Set somewhere late S3 or possibly early S4...


I think I knew our relationship was doomed the night I saw them in the lounge after the child beauty queen case. I should have known sooner, but desire blinded me.

I mean, Seeley is enough to make any woman's heart beat fast--and probably some men's as well. Old friends, former lovers…of course we fell into bed again! How she can deny him is beyond me, as is why he's being so cautious. He is, you know. I've seen him with other women, and he's rarely so shy, so…restrained. Oh, he flirts with her, and he unleashes that lethal smile of his on a regular basis, but she's so intense and focused that it seems to roll off her back.

Seems, I say. There's been a hint or two that she's not so indifferent as they both protest. And no one could doubt her loyalty, trust--even affection--when it comes to him.

He went insane when the Gravedigger had her and Hodgins. She was nearly as maddened when he got tangled up in that Kennedy-Gallagher thing, actually teaming up with her father. Considering what I've learned since about that relationship, well, that speaks volumes. He'd do anything for her safety and she reciprocates. I wish I knew when that started, but even Angela isn't sure, only that it was sometime during their first year of partnership.

After the murder of Deputy Director Kirby, I knew for sure what was coming. How could I not? But we were both reluctant to climb out of our rut. Until Epps gave him the impetus. Unfortunately, that case not only allowed him to draw a line between us, but one between them as well.

********************

There's always been talk about them. They work together too well, too smoothly, for people to think it's an simply a professional relationship.

And as busy as our local gossip mill can be, it went on overdrive after last Christmas. She was seen hanging mistletoe of all things in her office. And yes, they kissed under it, I confirmed it with Caroline Julian. But you'd never know it now, except for that $100 I collected from Dr. Goodman when I passed on the news. (How Angela contained herself is another mystery.) I don't understand--he normally wouldn't have stood there like an idiot and let her claim it was like kissing her brother. I guess it'll take more than a ten-second kiss to get them together, but, dear God, I can't imagine what else would do the trick! Maybe if someone tricked them into bed together? That might work, but I don't know how it could happen.

At least if they do become a couple, I think I can count on them staying professional. We shouldn't have a repeat of Angela and Hodgins jumping each other like crazed bunnies.

********************

I've known him too long to be fooled. He's too quick to assume the blame, too willing to make the sacrifice, to deny himself the true desire of his heart.

I've seen him do things for his brother and his mother while she lived. Things even his saints might not do. Seen the consequences at too close a range at least once. He's killed and almost been killed for his country. And he's done all of that for her. Taken a bullet, been blown up at least twice that I'm aware of, been dragged into embarrassing situations and confrontations that wouldn't have happened otherwise. Broken the rules.

All for her.

*********************

I would love to hear what they talk about with Sweets. From the kid's usually baffled look, I suspect they tell him very little. They have both learned how to whipsaw and if you don't know them, it's hard to handle. I know from experience, though perhaps not to the same degree that Sweets is finding out. But once in a while, Seeley or Brennan wears that look after meeting with him. It never lasts long, but it's quite noticeable while it's there.

It's possible that they talk more in the SUV--after all, they're usually alone there. Maybe they're further along than any of us realize. Or maybe not. But I'm betting on the former. Not that we're likely to find out for sure, and they might not know, either.

Because, above all else, above anthropology and instinct and marksmanship and investigation, they both are masters of self-denial.