After the partner exchange, Booth focused on a spot on the wall. "How are ya, Bones?" She smiled up at him and responded "I am well, Booth. How are you?"
"I am better than I expected!" He saw the quizzical look on her face from the corner of his eye. Sparing her the effort of asking him, he continued "I expected you to lay me flat on my ass for that 'display of alpha-maleness. I hope you are disappointed that I cut in." The Booth-patented charm smile was full force. NOW he had the confidence to look her in the eye. Now, HE was the one in control.
"On the contrary, Booth. I prefer to dance with the alpha." Her eyes confirmed the gentle teasing. He was thrilled that she was playing along. "You saved me from hearing yet another story from 'the good old days' of the Jeffersonian. Professor Clarkson is very knowledgeable but VERY boring." Neither was sure how many songs went by as the floated around the dance floor, absorbed in idle conversation.
"Booth, I'm afraid I am going to have to get something to drink. Would you like to join me?" His hand instinctively fell onto his spot on her lower back, leading her through the crowd to the bar.
After receiving their drinks, they moved away from the crowd gathered near the refreshments. He asked her about her absence from the Jeffersonian rotation. Her eyes lit with excitement as she launched in to a dialog about the fascinating Native American settlement found very close to Colonial Williamsburg, Va. "History reflects a harmonious relationship between the settlements but the remains found outside the burial grounds of the Native Americans tells a completely different story. I am afraid that is all you are going to get from me Agent Booth until the unveiling of the exhibit next month." Her enthusiasm was contagious. Booth caught himself hanging on every word falling from of her mouth. He shook his head slightly to get back on track. "Leave it to you, Bones to uncover an ancient murder!"
"I really should get back to the Jeffersonian group, Booth." He was unwilling to turn surrender her attention without a fight. "I will go say hello" he said, leading her across the room. The reception from the squints was warm and genuine. Brennan greeted Cam and slowly made her way around the table, speaking to co-workers as she went. Booth kissed Cam on the cheek in lieu of greeting. "Seeley! How good to see you!" the pathologist tilted her eyebrow indicating that she wanted to know what led him to the table. "Lower your eyebrow, Camille,
there is nothing to see here! And don't call me Seeley!"
"I've only seen you a handful to times in two years. Why the sudden appearance?" She pressed on. Knowing that his friend wasn't going to let it drop, he said "I've worked my rotation with the squints... I don't know what you mean. And when did you become so distrustful of my actions?" Now in fully amused mode, Cam responded "I've never trusted you when you turn my questions back around like you are being attacked. You aren't playing with one of your clueless followers, Seeley. I know you."
Booth pressed on but never removed his eyes from Brennan. "You know me, Cam. I have nothing but morbid curiosity about what has happened at the lab since I've not been there. Nothing more. What can you tell me about the new exhibits?" Spraying her drink into her hand, Cam snorted "Any particular exhibit you're interested in, Agent Booth? Let me guess. Hmmm ... you want to take Parker to the Earth Changes exhibit? Cut the crap. You want to know all about the Williamsburg Project that your former partner worked... see what she has been doing...check up on her. My best advice is to buy tickets to the opening. Our little anthropologist is all grown up. She's established herself in a whole new arena. I'm proud of her and won't let you ruin it for her."
"We go way back Cam. I'm not here to ruin anything for her. I didn't even know she would be here tonight!" Booth's frustration was evident by his strained voice and splotchy neck. Cam suggested they step outside for fresh air. "Seeley, I don't know what happened between you two. I am not sure that I want to know. You got what you wanted from our beloved Dr. Brennan and it looks to me that now you aren't satisfied! You told me a long time ago, you said you were 'with Bones all the way'. When Hannah entered the picture, you were FAR from 'with Bones'. You couldn't have been further from her! She was supportive... hell, we ALL were supportive of your relationship. But that wasn't enough for you. You took it further. When Hannah turned you down and whatever happened with Dr. Brennan happened, she found something besides you to occupy her time. I still don't know WHAT you were thinking when you went back with Hannah but my best guess is that it was some message to Brennan. Newsflash, Seeley! She didn't get the message! She didn't wait around for you this time! You severed a partnership that had already been broken and discarded. But now, it's Dr. Brennan's story. She is going to be recognized for her work, which has fulfilled her for the last 23 months. Get over yourself!"
"Wow, Cam... don't church it up for me! I don't know where all that came from but I..." He didn't have the heart to justify the past. "I guess I should go say 'goodnight' to the others and head out. It was nice seeing you." He hesitantly headed indoors to bid the rest farewell. The Hodgins were heading towards the door with Brennan in tow. He instinctively hurried to catch them. "You guys headed out, too?" He asked. Angela spoke for the group "Hodgins hates these things and I want to get home to Michael. Don't be a stranger, alright, Booth?"
Finally finding his courage, Booth stepped closer to Brennan. "Did you drive here, Bones?" She replied negatively. "Let me take you home. Angela can get home to Michael faster; you and I can catch up..." He was cut off by Brennan who replied "I really can't ask you to drive to Georgetown, Booth. It will be about 4 hours round trip for you."
"You MOVED? You didn't TELL ME you MOVED?" Somewhat taken aback, Brennan responded "I moved about 18 months ago, Booth. I hardly find that newsworthy after 18 months! Regardless, I will take a cab home. It has been nice seeing you." There was finality in her statement that he refused to accept. "No, Bones. I was just surprised to hear that you moved from your condo. I would like to drive you... to your home. Just like old times, eh?"