AN: I'm trying to get back into writing mode, and this is probably the shortest thing I will ever write.
Another work day was coming to its end, and Temperance Brennan was closing in on an identification. She ran a gloved finger over the right ulna of the World War II skeleton that lay on the table before her. She picked it up and turned it over in her hands. Replacing the bone on the table, she picked up a folder bearing the information on a soldier who never reported home.
"Tempe," a voice called softly from behind her. Startled, she almost dropped the file in her hands.
"Dad," she sighed. The elder man smiled warmly at his daughter. He stood with his light blue lab coat folded over one arm with his arms crossed.
"I just wanted to return my lab coat to you, and let you know that I'm no longer going to work here. You know, in case you had your doubts." She accepted the garment from him and enveloped him in a hug.
"Thanks, Dad," was all she said. The two stood in comfortable silence for a moment.
"So, how are things with Booth?" he asked her.
"What do you mean? Things are fine."
"Are you two sleeping together?"
"What? Dad, no. He- he's just my partner, that's all." Her eyes darted momentarily to the floor.
"But that's not what you want, is it Tempe?" Her eyes shot to his.
"That is what I want. Why would I want to sleep with Booth? What we have now works just fine." She folded her arms and leaned back slightly.
"Is he gay?"
"Dad- just, no!"
"Are you sure, because I won't tell anyone," he pressed further.
"Dad, really. Booth and I are not sleeping together and Booth is certainly not gay."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Dad. I'm sure."
"Okay." He leaned in and gave her another hug before retreating from the platform. She stared after him for a moment before turning back to the table holding skeletal material.
Having made a positive identification, Brennan secured the remains and headed to her office, still holding her father's lab coat. She draped it over the back of the couch in her office before dropping into her computer chair. Rotating in the chair, her eyes fell on a small pig figurine. Jasper. Booth's image flashed through her mind, and she found herself wondering if her father had said anything to Booth about their non-relationship.
Her eyes drifted to the ornate clock on the wall opposite the couch. She was five minutes late for a typical diner dinner with Booth. Her phone started vibrating inside her pocket. Knowing it was Booth, she smiled to herself as she answered.
"Booth. Yes, I'm sorry. I just got caught up in an identification. No, I'm leaving right now. Really. I've got my keys in my hand. Yes. I'll see you soon."
As she headed into the night to meet Booth, she wondered what the future might bring for herself and her partner.
AN: Yup. Short and to the point. Please review!
