Hey guys,

unfortunately i don't own Bones, though i want to, and please review the story when you finish reading it.


'And the vertebra here is fractured, and by the looks of the shape it was made with some sort of a sharp tool, maybe a garden spade? Can you get Zack to check?' Dr Temperance Brennan asked, focusing on the body in front of her. It had just been found buried in a garden shed, uncovered by the owners who smelt a horrible odour, and went to take a look. And this was the final result.

Bones heard people walking up the stairs to the lab. She paid no attention, thinking they were Angela or Cam, returning from a break or errand. It was only when the stopped right next to the table did she look up.

Seeley Booth was standing at the edge of the silver table, and next to him a man Bones had never seen before. But she did know one thing. He was gorgeous.

The man had not a wrinkle in sight on his cream face, and had dark brown hair, hanging casually on his head. His eyes were a rich brown, and his smile was indescribable. She couldn't stop staring, until Booth cleared his throat.

'What's up?' she asked.

'This is Phil. He's going to be your partner for a few days.'

'Why? I need you on this case, Booth!'

'I can't help it. The Beuro wants me to help with a case up in Canada.'

'But you're needed for help on a case here!'

'I tried telling them that, but, well, they have more power over me Bones.'

Bones was stunned. As much as she wanted to meet Phil she needed Booth on this case. But apparently she didn't get a say in anything anymore.

'When are you going?'

'Tomorrow morning. I'm going for 3 weeks. So, you can get acquainted with Phil here today and work tomorrow. I've already notified him of the case.'

'How are you, Dr Brennan?' he asked, bowing his head slightly. He had a smooth, rich voice. 'I've read all your books. They are amazing. I've read the biography all about you and, I must say I find you amazing. I am glad to be your partner, and I understand you must be upset about it.'

'Oh, she'll be fine. I go out of town all the time. Ok, Bones, we're going to lunch, and over pie you can get to know your new partner,' Booth said, heading off down the stairs.

'I don't like pie,' Bones said, taking off her lab coat.

'Well, your salad or whatever you eat. Just come on.'

Bones sighed. No, she didn't get a say anymore.

*

Lunch was an interesting event for Bones. Her new partner had an interesting life. Phil was 28 and divorced with his wife the year before. He lived on his own, with a dog named Bruno and a bird named Needa. He loved baseball, and was in a league for a few years. He started working with the FBI at 24, after his baseball career went crashing down because of a knee injury.

Sounded like a tough life.

After lunch they walked back to the lab. Booth stayed for a few minutes, and then said he had some packing to do.

'You'll be fine, Bones. It's only a few days.'

'Yeah.' She gave him a hug. 'Have fun!'

'Yeah, like that's gonna happen. Bye.' He walked down the steps.

Bones turned to Phil. 'Do you need a tour?'

'No, Agent Booth has already shown me everything.'

'Ok, can you then go retrieve the file off my desk? Then you can start work.'

'Of course.' Phil walked down the steps and into her office. Bones turned around.

Angela was standing right in front of her. 'Who's the new guy? Your boyfriend? He's cute.'

'No, Ange, he's not my boyfriend. Booth has to work a case in Canada and so Phil's my temporary partner. Don't even think about it Ange.'

'What?'

'Don't go out with him. He's only for a few weeks anyway.'

'I wasn't planning to. I'm leaving him for you.'

'What?'

'Iv'e seen the way you look at him.'

'What way?'

'As though he's covered in chocolate.'

'I do not.'

'Don't worry, you're secrets safe with me. Have fun with him sweetie!' she called, walking down the steps. Bones gritted her teeth.

Phil walked back up the steps. 'From reading the file, I suppose that I should question the owners of the garden. Would you like to come?'

'Of course. I'll just get my coat,' Bones said, walking to her office and grabbing it off the chair. Phil met her at the doorway and walked her to her car.

'My car?'

'Well, I assumed that you usually drive your car to these things. We could take mine, if you wish.'

'No, no, my cars good,' she said. Yeah, she was definitely going to like this guy.

*

Over the next few days Bones was really glad that Phil was her partner. He was solving the case really well, and Bones was really beginning to trust him, which was unusual, as she didn't trust many people in a few days, let alone weeks.

But Bones was beginning to feel something more. She kept wanting to see this guy, always wanting him there, wondering where he was when he wasn't. Maybe Angela was right, and she really did have a thing for this guy. That was weird for Bones. Maybe it's just a feeling of protectiveness for her new partner. And anyway, she thought, I'm older then him. He said he was 28. He's really young. What would a guy like him want with me?

The answer came a few days later.

Phil started to always be around her, 'accidentally' touching her hand or brushing against her, and when they were interviewing someone, he would stand right beside her, touching her back. He casually asked one day if she had a boyfriend. Her response was cautious, and wary. But she knew what he was doing.

He was flirting with her.

But did she mind?

Perhaps not.

It was very obvious when one day he casually walked into her office, then sitting on her desk. Bones felt a sharp pain in her chest. That's how Booth used to sit, on this desk, exactly like that! But she ignored the little voice. She must not remember Booth.

Phil turned towards her. 'Hey, Dr Brennan?' (Bones was pleased that he didn't call her Bones.) 'I was wondering if you wanted to go to dinner tomorrow night, you know, as a little 'get to know each other' time.'

'But we already know each other.'

'Well, not everything. I don't know about your family or your life outside work.'

Her family. Bones felt another pang. She didn't have a family. But Bones wouldn't be hooked so easily. She knew what he was doing. He was asking her on a date.

'I don't know, Phil. I have heaps to do around here, and with this new case that came in...'

'Come on, it's just one night. Have a break. We don't know each other very well and this could be a perfect opportunity to learn about the other. It will be a work dinner. Not a date.'

Uh huh. Sure.

Bones sighed. 'Fine. Only a work dinner. Tomorrow night. At the Royal Diner.'

'How about something classier, instead of that dodgy place.' Bones took offence to that. 'The Flawless Shrimp? That's a nice place.'

Bones nearly gasped. That was a very expensive restaurant.

'I'll pick you up at 7.'

'You don't know where I live.'

'I'll work it out.'

*

Work the next day was very annoying. Bones was always looking over her shoulder, looking for Phil, seeing if he was trying to touch her again. She had had some serious thinking the night before. As much as she wanted to get together with her new partner, she knew it couldn't happen. It was too unprofessional. She had to treat Phil the same way as she treated Booth.

But how was that?

Maybe as she'd never had a work relationship she didn't know what t was like. Maybe it was perfectly fine. Look at Angela and Hodgins. They'd gone out together, and it had seemed fine then. Maybe she should give it a shot.

She would work it out at that night's dinner. She would talk with Phil, see what he says. Yes, it all counted on dinner.


Yea, as i said, please review, and any ideas or criticism is welcome.