When Booth awoke the next morning, Zack was still sleeping soundly, curled into his side. Memories of the night before flashed back to Booth's mind, causing him to smile as he thought of them. Zack, laid out in front of him, eyes closed, lips parted, muttering Booth's name over and over again. Booth was even sure he'd heard Zack call him by his first name once or twice. Booth unconsciously pulled Zack closer as he continued to dwell on the events of the night before. He'd been sure to take it slow, gentle; making sure Zack had time to back out at every stage. It didn't take a squint to know that it was Zack's first time. Sighing softly, Booth leaned down and kissed Zack, rousing him from his sleep. Zack looked up at Booth sleepily, stretching himself out next to the older man.
"Morning," He mumbled.
"Morning," Booth replied quietly, leaning in to kiss Zack again. "We've gotta get up and go to work." Zack groaned softly, snuggling closer into Booth's side.
"Do we have to?" He whispered. Booth smiled and nodded.
"Afraid so." Zack nodded and sighed heavily.
"Ok," He mumbled. "Let's go."
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Angela and Hodgins cornered Booth as soon as they had the chance.
"Hey," He said warily. "What's up?"
"Shouldn't we be asking you the same thing?" Angela asked, crossing her arms across her chest. "You've been spending a lot of time here lately. A lot of time with Zack." Booth looked at Angela carefully, his defences going up slowly.
"You're the one who told me I need to socialise with you guys more."
"Are you sure that's all it is?" Angela countered, and Booth had to avert his eyes before he could answer.
"Of course it is."
"A little tip," Hodgins cut in, smiling lightly. "Never lie to a conspiracy theorist, or a woman." Booth smiled lightly to himself before looking back up at the couple in front of him.
"Ok," He said finally. "It is more than that. But, I don't know if Zack would want me to tell you." Angela nodded, smiling.
"It's ok," She said softly. "I'll talk to him. He'll tell me." Booth nodded. Hodgins looked at him seriously.
"But you need to tell Dr. Brennan."
"What?" Booth's eyes shot up. "Why? What's this got to do with…"
"You know what," Angela cut in. "And you need to resolve it. This has gone on for long enough, and if you're with Zack now, you need to tell her." Booth nodded slowly, turning to leave.
"Oh, and Booth," Booth turned back at the foreboding in Angela's voice. "If you hurt Zack, I'll kill you, k?" Booth smiled despite himself. The thought of how offhand Angela could say this, coupled with his certainty that she could – and would – do it, running through his head as he left.