(A/N:- I still haven't gotten over Monday's episode. How could they do that?? I'm saying no more, for fear of spoiling things for people. But still, at least we know it all ends up okay...

Another chapter for you here. Aren't I lovely? I just hope you like this one, because I've given up science coursework to do this! Oh well, it's all good. :)

Spoilers: None, really. Slight mention of events in season three.

Disclaimer: Don't own 'em. Such a shame really.

Advice from an Expert

Angela frowned as she watched Zach fumble with yet another bone. What was wrong with him? He never acted nervous at work. She stepped in front of him, causing him to stop abruptly, and flinch at her contact.

"Angela?" He questioned, attempting to slip past her. She was having none of that.

"Zach, why don't we go and get a coffee, and you can tell me what's wrong." Zach stared at her, shocked. How did she know? Could she read minds? He heard himself thinking. He shook his head, and again tried to get past her, back to the examination table.

"Angela, I'm fine. I really need to get back to the skeletal remains that I'm studying. Doctor Brennan is hoping to get this one finished by the end of the day..." He paused, a blush creeping up his cheeks. Great, I had to go and mention Dr Brennan, didn't I? The thing I'm worried about, and I mention it. Zach, don't think about her, remember?

"Come on, I know there's something bothering you. No excuses, get in there." She demanded.

"But... if... " She cut him off.

"No ifs of buts. Come on, now."

--

"So come on, Zach, spill the beans and tell me what's wrong." Angela prompted, as soon as they had sat down in the museum's cafe.

"Spill the beans? What beans?" He wasn't just stalling. She knew that. He genuinely didn't have any idea what she was going on about.

"I mean, open up to me. Let me know what's bothering you." She clasped the hands that he held limply on the table and squeezed them gently. "I'm on your side, Zach. I can help you with whatever's worrying you." He sighed, withdrew his hands and sat up straighter on his chair.

"I've done a terrible, and dishonourable thing, Angela." His eyes filled up with tears, involuntarily.

"Oh come on, Zach. It can't be that bad, surely." She laughed inwardly. Zach, do something terrible and dishonourable? Give me strength. There's more chance of Brennan jumping Booth in a hot air balloon – Ooh, there's an idea... Back on track, Ange. Zach looks heartbroken.



"It is. I've done something so bad, I can barely bring myself to return to work. When I get back there, Agent Booth'll be there, expecting answers, answers I don't know if I want to give him."

"What sort of answers, honey?" Angela soothed.

"I don't know what got into me. How could I even think that doing such a disgraceful thing could ever be considered good and honest? How could I disregard other people's – Dr Brennan's – feelings for my own benefit? I'm a horrible, horrible person Angela." He cried, covering his face with his hands. Wow, It MUST be bad...

"What happened, Booth? What did Booth ask you to do? I mean, Booth did have something to do with this, didn't he?"

"Yes, it's Booth. He read my journal!" Zach looked in uproar, threw his napkin across the table and banged his fists angrily.

"That's it? What's that got to do with Dr Brennan?" Angela was now genuinely confused. Did it even have anything to do with Dr Brennan?

"Well, if you'd let me finish..." He mumbled. "In my journal, I wrote about a girl, who I have developed certain feelings for..." Angela interrupted him again, jumping in her seat.

"Seriously? Why, that's wonderful Zach! What's her name? Is she pretty? What colour's her hair? Her eyes? Does she have..."

"Angela, stop it. You're making my head pulsate. Allison. Yes. Red. Green." He sighed. "But that's not the problem. Agent Booth read my journal, and found out about Allison. He made a deal with me, said that if I was to help him get involved with Dr Brennan, then he would help me with Al. I talked to Dr Brennan, and she just... started telling me things. About how she thought she liked Agent Booth in an unprofessional way. I just stood there and listened, and have been concerned about what I have to do ever since" He gulped nervously, as if he was expecting Angela to explode there and then.

"Wow... he admitted that he wants her? She admitted that she wants him? You did great Zach!!" She grinned, triumphantly.

"But Angela, what about Dr Brennan? I'm going to betray her trust by telling Agent Booth what she said. Isn't that a terrible thing to do?" Zach exclaimed.

"Well, sure, if you look at the negatives. But don't you want Dr Brennan to be happy. Because if you tell Booth that his feelings for her are reciprocated, and he makes a move, she's be the happiest she's ever been in her life. Isn't that better than keeping it to yourself and making Agent Booth believe that she doesn't like him in that way. At least this way you won't be lying. Besides, did Bren specifically tell you not to tell anyone?" Angela asked, slowly. This could make or break the situation.

"She told me that if I told anyone, she'd shoot me. I'm worried that she'll go on a shooting rampage." Angela winced. This could make things slightly more difficult.

"Tell Booth. If she cracks, I take full responsibility for your actions. She wouldn't attack her best friend... I hope..."

--



(A/N:- And there we have it, another chapter. I quite like this one, even if you guys don't. :) I'd really, really appreciate it if you left a review, long or short, positive or negative. Makes me happy.

Thanks to everyone who's reviewed so far, and to all of the people who stayed with me this far. :)

Holbonesfan.)