I don't own them. I don't profit from them. But hey, a girl can dream.

This is my second story for Bones. I always wondered what would happen if they ever got really fed up with people whispering about them behind their backs and eventually the idea wouldn't leave me alone. It was going to be only one chapter, but I've decided I might make it more.

Temperance Brennan strode through the brightly lit hallways of the J. Edgar Hoover building as she headed toward the office of her partner Seeley Booth. Her mind was fixed on the case that was currently puzzling them, but as she passed by the rows of cubicles that lined the hallway she couldn't help but notice the attention she was attracting. She felt the stares and heard people whispering as she walked by.

Despite what people said, she wasn't completely unaware of what went on around her. Her mind wasn't as one track as many believed. She knew what people said: the rumours, the murmuring, the speculation about her and Booth's "partnership". She felt her face heat up as she saw two young women whisper to each other and giggle as she walked toward Booth's office door. Normally Brennan wouldn't have cared, but enough was enough!!!

She pushed Booth's door open and glared at him.

"This has to stop! I can't take it anymore!!" she said angrily as she flopped down in one of Booth's chairs.

"Whoa, hold up," said Booth as he held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "What did I do now?"

Brennan would have found his reaction amusing had it not been for the foul mood she was now in.

"Nothing Booth, it's everyone else. It's the looks we get, the assumptions, the rumours that people spread."

"Bones, since when do you care what people think?"

"I don't," she said defensively. "I'm just tired of people getting the wrong impression and I'm tired of knowing that everywhere we go people are talking about us behind our backs, saying that we're more than friends. If I had a dollar for all the times that Angela has told me that we're in denial . . . well I'd be a billionaire ."

In truth she knew that maybe some of the things they did could be misconstrued as actions that would indicate that they were in a relationship, but no one had the right to assume that they were. It's not like they repeated those actions very often, they were nothing like Angela and Hodgins who couldn't keep their hands off each other were they?? That thought caused Brennan's mind to drift . . . hands. . Booth's hands . . . on her. . . NO!! Those were thoughts she had safely locked away. Stay focused!!

Booth looked helpless. "Well, what do you want me to do?"

"I've been compiling a list . . ." she began.

"Uh oh," said Booth with a look of apprehension.

Brennan pushed on. "There are a few things that you have to stop doing."

"Like what?" Booth now looked genuinely confused.

"For one, you have to stop touching me all the time."

"What, I don't touch you!" Booth just gaped at Brennan. Inside he knew she was right though, lately he had been taking advantage of every opportunity hoping she might not notice.

"You do, you subconsciously guide me by placing your hand on my lower back. You touch me on my arm or my shoulder to get my attention. That has to stop."

Booth sighed. "All right, I get it. What's next?"

"You have to stop being so protective of me."

"Bones . . ."

"And I'm not just saying this because of how I feel about your alpha male tendencies. It creates the illusion that you feel more for me than just friendship."

"Bones you know I can't stop protecting you. It's my job to keep you safe!"

"Well do you have to make it so obvious? Maybe try to tone it down a little bit, at least when other people are around?"

He grinned at her. "No promises Bones."

"I guess that'll have to do. No more paying for my meals when we're at Wong Foo's or the Diner."

"Just being a gentleman Bones."

"Yeah? Well Angela's very observant. She went on for a week about it the last time she noticed you picking up the tab for our lunch."

"Fine, whatever," Booth was becoming a little more than annoyed by now. "Anything else?"

"Yeah, one last thing you need to stop doing."

Booth sighed, "And what is that Bones?" he asked, preparing himself for another rant about his alpha male tendencies, maybe not letting her drive or to stop holding the door open for her. Some feminist crap like that.

She leaned back and looked at him. "You need to stop invading my personal space. You stand too close to me Booth, you hover, you're always staring at things over my shoulder and when we fight, you're right in my face."

Booth stared at her. What was she talking about?? Good question . . .

"What are you talking about?"

"You know perfectly well what I'm talking about!"

Did he do that? "If I do, I don't do it on purpose."

"Well now you know. When you do those things, well, people say . . . 'she trailed off and her face turned a pretty shade of pink, unable to finish her sentence.

Booth looked at her, enjoying the blush on her cheeks and the fact that she was obviously embarrassed.

"What do they say Bones?"

Damn him, he was going to make her say it. "You know . . . "

"Maybe I don't."

"They'll say we're in love."

"Is that what they say?" He was enjoying watching her squirm.

"Yes, they do. Now if you'll just follow the advice I gave you . . . "she began as she turned to leave his office, her purpose for being there now completely forgotten.

Booth stood up quickly and grabbed her arm.

"Now that is in direct violation of the second item . . . "she didn't get very far when Booth cut her off.

"Not so fast Bones. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one providing material for the gossip going around these days. You're quick to give out advice, but I think it's time you were given some."

So, does anyone want me to continue?? Please, review, pretty please. It will be the one ray of sunshine amidst numerous essays and textbook readings!