Chapter Three

Booth pushed the gear shift into drive, and slowly signaled into the flow of traffic. He turned his head, and smiled at Temperance. In the salmon sky of evening, the backdrop cast a warm glow on her skin, tinting it an attractive shade of pink.

He twisted the car through the narrow roads of campus and headed towards Route 193. As he left campus, he asked, "So, you're a TA for a class?"

"Yes, Skeletal and muscular anatomy. It's a class which I greatly enjoyed." Temperance had slowly pulled her hand away from his, placing it in her lap, brushing out invisible wrinkles. She slid her fingers over the smooth viscose of the skirt, brushing the material covering her knees.

Booth's hand returned to the steering wheel, absently drumming his fingers along the neoprene cover.

"You know, I should call you 'Bones.'"

"Why? I have a name. Temperance Brennan. "

"I know. And Temperance is a wonderful name. It's just a little long and you need a nickname."

"What about you? You prefer that people call you Booth? Why not Seeley?"

He absently shrugged. "Eh, it just seems like a strange name. It's not very normal. And it kind of sounds like a girl's name. "

"It means beloved. Anthropologically, I can understand the desire for a parent to reaffirm their love for their children. "

Booth shrugged, brushing off the implicit question by changing the topic. "So, are you from Maryland?"

Temperance replied, "No, I'm from Skokie, Illinois. It's a small town a little in the suburbs of Chicago."

"Why did you choose Maryland then? The impression I get is that you're pretty smart."

"It has a great anthropology department, and it's located really close to the Jeffersonian. I want to work there later."

"Really? In the museums, like a curator or something?"

"Believe it or not, the Jeffersonian is a renowned research institution. There is a large lab which does much of the background work for the museums."

"Sounds great. I'm pretty glad you decided to go to Maryland."

She turned her head, and looked at Booth questioningly. "Why is that?"
"Well, I would have never met you if you'd gone some place closer to home, right?" Booth smiled back at her.

That man should not be allowed to his dimples that way. He's far too enticing this way. Temperance cleared her throat, and asked, "So, where are we going anyways?"
He replied, "Don't worry, you'll like it. It's a cute little place that one of the guys I work with recommended. It's just a little further away." Within a few seconds, Booth signaled into the turn lane and turned left into a little lot in front of a small restaurant.

Chef's Secret? Temperance wondered what kind of food it was. She had never seen the place, though it was a scant ten minutes away from campus. As soon as Booth stopped, he clicked off his seatbelt and threw the car into park.

Booth quickly unlocked and opened his door as Temperance was unbuckling her seat belt and he jogged around the front of his car to open her car door.

"I am capable of opening my own door Booth." She stepped out, and pulled her cardigan a little closer to her body. She slipped her purse back over her arm and brushed down her skirt after a slight gust of wind. The evening had cooled rapidly, and as per Maryland weather, had shifted into a cloudy, starless night.

"Bones, this is just something guys do. I hope you'll like this place. It's kind of a general Asian restaurant. I know you like Chinese food, so I figured you'd like this place." With a gentle hand on the small of her back, he led her to the restaurant's entrance. He pulled open the door, holding it open for her as she stepped in to the warmer restaurant, out of the cooler night.

"Don't call me Bones!" she retorted in mock indignation. She walked in, taking note of the opulent setting, decorated richly with Asian motifs. As her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting inside the restaurant, she saw a detailed jade sculpture on the register, A dozen or so tables were lined up in the middle of the restaurant and the edges were lined with booths. A middle-aged Asian man walked up to them and asked them to follow him to a booth for two. Booth in a booth, she thought, appreciating the interesting juxtaposition. When they were seated, he presented them with two menus, and asked if they would like to order any drinks. As he walked away with their drink order, Temperance shrugged off her sweater, pulling off the light cardigan.

"Why did you choose Maryland?" she asked.

"Well, I grew up near Harrisburg, and that was about as close to Penn State as I wanted to go. Rutgers wasn't too appealing of a choice either. I went to Pitt for one year, and I thought a change would be nice. This was the only college I was interested in, in the end."

The waiter stopped at their table, dropping off their drinks: a Coke for Booth and water for Temperance. She picked up her straw and absently pushed around a few ice cubes in her glass. Booth picked up his glass, taking a slow drink of the sugary beverage.

"Why did you leave Pitt? I'm assuming you are referring to the University of Pittsburgh," Temperance asked,

"Yeah. I got a football scholarship there. I played for one season as a reserve quarterback, and then I blew out my shoulder. The doctors said that the physical therapy itself would take several months. By this time, I was released from my scholarship, and I couldn't stay in college."

"I see. That's when you joined the Army?"
"Yeah. Couple years later, I'm off to Iraq, the Somalia, and then home for a little bit, right?"

"Hopefully, the Army doesn't have too many more altercations with other countries?"

Booth grinned. "Oh yeah? Why is that?"

Temperance dropped her eyes from his face, choosing instead to study the wood grain of the table. She traced the brown lines of the wood, circling her finger around a knot in the grain. Finally, she responded, "No reason. Just because."

"Really?" Booth teased. "Are you sure you don't have any other reasons?"

She turned her eyes away from his, regarding the menu analytically. She raised one hand to brush a curl behind her ear. As she did so, the warm light of the lantern on the table cast a friendly glow on the lock of hair. She finally responded, "It is highly important to continue one's education, Booth."

In this dimmed light, she looked far different from the sunlight or the fluorescent lights of a classroom. Her hair had a golden shine, turning the usually auburn shade into a nutty brown, catching the golden flecks and bringing them forth. Her eyes, too, had taken on a different shade. They appeared greener, and if possible, even clear which was slightly startling to Booth. He had seen his fair share of blondes (especially cheerleaders) with their green and blue eyes, but none as striking as hers.

"So what do you want to get?" Booth asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

She looked up from the menu, even though she had barely paid attention to the words on it. "I'm… I'm not really sure. I've never had Thai food, so I really don't know what to expect."

"Ha, that was my first experience. I served with this guy from Jersey whose mom was from Vietnam. When I went to visit him after our first tour, we went to this place where they had like a whole Asian buffet. That was really my first time."

Booth chuckled with ease, his dimples creating attractive shadows on his face.

Temperance, too, was observing him, though under the guise of reading her menu. She noted his strong arms, only lightly covered by a dark dress shirt. He had opted to leave a few buttons open, giving her a glimpse of tanned, smooth skin. In the lamp-light, his eyes were darker, but by no means seemed more dangerous. His open smiles and carefree manner were encouraging her to lighten up, and let go of her usual reserve.

Booth continued, "I guess it really depends on what you like. If you're into spicy food, then the curries are pretty good. But hey, I'm partial."

Temperance glanced up, "Well, tell me what you like and help me decide."

"Alright," Booth smirked. "Don't blame me if it's a little too hot for you."

"I can handle it," she quipped back.

"I usually get the beef red curry."

At this, she made a face. "I don't eat red meat Booth."

"Which is why, luckily for you, they make it with chicken."

Temperance smiled. "I did read that, believe it or not."

Booth smiled before suggesting that the two of them share an appetizer. They quickly decided on an appetizer. When Booth was still perusing the menu after placing their order, he felt his skin tingle as though someone was watching him. When he looked up, he noticed that Temperance was looking at him with her head tilted, studying him almost curiously.

"What, do I have spinach in my teeth?" Booth joked.

"Wha… No. I'm sorry. I was just observing you."

"And what were your observations, Bones?"

"Don't call me Bones! And you have very symmetrical features. You are very highly above average for society."

"Is that a good thing?"

"Of course it is. Symmetry in facial features is indicative of many things, foremost being the attractiveness of the subject."

"Then this subject says thank you."

"You're welcome. But I was just stating a fact. It wasn't inherently complementary."

"Well, thank you for informing me. You are quite symmetrical yourself."

"Yes, I know. One of the TAs for my anthropology class told me that."

"But did he tell you that you're gorgeous?" Booth asked.

"No, that's not true. Gorgeous is a subjective determination. Symmetry is not."

"Bones, from where I'm standing, you're pretty gorgeous to me."

"You're not standing, you're seated. And thank you."

"Has anyone ever told you that you can be too literal?" Booth was fascinated by this young woman, so different than her peers. She was not like those studious girls, most of who had taken up studies in pre-med majors or engineering. She wasn't a vapid girl interested only in clothes and barely passing their classes.

"Yes, but I have found that being figurative leads to confusing conversation."

Booth smiled. "Sometimes, Bones, it's not about the conversation being clear."

Temperance tilted her head, speculating about his words. "I find that I don't understand that statement, but I appreciate it nonetheless."

Booth chuckled. "What do you like to do?"

"That's a very broad question."

"In your free time."

"Oh, in that case, I like to read anthropology journals. I also like reading articles on the effects of physical impact on the bones. And I admit, I'm fascinated by isotope analysis of bones to determine origin of the bones."

"Bones, that's not what you do for fun. It's things you do which don't involve the use of a highlighter."

"I admit, I have been contemplating writing a book based on a forensic anthropologist helping police solve a murder."

"Hey, you can base the cop after me. We can be the real-life inspiration for your books."

"Booth, the book is not based on the characters. It's based on science and the analysis of the bones to determine cause of death."

"Bones, just a suggestion here, but science only sells a couple of books. If you want to sell a couple million, you may have to add a little sex and violence in there."

"Why? Those are irrelevant to the story line."

"I know Bones, but people can relate to the characters, and they'll read the book that way. They are more likely to read a book with lots of sex and violence than they are one with a lot of science."

"I don't want to create a romance novel, Booth. I want to write a fictional story with real science."

"Bones, think of it this way. If you want to expose more people to science, add a little oomph and people will read the book. It's like taking a spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down. The medicine is the science, the sex is the sugar."

Temperance considered his words and nodded. "I see what you mean. But I'm not very good with interpersonal interactions. And I have…. No experience," she exhaled. After pausing, she gave a sharp laugh, "I have no experience sexually." Brennan flushed prettily, embarrassed at what her words revealed. She dropped her eyes, taking a deep interest in the details of the wood grained tabletop.

Booth flushed too, his tanned skin turning rosy under the heat of her gaze and the meaning behind her words. He reluctantly stammered, "Well, it was probably a bad idea anyways. After all, there's too much sex on TV anyways. People need something clean right?"

She smiled up at him, shyly looking back up at him. "I suppose. But I will take your ideas under consideration."

As their food arrived, their conversation lulled to comments about the food. Temperance complimented his choice, loving the crab and vegetable stuffed shrimp. With its delicate flavors and the spices and garlic highlighting the taste of the seafood, it was something both ate with gusto. As they nearly finished the plate, there was one piece left.

Booth reached for it and made a move to place it in his mouth, before reaching the stuffed shrimp and his arm across the table and towards Temperance. She tilted her head back and opened her mouth to speak, and before she could get any words out, she found her mouth full with the juicy morsel. Booth grinned, clearly enjoying the pleasure he saw on her face as she savored the treat.

After she chewed and swallowed, Temperance spoke. "Thanks Booth."

Booth simply smiled and took a sip of his drink.

During the evening, Booth and Temperance received their entrees and savored the flavors of each. Over dinner, their conversation ranged from inane topics about their musical tastes to more serious ones about their life plans.

Booth revealed that he wanted to join the FBI and take a more conventional job.

After much discussion about their plans and lives, they finished their meals. After much coercion on Booth's part, Temperance chose to get the sticky rice with mango for dessert, though only under the promise that he share it with her.

As they enjoyed the flavorful dessert, Brennan smiled, enjoying how she could feel free to be herself around this man she had only met a few days earlier.

Booth sat back, full, with not only food, but also happiness at how their first date had gone. He smiled at her, and she happily smiled back at his enthusiastic grins.

When the check arrived, Booth and Temperance tangled over it. Though, Booth won eventually, it was after he promised her that she could get the next check. The promise of another date startled her into silence, and he placed his card

After leaving their table, Booth grabbed a peppermint out of the bowl where they were held. He slipped it out of the cellophane wrapper and slipped it in his mouth before leading Temperance with a gentle hand on the small of her back. They walked back to his car and he unlocked the car.

Much to his regret, she pulled away from him and stepped to the passenger door by herself. As they both sat in the car, Booth turned it on and backed it out of the parking spot. He turned into the main road and made his way back towards campus.

As he turned onto campus, Booth turned to Temperance reluctantly. "I really enjoyed tonight," he commented.

She smiled back at him, "Me too. I agree, with you by the way."

"What about?"

"You told me when we met that I would enjoy Thai food. You were correct. I did like the food very much."

"I'm glad."

"Although…."

"Come on Bones, don't give me that. You know you loved it." Booth signaled to turn towards her dorm, nosing the car through the narrow road beside the recreation center.

"I just meant, although I liked the food, I liked my company more." She shyly turned her head, looking out the window as she waited for his response.

Booth was absolutely floored by her statement, before he proudly smirked. "I'm glad, Bones." As he pulled in front of her dorm building, he parked the car and helped her out of the car. When she stepped out, he pulled her into his arms, enveloping her in a gentle one-armed hug. They walked up the stairs together.

"Is this part of the same chivalric code that requires that you walk me back to my door?"

"Hey, Bones, this is PG County. You can never be too safe."

The pair climbed the stairs leading up to the main entrance of the building. She swiped her card at the door, and watched it click open. Booth reluctantly released her, watching her open the heavy door. She turned, raising her hand in good bye.

Before the door could shut behind her, Booth grabbed the handle, stepping into the entrance area of her building. Temperance turned around, startled at his presence behind her. "Booth?"
"There's something I forgot to do." With this, he tilted his head, brushing his lips across hers.

Her eyes fell closed, and she reached an arm up, curling her arm around his neck, pulling his head closer to hers.

He breathed her in, smelling her delicate scent. He clasped his arm across her waist, pulling her body closer to his. After a few seconds, he was running out of oxygen, and he was

Flushed, they both pulled apart, breathing deeply as they searched the other's eyes. She smiled a little. "Thank you. That was very nice."

Booth rested his forehead against hers and grinned around her. "I'm glad you liked it. I did, too."

Reluctantly, he released her waist, but grabbed her hand. Giving it a quick squeeze, Booth stepped away from Temperance and turned to walk out the door.

As he re-entered the cool night, he smiled to himself, feeling the slight tingling in his lips as he remembered their first kiss. As he jogged down the steps to his car, he hoped that she was as enthusiastic about where this was going as he was.

Temperance was no better off. As she waited for the elevator to take her to her floor, she smiled to herself, feeling the kiss against her slightly kiss-plumped lips. She was alone in the elevator and tentatively reached a hand up to feel her face, knowing that she was pink and flushed. As the elevator dinged to let her know that she had reached her floor, Temperance stepped and walked toward her room. When she reached her door, she saw that it was open and noted that her roommate must be inside.

As she stepped in, she noted the bottles of cheap alcohol scattered around the room. Several boys and girls all dressed provocatively and seemingly interested in meaningless sexual encounters. With a slight shake of her head, Temperance quickly walked towards her dresser, pulling out a shirt and sweatpants. She hurriedly pulled out her key card, key and wallet out of her purse. She placed the single lovely daisy Booth had gotten her on her dresser, hoping that it would not be damaged by one of the extremely inebriated young men in her room.

"Hey Temperance," her roommate drunkenly slurred. "Grab a drink, cut loose. Boys aren't turned on by books you know."

Without turning to look at her, Temperance replied. "Thanks but no, I have some homework due tomorrow." She exchanged her flat white shoes for a pair of comfortable, utilitarian, moccasins.

Some shirtless boy grabbed her hip and attempted to grind against her, but she sidestepped him, picking up her backpack and swinging it over her shoulder. She pulled a hanger out of her closet, and headed out of the room.

She pulled the door behind her, briskly walking down to the bathroom. She stepped into a restroom stall, and pulled off her dress and hung it carefully on a hanger. She pulled on her tee-shirt and sweatpants, before exiting the stall. She pulled on her sweater over the tee-shirt and quickly rinsed her face.

Guess I'm spending another night in McKeldin, she ruefully thought. She pulled out a strip of paper towel from the dispenser and wiped her face quickly with it. As she left the bathroom, she saw Angela.

"Hey, Tempe, what's shakin'"

"I'm not sure. Currently, it could be a number of places experiencing minor earthquakes. The Pacific Rim is particularly susceptible to earthquakes."

"No, that's not what I meant. You know what, never mind. How was your date with Booth?"

"Angela, I have had no basis for comparison."

"Well, tell me what you feel. Was it romantic and wonderful?"

"Yes, it really was. I greatly enjoyed my time with him."

Temperance smiled widely, one which was returned enthusiastically by Angela.

A/N: I'm sorry I took so long to update. I'll try to be a little more regular over the next few months.