Spoiler: "The Passenger in the Oven" (Again, this probably won't make sense unless you've seen it.)
A/N: Two terrific eps in a row! The plot bunnies are infesting my brain!
…
Biggest Fan
Their murderer safely handcuffed to his seat, Booth and Brennan stood near the front of the plane, watching the passengers file out. Several people stopped to shake Brennan's hand enthusiastically.
"You have a lot of fans," Booth observed, smiling proudly.
Brennan rolled her eyes as a large man pumped her hand roughly. "Yeah and thanks to you, I also have the addresses of 58 'fans' expecting signed copies of my latest book."
Booth flashed her a charm smile. Despite her annoyance, she couldn't help smiling back. Booth chuckled and nudged her shoulder affectionately with his own. Dragging his gaze from his partner, he looked over at two elderly ladies who were gathering up their luggage. "Hey Bones, will you do me a favor?"
"What? Shake out my hair and say 'Mr. Booth, do you know what the penalty is for an overdue book?'" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously.
Booth let out a bark of laughter. He couldn't be sure, but he could swear there was a twinkle in her eye. "No, I'd like to introduce you to some friends." She allowed him to gently usher her over to the ladies with his hand on her lower back.
"Charlotte, Nadine… There's someone I'd like you to meet."
The two woman were star-struck. "Oh! Dr. Brennan! We're big fans of your books!" Charlotte babbled excitedly, while Nadine looked on in awe.
Brennan smiled warmly and shook their hands. Unlike most of her fans, these two didn't fawn all over her or try to initiate unwelcome intimacy. Besides, they were friends of Booth, which automatically elevated their status in her mind.
"These ladies were instrumental in solving our murder," Booth explained. "They happily provided us with tools for your autopsy and useful information that helped lead to the murderer." Both women beamed over Booth's flattering, if not slightly exaggerated, description of their involvement.
"We were thrilled to help," Charlotte gushed. "I only wish I had my copy of your book with me. I'd love to have your autograph." She frowned regretfully.
"Hold on to that thought…," Booth said as inspiration struck. He reached into the overhead compartment and hauled out his suitcase. Unzipping the front flap, he withdrew a hardcover novel. "You can have my copy." He glanced over at his surprised partner. "I don't think I'll have too much trouble getting a new one." Winking at Brennan, he added, "Maybe even an autographed copy…?" Laughing, she grabbed the book out of his hand.
The wannabe sleuths watched as their idol scrawled an inscription on the inside cover: "To Charlotte and Nadine: Your assistance was invaluable to our murder investigation. Sincerest thanks, Dr. Temperance Brennan." Booth, who had been reading over Brennan's shoulder, nodded his approval.
"Will you sign our book too?" Charlotte asked hopefully as Brennan handed her the book.
"Me?" Booth was surprised. "Why?"
"Well, because Special Agent Andy Lister is just as important to solving murders as Kathy Reichs." Chuckling as the partners shot each other confused glances, Charlotte explained, "I know who you are, Agent Booth… Dr. Brennan dedicated Cross Bones to you. As soon as I realized who you were, I knew where she got her inspiration for Andy."
Brennan's mouth dropped open in protest. "Booth is not the inspiration for Andy Lister. Andy Lister is a fictional character, as is Kathy Reichs. They aren't based on anyone."
Booth snorted. "So you're telling me that Kathy Reichs isn't you?"
Always literal, Brennan explained carefully, "I'm Temperance Brennan, remember Booth? Not Kathy Reichs."
Chuckling, Booth clarified. "I meant, you don't think Kathy Reichs is based on you?"
"Of course not," she dismissed.
"Right… A beautiful, brilliant forensic anthropologist that works with the FBI identifying bodies and solving murders… She's nothing like you."
Sheepishly, Brennan conceded. "Fine… I guess Kathy Reichs is a little like me, which is logical since I am the one writing about her." Booth grinned triumphantly, but she rushed on, "But Andy Lister is not you!"
Flipping open the book, Charlotte began reading. "'Handsome, charming, and quick-witted, Agent Lister brought an unsurpassed vigor to his work.' That sure sounds like Agent Booth," she reasoned, earning a frown from Brennan.
Taking the book from Charlotte, Booth continued where she left off. "'His exuberance, though annoying," he quirked an eyebrow at his partner, "'Was often the only thing that got Kathy through her day.'" Slamming the book shut with finality, he gave Brennan a smug look. "That sounds pretty accurate… Except for the annoying thing."
"That does not describe you!"
"I think it does," he taunted. Before she could protest again, he snatched the pen out of her hand. He chewed on the end, pausing to think of an appropriate inscription. Talking as he wrote, Booth scribbled out his message. "To Pan Oceanic's finest investigators, Charlotte and Nadine: Thanks for all your help with our case. Sincerely, Special Agent Seeley Booth."
Handing the book back to Charlotte, Booth resumed pestering his partner. "So what other aspects of my personality get you through your days? How about my sense of humor? My good looks? My winning smile?" He poked her playfully in her side with the pen.
Not amused, Brennan snatched the pen out of his grasp, wrinkling her nose when she realized it was wet with his saliva. "For the last time, Booth, you are not the inspiration for Andy!"
Charlotte and Nadine smiled at each other knowingly. "We have to catch our connecting flight, but we're so honored to have met you both," Nadine said. Booth helped them gather their carry-on luggage and shook each lady's hand.
"This was the best flight I've ever been on," said Charlotte, repeating her earlier sentiment. She started to follow her companion toward the front of the plane. On an impulse, she turned back to the partners. "Dr. Brennan, I just have one question… Will Dr. Reichs and Agent Lister ever get together?"
Brennan seemed to mull over the question. "Well, I think Kathy and Andy are very good friends and I hesitate to get them involved romantically." She paused, giving the idea some serious thought. "However, I believe Kathy loves Andy and one day she'll probably realize they're perfect for each other, despite their differences."
Charlotte's knowing gaze turned to Booth. His smile widened in response and he gave her a small wink, unbeknownst to his partner. Charlotte nodded her approval and headed on her way, leaving the couple to resume their "discussion" about Andy Lister.