To the casual observer, Seeley Booth looked like he was relaxed, sitting on one of the couches in the lab's lounge. But he was thinking hard. And for once, it wasn't about a case, his son, or his partner.

This time it was personal. He'd say spiritual, except that sounded…weird. Religious, maybe. That sounded a little better.

What should he give up for Lent?

He ran through a list of things that gave him pleasure, made him happy, that normally he would say he couldn't live without. He remembered old Father Malone saying it only counted if it was a hardship--a true sacrifice. No giving up broccoli or eggplant or math tests. Or paperwork.

Let's see. Parker? No, nothing with Parker. Not fair to him, plus Rebecca would rip me a new one. Nobody said it should be that painful.

Coffee? Are you kidding? I'd never get anything done, walking around in a constant haze.

Hockey? Hmmm… But it's a great stress and anger reliever. Wouldn't be good for me to stat beating on suspects instead. Plus, I am committed to playing with the team.

Pie? Uhhh…

Thai? How would I explain that to Bones?

Bones? He jerked at that, almost falling off the couch. No! I couldn't…can't! Panic swept over him, almost drowning him. Go without seeing her everyday, pulling her out of her office when she was there too long, sharing a table at the diner with her, bringing her coffee, catching her scent as he helped her on with her coat, even the arguments and lively discussions they had in the car? Live from Ash Wednesday to Easter without the daily challenges she provided? Deal with her on a purely professional basis for 40 interminable days?

No. Way. In. Hell. He flicked an uncertain look upwards, feeling that might have been a little sacrilegious in this context.

He couldn't do it, though. She probably wouldn't understand, and if she didn't, it would turn from a temporary sacrifice into a permanent deprivation. That would be the biggest sacrifice of all, and he couldn't do it. He shuddered.

Pie it is.


For those not in the know, it is traditional for Catholics such as myself and Booth to sacrifice or give up something we like during Lent, something difficult and/or enjoyable such as candy, beer, TV, what-have-you. I know someone who gives up reading fiction (shudder). Hence Mardi Gras--the big party before the Lenten sacrifices, which do include the whole no meat on Fridays thing.

Good Catholic boy that Booth is, I imagine he would give this serious thought. At least he likes sushi.