A/N: I normally don't do song fics, in actuality, I skip past the song and read the fiction, but I found this song while perusing the 'net, and felt it was appropriate. It compliments the chapter, but isn't completely vital, so feel free to skip past it if you want.

Brennan stood in the museum, her eyes closed as she listened to the sound of laughter and music that filled the space. Hodgins and Zach stood suspiciously close to the eggnog, but this year Brennan chose to ignore the fact that they were going to put pure alcohol in the holiday drink. Her mind raced with everything that had transpired in the past few days. Booth had kissed her twice, and David had professed his love for her. She sighed in frustration. Why couldn't her feelings for Booth be transferred to David? He was a nice guy, safe, reliable, and did genuinely care for her. He also didn't want children, so in a relationship with him, she wouldn't feel pressure to have something she didn't want.

Silver bells are ringing

Carolers are singing

Snowflakes drifting through the air

Everybody's shopping

Got no time for stopping

It looks like Christmas is here.

Then there was Booth. He made her feel, plain and simple. Whether it was anger, joy, irritation, safe…he made her feel. He stripped away her analytical wall until she was exposed to the core. He could see right through her, and for all of his alpha male tendencies, he protected her. She didn't need to be protected, damn it. She was strong and independent. She didn't need to feel vulnerable, and if there was one thing Booth could do in abundance, it was make her feel vulnerable.

So tell me

How do I wrap my heart up for Christmas

I wanna give it to you

Pretty bows and ribbons

Don't fit the gift I'm givin'

Your loving arms will have to do

Temperance felt a pair of arms encircle her waist. She stiffened at the touch, but fought the urge to knock the person on their ass.

"Temperance, have you given any thought about joining me?" It was David. Temperance loosened his arms enough to turn and face him.

"Yes, I have."

"And?"

"I think I will. I mean, Angela spends the day with her dad, and Russ isn't coming up, so…I mean, I'm not putting you on the bottom of my priority list or anything."

"Tempe, it's okay, I know what you mean. I'm glad you're going. My family's going to love you, just like I do." He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. A surge of guilt washed through Temperance again as her thoughts quickly returned to the kiss she shared with Booth. Why was this so different? Why did Booth have to make everything so complicated, and why was he always in her thoughts?

"Do you want to stay over tomorrow so we can get an early start?" She asked him. He gave her a broad smile and kissed her again.

"I'd love to." She returned his smile with a small one of her own, and watched as he left the party. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her palms felt a little sweaty. She could feel panic rising and took a few deep breaths to calm down. As the feeling of helplessness began to drift away, she felt something else, something familiar. She turned and saw Seeley Booth standing in a doorway, watching her.

At first, I thought of giving you

A pretty diamond ring

Wore myself out shopping

For a million other things

Finally decided

On something you can't buy

But how will I disguise it

So you will be surprised.

Seeley strode over to her, and Brennan noticed he was wearing an expression she couldn't read. She reached up to smooth her hair and straightened her clothing quickly. Booth gave her a sad smile, which puzzled her.

"Booth, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I don't really know why I'm here, but I had to see you."

"Booth…"

"No Bones, no interruptions. I have to tell you something, and I promise to not bring it up again."

"Is this about David? I'm sorry he hit you the other day…"

"Please, just let me get through this. Temperance, there's something you need to know, and if I don't tell you now, I don't know that I ever will. To me, you are perfect. I love you, and will until you look like the bones you work with everyday."

"Booth, what is it you want from me?" She said is softly, trying to fight off the rapidly rising tears.

"All I want, is you. I realize it's not something I can have, so from this point on, I'm willing to maintain a professional relationship and not cause anymore havoc in your personal life." He offered her another small smile, then pulled her into a hug. He closed his eyes, feeling like a complete ass as Brennan began to cry into his shoulder. At that point, he wanted nothing more than to take her away and protect her for the rest of his life. He didn't care if he had to fight David to do it.

How do I wrap my heart up for Christmas

I wanna give it to you

Pretty bows and ribbons

Don't fit the gift I'm givin'

Your lovin' arms will have to do.

Once he felt Temperance regaining her control, he gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead and left the party. She stood, stunned, unable to follow him. As he reached the door, he turned and looked back at her. The look of utter longing made her heart break as she watched him disappear around the corner. The feeling of panic rose in her chest once again, and she looked for a place to sit down as the tears streamed from her eyes. Why? Why did he have to do this to her? It wasn't fair. She didn't want to feel the heartache that she had. She didn't want to feel like she was cheating on Booth with David instead of the other way around. If he only wanted to maintain a professional relationship, then so be it. She would throw herself fully into her relationship with David, Seeley be damned.

With a new resolve, she wiped away the tears and left the party. She had some packing to do and gifts to wrap. She was not going to let Booth ruin this Christmas.

A/N: I know, it's short, and I'm sure you're all throwing rotten vegetables at me. Please, please be kind in your reviews, and I swear, it will get better.