The Ties that Bind

I own nothing; Bones belongs to Fox and its affiliates as well as Kathy Reich's. I simply want to borrow them for my own amusement. All constructive reviews are appreciated and welcome, no flames please.

Please forgive the skip in time, but this story is centered around the gala, so I decided you don't need a whole chapter dedicated to Angela's shopping excursions ;)

Ch 2

Pas De Deux

Seeley Booth was a patient man as a former sniper he had to be, standing in the shadows of the bar he patiently scanned the crowd watched as the socialites tripped over themselves to chase around those of importance like lost children. It sickened him to watch as they chased their prey around in fancy clothes desperately hoping that they would become noticed, and embraced by those with power. Sipping his Vodka casually he smirked and continued on his quest of scanning for the object of his interest. He noticed Hodges and Zach enter in navy suits, both looking surprisingly comfortable and quite distinguished. Hodges took a quick look around sighed and made a quick beeline for the bar signally for a Scotch neat before he had reached it. At this Booth smiled, it seems he wasn't the only one bored with the current surroundings. Hearing a familiar voice he turned as Angela entered the gala.

"Zach" she called as she entered through the double doors as she reached her friend.

"Angela you look nice" he smiled as she reached him, her dark hair was now softly curled, and her features had taken on an exotic glow her eyes were now lined with kohl and the red knee length dress that she wore with a high slit showed off her feminine features and playful nature. Booth did not miss the men who set admiring glances her way.

"Yes she does" Hodges said with a smile he passed Angela a cocktail while clutching his Scotch like a lifeline.

Booth made a move to join them, secretly delighted that his "squints" for that is how he saw them now much to his chagrin were there to join him as he much preferred their company to those of the squawking socialites when Dr.Goodman's voice interrupted his reverie.

"Special Agent Booth, such a lovely event wouldn't you agree?"

Booth smiled and turned to face the good doctor,

"Indeed, I was just about to go join Angela, Hodges and Zach"

"They are here, oh I see them thank you Booth I best go make sure that Hodges conspiracy theories are not running rampant and protect the young men here from Miss. Montenegro" he set out to join his scientists

Booth smiled and shook his head turning back to the bartender he was set to order another drink when time stopped.

At least, that is how he remembers it, the moment that Dr. Temperance Brennan walked into the room. Time Stopped.

All he could do was stare, she was dressed simply in a soft pink floor length gown, her shoulders bare and a simple small pendant around her neck her hair piled softly atop her head with a few tendrils framing her lovely face, her eyes seemed huge and captivated him and the soft makeup she wore drew the men in the room to her side, fawning over her as if she was a precious object to be coveted. At this Booth felt a sudden sense of rage within How dare they presume that she is just another pretty face, that she will be overjoyed at their attentions? No, she was his Bones and dammit he would prove it. Turning to the bartender he ordered another Scotch and a Chardonnay. Oh yes, he would prove it after all, alls fair in love and war and Seeley Booth was quite experienced at war. Turning with a purposeful stride he glided across the floor towards his target.

Temperance Brennan had never felt more uncomfortable then she did at that moment, from the second that she walked through the door she felt eyes on her, finding Hodges, Angela and Zach, she all but tripped over them in her haste to reach their side. Zach and Hodges gave her admiring glances and Dr. Goodman leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"You look lovely Temperance" they chorused in unison

Angela, just grinned "I TOLD you that you were a knockout in that dress sweetie"

"Ange" Brennan started to reprimand her dear friend when she was attacked.

Attached by hoards of men, appearing out of nowhere eager to shake her hand, or give her a hug eager to reach her side and fawn over the lovely Dr. Brennan. As she contemplated if she could roundhouse kick in this dress and 4 inch spiked heels that Angela insisted "matched the dress to a key and were oh so killer" she heard the voice of her "knight in FBI standard issue body armor" (A/N Wasn't that a GREAT episode")

"Well well Bones, looks like you could use a drink." She met Booth's eyes which seemed to bore into hers and she gratefully accepted the Chardonnay Booth offered her.

"Thank you" she smiled, accepting the fact that he would never cease calling her Bones.

He gave her a genuine smile and the men surrounding her took a small step back. Never breaking eye contact he grasped her hand and bringing it to his lips he kissed her palm gently, smirking when she gave a faint gasp.

"They were wrong" never breaking eye contact and refusing to relinquish her hand she had to strain to hear him now, "you don't look lovely, you look exquisite" He smiled with a twinkle in his eye.

Target acquired.