A/N: I did decide to continue this, thanks to all the fabulous responses I received. Hope I don't mess it up. Please tell me if I do.

Still do not own Bones.

Temperance found him where she suspected he would be--sitting at the counter at the Royal Diner, drinking coffee and reading the paper. She started to smooth her hands over her outfit, then stopped. This was silly. What was she doing? She never did that before seeing Booth.

She walked toward him slowly, secretly wishing she had the guts to turn around and leave. She sat down next to him, but didn't say anything.

"Morning, Bones," Booth greeted, his eyes on the newspaper in his hand.

"Morning," she replied softly, keeping her eyes on the countertop.

Amused, Booth looked over at her. "Bones, things don't have to be awkward."

"They're not."

"Then will you look at me?"

Slowly, Temperance tilted her head up so that her eyes could stare into his. He could see the fear and apprehension in them. He smiled softly and reached a hand up, resting it on her back lightly.

"Bones," she blushed and it made him chuckle. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know what to expect."

His hand moved up and down her back lightly. "Neither do I, but you know what? I'm looking forward to seeing what happens." He felt her relax underneath his hand.

Temperance didn't say anything for a while. She liked his touch. It was gentle, caring. How come she had never noticed that before?

"Bones?"

She looked at him. "Yeah, Booth?"

"Do you want some breakfast or something?"

She smiled and shook her head slowly. "I told my dad I would go visit him today. Maybe we could get some lunch or dinner later?"

Booth grinned and nodded. "I'll pick you up at your place at 7:30 tonight. Dress up." He placed some money down on the counter and stood up, leaning forward and kissing her cheek quickly. "See you later." He left, her cheek and back tingling.

&&&

Temperance sipped on her coffee and looked around, watching the people pass her by. Considering that they were in Washington D.C., there was the tiniest hint of a chill. A sign that autumn was coming. Or a very early winter.

"You know, I was planning on spending the whole day in bed with Hodgins," Angela stated, arms crossed over her chest as she smiled at her best friend.

"That's disturbing," Temperance replied. "I wouldn't have interrupted you if it wasn't important."

"That's why I'm here." Angela sat down on the bench beside her. "What happened?"

Temperance relayed the phone conversation between her and Booth. Angela's deep brown eyes widened slightly and she sat there surprised. She was always expecting them to get together, but she didn't think they'd talk about it first. She had just assumed they would fall into bed and then deal with the rest of it later.

"I'm shocked, sweetie. I always thought the sex would come first. Then the talking."

Temperance blushed a little bit. "I wanted to know. I needed to know. Do you think I did the right thing?"

"Oh absolutely. A little overdue, but it was definitely the right thing. I'm happy for you." Angela gave Brennan a hug.

"Thanks. We have dinner plans tonight."

"Please tell me you're planning on wearing something sexy so that he can rip it off later."

"Angela!"

"Sorry."

&&&

Temperance gave herself one more look over in the mirror. The dark blue dress she picked out of her closet fit her curves well. It was slightly low-cut and that made her a little nervous. She didn't want to look like she was asking for it. Right now, she kind of did. Her hair was down and wavy, but it wasn't long enough to cover her cleavage. She was debating on changing her dress when there was a knock on the door.

Her stomach did flip-flops as she walked out of the bathroom to answer it. "Coming," she called out as she adjusted her heels. Her hands felt clammy and she wiped them quickly on her dress. She reached for the door knob and turned it, opening the door and smiling at her date.

"Wow, Bones, you look fantastic." Booth held out the red rose to her.

Temperance blushed a little and took the rose. "Thank you," she replied quietly, stepping aside in order to let him inside. "Do you want something before we leave?"

"No, that's okay." Booth's hands were in his pockets. "Do you want to do this?"

"Go out for dinner? Yeah, I'm hungry."

"I mean, this," he said, motioning between the two of them.

A sinking feeling appeared in her stomach. "Do you not want to?"

"I just want to know that you're not going to…run away…"

"I wasn't planning on it. How do I know that you're not going to run away?"

"Because I've wanted this from day one, Bones. You're smart, you're beautiful. You're every man's dream. And seeing all those men get you…I knew they weren't right for you." His answer flew out so quickly, it surprised the both of them. They stood there in silence for a while.

Temperance stepped toward him and cupped his cheeks with her hands. "I'm not going to run away. Over the years, I've come to learn that you don't run away from something that could be a good thing." She shocked herself and her words rocked her to the core. When did she get so forward? She was changing quicker than she expected. Her hands dropped to her sides.

"I'm sorry I doubted you," he murmured softly, reaching a hand up and brushing it against her cheek lightly. He reached down and took her hands into his own. "So, we start fresh tonight. Officially. Deal?"

"Deal." Temperance smirked, feeling a little better as each second passed. "I'd shake your hand but they're currently preoccupied."

Booth grinned. "We can seal the deal another way," he responded, taking a step toward her.

"What do you have in mind?" She inquired, even though she already knew the answer. Her heart started to race and her breathing got faster and more shallow.

He was still grinning up until the very second before he pressed his lips to hers, keeping the kiss soft and gentle.

How did I do? Good? Bad? I'm thinking one or two more chapters left. Maybe.