Disclaimer: Bones is property of Fox.

Thanks Melissa, my beta, you made this chapter better than it originally was. To all those reviewing and sticking with me through this story, thanks! Here comes the angst.

Booth

The day finally arrives. Our two days together after the wedding seemed all too short. I get an eerie sense of déjà vu as I stand in the airport, watching various other families saying their goodbyes to loved ones who have been called up to active duty.

It's been a long time since I've been in Army fatigues; my Ranger uniform. Bones had said it's a turn on when I put it on this morning, and her one statement resulted in our most intense quickie we'd ever had. I had thought make up sex was hot, but last night, the goodbye sex was even hotter. But the hottest sex of all, had to be this morning up against our bedroom wall. I grin at the memory. I try to focus my thoughts back on the present.

Everyone who cares about me is here, even the Squints. The looks on their faces are almost too much to bear. I don't know why I do this. I always try my best to make the people I love happy, but somehow I managed to hurt them in the process.

It's time to say my goodbyes. I shake Hodgins' hand. "Good luck man." He thumps me enthusiastically on the back. "Don't worry we'll take good care of Dr Brennan."

I nod my thanks as I move on to Angela. She has tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Come on Angela. I'm coming back." She grabs me and pulls me into a hug.

"Take care of yourself Booth." Comes her muffled words from my chest.

"I will."

She releases me and I move to shake Sweet's hand. He has no words of wisdom this time, only a short, "All the best, Agent Booth."

Again I nod my thanks as I move to Cam. I take her into my arms and hold her. Cam's been a very dear friend all these years, and it pains me to see her so distraught.

"Promise me you'll be careful Seeley." She's on the verge of tears.

"I promise."

She nods as she kisses me on the cheek.

Now comes the hard part; my family. The people I tell myself are the reason I'm doing this.

Jared pulls me into a bear hug. "I'm starting to get jealous; you get to see more action than me."

I manage a chuckle. "Don't worry, Jared. You'll always be the golden boy."

"You make sure you come back Seeley, or I'm moving in on your wife."

Bones snorts a "never." And we share a laugh between brothers.

Next comes my new father-in-law. I'm glad Bones has found him and they're on close terms now. It puts my heart at greater ease knowing Max is there to look out for her. He takes my hand in a vice grip.

"You'd better come back in one piece son, or I'm going there myself to hurt you real bad."

"Take care of Temperance for me, ok?"

"You have my word I'll watch out for her and Parker."

"Thanks." Ironically, having an acquitted murderer promise to look out for my wife and son is comforting.

Next up is Parker. Rebecca stands a distance away, wanting to give me space with my son. I get down on one knee to his eye level. His chestnut eyes glisten with unshed tears. He hadn't taken the news of my departure too well, and cried when we told him that day in the park after school. He only calmed down after Bones promised to take him every weekend, as I always did.

"Hey, little man." I take him into my arms. I expect him to burst into tears but he hugs me silently. "You'll come back Daddy. I know you will."

"You betcha." I look into his eyes. My promise to him.

"I'm gonna be praying for you every night."

"Me too buddy. Listen to your Mom and Bones ok?"

"I will. And I'll keep an eye on Bones too."

I choke back my tears. When did he get so intuitive? When did he grow up so fast? "You know Parker, I'm so proud of you and I love you very much."

I don't want this to be my last words to my son. But if they are, I need him to know this.

"I love you too Daddy."

I release Parker from my hug. Now comes the hardest part; My Bones. She stands waiting patiently for me to say my goodbyes to everyone else. I walk to her, wordlessly taking her into my arms. We hold each other in silence for the longest time, unsure of how to proceed. Whatever that I needed to say to her, I said last night. She understands why I must go. I'm proud of her for sticking with me through all this.

I break the hug. I reach into my pocket. My hand emerges with a silver necklace. My wedding ring dangles from it. I can't risk taking it with me; I don't want to lose it. Whatever missions I'm to undertake are bound to be dangerous, and I don't want my enemies to know about the people I love back home.

I move around her and drape the necklace round my wife's neck.

"Keep it safe for me. I'm coming back for it."

"Ok." Bones nods softly. She has always been strong, and used to people leaving her. Today she's fighting back tears.

"I'll make sure I take care of Parker – "

I shake my head. Silencing her. I know she will love Parker like he was her own, even if she doesn't realize it yet. "I know you will. What I want you to promise me, is that you'll take care of yourself."

"I promise."

I take a moment. It's almost time to go. If theses were to be my last words to Bones… there's not enough time. I could probably write an essay on what I'd want to say to her. I have to sum it up in a couple of sentences.

"Temperance," I cup her face in my hands. "You've made my life worth living. Whatever happens…"

She can't hold back and the tears are freely falling now.

"Whatever happens, I want you to know that I love you, more than I ever thought possible. You've made me a better man."

I know I shouldn't jinx myself but I need her to know. "I'm not saying I'm not coming back, but…."

"Booth." She chokes, trying to stop me. But I need her to know.

"If I don't make it back Bones, I need you to carry on without me. Promise me you'll be strong."

She nods.

"You'll come back." She sobs.

"I will Bones. I will." I lean in to kiss her. I taste salty tears on her lips. "I love you Temperance."

I don't expect her to say anything in return. I know this is all too much even for her genius brain; us being in a relationship, this concept of love, getting married, and me leaving all in the span of slightly more than a month. I'm already grateful for all this time we had.

I break the kiss. It's time to go. I pick Parker up in my arms and hold him to me for a second, then loop my other arm round Bones. I'm holding my whole world in my arms now. I really have to go. I hand Parker to Rebecca. Max comes and wraps his arm round Bones.

I offer everyone there a smile. Grabbing my bag and tossing it over my shoulder, I turn, not trusting myself to look back, because I know if I do, I'll cry. And I can't let them see me cry. I take a deep breath. I'm leaving my world behind me, and entering into the unknown, a very dangerous unknown. I pray I'll come back.

Reviews are always welcome!