Disclaimer: Bones and its affiliated characters do not belong to me. I mean no copyright infringement.

Summary: This is just a short and fluffy story to ring in the New Year. This story is written without any knowledge of the 100th episode or anything that comes after it.

Spoilers: none

Rating: T (for later chapters)

Title: Ringing in the New Bones: A New Year's Story

Chapter 1: Get Ready, Bones!

Hodgins and Angela were taking advantage of their last New Year's celebration without kids. They were going all out. Brennan insisted on helping with the decorations declaring that Angela was not getting on any ladder. Hodgins, of course, was eternally grateful for her insistence. It ended up being more like a party before the party with Booth, Parker, Cam, and Michelle coming to help, too.

Booth and Hodgins were in charge of moving the furniture and bringing in tables and chairs into the massive great room. Cam and Brennan were in charge of hanging the lights and a few other decorations in the great room and the game room adjoining it. Angela finished with table cloths, drinks, centerpieces, and the munchies for the festivities later that evening. And Michelle and Parker made sure the games were in working order. Booth just shook his head in good humor at Hodgins suggestion for the kids, but as soon as they were done, they joined them.

"All the table and chairs are here, but I haven't seen the guys in awhile. Anyone know where they are?" asked Cam.

Angela walked in just as Cam asked. "All four kids are next door pretending they have an important job." Brennan snorted and Cam laughed. "Men!" exclaimed Angela.

Booth caught Brennan walking in out of the corner of his eye as he and Hodgins were playing a game of pool. "Hey Bones." She stopped inside the entrance and lifted a brow. Booth rolled his eyes. "There are no bets being made tonight."

"What?" Hodgins wasn't aware of that. "You can't ruin the family tradition. We bet with cans of beer."

Booth chuckled. "I guess that's why you said BYOB. That explains a lot."

"I don't know what that means," said Brennan predictably.

"That means we need to stop by the liquor store before we return tonight." Booth turned to Hodgins. "Why the hell did you let me harass you all week?"

Angela answered. "He's expecting to lose and didn't want to lose his pride if the games went on too long." Hodgins glared. Angela just laughed.

"Dad, can we play some music."

"I think we're about ready to go, Bub. Let's wait until we come back."

"Aww Dad!"

"Aww Booth!

"You're not helping, Bones." They both pouted. "Okay, okay. Maybe one song. And then we're leaving."

"Yes!" Parker wasted no time with looking through the selection of music.

"Hey, Dad! They have your favorite song. Hot Blooded."

"Bones! They're playing our song!"

"No way! Not with people watching."

"Aww! Come on!"

"You two have a song?" Hodgins laughed and shook his head. Booth ignored him.

"Oh, you got to do it, Bones," Parker said excitedly.

"Not the right environment. No Booth."

"Oh, this is good. Very good." Angela laughed at Hodgins. "Don't worry, Studly. We'll have you set up to perform tonight."

Booth surprised everyone, especially Brennan, with his exuberance. He picked her up and spun her around. "Booth! Put me down!" He had the biggest grin. "Get ready, Bones. 'Cause we're jammin' tonight!"

Author's Note: I'm expecting this to be only a few short chapters. I hope you enjoyed the introduction.