Broken Chapter 3 – The Story – Booth's POV

Disclaimer: I still do not own Bones.

Yes I know why I'm not happy but what do I do about it? What happens tomorrow when the case is closed and Bones wakes up to realize that she's projecting the victim onto her own self, her own life? What happens if I tell Hannah I can't be with her anymore just to have Bones take back everything she said tonight?

Does it really matter? If I'm questioning it now, doesn't it mean the only reason I'm with Hannah is because Bones didn't want me? Isn't it wrong that I'm using Hannah? No it was never my intention to use her or hurt her but isn't that what I'm doing? She's great and she doesn't deserve to be second best.

I know what I need to do. The walk up stairs to my apartment is done in dread but also in hope. So although, I'll regret the hurt that I know I'll be seeing in Hannah's eyes when this conversation is done, I'll know that tomorrow we'll all be better off.

Bones doesn't believe in fate. She's said it more than once. But I do. I believe that fate brought us together seven years ago and I believe that fate brought us this case. To open her eyes to what she's got, her friends, her family, me. Because no matter what tomorrow holds for me and Bones. It will be me and Bones.

Just as I arrive at my door my phone chirps with a message, "I'm sorry. Let's talk tomorrow. Please?"

I smile, knowing tomorrow the talk will be much different.

I send my response, "We'll talk tomorrow Bones. Good night." And put the phone in my pocket as I open the door.

"Seeley, did you find her? Is she ok? Where is she now?"

"Yes Hannah, I found her. She's home safe and sound."

"Great. This case was so hard on her. Why was she so affected by it? I've never seen her so distraught over a case before."

"This case opened her eyes Hannah. It opened her eyes to her own life. This victim was like Bones in a lot of ways, a successful doctor, single, no children. She was very dedicated to her work, so much so that her personal life suffered from it. Bones recognized that in herself. Although, she failed to realize the fact that, unlike the victim she has friends who care about her, who would miss her if she disappeared."

"Absolutely we would. I haven't known Temperance for very long but I consider her a friend. I wouldn't like it if she were missing. Of course, I know you would be devastated if something happened to her, as would Parker."

"Yes, Parker would be heartbroken if Bones wasn't around anymore. And you're right my world would crash down around me if Bones were to die, which tells me there's something I need to talk to you about."

I sit on the sofa beside her but not close enough to touch.

"Ok. I'm listening."

"You know that Bones and I have been partners for a while, right?"

"Yes. 6 years, right?"

"Well, officially yes. But we worked a case together before that. At the end of that first case we had a huge argument and we didn't speak for a year."

"I don't like when you two argue."

"Yeah, I don't either. That first argument was really bad."

"I figured, since you didn't speak for a year."

"Right. Well, when I first met Bones, I was so amazed with her. She's so smart. She knows everything, you know"

"Yes, she's very smart, Seeley."

"Anyway, she was very smart but she was very infuriating too. I think during that first case I could have killed her if I wasn't afraid she'd kick my butt."

"Seeley, are you in love with Temperance?"

"What?"

"Just be honest. I'm a big girl, I can take it."

"Hannah. I don't want to hurt you. It was never my intention to drag you into my messy life. You see, last year before I went to Afghanistan, I asked Bones to give us a chance. To give us a shot, but she turned me down. It broke me and it scared her. I ran to a war zone and she ran to Maluku. Then I met you and God, you are so great. The time we've spent together has been wonderful. You helped me through the brokenness I felt from leaving my home, my son, Bones."

"Seeley, what has happened?"

"Hannah, tonight Bones told me that she regrets turning me down. She regrets she missed her chance with me."

"What did you say?"

"I told her I was with you. That you're not a consolation prize, that I love you."

"What did she say?"

"She said she understood. And I'm sure she does. But on the way home I couldn't get our conversation out of my mind. And I realized that although I love you, I'm not in-love with you. And I'm not being fair to you. You deserve for someone to put you first, above everything else. And I want to be that person, I really do. But I can't. You see, I gave my heart away a long time ago and I never really got it back. I'm sorry Hannah. Please don't hate me."

"I don't hate you Seeley. I guess I knew there was a story there but I was afraid to ask what it was. I'm just glad that you've told me before things got any messier than they already are. I'll get my things together and be out of your apartment in an hour."

"No, you stay as long as you need. I'll go stay with my brother for a while."

"Seeley, I think it's best if I go ahead and leave now. You've got some things to figure out I'm sure. Besides, it's not like I have a whole house of stuff to move. Everything I own fits in four duffel bags." They both smile, even though they are sad smiles.

"I don't want you to feel rushed out and homeless."

"I don't so don't worry about it. Just promise me that you'll fix things with Temperance before she changes her mind. Don't let her get away again. She's a lucky woman. You're a good man Seeley Booth."

"No, I'm the lucky one. I've been lucky enough to meet and love two very smart, beautiful, independent women. Thank you Hannah."

She moves to the bedroom to collect her things. She kisses my cheek as she walks out the door for the last time.

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