This one takes place right after the end of season three. We never really saw how Brennan dealt with Zach's cannibalistic turnover. Like Booth, I'm MAD at Zach. He shouldda known better. Genius Idiot.

This one's told in Booth's POV, it seemed fitting.

Came out a bit different than I expected, but I'm pleased with the results. Hope you are too!

Thank you so much for the wonderful reviews on the last chapters! You're welcome to write some more :)

Disclaimer: I think we've established already that I (sadly) don't own Bones or any of the characters.

Booth: ""Dear Mr. Addy, it is my pleasure to offer you the post of my intern in forensic anthropology. I chose you from hundreds of applicants because of your knowledge, your desire to learn, and because I feel you will find a home here."

I think you gave him something great, Bones."

(from "The pain in the heart", season 3 finale)

Bones leaned her head on my shoulder. I heard her sniff and knew she was holding back tears.

"Idiot." I muttered.

Bones raised her head (For a moment I was disappointed, but I quickly banished that thought to the back of my head, where it would join it's companions, damn-she-smells-good and her-skin-is-unbelievably-smooth. What a nice trio they make.) and looked at me in confusion. I realized that she thought I was talking about her.

"Not you." I quickly explained. "I meant Zach. He's a genius idiot."

I knew exactly what Bones'd say next.

"I don't know what that means."

Ha! I knew it.

"I'm just saying that for a mathematical genius, Zach really has no idea how to take care of himself. He should have been more careful, is all.

Bones leaned her head back on my shoulder and sighed. She wasn't up for an argument today. She knew I was right anyway, although that hadn't stopped her before. I could smell her shampoo and couldn't help but take a sniff at her hair. She didn't notice.

Truth was, at that moment I really hated Zach. He had disappointed and hurt Bones, and after everything she did for him. After everything they all did for him. Bones and all that she taught him, Hodgins and their experiments, Cam with her nicknames. Angela with her makeovers and tips on women. They all loved that kid so much. It was all a waste now, just because of one incredibly stupid decision.

Bones sniffed again.

Damnit Booth, do something before she starts crying.

I hate it when she cries.

"I just-" She started.

"What?" I urged her on. She was opening up. That was a good start.

I just... I feel like... like I could have prevented this. I know it's irrational, but I feel guilty for some reason. Like it's my fault. Even though I know it's not." Bones raised her head and looked at me, maybe trying to see if I understood her. I did, perfectly. She felt all that because on some level, he was the closest thing she had to a son. She grew protective of him, and when he made a mistake, It felt like she did too. I knew that because of Parker. Whenever he would push one of his classmates or get a bad grade, I always felt responsible. He was my son. It's my responsibility to make him learn from his mistakes and teach him to do better next time.

There was no "next time" for Zach.

Suddenly an idea popped in my head. A way to make Bones feel better.

It always worked for me, anyway.

I stood up, and tried to pull her up. She resisted.

"Up, up, up, let's go!"

"Booth, where are we going? I'm not really in the mood for anything." She protested, but I pulled harder, and she finally stood up, rather reluctantly.

"Fine." She exclaimed, and I put my hand at its rightful place on the small of her back.

"But where are we going?"

"Somewhere fun. Trust me." I flashed her a grin. She couldn't help but smile back.

The "trust me" card always worked. She shut up.

After we arrived at the Hoover and I had parked the car and opened Bones' passenger door, she looked at me in confusion.

"What are we doing here?"

"Just play along, Bones."

We entered the building, crossed the lobby, and went into the elevator. But instead of going up like usual, we went down.

I think Bones finally caught on, because her smile widened. I still said nothing.

When we got to the shooting range, it was deserted. No-one practices at this hour. I got us guns and ear mufflers, then gestured to one of the stations.

"Why are we here, Booth?" She asked.

"I always come here when I'm sad or frustrated or angry. It's a great way to loosen up." I gave her the gun.

"Give it your best shot!"

Bones put on the ear mufflers and I followed suit. She brought the gun up and held it steady at eye-level with both hands. Strands of hair that had escaped her pony-tail framed her face.

It takes me by surprise every time I see how beautiful she is.

Bones fired once, twice, three times, one after another, and I could suddenly see how angry she was. She had a right to be. There was also unbelievable pain and hurt and sadness on her face. As she reloaded her gun tears started streaming down her face. She didn't stop to wipe them away, just let them flow freely. That strong front that she had kept the last few days crumbled, and now she was just a wounded child. Bones fired again and again until there were no more bullets left and she silently turned to me and I gave her my gun. She proceeded to empty that one too, tears still running down her face and soaking her shirt. When there were no more shots to be fired or tears to be shed, Bones turned to me. I walked over to her with my arms open for her to fall into, but instead she came over and started punching my chest, sobbing (apparently there were more tears to be shed). After about thirty seconds of using me as a punching bag (Her adrenaline had dropped and her throws weren't very hard, so it wasn't that bad, really. Anyway, if I could choose who's punching bag I'd want to be, Bones'd be my first choice.) she finally collapsed, exhausted, against my chest and gripped my arms. I held her until she calmed down, her shaking stopped and her body relaxed against mine, her ragged breaths turning into slow deep ones. Bones raised her head. Her nose was red, her eyes puffy and her hair a mess.

Somehow still beautiful.

I planted a kiss on her forehead and she smiled at me. A real smile, Her eyes clear blue skies after the storm.

"Better?" I asked.

"Yes. Thank you, Booth. I can't think of anyone else I'd want as my partner." She rested her cheek on my chest, and I put my chin on the top of her head and hugged her close.

"I'll always be your partner."