Title: Deja Vu

Disclaimer: Language, violence

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Chapter Twenty-nine: Never Will I Break

They'd been back in the states for a day and a half. Brennan walked with purpose into the lab. She still wasn't sure if she had a job or not, there was only one way to find out. She stepped through the doors and stood on the sidelines, watching the others as they went about doing their tasks. No one noticed her, hiding in the shadows. It was nice to see Zack and Hodgins and Angela again. This really was where she belonged. Stepping forward she just about ran into Dr Goodman. He stood before her, hands clasped together, and a smile on his face.

"Dr Goodman, I can explain-"

"No need for you to," he said, cutting her off. "I had a lovely talk with Agent Booth very early this morning. According to him you were able to help bust a big drug smuggling ring. All with the identifying bones? How fascinating it must have been."

Taken by surprise she didn't respond right away. Finally finding her voice she asked, "You aren't mad at me for leaving?"

"Actually, I am a bit pissed about that," he confirmed. "However, what you did over there in England will bring more prestige your way, which brings more prestige to the lab. So all in all, it wasn't a bad thing that you did. Just don't do it again. Got it?"

"Yes, sir," she said, stepping around him to join her team. They had all finally noticed her and were watching the conversation, probably waiting for a big argument. When they saw her coming they returned to their tasks as though they had never stopped.

Back in her office she busied herself at the computer. She wanted to get a jump start on her novel. Her agent was excited about the story and eager to see the first few chapters. There weren't any skeletons waiting to be dealt with. She focused her full attention on the story at hand, typing about events that had actually happened, but changing little details. She easily lost herself in the world of the book and hours flew by. A knock sounded at her door, the sound startled her.

"Come in," she called.

Angela opened the door and stepped inside. "You have been hiding in here all day. What's up? Something bad happen in London? He didn't hurt your feelings, did he? I should hit him on the head with my sketch book next time I see him." She took a seat in the chair across from Brennan.

Brennan actually found herself laughing. For the first time in a very long time she was actually happy. "Hold up there, Angela, he didn't do anything wrong. It was all very nice. I've just been in here working on my latest book. I'm sorry; I should have spent some time with you guys. How are Zack and Hodgins?"

"Zack feels a little lonely. You're very important to him, you know," Angela smiled. "That boy genius would be lost without you. As for Hodgins, he asked me out last night."

Brennan's jaw dropped. "He did? Oh, Angela, I hope you two have a good time."

Angela just smiled. "I didn't come here to talk about me; I came here to get the dirt on you and Booth. Tell me what happened, I must know."

Brennan was quick to fill her in on all the happenings in London. How she had surprised Booth at the hotel, half soaked and looking awful. How she had helped solve the biggest drug mystery in a long time. How Booth had kissed her. Angela wanted to hear more about the kiss and kept pushing until Brennan finally gave in. She described it second by second, spark for spark. Angela giggled like a school girl. Brennan felt weird; maybe it was because she was happy. There was lightness to her spirit, a spring in her step. Angela eventually said goodbye, leaving Brennan to continue working on her novel. She spent the rest of the day holed up in her office typing chapter after chapter. She couldn't believe that she had typed ten chapters by the end of the day. Before grabbing her stuff to leave she sent an attachment to her agent. In the morning there would be an email and she would learn if all her work was once again good enough for publication.

Walking out of her office she headed for the others. She found them playing with the computers. They had made a 3D rendering of a very ugly guy. According to Angela the guys were trying to see who could make the ugliest Neanderthal. Brennan rolled her eyes. Boys will be boys, she thought. She told Angela she was on her way out, giving her friend a hug. Then, to their surprise, she hugged Zack and Hodgins. It really was good to be back home. Everything was finally falling into place. Life didn't look so very bleak anymore. On her way out she made sure to wave to Dr Goodman. She would have hugged him too but thought it would embarrass her boss. Once outside she inhaled the night air. An arm wrapped around her waist and she relaxed into the familiar feeling.

"Come on, let's get out of this place," Booth said to her. "I know of this great Italian restaurant."

"Do you remember what happened last time we went to an Italian restaurant?" asked Brennan.

"I promise not to eat any dessert," replied Booth, leading her to his car and unlocking the doors.

"I have a better idea," she said as they both climbed in. "How about we order pizza and stay in?"

Booth smiled. "Sounds good to me. A night with Bones. What could be better?"

FIN
Sequel?