Hello hello everyone! (Because we know there are SO very many of you :P ) This is my latest project. Inspired by certain pictures in the series/promoshots/pics of David or Emily, this is a different take on those pictures as to how they could happen once B&B are in a relationship.

This will be in the style of a series of one shots in no particular order, though they will connect. But none will be direct sequels to chapters unless stated otherwise.

So here it is! Enjoy my new project, Alternate Images!

This chapter: Brennan and Booth's first official date.


Alternate Images

Chapter One

First Date

The two of them had been sitting for less than ten minutes when her phone rang. Or rather, it vibrated her purse. He was rather surprised when she simply reached into the bag and pushed the button to stop the device and putting it in her pocket.

"You aren't going to answer that?"

She sat up straight, and smiled at him.

"We've already rescheduled twice. If it's important, they'll call back, but I'd rather not stand you up again."

A pleased smile made its way across his face, and he remained oblivious as the waitress brought over their drinks.

"And here I thought you didn't want to go on a date with me."

She shot him a playfully disbelieving look.

"Booth! I was not avoiding going on a date with you. Our caseload has been heavy. We can't control when cases come in, and the conflict of schedules has caused us to postpone our plans several times."

"Mmm hmm." His tone was bland as he reached for the drink just delivered to their table.

"Have you decided what you're ordering this afternoon?"

Brennan looked away from his smug face to greet their waitress, who seemed to have focused her attentions on a still smirking Booth. Clearing her throat to catch the girl's attention, she ordered her salad, and a hamburger and fries for Booth. They continued into relaxed conversation, highlighted with bursts of laughter and occasional bickering that continued as they ate. Booth made no comment as he noticed her phone vibrating once again, and she subtly squeezed her pocket to stop it. Once they finished, the waitress returned, and as Booth ordered them beverage refills and dessert, she took a peek at her phone.

"You know, it's alright if you answer it, Bones."

She looked up quickly.

"What? No, it's fine. We're busy."

"Bones."

He reached across the table to cover her hand in his.

"Call them back. It's Wendell, right? It's his first week as your official new assistant, he's probably stressed out of his mind. Give the kid a break and see what he needs.".

"But we're on a date—"

"Nobody's going to understand better than me you taking this call. It's no biggie. As long as you're not running off to the lab this minute," he said, shaking a finger at her. "This date's officially in motion. Nothing short of a legit emergency is gonna reschedule."

"Of course not, Booth. I'll just call him really fast and answer his question. I'm sure it's just about--"

"Just go, Bones. I'll be fine here. I'm sure the desserts will be here by the time you get back."

She turned her hand to gently squeeze his, before standing and retreating to an alcove near their table. Booth watched her make her call, casually taking a sip from his drink. A smile worked it's way across his face as she began to gesture with her free hand while she explained something to her assistant at the lab. He could vaguely hear her rattling off the name of some part of the skeletal structure and some instructions, before his attention was drawn by the return of their waitress.

"Is anything wrong?" she asked, giving him a winning smile as she bent to set down their desserts. He returned it with a charm smile of his own, before shaking his head.

"Everything's fine, thank you," he said simply, turning his gaze back to his partner. The girl seemed to realize that he wasn't going to be distracted any longer, because she gave a curt nod before walking off rather quickly. Around the same time, Brennan finished her call and he could see her turn off the phone as she made her way back to the table.

"Everything taken care of?"

She nodded, leaning down to kiss his cheek.

"Thank you, Booth. Wendell had a question about the markings on the-"

"No shop talk at the table, Bones."

"I don't know what that means."

"It means we're agreeing," he said as he leaned forward on his elbows and setting his drink on the table with a smile,"that while we're on a date, there will be no discussing anything work related."

She seemed to consider his words for a moment, before nodding and reaching for her plate and fork.


Much love to the beautiful RoxanneJ for betaing this chapter.