Zack was brought back from his memories when and alarm sounded, signalling that the bones were done. When he turned round to retrieve them, he saw Hodgins standing in the doorway.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Hodgins asked. He had been meaning to inquire about this all morning, but he hadn't had the chance to speak with Zack privately.

"How would you have reacted to having a gay man live with you" Zack countered as he took the bones out to dry, preparing to examine them for any damage or imperfections that might help to determine cause of death.

"Zack, you're my best friend, I don't care who you sleep with as long as it's not Angela" Hodgins joked.

"She's not my type" Zack said with a smile, glad that he and Hodgins were going to be ok.

After studying the bones for only a few moments, the young scientist got the most excited look on his face; he had discovered what weapon killed their John Doe.

"King of the Lab" he shouted as he walked towards Brennan, planning to tell her that their victim had been killed with a screw driver. As he entered Brennan's office, he saw Angela talking with his supervisor about the name and face of their victim; Jensen Triga, a high school senior who had gone
missing from his friend's house just a month ago. Zack confirmed that the scenario fit with the bones and the rate of decomposition. All was left to do now was to inform his parents and all of his friends.

"Thank you Zack" Brennan said as she rang Booth, heading off to meet him in the parking lot.

While Booth and Brennan were talking to Jensen Triga's family and friends, the squints were left to their own devices in the lab until the partners came back with either more evidence or a break in the case. Angela suggested to Zack that he ring Howie, and ask him to meet them at the diner, so they could
get to know the man.

When they got there, they spotted Howie in a corner booth away from the crowds, most likely so that they could talk more privately.

"Hi Baby" Howie greeted Zack when the 3 squints sat down at the table.
"Hi Howie," Zack replied as he sat down with Angela and Hodgins, "this is Angela Montenegro and Dr. Jack Hodgins". Howie smiled; he had heard all about these two people during one of his and Zack's long conversations back in Iraq. While Howie was waiting, he had ordered for them all hoping
that he knew them all well enough to order for them. He would soon find out, as the waitress was coming over with their orders.

"Thank you, sir" Angela said when she saw the meal that was coming towards her; she knew that Howie was going to be the best thing that happened to Zack in a long time.

"Call me Howie" he beamed, hoping to make Zack's friends more comfortable around him.

"How long is your 'R&R'?" Zack queried as he took a bite of his
macaroni and cheese.

"I have to go back in 3 days, then I finish my tour in a month. I'm going to ask for a transfer, or I might retire and write a book; I haven't thought that far ahead yet, but I do know that what I ever I do, I want you in my life, Baby"

Howie stated, looking his lover in the eyes, making sure that Zack knew that he was being truthful and honest.
Angela discretely wiped her eyes at the sentimental words coming out of the English mans mouth, Zack however, wasn't so discrete, he just let his tears fall. They spent the time they had together laughing and joking at stories of the lab; all the times Zack and Hodgins competed for King of the Lab, the crazy
experiments, and the wild holiday parties. They were all happily talking that they didn't realize that Cam had been calling Hodgins to come back to the lab until she was stood at the end of their table with her hands on her hips looking at them crossly

"Sorry, Dr. Saroyan" Zack mumbled. He had noticed her there before, and he felt guilty for not inviting her to join them, but he wanted to spend time with Howie. He was thinking that maybe he should put in for some time off during Howie's stay; it was something he would have to discuss with his boss
upon their return to the lab.

"It's all right Zack, it's just that Booth and Brennan are in route to the lab with another body, so we need to go get ready for it." Cam stated as Howie paid for the meals and drinks

"I'll let you get back to work then, Baby. If you call me when you're done, I can come and pick you up for dinner." Howie said as he kissed Zack on the cheek and headed back to the hotel where he was staying.

"Dr. Saroyan? May I speak with you in private, please" Zack asked as they made their way to the lab and the new body of evidence that Booth and Brennan were bringing in.