Disclaimer: I don't own Bones or any of the associated characters. Please don't sue.
Chapter Ten
Seeley Booth stood at the bus stop, luggage in hand, Temperance Brennan at his side. Tears filled both their eyes, as family and friends surrounded them both. Marissa was crying, and Peter was trying hard not to. Jared showed up to hug his big brother goodbye, but neither of Booth's parents did.
"Bye, Bones," Seeley whispered as the bus pulled in. She clung to him, realizing that it could be the last time she ever felt his warmth, kissing his cheek. He held her chin firmly in his hand and kissed her lips forcefully. She was startled at first, but melted into the kiss.
"I have to go," he told her, "But I couldn't leave without telling you that-I love you." He looked so confidant when he said it.
"I love you too," she replied, staring into his twinkling brown eyes, her voice cracking. He hugged everyone else goodbye, as she stood, trembling, nobody left to comfort her. The reality was setting in; he was leaving her to struggle alone. His eyes sadly met Brennan's as he boarded the bus.
And then he was gone.
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"Tempe, look, it's a letter from Seeley," Marissa said excitedly, handing her the envelope. Temperance opened it carefully, trying not to tear it.
Dear Bones,
I've been training here for a while now, and I hope I'll be back in D.C in time for your birthday. Being a sniper is harder than I expected it to be, but I know I'm doing the right thing. I hope your Jezebel problems have gone away, and I'm sorry I'm not there to help you. And, in case you're wondering, I do love you.
Take care of yourself,
Seeley
That's it? It's barely a paragraph, Temperance thought. He seemed so sad, she hated it. Pulling out some monogrammed paper Marissa had given her specifically for the purpose, she wrote him back.
Dear Seeley,
I miss you, and worry about you daily. My Jezebel problems are gone after Angela told everyone about the fight. Everyone thinks she's insane and avoids her, so she's left me alone. I've been offered a chance to go to Central America with a Professor to an archaeological dig next month, and I've decided to go. I hope you make it here for my birthday; it won't be the same without you.
Love,
Temperance
It was a simple letter, but it said all she wanted it to. Seeley had been gone for only one month, but everyday had been a struggle. She sealed it and handed it to Marissa reluctantly, who in turn would mail it later.
Weeks went by, and off Brennan went to Central America. By the time she got back, Seeley had only sent one letter. The last letter she would ever receive from him.
Dear Tempe,
I can't write anymore. I want you to move on with your life, and follow your heart. Maybe I'll explain in the future…Or maybe you'll find out on your own. Today marks my nineteenth birthday, so I hate writing this. I love you so much; I can't even describe to you how much I love you.
Good Luck,
Seeley
Temperance held the letter close to her chest and swallowed hard, confused. The letter was scribbled hastily on a crinkled piece of paper. So careless.
But why?
TBC…sorry for the late update! Next chapter I skip ahead in time!! How should Seeley and Bones be reunited? Review and tell me! And why did Booth stop writing?
Hmmmm….