So, I'm still working on this. Well, of course I am- I love this story. It's my heart and soul, the air I breath, all that sentimental stuff that kills me most of the time. But the last chapter and this one are the "finally"s of the story. Though there is the appeal to get through first...

Sweets was just putting the pasta on to boil when he heard the doorbell chime. Kat had arrived, five minutes late. As he went to answer, he felt a slight unease—his conscience was catching up to him. This wasn't a real date, and it was wrong to pretend it was.

'Fashionably late, with a nice bottle of wine.' He said, opening the door. 'That shows sophistication, and respect for the host.'

Kat frowned. 'Traffic was hell, and I just grabbed a bottle that Hodgins gave me. I only know two things about wine; it's made with grapes, and you drink it.'

Despite the frown, Kat looked wonderful. She'd added a touch of make-up after work—probably before going to see Zack. Sweets had to firmly remind himself that any effort Kat had put into her appearance had undoubtedly been for Zack.

'So how does one go through life knowing nothing about wine?' He asked, taking her jacket.

'I was only over the drinking age by one year when I went to Africa, and over there we only had crappy beer and good rum. While I was here, I spent a lot more time racing to finish my Anthropology thesis, than sitting in bars.'

'So let me get this straight; you had both your PhDs before Zack. How?'

For the first time since she'd walked through the door, Kat let her face crack into a small smile. 'Zack may have a higher IQ than I do, but he is absolutely under motivated. Even with the programs we took in university.'

Leading her into the kitchen, Sweets decided it would be easier to carry on this discussion if he let Kat choose the topics. 'What sort of programs did you have?'

'Zack and I participated in a "cram" program that pushed for more learning in less time. You had to have an IQ over genius level to enrol, so there weren't a whole lot of us, but we went to a lot of the lectures the regular students attended.'

'Put like that, what I went through at the U of Toronto sucked ass. Now I'm even more intimidated by you.'

Kat seemed taken aback. 'You're intimated by me? There are so many more intimidating people in the world Sweets—like Cam.'

'Don't get me wrong,' he said hastily. 'She intimidates me too—partially because she holds a lot of authority over people, whether official or not.'

'Cam is an incredibly strong and empowered woman. I respect her a lot for that. She's also the closest to what society calls "normal" out of all of us in the lab.'

Sweets saw this as an opportunity to get Kat's insight. 'Who's the furthest?'

'Presently, Dr. Brennan. Though overall, it has to be Zack. Both have issues with engaging emotion into their everyday lives. It doesn't mean they can't— Zack certainly managed that today—it's the day-to-day that is the difference.'

'Booth usually writes it off as "Bones being Bones"' Sweets said thoughtfully as he stirred the pasta. 'But I wonder if maybe it's a sign of underlying psychological dysfunction that may lead to psychotic behaviour latter on.'

Kat shook her head firmly. 'We're all a little twisted in our own way, if you are willing to look deeply enough.'

Brennan was mad; beyond mad even. She had been waiting alone at the diner for almost two hours, and Booth still hadn't shown up. It had been his idea to grab dinner together in the first place too. He'd told her to meet him there, and that he only had to run to the office quick. His office was only a little ways away…

The bell over the door chimed, and Brennan turned to look; not really expecting it to be Booth, but out of reflex. But there he was, already looking guilty. She waited for him to sit down before letting him have it.

'Booth, you're late! Two hours late!'

'Sorry… it's only the diner—not like we made a dinner reservation.' He said distractedly.

She waited for him to explain himself, and when he didn't, she continued. 'Aren't you going to at least tell me why?'

'Why what?'

'Why you're so late!'

Booth waited until the waitress pouring coffee had left. 'It was just a minor thing.' He said, busying himself with the cream, and avoiding Brennan's glare. 'Call came in while I was at the office that Agent Meyer had tried to go home to his wife, after she'd thought he was dead for two months. She went ballistic, and the neighbour called a domestic disturbance. So we pull up, and she's on the porch with a shotgun, and decides to shoot at us. But it's a single shot, so we get her in cuffs easily, and the only injury is a few pieces of birdshot in my arm.'

'WHAT?!?' Brennan squawked. 'Booth!'

'What?' he asked, obviously not seeing the problem with him being shot at with a shotgun.

'Why did you do that? Why do you not see that it's not just a minor thing? Did you even get your arm checked by a doctor?' The questions tumbled out of her before Brennan could even register what they were.

'Chill Bones: it's not that big of a deal. The docs at the hospital pulled the birdshot out, gave me an antibiotic, and then I came straight here. It hardly even bled.'

'So will it not be a big deal next time, when it's a hollow point to your heart?' She asked; a dig disguised as a question. Now all she could think of was kneeling in that karaoke bar, feeling her partner's life seeping away under her fingers as his heart beat blood right out that bullet wound. 'What if next time you really do die Booth?'

He finally seemed to realize her distress. 'It's called being FBI Bones. It's a risk that's a part of the job; same as being partners with you is part of the job, though definitely much better.'

'And how would you feel if I was the one who died?'

That was one question that seemed to hit where it hurt. 'I don't want to talk about it Bones.'

As much as Kat hated to admit it, Sweets made a pretty good plate of spaghetti. The noodles weren't mushy or gluey, and the sauce was thick and flavourful. This bachelor kid knew how to cook.

'I had my doubts Sweets, but you have won my taste-buds over.'

Sweets grinned. 'I was taught by my mom and aunt. They owned a restaurant together, before they got married, and my family always had food on the stove. And time to pass down some skills.'

'My family hasn't passed down anything except money, and a history of mental illness.' She replied, pulling a face.

'That's what you meant by "everyone's twisted"?'

Kat nodded. 'My cousin is a paranoid schizophrenic, and I've been treated for depression. God only knows how many others are in denial about their conditions.'

'I was, for twelve years,' Sweets admitted. 'I used to have an anxiety disorder, but I'm much better now. It inspired me to be a psychologist.'

'The depression went away mostly, when I met Zack. How can you be depressed, when you constantly have someone making you laugh?'

'If you don't mind me asking; do you know how long you've been attracted to him?'

Kat surprised herself by answering the question. 'If you mean "how long I've been in love with him", I'd say ever since I really got to know him. Everyone else couldn't see what I saw in him, because they never got passed the weirdly unemotional exterior. One guy I dumped called us "beauty and the freak". But I don't think I would like Zack any other way.'

'He has changed a bit, since he came back from Iraq though.' Sweets pointed out.

'We all change a bit. I mean, you never met me before I went to Africa—I literally still acted like an irresponsible teenager. But realizing I was knocked up, and in the middle of nowhere; it makes you grow up quickly. I convinced myself that I'd stay until I reached five months and then I'd quit, hop on a plane home, make up with Zack, and we'd start our own happy little family. But that dream was broken; I lost the baby before three months.'

God, why had she told him that? Kat knew perfectly well that she needed to watch her mouth, or it would run away on her, and she'd start saying stuff she shouldn't. Now Sweets knew, and he was the last person she would want knowing about her messy past.

Instead of the type of shrink comment she was expecting, Sweets said something that surprised her. 'At least now, you have a second chance for that dream.'

'So are we going to talk about it yet?'

Brennan kept asking the same question, and Booth kept giving her the same answer. 'No.' He said adamantly, and took a bite of his apple pie. She'd asked all through dinner, and now it appeared she'd do the same all through dessert.

To be honest, Booth hated even thinking of Brennan dying; especially whenever it was a possibility. The very idea of losing her forever, never getting to tell her all the things he wanted to—

'Why can't we talk about it?'

'Because I'm eating pie.' It was a lame excuse, but it would have to do. 'Pie makes me happy; your question makes me sad. That's not a desirable combination Bones.'

She seemed to think for a moment. 'Will you answer my question if I try your pie?

Booth was torn. On one hand, there was the question he was almost afraid to start answering. On the other, there was the moment when stubborn Brennan would finally try apple pie for him. He'd been trying to get her to eat pie for years, while she'd only been hassling him for an hour or so.

'Alright.' He gave in, and pushed the dessert plate towards his partner. 'So the question was…?'

'How would you feel if I was the one who died?' Brennan repeated, and then took a tentative bite of pie. Booth saw right away she thought it was actually really good, and that gave him a little encouragement.

'I think it would hurt me in more ways than I can even understand Bones. You and I have been through a lot together—between New Orleans, and your dad's trial, and losing Zack—and all that means a lot to me. You mean a lot to me Bones. I think you're only second to Parker in my life, even though you drive me crazy sometimes.'

Brennan had stopped eating, and was sitting there with a look on her face Booth had never seen before.

'And even though everyone keeps saying I care too much about you Bones, I know I care—'

'Just as much as Zack cares about Kat.' Brennan finished for him.

Booth felt his heart hammering away against his ribcage, as he waited for her to say more. Brennan's eyes were a bit too bright, and she was smiling as if she was both happy and scared at the same time.'

'Kat and I had this kind of discussion just yesterday,' he said after what felt like eons. 'And she told me to never make the mistakes she made with Zack.'

'So you shouldn't go running away to Africa?'

'So I shouldn't be afraid to take a chance.'

Brennan had taken his hand in hers as she'd said this, and now, seized by the moment, Booth leaned across the table that separated, and kissed her. This time it wasn't for Caroline, thank god, it was just for them; their own moment, uninterrupted.

'So what happens now?' Brennan asked as if still in the trance of the kiss, as Booth resumed his seat.

'We take it one step at a time Bones—as fast or as slow as you want.'

The dishes were done, they'd had dessert, and now it was time to decide. Sweets knew as he stood over the empty sink, that Kat had agreed to sex if he wanted it, but he felt guilty. She didn't want this—didn't want him. He had no ethical right to make her do anything she didn't want to.

'Listen,' he said, as he turned to face Kat, who stood framed by the kitchen doorway. 'I'm sorry. I shouldn't have made you come here tonight, and I won't force you into anything else. It's not fair if I'm taking advantage of the fact that you needed my help. It's a really scuzzy thing to do.'

'Well, I could have said no.' She countered, but was obviously relieved to be off the hook. 'I could have, but I didn't; that was my choice. Plus, I didn't have to cook dinner tonight.'

Her good attitude towards it made Sweets feel better. 'Cooking for just you always sucks. When Daisy was here, we'd have a lot of fun cooking together.'

'Daisy?'

'My girlfriend. She's on a trip right now. We usually split the rent on this place.'

Kat sighed. 'Must be nice to have a roommate, or someone you're living with. Hodgins has hinted about having me move up to his place with him and Angela. I'd probably move out when Zack comes home.'

'You should do it.' He said encouragingly. 'Socialization beyond work and McKinley would be good for you mentally, and it will give Hodgins another opportunity to play the big brother role.' She looked about to deny it. 'I've seen you guys doing the sibling squabble—just like Hodgins and Zack used to.'

'The lab is one big, dysfunctional, mixed-up family.' She said simply. 'Cam is the "mom", while Booth is automatically the father-figure. Dr. Brennan is like the aunt who can't quite nurture, and whom "dad" left "mom" for. Then Hodgins is like an older brother, Angela is the cool sister-in-law, and you are the annoying cousin we all secretly make fun of.'

'Hey!' Sweets exclaimed, pretending to be insulted. 'So where do you and Zack fit in?'

'He's the youngest "son" of the family, while I'm… the recently added girlfriend who's still not sure if she'll be tight or not.'

'You're not sure if you and Zack will stay together?'

'I'm not sure if I'll stay in the lab. Don't think you'll get an opportunity. I don't mind us being friends, but you need to know that you don't have a hope in hell, my good doctor.'

Well, do you think Sweets can keep things "just friends"? His track run of changing his ways hasn't been too good (this is the guy who kept info that Booth was alive from Brennan to observe her reaction) but does he want to piss Kat off? I'd love to hear what you think of this little twist in the plotline. :) Let me know!