Summary: With Seeley Booth home taking care of his sick kids, Aubrey is stepping up as lead investigator for the first time. The only problem? It’s 5 a.m., he’s nervous, and he needs help choosing the perfect tie… which means waking up his half-asleep wife.
The alarm hadn’t even gone off yet.
The room was still wrapped in that quiet, heavy darkness of early morning—too early for logic, too early for decision-making, and definitely too early for wardrobe crises.
“Hey… hey, honey?”
A soft nudge at your shoulder pulled you from sleep, somewhere between dreaming and consciousness.
You groaned quietly, eyes barely cracking open. “Mm… what?”
Standing beside the bed was your husband, already dressed in a crisp white shirt and slacks, hair slightly damp like he’d rushed through a shower. In one hand, he held two ties. In the other, his suit jacket.
“I need help,” Aubrey said, voice low but urgent in that adorable way that meant he was overthinking something.
You squinted at him. “It’s… five in the morning.”
“I know,” he said quickly, wincing a little. “I wouldn’t wake you, I just—this is my first time leading a case while Booth’s out and I need to not look like I have no idea what I’m doing.”
Even half-asleep, that made you smile.
Booth trusting him enough to stay home? That was big.
And Aubrey caring this much? That was very him.
You pushed yourself up slightly against the pillows, blinking at the ties he held up.
“One’s navy,” he said, lifting it. “Classic, safe. The other’s… this one.” He held up a darker one with a subtle pattern. “Less boring. But maybe too much?”
You stared at them for a second. Or maybe ten.
Your brain was trying its best.
“…the dark one,” you mumbled finally, pointing vaguely. “Makes you look… important. Like… FBI important.”
Aubrey’s shoulders relaxed immediately.
“Yeah?” he asked, a hopeful grin tugging at his lips.
You nodded sleepily. “Yeah. Very lead-investigator-who-knows-what-he’s-doing.”
He let out a quiet laugh, slipping the tie around his collar and starting to knot it. “You always pick the good one.”
“That’s because you wake me up at ungodly hours,” you muttered, flopping back onto the pillow. “High-stakes decision-making.”
He stepped closer once he finished, adjusting his jacket before leaning down. You felt his lips press softly to your forehead.
“Go back to sleep,” he murmured. “I’ll bring you coffee later.”
“…and donuts,” you added, eyes still closed.
He chuckled. “And donuts.”
There was a pause, and when you opened your eyes again just slightly, he was still there—looking at you with that soft, steady expression he only ever wore at home.
“You’re gonna do great,” you said quietly, more awake now.
That nervous energy flickered across his face again—but softer this time.
“Yeah,” he said, exhaling. “I think I will.”
He gave your hand a gentle squeeze before heading out, the soft click of the door barely audible.
And as you drifted back to sleep, you couldn’t help but smile.
Because somewhere out there, leading his first case, was a very well-dressed, slightly nervous, very capable FBI agent…
can I please get headcannons for the bones boys taking you out on a first date? Thank you so much for writing for bones!
A/N: anything for my bones boys
Booth would definitely do something unconventional. Something fun, unexpected, something that was a bit competitive, but mostly something where he could show off.
"Really?" you almost laughed as you stood in front of the entrance. "The fair?"
"Oh, come on. When was the last time you did something like this?" He nudged you on your shoulder, wagging his eyebrows at you.
He would then proceed to win you a giant stuffed bear at the duck shoot.
"What?" he shrugged nonchalantly, "Like it’s hard?"
"Not for you apparently," you teased. "Though I expect being a ranger turned FBI agent probably helps."
You started walking backwards enjoying the challenging look in his eyes.
"Are you trying to rial me up?" he questioned, smirking at you.
You leaned in close to him, enjoying the way his breathing increased. "Depends, how easy do you fluster?"
You pulled away, making your way towards the ring toss.
"Oh, I see how it is," Booth shouted as he trailed after you, slinging his arm over your shoulder.
The first date with Booth would solely about getting to know you, making you laugh, and gauging just how comfortable he could be around you. It would absolutely end with him being a giant tease and kissing you on the corner of your mouth or your temple.
Hodgins, rich (so rich he doesn't even know how rich), Hodgins would try and impress you. At least that was his first thought. Private and obscenely expensive dinner? Check. Expensive car to get you there? Check.
But like many things in Jack's life, it never really went according to plan.
"Oh, come on!" Jack grumbled at the flat tire. "I just had the car serviced. I can't believe this."
It was only when you started laughing that he relaxed enough to look at you.
"What?" He asked a bit in disbelief. Crushing thoughts about how this was the worst first date to never actually even start diminished at the sight your smile.
"I don't think I've seen you this stressed since you tried to hide TNT experiment from Cam," you said laughter dying down.
"Hey, that civil war exhibit didn't need it as much as us," he reasoned, a smile now stretching across his own face as he leaned against his car.
You mirrored his movements, shoulder pressed against his as you leaned against the car.
"I wanted this to be perfect. But just about everything seems to have gone wrong."
"Well, it's a good thing the night isn't over yet," you looked around. "You know, I think we're close to the diner."
"You can't be serious," he laughed. A mixture of disbelief and awe.
"Deal. I never needed anything fancy anyways - just you Jack."
From that moment, he knew that he wasn't ever going to mess it up. You were it for him.
Sweets would want to do anything where the two of you could just talk. We know he's done a pottery class before so something along those lines. Really anything where he got to just look at you with a big grin on his face and listen to every word that came out of your mouth.
"Lance?"
"Yeah?"
"Your chicken is burning."
"Oh, shit."
You let out a laugh that made him forget all about the charred chicken. He, in hindsight, should have known better than to plan a cooking class as your first date. Not when you distracted him so easily he could chop a finger off. Definitely not his best idea.
"Here, we can just share mine," you said as you fed him some of your food. All teasing smiles and delicious prolonged eye contact.
Definitely not his worst date idea.
Wendell is one for simplicity. He wants to get to know you, but he also doesn't want to go overboard and scare you off. He'd plan for a simple dinner (your pick) and make a walk around the city.
The street lights illuminated the city, a cool breeze rushing past you. You tried your best not to seem cold - you'd opted for looks- not practically. Now you were paying the price for it.
A sudden rush of warm hit you, you looked up at Wendell who'd wordlessly placed his jacket over your shoulders.
"Wendell-"
"Don't even mention it. Can't have you getting sick now, can I?" He gently nudged your shoulder with his own as you walked side by side. "Wouldn't want you to rain check the next date."
"The next one?" you prodded - warmth washing over your cheeks. "Someone is presumptuous," you teased.
"Nah, just optimistic," He smiled brightly at you. "So, what do ya say?"
"I think your odds are looking pretty good," you looped your arm to hold on to his.
Wendell wouldn't necessarily consider himself a betting man, but he'd say he won out on this one.
Vincent was quiet sure how he'd managed it. It was all a bit of blur if he was honest. One second you both were discussing how no number before a thousand contains the letter a, and the next he had asked you out. And you'd said yes.
He almost thought he'd dreampt it, really. You'd had to call out his name twice before he blinked himself back into reality.
Now he stood in front of your door holding flowers that were wilting away by the second - he swore he'd just gotten them and they looked pristine.
He let out a sigh, knuckles frozen over the door. This would be, fine. You already said yes. Oh, God.
Knuckles knocking against the door, he frantically smoothed out his hair.
"Vincent!"
You leaned in for a hug, crushing the flowers, but he couldn't bring himself to care. You pulled away giving him this brilliant smile that put him at ease.
"Are those for me?"
"Wha- yes. Yes, they are for you." He handed you the roses. "Did you know over 30,000 rose varieties exist today?"
You let out a small laugh, eyes still sparkling. "I didn't, but thank you for telling me."
That smile of your really did put him at ease. This would be fine - this would be great - because he was with you.
When Colin asked you to go out with him to the Slasherthon at the local movie theater he wasn't actually sure you'd say yes. But he figured the worst you could say was no - or you know, laugh at him until he fell into an endless abyss of shame.
Either would be fine.
He expected the abyss.
He did not expect you to say yes. Let alone actually show up. But there you were in a Jason Voorhees t-shirt all smiles as he walked up to you.
"Are you ready for lots of gore and eating our weight in popcorn?" You asked practically bouncing on the balls of your feet. He'd never seen anything more lively or beautiful in his life.
"A person after my own heart," he said dramatically - hand placed over his own heart.
"Come on, Colin," you grabbed his hand pulling him into the theater. As you led him away he realized the abyss option would have been much worse than he had anticipated.
You were a light shining into his abyss.
Aubrey would take you to a nice sit down restaurant. He spent the better half of the week trying to decide where exactly to take you. He'd finally settled on a restaurant you had been talking about trying for a month now.
"Aubrey, how did you know I wanted to eat here?" You asked, leaning forward. Your eyes excitedly bouncing between the menu and Aubrey.
"You've been talking about it," he shrugged, trying his hardest to be nonchalant about it.
"Aubrey- I mentioned it once, like, a month ago." You laughed a bit in disbelief.
"And?"
"And how do you remember something like that?"
"It sounded important to you, why wouldn't I want to remember it?"
He'd be lying if he didn't say he enjoyed that look on your face. A mixture of disbelief and being heard - actually heard.
"Now, I'm thinking we go family style on this bad boy and see what all the fuss is about." Aubrey leaned forward, both of you so close to the other. If the flowers in the middle of the table weren't in the way he just might have leaned in for kiss.
"You sure you can leave some food for me?" You teased, your eyes sparkling in a way that made Aubrey realize he never wanted to see your eyes without it.
"Sweetheart, I'd leave all of it for you if you asked."
"Liar," you laughed.
"Alright some of it, but that's better than none!"
After admitting their feeling Y/N and Aubrey spend the night together for the first time
Warning: kind of smut?? idk
Y/N stood outside James Aubrey's apartment door, her heart pounding with excitement and a hint of nervousness. It had been two weeks since they confessed their feelings for each other, and this was the first time she was staying the night at his place. She adjusted her leggings and the oversized sweatshirt, feeling the cool evening air on her skin, and then took a deep breath before knocking on the door.
Aubrey opened the door almost immediately, a broad smile spreading across his face as he saw her. "Hey there," he greeted, pulling her into a warm embrace.
"Hey yourself," Y/N replied, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him softly. Aubrey smiled into the kiss, holding her close, savoring the moment. When they pulled apart, he looked at her with such adoration that it made her heart flutter.
"I'm so happy you're here," he said, stepping aside to let her in.
Y/N walked into the cozy apartment, feeling instantly at ease. The scent of dinner wafted from the kitchen, and she could hear soft music playing in the background. "It smells amazing, Aubs," she said, using the nickname she knew he loved.
"Just a little something I whipped up," Aubrey replied with a grin. "Hope you're hungry."
They settled down for dinner, the conversation flowing easily as they enjoyed the meal. Aubrey had prepared her favorite dish, and the thoughtfulness made her heart swell. After dinner, they moved to the couch, where Aubrey had set up a movie for them to watch. Y/N snuggled into his side, feeling completely content.
As the movie played, Y/N found herself growing sleepier, her head resting on Aubrey's shoulder. She felt his fingers gently stroking her arm, the sensation lulling her further into a state of relaxation. Eventually, her eyes began to droop, and she struggled to stay awake.
Aubrey noticed and nudged her gently. "Maybe we should head to bed, sleepyhead," he suggested softly.
Y/N nodded, stifling a yawn. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea," she agreed.
They made their way to the bedroom, and Aubrey began to change into his pajamas. Y/N couldn't help but admire his toned physique as he took off his shirt. She took a deep breath, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her.
Aubrey noticed her staring and smiled. "What are you looking at?" he asked, amusement evident in his voice.
Y/N stepped closer, running her hands up his chest. "Just taking in the hot guy in front of me," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Her hands moved up to cup his face, and she pulled him in for a kiss.
Aubrey kissed her back passionately, his hands resting on her waist. When they finally pulled back, he looked at her with a playful glint in his eyes. "I thought you were tired," he teased.
"Not anymore," Y/N replied with a smile. She reached for the hem of his pants, her fingers brushing against his skin.
They slowly undressed each other, their movements filled with a mix of tenderness and desire. Y/N lay down on the bed, feeling a bit self-conscious as she realized she was completely naked. She instinctively used her hands to cover herself, but Aubrey gently moved them away.
"Don't cover yourself up," he said softly. "You're stunning."
Y/N blushed at his words, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her. She looked up at him, seeing the genuine admiration in his eyes. "You're just saying that," she murmured.
"No, I'm not," Aubrey insisted, leaning down to kiss her. "I mean every word."
They lost themselves in each other, the world outside fading away as they explored the depths of their newfound intimacy. Aubrey's touch was gentle yet firm, his kisses leaving a trail of fire on her skin. Y/N responded eagerly, her hands exploring his body with equal fervor.
The night was filled with whispered words and soft moans, their connection growing deeper with every touch and kiss. They moved together in perfect harmony, their bodies fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. The intensity of their passion left them both breathless, and when they finally reached the peak of their pleasure, it was with a sense of complete and utter fulfillment.
Afterwards, they lay tangled together, their bodies slick with sweat and their hearts beating in sync. Y/N rested her head on Aubrey's chest, feeling his steady heartbeat beneath her ear. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as they drifted off to sleep.
In the morning, Aubrey woke up to find Y/N still asleep, her head on his chest and her top half barely covered by the blanket. He couldn't help but smile, feeling incredibly lucky to have her in his life. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, marveling at how beautiful she looked even in sleep.
Y/N stirred, slowly opening her eyes to see Aubrey watching her. She smiled, her voice still heavy with sleep. "Good morning," she murmured, leaning up to give him a kiss.
As she pulled away, Aubrey reached out to lightly pinch her arm. "Ow," Y/N said jokingly, laughing. "What was that for?"
Aubrey grinned. "Just had to double-check that you're real," he replied.
Y/N laughed, shaking her head. "Well, I'm real, and I'm here," she said, snuggling back into his side. "And I'm not going anywhere."
Anyone know any accounts that have posted and/or take requests for Bones characters? Especially James Aubrey. (Sorry for the extra tags. Trying to get this post out to people in other fandoms I'm part of bc they usually end up liking shows I like)
summary⁀➷ You and Aubrey are married but because you don't work together very often, the team doesn't know it yet, which changes when you all meet at the royal diner after a case.
warnings⁀➷ is marriage a warning?, some fluff, the case i mentioned is not a real case they had
a/n ⁀➷ i couldn’t resist writing for aubrey so i hope you’ll have as much fun reading as i had writing it x
masterlist
„I'm glad this case is over." Angela sighed as you entered the Royal Diner. „Me too. I'm afraid of marionettes anyway, I don't need them in my job. Ugh..." you shivered by the thought of the poor person.
You gathered around the table your team always had when you would go to the diner. At this point, any other table would feel just very wrong. „Are Hodgins and Aubrey on their way?" Cam asked the group. „Mhm, I guess. Aubrey told me he'd wait up for Hodgins because they had to take some notes for the report." Booth answered her.
This was your favourite part of every case, even though it wasn't all of you each time. Sitting at the diner together, talking about the things that happened, but also personal things. These people quickly became your best friends. They welcomed you from the second you stepped foot into the Jeffersonian and integrated you into their group. Now that Aubrey was working with Booth at the FBI, it would be even better.
„What can I get you guys?" Joanne smiled at us.
„The usual please." Booth and Brennan ordered, Cam didn't want anything but water and so did Angela.
„A burger, fries and a salad please." you smiled. „Alright, I'll be back in a sec." Joanne wrote everything down and left your table. You could feel the eyes of the others on you, „You seem hungry, Y/N." Brennan laughed lightly.
You chuckled, „Oh, it's for Aubrey.". Cam frowned and made the typical expression she always did when she was confused. Angela on the other hand already seemed to know what's up but kept it for herself.
„There they are!" Booth greeted Hodgins and Aubrey when they entered the diner. „Sorry it took longer than expected. He didn't accept the words normal people use." Aubrey sarcastically commented.
„Actually, it is usually very important to use the correct technical terms." Brennan commented. „Thank you." Hodgins said.
You grinned at the interaction between them. It's always like that, and it's exactly what makes them so lovable. Aubrey has been with the team for about a month, but you never had the chance to really work together during a case, until now.
Angela slid her chair a bit to the side to make room for Aubrey next to you, totally on purpose, of course. Hodgins meanwhile sat down on her other side. Just in time for the two to sit down, Joanna came back with a plate for Brennan, apple cake for Booth and your order.
„Here you go, anything else you'd like?" she asked. „No, thanks, Joanna." Booth smiled, and she nodded.
Aubrey smiled at you when he saw the plates in front of him. „Thank you." His hand caressed your tight. „I wouldn't dare to not order when I know exactly what your mood is like when you're hungry." you chuckled. The others were already in conversation, so they didn't listen to what you and Aubrey talked about.
He took a big bite of his burger, which he could barely get into his mouth, and exhaled happily. "I love you." he told the burger, and you had to laugh softly.
The others looked at him laughing. Everyone knew Aubrey's love for food.
Booth raised an eyebrow, "How do you even get that thing in your mouth?". "Oh, it'll fit somehow." Aubrey mumbled, his mouth still full. Booth just shook his head, but everyone could see the slight smirk.
"I really hope we can finally do a proper experiment next time," Hodgins sighed. "I'm not going to even ask what you're hoping for." Cam laughed. Hodgins started, „You know, we haven't-„
Suddenly they all went quiet. You chewed the fry you stole from Aubrey's plate. „Everything okay?" you asked carefully, swallowing. Aubrey looked just as confused as you did, as he handed you another one. Everyone's eyes got even wider at that.
Finally, Booth said, „James Aubrey does not share his food.", „Nor does anyone know what he's even ordering, as much as he always eats." Hodgins added.
Brennan's gaze would've almost been uncomfortable if you didn't know her so well. You chuckled, „Oh.". „We're married." Aubrey laughed, and you grinned when you both raised your hands at the same time to show them the wedding rings.
Booth looked like something hit him, „That explains a lot." Cam commented enlightened. „As if none of you have noticed," Angela laughed, „You're all so smart but so blind at normal things sometimes.". „I must confess that I should have noticed it. Congratulations, by the way." Brennan admitted and smiled at the last part of her sentence. "Thank you." you giggled. "Wait, how long have you guys been married?" Booth asked.
"Almost four years." Aubrey said, cracking a grin at Booth's facial expression. "So that's what Caroline always meant." Booth quietly talked to himself.
You could picture Caroline giving Seeley a poke in the back of the head for being so slow on the uptake.
„We don't make a secret out of it, I guess it just never really came up." you chuckled.
„Well now we know." Cam laughed. "As long as you let us know then when you're planning on having a little Aubrey or a little Y/N, I can just about forgive you for this one," Angela joked, and everyone broke out laughing. "Promised." You joined the laughter as Aubrey intertwined his hand with yours under the table and smiled at you.
Request for @iamcheese13 : If you’re still taking fanfic request for Zack Addy from Bones, can I have Zack finally being released from prison and having a heart to heart with his ex-girlfriend, who is now happily married and has a child? Thank you!
Author’s note: This fic is... angsty, and kinda took on a life of it’s own. I got a long of inspiration from the song Between The Lines by Sara Bareilles. Reader x ex Zack, reader x Aubrey. Enjoy!
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“Zack lied,” Dr. Brennan said, looking at you with more emotion in her eyes than you had ever seen. Instantly, the wind was knocked out of you, and you sank down to your knees...
“Y/N, Y/N!” Your eyes shot open, suddenly shocked back to the present. “Hey, honey, are you okay?” your husband asks. “Oh, uh, yeah James, I’m okay,” you respond, offering up a smile that you hope looks more reassuring than you feel. His expression softens. “Nervous about today?” Before you could answer, your daughter comes bounding in. “Mommy, mommy!” she cries out, more energy in her short 4 years of life than you’d ever felt. “Mommy, can I come with you today?” she smiles at you brightly. “No, love, mommy has some, um... important grown up things to do today,” you hazard a glance at your husband, who smiles at you. It would almost have been convincing if you didn’t know him so well. “Besides,” you continue, “Daddy is taking you and Christine to the aquarium today.” That’s all it takes, your daughter perks up immediately, kisses your cheek, and runs back to her room. “Speaking of today, are you sure you want to do this alone?” James looks at you intensely, not bothering to hide his concern. “Temperance and I need you to watch the girls today, and... I need to do this on my own,” you say, placing your hand on your husband’s cheek. The phone interrupts your staring match. “Aubrey. Yeah, yeah... okay, I’ll have her at the courthouse in 15 minutes, and pick up Christine after.” James ends the call with a sigh, and then looks at you again. “That was Booth, you ready?” he asks. “Uh, yeah, I think so,” you bite your lip nervously, “Let’s get little one and get out of here.”
20 minutes later, and you’ve kissed your husband and daughter goodbye, and sent them on their way. Standing outside of the courthouse, your mind begins to wander. You’d witnessed dozens of hearings before, even a few in this very courthouse. But none like this, none so close to you personally. Caroline Julian snaps you out of your thoughts when she walks up. “Mrs. Aubrey, are you ready?” she asks. “Um, I believe so,” you say shakily, “can I see him?” “I’m afraid that will have to wait until after, cherie, he’s already inside.” Caroline ushers you inside, your heart rate quickening with every step. You say brief hellos to Hodgins, Angela, and Dr. Brennan, quickly assuring Temperance that the girls are safely with Aubrey and well taken care of. Everyone walks into the courtroom, but you hang back. Tears prickle your eyes, and you take a deep breath before steeling your nerves and walking in yourself. You find your seat without looking up from the floor. You take another deep breath, and allow yourself to look up. A sudden and nostalgic feeling takes over as your eyes meet Zack’s, just like they always had. You blink, and suddenly...
You’re 22, chasing Booth like a puppy dog, and practically skipping up the steps to the Jeffersonian’s forensic platform. “Sorry for the boring field trip while you’re still in training, Y/N, but the squints have some new evidence for the case I’m on,” Booth explains, swiping his card for entrance. “Don’t be sorry, this is awesome,” you’re smiling so hard you think your jaw might break. Though you’d never let on to Booth, you were mostly excited about getting to interact with Dr. Brennan’s adorably awkward assistant. As if on cue, Zack looks up and notices you. He smiles shyly in a way that makes you feel like you could do backflips...
You blink again, and here you are. Almost 10 years have passed, and you’re a wife, a mother, a different person, having to watch the first man you ever loved testify on his own behalf about a crime you had always known he couldn’t commit. You and Zack had been dating for 2 years, and had recently moved in together when everything had come to light. The explosion that sent Zack to th hospital had prompted Booth to give you a temporary leave of absence, so when he called you in a desperate tone, telling you to get down to the Jeffersonian, you were panicked. “Zack lied,” rings through your head, even all these years later. The events of the past decade of your life play in your head like a movie. You’d visited Zack every week, like clockwork, even years after the rest of your friends had moved on. That was until... until Sweets died. After everything you’d been through, losing someone you’d considered a little brother sent you into a dark place you thought you’d never escape from. Aubrey had been your rock. When you met him, your life fell into place. Before you knew it, you guys were married, and then your daughter was born. They were a glimmer of hope amidst the nightmare, but your heart would always partly remain with Zack.
Temperance puts her hand on your leg, bringing you back to reality. “Would the defense like to make a final statement?” the judge asks. “No,” Zack says, “I would prefer for the evidence to speak for itself.” You smile, almost against your will. Same old Zack. “Actually, I would like to say something,” Temperance says, looking at you for silent permission. You squeeze her hand as Caroline gives her permission as well. “Now, I typically speak on evidence, but today I would like to speak on Dr. Addy’s character,” tears prickle in your eyes as Brennan continues. “Working for me, Dr. Addy assisted in incarcerating over 50 murderers. Even while he was institutionalized, Zack attempted the impossible- to find a cure for Dr. Hodgins’ paralysis. Now it’s true, he made mistakes, but I still believe, in my heart, that the world would only benefit from his return to society. Thank you.” The tears were flowing freely now, and you thought they’d never stop as the judge addressed the room, stating that she would overturn Zack’s life sentence, and he would only need to finish the remaining 13 months in the mental institution. You release a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, and give Zack a huge smile as he turned to look back at you and Brennan. You exchange goodbyes with Caroline, thanking her for, as Temperance put it, “doing enough to keep her job.” You know if it wasn’t for her, you may have never seen Zack again.
You walk out to the lobby to say goodbye to Temperance, and check a few texts from your husband, assuring you that he and the girls were having a great time. Your breathing quickens as Zack exits the courtroom, and starts walking toward you. You smile nervously, “Hey! Er, congratulations, um... I-” Zack cuts off your rambling with a quick embrace. “It is so, so good to see you, Y/N,” he says, holding your shoulders and looking in your eyes. The years had definitely changed him, as they had done to you as well, but his eyes were still exactly the same as you remembered. “Um, how long do you have before you have to go back?” you ask, though your subconscious berates you. “About an hour, I believe,” Zack looks at you quizzically. “Well, let me take you out to lunch, we can go to the diner like we used to?” The last part comes out as a question as your nerves get the better of you. “I would like that very much,” he smiles.
The two of you walk to the diner in silence, a few times you almost start to say something, but your mind is running wild with how you’ll explain this to Aubrey later. You guys decide to take a booth in the back, hoping it would give enough privacy for the conversation you were currently terrified to have. You thought of James, your daughter, your new life. A life you loved, but a life that had always seemed... lacking. There had been a Zack shaped hole in your heart for as long as you could remember, and now here he was in front of you, and you couldn’t think of a single thing to say. “Are you alright, Y/N?” Zack asks you. His face is filled with genuine concern. “I’m... yes, I’m okay,” you reply, “I’m just finding myself at a loss for words right now.” Zack smiles understandingly, and you can’t help but be amazed at his emotional depth. When the two of you were together, you had always seen Zack as compassionate and wonderful, but that part of him rested far under the surface compared to now. “It has been quite some time,” he nods. Your face reddens, suddenly mortified by how long it had actually been. “I am not angry with you, Y/N,” Zack says, “I do hope you realize that.” “But,” you start,”I’M angry with me, Zack.” “I do not know if I understand what you mean,” he replies. Your heart pounds as the floodgates in your brain finally open. “I never should have stopped seeing you,” you admit, “but after Sweets died, I just... I lost it.” “As did I,” Zack says solemnly, “Dr. Sweets was a very good man.” “One of the best,” you say, allowing a tear to slip down your cheek. Zack reaches up and brushes it away, and smiles at you. You smile back, caught in a moment that seems suspended outside of time, of reality. Zack lowers his hand and looks away. “I noticed your husband and daughter were not with you today,” he says, his voice sounding far away. “Oh, uh, you... know about them?” you ask awkwardly. “Not that I was trying to hide the from you or anything, I just...” Zack allows you to trail off, and smiles sadly. “Hodgins has attempted to keep me updated about everyone’s lives, when I asked him about you, he knew he couldn’t lie to me.” “I can’t lie to you either, I never could,” you tell him, “I suppose that’s why I just stayed away.” “As I said, it has been a very long time,” Zack repeats, “and I am happy that you are happy.” You wipe away another tear, and pull out your phone to show Zack a few pictures of your daughter. You know Zack has never exactly been fond of children, but his eyes light up as he talks about how much she looks like you. You put your phone away, and sit in silence for a moment. “Zack,” you start, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. “Yes, Y/N?” he asks. “I’m just, I’m so sorry,” you begin to cry again. “Sorry for what exactly?” he looks confused. “I’m just sorry,” you begin, “Sorry for not coming to see you, sorry for being so busy at work while we were together, maybe if I had been more attentive when you’d gotten back from Iraq, maybe things would have been different now.” Zack stares at you intensely. “Y/N,” he says, “I need you to know that none of this is your fault. Everything that happened with the Master, it would have happened regardless. You are not to blame, just as you are not to blame for your life moving forward.” You cry silently, your mind reeling from everything he’s saying, and everything you’re feeling. “Zack, I still love you,” you admit shakily. He puts his gloved hand over yours on the table. “But,” he says softly, nodding with understanding. “Yeah,” you whisper, “But.” Your phone lights up with a text from Caroline, letting you know that Zack needs to get back to the courthouse.
The walk back is anything but silent, the two of you laugh and tell stories about your lives from almost a decade ago. You smile at all the inside jokes he still remembers, the hole in your heart beginning to shrink. Too soon, Zack is escorted into a van heading for the institution. “I’ve waited all these years,” you think, “what’s 13 more months?”
You’re left standing outside the courthouse alone, waiting for a cab to take you back home. Back to Aubrey, back to your little girl. Back to your life.
