This is actually the first story I ever wrote for Bones. I know it's kind of a Christmas story, and it's June, but I figure we all could use a little snow right now! (It's 90 degrees today here). Anyway, this started out to be a two-shot, but I added a couple chapters. Let me know what you think!

btw, obviously, this happened before the second half of Season 2.

The Christmas music playing in the background was a beautiful backdrop to the snow falling down outside in the crisp DC air, but to Dr Temperence Brennan, nothing penetrated her concentration, leaning over the table, studying a partial skeleton.

"C'mon Bones, it's Christmas Eve! This guy's been dead 100's of years. Theres got to be somewhere you'd rather be." Booth knew that Bones didn't celebrate Christmas, but she spent too much time in the lab as it was. She needed to go home, and try to get some Christmas spirit.

"He's right sweetie", Angela chimed in. "Last Christmas we were stuck here by force. You don't really want to be here this year by choice, do you?"

"Yeah, let's get out of here before Zack and Hodgins cook up another contamination." Booth was never going to let those two forget that they completely ruined his Christmas last year. Never mind the fact that Booth himself had brought in the body that had contaminated the lab, causing the five of them, and Dr. Goodman, to be quarentined for Christmas.

"Zack already left to go spend the holidays with his family in Michigan", Tempe said. "And Hodgins is..."

"...Right here.". Hodgins came walking up, coat slung over his shoulder. "What's up?"

"We were just reminiscing about our "wonderful" Christmas last year." Booth said sarcastically.

"Booth, it really wasn't all that terrible, was it?" Angela had to admit that, aside from not being with her father, it really was kind of fun.

"Besides", said Tempe, "didn't you tell me that Zack made you the coolest dad ever with the robot he made for you to give Parker?"

"Okay, fine, it was the greatest Christmas ever, can we just get out of here?"

"I think that's our cue, Angela." Hodgins grabbed her hand, and started pulling her toward the door.

"What about you, sweetie? Are you going to see Russ?"

Brennan looked up, a brief flash of pain in her eyes. "There was some sort of problem with his parole and he can't come."

"But sweetie..."

"Don't worry. I'm just going to finish this up, then I'll go home."

"Promise?"

"Of course Angela." Brennan really just wanted everyone to leave so that she could lose herself in her work.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure she gets out of here soon." This from Booth, who had a certain gleam in his eye.

"Okay. Merry Christmas everyone!"

"Bye Angela, Hodgins. Merry Christmas."

"Bones, I'm surprised." Booth said when they were alone. "I thought you didn't believe Christmas."

"I don't have to believe in it, as long as they do." She glanced at him. "Are you going to see Parker tomorrow?"

"Actually, Rebecca is letting me have him for Christmas Eve and morning this year, so I've got to get going." Booth turned and started walking toward the door. "Thirty minutes, Bones!" "Don't make me check up on you!"

Tempe watched him go, thinking that everyone had somewhere to go, and someone to see, except her. Not that she minded being alone, but...

She turned back to her work, putting everything else out of her mind. This was all she needed, she thought. Some mystery to solve, some bones to put together. She was so engrossed in her work, that she didn't hear the soft footsteps behind her.

"Marco," a voice said softly. Temperence looked up, surprise on her face, to see her brother. "Polo," she answered.
"What are you doing here? I thought there was some problem, and they wouldn't let you leave?"

"Apparently a certain FBI Agent made a call, and here I am!"

Tempe smiled to herself as she hugged her brother. Leave it to Booth to know exactly what she needed.

BBBBBB

Booth watched from the shadows as Bones greeted her brother. He was glad she had someone to share the holiday with, even if it wasn't with him. Nobody should be alone for Christmas. He remembered last year, when she stood in the shadows watching as everyone had visits from their loved ones. Everyone except her. She'd come a long way since then. They both had. He was glad that she had a second chance with her brother, and he was proud that he had a small part in that.

He turned to go, a smile on his lips. He wondered what she would say when she found the gift he had left for her. Whatever she thought, he knew that she wouldn't hesitate to let him know.

If you review, I'll post more later!