The squints were all gathered in Angela's office, enveloped in an uncomfortable silence. Hodgins and Angela were both wondering why Howie was in a wheel chair, they just didn't know how to ask him.

"How come you're back early?" Zack asked as he nuzzled Howie's neck, he was feeling the need to get him home soon or they might have to make love right then and there. The last month had felt like an eternity to the young
scientist. He was also curious about the wheelchair, but decided that Howie would tell him when he was ready.

"I got an earlier flight" Howie replied, casting a smile at Angela in thanks for letting him borrow her father's personal jet. Zack didn't see the smile that passed between the artist and Howie, but Hodgins did and made a note to ask about it later when they were alone.

During this time, Booth and Brennan were across town talking to the family and friends of William Barstow, the latest boy in the serial killer case. When they returned, they found Zack and the others still in Angela's office. Booth welcomed Howie back to the States while Brennan studied the military man with a critical eye.

"Why do you have two broken legs, Mr. Barnes?" Leave it to Brennan to be anything but discreet. While most everyone rolled their eyes at her bluntness, Zack glared at her angrily.

"Dr Brennan you can't ask that… well you can but not as blunt as that…Howie will tell if he is allowed, and when he's ready. He does not have to answer you" Zack snapped. Without waiting for a response, he grabbed the
back of Howie's wheel chair and stormed out the office and towards the exit, leaving several stunned friends in his wake.

"Why did you say that?" Howie asked once they were outside in the bright Washington sunshine. This sudden temper tantrum worried him.

"I don't know" Zack sighed as he pushed Howie towards his car. While his knowledge of automobile physics still terrified him, Zack had spent the last month learning how to drive, seeing as it would take some time for Howie's official papers to clear.

The truth was, he couldn't cope with Dr Brennan's attitude. He had been worried about Howie and now seeing him with two broken legs and in a wheelchair, his fears had been realized and he wasn't quite sure how to handle to flood of emotions within. Happiness that he had returned. Fear that he would have to leave again. Worry about the pain he must be feeling.
Uncertainty about the future. They were emotions he was unaccustomed to and didn't feel like dealing with in front of the others. He wanted to hear Howie's account of what happened and comfort him without their friends watching; free to act and feel however his heart moved him.

During the drive, Howie was silent, leaving Zack to his thoughts. As he watched the rural area of Washington fly past as they headed out of the city, it was clear they were not headed in the direction of the anthropologist's
apartment.
"Zack, where are we going?" Howie asked as his curiosity got the better of him. Instead of answering, Zack pulled in to the driveway of an unfamiliar house. When the car came to a rest, Zack turned in his seat to face his lover.

"Howie, I love you. I want to create a home with you. I know I don't work a nine till five, but I will always come home to you. This house is the one I believe is the house of both of our dreams." He smiled tearfully. "The Realtor is waiting inside to show us around. I'd really like to know what you think about it after the tour."
Howie leaned over and wiped the tears off Zack's face, kissing him tenderly.
"Baby, I would love nothing more than to make a home with you" Howie leaned over again and hugged Zack. They sat there for several minutes, and
when they finally let go, fresh tears were falling down their cheeks.

"It's a good thing our appointment doesn't start for another ten
minutes" Zack said as he wiped his face. Howie chucked, blotting his eyes.
They got out of the car putting Howie back in his wheel chair and headed up the drive way to the house. The Realtor was already waiting for them, a bright smile on his face.
"Mr. Addy and Mr. Barnes, I presume" the young Realtor was excited about his first major sale, well he hoped this would be his first major sale.