AN: Okay, the song is "If Everyone Cared" by Nickleback, as so many of you have already guessed.

Chapter 8 If Everyone Cared

From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites

Temperance frowned, her thoughts alternative between the strange song playing on her MP3 and how anyone could misinterpret a star for a satellite—the two had completely different visual apparatus.

Booth finished his sandwich, still in slight awe at how much they'd talked during the drive without speaking.

I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight

"Good song, Bones."

"Thanks. I've never heard it before," she turned on the light and studied the screen, "who's Nickleback? I swear Angela is never getting her hands on this thing again." Booth laughed.

"Don't worry about it, they're a very popular band."

"I don't like popular bands. I like… unique bands, unappreciated musicians."

"Sure you do." Temperance's comeback was cut off by the chorus.

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
We'd see the day when nobody died

"Well that's absurd," she continued, much to Booth's chagrin.

"What is?"

"If everyone just loved each other enough no one would ever die. It's a biological impossibility, Booth."

"It's a nice thought, Bones."

"But irrational."

"Bones!" Booth was getting frustrated, "it's a nice wish to have. We know it'll never happen and if it did we'd be out of jobs." Temperance frowned, suddenly feeling mischievous again.

"Not me. There are enough cases in limbo to keep me busy for awhile. And I'm an author, always something to write about."

Booth rolled his eyes as Temperance rambled on. Suddenly she stopped and listened to the chorus again.

Singing Amen I'm alive
Singing Amen I'm alive

"Is he saying 'Amen'? What does God have to do with this song?"

"It's not just a religious expression anymore, Bones. 'Amen' is used to convey strong agreement with a statement."

"I don't understand, Booth."

"Shhhh, listen to the words." Both became quiet as the chorus faded to another verse.

And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are

"Don't you see Bones? It's an affirmation of your place in the universe. We're so small and overall, quite insignificant. He's just thankful he's alive."

Temperance half listened to Booth's explanation and instead found comfort in the next lines.

If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could beIf everyone were as lucky and Booth and me,
she thought with the start of a smile turning up her lips, than the world would be a better place.

"Booth, I am glad I'm alive… and here with you."

"Me too, Bones, me too."

Booth started the car as Temperance tossed the empty containers in the backseat, settling in for the rest of the drive.

"Another hour or so?"

"Yeah, we're about seventy miles outside Myrtle Beach now. Go ahead and get comfortable, Bones, you've got a few more songs to play." Temperance smiled and pulled her legs up underneath her, turning so she was facing Booth. Fingering the radio she turned it up as the upbeat music started.

"I know this one!" She exclaimed, practically bouncing up and down in the seat.

"That's good, Bones, it's from your player after all." She glared at him playfully.

"Here," Booth pulled out another bag from the restaurant, "you deserve a cookie." Temperance sent him another glare but greedily snatched a large oatmeal cookie and sang along.

"Doof fue fakin' by dart!" Booth laughed heartily as she attempted the melody while chewing.

END Chapter

AN: Not my fault the next song's title is also the first line of the song! If you can guess it from Bones' blundering attempt you win Booth! Or a cookie, whatever I can come up with first.

Just a warning, I'll probably post chapter 9 tomorrow for ya and then take a break for the weekend. I'm in denial about Veronica Mars being cancelled and really need to catch up on life since series and season finales have taken so much of my time lately. Toodles!