Temperance sat by the window in her apartment and looked out at the snow-covered street. Booth had dropped her off earlier, staying only long enough to ensure she'd be okay before leaving. With him gone, the apartment felt slightly oppressive. It was quite silent, and unable to stand the lack of sound, Tempe turned on her radio. Christmas music filtered into the apartment, but she didn't have the energy to change it. With a sigh, she made herself some tea, and then sat in the window, where she was currently seated. Her thoughts drifted back over the day, before finally settling on the nurse, Sarah Jenkins.

Her mind pondered Sarah's situation as snow began to fall lazily from the sky. The flakes danced across her vision before finally falling to the ground, their appeal almost hypnotic to her. Temperance leant against the cold window pain frustrated by her inability to either forget the nurse or help her. No application of logic was giving her an answer as to why this poor woman had so much to face in her life. Temperance briefly contemplated why some people, not even the kindest or most worthy people, seemed to have a blessed life.

Not that Temperance believed in blessings, but she did note the distinct existence of irony in terms of people often not getting what they deserve. It was this dichotomy that gave her work so much meaning, in her own mind. The job she and her team were able to do gave victims a voice, it gave them back the power, and it brought people to justice. The victims were no longer victims when they went to their grave; they were eternal winners rather than losers, or simply the lost. The question, she realized, was how to help Sarah get what she deserved.

Her mind wandered through the trails and byways of observations and experiences she'd had through the years, and it settled on a winter when she was thirteen. Her school was having a toy drive and she was helping to collect the donations to give to families with limited means. Her mother had been so proud that she was participating. Maybe that's what she needed to do know. Maybe she could help Sarah provide Christmas for her two children. But now, how to do it? She didn't really want Sarah to know. She had a feeling that the nurse would refuse help, that she would see it as charity.

With a nod of her head, Temperance was decided. She would find a way to help the nurse, and now, she just needed to work out the best way to go about finding out how to provide Christmas, which was nothing a little googling couldn't solve. Decision made Temperance stood gracefully, stretching out her tired limbs. She placed her un-drunk tea down and decidedly made her way towards her laptop. She grimaced momentarily as she attempted to type. Evidently her injury did not respond well to the motion of typing. Despite her pain, she soon fell into the familiar rhythm of research.

Site after site was perused as she looked for gift ideas, decorations, and the lot. There was so much she could do, it was almost overwhelming. With all of the information she was gaining, one thing became painfully obvious...she needed to find Sarah's address. No amount of googling was going to help with that! She contemplated calling Booth and seeing if his investigative skill could be put to good use in this case. After a few moments consideration she realized that for one, would be unethical. Beyond this she was sure that Booth would ask far too many questions for her liking.

This was something he didn't need to know about. After the anthropological fuss she made the year before, she didn't want him to know what she was planning. No, the only way she could possibly find out was to ask Sarah herself. With that resolved in her mind, Temperance called a cab company to have a taxi pick her up. Much though the idea was unappealing, she needed to get back to the hospital.

Temperance wrapped herself up in layers of clothes hoping to fight off the cold. As the Taxi arrived she dashed towards it desperate to reach the warmth inside. Nearly slipping over again she steadied herself and shrugged of the somewhat excited feeling she was beginning to have. As she settled herself in the back of the Taxi her cell began to ring.

"Brennan."

"Bones, it's me. I was wondering if you might enjoy some company this evening." Brennan cursed silently, and then pondered his offer. Maybe she could pump him for information, but do it in a way that would make him unaware of her intentions.

"Sure, I just have to pop back to the hospital. After that I can meet you at the Lab?" "Hospital? Is everything Ok? I can come and give you a lift if you want. How are you getting there? You know you shouldn't be driving." Beneath a forced frown, the smile in Brennan's eyes was evident. His concern warmed her heart equally as much as it annoyed her. "Booth I'm fine. I just need my cast adjusting slightly. I'm in a taxi now."

"Well do you want me to meet you? It's really ugly out."

"No, really, it's okay. Besides, it'll be faster for me to get to the lab. I'll see you in an hour, okay?"

"You're sure?"

"Yes, Booth."

"Well, just be careful."

A smile still on her face, borne from the familiarity of having someone to nag her, she exited the Taxi and made her way towards the hospital entrance. Passing through the automatic doors she felt a sudden rush of warm air. Momentarily she was stunned by the life she saw inside the hospital. Outside it was grey and lifeless. Although chaos, the hospital was, in an ironic way, almost more full of life. Temperance took in a deep breath, and stepped up to the reception desk. The woman behind the counter looked up at her in a bored manner.

"Can I help you?" she asked. Temperance smiled before answering.

"Yes, I'm looking for Sarah Jenkins."

"She's over there." was all the information Temperance received, alongside a finger waved in the direction of the coffee machine. Seeing Sarah she walked confidently over to her. As she approached she could see the evidence of tear tracks on Sarah's face. Her concern was immediate.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Temperance asked as she approached the nurse. Sarah jumped a bit in surprise, but upon seeing Temperance gave a weak smile.

"It seems my fairy godmother has returned." Brennan offered a small smile and guided Sarah over to some vacant seats. She said nothing, simply waited for Sarah to find the words. "I'm just being silly," she said, hanging her head in embarrassment. "I..." she continued, "I can't afford Christmas cards. Not proper ones. The kids want them to give to friends at school. They have been laughed at for not giving out cards." Brennan absorbed the new information, resting her hand on Sarah's.

"I'll gladly buy you some Christmas cards."

"No" Sarah said, shaking her head vehemently. "I don't need charity."

"Okay, then how about this...I have a friend that's an artist. I can have her make some cards for your children. She'd be only too happy to do it."

"Oh, I don't know," Sarah hesitated. Temperance offered her a smile as encouragement.

"Think of this as a Christmas gift to you. That's fair, wouldn't you say?"

"I have nothing to give you in return."

"Sarah, you have given me something already. You have been a very kind nurse."

"That's just my job."

"No," Brennan shook her head, "Your job is to be an efficient and thorough nurse, being kind is your choice, and one I appreciate. How many cards will you need?" Sarah opened her mouth to refute the argument, but really couldn't find a good one. After a moment of wordlessly opening and closing her mouth, she sighed.

"I need sixty. If that's too many, I completely understand."

"No, it's fine. Really."

"You're sure?"

"Completely. Now, if I can get your address, I can make sure to get them delivered." Tempe smiled at the nurse, watching as the hesitation faded from her eyes. Sarah smiled and nodded her head.

"Sure, I can give you that." She pulled out a pen and note pad from her pocket and scrawled down her address. She hastily handed it over to Brennan who grasped it almost as if it were a prize in her hand.

"Look I have to get back, my break is over."

"Ok." Brennan smiled.

"And look," Sarah began as she stood, "if you can't get those cards I understand. I really do. Thank you for listening to me."

"It's ok, and I will certainly get you those cards. I promise."

Sarah smiled, this time much more broadly, and left for her rounds. Temperance looked over the address before tucking it carefully inside her pocket. This was definitely a start, and little did Sarah realize, it was only the tip of the iceberg.

Following a brief altercation, with a not so honest taxi driver, Brennan arrived at the Lab. She noted that Booth's SUV was already there waiting and no doubt Booth was sprawled across the couch in her office.

Fighting against the wind and snow, Brennan slipped and slid her way across the icy sidewalk and into the warmth of the lab. She patted her arms, huffing away the cold that settled over her. As she made her way to her office, she spotted Angela on the examination platform working on a sketch. With a smile, Tempe approached her best friend.

"I need a favor." Brennan said, getting straight to the point.

"And hello to you too Sweetie." Angela chastised jovially, turning to face Temperance with a wide smile.

"Sorry Ange, so um how are things?" Brennan asked, an obviously lame attempt at small talk. Her attempt amused Angela no end. Not because of it's lameness but rather because she had begun to attempt it. This change in character, she mused, was undeniably down to a certain Special Agent.

"Fine, aside from the mandatory overtime. Now, what can I do for you, Bren?"

"I need sixty holiday cards for some eight year olds." Angela's eyebrows shot up as she looked at her friend.

"What for?"

"To hand out."

"Bren, you do know that simply handing out cards to 8 year olds may make you seem a bit... a bit strange?"

"No Ange, not for me to hand out to eight year olds, for eight year olds to hand out."

"What eight year olds?" Angela asked, a question that Brennan kicked herself for not preparing for.

"They're for, uh, a friend's kids. When they found out I knew an artist, well, they asked if you could make them some." Thank God for a quick mind.

"Uh-huh. And when exactly do you need them by?"

"Um, as soon as possible?" Brennan offered her friend a weak smile. Please don't let her interrogate me on this one. Angela looked at her friend and shook her head in disbelief.

"Fine, sure, why not?"

"So you'll do it?"

"When do I ever say no to you, Sweetie?"

"Thank you Ange, I really appreciate it." With her own wide smile Temperance bounded down the steps towards her office. As she entered the room she was amused to note that Booth indeed had taken up residence on her couch. As he saw her come in he sat bolt up right and began interrogating her about how she was feeling and how it went at the hospital.

"I'm fine, Booth. Honestly. Now, you said something about company?"

"Yeah. I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner."

"What about Dr. Saroyan?"

"I'm inviting you, as my friend, not her." Temperance contemplated him for a second, before offering him a smile.

"And what did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking that we could go to that little pub near Dupont circle." Shaking off her reservations Brennan nodded her agreement.

"Ok Booth that sounds like a good idea."

"Come on the, lets get going, it's awful out there." Booth nagged as he guided her gently out of her office and back towards the cold night air.

"Bye Sweetie." Angela shouted after them, amused by their closeness and intrigued by whatever Brennan was up to with children's Christmas cards.

"Bye." Brennan replied over her shoulder, a motion that led her to take another step even closer to Booth. "See you tomorrow."

"You too." Angela watched the pair leave with a grin plastered on her face. If Seeley Booth would only realize that Brennan was his for the taking, they could stop dancing around each other. Her night made, Angela began humming some Christmas tunes as she returned to the sketch.

Following the normal debate Booth convinced Temperance to let him drive. It was only once they both reached the parking lot that they remembered her injuries and the pointlessness of their argument. Secretly neither minded as after all. Banter was what made their friendship work so well.

As they climbed in the car, Booth glanced once at Tempe before pulling from his spot. "So, are you, um, going to North Carolina for the holiday?"

"No. I'll be here."

"Oh, so Russ is coming here then."

"No, he's spending the holiday with his girlfriend."

"So you'll be alone?"

"Yes, but I don't mind. I have to catch up on my writing anyway." She wasn't about to tell him of her plans. What she didn't expect was the curve ball her threw her way.

"No one should spend the holidays alone. Why don't you join me and Parker?"

"Oh Booth, you know I appreciate the offer but I'm not Catholic and I don't want to get in the way of your rituals." Booth threw a sideways smile her way

"Bones, just have a little holiday spirit ok? I'm not asking you to find God, simply to join me and Parker for Christmas dinner."

"Booth I, well I, um, it's father and son time. I don't want to intrude on that."

"Bones you won't be intruding you've been asked."

"But..."

"No buts. Just join us."

"I thought you were supposed to...What about Cam?"

"She's made it very clear where her priorities lay."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, will you join me, and I won't take no for an answer."

"Well that's not a fair question." Brennan sulked, slouching back in her seat, crossing her arms.

"So you'll come?" Booth asked hopefully.

"Will you leave the subject alone if I say yes?"

"Only if you mean it Bones. I want you to promise."

Temperance sighed before glancing out the window. "Fine, I promise I'll spend Christmas day with you and Parker."

"You mean it?"

"Booth, you just forced me to promise and now you're asking if I mean it?"

"Hey, I just want to make sure that you'll be there."

"Well since the chance of my being able to drive by then is slim to none, I would assume I'd have to rely on you for a ride. And if I'm relying on you, then obviously I'll have to be there." Each turned away from the other in an attempt to conceal their smiles. Perhaps Christmas with Booth would be nice, Temperance thought. She was sure she could work something out to allow her to both help Sarah and share Christmas with Booth.

"What does Parker want?" Temperance asked in a panic, with sudden realization.

"What? What do you mean?"

"For Christmas. What does he want for Christmas?"

"From you?" Booth clarified.

"Yes from me."

"Wow, geez Bones, you don't have to get him anything."

"If I'm joining you, then it's only fair that I give a gift to Parker. He, after all is used to the tradition, and for me to fit into your rituals, I need to get him a gift."

"Bones, I don't have rituals. Are you really sure you want to buy him something?"

"Yes."

"Then why don't we go look around after dinner."

"Sure, I mean if it's not too much trouble."

"No trouble at all."

"Great."

"It's a date then." Temperance didn't listen to anything Booth said beyond him agreeing to go shopping with her. It was the perfect opportunity, she mused, to find out exactly what eight-year-olds would like. She would have to be careful in how she broached the subject, after all Parker was much younger, however the whole trip would help her to identify important aspects of Christmas. It would help her to remember the traditions she had forgotten long ago.

Booth dared a glance at her. When he said it was a date, he expected her to respond in some sort of negative fashion. He certainly didn't mean a date in that respect, but merely to spend time with her. But since she didn't respond negatively, or at all for that matter, maybe she wanted it to be a date. He began to suddenly panic.

Ok, he thought, he liked Temperance. He liked her a lot. But dating? That may be a step too far. A step too far for both of them. Surely she could not have wanted a date. After all it was all just biological imperatives to her. Booth calmed at that thought. BUT his mind cried out, she did try online dating to find a partner so she must want that to a certain degree.

But she's never shown interest in me. You idiot, of course she has. You've seen it before. How many times have you almost kissed her because she looked like she was okay with the idea? Hell, you almost kissed her just before Angela had to interrupt, and what did you do? You slept with Cam. You're an idiot, Seeley Booth.

Oblivious to Booth's internal struggle Temperance positively beamed at the way her plan was coming together. She would give Sarah and her kids the prefect Christmas. She was sure with Booth's help she would get the perfect gifts even if he didn't know he was helping. At that moment she was so overwhelmed with gratitude for his friendship. "Thank you," she said, not turning to face him but tapping him gently on the knee with her hand

If Booth had been standing, he would have jumped several feet in the air. Temperance pulled her hand away, thinking she had overstepped some bound, and was surprised when he grabbed it with his own. As he pulled to a stop at the light, he turned to look at her.

"You're okay with this," he asked, searching her expression.

"Absolutely. I think it's a great idea."

"Really? This is something you want?"

"Of course. I would have said so if it wasn't."

"Ok," Booth half said and half sighed, ultimately confused by the events of the last few minutes.

"Have I said something wrong?" Temperance asked, misreading the look on his face.

"No Bones, not at all. I'm just surprised."

"Surprised at me wanting to go shopping with you?"

"Well, under the circumstances..."

"Booth, we've known each other for how long? You know when I agree to something, I always follow through."

"No, I know. That's not what I...looks like we're here." he finished lamely. The light changed, and he turned into the parking lot of the pub. Temperance glanced at him for a moment before shaking her head. Something was going on, and she truly felt like she'd missed something.

Booth opened the car door for her as she had spent so long thinking, and he was getting cold waiting for her. "Come on then." Booth smiled weakly, a fact that wasn't missed by Temperance. He began to guide her inside but was surprised when she stopped and held his arm to halt him also.

"Something's the matter with you, and I want to know what it is."

"Nothing's wrong. In fact, I couldn't be happier."

"You don't look that way. You look nervous."

"You're not?"

"No, why should I be?"

"Because, well, never mind Bones. Look lets just leave it at that and enjoy a nice meal together ok?"

"If you're sure Booth." He began to pull away, but surprising both of them, Temperance held on.

"What?" Booth asked, concern flecked in his eyes.

"Nothing," she smiled wrapping her arm around his waist and allowing him to drape his arm around her shoulders. "I just want to make sure you're ok."

"Never better, Bones." He dropped a quick kiss onto her hair before they stepped into the pub. Tempe felt her heart pound a little faster. They were just going for dinner and shopping, right?

Sitting even closer than usual Temperance and Booth made small talk waiting for their meals to come. Inwardly Booth smiled at the thought that talk was in fact never small when it came to her. He watched her intently as she made some impassioned speech about cultural diversity, appreciating every detail of her face.

"Are you even listening Booth?"

"Of course."

"It didn't look like you were." She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him. She'd been trying to lead up to a conversation about what cultural diversity could mean when it came to holiday rituals in an attempt to get his input, but that just didn't seem to be working. Instead, he sat there as if he were content to just stare at her all day.

"I was listening cultural diversity etc etc etc."

"Do you place any value on my thoughts Booth?"

"Of course I do Bones. Look I didn't mean to cause a fight. What were you saying?"

"Never mind. You obviously don't care."

"I do too. You were talking about cultural diversity, and then you asked if I was listening, which obviously I was if I know what the subject matter was." Tempe's head was spinning a little. What he'd said made no sense whatsoever.

"I was just saying that different cultures tend to have different expectations when it comes to the holidays."

"Yes they do. But I am sure you know better than most that most festivities have a common underlying message that relates to family and togetherness."

"I suppose they do. In an ever-homogenizing world, dominant mores have a tendency to spread across countries and religions even. If you look at Christianity for example..."

"Bones," Booth interrupted, "Can we leave the Christians alone for once?"

"But this is mostly about Christians. I mean, they took these pagan rites and holy days, making them their own in order to convert the native populations..."

"Which obviously worked, or the church wouldn't have spread the way it did." The waiter finally brought their food, and Booth willingly turned toward his plate of Shepherd's Pie. Temperance remained almost oblivious to the food in front of her.

"So where do the Christian traditions at Christmas come from?" Booth laid his fork down on his plate and grimaced slightly.

"Which Christian traditions, Bones?"

"All of them; the presents, the tree all of that Christmas stuff." She said awkwardly. "Bones, you know the tree doesn't come from Christians directly. What are you really asking?"

"How do you celebrate Christmas?"

"Well, generally I decorate my apartment with Parker's help, and I get him presents, then when he's asleep, Santa comes to visit, and puts presents under the tree and in his stocking. Then, in the morning, Parker wakes up at the butt crack of dawn, runs downstairs after waking me up, and rips open all of the presents. Then we go to Mass, and have dinner."

"Booth, I'm not five, you don't have to tell me about Santa Claus. I know he's..."

"There are kids around, Bones. Cut me some slack here."

"I know his role in the ritual." Brennan countered

"Tradition" Booth corrected.

"Either way, what I mean is what is the significance of the presents? What do they represent? I mean should it be personal?"

"That depends."

"On what?"

"On whom you are buying for."

"Well for Parker what sort of things would you choose and why?" Booth took another bite as he contemplated the question. Finally, when he couldn't stand the intense stare he was receiving any longer, he turned back to Temperance.

"I always try to get him something really cool, something I know he'd enjoy. That way, he knows I took the time to think about him. It shows how much I care."

"So, in the rituals that you follow..."

"Traditions."

"Whatever. Your traditions are predicated on Parker's possible worry that you don't think of him enough?"

"Yes." Booth sighed, deciding any elaboration would just serve to prolong the awkward conversation.

"So it is based on an analysis of his needs and the role you consider to be fulfilled by you as a father." Booth simply nodded as he continued to eat.

"So if your children had little and you were concerned about your effectiveness in your role as the provider this would be combated with a multitude of extravagant gifts if money became available."

"Sure, yeah, of course." Booth looked over at her again and watched as she nodded to herself. He wondered briefly about what was going on in her head, but decided it best to not ask. The word extravagant, coming from her, was a bit scary.

"Children?" He responded in a delayed manner.

"Children?" Temperance questioned entirely unsure of what Booth was trying to say.

"You said Children. You referred to my children, I have one child."

"I know Booth." she responded quickly, trying to cover her tracks. "It was a hypothetical scenario."

"Yes Bones it was, regarding the situation. Not the people however. You related it directly to me and family. At least that's how you presented it. I don't have children, plural. Unless you know something I don't." He smirked with a raised eyebrow, before adopting a genuine look of fear in case she did know something he didn't.

"Why would I know anything about that? You'd know more about your sexual forays than I would."

"How's about let's not go there."

"You brought it up."

"No, I didn't."

"You did Booth. Anyway it was just a mistake on my part. I apologize for saying children." Temperance smiled, raising her hands apologetically. "

"You don't make mistakes Bones. Something is going on and it involves children. Are you going to explain?"

She was quiet for a long time, and when she responded, it was very carefully. "I have some concerns about something, but for the time being I'd prefer to keep them to myself."

"Well, I'm always here if you need to get something off your chest."

"I know, and thank you for that." She smiled and placed a hand on his thigh.

"Are you pregnant?" Booth asked. As soon as the words were out of his mouth he realized that they were totally the wrong thing to say.

"No." Brennan snapped defensively, retracting her hand. "Why, do I look pregnant?" She asked, cursing herself silently for seeking reassurance about her physical appearance.

"No, no, of course not. You look...wow. I mean...you're structured nicely." God, why could he never just say the word beautiful? Brennan looked at him as he stuttered his response and smiled slightly, deciding to let the pregnant comment go for the time being.

"Ok, lets change the subject." Brennan offered, noting the look of relief that spread across his face.

"Ok." Booth smiled leaning forward and resting his hand on top of hers. Her eyes darted to his hand, and she could feel the warmth of his skin on hers. Slowly, she brought her gaze up to his, their eyes locking. Temperance swallowed slowly, unable to tear her eyes from his. Booth began to smooth his thumb over her hand and she relaxed instantaneously. Despite the fact that she was enjoying the closeness she could not forget the fact that she really needed to get going. They had a lot of ground to cover in terms of shopping. They had to make a move, she rationalized, before it was too late. In many senses of the term.

"We should, you know, get out and, um, start shopping." Temperance cursed at herself again for letting Booth get to her like this. Why his sudden need to be closer? Booth looked at her for a long moment before he smiled.

"Sure, we can do that."

"Great."

"No problem."

As they stood Booth put a few bills down to cover the cost of their meal. Bones objected but Booth was insistent and she opted not to hurt male pride any further. He gently helped her put her coat on and she was so busy enjoying the feeling she forgot to argue, or even think of arguing at all.

With his hand firmly in place around her waist, he led her from the pub, and out onto the cold streets of DC.

"Where do you propose we start?' he asked as they made their way to the SUV.

"Well, if we're supposed to shop for Parker, is there a toy store or something nearby?"

"I'm sure I can find something."

They drove a couple of blocks until they pulled up outside a massive toy store. A sudden wave of panic washed over Temperance as she realized the sheer size of the shop.

"This whole store is just Children's things?" she asked quietly.

"Sure is." Booth responded as he exited the SUV. Brennan followed and stuck closely to him as they entered the Technicolor of the toy store. Brightly colored toys of all sorts lined shelves and sat in bins. Television monitors advertised the latest and greatest things, while kids ran wild through the store, trying to find everything they wanted.

"How do you find anything in here?"

"You look for it. Sometimes, you need to search for what you want, and other times, it's right there in front of you." Somehow, Tempe didn't think he was talking about toys anymore.

"Ok, so what method should we employ so as to place limits on deciding upon suitable presents? Naturally it would be logical to look at all aisles. But I doubt that is achievable given..." She was cut of by a small child running in to her ankles. "Ow!" She exclaimed, conscious to avoid swearing.

"Are you ok?" Booth asked, pulling her close.

"Fine." she replied again very conscious of his proximity.

"You're sure?"

"Yes, I'm..." she trailed off, nodding her head, but keeping her eyes on him. Booth looked at her, watching a steady blush creep over her face. They stayed that way until a squealing laugh brought them back. "I'm fine Booth." She affirmed, beginning to move away. Booth followed close behind, conscious of how uncomfortable she was in these surroundings. He just hoped her uncomfortableness had nothing to do with him. "As I was saying Booth. Limits. Can we look by age or gender?"

"Um, I never thought about it. Just look around, and if something catches your eye, go with it."

"I don't know..."

"...what that means?"

"No. I don't know what I'm looking for. I need parameters."

"Well Parker is 4, obviously he is male, and that's a start no?"

"Yes but what does than mean? I know developmentally he will have developed his basic reasoning skills and have a clear sense of self. Obviously he's a very bright boy but I want to get him something.. something.."

"Fun?" Booth offered, still beaming at the idea Temperance considered his son to be bright.

"Yes, fun, something he will enjoy."

"Then I suggest we start here," Booth said as he pointed down one of the aisles. Temperance looked and was amazed to see the sheer number of toys made especially for children of Parker's age. If they had this much for a four-year-old, how much more would there be for an eight year old? She suddenly felt much more overwhelmed than she had before.

"What sort of thing does he like?" She asked, picking up an action figure that was undeniably as anatomically incorrect as it could possibly be.

"Well he's very active so he likes things to do. Other than that it's just normal boy stuff."

"Which is..."

"You know Boy stuff."

"You'll have to give me an example."

"Don't you remember any of Russ' toys from when you two were kids?"

"Not really."

"Come on, Bones, you have to remember." He was getting frustrated. Temperance swept her eyes over the displays and thought back. A smile broke out on her face as the image of small cars and military action figurines filled her mind. There was something else as well.

"Transformers," she said, looking at Booth.

"Perfect." He said smiling, amused at the childlike expression that graced her features.

"Would he like that? Honestly?"

"Yes Bones, of course he will. Children are generally easily pleased. He'll just be grateful that you got him something."

"You think?" She questioned unsure.

"I know." He assured her fighting the urge to take her in his arms right then.

With a brilliant smile aimed at her partner, Temperance practically skipped off to find a transformer. Hopefully they still looked much like they did when she was younger.

Toy shopping finally done, and Tempe being tapped of questions for the moment, the two walked along a busy sidewalk in DC. Brennan didn't mind the fact that Booth once again had his arm around her shoulders and had her pulled in closely to his side.

"I love this weather." Temperance said, somewhat surprising and uncharacteristic in terms of her use of language.

"What, the cold, dark, dank evenings of DC in winter."

"No." she responded, elbowing him lightly in the ribs and prompting him to fake a hurt look. "I like the cold, wrapping up warm, that sort of thing."

"Sitting by a fire, curled up under a blanket..."

"Sipping hot cocoa and watching the snow fall." She smiled up at him. Booth offered her a smile, but the intent was different. He had that look again, the one that had been appearing all evening.

The moment was broken as the skies opened and snow flurries made their way to the ground. Laughing they ran hand in hand back to the SUV and jumped in hurriedly. Booth turned to face her as she sat rubbing her arms trying to get warm. She was still laughing, cheeks red, a twinkle in her eye. Booth leaned across and ran his hand down her cheek, brushing snowflakes from her skin.

She took in a sharp breath, and held it, wondering what his exact intents were. The anthropologist in her began to talk...He's showing the classic signs of interest in a member of the opposite sex, and there are clear indicators that he wants to make a show of his interest. Temperance watched breathlessly as he moved in closer to her. See, he's expressing his desire for higher biological needs.

But, she thought, following through on this could lead to significant problems. Their partnership could be at risk; as such behavior would only serve to amplify his already dominant alpha male attributes. Such action would damage the fine balance they had established over the past few months.

But it could be so good too. Temperance searched her mind for the correct course of action, flipping through all pros and cons, and beginning to panic until his lips met hers. She felt his hand slip into her hair, and she couldn't help but respond to the action.

She raised her hand to stroke his cheek, enjoying the sensations of cold lips and warm tongues meeting, his hand on the back of her head urged her closer. Each of them feeling that they could not get close enough to the other.