Title: Amongst the Gravestones

Disclaimer: Language, violence; angst possible.

Chapter One: Other Light

Booth stood outside the Jeffersonian, leaning back against the black SUV he had parked at the curb. He was enjoying the clear blue sky and warming rays of the sun. The city had been wrapped up in rain the last three days. There were still puddles here and there but the sun was up, that's what truly counted. He let his eyes roam over the government building before him that had grown so familiar over the last few years. Even with all the latest changes it was still the place he ran to when he needed scientific help. His job was people, not bones and liquid made of things he didn't really like to dwell on. It was probably a good thing he knew how to handle people. The scientists were a bit lacking on the social front. He blamed it on the chemicals.

For some reason he couldn't bring himself to just stroll into the lab today. With everything changing lately he had this new hope that he could make things work with Bones. He never really gave up on the hope, sometimes it was just more hidden than others. Why he was attracted to the head anthropologist was something he still couldn't figure out. Temperance Brennan was a beautiful woman and could easily have any man she wanted. However, the fact that she was somewhat socially inept drove a lot of people away. He was constantly making references to movies and TV shows that she had no clue about it. Of course, every time she said something using big scientific words he was just as lost. Maybe that's what made it special. Neither one of them was an official know-it-all. They both had their short comings. Now if he could just get Bones to see him as more than a gun toting' FBI agent.

That was his goal. He had made it this morning while lying in bed. He had to at least take the chance. Hell, things had changed so much in the last two months that maybe even Bones had changed. On second thought, he didn't want her to change. He liked that she was about her job, her craft, and a bit daft when it came to people. It gave her a certain charm. Plus, love was in the air.

He wasn't in the least surprised when Hodgins proposed to Angela. He was a bit surprised when she accepted though. Their relationship hadn't started off that good and remained rocky for a long time. Now it was like the two of them were joined at the hip. But he liked that they were happy. Someone had to be. He did have to admit that he was tiny bit sick of hearing about wedding dresses and tuxes. Weddings were big events but they drove people to new, crazier heights. He had never seen Angela act like a school girl. It was unsettling in a way.

Another big change was Zack passing his doctorate and getting a job at the Jeffersonian, making him an official squint. Booth was happy to see the kid letting his hair grow out a little more. The short-haired look just didn't work for him. Well Booth thought he should have been cut loose to learn how to work with others he was secretly happy that the Jeffersonian had kept him. Without him the team would have had a big gaping hole to fill. A hole they never would have been able to fill. Zack was irreplaceable.

Of course, one of the biggest changes was Cami leaving. He still couldn't believe that she had accepted a job working at FBI headquarters in Quantico. But if that's what made her happy, good for her. That had to be the best change the Jeffersonian had undergone. He didn't mind having her around; accept that she caused slight tension between him and Bones. He hated that. He also hated that she kept Bones and the other squints from working their lab they way they were used to. She held them back. It was a good thing that Dr Goodman was back. The lab needed him.

And with Cami out of the way Booth felt like he had an even better chance with Bones. She wouldn't be bugging him about his past relationship with her new boss. Nothing against Dr Goodman, but he just wasn't Booth's taste.

He crossed his arms, letting the sun beat down on his black suit, warming him. Early spring days weren't half bad, as long as the sun was out to help keep away the chill brought on by the light breezes. At some point he would have to go into the lab. He would have to nod a greeting at Dr Goodman, hear Angela's latest wedding plans, and with luck be able to avoid both Hodgins and Zack just to reach Bones; who would most likely be in her office working on her next novel. He wasn't really up for any of it, though. He wanted to stay outside and enjoy the beautiful day. On his way over he had heard the weatherman on the radio proclaim more rain in their near future. He was beginning to feel like he lived in England, or that he should at least grow a pair of gills or webbed feet. At this rate everything was going to flood. He hated floods.

"What are you doing?" Bones asked her voice cutting through his mind and catching him completely off-guard. He hadn't been expecting to see her outside.

"I'm enjoying the day," he replied without bothering to look at her. Looking at her would just make him want her more. It always did.

"How can you be enjoying the day? What is there to enjoy? You're leaning against a slightly dusty car in a crowded city," she observed. "Chances are you got someone's already chewed gum stuck to the bottom of one of your shoes. And if you're here, you have a job. So what exactly are you enjoying? The smell of car exhaust?"

He frowned, but deep down he was smiling. That was the Bones he liked. He finally looked at her, removing his sunglasses so that she could see into his eyes. "Why do you always point out the bad things? Can't you be happy about the sun shining in a clear blue sky instead of being soaked by rain? Come on, even the sun has to make you happy. It makes everyone happy."

"Sun causes cancer. It ages the skin," her voice was serious, carrying with it every hint of scientific backing and facts.

He rolled his eyes and placed a hand on her shoulder. With a gentle push he was able to direct her toward the lab, walking side by side. "You need to take a vacation, somewhere with a lot of sun. You'll learn to appreciate it. Maybe go swimming at a beach and stay at a fancy hotel."

It was her turn to frown. He found her frown to be ever so sexy. "You want me to sleep in a hotel room? Do you have any idea what goes on in those rooms? And the only reason you would want me to swim in the ocean is to see me in a swimsuit; which no woman has ever looked good in. No thank you."

At least he had tried. He shrugged. "So what's your idea of a vacation? Holing yourself up in a library with thick volumes of scientific theories?"

She brushed off his question as he held the door open for her. "Why are you here, Booth? You only show up when there's a body involved. And if that's the case, I'd like to get to the bones before some vital piece of evidence is lost."

She waltzed passed him, heading for her office, her arms full of books and folders. He didn't let her see the smile that formed on his lips, waiting until her back was turned. He loved that she was all business. It made the chase more alluring. He would eventually see the non-business side of her. Someday. If she had one.