I wrote this oneshot between Hole in the Heart & Change in the Game...it's what I thought the 'big change' from the promo was going to be...oops...

The Choice.

"Agent Booth, Doctor Brennan."

We glanced at each other as we sat down opposite Sweets. After years of counselling, work and intertwined social lives, we knew enough about the young psychologist to recognise that he was nervous. He was fidgeting; playing with his tie; rubbing his chin. This was not usual Sweets behaviour and it made me feel uneasy.

My gut told me that something was up. This was not going to be a regular session.

I looked again at the woman sitting next to me. She had crossed her legs and was sitting straight. She had smoothed her skirt over her knee and was now twirling her dolphin ring. A move she made unconsciously when she was unsure of a situation. She too could sense that something was not right. I sighed. If Bones could recognise the thickness in the air, then this was not going to be easy.

It was time to get to the point.

"What is it, Sweets?"

"Agent Booth, Doctor Brennan."

Bones answered with a hint of frustration in her usually controlled voice. "You've already said that bit."

I heard the young psychologist sigh and watched as my partner furrowed her eyebrows and leant back in resignation. She attempted to exude an air of indifference. But I knew her better than that. She was worried.

Sweets spoke.

"Right. Agent Booth, Doctor Brennan, it has come to the attention of the FBI that the status of your relationship has somewhat, ah, changed."

Bingo. So that's what this was about.

I smoothed down my tie and saw Bones shift in her seat.

The air was still for a moment. I could feel the anger rise within me and I was ready to unleash on the wary young man, when she spoke.

"And how did this come to their attention?" Her cool blue eyes did not flinch. Her voice had regained its assured composure. I had seen Temperance Brennan in control many times. This was not the time for me to interrupt.

"Well, Doctor Brennan, it has been noticed by a number of Agents." Sweets swallowed nervously.

"Right, Agents." I could see the furrow in her brow deepen. "Is it not part of your role, Doctor Sweets to inform the FBI of any matters that come to your attention regarding their Agents?" She emphasised her words with a bite that seemed to make Sweets wince.

Sweets sighed and looked at her sadly. "Yes, Doctor Brennan, it is my responsibility to confirm to the FBI any changes that may affect the work of their Agents."

Her eyes flashed. "I see. So, Doctor Sweets", the emphasis on his title did not go unnoticed "what precisely did you confirm?"

I sat quietly and watched the two of them as Sweets leant forward. His change in position, a way to close the distance between them, went unmatched as Bones remained resting against the back of the couch. Her only alteration was a crossing of her arms. She, as I, was grappling with the idea of what our friend had done.

Sweets coughed uncomfortably. "Dr Brennan, please, we are all aware that you and Agent Booth have embarked on a sexual relationship."

"Really, Doctor Sweets? Are we?" She didn't skip a beat.

"Well, yes we are." Sweets continued to lean forward. This time he included me with a sweep of his hand. "The change in your demeanours; the increased physical contact; they are all signs that something has changed."

"And indeed it has, Doctor Sweets." Bones looked triumphant. If that was the only evidence he had, she was sure she had the upper hand. The coolness returned with an air of smugness. I knew this Bones; she was going to make him squirm. Ordinarily I would have enjoyed the process, but today was different. There seemed to be more to it.

"Ahh, Bones…" I reached over to touch her arm. I saw Sweets smile and I gave him a glare, realising that I was proving his point.

"It's fine Booth, I'm very interested in what Doctor Sweets thinks he knows".

I looked over at Sweets. What did he know? Clearly not the truth, for even though he had spent enough time with us over the past weeks, he didn't know everything. His face, however, carried an edge of sadness; of discomfort. Almost as though he regretted the situation before him.

It was time to get involved. I leant forward. "Sweets, what's going on?"

"Listen, Agent Booth…"

"Get to the point, Sweets."

"Ok," The look of discomfort remained. "The FBI has a policy that Agents don't date contractors Agent Booth, you know that."

I bristled. He couldn't be serious. "And so?"

"And so, I need to inform you, that you and Doctor Brennan need to make a choice, Agent Booth. You are either professional partners or involved in a relationship – I'm afraid you can't do both."

I sat back. Unbelievable. Of all the possible scenarios, I had not expected this. The sick feeling crept into the pit of my stomach. Either. Or. Not both. After seven years as partners, after everything, I would be forced to make a choice between which Her I wanted.

I sensed the tension in the room and looked over at her. I saws her clench her fist and before I had the chance to reach out, she leant forward.

Her eyes flashed with anger. "You cannot be serious."

Sweets nodded his head slowly "I'm sorry Doctor Brennan, but I'm afraid I am, the FB…."

"Ridiculous". She stood up and circled the couch. "Absolutely ridiculous." I started to see the tears form in her eyes, as she sensed everything she had achieved start to slip away. "We have a proven track record. We have an unbeatable crime solving rate. We are the best. And the FBI wants to separate us because they think we're doing what everyone has suspected for years? And as for you, Doctor Sweets, you're supposed to be our friend. How could you? How could you put us in this position, after everything…"

I stood up to join her. "Bones, I…"

She looked up at me with panicked eyes. "No, Booth, no! This is wrong."

I enveloped her in my arms. I could feel her getting overwhelmed. I could sense the regret seeping in. I needed to stop this before it engulfed her. I needed her to know what was important.

I whispered quietly in her ear, "Baby, listen to me: There is no choice."

I looked down into her eyes. I saw the pain. I saw the conflict and the anger. And then, I saw it: the realisation sink in. And a wave of relief swept through me. Finally, we really were on the same page.

Her blue eyes widened, her mouth formed a smile and she let out a sigh, "You're right, Booth. There is no choice."

With that she took my hand and guided me towards the door. I turned to Sweets. He watched us and nodded.

"I'm sorry, man. I'm going to miss these sessions, you know?"

I nodded. There was no longer anything to discuss.