We're a picture in my mind
And when I want to find you
I just close my eyes
You'll never be that far from me
So don't say goodbye

----------------------------

"Bones? Do you ever think about what it could have been like if you hadn't left? Do you ever regret it?"

"I think those are two highly inappropriate questions to ask me considering the fact that you and Angela are together now."

"I have to know, Bones."

"I don't want to complicate things."

"Whatever you say, it won't change the way I feel about Angela. So you won't be complicating anything."

"What if it changes the way you feel about me?"

"I gotta know, Bones."

She sighed. "Yes, Booth. As pointless as it is, I often think of what it would have been like had I stayed with you. And as much as I believe that regret is a trivial emotion that shows nothing but weakness, I can't help it. I do regret it. I admit that I made an error. I don't know how. I had all the facts right in front of me, telling me that I was making the right decision. But somehow, it was incorrect."

"I told ya, Bones. You gotta let your heart do the thinking sometimes."

"I'm sorry, Booth."

"I think about it, too. All the time."

"Booth-"

"Angela knows. She knows that I could never stop loving you, Bones. Everyone knows."

"I know-"

"And I will always want to be with you.."

"Booth-"

"...which is why I can't just be your friend. I wanted to try, and pretend I could, but I can't."

He walked towards her, and put his rough hand on her soft cheek. He kissed her, and a small smile tugged at her lips.

"I talked to the director of the FBI. He said they could use me in Chicago."

"I don't want to move to Chicago, Booth. I'm resuming my position at the Jeffersonian, we can both stay here."

"I found Angela a job there, too."

"I don't-"

"Bones, Angela and I are moving to Chicago."

"I thought you just said-"

"I'm sorry, Bones."

He looked into the eyes of the woman he loved one last time.

And he walked away.

Because he, unlike her so many years ago, didn't have a choice.

And he realized he was wrong:

Love wasn't always enough.

---------------------------

Got my memories
And they will last
I try to keep it simple
Cause I hate goodbyes
I try to keep it simple
By telling myself that
I will remember you
And all of the things
That we've gone through
There is so much I could say
But words get in the way
So if we're not together
I will remember you


A/N:I'm so sorry! Gah, you have no idea how hard that was to do. But I had to do it. So, there it is. What'd you think? Even if you hated it (which I expect) I'd still like to know!

The song is I Will Remember You by Ryan Cabrera.

Thanks for taking the time to read Hard to Say Goodbye.

Fin.