CHAPTER. Chapter 12. Love and Air

DISCLAIMER. There are many things I own, but Bones is not one of them. All characters belong to Kathy Reichs, Hart Hanson and FOX.

'If I should die, before I wake
It's 'cause you took my breath away
Losing you is like living in a world with no air.'

--"No Air" by Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown

I felt his presence disappear behind me. He had walked to the door, then paused at the doorway. "I'm sorry Temperance. I love you...Forever..." Then, he was gone.

What have I done?

Why did he leave? I didn't want him to leave...
Temperance, you are a damn idiot! Why didn't you call after him? Suits you right for being a complete fool.
But what am I supposed to do now? He's gone. Forever.
No, he's still your partner...
Why would he want to be your partner...or your friend, after this? You just screwed up your whole friendship Temperance!
What have I done?

I dropped down on my knees and cried. It was a completely illogical thing to do, but it was the only thing to do at the moment.

I slowly got up after about fifteen minutes, wiping my tears away at the same time. I adjusted my skirt and dress shirt prior to collecting my purse and jacket to head home for the night.

My heels clicked a slow rhythm as I walked around in the foyer of my empty apartment. I placed my keys in the dish and took off my heels, placing them in the closet. I tossed my suit jacket on the couch.

This time, however, the smell of Old Spice was not present. The feeling of his skin was not present. Booth was not present.

I entered my room. It felt completely empty, like the energy was zapped out of it. All his belongings were gone. Instead, a photograph was left on my desk, a note attached to the back. It was a picture of the two of us dancing at one of the Jeffersonian banquets two years ago. My head was on his shoulder and his head on mine. My hands were on his shoulders and his arms were around my waist. Someone must have shot a photograph of us.

Angela.

I smiled. We looked like a couple before actually becoming one. Partners would never dance like that.

I flipped the photo over to read the note attached to it. It was his handwriting.

Dear Temperance,

I don't know if you have forgiven me or not, but I wish you will or have. I'm so very sorry, Temperance. You mean to much to me and I don't want to lose you just because of my childish behaviour. I was a complete fool to think that you were having an affair with Sully. If I had the chance to go back in time, I would do everything differently.

Just being away from you for a while is killing me slowly. It's like I can't breathe without you here with me. Please forgive me. The centre must hold.

I'll be waiting for you, Temperance.

Now, turn around.

Love you,
Seeley

Turn around?

I followed the instruction to see that there was a cerulean blue box on my pillow. How did I not see that? I picked it up gently and opened it, revealing a charm necklace. There was only one charm on the necklace; half a heart with curved lines. Where's the other half? Does he have it? I secured the necklace around my neck and admired it for a moment.

Something caught my eyes then. A small piece of paper was peering out of the corner of the padding. Another note? I lifted the padding and pulled out a light blue piece of paper.

I'm glad that you have found my letter and this box.
Please go to the Memorial to our favourite spot, if you forgive me.
There is something waiting for you there.
If you don't come, then I'll know that we were never meant to be.

Never meant to be?

I was about to charge out the door when the phone rang.

I picked up. "Hello?"

"Hey, it's me Sweetie. I just heard about you and Booth...What the hell were you thinking?!" Angela.

"Angela, I'm going to go find him right now. OK? I can't make it to dinner. Now, I have to go. Bye Angela." I hung up before she had a chance to respond.

Stepping into my shoes, grabbing my jacket, purse and keys, I sprinted out the door, locking it behind.

I was driving the speed limit to get to the Memorial. I needed to apologize for whatever I did. I couldn't lose my partner, my best friend, or the love of my life. Did I just say the 'love of my life'?

I pulled my convertible into 'Park' and got out. Beep. I locked the door and started strolling down the pathway towards the steps, where the two of us would eat take-out and just hang out. Those were the best moments of the past few years. During those moments, nothing seemed to matter. I felt safe from all the murders and rotting corpses. I felt safe with him.

As the steps became clearer, I was able to recognize a figure standing there. Booth. His hands were in his pockets and his shoulders were shrugged, most likely from the cold. His face seemed worried, frightened, almost. I walked closer and he finally noticed my presence, causing his worried expression to lighten a bit.

"You're here," he said, monotone."So--"

I couldn't stand seeing, hearing, and reading his sadness anymore. With that, I ran towards him, grabbed his collar and pressed my lips to his. All my forgiveness, apologizes, and love poured into that one kiss. I can't believe I am doing this! Within seconds, I felt him respond. His lips molding around mine and his tongue probing my mouth. He had lifted me off the ground, into his strong arms. I slowly, subconsciously, slid my hands from his collar to the back of his head, gripping onto his hair gently. My legs wound their way around his hips to secure myself. We broke the kiss for survival.

"Does that mean you forgive me?" He was breathing heavily.

I opened my eyes to tears. "Of course I forgive you. I never wanted for you to leave me. I just needed a moment to think, but it didn't mean I stopped thinking about you or loving you." I laid my forehead to his shoulder. "I love you, Booth."

"I love you too, Temperance." He pulled back slightly and lowered me to the ground. He started searching for something in his pocket. After what I thought was him finding it, he gently lifted my charm necklace and attached the other half of the heart.

"Temperance and Seeley
Forever."

That is so sweet. I smiled and kissed his cheek. "I forgot to thank you for this...Thank-you Booth."

He smiled back. "You're welcome, Temperance," he replied, then pulled me into another gentle, yet passionate, kiss.

Free gift?: A charm for your own personal collection.
Review?: Will help wipe away my tears.