This one was written for the crackfic challenge over at the LJ comm bitesize_bones.

Prompt from Rachg82: Booth & Brennan on a stakeout. Conversation fic. Nothin' but time to kill. Stuff's bound to come up!

Set after episode 6x14 (The Bikini in the Soup)

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The Slip-up in the Stakeout

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"Did you bring any chips?"

"After you threw the last ones out of the window?"

"Booth, that was four years ago, can't you finally let it go?"

"Not when you make it sound like it's my fault that you skipped lunch!"

Huffing. "Fine, forget it, I'll just sit here and hope that I'll die of boredom before I starve to death."

"Jeez, what is it with you tonight? Are you PMSing or something?"

Glare. "Look at that, misogyny trumps prudery!"

"…what?"

"Whenever I so much as allude to the topic of menstruation, you immediately scream TIM…"

"…it's TMI, Bones…"

"…but you're suddenly fine with bringing it up if it provides you with a reason to dismiss something I said!"

"Fine, I'm sorry, okay? I promise I'll never ever allude to any topic that has anything to do with your girly bits again!"

"I should punish you by explaining the socio-medical construct of PMS. In detail."

Groan. "Can't you just kick me in the nuts instead?"

"Don't tempt me."

Rustling. "Oh look, there's a chocolate bar in the glove compartment…"

"Is that supposed to be a peace offering or another misogynistic insinuation?"

Sigh. "Take your pick, Bones, looks like I'm not gonna win that one."

"In that case, I'll pick the chocolate."

"Can I ask for a bite without fear of losing my fingers?"

Wrapper tearing. "I only bite if someone asks really nicely, Booth."

"…"

"What?"

"Bones…"

Munching. "Oh, don't worry, I remember the choices you gave me for the time being. But you were the one who said that everything happens eventually, weren't you?"

Cautiously, "I guess."

"I have a very good memory, Booth."

"I never doubted that. So what are you telling me? That you'll wait in the sidelines until I'm done moping?"

Stern look. "I never implied that you were 'moping', Booth."

"Sure sounded that way to me."

"I believe this is where Sweets would start talking about projecting."

Belligerently, "Oh, so now you suddenly believe in psychology?"

Soft sigh. "Booth, stop it. I'm neither insulting you nor pressurizing you, I'm merely telling you that I'm not going anywhere."

"…okay."

"Really? We're okay?"

"Bones –"

"I mean, I know you're very much not okay right now, but that's – well, that's okay, Booth. I just need to know – you and me, will we… hold?"

Deep breath. "Haven't we always, Bones?"

Relieved, "Yes, always."

"So that's enough for now, yeah?"

Nod. "Until you stop moping."

"Bones!"

Slow smile. "QED, Booth."

"I don't know what that means."

Surprised pause; then, laughter.

"Nice one, Agent Booth."

Chuckling, "I have my moments, Dr. Brennan."

Wink. "Then I guess I'll just wait for mine."

"You never let up, do you?"

"I learned from someone very dear to me that there are things worth fighting for."

"Aw, really?"

Smirk. "I never said that 'someone' was you, Booth."

Huffing. "Good to know that some things will never change."

Brilliant smile. "Yes, that's what I'm counting on."

Pause.

"Booth? Say something."

"Bones, I believe we've both said enough for the time being."

"You're right; this isn't the time."

"Glad we agree."

"Booth?"

"Hm?"

"Just so you know, as soon as the time is right, I'll be pounding."

"Pouncing, Bones. I'll be the one who's doing the pounding."

Silence. Then,

"I can't believe you just said that."

"…yeah, me neither."

Pause.

Sidelong glance. "Booth?"

"Hm?"

"Care to elaborate?"

Pause.

Shifty eyes.

"…I'll get back to you about that."