I had the worst bout of writer's block I have had in years until…Wham! I was waiting for Theories of Social Deviance last week when this idea hit me. It came hard and fast and this was the result. I'd love to hear what other people feel like the rules of dating Booth should be. Feel free to chime in.

Also, in case this isn't clear, the plain text are Brennan's thoughts, the italics are flashbacks to the date.

-On With The Story-

Angela said that Booth and I are hot together. I am not entirely sure what that means but I think that it has something to do with the sexual tension that spilled over between us yesterday. The spilling over that resulted in a date. I think I am about to learn the rules of dating Seeley Booth, starting with the one I learned last night, Booth always pays.

"Booth! That was my Thai you just stole!" Brennan exclaimed this as Booth snatched away her dinner.

Booth laughed, but Brennan looked at him quizzically.

"Do you not see why that was funny?"

"No, I don't." Brennan said calmly.

"It's just. Well." Then it was clear a light bulb went off in Booth's head.

"Do you want your noodles back Bones?"

"Yes, Booth. I thought that was obvious."

"Then come and get'em." Booth flashed his best charm smile and held out some noodles to her.

She took them from him, and then licked the sauce from her fingers, never breaking eye contact. The result was a slight groan Booth.

I think that was one of our "moments." I could feel my heart rate increasing and experienced a galvanic-type response when my lips met his skin briefly.

"Bones…you felt that too, didn't you?"

"Yes Booth, I did."

"I'd know I'd love to feel it again. Have dinner with me tonight. Com'on Bones, please?"

So I agreed, perhaps against my better judgment, or perhaps because of it. I am not sure which yet.

"That steak was easily the best I have ever had; you are really missing out here, Bones." Booth teased Brennan easily.

"My four cheese ravioli was quite delicious. I'll signal the waiter for the check."

Brennan lifted her hand to signal the waiter, Booth however was quick to cover her hand with his own.

"Whoa there. I asked you out. Therefore I pay. Plus I am a man. Men pay."

"Booth, I am a best selling author and world renowned anthropologist; you should let me pay." Brennan responded, making a case for why she should pay for their date.

"I know, you're rich, a genius, have multiple doctorates and black-belts, but I am a man. Let me pay."

"What is it about a dating that takes women's liberation back sixty years?"

"Was that sarcasm Bones?" Booth was mildly amused at the idea and couldn't help smirking.

"No Booth, merely inquiry. You can pay for dinner, but I am taking us for coffee afterwards."

I thought it was an adequate compromise. Booth would be able to show his prowess as a provider while I would be subjugated to the antiquated role of a 1950's female. I proved to be mistaken.

"I changed my mind Booth. We are going to get cupcakes instead. We're in Georgetown already; we may as well visit Baked & Wired." Brennan had changed her mind and suggested a change of venue as they ambled along M Street.

"What's it on, Thomas Jefferson? Sounds like a plan. One of their German-Chocolate concoctions sounds great."

How could we go wrong with cupcakes? But we did, all because of Booth's Neanderthalic sense of propriety.

"That will be $7.64 sir," the cashier said.

"Actually I'll be paying." Brennan said and quickly handed the teenage cashier a ten dollar bill.

"Bones, that isn't necessary."

"Yes, it is. This is the twenty-first century, Booth. Women work, file their own taxes, and pay for things on dates."

"Fine."

I thought I had won. It turns out I need a few more lessons from Sweets on reading the subtleties behind tone of voice and body language. I get better though.

"What's wrong, Booth?"

"Nothing."

"Your arms are crossed and you look upset, disgruntled, angry, or perhaps some combination of the three."

"You mean I'm sulking."

"That would be an accurate, if unscientific description."

"You emasculated me, Bones!"

"By what? Paying for cupcakes? That is extremely melodramatic Booth, even for you and your tendency to rely on your stomach reactions."

"Its gut reactions Bones; and I am exercising my rights as an alpha male."

Alpha male rights?

"If we are going to date it needs to be an equal partnership in all regards."

"We are equals Bones. Its just I pay. Or I'll sulk. Take your pick."Rule one for dating Booth. He always pays. Either that or he sulks. I can take my pick.

----On a completely on related note, I do plan on finishing Clarity at some point but am stuck on it right now----