Okay... here is the deal. This was originally a one-shot, but after many requests (and a kick in the ass from my muse) I decided to make a multi-chapter out of it, probably consisting of three or four chapters. I hope you'll like it. I know that I have other stories who need to get updated, too, but these days I really have to be thankful if I can get anything written... I can't be too picky, my muse is really moody these days. Thanks for reading, all of you, you're the best!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bones. If I did, the season 3 finale definitley would have been different.

Chapter 1: Waiting…

„I hate it when we have to wait." Booth said, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Huh?" The woman beside him asked, not even bothering to look up from the medical journal she had buried her nose in practically as soon as they had entered the waiting room.

"Waiting. Damn boring." He emphasised. "Read something" She replied casually and pointed to the couch table in front of them, which was covered in medical journals.

"I am not going to touch that stuff. Might get infected and turn out a squint myself." He grinned at her. She rolled her eyes in response only to return her attention to the report on bone cancer she had been reading before.

Booth resumed tapping his foot, the 'tap-tap-tap' occasionally accompanied by a sigh.

"Would you stop that? I can't concentrate if you make those noises all the time." His partner addressed him without looking up.

"Sorry." He mumbled and let his gaze sweep over the empty waiting room. He sighed again and winced in anticipation of some harsh comment from her side, but the ringing of his cell phone saved him.

Quickly he pulled it out, too happy about the distraction to check the caller ID. "Booth." He answered and groaned inwardly when he heard his mother's voice. "Seeley. How come you never return my calls? I left two messages on your answering machine yesterday and you did not call me back." The accusatory tone pierced his ears and he registered that an amused smile played on the lips of his partner.

He rolled his eyes and answered: "Sorry, mum... I kinda forgot. Would you calm down a little?"

"Calm down, he says. You know, it's no fun at all with you boys. Jared's as bad as you." His mother snapped.

"Sorry, really, mum. I came home late last night and this morning I forgot." Booth replied, his voice gentler now.

"Hm" his mother mumbled. "Yeah, well, now that you're actually talking to me... I'd like to remind you that in two weeks we'll celebrate your Dad's 60th birthday."

"I haven't forgotten about it." He quickly answered, although he had.

"No, of course not." His mother drawled the words out with audible sarcasm. "Anyway... I would like to know if you're going to come alone... or not?" The last two words were uttered in that hopeful tone of hers, the tone she used when she suggested that he was getting too old to be living on his own. He stifled a sigh and answered. "It's going to be just Parker and me."

"Oh, Seeley. You've got to let a woman in your life." His mother exclaimed.

Booth's gaze flickered to his partner, who was – thankfully – not laughing... but suppressing it, as he suspected.

"Yeah. Thanks for the advice." He gave back weakly.

"Honestly, Seeley, you know I love Parker, but it's time for you to... settle down a little. And more grandchildren would be great too."

"Really? Hey, why don't you pick on Jared for a change?" Booth sighed.

"You know very well that he and Michelle are trying!" His mother hissed.

Booth's eyes widened. "Uh... no. I had no idea. That's... They have problems?" He asked, concerned.

"They've been trying for a year now. You really did not know? Well, now you do. But we're not discussing Jared here, Seeley." His mother's tone made it clear that he had not forgotten about the initial topic.

"You know, mum,... I don't think I have time for this now... I am having an appointment, you know..." He started to explain, but was interrupted by Brennan's voice "Dr. Sweets is not going to be ready for us until nine. His secretary made that very clear."

Booth shot his partner a death glare.

"What? Who was that woman, Seeley? And what's this about a doctor?" Her voice sounded alarmed.

"Nothing you should worry about, Mum. My partner and I have to attend a psychological evaluation. FBI politics, nothing special." He hurried to answer.

"Ah." His mother made.

"Yeah." He gave back.

He heard his partner make a strange noise beside him and shot her another death glare. He was sure she was laughing, although she hid behind her journal.

"You know, Mum... I appreciate your concern, but there's nothing to worry about, okay? We're going to have a nice birthday party in two weeks... Parker will be thrilled to see you again."

"I am looking forward to seeing him again too... It's just... I want you to be happy, Seeley." His mother replied, resignation in her voice.

"I know. I am, kind of... so don't worry." He answered. "I gotta go now, Mum. Greet dad, will you?"

"Sure. Take care, Seeley."

Booth closed his phone, took in a deep breath and glared at his partner, who was reading. Or pretending to do so.

"You're evil." He accused her.

"Huh?" She made, looking up from her journal to meet his gaze, a confused expression on her face.

"Don't give me that crap. I know you've been listening... very impolite, by the way. And that you practically told her she had another ten minutes to tell what not else I should change about my life, was downright evil." Booth stared at her.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She smiled sweetly. "I've been reading."

"Sure, Miss Innocent. Do you honestly think I am thick enough to believe you need more than ten minutes to read that article?" Booth pointed towards the journal on her lap, still opened at the same page as it had been before his mother had called.

For a moment, her eyes widened a little. "I like to be thorough." She quickly defended herself.

"Uh-uh. Thoroughly nosy." Booth said.

"I am not nosy." She frowned.

"Are too." Booth grinned.

"Now you're being childish." She accused him.

"Just because you're too proud to admit that you're nosy enough to listen in on a private phone conversation." Booth retorted, folding his arms.

"If you want to keep your phone calls private, maybe you shouldn't be talking so loud." Brennan gave back.

"Whatever you say, Bones." He gave in and strolled towards the restroom. "I'll be right back." But he turned just in time to see the wicked grin on her face. He shook his head. Nosy, proud, stubborn, infuriating, adorable woman.

She wanted to play games? Oh, he was so going to pay her back.

Like it, hate it? Those of you who left reviews over at the one-shot collection (Shivers and other oneshots) already, THANK YOU. It wouldn't hurt to share your thoughts again, though ;) (Just fishing for compliments ;) )

hugs,

cheese