Wendell Bray was nervous.

Cam knew. Booth knew. How soon was it going to be until Hodgins found out? He liked Angela, but he liked being friends with Hodgins too.

Dating a friend's ex-girlfriend was bad enough, but he was dating his friend's ex-fiancée.

How was he going to persuade Booth not to tell Brennan? Secrets weren't her thing. Even he knew it. coughTheScholarshipIncidentcough.

He removed the hand he had around Angela's shoulder, muttered something about using the toilet and made his way over to Booth.

"Hey, Booth? I need to talk to you."

Booth stood up and followed him into a corner while Brennan eyed them curiously over her drink.

"Look, Booth. I know you and Dr Brennan are friends and all... But... Could you please not tell this to her? Once she finds out, Hodgins is bound to find out, and since Angela is his ex and all... How did you find out anyway?" Wendell frowned up at the agent in frustration.

Booth laughed. "Relax. She doesn't want to know. And in future, you might just want to keep your hands off her. The whole arm-around-the-shoulder thing was getting way to obvious."

"Well... Okay then." Wendell gave a nervous laugh. "Thanks."

He made his way back to Angela the same time Booth and Brennan stood up to leave.

Wendell watched as the agent walked out with the doctor, curling his arm around her the same way Wendell just did with Angela.

And then he saw it. It wasn't much, but it was there.

It was a slight, tentative brush of his thumb against her arm.

Just a small brush, but it was enough to give so much away.

So much.

Seems like the agent needed to listen to his own advice, if he didn't want anyone to find out about his feelings.

But then again, everyone already did.

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this was what i actually wanted the episode to end. But we got smiles all 'round, so i guess it was an adequate substitute.

I guess.

Cookies for everyone who reviews!

(I hope you don't mind stale pumpkin icing on them)