Disclaimer: I don't own Bones or any of the associated characters. Please don't sue.
Thanks for all the reviews! Only a couple people guessed correctly…read on!
*This chapter is dedicated to Billy Mays who died today*
Chapter Nine
Temperance woke up; she heard a knocking on her door.
"Come in," she moaned, yawning. Seeley walked in with a sad smile on his face.
"Hey, Bones, you want to go out for lunch? I made plans, just for the two of us," he offered. Her face lit up happily.
"That sounds great, I'll get dressed," she said, jumping out of bed excitedly. Seeley shut the door quietly behind him, holding his head in his hands.
"Damn," he whispered under his breath. Temperance came out, in jeans and a fancy shirt, but she still somehow looked beautiful.
"Ready? Seeley, is there something wrong?" She asked, her face crossed with a shadow. He shook his head and forced a smile.
"No, nothing is wrong. Let's go. I'll drive."
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The diner was small, only one or two customers, but it was wonderful. Brennan noticed how homely it felt, so perfect. She sat down across from Seeley, noticing something was wrong.
"I need to talk to you about something," he told her, closing his eyes.
"Do you want me out of the apartment? It's okay, I understand…" she started, her eyes growing large. He grabbed her hand across the table.
"No, Temperance, that's not it." He said honestly.
"I'm going to college next year anyway, the school told me I don't need to attend senior year, I'd be in a dorm soon," she said quickly. He looked into her eyes and sighed sympathetically.
"Bones, I told you that's not it. I'm-I'm joining the army," He admitted, keeping his hand over hers, waiting for her reaction. Her eyes brimmed with tears.
"N-No, you can't, do you know how many soldiers get killed, Seeley?" Brennan demanded.
"I'm going into the U.S Army Rangers, I'll be a sniper, come on, Bones, please don't cry," he pleaded. She took her hand from under his and sobbed into it, covering her eyes.
"W-When are you leaving?" She asked in a harsh whisper.
"After I get my high school diploma, in a few weeks, I'll write you every time I can, okay? I promise," he told her honestly, his heart breaking.
"Another person that's going to leave my life, my parents, Russ, and now you? I'm starting to think it's my fault. Don't bother writing, I can't survive another broken promise," she cried, storming out of the diner. She sat outside on the bench, sobbing into her hands. Booth quickly followed her.
"Bones, what can I do? This is my decision, something I've been training for. Please, please tell me what I can do to make you feel better?" He asked, sitting next to her. She leaned over onto his shoulder.
"Nothing, you do, will ever make me feel better," she told him, "I'll always worry, but I know you'll try to be safe." She forgave him in her own heart, realizing he was following his.
"Are you still hungry?" He offered, those brown eyes so hurt, but so trustworthy.
"Yeah," she agreed. Booth took her by the hand and led her back inside.
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Temperance entered the apartment slowly, Peter and Marissa sitting on the couch, staring at her. They both looked concerned for her. They both must've known, she thought. She went into her room, shutting the door gently, as if she was invisible.
"Go talk to her," Peter urged his girlfriend, "A girl to girl talk." Marissa nodded and rose, knocking on Brennan's door sharply.
"Tempe, you okay? You want to talk?" She asked, putting her ear to the door. Brennan opened it slightly, and Marissa went in, closing the door behind her.
"You knew he was going to tell me," Brennan said coldly, "Why was it a huge secret?" Marissa sat down.
"Seeley told Peter months ago about his plans after high school. He wasn't going to tell you, but after you two grew so close, he felt obligated to keep in touch with you," Marissa explained.
"I don't want him to feel obligated to do anything, its fine. We'd be separated anyhow, I'm attending Northwestern University, I've already applied and been accepted with a full scholarship." She told the caring young woman.
"Do you care about him?" Marissa asked.
"He's a good friend, and if he wants to keep in touch, he can," Temperance said, "I have three weeks to spend time with him." Marissa nodded and left the room with a sympathetic look.
TBC…next chapter is when beloved Booth leaves for the army. What will his parting words to her be? And, after he leaves, how much time should I skip ahead to? Please review with ideas!