Chapter 7
Zack and Hodgins sat across from each other in the common room. The room was less crowded now than it had been before. The nurses were taking patients one by one back to their rooms, doling out medications and making sure that they were safely tucked in for the night. The room would have been silent, but one fluorescent light was buzzing above their heads, which the two gentlemen were now fixated upon.
"You know, we could probably fix that in about three minutes." Hodgins said, his voice straining due to the extreme angle at which his head was positioned at the moment.
"I am aware."
Hodgins glanced at Zack and back towards the fixture, "So, are you going to tell me why I am here?"
"Right." Zack said firmly, looking back at Hodgins, "You brought the bag, right?"
Hodgins dug a hand into the pocket of his army fatigue jacket and pulled out a crinkled zip lock baggie.
"I am holding something under the table."
"Okay…" Hodgins said skeptically, "Are you going to give it to me?"
"There are cameras in this room, I would much prefer it if you reached under the table to keep this concealed."
"Big brother is watching." Hodgins nodded with a smirk on his face. He reached under the table and drew his hand back rapidly, "Can you please, for the love of God, let me know if my hand is headed towards your manhood?"
Zack laughed and nodded. Hodgins reached back under the table and swiped the object quickly out of his hands. Hodgins held in his hand a piece of toilet paper that had a red chunk inside of it, "Where did you get this?"
"I shouldn't tell you."
Hodgins looked down at the object in his hand and quickly sealed it in the now, evidence bag.
"I'll do what I can, but I can't promise anything."
"Do you want your payment now?" Zack said, a slight smile coming to his face.
"Heck yeah… what is it?" Hodgins said scooting his seat forward in anticipation.
Zack reached down and pulled up the coveted 'King of the Lab' trophy that Dr. Saroyan had given him. He placed it on the table and slid it towards Hodgins whose eyes widened in disbelief, "Dude, you can't give me this." He said lowering his voice portraying seriousness.
"I cannot be King of something I do not reside over."
"But you love this thing." Hodgins said, turning the trophy around and admiring it.
"I want you to have it."
Hodgins met Zack's eyes, "How about this, I'll keep it until you come back to the lab."
Zack saw the glint of sadness in Hodgins eyes, "Sure. Until I come back."
They both knew that that wouldn't be anytime soon, but saying it out loud made them both feel that it was true. With that, Hodgins pushed his chair back and stood, and Zack did the same. Hodgins walked to the other side of the table and wrapped Zack in his arms as though he were hugging his brother, "I'll come back soon, with Angela."
Zack shook his head and closed his eyes, unknowing what emotions may come next. Hodgins pulled back and looked in Zack's eyes and quickly left the facility. Zack slowly made his way back to his room and avoided looking at the dust outline where the trophy once sat in his room.
