So, the usual deal- I don't own Bones, or any characters except Kat and Jerald. Really wish I did though.

Zack was surprised to hear that Kat was back to see him after just one week. No one—not even Hodgins—came every week. But, walking into the visitation room, there she was. He was relieved to see she looked much less anxious this time.

'You folks take your time.' Jerald, the orderly, said before leaving them alone.

'Same fellow as last week.' Kat observed. 'Is he your personal escort Zack?'

'Jerald escorts all the patients on my ward to visits with loved ones. He's a decent man, who listens a lot. Most of the orderlies on my ward are decent. They are nowhere near as intimidating as they look.'

'So, you want to hear the good news?' Kat asked with a grin. 'I'm now the assistant of one of the best Anthropologists/novelists this side of the state line.'

'I suspected Dr. Brennan would hire you.' He replied in his usual, expressionless way, but smiling so she'd know he was happy for her.

'And that was after she forgot we even had an appointment.'

The smile was quickly replaced with a frown of confusion. 'That doesn't sound like Dr. Brennan at all.' Zack said. 'She's very good with remembering those sorts of things. Manuscript deadlines, court dates, lectures—it's not like her to forget an appointment with someone she would potentially hire.'

Kat shrugged. 'It gave me a chance to finally meet Hodgins. Though I always imagined you being the one to introduce your two best friends to one another. Still, it worked out well; he and Angela got back together as I was being interviewed, so that's cleared up. I still sense though, that there's an underlying current of unease—you left a big, gaping hole at the Jeffersonian, Zack.'

Inside, he began to get a rather guilty feeling. He'd known that his absence would cause a rift in his friends' lives, but maybe not one this big. They seemed to miss him more than he'd ever expected, and this added to his building regret of confessing to a crime he'd never committed.

'You look so tired Zack. Aren't you sleeping enough?' Kat's voice pulled him back from the depths of his mind.

'Night is the best time to think, because it's quiet. Though maybe it's over-thinking that got me here to begin with.' Zack said with a shaky laugh. Best not to tell her about the nightmares that plagued him every time he closed his eyes after dark.

'Some of us,' she said, gently taking his hand in hers. 'Are born to think. You and I have that gift, and we need to use it, or let our minds shrivel up like old prunes in the sun.'

Zack had to chuckle at the analogy. 'I wonder if I'll bear a resemblance to an old prune someday.'

'If you do, then so will I. We'll stick together, just like a couple of old prunes.

He couldn't imagine Kat as an "old prune". To Zack, she'd always be young, beautiful, and charismatic—like she'd seemed the day they'd met. He'd stuck by her, partially in hopes that he'd learn to be more like her. Kat was the personable one, and even though Zack had been the more "intelligent" one, he would have given it all to have her charisma, and her confidence. Maybe if he'd had those—'

'—wish I'd come home sooner.' Kat was saying. 'Where was I when you needed someone outside work? I was waist deep in a prehistoric grave, looking for the next "Lucy".'

'It's not your fault Kat; you need to understand that I failed myself. No one else failed me—just myself. It's not up to you to keep bad things from happening to those you care about either—you can't.'

'Well maybe that's my nature Zack.' She argued. 'Maybe I need to protect everyone I can.'

'Why?'

'Because no one else in this world gives a damn!' She shouted. 'People don't care! My natural instinct is to protect, because no one else will.'

Zack didn't respond. He was never sure how to respond when Kat tried to start an argument with him. All they had ever had were one-sided disagreements.

'I'm sorry I tried to fight with you Zack.' She said after a minute. 'I suppose it's just that I feel like I can't do anything for you right now.'

'I understand.' He said quietly. 'Everyone else is feeling the same way right now—especially Hodgins.'

Kat nodded. 'He firmly believes your confession is bullshit, and it's only frustrating him more. I think you should tell him the truth Zack.'

He felt a minor panic well up inside of him. 'I can't! He'll tell Booth, and I'll be put on trial—then sent to prison. My therapist is bound by doctor-patient confidentiality, and I know you'll never tell, but Hodgins…

'I know Zack.' She sighed, and then her eyes caught the clock on the wall. 'It's time for me to go now.' Standing up, she leaned across the table, and kissed him lightly on the cheek. 'Ciao.'

'Goodbye Kat…'

Watching her leave made Zack feel as if she were taking a piece of him with her. Surely the part he knew had always been in love with Kat. The part he'd tucked away when she'd left for Africa, and had avoided ever letting resurface. It was easier that way, to compartmentalize, whether he was dealing with human remains, or heartache.

So, a shorter one-scene, but this thing has a ton more to go. If only I didn't have to type it...*sigh* Feel free to hit that green lettered button! I'm nice to reviewers, if they're nice to me!