (when do they ever show him attending meetings? When?). He still drinks, which no matter how you slice it, probably eats away at him sometimes. Because he NEVER TALKS ABOUT HIS PAST. The first time he made a move on Brennan, he was drunk. The second time? He was "the gambler." When he proposed to Hannah? It was after deciding to do so while drunk. After she said no? He went and got drunk again. See a pattern?

Booth isn't an alcoholic; that's not what I'm saying. What I AM saying is that he's a recovering gambling addict, and copes with his emotions with addictive behaviors in general, especially because that's how he was raised. He knows it deep down, Sweets *must* know it full-well (and thus should've been looking out for him in this episode as a therapist), and it's part of what holds him back & makes him believe he's somehow inherantly "wrong". He comes from "wrong", he couldn't fix that "wrongness" in his family, he's still unconsciously repeating their "wrong" behaviors to a degree now, and so he thinks he's somehow "wrong" too. He blames himself for all of it as well as for things he couldn't possibly control. He's the fixer, the worrier, the one who makes things right but is never right (in his eyes) himself. I get him. I get him SO DAMN DEEPLY. So many of us came from homes just like he did. We don't all look alike, we don't all choose the exact same lifestyles, but you better believe we can spot each other in a crowd.

Not to mention:

Like I said, the man has been through a lot. Assuming he's not anywhere near the diagnostic criteria for PTSD (they haven't indicated he is--despite occasional temper flare-ups & withdrawing from friends since his return, etc), the point remains that people don't necessarily come back from numerous trips into a warzone mentally unscathed just because they've got a picture of a girlfriend on their cellphone & a pair of snazzy socks.

So, yes. It's about time he just flipped & had a total meltdown. That's what I'm sayin' here. WAY overdue. I don't even think his meltdown is done yet, to be frank. I think it's just beginning (though it's likely to be turned back down to a simmer for a while). Which is how it should go, because Brennan is finally opening up, so damn't, he should too. Come on, Booth. LET IT FLY. He acts like he's 100% honest & non-detached & all that, but it's pretty much crap once you get past a certain point. I SEE YOU THERE WITH YOUR PANTS ON FIRE, DUDE. YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM ME. You are insecure like a mofo, & you need to start dealing with your shit.

That being said, c'mere & let me hug you. *squish*

Poor little thing. My God. With the tears? And the wavering voice? He was really, really about to lose it when he gave Brennan that ultimatum at the end. Like, to the point where I basically had the feeling that if she'd walked out the door, the man would've just drank himself to fucking death. I'm not kidding. Maybe not literally that, but damn near close. He wouldn't have come back from it. It would've just been a one-way walk towards destruction & emotional oblivion. Dominoes falling, one by one. He was pushing her away like an "I'm tearing my house down, and I don't want you to stop me. If you can't bear to watch, just leave, just leave," knowing if she were to go it would mean the end of everything & it would be all wrong & all his fault, but all right at the same time because that's what he deserves (in his mind), and not being able to keep himself from saying the words anyway. Either way, thank God she didn't listen.

Re: Hannah, is it wrong that I like her better in my mind than on the show? Ha. Every time I make sense of her & play devil's advocate & bla bla bla, she comes back & gets on my nerves. Damn't. It's like they do it on purpose. I go back & forth regarding my opinion towards her though. It's hard.

On one hand, it makes sense to me that she was never that jealous towards Brennan because she never expected a commitment there, even if she loved him. I can completely understand that, especially if she told him outright that was her deal. It's such a Booth thing to do too to stay with her anyway when he knows he wants more (yet not tell her that), thinking he can somehow ~change her mind~. Whatever, Booth. Heh.

But here's where she lost points with me: when she was all "I thought we'd have more time before we got to this part." She expected him to want more? WTF, homes. Now, if she only suspected it? I'd cut her slack. But if she expected it? She should've cut him loose. To be fair though, Booth knew what he was getting (she said she'd told him she didn't want to get married before). So he was being equally manipulative by proposing in the first place. That put her in a crappy position. He should've ended it way before then, just like she should've (he said he'd been planning it! Booth, come on! "No" means no! Hee). ESPECIALLY because he loved another woman more. Duh. AND because he was keeping things from her about himself, like his past as a sniper, etc. So. But, as I wrote in my fic, he was way deep in a state of self-aware denial (mmm cognitive dissonance), and I understood that. Doesn't mean it was okay though. It just means I don't think he's a bad guy. He was hurt & lost. Hell, he still is. She never meant to hurt him, either. I'm sure of it. But these things happen.

Bottom line: they both made mistakes. I can easily make sense of them. But I admit, here's where I was *really* like, "okay, that's enough outta you, Hannah. Sense-makin' or not, you need to get 'da steppin." Heh. When she was trying to basically be all "pity me" about how long it would take for her to mourn him? And was coming back to tell him that they weren't really over for good in her mind & bla bla bla? Yeah, NO. MOVE ALONG, SNOOKUMS.

I believe Gloria has something she'd like to say about that:

Haha, okay, now I'm just getting snarky. But dude, you gotta admit, Hannah got a little bitchfacey & whiney in that last ep. "You talked about love & didn't mention me?" or whatever she said? And "you didn't answer me!" and so on? Ugh. Cut it out! And really, when you turn down someone for a marriage proposal, no matter what the circumstances, you really, really don't try to follow it up by getting them to feel bad for you. YOU DON'T. Just let it be over with & walk away. Jesus.

Anyway. Sorry, but that bugged me. I'm sure she probably meant it to actually make him feel better or reconnect with him or something, but it just wasn't cool.

As for the Booth/Brennan relationship, I actually predicted that if Booth were to go forward with a proposal, this is what would happen. I only thought of it today (I kept thinking they wouldn't have him propose at all, to be fair. Tonight's the first time I let myself consider other possibilities), but yeah. Once I thought of him proposing, I knew he'd follow it up with some hardcore bitterness & go the route of being all, "We are partners & friends & that's all & btw FUCK MARRIAGE & I HATE LOVE! I QUIT!" So, I wasn't surprised. It was great though. Their FACES & VOICES, gah. I kind of almost expected Brennan to swoop in while he was talking & just kiss him, then start explaining her feelings & go on some Stuart Smalley "Because you're good enough! You're smart enough! And doggone it, people like you!"-type speech, but then he went & told her how angry he was at her & basically cockblocked her. Hee. DAMN YOU, BOOTH. (kidding, heh) You know our girl, though. She's gonna respect his wishes.

It'll be all right, though. This is good. He doesn't just need to get over what happened with Hannah. He needs to start dealing with the fact that he thinks he's not good enough. He needs to understand why Brennan actually told him no last year. Brennan needs to understand it's not something she needs to "make up to him" either (please, viewers, stop saying this). There's nothing to make up FOR, except in their own minds. She's still learning to love herself too. It looks like the show is taking their sweet-ass time, putting lots of roadblocks in their way, but at least in the process they're letting both characters potentially discover themselves & gain confidence so that once they DO pair up? They'll both be ready. It'll be equal. All cards on the table, no bullshitting around, ~here I am~. My flaws, my strengths, my quirks, my everything. THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO SEE. Preferably naked.

But they need to be friends for a bit again first before they can get there. Just as long as they DO get there, that's what matters. Because so help me God, they'd better fucking get there. For, like, a full season, at least. I WANT MY B/B SEXYTIMES SEASON, HH. DON'T YOU MAKE ME COME UP THERE WITH A PITCHFORK & AN ANGRY SHIPPER MOB.

Can we also please talk though about how wonderful it is that Brennan feels so comfortable just flat-out admitting she was the second woman Booth fell in love with? elaihailgholahggh Booth's too angsty & soused to really deal with that fact yet, but hot diggity dog, COME ON. BRENNAN. LET ME SQUISH YOU.

Oh yeah, and I suppose there was a case too, huh? Angela was funny (she should follow them to crime scenes more often, heh), Hodgins seems to be getting sympathy pregnancy hormones (he's totally snippier again! And he ate Cam's food! Haha. It amuses me), and Cam is still gorgeous. Just, y'know, in case anyone forgot. Which I'm sure they didn't.

P.S. Booth & Brennan are also still gorgeous. I really doubt anyone forgot that though. It should just be announced at the beginning of every entry I write: I WANT TO BONE BOOTH & BONES. And then a morse code could be sent out to the masses. Beep beep bo-boop-beep-beep. OVER.

'Kay, I'm getting to that stage of tired/headacheyness now where it's getting cracky. Sorry about that. Heh. Or maybe not sorry, depending on how entertaining it is. I don't know.

(my brain is still thinking about morse codes, just as an fyi. There's a carrier pigeon in the mix too. And possibly a message in a bottle getting picked up by a sailor named Skippy.)

MOVING ON.

The BMX stuff itself was boring. The ending left me like, "OH MY GOD, ARE YOU FOR REAL? DID HE JUST SAY THE WORD PLUMS?" Writers, take more naps. Okay?

Also: "there's an app for that"? NO, NO THERE'S NOT. AT LEAST THERE WON'T BE ONCE I'M DONE WITH YOU, YOU PRODUCT-PLACEMENT-LOVING WHORES.

Okay, I think that's just about it.

*eta: except I can't believe I almost forgot to mention Noel! (it's just the normal spelling, right? I'm too tired to check right now. Plus, remember my new rule about the 20% fuck-up factor? So, even if I'm wrong--WHATEV) Welcome back, you! Please come back & stalk more often!

Can't wait 'til next week. Especially because it means Valentine's Day goes away. I went to the store tonight & there were balloons everywhere. I could hardly stand to look up. I wanted to find couples & lay down tripwire. "In your FACE, SMILEY MCGEE! Literally!"


Since I'm clearly in a music-y mood, my Vid of the Day will be another song I'm enjoying right now. Very appropriate in tone to my B/B babies at the moment:

Comments

[tempertemper.livejournal.com]

I love your assessment of Booth - of Brennan of the whole shebang.. in fact, can I just have your mind on loan or something. Yes? FABBO.

OMG Booth. I have no words. Meep.

Edited: because I really think that wasn't how to spell 'shebang'

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

in fact, can I just have your mind on loan or something. Yes?

Be careful what you wish for! It comes with fun extras like automatically getting the song "She Bangs" by Ricky Martin stuck in your head after reading the word "shebang" twice in one minute. Thanks for that, btw.

Hee.

I wanna know who this Sean Paul character is from next week! Now that my mind is all stuck-on-music, is it okay that I'm picturing Brennan as a back-up dancer here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ4TW5Z8eu0)? Maybe that's how they met! Haha. Plz plz plz.

[huronia.livejournal.com]

Loved your assessment of where Booth is at. One of my small issues with "the fandom" is the lack of empathy for Booth. There seems to be more understanding for Brennan and the problems she faced in her youth, and how that has effected her as an adult, but none of that same understanding for Booth. That's partly Show's fault, because Booth was portrayed as this affable, easy-going guy for 3 years, but nevertheless, I think it's too easy to forget that he's a walking ball of insecurities.
I really wanted Booth to see his inner conflict for himself and pull back on the proposal, but I'm ok with this too.
This is the only place, other than in my brain, where I have seen much criticism of Hannah. Her comment about seeing this coming but hoping it wouldn't be so soon struck me immediately. They are both at fault for glossing over a fundamental difference in their values, and I'm not laying the blame completely at Hannah's feet, but given her reaction, it was doomed from the start. I also like Hannah better in my mind than on the show. Note to show-runner. This is a failure of writing and casting. Just saying.
I'm hoping the sniper arc will give Booth a chance to explore the feelings of inadequacy he has about himself, thus opening the way to healing and eventual sexy times. But this is Bones, so I'm sure it will get the full 2 minutes-at-the-end-of-the-epi-treatment.
BTW, I am friending you b/c I hate to miss insightful comments - especially ones that come with vid.

[tempertemper.livejournal.com]

This is the only place, other than in my brain, where I have seen much criticism of Hannah. Her comment about seeing this coming but hoping it wouldn't be so soon struck me immediately. They are both at fault for glossing over a fundamental difference in their values, and I'm not laying the blame completely at Hannah's feet, but given her reaction, it was doomed from the start. I also like Hannah better in my mind than on the show. Note to show-runner. This is a failure of writing and casting. Just saying.

I so totally agree.

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

I can empathize with Booth when I want to because I come from a similar background. My mom is both mentally ill (bipolar) & a drug addict, & my father was a physically abusive alcoholic--just to skim the surface of my family's frakked up history (oy, I wish that were all). I also highly relate to Brennan, because I tend to think like her, despite the fact that my obsessive interests also ended up including an inordinate amount of tv-watching over the years (that would've benefited her hugely in her knowledge of idioms & pop-culture! Heh).

I find that fandom tends to struggle with understanding both characters, actually. I come across a LOT of ignorant & offensive comments about Brennan (ugh, can't even talk about it. Too much rage. If I hear one more person use the words "emotionally dumb" or "s1 persona", I'm gonna go ballistic), but I just try to let it go because I get really sensitive & over-invested. I don't think nearly enough fans understand how Brennan's brain works, aside from the stuff having to do with her past. The writers need to stop being pussies about it, imo. Like, great, you had Sweets do a scene teaching her facial expressions. Now go ahead & explain to the viewers *why* you did that. Stop beating around the bush about it & being all half-assed, yo. "She's close to being on the ASD spectrum…maybe, kind of, or she is, but we won't say…whatever, we just don't want the responsibility of admitting it or addressing it totally, 'cause we suck." Yeah, WHATEVER, either way you should still deal with the symptoms of it even if she's kickin' it just outside the edges of aspie land, & explain what it means to people because you're obviously implying it's something that still affects her, and the fans clearly don't always get that! UGH!

Anyway, hee. Don't mind my tangent.

Back to Booth: I admit that even I occasionally get frustrated with him, but it's usually in the same way that I get harsh on myself. I hold high standards for anyone who's either an addict, a recovering addict, or someone who comes from the home of one (like myself). Sometimes I want to shake him. But I'm glad that I come across as being fair.

Re: Hannah, HA. You should've read my first few entries when this season started. huh920 and I keep it real. There are things about her I like, but she definitely can get on my nerves. I still haven't forgiven her for her comments in "The Doctor in the Photo." Hey, guess what, Hannah? Single, unmarried women have people who miss them too. Also, women are still women after they become mothers. WTF.

*eta: Oh, and now that I've rambled for a thousand years--yes! Feel free to add me. Heh. I'll add you back.

[gina227.livejournal.com]

THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO SEE. Preferably naked.

Can I get a HELL YEAH?

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

You sure can! Damn't, BSG gave me a nekkid scene--why can't anyone else?! My girl didn't even have hair! Neither of them gave a crap. She was like, "Frak it, I'm getting laid anyway!"

[huh920.livejournal.com]

Ok, I read your review. I was honestly so pissed off at Booth but I'm going to read what you wrote AGAIN and come back. LOL.

[huh920.livejournal.com]

Ok, nope. LOL. I need you to explain to me again. I don't want to be mad at Booth but I just can't get it.

[filledusoleil86.livejournal.com]

Hello! TT is responsible that I'm here ;). I really like your thoughts.

Like, to the point where I basically had the feeling that if she'd walked out the door, the man would've just drank himself to fucking death.

This. If Bones (the only person he can ALWAYS count on) had left, he would have probably drowned himself in alcohol or taken his gun and shot himself. If you get rejected all the time you come to a point where you start questioning what is wrong with YOU and not with the others.

but at least in the process they're letting both characters potentially discover themselves & gain confidence so that once they DO pair up? They'll both be ready. It'll be equal. All cards on the table, no bullshitting around, ~here I am~. My flaws, my strengths, my quirks, my everything. THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO SEE. Preferably naked.

My musical contribution?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9rTWtd2g8g

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

I want to start a trend of people including vids/links with every comment, haha. Just to see how long we can keep it up. I can go all day!

My next contribution: Just give up & admit you're an asshole. You would be in some good company (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYe2NhwXhqk). Seriously. That would make for a great conversation. Hee.

Brennan: You know, you're kind of an asshole.
Booth: So are you.
Brennan: *ponders* That's true.
Booth: Well, I mean, not an asshole. I shouldn't have said that.
Brennan: No, no. It's accurate. We are assholes.
Booth: We are, aren't we?
Brennan: Quite.
Booth: Nice assholes though.
Brennan: Very.
Booth: Smart too.
Brennan: Extremely. And highly attractive.
Booth: We fight the bad guys.
Brennan: Sometimes you shoot them.
Booth: Y'know, I kind of like us.
Brennan: *nods* More people should try to be like us.
Booth: They should try to be assholes.
Brennan: Exactly.

*eyesex*

And SCENE.

[fourth_rose]

So, yes. It's about time he just flipped & had a total meltdown. That's what I'm sayin' here. WAY overdue. I don't even think his meltdown is done yet, to be frank. I think it's just beginning (though it's likely to be turned back down to a simmer for a while). Which is how it should go, because Brennan is finally opening up, so damn't, he should too. Come on, Booth. LET IT FLY. He acts like he's 100% honest & non-detached & all that, but it's pretty much crap once you get past a certain point. I SEE YOU THERE WITH YOUR PANTS ON FIRE, DUDE. YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM ME. You are insecure like a mofo, & you need to start dealing with your shit.

This, so much. I loved, loved, loved that he finally let himself get angry, because it was about fricking time, and I love even more that Brennan took it in stride and dealt with it. I had major issues with the set-up (I just finished rambling about them in my own review), but the things you mentioned? Really, really worked.

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

and I love even more that Brennan took it in stride

This is why I believe Booth knows that, when he *is* ready to let the walls down? He can do so with her. She knows when to shut up & just listen. Doesn't "fix" the fact that someone's different and/or struggling unless it's somehow interfering with others. Just accepts them, observes them, and maybe comments on them if she's feeling all anthropological. Otherwise, she remains silent. She offers her company, perhaps an "I'm sorry" or a "Is there anything I can do?" That's all.

I love her.

Of course he also knows she'll always be honest with him, and that she won't intentionally play games. That matters. But I think the most important thing is that she's not easily shocked. She's respectful. She makes sense of things & remains strong, even in the face of things falling apart. It's exactly what he needed & what he'll continue to need until his life comes back together. Then they can be together for real.

I'll try to read your review soon!

[storylikeascar.livejournal.com]

Wow! To your whole analysis there. So on point! Love it!! Thank you TT for reffering me to your post :)

when you turn down someone for a marriage proposal, no matter what the circumstances, you really, really don't try to follow it up by getting them to feel bad for you. YOU DON'T. Just let it be over with & walk away. Jesus.
SERIOUSLY!! She was way annoying this episode. Ugh!

I love how Brennan kept mum during Booth tirade and just let him speak. I also love her not walking away :) "is that my only options? then I choose to drink." Love her!!

Brennan needs to understand it's not something she needs to "make up to him" either (please, viewers, stop saying this). There's nothing to make up FOR, except in their own minds.
What? Seriously, people are saying this? That's crap. She doesn't have to make up for anything. She was being a friend by turning him down so that she wouldn't hurt him even though in the end that's exactly what it did but still she did nothing wrong.

All cards on the table, no bullshitting around, ~here I am~. My flaws, my strengths, my quirks, my everything. THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO SEE. Preferably naked.
Right! LMBO! Love it!!

Great review. *hugs Booth* :-D

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

What? Seriously, people are saying this? That's crap

Right?! God. I keep running across comments like, "I'm still mad at her for the 100th episode! I can't believe she left in the finale! She needs to make that up to him! Bla bla bla!" And I'm like, "ARE YOU FOR REAL?"

I take this stuff way too seriously, haha. Deep breaths, Rachael. Simma'.

[nomnivore.livejournal.com]

I haven't yet seen the episode, so I won't comment. I've been watching Bones recently (I am a crime drama junkie). I love Hodgins, he's adorable.

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

Ahh! I am so excited you're watching now! That is such a yay.

Hodgins gets cuter as the years go by too. It's like magic.

[amilyn.livejournal.com]

He needs to start dealing with the fact that he thinks he's not good enough. He needs to understand why Brennan actually told him no last year. Brennan needs to understand it's not something she needs to "make up to him" either (please, viewers, stop saying this). There's nothing to make up FOR, except in their own minds. She's still learning to love herself too. It looks like the show is taking their sweet-ass time, putting lots of roadblocks in their way, but at least in the process they're letting both characters potentially discover themselves & gain confidence so that once they DO pair up? They'll both be ready. It'll be equal.

YES! This is what I've been saying for a while and you said it beautifully...and I'm quite glad for how this ep went (and season is going) because it better supports them being more ready to do this thing together RIGHT when they get there.

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

As Ernest Hemingway wrote, "The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places." Season 6 has been a painful mofo, but my bet is that it'll be worth it in the end.

[ravenclawwit.livejournal.com]

Oh I just read your review and all your comments and links about Asperger's and wow. This is so fascinating. I've always thought Brennan probably has Asperger's. Because as you say, there are some things that just can't be explained by her trauma alone. Plus the little clues like the Marco Polo story and other things. So interesting. Thanks for linking me to this post.

I also agree with a lot of the stuff you say about Booth. I think sometimes it's hard, because the show has portrayed him at times as a sort of emotional teacher to Brennan, which he definitely is, but that doesn't mean he's got everything figured out himself. For that reason, I think a lot of the fans seem to think he's some sort of emotional guru, like a G-Man Deepak Chopra lol. But he's not. He's a great guy with a good heart but who also suffered a lot of trauma and he doesn't really actively deal with it. He just stuffs it. In fact, it's often the case that people who are the most emotionally intuitive about other people, are amazingly short sighted about their own issues. It's no coincidence that psychologists and mental health professionals are often plagued with mental health issues of their own, substance abuse, addictions, etc.

Sometimes I feel like this fandom, in my short time observing it (and in typical fashion for me I observed it for awhile before I joined it), seems to want to either paint Booth or Brennan (depending on who they like more) as these perfect as is characters who should never change, and everything bad and sad that happens between them is one or the other's fault. Brennan rejected Booth, omg how could she be so cruel, poor poor Booth, blah blah blah. Omg Booth he's such a jerk, how could he ever ever even consider loving someone else after he said he loved Brennan, everything he ever felt for her was a lie, blah blah blah. Rinse repeat. The fact is they are both humans. Awesome, pretty, adorable humans who make real life humans seem kind of lacking sometimes, but humans nonetheless. They both have made errors and miscalculations, not out of malice, but because they both have their own little collection of broken things that they carry around with them. Don't we all?

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

G-Man Deepak Chopra! Hahahaha.

If anything, him coming from a broken home made him want to *teach* & *fix* even more so, not necessarily because he's perfect & has it all worked out, but because he can't stop trying--he's been trying since he was a kid. It's the ACA (http://adultchildren.org/lit/Problem.s)-slash-codependent thing to do. He does it with everyone.

Re: Brennan, I look at it like this--start with Asperger's, & then pile on trauma on top of that. It's a LOT.

[alias-jems.livejournal.com]

TT sent me to read your words of wisdom and I totes agree on the Booth analysis too! his is RL and this is Booth. He felt emotion and was honest in his anger....good for him!

B+B will get past this and there will come a time when they are both ready to be together and say the right thing (not that he's taking gamble but that he loves her just as she is .... and not that she isn't able to change but that she has changed, that he has changed her!).

What a ride. I am so lad I'm still on this rollercoaster!! :)

Wanna be friends? :)

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

and not that she isn't able to change but that she has changed, that he has changed her

I'd like to think of it more so as Brennan growing on her own, simply being affected by the people around her--the most important of whom has been Booth. I'm sweatin' semantics here though. Heh.

Wanna be friends?

Sure. :)

P.S. Your icon is adorable.

[makd.livejournal.com]

Nicely done - very nicely done.

I agree with your assessment of SJB. He's an addict, and he makes a LOT of rash decisions that are addiction-related. Also: his relationship was Hannah was an addiction, as (to some extent), his fixation on Brennan.

Perhaps now, he'll get his act together and we'll see B/B get together as mature adults, rather than whatever it was before. Friendship? yes, it's all about friendship, but also, on Booth's side, it was a tad. bit. closer to an addiction. (But then, isn't love a form of addiction, according to some folks?)

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

Friendship? yes, it's all about friendship, but also, on Booth's side, it was a tad. bit. closer to an addiction

For me, I would clarify it by saying that it wasn't closer to "addiction" so much as it was mirroring behaviors of what 12-step programs call "the family disease of addiction". It's something that can easily happen with codependency & Adult Children of Alcoholics (http://adultchildren.org/lit/Problem.s).

Booth's love for Brennan isn't an addiction, but he is codependent & he is a recovering addict. The lines are bound to get blurred.

(in my opinion anyway. Figurative mileage varies, obviously)

Anyway, thanks. ♥