Agent Booth and Dr. Brennan sat down on a park bench in silence, after solving a murder investigation. It had been long, and quite stressful for both of them. The case hit close to home, especially for Booth, because the victim was a US Soldier.
"It's so barbaric." Temperance said, gazing out over the park. "Yet, it's what they do to protect our freedom. It's what you did." She said, turning to look at her partner.
"Yeah well, everything comes with a price, Bones." He said, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.
"You're right. Unfortunately." She said, leaning back against the bench.
"What do you mean? Why is it unfortunate that we fight for our freedom? If we didn't have to fight for anything, everything would be worthless."
She glanced at him sideways. "I suppose you're right." She sighed softly. "Booth?"
"Yeah?" He asked, looking down at the grass.
"What happened with your friend? The one you tried to shield with your body when he lost his weapon?"
He reached down and picked a dandy lion. He held it, spinning it in his fingers briefly. "There was a lot of commotion." He said, taking a deep breath. "Grenades…open fire." He looked at her, and then down at the weed that looked like a flower. "I tried to shield him, opening fire on the bastards who were aiming at us. I was only able to cover him from one side, and…" His voice cracked. "He was shot numerous times in the chest. All I remember was….the sadness. He was my friend, you know?"
She nodded, and waited patiently for him to continue.
"Everything else faded away. The explosions and countless deaths around me. All I can remember is the lifeless form in my arms, and the taste of blood as it got into my mouth between sobs." He sighed, trying to overcome the memory.
"You survived. How did you get away?"
"I don't really remember. I just know I left him behind to find cover." He sat up straight, and fought back the wave of emotions he felt.
"You're a hero Booth. Even though you couldn't save your friend…you did everything you could. You made him proud." She said, placing a hand on his shoulder as a couple tears fell from his eyes.
He managed to smile. He looked at the dandy lion and handed it to her. She smiled, and took it. "Our world needs more people like you." She said softly.
"And like you." He finished for her, and grabbed her hand. "Like us."
She smiled at her partner as the warm breeze gently flowed through her hair. "Like us."