My first story to get over 100 reviews! WOW! Thanks guys XD


That weekend, Booth practically lived at her apartment. They rarely left the bedroom. Brennan loved learning all about him, and he loved learning all about her. Ripley would get disgruntled and interrupt, wanting to go outside, so they would break to give him a walk and feed him. Otherwise, there was no desire to do anything else.

"I have discovered that I dislike Mondays," Brennan sighed. She was trying not to think about all the report cards she had to write.

"Me too," Booth said, kissing her neck. "Let's play hookey."

"I can't. It's too close to the end of the year," Brennan told him.

"That's too bad," Booth mused. "I think we could have a better class in here together."

"You're very amusing," Brennan smiled. "But I like the way you think." His phone rang then, and he sighed loudly. It was only Sunday morning. How could he be needed at work already?

"Booth," he said. After a second he sat up boltright. "I'll be right there." He hung up and climbed out of bed.

"What happened?" she asked.

"It's Gormogon," he replied. "He's eaten another person."

"Oh," Brennan said. She felt cold suddenly. He threw on his clothes and leaned in to kiss her.

"I'm going to get him," Booth promised.

"I know," she nodded.

"I'll call you soon."

"Okay."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Then he was gone.

...

Brennan tried to act as though nothing was wrong, that there wasn't a cannibal running around eating people, but she was unsuccessful. It creeped her out. She played with Ripley and started writing up report cards. Her phone rang, and without thinking, she answered. She thought it might be Booth.

"Hi," Matthew's voice said. "I'm so glad I finally caught you."

"Dad," Brennan said, perplexed for a moment. Then she remembered. She didn't want to talk to him.

"How are you?"

"I still don't want to talk to you."

"I know, I know. Just please, tell me how you are."

"I'm fine."

"I miss you."

"You're a killer."

"Technically, I'm not. Not by the court's standards," Matthew argued.

"But you still are!"

"Are you ever going to forgive me?"

"I don't know, Dad. I can't answer that right now."

"I am sorry..."

"Are you? Are you really? I don't buy it," Brennan snapped. "Look, I have to go. I'm busy with work."

"Okay. I love you," Matthew said.

"Goodbye," Brennan replied, hanging up. She felt shaken. She didn't know what to think or how to feel. She didn't know if she could ever have her father in her life again. She thought about her mother. What would she think of all this? Well, clearly she did know about it and forgave him, so that question was answered. Brennan felt bad suddenly. Why couldn't she let it go? Her phone buzzed.

Dad's really sorry, Russ wrote.

I'm still angry, she wrote back. Then she put her phone down, ignoring his next message. She didn't need a guilt trip. She decided to get out of the apartment for a bit.

"Come on, Ripley," she called. He came bounding over to her. A walk was always appreciated.

...

Booth found her at her bench, and he sat down next to her.

"How's the case going?" she asked.

"Well, there are some suspects," Booth sighed. "Sweets is one."

"What?!"

"I know. He was being really weird and obnoxious, so I arrested him. Hodgins is looking like a prime suspect right now too since there are clues leading right to his house."

"Doesn't Zack live with him too?" Brennan asked, remembering their bickering about sharing a space together a while ago.

"He does," Booth said, musing. "That's right."

"You don't think?"

"I'm thinking anything right now," Booth admitted. His phone rang again. Brennan looked out at the view as he talked.

"Oh God. I'll be right there," he said, hanging up.

"What?"

"There's been an explosion at the lab," he said, jumping up.

"An explosion? Is everyone okay?!"

"Zack's hurt. I'll keep in touch," Booth said, kissing her quickly. Brennan felt useless, so she went over to Angela's place, looking for some companionship.

"Hey, sweetie," Angela said, answering the door. "Excuse the mess." She had paint all over her, and her hair was rather dirty looking.

"Have you showered in a while?" Brennan asked, moving inside with Ripley following.

"No. I'm trying to finish this painting. It's hard. I don't know if I can finish it," Angela sighed, leading her down the stairs to her studio. She gestured to the easel under the lamp.

"Angela!" Brennan gasped, seeing it. "It's gorgeous!"

"You really think so?"

"Yes! It's so detailed, and realistic," Brennan said, moving in closer. It was of Ripley. He was a puppy and curled up in her lap. "I want to touch it to see if it's real."

"You're kidding."

"Not at all. Ange, you are so talented. I'm jealous," Brennan laughed. Ripley went to sniff it, but Brennan pulled him back before he got paint on his nose.

"Even he thinks it's real," Angela noted, grinning. "Well, at least it's not garbage."

"No, no. Not garbage," Brennan shook her head.

"So what brings you by?" Angela asked, wiping her brush with a rag.

"Loneliness," Brennan smiled ruefully.

"Where's hunky FBI guy?"

"He's on a case. That cannibal one."

"Ew! I hope he's winning."

"I'm not sure. He had some leads, but that's all. Apparently there was an explosion at the lab."

"Oh my God! Is anyone hurt?" Angela asked, horrified. She was thinking of Jack.

"Zack was," Brennan replied. "That's all I know."

"We should go see him in the hospital," Angela suggested.

"You think so? I don't know him that well."

"He'd appreciate the company I think."

"Are you hoping to see Hodgins?" Brennan prodded.

"No. I know he'll probably be there."

"And you're okay with that?"

"Of course!"

"Okay. Then let's go."

...

"It's very sweet of you to come visit," Zack said. His hands were bandaged. Cam was sitting in the chair next to him, keeping him company.

"We just wanted to make sure you were okay," Brennan said. Angela nodded. If she was disappointed that Hodgins wasn't there, she hid it well.

"Hi," Booth said, coming in then. He was looking at Zack, who was looking back at him.

"What's wrong?" Cam asked.

"I need to talk to Zack," Booth answered.

"I'm sorry," Zack blurted out.

"Zack?" Cam asked, confused. She looked hurt.

"What's happening?" Angela asked.

"We need to leave," Brennan answered her, pulling at her arm. She looked back to see Booth looking upset. She hoped it was a mistake, that Zack wasn't involved. She would find out later.

...

"His logic was flawed. He saved Hodgins," Brennan said after Booth explained everything.

"He knows now."

"This is so sad."

"It is. He was a smart kid. Very smart. It's a shame he got caught up in this mess."

"What happens now?" Brennan asked.

"I'm not really sure," Booth confessed. He rested his head on her shoulder. They were sitting on her couch. It was very late on Sunday now. Brennan was tired, but she wanted to be there for Booth.

"The whole team is upset," Booth sighed.

"I'm upset too. Zack seemed really nice."

"He is."

"How's Hodgins?"

"He's devastated."

"I wish I could help."

"It's okay. I just want to be here and not talk for a while if that's all right."

"That's fine." She held him close. She could feel his angst and sadness. She wished she could make it all go away.

...

"Hodgins," Angela said, seeing him at the door. She was confused.

"Hey, I know you want to be left alone and all, but I really, really need a friend," Hodgins said.

"Okay," she agreed, letting him in.

"I lost my best friend. He was aiding a cannibal serial killer. I feel so confused and angry and betrayed. I don't know what to do. I still like the guy. He'll always be my friend, but I'm so mad at him!" Hodgins finished, clenching his fists.

"It's okay to be mad at a friend," Angela soothed. "He's your friend. He's mixed up. Maybe he needs you now more than ever."

"I just...I can't look at him without picturing...you know," Hodgins mimed eating a chicken leg.

"Ew. Okay, you need to get that out of your head. Did he say he ate anyone?"

"He didn't. He only killed the guy."

"So you can get that image out of your mind."

"It's harder than you think."

"You want a beer?" Angela asked. Hodgins finally smiled.

"I thought you'd never ask."

...

Matthew sighed as he finished writing his note. He was leaving Russ's place. He didn't need to be a burden anymore. Since Temperance wasn't talking to him, he figured he'd disappear for a while. Give her the space she seemed to need. He set down the pen and grabbed his coat. He wouldn't be missed, and even though it made him sad inside, he knew it was for the best that he vanish.


Short I know. It's kind of a filler chapter. Anyway, thanks for reading! Cheers :)