A/N This story came about as the result of a Fanfic challenge on the Fox FF site

A/N This story came about as the result of a Fanfic challenge on the Fox FF site. Has to be a story about B & B and a puppy, no Parker allowed. So, here is what happens when Russ and Emma have to ask Bones to dog watch their new six-month-old German shepherd puppy. Be prepared for some fast action, comedy and a little bit of fluff.

Doggy Day Care B N' B Style

Friday night

Brennan looked up from her computer, she tilted her head, listening intently, trying to figure out what she had heard. It was after five on a Friday and most of the employees had already left for home. She had promised Booth that she would only be another thirty to forty minutes and then they could go to the diner.

She glanced over at the couch in her office, and realized the noise she had heard was the sound of Booth snoring. A small smile formed at the corners of Brennan's mouth and slowly turned into a full fledged grin. Since they had put in another eighty hours this week, she figured he needed all the rest he could get.

She brought up her Word program and opened the file with the next chapter in her newest book and began to type. Ten minutes later a sudden loud commotion disturbed their peaceful environment.

From outside her office door she heard the night security guard say, "I'm sorry sir, but you can't bring the puppy in here, this is a restricted area. The lab must maintain a sterile atmosphere."

"I'm sorry, but this is a family emergency, I need to talk to my sister, Dr. Temperance Brennan, right away," she heard Russ say frantically.

Brennan got up from her chair and started towards her office door, but she'd only taken a couple of steps when she heard her niece yelling, "Aunt Tempe! Aunt Tempe, where are you? Then…"Barney, stop!"

A German Shepherd puppy suddenly bounded into view, scrambling at full speed on his long, unsteady legs, panting and choking as he strained at his leash. Emma tried to slow down her six-month-old puppy, as he continued dragging her along, it was soon apparent that she wouldn't be able to stop him. The two of them came crashing through the door with Emma sliding along behind him like she was on a pair of water skies.

With a startled gasp, Brennan jumped back, trying to get out of their path, but she was not fast enough. Emma and Barney plowed full tilt into her and all three went flying backwards and landed on Booth. The couch slid across the floor about a foot, and rocked back on two legs and promptly flipped over backwards.

Booth gave a startled gasp. As the couch had begun to tip over, Booth frantically threw his weight forward, trying to keep everyone from flying over backwards. Unfortunately that was impossible. However, he was able to keep them from flying through the glass window and out into the hallway. He managed to choke out between a couple of curse words, "What…!? What, the heck is going on, Bones? Geez, can't a guy take a nap in peace?!"

"Oh, my God, are you guys alright?" Russ asked. "I'm sorry Tempe; I didn't think Barney would go nuts when he saw you. Guess I overestimated his love for you," he said with an apologetic smile.

"You call that love? He nearly killed us," Brennan said in a huff. "What happened to those obedience classes I am paying through the nose for?

"Aunt Tempe, we are taking Barney to obedience classes, he was just so excited to see you," Emma tried to explain.

Brennan had to admit the dog was rather cute. When Russ brought him home as a twelve week old puppy, his ears had been held upright so high they had actually crossed one over the other like an X. He had vivid, bright orange tan points over each eye, and tan along both sides of his cheeks, down his neck and into his chest. All four legs were a combination of bright orange to a light cream colored tan. His shiny black coat looked like velvet.

She had been thrilled that Amy and Russ had decided to buy the girls a dog, especially after all the young family had been through in the last year. She knew Barney would help Haley out in the months and years ahead as she continued to deal with her Cystic Fibrosis.

"Okay, now that everyone has calmed down a little, what exactly are you doing here Russ? I heard you telling the security guard something about a family emergency? Brennan asked. "Why is Barney here?"

"Amy's parents were involved in a car accident. Both of them suffered head and neck injuries, and will have to stay overnight for observation. Tempe, I can't find anyone else on such short notice to watch Barney. I swear you would only have to keep him until Sunday evening." Russ promised.

Emma looked over at her Aunt Brennan and with pleading eyes began to beg, "Please, please, Aunt Tempe, can Barney stay with you? I promise he'll be good."

Booth couldn't keep his opinion to himself and added, "Bones, he's just a baby. How hard can it be? Besides, think of all the fun you guys will have, going for long walks and playing ball."

Brennan rolled her eyes at her partner and said, "Did you not see Barney dragging Emma in here like she was on the end of some sled dog racing team?"

"Bones, give Barney a break. You know that old saying; absence makes the heart grow fonder?" Booth asked with a wink. "Besides," he whispered, "you really want to disappoint Emma?"

What? Excuse me! Who is he kidding? I mean really, he does have a son. Did he forget how hard it is to take care of a young child, let alone a rambunctious six-month-old puppy who can't sit still for two seconds? Okay if he thinks this is so easy, I'll show him, Brennan thought.

"Fine," She huffed. "I'll watch Barney for the weekend under one condition. Booth, you have to stay at my place. The house is already baby-proof thanks to Andy staying with me a few weeks ago."

Booth's head jerked up with a snap, "Wait…What if I get called into work?"

"Do you really think they will call you after all the hours you put in this week?" Brennan asked. "Besides, you think this is so easy, I can't wait to see how you deal with Barney and all his little antics," she added with a smirk.

Barney was laying upside down, his back legs scratching the air in ecstasy as Booth rubbed his belly.

"Uncle Booth, you and Aunt Tempe would make a great team. Look how much Barney likes you," Emma said.

Brennan whispered to Booth loud enough for everyone to hear, "Yeah, Booth do you really want to disappoint Emma?"

"Fine, if you insist I'll stay and help out," Booth said with a resigned sigh.

"What about a baby? Who's Andy?" Russ asked his sister in confusion.

"Never mind Russ, it's a long story. I'll tell you all about it some other time. If you're going to make it to Amy's parent's house, and then the hospital before visiting hours are over, you need to get going. Don't worry about Barney, he'll be fine. I'm sure he and I will come to some kind of understanding before the weekend is over," she said, a determined glint in her eye.

"So, Russ did you bring everything Barney needs to stay for the weekend? You know, dog food, toys, water and food dishes, a crate to ride home in the car with and to sleep in at night, etc.?" Brennan asked.

"Yes, Aunt Tempe." Emma told her with a grateful smile. She leaned down and whispered into Barney's ear, "See, I told you she would take care of you, she doesn't like to see anyone, human or animal abandoned."

"Well, I guess we had all better walk out together so we can load up Barney and all of his paraphernalia," Brennan said with a resigned sigh as she closed down her computer, grabbed her coat and started to walk out of her office.

They didn't get very far before Emma said, "Hey, Barney what are you doing?" Barney had planted himself in the middle of Brennan's office, nearly yanking Emma's arm out of its socket. Suddenly there was a loud psss sound and everyone said in unison, "Oh, Barney couldn't you wait?!"

"Didn't you make sure Barney urinated before you brought him here?" Brennan demanded.

"Yes, I swear Aunt Tempe, I took him out to potty but he wouldn't go. Barney, I can't believe you just did that. My goodness how long have you been holding it? You've left a mini lake in Aunt Tempe's office," Emma whined to Barney in a loud embarrassed whisper.

At that moment, Dr. Saroyan emerged from her office and said, "Dr. Brennan, you realize there is a reason why pets aren't allowed in the Jeffersonian? I hope you plan on cleaning that up before you all leave? I don't want to hear the janitor complaining that cleaning up dog urine wasn't in his job description."

"I'm sorry Dr. Saroyan, we're cleaning it up now," Russ said. "Tempe didn't bring the dog here. We have a family emergency. We're leaving as soon as Tempe takes Barney and all his stuff with her. I wouldn't want to jeopardize her job."

"Not a problem, just don't make a habit of it. I don't need him to be here one day when one of our inspectors drops in," Dr. Saroyan said.

About ten minutes later Brennan and Booth had finished putting Barney and all of his belongings in her car.

"Well, what are we doing about dinner, Bones?" Booth asked. "I'm sure you don't want to leave Barney in the car while we're eating."

"No, not really, as according to Russ, he's still not good about staying in his crate for long periods of time. I'll just take him home. You go home and get your overnight things and on the way back you can pick us up something to eat. That way you'll still have your car to get to work in on Monday."

"Yeah, that sounds like a plan. So, what do you want for dinner…? Wong Foo's sound good to you? Booth asked.

"Sure, Sid always seems to know what I like. Guess I'll see you at the house later." Brennan said as she opened the driver's door to her car and got in.

"I should be over in about an hour. I'll call Sid."

After dinner they had taken Barney out to potty and exercise in the back parking lot. Brennan asked Booth to remove his shoes when they returned to the apartment as they had walked through several mud puddles and she didn't want her floors getting dirty. Booth had barely gotten both shoes off before he suddenly found himself being dragged across the front hallway linoleum floor in his red and white candy cane striped socks.

"Whoa…Where are you going boy?" Booth yelled at Barney as he continued to drag him down the hall and into Bones kitchen. Wow, Booth thought, Parker would think this was so cool! You know what? This is fun, nothing like skiing throughout the house in your stocking feet!

Brennan had to admit, even if it was only to herself, the two of them were quite the comedy team. With a stifled laugh she said, "Listen you two; it's time to stop goofing around. Booth, put him in his crate. If he gets any more wound up, none of us are going to get any sleep tonight," Brennan said in a no nonsense voice.

"Uh-oh Bud, sounds like Aunty Bones is serious. I guess we better settle down," Booth admonished Barney. He leaned down and took him by the collar and led him to his airline crate. "Barney bed," he said as he motioned with his hand for Barney to get into his crate for the night.

Barney promptly sat down, planted both front feet straight out in front of him, donkey style and refused to get in his crate. Booth reached down and began to push and shove him through the doorway in a vain attempt to force him into the crate. Just when Booth was about to give up, Barney finally flew into the crate and promptly twisted himself right back around and plowed out the door. On his way out he broadsided Booth, knocking him to the floor.

"Hey! Wait a minute Bud! Where do you think you're going?" Booth demanded when he finally regained his breath and was able to pick himself up off the floor. "Come back here," he commanded.

Barney was now across the room, sitting on his right hip, pink tongue lolling from his mouth, head cocked sideways with his ears standing straight up and crossed over at the tips. You could see the wheels turning in his head just by watching his bright orange eyebrows bobbing up and down as he listened to Booth scolding him. As Booth continued to coax him to come get in his bed, Barney would stop panting for just a few seconds, pull his tongue most of the way in and with his lips and teeth forming a Cheshire cat grin he would whine and twist his head from one side to the other as if to say, Right, you really think I'm going to get in that crate? Not! Come on, I double dog dare you to force me into that box!

Brennan, who had been quietly watching this little show started to say, "Booth…"

Booth lunged forward to grab Barney's leash and he immediately did a three hundred and sixty degree turn on his haunches and split across the kitchen and out into Brennan's dining room, with Booth hot on his heels. For almost a minute, Brennan watched Booth chase Barney around her apartment before she finally pursed her lips together and gave one long, loud shrill whistle.

Afterwards she yelled, "Barney, come!" To Booth's utter astonishment Barney immediately stopped running from him and went right up to Brennan and sat at the heel position in a perfect sit. He even looked up at her with his tongue hanging out and his tail slowly sweeping across the floor.

"Booth, stop chasing him or he'll never let you catch him. Besides, can't you see he thinks this is some kind of game?" she asked in exasperation.

"Um… Wait…What? How did you get him to do that?" Booth asked her in shock.

"Do what, Booth?" Brennan asked with a wink, as she quickly put her hand up to her mouth to cover her laughter.

"You did hear me ask Russ about those obedience classes I am paying for didn't you?"

"Yeah, but since he wasn't listening to me, I was beginning to think maybe you needed to ask for your money back Bones."

"Oh, Barney has his moments. Besides, he just met you and he likes to test people. You know, to see just how much bad behavior he can get away with? I seem to remember someone saying to give Barney a break, and he's just a baby, how hard can it be to watch him for the weekend. Is any of this ringing a bell with you Booth?"

As they were talking, Barney was still sitting at Brennan's left side in a perfect heel position, watching the two of them chat, his head swinging back and forth as each one spoke, his tail continuing it's slow sweep across the floor. Brennan was unconsciously rubbing the backs of his ears as she harassed her partner.

"Okay, Barney this is it." With that Brennan led him over to his crate, opened the door and with a wave of her hand gave the command, "Let's go to bed Barney." Barney walked right into his crate, turned around, poked his head out long enough for her to remove his collar and leash. She closed the door behind him.

"See how easy that was, Booth?" she asked with a smirk.

"Bones, if you knew it would be that easy for you to put Barney to bed, why didn't you just do it instead of having me go through this entire fiasco?"

"Hmm…Let me think…I don't know maybe to teach someone a lesson?" she asked through a fresh burst of uncontrollable laughter.

"Why you… Um…I should really get you for that! You Brat," he sputtered out between his own laughter. My God, does she realize how beautiful she is? He wondered. Sometimes, he swore he could get lost in the depths of those sparkling sapphire blue eyes of hers. Does she know that I am not the only one who has evolved? He had seen the changes she'd made, beginning with the death of her mother, then finding her father and brother. The most recent metamorphous came after her father was cleared of killing Deputy Director Kirby.

After each of these milestones she had allowed another piece of her heart to shine through. He hadn't been sure he was ever going to be able to break down that wall she had built. For someone who said she hated psychology, she had no idea how often her logic fell back on it to rationalize her own actions. He had seen her blowing raspberries on Andy's belly that day, although he never told her that. When she had turned on Chip in a fit of rage for killing Andy's mom and nearly costing the baby his life, he was afraid that the walls she had built were tumbling down faster than she would be able to handle.

Wow, I never knew until Andy that Bones could turn into a mother tigress protecting her cub. I didn't think she had it in her, and all of that emotion for a child that was not even hers by blood! My God, think what she would have been like if Andy had been her child? If he hadn't already been so in love with his partner by then, that whole Andy episode would have done it for him, hands down.

Oh God where did that come from? Whoa, Seeley let's not go there right now. Neither of us is ready to deal with that subject. We still have two more days of dog watching to get through and if I keep thinking like this I'll never make it without doing something to jeopardize our partnership.

Brennan had been watching Booth for several minutes between her fit of uncontrollable laughter, when she realized that something had changed about his demeanor. He was watching her intently, his dark brown eyes sparkling and she could feel the electricity in the air. Uh-oh, he has that look he always gets when he is going to play a game of tickle with Parker. No way, he wouldn't dare try that on me, would he? She wondered.

"Booth, you wouldn't… No…" Brennan began as she recognized the look on her partner's face. For just a moment the two of them stood there, laughing and grinning like fools.

"Oh, you think I won't? After what you did to embarrass me with Barney? You bet your ass, Bones!"

Brennan let out a loud squeal as Booth came running towards her. She turned and ran towards the hall, trying to make it to the bathroom before he reached her. No such luck. He had her before she had taken more than a few steps.

In an instant they were on the floor, right in front of Barney's crate. Booth wasted no time in tickling her ribs, and before long both of them were laughing and panting hysterically.

"Booth…Booth…I can't…breathe!" she gasped. "Please, stop, I'm begging you."

"Not until you tell me you're sorry, Bones!"

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," she said breathlessly.

Suddenly the air had grown thick with tension again, Brennan's chest was heaving with her labored breathing. Booth was now straddling her hips, watching her.

"Bones, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

Brennan's tongue darted out and licked her bottom lip as Booth lowered his eyes to her mouth. She continued to stare up at him. Both of them were flushed and out of breath.

"Bones," he murmured as he leaned forward. Their lips were a breath apart, noses nearly touching. Just as his lips met hers in a feather light kiss, Barney let out a high pitched bark and began frantically clawing at the door of his crate. Brennan screamed and lunged forward, instantly cracking her forehead into Booth's. Booth began to curse, and both of them yelled, 'Geezes, Barney did you have to do that!?

"Ow! Oh my God, are you okay?" they asked in unison.

"Geez, he scared the hell out of me!" Brennan said.

"Ow! My God, Bones, I think you might have broken my nose." Booth mumbled through his hand covering his nose and mouth.

"I'm sorry, Booth. Let me see, maybe it's not broken, just bruised?" Brennan asked.

"Don't touch it, Bones! God, it really hurts."

"Booth, I'm pretty sure it's not broken. "I'll get some ice. I'll be right back," she promised.

"Thanks a lot Barney, not only did you just ruin the mood, because of you my nose might be broken!" Booth hissed at him, as Brennan returned with a bag full of ice for his quickly swelling nose.

"So, Booth, you resorting to talking to the dog now," Brennan asked with her sapphire blue eyes twinkling, trying to stifle another fit of giggles. "Booth, you have to admit this whole thing is pretty funny."

Booth just glared at her for a few seconds, before he said, "Well, I'm sure glad you think it's hilarious, cause right now I am having a hard time finding any humor in this situation."

TBC