The Meetings in the Eateries
Author Notes
Words in italic are Zack's thoughts. Underlined words are Vincent's thoughts. This takes place after S01E04 – The Man in the Bear. Enjoy!
The song used in this part (02/03) is 'Queer' by American alternative rock band 'Garbage'.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bones (or any of the characters). I also do not own'Garbage' or any of their songs.
The Restaurant
"Hey, Sid."
"Hey, Zack. That your brother?"
"No. This is my friend, Vincent."
"Hello."
"Hello, I'll bring your food by, booth 5; right?"
"You know it."
Zack led Vincent to their booth.
"But we didn't order."
"That's the way it works here."
"Oh."
"Vince? You know that now you can talk about what you saw, don't you?"
"I saw Doctor Goodman and Director Cullen kissing in his office. But it wasn't those loving kisses people share; it was those kisses that lead to sex."
"Oh."
"It was very enticing."
"Oh."
That's the reason you were redder than normal.
First and Second Lines
"I'm glad you're back from Aurora; I've found that I missed our talks. Especially about our family."
"I've missed that too. Who should we analyze first?"
I missed this tradition where we would psychoanalyze our friends. He learned from his brother, I learned it from my ex.
The squint stuttered a bit before saying:
"Maybe Agent Booth, if it's not too much trouble."
"You want to know what he's like under that entire aggressive front he puts up, don't you?"
He responded in a lone tone of voice:
"Yes."
Sid brought their orders ('This is really good.' 'Thanks, Sid.' 'No problem, Seeley's man.') and Zack answered Vince:
"He's very much like Wendell in some aspects; loving and caring, but he's something else."
"Even though you didn't explain much, I gathered the meaning."
"I knew you would."
Third and Fourth Lines
"What about Miss Montenegro?"
"Vincent." – Zack paused so he could gather his thoughts. – "I was going to say you didn't need to worry, but this is Angela."
They laughed a little.
"She enjoys the banter, that's the way she acknowledges you are her friend."
"Oh."
"Remind me to tell you someday how I figured that out."
I will.
Fifth line
"What about her relationship with Hodgins?"
"They're not your usual couple, I'll give you that; but both have each other's best interest in mind."
"Then, you believe they'll stay together?"
"What do you think, Vincy?"
"Uhm."
"You know I won't judge you."
"I believe they are strong enough to stay together, but if something or someone preys on their insecurities, they might split."
"Then it's up to us to help them should that happen."
"Kind of like Aristotle and the cave."
Sixth Line
"How else you can't get a read on?"
"Doctor Brennan." – The British squint admitted sheepishly.
"I don't blame you; that is a tough one." – He called out for the owner of that fine establishment:
"Hey, Sid, can I have some more? Please?"
"Be right there kid."
"Where was I? Yes, Dr. Brennan. She's the most difficult read there at the Jeffersonian. Here." – Zack handed a recorder to his friend. – "Listen to this and all will be clear."
"What is this?"
"Doctor Goodman had us record about our families. I got to keep the final tape. The one I gave you has only Dr. Brennan's part."
7th, 8th and 9th lines
They continued to eat in a friendly silence up until Zack noticed Mr. Nigel-Murray's lips twitch downwards.
"Vincent? What is it?"
"I'm rethinking what I said to Wendell earlier. Regarding our relationship. I asked him to well, hide it from others. You remember that my last boyfriend wasn't…"
"Right for you. It was the psychologist, correct?"
"Yes, Lance Sweets. The one who called me Vino Delectable."
Zack choked on his drink before laughing loudly. Vincent joined in after a second or two.
10th, 11th, 12th and 13th lines
Zack asked for the check ('I invited you; it's only fair if I pay.' 'Very well. Next time I'll pay.') and the pair left Wong Fu's.
"A walk in the park?"
"I want to talk to you, and I love going to the park."
"It is calming, isn't it?"
"Yes."
14th and 15th lines
"Wendell is not playing with you, Vince. He truly loves you. I know how hard is to let yourself go and give your heart to someone. But he wouldn't do anything to hurt you."
"Is this your way of saying you disapprove of my actions?"
"I don't pass judgment on you; I'm merely stating some facts."
16th and 17th lines
"I'm being stupid, aren't I?"
"A part of me wants to say 'No, you were acting as expected.'. The other part wants to quote Angela. As in 'Well, duh!'"
"I'm done with hiding how I feel about him. Do you know where they are?"
"I heard Hodgins say something about a bar. Come on."
18th and 19th lines
"I can't see them anywhere. Are you sure they are here, Zack?"
"No. But this is Hodge's favorite bar." – The American squint pointed to a booth near the end of the bar. – "There they are."
20th and 21st lines
"Vincent? Is something wrong?"
"No. Why do you ask?"
"You haven't moved." – Zack turned to the bartender. – "A shot of Vodka, please."
He handed it to the American squint who in turn handed it to the British squint.
"Here. For courage."
22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th lines
"Zack?"
"The one and only. And before you ask, he's here. Fighting the last bit of fear he has."
27th and 28th lines
"Vincent?"
"Wendell."
The British squint walked up to his lover and kissed him fully on the lips.
"But I thought…"
"I know. And I do not care anymore."
29th and 30th lines
Zack had sat down near Seeley while Vincent walked up to Wendell.
"You had something to do with his sudden change of mind."
"Yes. Although I wouldn't call it sudden; it's been a long time coming."
"It'll certainly make an interesting day tomorrow, with Angela finding out."
"Let them focus on the now, Seeley."
"Okay. Want to go home?"
Zack looked at Vincent and winked. Then he focused his attention back at his lover:
"Yes."
31st, 32nd and 33rd lines