FBI agent Seeley Booth looked over at Temperance Brennan. They had become very close over the past several years and because of this bond, Booth knew that something was bothering the brunette woman. Her shoulders were tense and it looked like she was trying to literally bite her tongue. Something difficult was on her mind. Lately she had started to think of others feelings before speaking and so she would refrain from speaking in situations where she felt it would injure or offend. Sometimes.
"What is it, Bones?" Booth asked, using her nickname.
She avoided his gaze. "I don't know what you mean."
"Come on, I know when something's bothering you." The FBI agent shifted so that he could face her completely. "What is it?"
His eyebrows twisted in concern when she remained silent. The forensic anthropologist cocked her head to one side, trying to work out the right words to use. Booth tried to be patient, knowing that this was probably harder on her than it would be on him. Whatever it was she needed to say.
"Just spit it out, Bones." He urged, voice soft and encouraging.
Temperance sucked in a deep breath and looked into his eyes, her own unsettled. "I know that you are a religious man, but do you think it is possible that there is no god? Is there any part of you that questions the truth of the bible?"
Thrown by the unexpected subject Booth grappled with his mind to focus on a response. He opened and closed his mouth a few times before saying with conviction. "Everyone questions, Bones. That's what makes us human. Sure I believe in god, but I also know not to expect irrevocable proof."
"Then how...how can you believe?"
Seeley let his gaze travel out a nearby window and settle on the sight outside. The golden beams of sunlight escaping between storm clouds lit the trees and showed shinning puddles in the roadways. People with umbrellas walked, heads down through the continuing drizzle. Brown eyes returning to search blue, Booth smiled.
"I believe because I see miracles every single day. Rain to water the earth, trees to clean the air, people full of creativity and caring. That is god, Bones."
Temperance digested this opinion with a nod of her head. Seeley knew that convincing her was not that easy, but he also knew that she would not dismiss his words out of hand. His smile widened and he touched a hand to her wrist.
"Why don't we go get some lunch and maybe we can talk about it some more, okay?"
Temperance grinned in response. "That would be agreeable."
Arm in arm they walked out into the mid-afternoon day. The couple a stirring example of religious proof. Heaven looked down on them with approval and love. Nature itself validated through their friendship.
-THE END