Booth sat in a first class seat, next to his boss who was fast asleep on his shoulder.

"Stacey," he whispered. "We're landing in twenty minutes," he said, shaking her slightly.

"Mm k, I'm awake," the woman said sitting up. She smiled at Booth, who politely returned the smile but it never truly reached his eyes.

His mind wandered to Brennan and his heart ached for her, the same way it did every time his mind wandered off to the topic of her.

"So, do you wanna get changed before we head off to this thing or do you usually rock up to places in jeans and a t-shirt?" Stacey asked leaning on the armrest slightly, exposing her cleavage to him.

"Uh, I'll change when we get to the place, if that's ok? I have some more formal clothes in my bag," Booth replied, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"That's fine, I'm sure my cousin will have something for me to wear," Stacey said. "I'll find her at the party and we can go to her place,"

Booth nodded and rested his head against the seat. This was absolute torture.

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Two hours later Stacey and Booth walked into an impressive looking mansion and were instantly apprehended.

"You can not tell me, that you and your date are going in there, dressed like that," a woman said.

"Actually, I'm looking for Dan, thought I could borrow something off her," Stacey replied to the woman.

"Fine, stay here for goodness sake, I'll be right back with Danielle," the woman said turning on her heel and walking into the ballroom.

"I thought I was coming as an associate, not a date," Booth said.

"Oh come on Keenan, it's just for one night, I still don't understand why you won't go out on one little date with me," Stacey said.

"Because Stacey we have had this discussion, I am just not interested in dating anyone at the moment ok?" Booth replied.

"What are you gay?" Stacey said frustrated.

"No," Booth replied.

They both looked up as the door behind Stacey opened and a blonde woman stepped out.

"Stacey!" the woman exclaimed.

"Dan!" Stacey replied just as excited.

"You look great," Dan replied.

"Same to you, Dan this is Keenan Parker, he works with me," Stacey said turning to Booth.

"Nice," Dan said looking at Booth. "To meet you that is," she said blushing.

"You too," Booth mumbled.

"So, you need a dress, come on I'll take you over to the house," Dan said, linking arms with Stacey and heading towards the door, Booth following them like a third wheel.

"Is it ok if Keenan changes while we're there? We came straight from the airport," Stacey said.

"Of course," Dan replied, once again looking over Booth appreciatively.

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Brennan hummed along with the music as she waited for Danielle to return.

"Hey Joy," a man's voice spoke softly into her ear.

"Hey Luka," she said turning around and smiling at Danielle's brother.

"Where's Dan?" he asked casually, leaning on the bar next to her.

"Um, your cousin Stacey is here, she went off to save her from your mom and her obsessive behavior apparently," Brennan said pulling a face.

"Ah, yes, Stacey, straight in from Hell," Luka laughed. "Texas, that is. You look great by the way,"

Brennan blushed slightly.

"Thanks, you scrub up nicely yourself," she replied, returning his smile.

"Care to dance?" Luka asked, holding out his hand.

"Love to," Brennan said taking his outstretched palm and letting him lead her onto the dance floor.

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"So," Booth said stepping into the entryway to wait for Stacey to appear. "You're Stacey's cousin?" he asked.

"The one and only magnificent Danielle," Dan replied laughing.

"She talks about you often, you work for the MBI?" Booth asked.

"Yup, I love it, gives me a sense of purpose," Danielle replied. "Plus my partner is a hoot,"

"Oh yea," Booth replied, not really that interested.

"Yea, her name is Joy, remind me to introduce you two," Danielle said, tapping her heel impatiently. "In fact, you may have to save me from her if we're any longer. That's one thing about Joy Booth, that woman doesn't wait around for anyone," Danielle said, smiling at him.

"I'm sorry," Booth said turning to face her, his heart skipping a beat, he prayed he had heard her right. "What did you say her name was?"

"Joy Booth. She transferred here about a year ago," Danielle replied. "Do you already know her, coz if you do, she's been holding out on me," she laughed raking her eyes over Booth who was now dressed in black dress pants and a crisp white button up shirt.

Booth was saved an answer as Stacey came walking down the stairs in a blue dress that matched her eyes.

"Oh thank God, I thought I'd have to ring the boys and tell them to send the squad down here to look for you," Danielle said sarcastically as she grabbed her cousin's arm and pulled her towards the door. "We are gonna be in so much trouble for taking so long,"

Booth followed the two women as they made their way back towards the main house, his heart beating rapidly at the possibility that Brennan may be there. He squelched the thought. That was impossible; it was just a name that was vaguely familiar. His brain was playing tricks on him.

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Ok yea..more coming..will they see each other?? dun dun dun! lol

Rocky