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This chapter includes many of the other characters as well. Enjoy!
Temperance Brennan wasn't used to bright lights, long dresses or lots and lots of people. Suffice to say; although she had been to numerous formal occasions in her life, she had never really been a fan. So she was somewhat surprised when she found herself smiling in concurrence when Angela had pointed out what an exciting evening they were going to have, and when she found herself adding a little extra foundation to her features, and when she realised that she was actually looking forward to the event.
She was cautious that tonight may disappoint her like as other occasions had, but as she entered the room, she was decidedly impressed. The ambience was inviting but not overwhelming. She enjoyed the jazz music, which played in the background and made a mental note to ask the MC the names of the composers. She recognised the friendly faces and she was warming to the idea of spending the evening with her friends and with Booth.
"Dr. Brennan," She heard her name and turned to find that she had almost walked past the Jeffersonian table. As Zach called out to her, Hodgens and Cam turned in their direction and stood up to greet them. As Brennan moved toward them, Booth removed his hand from hers.
"Hi Zach." He waited expectantly, "Nice suit."
Booth raised an eyebrow.
"You guys are late," Cam tried to make conversation.
Booth mentioned something about traffic as he and Brennan looked at each other. Cam smiled politely as she noticed and Booth could feel the tension begin to form.
Cam took a sip from her champagne as the awkward silence hung over them.
"Well, uh, why don't you guys sit down," Hodgens quickly jumped in. They were all thankful for the interruption as Booth and Brennan took their seats at the round Jeffersonian table. Hodgen's informed them that Angela should be coming back soon. Booth responded that she was on her way to the bathroom when he saw her last.
They mingled in careful conversation until Angela arrived some 15 minutes later. She was the icebreaker for the circle and steered the conversation to more lively topics such as the music, the frocks and predictions upon who would be hooking up with who over the next few days, as she eyed the ladies and gentlemen who took to the floor. Booth thought that she sounded a bit like a Hollywood magazine. However he did notice that she was right about the music and that some of her predictions about the couples had infact already occurred- not that he was supposed to know this.
Angela also hinted that one of her predicted couples sat at their very table. She was either talking about Booth and Brennan or Zach and Cam. Booth smirked at Brennan mischievously, Brennan simply rolled her eyes, whilst Cam looked down.
The meals started arriving after a few minutes, consisting off a three-course meal; Entrée, dinner and dessert, each of which tasted delicious- the squints expected nothing less of the Bureau. Colleagues of Booth arrived at the table every so often to introduce themselves to the squints and too chat with Booth. The Jeffersonian clan easily mingled with themselves and other tables, especially those inclined to forensics, Booth noticed.
As he finished his dessert, Booth looked for Brennan and located her at one of the far tables, immersing herself eagerly in a discussion with someone who looked oddly like Zach. He smiled at how interested she looked and his eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. She must have felt him looking at her, as her eyes landed on his. For a moment, the rest of the people in the room ceased to exist and it was only him and her.
"That's very interesting Zach," Cam's voice brought Booth back to reality as he turned to see her nursing her champagne whilst trying to pay attention to Zach's lengthy discussion about bone inconsistencies.
Booth sighed as he walked to the other side of the table where they stood; he had an obligation.
"Mind if I interrupt?" Booth took Cam's hand and led her to the dance floor, to the surprise of both Cam and Zach. The music played softly as they danced.
"You should thank me," Booth gave her one of his best grins.
"Why is that?"
"Because I just saved you from Zach!" He whispered cheekily. Cam smiled quietly and rolled her eyes, but remained discreet. They continued to sway to the music but Booth found his eyes drifting to Brennan again. Her scientific friend had engaged her in a conversation and it looked like he was hitting on her, Booth noticed with a frown. He must have said something funny because her smile broke into a laugh, which lit up her eyes. It was contagious and Booth couldn't help but smile with her.
"You look beautiful tonight Cam," he stole another glimpse of Brennan quickly.
"Yeah," she muttered as she looked away.
"What? Don't believe me?" he joked as he met her gaze. She paused.
"Well, you weren't exactly looking at me when you said that." She looked into his eyes, and his smile diminished slightly. He felt that she was trying to read him; she knew.
"May I interrupt," Zach held out his hand, and loudly cut in with his methodical voice, as if there was something vaguely scientific about asking a woman to dance. Booth thought that maybe it was his way of covering up the nerves. Booth nodded and Cam smiled as she took Zach's hand.
"Guess I couldn't save you after all," Booth tried to lighten the mood one more time as he left the floor. He returned to their table at the same time as Brennan. He smiled as they nursed their drinks and observed the atmosphere, happy to be in each other's company.
"So, who's your friend?" Booth asked.
"My friend?" Brennan replied as Booth pointed in the direction of Brennan's 'squint' friend, "He works at University of Washington, he's a medical technician. He was able to give me a few insights into bone structures and how they develop over time."
Booth nodded blankly as he observed her interest. Her gaze settled on him as she studied him. He looked at her questioningly.
"Why are you staring at me?" He asked.
"Its just that you've been looking at me all night…"
"Well, you look nice," he whispered sincerely, "That's why."
Brennan put her glass down and leaned forward with a smile, "There's something I wanted to ask you-"
"Booth!" they both turned to see a tall man of Booth's age walking toward them. His eyes were a chocolate brown and his hair a dark blonde. Brennan cleared her throat and moved back a little. Whilst Booth muttered under his breath as he recognised the man.
"Long time no see, Booth!" He walked up to him. Booth moved in front of Brennan, put on a smile and shook the man's hand.
"Craig, it's been a while!"
"What have you been upto? Hows the FBI treating you?"
"Same old, same old," Booth replied with a hint of bitterness. Brennan popped her head out from behind Booth, puzzled and looking for an explanation. Craig's opportunity had presented itself.
"Who's your lady friend?" He smiled warmly at Brennan.
Booth flinched inwardly as stepped away from Brennan and Craig shook her hand. She found to be a pleasant man and introduced herself. A million thoughts were running through Booth's mind as he watched the scene unroll in front of him. Shit, he swore to himself; things were about to get ugly.
So what was Brennan going to ask Booth? And who is this evil guy? Review to find out! D
Not as much BB in this one but the next one will have more! I think the next chapter will be the last, if you have any ideas let me know!
I'm doing this for you guys so please review! Thanks for reading!