TITLE: Bones – The Heart Knows What The Heart Wants.

AUTHOR: D M Harper

SUMMARY: How does Doctor Temperance Brennan cope with Agent Booth's absence?

RATING: M Contains sexual content between two female characters. (Be Warned)

DISCLAIMER: This story is written for entertainment only and no profit is obtained. No copyright infringement is indented to 20th Century Fox Television or creators Hart Hanson and Kathy Reichs. All original characters remain my property.

Chapter 10

Temperance was greeted at the door by Veronica and Martie. She handed over a bottle of wine and said, "Hello Mrs Tanner and Martie."

"Hi Tem," replied Martie excitedly as Temperance bent down and cuddled her.

"Hello Temperance and please call me Veronica. Come on inside, dinner is just about ready."

Stepping into the foyer, Temperance was approached by a sandy haired, six foot Fred Tanner.

"Good evening, would you like a glass of wine?"

"Yes thank you and hello."

Half an hour after eating, Fred took Martie to bed and read her a story. When he returned he joined the conversation about Temperance's work and asked a plethora of questions.

Temperance left for home a little after ten thirty and prepared for bed as soon as she walked through the front door.

Alex phoned twelve minutes later, "Hey Brennan, how did dinner go?"

"You're parents were very charming and Martie was wonderful."

"It sounds like you had a good time."

"It was a most enjoyable night. How was your meeting with the State Attorney?"

"It went well and I'm all prepped for trial."

"That's good, what do you plan on doing tomorrow?"

"I'm going to sleep in then have a lunch date with a friend."

Temperance's voice went up a decibel, "Oh, a date."

"Are you jealous Brennan?"

"Jealousy is an irrelevant emotion," rationalised Temperance deadpan.

"Why is that?"

"Who you spend time with is of no concern to me."

"Not even as my friend?"

Temperance's reply was defensive, "Especially as your friend."

"I'll stop messing with you, it's an old colleague of mine from New York and he is married with two children."

"So you were merely trying to provoke a reaction from me?"

"Yes and I apologise."

"I don't understand why you engage in this kind of conversation when you know I will not give you the answers you seek."

"Oh, for shit's sake Brennan, do you have to over think everything I say?"

"Why are you now angry at me?"

"I'm not angry at you."

"Then what are you?"

"I'm tired and annoyed."

"What have I done to annoy you?"

"Tempe, I'm not annoyed with you either, I'm just missing Martie. I hate being away from her for this long."

"I see."

Alex gulped then admitted, "I miss you too."

"You do?"

"Yes I do Temperance. I've become used to our Saturday dinners."

"I admit they have become a pleasurable routine for me."

Alex changed the topic, "Are you planning on working on your novel tomorrow?"

"Only in the morning, I have a date in the afternoon."

"Oh, you have a date."

"Yes and is it your turn to be jealous?"

"No, and you should date. I hope you have a good time."

"Alex, no more games. Tell me how you feel?"

"I'm hurt that someone else will be spending time with you and trying to romance you."

"Why does that injure you, we are only friends?"

"Because, if I had any sense it would be me asking you out."

"Well, it's fortunate for you that my date is with your daughter."

Alex cracked up, "Oh you played me good Brennan."

"I believe I did and we are now even," taunted Temperance with a chuckle.

"Tempe, would you like to go out with me on a real date Friday night?"

"I would like that very much."

"That's great. It's late, so I'll call you tomorrow night."

"I look forward to then, goodnight Alex."

"Sweet dreams."

Alex fell back onto her pillows and grinned. She had finally taken that step forward and felt relieved.

The door opened to reveal a black dress attired Temperance and Alex took a moment to admire the view.

"You look very beautiful, are you ready to go?"

"I wanted to look nice for you."

"You always look nice Tempe, even when you are in your coveralls and covered in mud."

Temperance chuckled and grabbed her handbag, "So do you."

"Martie says hello." Alex moved to the lift and pressed the button.

"How is she?"

"She is busy making a list of gifts she wants for her birthday next month."

"Has she asked for a pony?"

Tittering, Alex replied, "Yes and a party. I've already vetoed the horse."

Stepping inside the car, Temperance reached for Alex's hand, "I'm glad you asked me out."

"You wore me down," teased the blonde.

"I believe that is incorrect, your mother told me she had words with you."

The lift stopped and Alex led Temperance to her car, "She made me realise I was missing out on a great opportunity for happiness."

Temperance smirked, "I like your mother and she is very wise."

"The feeling is mutual; she thinks you are good for me."

Temperance smiled brightly, "I think I am good for you too."

Alex grinned back at the brunette and closed the door.

The couple enjoyed their meal at a French restaurant and Alex had Temperance home by ten forty. She walked her to the door and thanked her for a wonderful evening.

"If you are not busy, would you like to have dinner at my place tomorrow?"

"Well, it is a tradition and I'd like to spend some time with Martie."

"I'll see you at six thirty then."

"You will and tonight was very pleasant."

Alex leaned in and kissed Temperance tenderly then said, "Goodnight." She strolled towards the lift and pushed the call button. Without looking back to check, she knew Temperance was watching her every move.