Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea.

Author's Note: I know I said this was just a one-shot, but I wrote this without even thinking about it! I'm also planning on doing another two chapters, but I haven't decided whether the ending will be happy or sad. I hope that won't put you off.

Author's Note 2: Thank you to Bellabun, my beta. Even though she says she doesn't do anything, I know she enjoys reading these before everyone else!

The midnight air was icy, and my breath gathered in puffs before me. I pushed my hands deeper into the pockets of my jacket and looked up at the majestic architecture that housed the Jeffersonian Institute. Slowly I climbed the stone steps that led to the main entrance.

The door was unlocked, as I had expected it to be, and I slipped inside in a gust of cold air. The door echoed like an explosion as it slammed shut, and the night watchman looked up from his perch from behind the reception desk. He acknowledged me with a tight smile, and I felt the familiar anger bubble in the pit of my stomach as a shadow of pity fell across his face. I lowered my eyes and moved quickly across the marble lobby towards the door marked 'Personnel Only'.

I only used this door at night, choosing instead to use the entrance at the back of the building to enter the Medico-Legal laboratory during the day. It would have been easier to slip in and out without being noticed, but I needed that brief contact with humanity to reassure myself that this wasn't a dream.

The vast laboratory was empty, the only noise coming from the hum of electrical equipment. I deposited my coat in my dark office before crossing to the dimly lit expanse of the main platform. I climbed the steps slowly, solemnly, preparing myself for the task ahead. After swiping my security clearance card I stood at the top of the platform, butterflies flitting around my empty stomach. I hadn't eaten since breakfast – the sandwich I had ordered for lunch had stuck in my throat and I had thrown it away, half-eaten, just as I did every Thursday.

I made a beeline for the computer workstation at the far end of the platform, and noticed that it had already been set up and was waiting for me. Tears stung the corners of my eyes. Angela. She was the only one I had told about my late night forays. I sat down heavily on the stool positioned in front of a large flat screen monitor, and switched it on. The screen blinked to life, and I found myself looking at a blank screen. I adjusted the camera at the top of the monitor and waited, impatiently eyeing my watch every few seconds.

The computer beeped and a message flashed up on screen, asking me if I wanted to accept the incoming transmission. I clicked 'yes' and began what felt like an eternal wait until images flashed onto the screen.

"Bones, can you hear me?"

A lump rose in my throat and tears spilled down my cheeks as I nodded and bit down on my bottom lip. I breathed deep and fought to keep my voice steady. "I can hear you."

On screen, Seeley Booth grinned widely as he sat down before me. His brow furrowed. "Hey, don't cry." His voice was soft, soothing, and he reached a thumb out and swiped it across the screen as though he was wiping away my tears. I smiled.

"I'll try not to." I exhaled and rubbed my hands across my face. "How are you doing?"

Booth tried a small laugh, but it sounded strained and forced. "Oh, you know, same as usual. The food's horrible and the bed is lumpy, but I shouldn't complain." He lowered his head, and when he lifted it a moment later his eyes had a glassy quality. "I miss you." A single tear rolled down his cheek.

I tried to smile but was certain it was a grimace. "I miss you too. When can you come home?"

He shrugged and wiped his eyes. "I don't know. Soon, I hope."

We sat in silence for a moment until I remembered what I had brought to show him and dug deep into the pocket of my slacks. "I have something to show you. Rebecca sent it to me."

I unfolded a piece of paper and held it up so Booth could see the picture depicted there. Parker had drawn a picture of his dad, complete with camouflage and gun, and I had kept it with me all week until it was time to show it.

Booth laughed. "Is my nose really that big?"

I laughed and glanced down at the picture. Booth's nose was grossly out of proportion with the rest of his face. "Maybe in the eyes of a child it is." I folded the picture and tucked it away. "I'll put it with the others."

Booth nodded. He glanced to his side and I could hear talking in the background. Our time together was coming to an end. When he looked back at me, his brow was furrowed, his mouth downturned in a sad smile. "I have to go."

I nodded. "I know." I fought to hold back the sobs that had begun to shake my body.

"Please, Bones. I can't stand to see you so upset. If this is too hard, maybe we shouldn't do this anymore."

I shook my head vehemently. "No, I need this. Without this, I have nothing."

Booth shook his head and raised a hand, placing his palm flat against the monitor. I lifted my own until it was touching the image of his. "I love you, Temperance." His voice wavered.

"I love you too, Seeley." I watched as the monitor turned black, lowered my hand, and allowed myself to cry.