As previously stated, this is one of my favorite sections so far. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! :)
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"Bones is much more tactful than she ever gets credit for." This too had been written on a napkin, a fancy silver one that he filched from a table at one of the many Jeffersonian galas held for contributors. He had been speaking with a particularly dull woman by the name of Erica Jamison. She was older than he and had clearly been drinking a bit- she was very friendly. She kept placing her hand on his arm, leaning in close to tell a joke or share a bit of gossip. He was smiling politely, ever the gentleman, laughing or saying a few words when necessary, trying not to let his eyes wander the room. He had already tried to excuse himself three times when Bones sidled up to them, introducing herself smoothly and then taking Booth's hand. "He promised me a dance, you understand." she said, winking at the woman, who must've felt as though she were being let into a secret, because she giggled heartily and then turned and started searching, Booth figured, for someone to talk to about the two of them.
"Thank you," Booth told Bones once the two were dancing and he was sure Erica was far enough out of earshot.
"For what, Booth?" Bones said innocently.
He couldn't believe her perfect timing and not-so-subtle flirtation with him had been an accident, merely good luck on his part. Sure enough, when he looked into her face she was grinning, obviously pleased with herself.
"That's what I thought." He said, returning the grin.
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"Booth is a terrific dancer." She hadn't written it on a napkin, but instead simply reminded herself to get out her yellow lined paper when she was home later than night. She and Angela had enjoyed watching him squirm while talking to Erica. After a few moments, though, Angela nudged her. "Sweetie, you should probably go get him." she said.
"Get him? Why? I don't need him." Brennan argued. "And this is amusing."
"Come on, Bren, he's miserable. Be his knight in shining, black silk armor for once and go save him from that … woman." she raised her eyebrows at her. "Besides, he owes you a dance, right?" she said with a wink.
"No, he doesn't, we never-" Brennan started to protest, but Angela just pushed her toward Booth, and she complied.
She felt very powerful as she walked over to the pair. She was walking tall, her spine completely erect, her heels adding an extra three inches to her height. As she introduced herself, she observed that this woman was obviously intimidated by her. She smiled very sweetly and said, "He promised me a dance, you understand." she stole Angela's words, knowing she wouldn't mind, and then went a step farther and winked, again replicating her friend. She had to keep herself from laughing at the woman, who was clearly happy to feel as though she were a part of something, and quickly looked around to make sure someone saw her talking to the two of them.
She pulled Booth away from her, enjoying this new attitude she had adopted. It was fun to be in charge, even if it were just for a moment.
"Wow, Bones." she thought she heard him mutter. This just made her smile wider.
"Thank you." he said, taking her hand in one of his and encircling her waist with the other.
"For what, Booth?" she said coyly, still smiling.
He looked at her face, then said, "That's what I thought."
He twirled her around the dance floor, neither of them talking, for much longer than they normally would have. She wasn't sure if that was because she had "saved" him, or because Erica might still be watching, but she certainly didn't mind. Booth moved in easy, gracious steps, perfectly in time. He was an excellent dancer, and she was enjoying herself immensely.
They most likely would have continued dancing until the close of the gala, but Cam was giving her death glares from the other side of the room. Her boss was standing in a big group of people, most of them generous contributors, holding a glass of wine and laughing and talking. Brennan knew she should be doing the same- that was, after all, why she was present, so she regretfully drew away from Booth and thanked him for the dance.
He jokingly gave a little bow. "My pleasure, Lady Temperance."
She giggled at the nickname. There they stood, partners, the same Seeley Booth and Temperance Brennan they always were. But for some reason, perhaps the dress and the tuxedo, the extra makeup and lack of silly tie and cocky belt buckle, the leftover giddiness the dance had granted them, the sparkling decorations, the soft clinking of glasses, or the tasteful music playing, they didn't feel like themselves as they looked at each other. Realizing she probably looked ridiculous, Brennan broke the gaze, smiled again, and walked away.
"Booth is a terrific dancer."