Title: Amongst the Gravestones

Disclaimer: Language, violence; angst possible.

Chapter Four: Good Times

A waitress brought them their drinks as their conversation died down momentarily. They never talked about their work when other people were around within hearing range. It usually upset them, visibly. Brennan looked around the table at each person present and couldn't believe everything that had happened in the last few months. She would be lying if she told anyone she missed Cami. Now that Dr Goodman was back things in the lab had returned to normal. She liked being able to do experiments with her team members without having to worry about repercussions from her boss. And having Zack as an official member of the crew was truly wonderful. She had not been looking forward to breaking in a new recruit. Then there was the issue of Angela and Hodgins. She was happy that both of them were happy with each other. But she never quite understood the office romance thing. Hell, she barely understood romance.

The waitress departed and Zack, who was stirring his soda with his straw, looked at Booth and then at his mentor. "If that's what it's usually like at a scene with you guys, please count me out next time. I don't like the whole gun pointing issue."

Hodgins smiled that mischievous grin they'd all come to know so well. "I can't believe that guy's family was buried on his property. Haven't they ever heard of cemeteries and tombstones? I thought mass graves happened in other countries, usually around the time of wars."

Booth shrugged. "He said they couldn't afford the funerals and that it was just cheaper to bury the bodies in one of their fields. They buried them all in the same spot so they knew where to go every time. Of course, they weren't aware of the fact that it's slightly illegal. I told the officers to go easy on him but there's no telling what will happen now."

"I'm just happy that we didn't have to identify all those bodies," spoke Angela as she played with one of her earrings. "We'd all still be at work and I like when we get the rare opportunity to go out like this. It's nice."

Dr Goodman picked that moment to stand from the table, his glass in hand. "I propose a toast to friends. To new beginnings and lifelong health."

"I can drink to that," Booth smiled, raising his own glass.

"Hear, hear," Hodgins proclaimed. They all downed a sip or two.

From there the conversation went in various directions. Zack turned to Dr Goodman and the two began discussing the equipment the lab used and possible upgrades or additions. Hodgins was listening to Angela explain something about the wedding decorations. That left Booth with only Bones as a conversational partner, and he didn't care in the least. For the last hour he had been trying to think of something, anything to say to her that would make her aware of his intentions. Every phrase that passed through his mind sounded like a bad pick-up line or just really cheesy. When it came to his exes he always knew what to say, so why didn't it work that way with Brennan?

Lost in thought he hadn't realized that Brennan had said something to him. She was now giving him a somewhat unhappy look. "Sorry," he apologized, "what was that? I was just thinking about earlier today."

"I asked if you were free tomorrow," she replied with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

No woman liked to be ignored, including Bones. "I have to work the regular hours and there's no telling what kind of cases will come my way. Why do you ask, got something you want to do with me?"

"I need a ride somewhere and I think it would be best to have some sort of male back-up," she told him, sipping her mixed drink casually.

He raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You're asking me to be your bodyguard? You? The big bad woman who can take a man down in less than ten seconds? What, may I ask, are you doing that you need my help?" He realized instantly that something he had said triggered a button in Brennan's mind. She had that scientist look on her face that meant she was about to lecture him over something factual.

"Everyone has a moment of weakness, Booth. All humans are programmed to feel fear," she explained seriously. "Even men feel fear at times. Humans are animals and as most animals know, there is safety in numbers. If you don't want to come then I will find someone else."

"No, I'd be happy to be your back-up. It would be a lot safer than giving you a gun," he joked with a smile. She just rolled her eyes. "So where are we going?"

"You'll see tomorrow," was all that she had to say to him.

He didn't really remember where the night went from there. He kept thinking of ways to get what he wanted from Bones without completely pissing her off. That was definitely not going to be a small task. They were always arguing over religion and dead bodies and his constant references to pop culture. He wanted her to take him seriously for once and not just because the situation called for it. This wasn't some hold-up at a bank and a bomb threat in a school; this was putting his heart out on his sleeve. It was more dangerous. He risked losing everything. And he wasn't really sure he wanted to do that.

Sometime around eleven they all mutually decided to call it quits. As they were walking to their various cars Booth saw that Dr Goodman wasn't walking too well. One too many alcoholic drinks. He couldn't let the man drive himself home and risk crashing his car or hurting someone else. Goodman had drive Bones to the location so there was the option of her getting his keys and driving them both home. However, Booth noticed that she too was a bit tipsy. How many drinks did she have?

He stopped Dr Goodman. "Give me your keys. You're too drunk to drive home."

"Bones can drive." At least, that's what it sounded like the older man said. His words were slurring together. To Booth it sounded something more along the lines of "bone skin rive".

Booth shook his head. "No can do. Neither one of you is fit to get behind that wheel. Now come on, hand over the keys and get in the back seat." He reached into his own pockets and produced the keys to his SUV. He threw them to a surprised Zack. "Take it home with you. But I want it back tomorrow. Got it?"

Zack nodded before disappearing into the dark shadows of the parking lot. Hodgins and Angela were already long gone. After much fumbling Dr Goodman finally came up with the keys to his car. He handed them to Booth in an ungraceful manor as he swayed on his feet. There was no doubt in Booth's mind that the good doctor was going to wake up his entire household when he walked through the front door. That, however, was not Booth's problem. He was doing his good deed in getting them both home safely. Unfortunately it took him another fifteen minutes to get them both into the car. The doctor kept insisting that he was okay enough to drive. Booth finally got him in the backseat and climbed behind the wheel. He knew, as he turned the key in the ignition, that it was going to be a long drive when Dr Goodman began talking nonsense in the back seat. Bones fell asleep before they even left the parking lot. So much for asking her out tonight. It would have to wait until tomorrow.