(The Couple in the Cave)

Thank you for the reviews.

I don't own Bones.

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Sitting on a park bench, Joseph watched a squirrel bravely snatch a pop corn kernel from the path next to the bench across from him and then scamper away. Smiling, Joseph watched the small animal until it disappeared up a tree.

"That's all you have to do, watch squirrels?"

Looking up, the older man frowned, "Yes, I'm old. I don't have the energy to beat the shit out of . . . Never mind, I didn't mean to say that. That was . . ."

Interrupting him, Max sat down, "Never mind, I know what you meant." Sighing, he shook his head, "Okay, this is what I found out from Tempe, Cam was in some kind of trouble and Caroline wanted the old crew to come back and save her bacon. . . . Okay, not her words, I'm translating. . . . Anyway, she contacted Tempe and got her to leave her dig. She also contacted Booth I mean Seeley and found out he was willing to come home. She pulled some shit that I don't understand and got his contract negated with the Army and that's why those two are back. Now that they're back the Jeffersonian has decided to start up their forensics lab again and everyone that worked there before is being recruited to come back. Tempe thinks some of the techs she had before won't be back because they have new jobs. Most of her interns are switching back to her guidance or whatever they call it and that's what I know."

Shrugging his shoulders, Joseph asked, "Okay, you didn't answer the big question. What about Blondie? Did she come back with Seeley?"

Smiling, Max answered, "So far, Tempe hasn't seen her and my guy I have watching Seeley's apartment says he hasn't seen her either. I don't know what that means though."

Pursing his lips, Joseph stared at Max, "Okay, so far so good. Maybe she stayed in Afghanistan. Let's hope she did."

Scowling, Max growled, "She better have."

Concerned, Joseph shook his head slowly, "Max. . . ."

Holding up his hand, Max frowned, "Don't get your panties into a twist. I keep my promises. If she shows up, we'll take care of it and we'll do it in a kind and gentle way."

Suspicious, Joseph stared at Max.

Annoyed, Max stared back, "Get off my case. I keep my word."

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Sitting in the Royal Diner, Joseph was drinking a cup of coffee and picking at a slice of pie on his plate when he saw his son come into the diner. Smiling, he noticed that his son had actually gained a couple of pounds and he looked in good health.

Glancing up once is awhile, he watched his son and the younger man's partner talking. Staring at his pie, he finally decided to just eat the fruit and not the crust when he noticed Hannah Burley walk into the diner. Recognizing her from television, Joseph shook his head and exhaled slowly, "Shit."

Trying to observe with out being obvious, he saw his son stand up and hug the blond reporter while Temperance stood by. Irritated, Joseph placed his fork down, picked up his coffee cup, finished drinking the warm beverage and then pulled out some bills from his wallet to pay his bill. Keeping his face averted from his son, Joseph walked out of the diner as casually as he could.

Once he was out on the sidewalk, Joseph pulled his phone out of his jacket pocket. Hearing the connection made, Joseph spoke, "Okay, Blondie showed up. I'll be over at your place in about thirty minutes, more or less. Do you need me to pick anything up for you from the store? I have to pick up a prescription on the way."

Shaking his head, Max declined, "Nah, I just went grocery shopping two days ago."

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Knocking on the door, Joseph waited a minute and then knocked again. Max, opening the door, shook his head, "Give me a minute to answer the damn door, Joseph, sheesh."

Ignoring the younger man, Joseph walked past Max into the apartment. "What do you want to do about Blondie?"

Walking back into the living room, Max asked, "Are you sure she's still his girlfriend?"

Snorting, Joseph sat down on the couch, "Well, let's see, she walks into the diner, he stands up and gushes all over her and then they lip lock. No, they obviously hate each other."

Holding up his hands, Max responded, "Don't be so bitchy. It was a good question. . . . I haven't put any thought into the problem yet. I was hoping she'd stay in Afghanistan."

Slouching in the corner of the couch, Joseph grunted, "Well she's here. Short of murdering her or hurting her we need to get rid of her."

Rubbing his nose, Max sighed, "Yeah."

Sitting in silence, Joseph remarked, "Maybe we can . . ." Shaking his head, he sighed, "No, that won't work."

Interested, Max leaned forward, "What won't work?"

Scratching his right ear, Joseph shook his head, "It's too simple and besides it might not work. I mean it depends upon what kind of person she really is." Shaking his head, Joseph sighed, "Nah, it won't work."

Exasperated, Max sat down on his recliner, "Joseph quit saying that and just tell me."

Studying Max's face for a few seconds, Joseph smiled, "Okay, but you'll have to do it. If it blows up in anyone's face it's going to be yours. Seeley likes me and I'm not going to screw that up. I don't give a shit if he hates you. You irritate him already anyway."

Snorting, Max smiled, "Wow. Okay, if throwing me under the bus will get rid of Blondie then I can live with that. Just tell me what the damn plan is."

Smiling Joseph leaned forward and spoke.

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So, are you still interested in my little story?