A/N: This chapter is very slow, so bear with me. The next one will be more interesting.
I flipped through channels on the TV as i waited for Zack to finish with his bath. He considered a shower until i reminded him that it would be best to keep his hands dry. He agreed and i drew him a warm bath. He's not able to scrub himself, but at least the warm water can provide him relaxation.
I stopped my flipping when i saw a picture of Zack's face on the news.
"Patient Zack Addy escaped from the hospital late late last night. He has killed one person, possibly more, and is suspected of aiding a cannibal. Please contact the police if you know anything about where he may be located.." Leave it to the news to over-exaggerate everything.
"I didnt kill the lobbyist. Well, not really. I mean, i did, but i didnt." The TV was interrupted by Zack's rambling. I looked over and saw him standing in the middle of the room with a towel wrapped around his waist. "I apologize, but my hands are currently...blown up."
Zack and I stood in front of Dr. Hodgins' door. Zack looked uncomfortable, probably because his best friend was about to learn that he was a fugitive on the lose. Or maybe it was because he was wearing Rus' old clothes and they were way too big on him. Either senerio would do the trick.
"Dr. Hodgins! Its Brennan!" I called as knocked on the door and i stood on my tiptoes to see through the window.
"Shouldnt he be at work, Dr. Brennan?" Zack asked from behind me.
"Its lunch time. He should be home." I responded as i dropped back down and tested the door handle. I heard the latch click and the door creaked open. I looked over at Zack and he shrugged. I returned the shrug and let myself in. Zack followed behind me.
"Dr. Hodgins? Your door was open." I called again. I heard ruffling from the stairs and looked to find Hodgins clomping down the stairs as he pulled on a jacket.
"I should have you arrested for trespassing, Dr. B." Hodgins called with an irritable tone. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs and looked from me to Zack, to me and then back to Zack.
Zack offered a strange smile and stared back at his friend; shifting rather uncomfortably, obviously unsure of what to do. Before he could react, poor Zack was smothered by Hodgins' arms wrapping around his neck and a noogie on the boy's head.
"What is with you people and hugs." Zack gasped for air as he tried to pull away from the scientist.
Hodgins let the squirming kid go and grabbed his shoulders. "I knew you were innocent. I just didnt think they would let you out so early!" The curly-haired man grinned.
"Mmm..." Zack gave his typical sign that something was wrong and removed eye contact from his friend. Hodgins' face fell.
"You...?"
"We need to talk."
I told the two that i would leave them alone, but i couldnt help but listen in. I stood behind the wall of Dr. Hodgins' living room and tried to catch what they were saying.
"I didnt kill the lobbyist."
"Then why did you confess?"
"Because i did kill him."
The silence that followed made me peek around the corner to see what was going on. I grinned at the ridiculous confused look Hodgins had plastered on his face.
"Well, i didnt actually kill him. But i told the M- Gormogon where to find him."
"Then why the hell are you allowing yourself to stay locked up, man? You didnt actually commit the murder."
"You cant tell anyone. I already sorta told Dr. Brennan. I dont want to go back yet." Zack responded a little quieter, avoiding his friend's question.
"Its okay, man. I wont tell anyone. Would you like your apartment back for a bit?"
"Dr. Brennan said im not allowed to be alone."
"Then you can crash in the house."
"Dr. Brennan told me you an Angela are living in the same quarters and that i didnt want to see that.." I heard speculation in his voice and felt a smile creep across my face.
"We do not live together." Hodgins countered defensively, which just caused his friend to roll his eyes.
The night consisted of Hodgins convincing us to stay the night, and then watching reruns of the boys' favorite show, Firefly. I didnt understand it, but the two seemed to be intrigued. I stayed up later than both of them, as my body was not used to going without work. Thats when i first became cognizant of Zack's strange terrors.
At first, i thought the muffled screams were part of my imagination. I was reading a horror book, and the girl was getting mutilated by a chainsaw- alive. I just thought it was my imagination; that i was getting too into the book. It wasnt until Dr. Hodgins started yelling 'shut up!' when i noticed it wasnt the book.
I closed the book and made my way back into the living room where the two boys where camping out. Hodgins was still alseep, yelling at Zack sub-consciously. I shuffled around the trash on the floor and crouched down by the couch at Zack's head.
His face was distorted and a mixture of sweat and tears trailed down his face into his ears. He was mumbling something and holding his hands above his face, as if he was protecting himself from something.
"Zack." I said, putting my hand to his forehead. His skin was hot to the touch, signifying a fever. "Zack." I repeated a little louder with a soft shake. When he didnt wake up, but instead started sobbing, i tripped my way through the dark towards Hodgins.
When i smacked the other scientist awake, he startled into a fighting stance; upside down; of course, as he was sprawled across an arm chair. "What do you want?" He finally asked when he regained his boundaries.
"I think Zack is experiencing on of his nightmares." I stated as i stood up and walked back to the boy. Hodgins followed and stood behind me as i put my hand on Zack's forehead again. I used my sleeve to wipe away the tears and sweat from his eyes.
Hodgins crouched beside me and shook Zack's arm. He didnt wake up.
"Have you washed your sheets lately?" Zack asked. huddled in a blanket on the side of Hodgin's bed. He gave Hodgins a speculated stare.
"Dude, why would you ask that?" Hodgins shot the younger one a glare.
"Because its obvious you and Angela are sexually involved, and i would rather not sit on that."
Hodgins was about to explode on him, but i saved Zack by shushing the older scientist. Booth was calling.
"Brennan." I answered. After a few moments i held the phone out and put it on loudspeaker. "Say that again, Booth."
"We found a teenager cut in half. I figured you'd like to come see, since the bones are...noticeable. By the way, where have you been? You werent around when i showed up la-" I made a face and slapped the phones shut.
Zack looked up from his hands and his eyes went wide, as if he was frightened. "Just like my dream." He muttered.