Thank you all for your wonderful reviews!!! This being my first ever fan fic I was a little worried, but I shouldn't have been. Bones fans are AMAZING!!! I'm so glad you all are liking the story, and hopefully I can continue to make this a good story for you!

Chapter 2: To Booth or not to Booth?

As Brennan pulled on her gray knit hat, her blue eyes widened at the unexpectedly pleasant sight.

"Hey Bones!" "Hiya Angela! Nice thing you got, on your head there."

Angela's head popped back up, that coy smile still spread across her face as she eyed Brennan. "Why thank you Booth."

Feeling Angela's eyes upon her, Brennan, still unwilling to follow her down that complicated path, kept her gaze upon Booth. She noted a sadness in his voice.

"Booth, what are you doing here?" Hopefully that didn't sound too excited.

Trying to fully catch his breath after running in from the cold, his hands still in the pockets of his black trench coat, he moved his arms slightly as he talked in that usually expressive "Boothie" way.

Hoping to hide his disappointment, he explained, "Well, Rebecca was on her way back from her parents in Connecticut with Parker, when they learned the roads had been closed due to the snow. So, needless to say, I won't have Parker for Christmas. But that's alright, I've got good ol' TiVo to keep me company. " Then, with a wink, he shot Brennan that trademark charm smile he usually saved only for her.

Dammit, how can I resist that smile?

Brennan was well-versed in practically every form of martial arts. She could always defend herself against any physical threat, but when it came to protecting herself from that smile, her arsenal remained empty. No kick, punch, or jab could contain the power generated by that mega-watt grin.

"I'm sorry Booth. I know how much you were looking forward to spending Christmas with Parker. Hopefully you'll have fun with whoever this TiVo person is."

Angela and Booth both looked at each other and laughed.

"What's so funny?" Brennan deadpanned, shooting glances between the two.

Shaking his head and trying to quell his laughter, Booth explained, "Bones, TiVo is not a person, it's a thing. A recording device for your TV." He held out his hand, pretending to use a remote, "You know…", and imitating that unmistakable TiVo sound, "'Bloop, bloop'."

Brennan honestly confused, just shook her head. "I don't know what that means."

Angela was quickly at Brennan's side, wrapping an arm around her and patting her shoulder. "Later sweetie, later."

Booth and Angela were still chuckling.

"Nevermind Bones. So, hey, I take it your off to spend Christmas with your Dad and Russ and everybody? I hope you have a great time." While his sentiments were genuine, he secretly hoped she would invite him to join her.

"Well actually,...."

Not wanting a perfect opportunity to slip by, Angela quickly pounced as she tightened her grip on Brennan's shoulder, knowing full well her best friend would try to escape with her next utterance. "Actually, Brennan doesn't have any plans either." Brennan's face went completely ashen as she shot Angela what could only be described as a"death stare", but Angela refused to look at her. Now it was her turn to ignore her best friend's intentions. She loved Brennan, but when it came to Booth, she could be so adorably clueless sometimes.

"Oh really, what happened?" asked a surprised, but undoubtedly happy, Booth. He stared at his feet as he awaited an explanation. He felt his heart skip several beats and an unstoppable smile tugging at his lips.

Brennan opened her mouth to speak. It was as dry as the Sahara Desert. She swallowed hard, hoping to wet her palette to some degree. "Well, as I was trying to say..." she shot Angela another irritated glance, "...my Dad went to Florida with Russ and his family. They're visiting Amy's parents, and then taking the girls to Disney."

Booth raised his head back up to look at her, traces of a smile noticeable on his lips. "And you didn't want to go?"

Brennan bit her bottom lip as she carefully laid out the next sentence in her head. "Well, we had our family Christmas last week. Besides, I couldn't abandon... our case, and I had to have my manuscript done by the 28th, so I didn't think it a wise decision."

Booth silently nodded in agreement. "So, what are going to do now?"

An awkward silence hung in the air. Angela remained at Brennan's side, her arms now folded as her eyes darted between the two partners. C'mon, sweetie, just ask him, you know you want to!

Brennan stood there blinking for a few moments. Booth chewed on his lower lip, trying to look casual, all the while, hoping she'd make plans with him.

Just then, Angela noticed Hodgins approaching, his hands full with her coat, hat, and scarf and numerous Christmas gifts they each received. "Ange, I'm all set to...", noticing Booth's presence, "...uh, go. Hey G-man, didn't know you'd be here."

"Hey there Hodgins, that's quite the balancing act you got goin' on there."

"Yeah thanks. I'm thinking of joining the circus." Hodgins chuckled to himself as he surveyed the abundance in his arms.

"Oh, I'm not even going to attempt that one." Booth muttered under his breath as he settled on the couch, staring at his hands and twiddling his thumbs.

Angela eyes met Hodgins, and she quickly tipped her head to the side, the Angela signal for "Get lost, I'm trying to play matchmaker here!"

"Uh yeah, so I'm just going to wait out here for you Ange."

Angela smiled and nodded. Thank God I have him so well trained.

"Sweetie, I'd better go, but have a wonderful Christmas! And if you get...uh, lonely," she quickly glanced at Booth, "call me!" She leaned in to kiss Brennan on the cheek, and whispered near her ear, "If you need me to leave my headband, I will. Booth seemed to like it." She smiled and winked as she pulled away. Brennan rolled her eyes again.

Angela turned her attention to Booth, "And Merry Christmas to you too Booth!"

Booth stood, knowing Angela was waiting to put her mistletoe to good use. "Merry Christmas Angela" he said softly smiling as he gave her small peck on the cheek.

"Have fun you two!" And with that Angela was gone, smiling happily to herself as she strutted out the door, leaving the two partners to their own devices. She met Hodgins in the hallway. Bags were scattered at his feet while his arms still held Angela's coat. Taking her hat and scarf, he helped her slip on her coat.

Noticing the smirk on her face, he asked with a touch of deviousness in his voice, "So Matchmaker, did your evil plan work?"

Angela exhaled as she held up crossed fingers, "Phalanges crossed."

And so ends Chapter 2, still want more?