Disclaimer: I don't own Bones or any of the associated characters. Please don't sue.

Chapter Two

Temperance Brennan sat in science class with huge bags under her eyes. She had stayed up all night arguing with Russ at the police station. He had already gotten a lawyer, but the lawsuit was something he figured he'd end up paying, a pretty heavy amount Temperance agreed to help pay off. She saw a pile of books drop on the desk next to her. It was Seeley Booth.

"Hey, you look tired," he observed. All the girls in the room were giggling; they were so drawn to the jock.

"My brother got arrested for assaulting Jacob Young, Seeley, that's why I'm tired," she whispered through gritted teeth.

"Well, he probably won't be in school today," Seeley suggested, trying to cheer her up.

"No, I saw him in the hall. He had a pretty scary looking black eye. His friends were all watching me closely, and I feel like they're all after me," she said uncomfortably.

"I'm the one who kicked him in the stomach, but I'm not really worried. Next period is lunch, will you join me?" He asked. She smiled faintly.

"Fine, I'll eat with you, but it doesn't mean I'm not mad at you," she reminded him.

"Miss Brennan, Mr. Booth, is there something you'd like to share with the rest of the class?" The teacher asked. Seeley chuckled and glanced down.

"No, sir," Temperance said politely.

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Temperance walked out of the classroom with Seeley. He was carefully observing the football players around them, watching for any trouble. She tripped and spilled her books all over the floor. Seeley caught her, balancing her carefully. He leaned over and picked up the books.

"The Study of Bones," he read off of one of them. She blushed and snatched it back.

"Come on, we need to get good seats," she urged, tugging at his arm. They walked into the cafeteria and grabbed some pizza, sitting down at an empty table. Jacob sat down next to Temperance, slipping his arm around her. Seeley stood up across from her, giving a death-glare to Jacob.

"Move your hand," she hissed. He didn't budge, but Temperance didn't want Seeley to get in trouble for her problem. She bit him in the hand where she knew would apply the most pressure, and of course, the most pain. He cried out and stood up shaking his hand frantically.

"Psychotic bitch!" he yelled. She rolled her eyes and took another bite of her pizza. Seeley sat back down slowly, ignoring the eyes of the watchful students.

"You knew exactly where to bite him," Seeley said, almost sounding excited.

"I know bones," she said simply. He looked impressed. She was so much deeper than any of the girls he had dated.

"Bones," he muttered, "That's what I'm going to call you. It's because of how well you know bones." She laughed.

"Yeah, well, you know sports, but I'm not going around calling you 'Sports'." She told him.

"Ok, Bones, can I walk you home again?" he asked.

"Sure, but just so you know, I have pepper spray for Jacob if he ever comes near me again," she told him, trying to reassure him.

"So how's Russ?" He asked. She sighed, pushing her tray away from her.

"He has to stay in jail until his trial, which is in two weeks," Temperance said angrily.

"Will you be alone?" Seeley asked, worried.

"No, my foster mom and dad will be there," she said, but her voice sounded strained.

"Something wrong?" He asked. She shook her head.

"No, of course not."

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Bones and Seeley walked quietly towards Temperance's house. She saw the car in the driveway and clung to him.

"Hey, hey is there something wrong, Bones?" he asked her.

"He's not supposed to be here," she whispered. He looked at the car and pulled her into a shaded area.

"Who, Temperance, who's not supposed to be here?" Seeley asked.

"My foster father," she whimpered, "I know I said he was fine, but when he's at home and he sees me he beats the crap out of me." She lifted her shirt slightly, exposing several dark bruises. She also showed him the scars up and down her legs.

"Damn it, Temperance, why don't you report it? You don't deserve this!" he begged her.

"Because he lets Russ visit and even stay sometimes if he works, I can't lose him, Seeley. He's all I have," she sobbed. He took her into his arms and she cried into his chest.

"I didn't know, Temperance, I'm so sorry," he whispered into her hair, "How about this? I'll stay over at my friend Tyler's house tonight, which is three houses down, and if there's any trouble, call me."

"I have a phone in my room, but how would you get in?" she asked, staying in his strong grip.

"Show me where your room is," he told her, pulling her gently towards the house.

"N-No," she stammered. He gently pushed her closer to it.

"I'll protect you, Tempe, you don't have anything to worry about," he assured her. She swallowed hard and crept behind the house, pointing out her window on the second story.

"It's got a pipe leading up to it," Seeley observed. She started shaking.

"I'm scared to go inside," she said, crying. He hugged her again.

"It'll be okay. I promise, here's Tyler's number." He said, scribbling it on a piece of paper. She walked into the house with a newly found confidence, or rather, a newly found confidant.

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Booth slept on Tyler's couch, staring at the phone. It started ringing, and he picked it up quickly.

"Hello?"

"Seeley, Seeley? Help me, please come here!" she begged. He heard glass shattering in the background, and the line went dead. He grabbed his jacket, and a gun he had found in the closet, just in case, and ran as fast as he had in his life towards Temperance.

TBC…only if you guys review!! I'm going to be mean and leave it like that 'til I get just 5 reviews, only 5!