A/N: This started with a writing prompt--to write a story using only dialogue, no description or exposition at all. Everything, emotion included, had to be captured in the conversation. It was a very different way for me to approach a story...and a challenge not to slip in an adjective or six. But enough writer-rambly...hope you find it as interesting to read as I did to write!- AnaG
"Booth?"
"Yeah, Bones?"
"I have a question."
"Shoot."
"I'm not armed."
"Not literally, Bones."
"I know. I was being facetious."
"Well, good for you."
"So. My question."
"Ask away."
"Do you remember, after Epps, when you talked about people in high risk situations?"
"Mm-hm."
"And how those people shouldn't become involved on an intimate level?"
"I remember."
"Is it possible, well, do you think you would ever change your mind?"
"What?"
"It's a simple question, Booth."
"No. No, it's not."
"Yes, it is. While the implications may be complicated, the question itself concerns only your perspec…."
"You trying to tell me something here, Bones?"
"No, I'm asking if…"
"Yes! No. I…."
"Which is it, Booth?"
"I…I don't know."
"Okay."
"Okay."
"Good."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I asked the question and you responded honestly."
"Temperance…"
"It's just that…never mind."
"No. Not never mind. Not until you tell me what's going through that head of yours."
"Honestly?"
"Is there another way?"
"I thought—I think that variables are much more difficult than absolutes. Even if the absolute is…disagreeable."
"Variables, huh?"
"Yeah."
"But that's what people are, Bones. Variable. Messy. Complicated."
"I know."
"Besides, if there were only absolutes, there wouldn't be room for, you know, change."
"Hmm. I can accept that."
"Okay. So we're good?"
"We're good."
"Great."
"Booth?"
"Yeah?"
"Stop staring at me like that and eat your pie."
"I wasn't…okay, Bones. Okay."