Frame Of Reference

The pictures sat in an envelope on Temperance Brennan's desk at the Jeffersonian Institute for a few weeks after the reunion. They were addressed to her using her title of "Doctor" though Bones was sure some of them would have used "Morticia" on the label if given the choice. Maybe that was why she didn't bother to open the envelope.

It fell to Angela Montenegro to find them when she was delivering a file to her best friend. Angela noticed the return address of the reunion committee. "Sweetie, what are these?"

The Jeffersonian's most famous member looked up from studying the file. "What? Oh, those are the pictures from the reunion."

"Didn't anyone there ever hear of emailing pictures?"

"No Angela, these aren't informal shots taken by other attendees and then shared. These are the professional pictures."

Angela reached over, "I want to see. Let me have your letter opener, Brennan."

"There is no reason for you to look. You know what we look like." She suddenly straightened up, "You haven't seen Mr. Buxley though. I had my picture taken with him."

"Wasn't that the name of the killer in your first novel?"

"The same name, yes and Mr. Buxley was quite flattered."

One look inside the folder holding the 5X7 inch picture and Angela had to suppress a shudder. "This is your inspiration?"

Brennan glanced over and smiled. "It is. He was nice to me when most people had no use for me. I told them to give him a copy of this."

"That was very thoughtful Sweetie." Angela set it aside and squealed over the next one. "Brennan, look at you two. This is adorable."

"Mr. Buxley is very special; however, I'd hardly call him adorable, Angela."

"No, but Booth sure is."

"He does have symmetrical features and wide shoulders which historically are considered pleasing."

"Translation: hottie. I love this picture of both of you."

"I confided to him that to me the setting seemed indicative of a prom." Bones bit her lip, "I never went to my prom and Booth seemed empathetic. He slow danced with me to Seal. Then, he suggested the pictures."

"Brennan, it's even the prom pose."

"I don't know what that means."

"The girl, in this case woman stands with her back against his chest and he slides his arms around her waist or bracketing her arms."

"It denotes possession and protectiveness which shouldn't be encouraged when it comes to teenagers still forming social mores. I wanted to simply stand next to each other. However, Booth grabbed me as the photographer took the picture. I was a little put out."

"He was right and gave you another bit of the prom experience. Besides, at that point didn't people still think you two were married?"

"I suppose." Bones took one of the pictures from Angela. "I didn't realize there was a traditional pose, though I suppose it's not surprising. I should give this to Booth."

Angela snatched it back. "Let me have a little time with them. I have an idea."

The phone rang before Bones could argue or ask more questions as she was distracted by an administrative matter.

(TBC)