Bones for Hire

Summary – There's been a murder in NYC and Booth, Brennan, Kate and Castle join forces to bring down a serial killer with a penchant for naughty couples. Can B&B be a couple and solve a murder? We'll just have to wait and see.

Castle elements are big, but the romance is definitely more slanted towards B&B though, C&B will definitely have their moments as well, just be patient.

Takes place just prior to the Bones 100th episode (I'm borrowing a few elements, just not the ending) and just after Castle and Beckett capture of the Nikki Heat killer. Though some minor characters of Bones are making an appearance even though we know they are no longer with the show.

Disclaimer: I own my imagination, my actions and this story, I own nothing with regards to Bones, Castle, Fox or ABC, just borrow for our reading pleasure.

Chapter 1 – Crime Novelists Gala – Fairy-lights

Ellen entered the Park Plaza Hotel Ballroom well aware of the venue's history. Located at the juncture of New York's 5th Avenue and Central Park West, it stood as a beacon for the romance and extravagance. As she looked about her she wondered how such a fairy tale setting could have been created.

The room had been transformed into a beautiful and bewitching garden, a little Tavern on the Green and Central Park thrown into the mix.

Ellen checked details as she started her assessment, noting the ceiling and walls had been laced with beautiful fresh vines and gardenias. Fairy-lights intertwined in their scented depths as she had ordered.

Each of the delicately crafted Grecian columns was covered artistically; trails of vines and flowers completed the romantic canopy affect she had been striving for.

Her star writer Dr. Temperance Brennan had set the murder scene in her latest soon to be released novel near the Tavern on the Green in Central Park. Ellen drew inspiration from the murder scene sans decomposed body of course, "Now, that would kill off sales" she thought.

The floor usually a spectacular marble creation was covered with gorgeous vivid green carpeting. Clear pathways lead to an inviting honey maple parquet center dance floor.

Dotted thru out were white iron lace tables with matching soda fountain chairs, the feeling was clearly 19th century early Americana, a time of parasols and cotillions.

A small three piece band was playing softly in the small gazebo erected just for the Gala; it also was decorated with greenery and fairy lights.

The band was dressed in formal tuxedo garb and played quietly in the background.

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A compelling couple swayed gracefully on the dance floor, a beautiful brunette with piercing ice blue eyes and skin of alabaster. Held by a handsome man with chocolate brown eyes and a strong but angelic face, if that can even exist.

But even at a distance you could tell, these two had that special magic that most pine for but never truly possess. And if they do, it's usually a fleeting memory that most continue to chase, trying desperately to recapture, heavens knew Ellen had tried.

Now she lived a bit vicariously thru her novelist and she definitely had a few that fanned the flames in her heart.

Temperance of course but Rick Castle could be counted on as well, though his loves tended to be short lived high voltage paparazzi affairs, he seemed to be circling his latest prize, his muse Kate Beckett.

Kate was definitely going to give him a run for his money smart, sexy, pragmatic and yet a heart of gold.

Ellen walked forward just checking on her flock here and there. Patterson was having a drink at the bar with Martha Castle, Alexis was chatting with Kathy Reich and Rick Castle was absolutely nowhere to be found.

Where was he? Incorrigible that one, but he was charming absolutely no doubt about that.

Ellen stopped a moment and touched Temperance's arm, a little annoyed at the interruption Temperance turned to Ellen and greeted her graciously if a bit coolly.

"Good Evening Ellen, I hope you're enjoying yourself" Temperance said as she broke from Booth's embrace.

She gestured towards her dance partner then added, "You know my partner Special Agent Seeley Booth; I believed I introduced you a while back", Booth nodded and leaned forward smoothly taking Ellen's hand.

"Nice to see you again Ellen, I love what you did to this room, I feel like I've step back into the 19th century, its gracious, romantic and charming, you did a wonderful job." Booth read Ellen well and used both the charm of his words and smile to gain Ellen's favor.

Ellen, not a fool to miss an opportunity, leaned in and placed a kiss on Booth's cheek as Temperance stared on a bit annoyed and murmured, "Agent Booth, you must realize I got this scene from Temperance's latest book".

Booth looked startled and glanced at Bones for confirmation; she shrugged and silently tells him she'll talk to him later.

Brennan may have a difficult time with colloquialisms or pop culture references, communicating without words were the corner stone of their current success.

Booth recovered quickly "Oh, I never read Temperance's books until they're released, it makes the first day that much more exciting for me, so don't give anymore away," he winks for effect.

Ellen clearly taken in by his charm, simply smiles and wishes them a wonderful evening, she has other prey to catch in a word Castle.

As Ellen walked away Brennan and Booth continue their dance, but with one difference rather than silently communicating. Booth intend is to know more about Brennan's latest book.

"Okay, how in the world is a 19th century garden scene incorporated into your latest novel. I know you hate to share, but Ellen let the cat out of the bag." Booth does his best to keep the sulk out of his voice, but uses his dark chocolate eyes to great effect and for added insurance threw in a charming smile.

Brennan asks clearly confused, "'Cat out of the Bag", there's no cats in here or in my story, why would you want to talk about that?"

"It's an expression Bones, it means someone has let your secret out, namely" gesturing around the room, "an element from your book, but you're not getting me off track that easily. I promise, I won't bother you till the book is released on Monday, but tell me why this scene is important in your book?" Booth pleaded adding a little undercurrent of something Bones couldn't place.

Brennan tipped her head as her fingers played lightly with the hair at the back of his neck, clearly trying to distract him away from the question.

Though, he acknowledged her touch and in response traced slow circles with the pads of his fingers on the exposed flesh at the base of her spine. Her sapphire halter dress she'd chose plunged almost indecently in the back and Booth was hard pressed to remember Bones was his partner. Booth wouldn't be distracted from the question, though he was having difficulty staying on track.

Brennan silently acknowledged, they wouldn't move past this and enjoy the rest of the evening if she didn't give in. This alone to a more sensitive observer of the relationship would be very telling.

"It's the murder scene in the opening chapters of my book, Andy and Kathy are in NYC having a romantic dinner at the Tavern on the Green. After a particularly romantic scene where they're enjoying each other's company they decide to take a walk in the park. Then I throw a bucket of frozen water on the scene."

Booth interrupted with a smile, "You mean cold water" not "frozen water."

She acknowledged the correction and continued, "They discover a decomposing body; it's all very creepy considering moments before the reader was in a romantic situation."

Bones' enthusiasm for her worked came thru with the excitement in her voice and the smile in her eyes, Booth was simply captivated. "I spent a lot of time describing all the scenes building to this romantic moment. Making sure I added lots of sexual anticipation," she smirked then added, "and literally destroyed the feeling in about half a page, I actually think it's one of the best openings I've even written for a book."

Brennan clearly proud of her latest work, but would only allow a small satisfied smile to grace her lips.

Booth leaned in closer to her ear, so close that his lips grazed it lightly, then whispered his breath warm on her skin, "Maybe while where here we can recreate the romantic elements of your story and you can correct me when I go wrong." Booth grew a bit bolder pulled her body closer just slightly and gently brushes his lips against her ear as though unintentional.

Immediately, he felt the slight quiver of her body at the contact from both his lips and body. He sensed more than knew that she'd be ready for them to take their partnership up a level.

Tempe thought, if only Booth knew how those lips tended to make her insides turn to goo, his ego wouldn't fit in the room. She turned her burning face into the crook of his neck while holding just as tightly to his shoulders. Her mind whirled with possibilities, she acknowledged if only to herself the line was keeping them apart, if only he'd erase it. Booth's words made her wonder if possibly he'd be ready to cross the line himself, she then decided to send a little encouragement his way. God knew she hadn't been with a man for what seemed like forever, she acknowledged her vibrator wasn't cutting it anymore.

With all intentions of retiring her vibrator, Brennan tipped her head toward Booth's ear and whispered, "Kathy and Andy definitely have some romantic escapades in this one, Angela was very helpful on those scenes, I think I seriously want to try a few of those positions myself soon before I explode."

Whispering all the while, her lips grazed gently against his ear, Booth is clearly aroused. His body betrayed his desire and communicated it clearly as though he'd spoken, their bodies so close a sheet of paper couldn't pass between them.

Booth pulls back a little and stared into Brennan's eyes and though their silent communication was nearly full proof, some things just had to be said.

Booth leaned back a little further and whispered, "Bones, why don't we get a little champagne and take this conversation out onto the balcony?"

Brennan tipped her head in agreement and with Booth's hand on the small of her back, she lead them to the refreshment table and lifted two champagne flutes and handed one to Booth.

Silently Booth guided them to the balcony doors, just stepping out into the moonlit September evening.