Meetings
Booth had wrangled an early meeting with Director Cullen that morning. Therefore, they were in his SUV travelling towards the FBI building when Booth's cell went off, "Booth."
"G-man do you know where Brennan is because it is 9:10 and she isn't here.? I'm pretty sure it's a sign of the apocalypse."
To the flighty artist it was only a joke. However, if she had been in the car with the crime-fighting duo she would have noticed them both stiffen. Booth whispered, "Relax it's not a Tuesday." Then louder so he could answer Angela, "Well Ange you can relax. Bones is with me, we have a meeting with Director Cullen this morning. I already let Cam know."
They heard the artist let out an audible sigh of relief, "You better bring her back G-man."
Bones rolled her eyes, "You know I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"I know sweetie but I worry."
They were on the steps of the FBI Building, Booth forgot to tell her, "I forgot you'll have your gun permit by the end of the week."
Bones smirked, "So now we know what it takes, a potential apocalypse."
He pouted, "Laugh it up."
It was time for their meeting and Booth directed Bones to her sit in the familiar way of a hand at the small of her back. The Director kept up a gruff appearance but truth be told he had a lot of respect for the pair.
Booth started tentatively, "Well Sir . . ."
Bones took pity knowing romance was something he had never been comfortable discussing, "Honestly we'd like to start a romantic relationship."
Anyone would forgive him for the shock which was apparent on his face, "I see. Why exactly do you want my permission?"
Booth took over the conversation, "Well sir, the feelings have always been there but out of respect to the FBI we've never let it progress. However, with recent events we want to pursue a relationship."
Director Cullen inwardly smiled and wondered just how much money he could make in the office pool, "Well I will say that officially the guidelines are for FBI officers and Dr Brennan while a valuable asset is considered only a consultant. Therefore no rules have been broken." Cullen took a deep breath so he could reassure the partners. "I appreciate the honesty you have shown and will make only one stipulation for you maintaining your partnership and that is you continue to see Dr Sweets."
Booth and Bones didn't even need to look at each other as they both agreed, "Of course that is acceptable."
Having got what they wanted out of the meeting, they quickly left, however, before leaving Brennan turned around, "Director?"
"Yes Dr Brennan"
She had an enigmatic smile, "As I understand tomorrow is a good day for a flutter."
Cullen managed to maintain his composure during what he thought could only be described as a surreal meeting. It could be his imagination but Dr Brennan this morning seemed to be more approachable, "I will take that under advisement."
Booth was curious as to what his partner had been referring to. He waited until they were in the lift, "What was that all about?"
Bones couldn't help but look incredulously at Booth, "You mean you don't know about the pool about us?"
"THERE'S A WHAT?"
Now she was smug, usually she was the oblivious one, "Surely you know about the office gossip and betting pool. I know the one at the Jeffersonian is worth a substantial amount."
Booth wanted to be angry but somehow but he couldn't quite manage to be angry.
He dropped her back to the medico-legal lab before they left the car park, "Here catch."
She caught it before she turned around; highlighting her returning powers. She opened the small jewellery box and had a brief moment of deja-vu she saw the beautiful small cross. A wry smile crossed her face, "Least I know you want to be my friend this time."
She held the necklace up so Booth could help her put it on. She lifted her hair so her neck was clear and he whispered huskily in her ear, "I want to be a lot more than that and you know it."
Even now a light touch was enough to gain a reaction from her. Taking advantage of the situation, Booth put his hands on her hips and gently twisted Bones around to steal a hug and kiss.
She tucked the cross into her white shirt and noticed her grad student crossing the car park. It was a terrific shame that Wendell's face was not captured on camera.
Brennan whispered to Booth, "I think I know the perfect way to help Wendell."
The flustered graduate student did not quite know what to say. Booth let him off the hook, "Relax Goalie. Here's the thing you keep this quiet till tomorrow and you can make a killing in the pool."
Wendell relaxed, "Sounds fine to me, by the way congratulations."
Dr Brennan smiled widely, "Thanks Wendell I'll be in shortly I just want to say bye to Booth."
Wendell entered the Lab to find Hodgin's and Zach having to listen to another Ange rant. That morning the artist was particularly mournful that despite her best efforts, her best friend was not with her favourite G-man.
Hodgin's upon seeing the young graduate student could have wept in relief thinking he had found an out, "Hey Wendell I promised you help didn't I."
Even the most oblivious man would have seen the Dr's attempt to escape his current position. Wendell though was curious, "What's up Angela?"
The pretty artist huffed, "You know that Dr Brennan and Agent Booth are made for each other. I mean the betting pool is swelling to giant proportions. Speaking of which, as one of us you should place a bet."
Wendell wondered if the situation could have presented itself any more perfectly. He knew he was no good at deception so he never tried, shrugging, hoping he appeared nonchalant, "Sure I'll have tomorrow."
Hodgin's looked at him curiously, "Why tomorrow?"
He maintained his composure and shrugged his shoulders, "Seems a good as day as any."
Hodgin's maintained the stare for a little longer but then seemed to dismiss whatever thought, "That's the spirit."
If the others had been paying attention they would have seen Dr Brennan's happy smile.
A/N As always read and review thanks for reading.
