A/N: the song used in this is a great song by the Andrew's Sisters called I can Dream, can't I. The story can stand alone without the lyrics, but it's such a beautiful song that I implore you not to look past the lyrics.
"So have you decided yet whether you're going to the Czech Republic?" Angela looked at her best friend as they walked through the streets of DC on their way to the diner. Temperance didn't answer right away. The truth was, there was only one thing holding her back from leaving, and that was her partner, Booth. She hadn't had the opportunity to discuss the offer to assist on a mass grave discovered outside of Prague.
As they approached their hangout, Brennan stopped in the street, frozen at the sight before her. Of course she knew that Booth and Camille were dating, but she hadn't seen them together outside of work. The couple walked down the street, Booth's arm wrapped casually around Camille's shoulder as he leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
Temperance jumped, startled at the honk of a car and the screech of tires as a vehicle hurtled toward her. Angela pulled her friend from the path of the car. From across the street, Booth and Cam turned as Tempe collapsed into a nervous heap on the side of the road.
"Oh my God, Bren! Are you okay?" Angela knelt in front of her friend, making sure she wasn't hurt.
"I'm fine, Ange." She took in a couple of comforting breaths before she stood up again. "I just got distracted for a minute. That's all." The traffic began to clear, but Temperance grabbed hold of her friend and turned them in the opposite direction. "You know, I think I'm more in the mood for Chinese after all."
"Oooookay." Angela looked around, trying to figure out what was wrong, when she herself saw Booth with Camille. The comprehension dawned, and she hurriedly led her friend away and toward Wong Foo's.
I can see
No matter how near you'll be
You'll never belong to me
But I can dream, can't I
Can't I pretend
That I'm locked in the bend of your embrace
For dreams are just like wine
And I am drunk with mine
"I'm going to go to Prague." Tempe sipped her wine, and avoided the worried glances she was receiving from her best friend.
"This decision doesn't have anything to do with Booth, does it?" Angela placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. Tempe took a deep breath and let it out slowly through her nose. She turned to face Angela, and forced a smile.
"Booth is entitled to his own life. He's obviously happy, so why would it matter what I do? I have no claim over him."
"That is a load of crap and you know it. You never told him how you feel, so how was he supposed to know you're interested?"
"It doesn't matter anyway. My mind is made up. I'm going to Prague."
"Sweetie, using this dig as an escape isn't going to change the situation…"
"Which is why it shouldn't be an issue. I'll let Dr. Saroyan know tomorrow, and then I leave in two weeks."
"And when are you going to tell Booth?"
"I don't know. I'll get around to it eventually." Brennan looked away from Angela as she took another sip of her wine. Maybe the distance would be good for her. She could get her distance emotionally, and when she came back… hopefully she would be ready to face Booth and his relationship with Camille Saroyan.
I'm aware
My heart is a sad affair
There's much disillusion there
But I can dream, can't I
Can't I adore you
Although we are ocean's apart
I can't make you open your heart
But I can dream, can't I
Booth stepped into Deputy Director Cullen's office, curious as to why he was being called in. A body had been discovered, and needed identification. He should be on his way to the Jeffersonian, but instead, he found himself on his way to meet with is boss.
"Agent Booth, have a seat." Cullen indicated a chair, and watched as Booth sat down carefully.
"What is this about, sir?"
"I wanted to give you the opportunity to meet with Dr. Brennan's replacement at the Jeffersonian."
"What replacement? I wasn't informed of any staffing changes."
"Which is why I wanted to introduce you. This is Dr. Stephen Caufield. He'll be working at the Jeffersonian in Dr Brennan's stead." Booth turned and noticed the man sitting off to one side of Cullen's desk. He was older, maybe in his forties, graying at the temples, and had a thick, rather bushy beard. If his hair were white, he would look like Santa Claus.
"Agent Booth, it's a pleasure to meet you. The forensic team at the Jeffersonian has said nothing but wonderful things about you, so I look forward to working on the cases that are sent there." Stephen pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Booth. "I was asked to give this to you by Dr. Brennan before she left."
Booth took the envelope and tore it open. Inside was a short letter written in Brennan's familiar scrawl. Dear Booth, I'm sorry you're learning of my departure to Prague in this manner, but I just felt it was for the best. I'm sure you and Dr. Saroyan can handle anything that is thrown your way, and I wish the two of you nothing but the best in life. Angela told me I should tell you how I feel about you, and the relationship, but it's best to leave it this way. You'll always be my partner and friend. I guess we'll never get pat that barrier. Be good to Dr. Saroyan, and I hope that by the time I return, any conflictions will have worked themselves out. Love, Bones.
Booth carefully re-folded the letter and stood. He nodded to his boss and to Dr. Caufield before leaving the office. His partner and best friend was gone, and there seemed nothing he could do to bring her back.
I'm aware
My heart is a sad affair
There's much disillusion there
But I can dream, can't I
Can't I adore you
Although we are oceans apart
I can't make you open your heart
But I can dream, can't I