Thank you for the reviews and encouragement for this story! Hope you enjoy this next part. From this point on, it's less talk and more B&B. Enjoy!

-Mac

Chapter 3

Jared sat at Founding Fathers, watching his brother and Tempe discussing something or other from their most recent case. At least, that's what Angela said they were doing. She said they'd be here and that Hannah would be joining them. Plan A was about to commence. The testing phase. He hadn't really planned on a testing phase, but Tempe's friends were worried about jumping into the full plans if there was even a small chance that Seeley didn't still harbor those feelings for her.

"What if he's really moved on, though?" Hodgins had asked. "What if none of this matters – if he's just ready to set up shop with Hannah?"

"Then let's test it," Jared said, quickly. "Let's run a little experiment and see if… if that look is still there somewhere. Hiding."

So here he was. His friend Chris was about to show up and he owed him a big favor. He had a few friends who owed him for various things in his past – and this week he was calling in all of those favors.

Hannah walked in and sat down, giving Seeley a kiss. Tempe smiled and Booth did as well, leaning into his girlfriend. After a few awkward moments, Tempe excused herself and went over to the bar – seemingly to get another drink. Showtime.

Jared dialed Chris's number and waited a few moments. "Okay – go now – over by the bar. Blue coat, brown hair, stunning eyes. Gray pants. Talking to the bartender."

B*B*B*B*B*B*B*B*B*B*B*B

Booth sat back in his seat, relaxing finally. It was Friday and their case was just about resolved. But, according to Hannah, they had some wedding details to attend to. Tuxedo fitting. Guest list details. Venue walk-through and finalization. Something tightened in his stomach – excitement perhaps? This is what he wanted for so long now. And… Hannah wanted it to. He proposed marriage and put his heart on the line for a woman, again… and this one, this beautiful, kind woman who he loved – she kept his heart safe. She said "yes." And now she was busily making that dream a reality, trying to make their wedding day perfect.

"I think I found the perfect dress. And my mom agreed when I sent her the picture. So I think we are good there."

"I have no doubt that you'll look stunning." He rested a hand on her hip and she rested her head on his shoulder, talking more about the wedding. He was happy that he was excited, though he was surprised at how much she talked about their upcoming wedding. He glanced at his watch. 7pm.

"Let's get out of here, go get a bite for dinner. Just us," Hannah said, nuzzling close.

Booth's heart did something funny at those words. Just us. She was basically kicking Bones out for this next part of their evening. And… it was understandable. They were a couple, after all. And couples had Friday date nights. But… he still hated pushing his partner aside all the time. And he knew he was doing it more and more. But… he couldn't help it. Things had to keep changing. He was getting married. And Bones… her timing had been all wrong. And that wasn't his fault.

At the thought of his partner, he looked over at the bar and saw her standing there. A tall, muscular man was talking to her. Openly checking her out when she wasn't looking. She sat back on the barstool and gave the bartender her credit card.

The man said something and she replied, looking down. She shook her head and the guy… he scooted his chair closer to her. Something tightened in his stomach. Something old and familiar – protectiveness for her. The guy looked drunk. And he was definitely getting right into her personal space. And she… she looked uncomfortable. Upset. The bartender said something to the guy and he smiled and held a hand up in apology.

Booth breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Earth to Seeley."

He looked down at Hannah who was waving a hand in front of his face. "I was asking what kind of tuxedo you wanted to try? Classic? New age? Vintage?"

He looked back over at his partner and noticed her saying something to this guy – why wasn't he leaving her alone? She was obviously not interested in him and it seemed like she'd made that abundantly clear.

"Seeley—"

He sighed. "Sorry, Bones—"

"Can handle herself. She's a big girl, Seeley. And when we have a family, she might still be out at bars, and you won't be right there to keep watch. So let her take care of herself. From what I've seen, she can handle just about anything."

Just about.

Something tightened in his stomach at that. He knew only too well that his partner had had to face a lot of things – too many things – on her own before. And he had always told her that she was not alone anymore.

With that thought, he got up and headed over toward the bar. No matter what, he could still let her know that he had her back. Right as he approached, the guy gripped her arm, tightly and something in Booth snapped.

Before Bones could react the way he knew she would, Booth grabbed the guy's arm and pushed him hard. "Leave her alone," he said, his breathing hard and his anger boiling over. "She said 'no' – you can leave now."

"Booth, I'm fine," Bones said, though he could see her touching her arm and her voice shaking just a bit.

"Sir, you need to leave," the bartender said to the man.

The man took a step towards Bones and got right in her face. "This isn't over," he said. Then, he left.

Booth stared after him, something in his gut springing to life. He took a step towards Bones. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "I'm—"

"Seeley," Hannah said, walking up behind him and looping a hand through his arm. "Our reservation is in five minutes and it's a ten minute walk. So we need to go like… five minutes ago." She laughed and he just looked at Bones seriously.

"I don't want to—" he started.

"I'm fine," Bones said, collecting herself. "You go. I'm just going home anyway to do some of this paperwork."

Booth looked toward the door. "Who was that guy? Did you know him?"

She shook her head. "He said he was a fan." She shrugged. "It's fine, Booth. Go."

"I can walk you home. We, I mean," he said, indicating Hannah. "We can walk you home, Bones. I don't like you going on your own after… after that."

"He's gone, Booth." Her cheeks flushed and he could see she was embarrassed… or angry. Or both. "Just go. I don't want to keep you from your reservation."

"Thank you, Temperance," Hannah said. He turned to her quickly, his eyes flashing. Had she missed the last five minutes? She knew how dangerous their work could be. She knew that Bones was… that she was…. What she meant to him. Well… most of it.

But he still let her lead him away. He left her in there. By the bar. Where he could see other men, who could just as easily do what that other guy had just done. He needed to get a grip. His partner was attractive. Gorgeous. He'd always known that. Men would be interested in her. That wasn't going to change any time soon.

He left her there, but before he turned from the restaurant with Hannah, he looked. Through the window. He saw her rubbing her arm, and smiling as the bartender said something friendly. She sipped her drink and looked a bit more relaxed. And something shifted inside though he had no idea what it was. But looking at his partner, he felt something old and familiar spring to life. Something that felt like had been lying dormant for a very long time.

He grabbed his cell and shot off a quick text to Bones.

Let me know when you're home, please. Or if you change your mind and want me to walk you home.

I'll text you when I'm home. Thanks, Booth.

B*B*B*B*B*B*B**B*B*B

Jared stepped out of his rental car and shot off two quick texts, a small smirk playing on his lips. The first text was to Chris.

Good work man, though… too rough. She's my friend and my brother's partner. My brother who, btw is FBI. So chill a bit next time.

Next time?

Yes. Our work here is just beginning.

Then, he opened another text thread to the "Squint Squad."

Testing phase is complete. Let the games begin.