A/N: siapom - Hey, Goldy! goldpiece - Yes? siapom – Do you think we should be nicer to Zack? goldpiece – I'm not sure. Think we should let him take it easy this chapter? siapom – Well, it'd be the nice thing to do. Why don't we think about it? goldpiece - Okay. We'll think about it.
Booth and Temperance stepped out of the jungle and onto the pristine beach. The FBI agent looked along the stretch of sparkling, bright sand in both directions. He spotted the cabanas at one end and...What the hell? He squinted at the image, then widened his eyes in shock. Zack was standing on the beach, wearing nothing but a Superman shirt, his jeans and underwear at his feet. His hand was on his... Booth placed a hand on Tempe's back and led her in the opposite direction and toward the cabanas.
"Well would you look at those. Angela told me there would be suits for us in an obvious place. That must be where we're meant to go." He pointed ahead to draw Brennan's attention in that direction. Unable to help himself, he quickly glanced over his shoulder to see Zack nearly twisting himself in half. What the hell is the kid doing? It looks like he's trying to see his own… Shaking off that thought with a shudder, Booth turned his attention back to Brennan just in time to hear the end of her question.
"…pick out suits?"
"I guess in case we wanted to go swimming. Come on, let's check it out." Booth offered her a charm smile. She gave him one in return, unsure of his sudden eagerness to get to the cabanas. Her thoughts fluttered back to the teasing that Angela had been giving her for the past few days, and she was suddenly nervous.
XXXXXX
"As you can see, ladies and gentlemen, this new technology allows for a truly realistic experience. For all intents and purposes, we are in Bali." Angela, walking backward up the trail, did her best to address the following group in her "museum tour guide" voice, while still keeping an eye out for anyone from her team. The approach worked just fine…up to the point where she backed into the fallen tree that crossed the path. "Whoa!"
A man from the group, who looked remarkably like an older Hodgins, but with brown eyes and grey hair, stepped forward to help Angela up when they heard a rustling coming through the jungle. Some of the low lying branches and bushes parted as a very dirty, but very happy entomologist emerged onto the path. He looked down at Angela and offered her a hand up. When she stood, he stuck the spiny, yellow caterpillar under her nose and grinned.
"Look, Honey! I found it." He turned to look at the group, realizing that everyone was looking at him. "Mom, Dad. Are you enjoying the tour?"
Angela's eyes crossed as she tried, for a split second, to focus on the caterpillar in front of her face. Then, realizing that Jack was still holding her hand, she turned her focus to the people around them. His parents were smiling broadly and gesturing animatedly as they expressed their delight with the VRT. The faces of the other members of the group ranged in expression from bemused to shocked. I guess not everyone knew where Jack spends his days. Then, her eyes fell on Dr. Saroyan. Uh oh.
"So Jack, this is your young lady friend?"
"Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Angela Montenegro. Angela, this is my mom, Abigail and my dad, Marcus."
Angela smiled at both of them as Jack made the introductions. She spared a glance at her boss, and Cam did not look happy. She also wasn't expecting the set of arms to be thrown around her neck as Abigail pulled her into a hug.
"He's told us so much about you! Jacky, you'll hold onto this one, won't you? You, Angela, are just as adorable as I'd hoped, and so different from the other girls he's seen." Abigail pinched Angela's cheek.
Cam looked at the little scene, fuming inside. There was nothing she could do to punish the group, not with Jack practically owning the Cantilever Group. "Shall we continue on the tour?" She suggested.
Angela was pulled back out of the moment and back into work mode.
XXXXXX
As they got closer, Booth was surprised by the size of the cabanas. Those things are huge!
They approached the closest of the group, this one a dark burnt orange, and Brennan drew back the flap of the entrance. "Wow. Angela has outdone herself. I could fit most of my apartment in here." She stepped inside. "Well, I'm pretty sure she wanted to make any visitor feel right at home. You know, nice and relaxed."
Booth smirked. "Yeah, relaxed. I'm sure that's what she had in mind."
"Booth!"
"Hey, I'm just saying that this is Angela we're talking about. And if there's one thing she's always going on about..."
"Point taken."
"That's what I thought." Booth stepped inside and looked around. He swept his gaze over the room, taking in a changing area, the bar and even a large futon-style bed. "She thought of everything, didn't she? Wow."
Brennan had walked further into the cabana to inspect the bar. Grabbing a bottle of water, she held it up as if to say "want one?" Booth nodded and moved to take a seat. He blinked as he realized that the one and only surface to sit on in the entire large room was the bed, itself. "Yep, that's our Angela."
With a shrug, Booth sat down, and playfully patted the spot next to him. Brennan offered him a small smile of her own and sat next to him, handing him the bottle of water. Both were quiet for a minute, just enjoying the sound of the water washing up on the shore outside and drinking their water. Booth looked over at Brennan and noticed a strand of her hair brushing against her cheek. He reached over and gently pushed it behind her ear, laughing as she jumped slightly.
"I don't bite, not unless you want me to."
Blushing, Brennan bit her bottom lip and met Booth's eyes. "Maybe we should work our way up to that part."
Surprised by her response, Booth burst out laughing and almost spit out his sip of water. Wiping his mouth, he decided to see just what she had in mind. So he leaned into her space and said, "I think I like that plan. Where, exactly, do you think we should start?"
Tempe let out a small breath and forced herself not to retreat from Booth. With a slow smile, she leaned in a little closer and whispered, "How about a little sex on the beach." Seeley stared at her, his mind whirling. She didn't mean that, did she? Because, it had never been his plan to seduce her on their first date. He wanted to do this right, not just something fun and recreational. As he blinked again, she stood and moved back to the bar.
With a slight smirk, Tempe looked over her shoulder. "Breathe. I meant the drink. I'm sure that since Angela was in charge, we have a fully stocked bar in here." She stepped behind the bar and started to look for the right bottles.
Booth, not even aware that he'd been holding his breath, felt the air whoosh out of his lungs. Then, regaining some of his composure, he grinned. "And, you're telling me that you know how to make a Sex on the Beach?"
"Contrary to popular belief, Booth, you don't know everything about me."
"I think I know more about you than you think I do."
"Oh, really. I beg to differ." She offered him a smile as she began to make the drinks.
Booth stood and meandered over to the bar, stepping in close to Temperance. "I know you cave dive; you listen to jazz; you like classic movies; and you really want me to do this right now."
"Want you to do what?" Her heart was pounding as she turned to face him. Though he wasn't touching her, she could feel the heat of his body brushing up against her.
He reached his hand toward her, and she felt her eyes start to slip closed. Booth's breath tickled her ear as he said, "This." Then, she felt him move away and quickly re-opened her eyes to find him standing beside her, struggling to open the bottle of vodka. Not sure whether she should be amused or outraged, Brennan laughed. "Oh. That. Well, you're doing a great job. Think you can tackle the orange juice next?"
"I think I can manage that," he said as he popped the seal on the vodka and got it unscrewed.
Brennan shook her head and bent down to grab another bottle of alcohol, her hips bumping ever so gently against Booth's.
Booth, his attention more on the new view he had of Brennan than the task in front of him, had to make a quick save as he missed the bar top and almost placed the bottle he was holding down on her head. His quick intake of breath caught her attention, and she turned to look up at him.
"What's wrong?"
Looking innocent, Booth nudged the vodka bottle a little further away from the edge of the bar and picked up the orange juice. "Hhmm? Nothing."
"Are you sure? You sounded a little nervous."
"Nothing wrong. Everythong's good. I mean good, I mean... It's fine." A thousand inappropriate thoughts went through his head in that instant as her hips bumped into his again. Was she doing it on purpose, or was it an accident?
She stood up, with more alcohol in her hands, and offered him a wink.
He gaped at her until she reached and pushed his bottom jaw up to close his mouth.
"You were saying something about knowing everything about me?"
"I, uh, think I said I know more about you than you thought I did."
"Oh, is that what you said? Then I can return the sentiment, I think. You like to restore classic cars. You enjoy bowling, and have won trophies for it. You are a good Catholic who goes to church every week; but right now, you're having impure thoughts about me."
Booth swallowed hard as she moved a step closer, leaning up to whisper in his ear, "What would the nuns say if they knew?"
It was like a bucket of cold water had been dumped on his libido. When Brennan giggled – giggled! – he took a step back and glared down at her. "Now that just wasn't nice."
She batted her eyes innocently. "Neither was opening the vodka bottle."
XXXXXX
Jack and Angela gave each other conspiratorial grins at the thought that, in this setting, Cam could say absolutely nothing about either their relationship, or about the fact that Angela had lied about the whereabouts of her friends. They stepped onto the beach, the Cantilever group ohhing and ahhing over the sight before them, when from his peripheral vision, Jack spotted Zack hiding amongst some foliage. His eyes widened at the image that fell before him.
Angela, nodding politely at something Abigail was saying, heard Jack start to cough. When she turned around, he was bent over double and had tears running down his face. She rushed over and started to slap him on the back.
"Jack! Are you ok? What happened?"
Jack's only response was to discreetly point toward the copse of trees. She followed the direction he indicated, confused as to why he felt the need to give this little performance. Then, she saw Zack and understood. She leaned close to Jack and, under the guise of helping him sit down on the sand, hissed in his ear, "Why is he only half-dressed!"
"Hell if I know, Angela," he hissed back.
Angela glanced up in time to see Zack dive into the cover of the brush. He then popped his head above the plants and made a slashing motion and pointed to the cabanas.
"Oh my God. I think he's trying to tell us that Bren and Booth are in the cabanas. That's where we're heading!"
"Jacky, dear. Are you all right?"
Angela and Jack nearly collided as their heads snapped up to see Abigail standing beside them. The rest of the group had grown quiet and was looking their way, as well. Abigail's gaze started to drift toward the tree line when Jack did the only thing he could think of. He started his coughing ruse all over again. Abigail began to pat her son vigorously on the back, sending him into a real coughing fit. As he tried to catch his breath, Cam looked in the direction that Angela had just glanced. She narrowed her eyes as she looked over the scenery, but saw nothing out of place.
"Everything's okay, Jack. It's okay." Angela murmured. Hodgins gave a slight nod, tears streaming down his face as he tried to catch his breath.
Looking up, Angela addressed Abigail. "Do you think it would be ok if we skip the beach? There's a market just over that way where we can get Jack a glass of water or tea."
"Oh, of course, my dear. How thoughtful of you to ask! Why, I think that might be just what Jacky needs." Abigail turned to the group and pointed to the trail Angela had indicated. "Jacky's okay, everyone. However, in light of his condition, we are going to momentarily stray from the beach and visit a lovely island market instead. Is everyone ready to sample the local shopping?"
With a quick glance to confirm that Zack was still out of sight, Angela leaned in to help Jack stand up. Once everyone else had turned toward the trail, she leaned in to whisper, "I think I love your mother. Why didn't you tell me how fantastic she is?"
XXXXXX
Zack waited until the beach was clear. He heard the group moving away from him and peeked out once more. He'd had enough of the jungle, and monkeys, and leeches, and people seeing him half naked as he tried to protect himself from the nasty little predators that were all over the place. He picked up his underwear and slid them on. No more of this. He never wanted to visit Bali, ever. Not after this. Once he was sure that everyone was out of earshot, he cleared his throat and shouted, "Door." He heard the door slide open off to his right and turned in that direction. Making sure he had his pants and shoes, he quickly jogged over to the doorway and ran through it. As it slid shut behind him, he leaned back and closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he relished the air conditioned air that filled his lungs. However, the closing of the door had masked the footfalls coming his way.
"Mr. Addy!"
Zack's eyes popped open, and he found himself face to face with Dr. Goodman. The administrator looked over the appearance of the young assistant in disgust.
"Sir, I can explain..."
"I certainly hope you can, and I'm waiting to hear what your excuse is for being in the VR Theater while half-dressed."
Moving to hold his pants in front of him, Zack opened his mouth to respond, but he couldn't think of what to say.
Dr. Goodman, drawing up to his full height, glared down at the young man. "Mr. Addy, I am waiting for an answer."
"Um…" Zack's mind suddenly sprang to life, and he began his long and harrowing tale. "Sir, it all started when Angela called my house early this morning. Well, if you want me to be accurate, it's actually more of an apartment. Although, most apartments aren't above garages that house expensive and antique cars. So, there might be a special name for my type of apartment. I'm not sure. But, I could find out if you want me to – "
"To the point, Mr. Addy. I don't care about where you live."
"- Well, Angela said she needed some help with something to do with the theater; and she really didn't go into detail on the phone, so Hodgins and I were really worried. Not that we live together, mind you. I just live above his garage – by myself, because I don't have that sort of relationship with him. Although, Angela does. But, she doesn't live with him either-"
"Mr. Addy!" Dr. Goodman rubbed a hand across his weary brow. "In an attempt to stave off the impending migraine that your most recently divulged information is bringing on, I am allowing you a brief reprieve. Please leave the museum and go home. However, first thing tomorrow morning, I expect to see you in my office. At that time, I would highly recommend that you have with you a prepared statement detailing exactly what happened here today."
Zack looked down at the floor. "Yes, Dr. Goodman."
Dr. Goodman gave a final glare and turned to walk away. Zack had just taken a deeply relieved breath when the administrator turned to look back at him.
"And, Mr. Addy – "
"Yes, sir?"
"Please make sure that Miss Montenegro and Dr. Hodgins are there as well."
"Yes, sir."
"And for goodness' sake, Mr. Addy, put your pants back on before someone sees you in that state of undress."
Zack whispered, "Yes, sir," and watched as Dr. Goodman left the hallway and headed to his office. With a sigh of partial relief, he made his way to Angela's office, needing to wait until she and Jack emerged from the VR Theater in order to go home.
XXXXXX
Temperance held up the swimsuit that had been left for her, her eyes as round as saucers. The thing was tiny and would barely cover anything.
I'm going to kill Angela. Turning the suit's bottom first left and then right, she tried to decide which way was the front. This simply can't be right. The material is the same size on both sides!
"Hey, Bones! You okay in there?"
"Um, yeah, be out in a minute." She shook her head and sighed. She couldn't back out of going to the beach now, and even though whatever Booth had been given had to be better than this, she wasn't going to be accused of being a kill joy. A bemused expression crossed her face. Kill Joy. Isn't that technically what her parents had done?With a sigh, she began to undress. At least it wasn't a thong. She didn't know if she'd be able to face Booth in one of those, yet.
Several minutes later, Booth started to wonder if he was going to need a rescue squad to get her out from behind the screen. However, just as he was about to ask once again if she was okay, she stepped around the closest panel and looked at him shyly. In that moment, he came to two distinctly obvious conclusions. One – He was the luckiest man on the face of the earth. Two – Angela was evil.
"Wow, Temperance you look..." Booth shifted uncomfortably. Now would not be the time for more inappropriate thoughts to run through his head. Remember the nuns, remember the nuns.
"I look, what?" Tempe asked with inquisitive eyes. The suit she had on hid almost nothing of her figure. The bikini top, which was lined in small sea shells, barely covered her breasts, their fullness peeking from the sides, and the bottom did much the same thing.
"Wow. I'm, um, going to change now." Booth skirted past her, determined to not look at her or touch her in any way.
Her brow crinkled in confusion, Brennan walked to the bed to sit down and wait. But, both brows shot up as she heard Booth groan and say, "You've got to be kidding me!"
"Is everything okay?"
Poking his head around the wooden panel, Booth nodded. "Yeah. Sure. No problem's here." Ducking back behind the screen, Booth looked at the red piece of spandex in his hands. I'm going to kill Angela for this. He held it up against himself before he realized that the tiny zippered pockets were actually meant to sit on his hips. There is no way in hell I'm getting into this thing. It's Parker's size! Fortunately, that thought didn't last long as he pulled the material up his legs, adjusting the fit - first left...then right...then a little more to the left. How in the hell do men ever get these things on! After a great struggle, Booth finally had it adjusted so that it covered everything. He looked at his reflection in the mirror. These things should only be made in black. With a gulp of air to steel himself for what he was sure would be a gale of laughter from Brennan, he stepped from behind the screen. The first thing he noticed was that Brennan's eyes were distinctly not on his face, and she seemed to blush a bit, but didn't move her gaze at all. Her breathing seemed to be more shallow than would be healthy, as well. Concerned, he took a few steps closer. "Bones? You okay?"
She nodded and mumbled, "Oh yeah," before looking surprised. "Did I say that out loud?"
Suddenly realizing the reason behind her odd behavior, Booth put his hands on his hips and struck a bit of cocky pose. "Yes. You did."
Brennan rolled her eyes at Booth and grabbed a towel, ready to head out onto the beach.
Seeley grinned as he picked up his own, plus a bottle of sun block. Do we even need sun block in here? "Who's thinking impure thoughts now?"
Temperance groaned, and Booth couldn't help but notice that one side of her bathing suit had slipped up. He enjoyed the view before she reached around and adjusted it.
