AN: This is a sequel to Oh, Holy Night. If you haven't had a chance to read it before I do hope you take the time to do so. It will give you some background to these characters that belong to Fox and HH. Also, a special thanks to GCatsPJ for adding a theme to the party. If you haven't read her stil

To recap, Booth and Brennan are together but decided to take things slow to re-establish trust before engaging into a romantic relationship. I hope you enjoy and if you like it enough to review, I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

A Much Needed Plan

It was the day before New Year's Eve and the lab was relatively quiet. Everyone was back from their much needed vacation. Everyone was settled back into their routine. Currently, the team was not working on any active FBI cases so everyone was getting caught up on cases from bone storage. Temperance Brennan was pleased that she indentified one WWI solider and one Civil War woman during this lull. As Brennan closed the latest file, Angela breezed in to remind her of the New Year's Eve party at the Ritz Carlton that Jack and she were throwing for their friends.

"Sweetie, you're going to my fabulous New Year's penthouse suite party and I will not take no for an answer. Remember, we already have rooms reserved for close friends so you don't have to worry about drinking and driving." Angela gave her the best 'don't mess with me' look.

Brennan just shook her head and replied, "Angela, I will be there. I promise."

Angela threw her arms around Brennan and gave her a big hug, "Bren, sweetie, you will not regret this. I also have someone I have been dying to hook you up with! Cole is extremely hot and available with the bedroom eyes of a movie star and…"

"No, no, no" Brennan said. "I will bring a date, so you don't have to set me up."

Brennan and Booth had not shared the news that they were moving from a strictly professional partnership and into a romantic one just yet. They were still testing the waters, so to speak, to see how they would fair. Although, they opened up and confessed everything to each other Christmas Eve, they were taking things slow. Booth needed time to heal from his relationship with Hannah and Brennan needed to trust Booth again before they consummated their relationship. They admitted that they loved each other very much. They spent every night together dividing the time between their apartments. For now, they needed to keep this just between them as they sorted the details out.

"Bren, that's great! Who is it? Anyone I know? That reminds me, have you talked to Booth? I've been trying to call him since we got back but he hasn't returned my calls. Maybe I should try Hannah. Any who, I have to go shopping since nothing is fitting over this Buddha belly anymore! Oh Sweetie, remember it is a masquerade and cocktail attire so you need a sexy dress and gorgeous mask that will rival any mardi gras mask this side of New Orleans to ring in the New Year!" Angela said as she fluttered out of Brennan's office.

Brennan felt like she was just in the middle of a hurricane the way Angela swooped in and out of the office. She realized that she said she would bring a date. Brennan grabbed her cell phone and typed a short text to Booth.

"WE NEED TO TALK.

NOW – Bones"

Booth sat behind at his desk at the Hoover building and threw a football up in the air. He was bored. He caught up on the stack of paperwork that waited for him the past couple of weeks since there were no cases. And no case means any reason to go to the Jeffersonian to see Bones was not necessary without seemingly out of place. Booth smiled as he thought of his Bones. They were in a good place right now. They were honest with each other. He laid his heart on the table as did Bones. Questions were raised and answered. Feelings were hurt but now were on the mend. They promised no secrets and some time. They needed this time to heal and get used to the idea of being a couple. Booth agreed that he needed to grieve his failed relationship with Hannah before jumping into a physical relationship with Bones. He wanted to prove that he was worthy of Bones' love. If it takes the rest of his life, he'll show her, he'll wait.

Although they have not had sex yet, they made out like horny teenagers, getting all worked up and then taking cold showers solo. He had lots of cold showers this past week and at last count, he was up to 34 cold showers, but who's counting. He had not sought out release of any kind. He was going to wait. When they decide it is the right time, it would be mind blowing.

What they had was special and just between them. No one knew anything yet, no FBI and no squint squad. It was just the way he liked it. Booth stomach started to rumble. He looked at his watch that Brennan gave him for Christmas, again smiled fondly at it as he remembered opening his gift. It was a replica of his Pop's watch. Bones always had the perfect gift. She knew him better than anyone and that was evident more and more.

The ding of his cell phone snapped Booth out of his day dream. He read the text.

"WE NEED TO TALK.

NOW – Bones"

'Ah, shit! Please tell me she's not regretting this,' He thought. He sent a reply back, almost afraid to hear her voice.

"The diner? Pick you up?"

"No, meet me at my apartment – Bones"

Brennan waited for Booth at her apartment. She was thankful she called ahead and picked up their usual from the diner. This was so they could at least have nourishment for the rest of the day and if she was honest, Booth thought better with a full stomach and pie.

She removed the contents of the bag as Booth opened the door.

"Hey Bones" he walked over to her and placed a kiss on her cheek. Brennan pulled on his tie and gave him a deep kiss that Booth felt down to his toes. He was immediately put at ease without her saying a word.

"We have a problem and need a plan." She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Booth pulled her close to him and nipped her bottom lip. "What problem?"

"Angela and New Year's party. I might have let it pop out that I would bring a date. She wanted to set me up and I will admit I might not have thought clearly when I replied." She said shyly. "She's been trying to call you to invite you and Hannah"

"Oh Boy, we do need a plan" Booth groaned.