A/N: Okay, I realize that this is about six months too early, but I write one mean Christmas story, and couldn't wait to post this, so I hope you like it, such as it is.
Snow fell gently around the DC area, adding a whimsical appearance to the holiday decorations that were up in abundance. Angela walked past shops, a hot cup of cider warming her hands, as she did her Christmas shopping. Passing a jewelry store, she paused to admire a necklace in the window. It had a ruby ensconced in the center of a platinum heart. She looked up from the window and gasped at the patron in the store. David Simmons was at a counter looking at rings. Quickly, Angela pulled her cell phone from her pocket and snapped a picture of Brennan's boyfriend. If he was looking at rings, that could only mean one thing, he wanted to marry Temperance. As David turned from the counter, his purchase in his hand, Angela ducked below the edge of the window, hiding her presence from him.
She scurried below the window line and around a corner, just as he exited the store. While this was a juicy bit of information, it wasn't an arrangement that she particularly liked. Sure, David was a nice guy, but he wasn't the right person for Tempe. No, the only person the forensic anthropologist needed to be with was her partner, Seeley Booth.
Once the coast was clear, Angela dialed a number, praying that the person on the other end would answer.
"Booth." Came the response over the line.
"Hey Seeley, I have a bit of a problem, and I was wondering if you could meet me Solano's Coffee."
"What, you couldn't get a date for a Friday night? I'm shocked."
"Look Booth, I'm serious here. I really need to talk to you about something. It's really important."
"Okay, I'll be there in fifteen minutes. Is everything all right Angela? Did something happen to Bones?" Angela could hear a panic building in the agent's voice.
"Bren's fine, but what I need to tell you has to do with her. Look, I'll see you in fifteen, okay?"
"Alright. Bye Angela."
Angela hung up the phone and let out a breath. Regardless of what Booth said, she knew he was in love with Tempe, and Angela wanted to ensure that he wouldn't let her go without a fight. Steeling herself for her meeting, she hurried off to the coffee shop.
"Okay Angela, what's this about?" Booth asked when he arrived at the shop. Angela gave him a weak smile, and then took a sip of her cider.
"So, I was out shopping, and as I passed by this jewelry shop to admire a really pretty necklace, and I notice that David's inside, looking at rings."
"Wait, Dick431 was looking at rings? For Bones?"
"Well, that's what I assume. I mean who else would he be shopping for?" Angela regretted the flippant tone as soon as she spoke. Seeley looked shell-shocked by the news. "Look, I know you've been denying that you love her, but I don't want to see you lose her without a fight."
"Angela, Brennan is not some prize to be won at a pissing contest. What am I supposed to do? She's not dating me. She' dating…"
"The wrong man. Booth, if you don't at least tell her how you feel, then she'll never know she has a choice."
"What do you suggest?"
"You remember the story she told me last year about Russ making Christmas for her?"
"You're suggesting that I sneak into her apartment in the middle of the night and set up a tree, decorations, and presents in the off chance she'll find it a romantic enough gesture to not marry her boyfriend? Christ Angela. It's not my call. He's the one with the prize." Booth ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. Even though David hadn't asked Tempe yet, it still felt like a kick to the gut. "Are you positive it was David in that store?"
Angela pulled out her phone and showed Booth the picture she took. His heart sank. So the news was true. He was looking at rings. Booth tried to breathe, but the air wouldn't come.
"If I do this, then I'm going to need your help."
"Of course, Sweetie, what are friends for?"