A/N: Hello! I am so glad you made it here. I was running out of things to make Lilly do as an intern XD, so we're taking the next step on the way to graduation.

"Good luck cher," Caroline said as she gave Lilly's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks, Caroline," Lilly said with a small smile as she made her way to the front of the classroom while Caroline picked out a place to sit. Logging onto the desktop and getting the papers and book she, herself, had written out of her bag, Lilly prepared for her second master thesis defense. For some reason, she wasn't as nervous as she had been the previous time. Maybe that would change when she would have to speak up, but she figured it probably helped that she now knew what to expect.

As time crawled, her thesis advisor walked in. Professor Crawford walked up to Lilly. "Are you ready to defend your thesis, miss Johnson?"

Lilly glanced around her, checking if she had unpacked everything, she anticipated she would need. "I think so."

"Great. I hope it won't make you any more nervous but I invited some people."

"No, that is fine. Who did you find that would find my findings interesting?"

"This is DC, so a lot of people, sweetheart," The professor said with a smile. "The captain of the Metro Police will join us shortly. There was a researcher from the Pentagon that was very interested and I think a secretary of a senator plans to be here as well."

Lilly gasped. "Okay, maybe I am getting a little bit more nervous now."

Her thesis advisor smiled. "Don't be. You have done great work. Did you really think I would invite these people if I felt your thesis wasn't worth the attention?"

Slowly the people the professor mentioned came in. Lilly also recognized a few researchers from the university. This waiting game was horrible. Her last thesis hadn't been a public exercise. For that one, she had invited her dad because he enjoyed civil law and had thoroughly enjoyed her research project. Other than him and his girlfriend, Catherine, there hadn't been public. Turning to her notes for her presentation she was surprised when she heard a familiar voice.

"Good morning, Lilly."

"Professor Ottley!" Lilly said, gladly to see another friendly face. "I can't believe you made the trip to come to my thesis defense."

The woman smiled. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. I am really curious about what your findings are and whether or not I wrote that letter of recommendation for nothing."

Lilly smiled. "We shall see. I'm thrilled you are here."

"So am I. It is great to see you. Oh, professor Mifflin sends his best wishes. He wanted to come too, but I told him this was some hardcore criminal law and he gets a little queasy at the idea of murder."

Lilly laughed. "Please tell him hi for me when you get back. I am very happy he helped me expand my horizon even though he feels I should stay in civil law."

Professor Mifflin nodded and smiled. "Will do."

When Lilly looked up, she saw even more people had entered. There was a crowd of about 10 people now.

Cam waved from the public and gave Lilly a thump up.

Professor Patchell, Lilly's second advisor, walked in last, which was Professor Crawford's cue to welcome everybody and introduce themselves.

Before Lilly knew it, the introduction was over and she was given the word and presenting her thesis. It went fluidly and quicker than she had expected she was answering the questions of professor Crawford and professor Patchell, Caroline and Cam. Lilly wondered if there was even someone here from the FBI. As Caroline had predicted, Booth indeed had found a way out of attending Lilly's defense.

Professor Crawford retook the word. "As Lilly has mentioned, she also worked closely with the FBI. Unfortunately, the liaison for this program, agent Booth wasn't available today. Though agent Cullen is present. Do you have any questions or comments for miss Johnson?"

Cullen got up from his chair, giving a friendly nod to the professors. "Thank you, professor. I am actually not an agent. I am Deputy Director Sam Cullen of the DC field office."

Lilly's eyes got big. "Wait, you are agent Booth's boss's boss, right?" She counted the layers of hierarchy in her head. She hadn't recognized him before now, even though they had once briefly met at the Hoover.

Cullen nodded. "Yes, I am. Unfortunately, I arrived a little later than I planned, otherwise I would have said hello."

"Oh my God, I think I am going to faint."

Cullen smirked. "From what I've heard, that sounds out of character for you. I am here because ADD Hacker gave me your thesis and I read it with interest.

I am going to kill Booth for not warning me about this.

"As you know, there are 56 FBI field offices. Most of them interact with other government agencies or institutions like the Jeffersonian Institution that deals with forensic science. There are also lab techs employed by the FBI who also have to interact with the agents as well. So the problems you have found and so kindly supplied possible solutions for are very useful. I would like the thesis committee to know this and the fact that I was impressed by your practical view on things. I've been in a more administrative role within the FBI for a really long time now and therefore I have seen plenty of research reports. Most of those are too academic to be useful for my agents.

I especially liked your proposal for a lexicon for forensic terms and procedures. I've asked the Director, that would be my boss, to think about implementing it. Another really interesting section was about some of the courses the agents have to follow for recertification. I understand that it would be impossible to find and study every single one of them, you studied a fair share of them. though there is a Quantico course about interdepartmental cooperation that every rookie agent goes through. Why didn't you take that into consideration?"

Lilly nodded, her attention focused on his question. "Thank you for all the kind words. To answer your question, I have looked at the material of that course and compared it to the materials for other courses it was really basic. Which of course, makes sense for brand new agents, but my thesis is about the lessons to be learned from a durable cooperation between two government bodies. Rookies, straight from Quantico, aren't usually involved at this level, so my reasoning was that either the agents learn most of these skills from courses that are later offered during their career or by handling the interaction with guidance from a senior agent. Therefore, I didn't feel compelled to include it in that chapter."

"I would say that is a reasonable conclusion, but I'll leave that to the professors. Thank you." Cullen took his seat again.

After some final remarks, Lilly's thesis professors left the room to deliberate.

"That went very well I think", Cam said. "Not that I am qualified to determine that."

"I hope so," Lilly said. "I am just glad that part is done."

"I am sure they'll come back with good news," Cam said with a comforting smile.

"Sorry to interrupt ladies," Cullen said as he turned to Lilly. "I hope I didn't surprise you too badly with my presence."

Lilly smiled. "Well, it definitely was a surprise. I knew agent Booth wouldn't be here because of court and he did say he would ask someone else to come, but I definitely didn't expect you, sir."

Cullen nodded. "I can imagine, agent Booth probably doesn't even know I am here either. ADD Hacker had appointed agent Shaw to be here but after reading your thesis I decided to show up myself. After reading it I also went to see miss Julian and she assured me you were staying on, otherwise, I would have offered you a job at the FBI."

"Wow, thank you. And that is correct. I have signed for at least another six months." Lilly said, surprised that the FBI thought so highly of her.

Cam smiled, happy for Lilly and amused by the intern's surprise.

Cullen's phone rang. "I am sorry but I have to go to another meeting. My secretary won't stop calling until I am on the road. I would like to hear your thoughts on the Quantico course on interdepartmental cooperation. I'll have my secretary call you to schedule an appointment for that. Let me know then if you graduated."

Lilly nodded. "Of course."

"Dr. Saroyan," Cullen said with a nod and he left.

Cam looked at Lilly. "That is great, that you're staying around."

"Thanks, Dr. Saroyan. I am really happy about that too."

"You apparently made quite an impression on the Deputy Director for him to show up."

"Yes, it seems like that. I can't believe he came here. Before today I have only seen him once before. Booth should be so lucky Cullen told me Booth didn't know. That saves the world from one murder."

Cam snorted. "Trust me he'll be as surprised as you are when you tell him."

The other attendees asked Lilly some questions and then left. For them, the interesting part was over.

"Congratulations, Lilly," Cam said, as she placed her hand on Lilly's upper arm to grab her attention from the professors and Caroline. "I am glad I was a part of this."

"Thank you. I am happy you were able to be here to see the finish." Lilly said with a smile, glad she was done being a student.

Cam nodded. "Could you swing by the lab later? I have something I'd like to give you."

"Yes, of course."

"Great! Then I'll see you later." Cam excused herself.

Caroline watched Cam leave, as did professor Patchell. "Shall we go to lunch and celebrate?" Caroline asked Lilly and professor Ottley.

Both women nodded. Professor Crawford smiled. "I'll see you at graduation, miss Johnson. Enjoy your day and accomplishment."

"Thanks," Lilly said.

"I'd like to toast to your success," Caroline said, raising her glass. "To the best intern, I've ever had."

"To the best student in a really long time", professor Ottley said. They all clinked glasses. "So, are you sure you want to stay here in D.C. with Caroline?" Sarah Ottley smiled at Caroline.

Lilly nodded. "I feel I haven't learned everything yet and I love the team I am part of."

"See, you can't poach her from me cher, I managed to keep her aboard," Caroline said. "For now." There was an unhappy undertone from Caroline in those last two words that she accompanied with a look towards Lilly telling the intern that she would hate Lilly ever leaving.

"Caroline is right. I am very happy with the Justice Department."

Professor Ottley nodded. "Okay. And what about doing a Ph.D. while working at the Federal Justice Department?"

Lilly chocked on her sandwich. "You think I could be Ph.D. material?"

"Yes", the professor said. "Considering I am already third in line to offer you a job, I suppose I should have made my move sooner, but this is the type of conversation best done in person. I think you would make a great candidate. You're sharp, capable to put your thoughts into the right words. I would prefer you being around in NY, but I have a feeling you're really into D.C. now and I rather have you further research from here than not all."

"Wow, thanks, I didn't even know that was a possibility. Do you really think I would be able to do both at the same time?"

Caroline snorted, deciding to jump in. "Cher, I told you before, you can do everything you put your mind to. Even working a big portion of your time on your thesis you were more productive than most of your full-time colleagues."

Professor Ottley nodded. "I agree with Caroline here."

"Thanks." Lilly paused. She was really flattered, but was this something she wanted to do right now? "It's just that... I don't know if I am ready to commit to such a thorough research project. I literally just finished this degree. I am kind of looking forward to just working. And then there is my boyfriend who's trying to get into the FBI, which might require me to move to Quantico for a while."

The professor nodded. "I understand. But just like Caroline, I'd hate to just let you walk. How about this? You continue working for now and we'll revisit you becoming a Ph.D. candidate in a year or so."

Lilly smiled. "Okay, that sounds like a solid plan."

"Doctor Saroyan?" Lilly asked, standing at the entrance of the autopsy room.

"Oh hi", Cam snapped off her gloves before removing her plastic apron. "How was lunch?"

"Amazing, I didn't expect professor Ottley to be here today so it was great to be able to have lunch with her and Caroline."

Cam nodded. "That is great. I knew Caroline knew someone from New York who was involved with this program. I just didn't know who exactly. The professor seemed very kind. If you'd care to walk with me, the presents are in my office," Cam said, leading the way.

After entering her office Cam picked up a flat white carton box and handed it to Lilly. "It's a tradition here that when you are no longer an intern and get your degree you receive this."

Accepting the box, Lilly opened it one-handed, before placing the box on Dr. Saroyan's desk to pick up the blue lab coat. "Ah nice, thank you, Dr. Saroyan." Lilly ran her fingertip over the embroidery of her name. "But I didn't receive a Ph.D. today."

"I know, but since you are now no longer an intern and more importantly a part of the permanent team you deserve a blue lab coat like the rest of us. Angela and I aren't Ph.D.'s either."

"Of course. Thank you, I love it." Lilly put it on. "Oh, definitely a better color than that flat grayish color." She noted as she checked her reflection in the glass wall of Cam's office.

Cam chuckled. "I agree, this color is better for pretty much everybody's complexion."

Lilly smiled. "I wonder what kind of to robe goes with a Ph.D."

"Well, I believe that it depends on the university issuing the degree. Are you considering continuing your studies with a Ph.D.?" Cam asked.

"Maybe. Professor Ottley offered me a position. But I told her I rather work for a while."

"The professor looked like a poacher," Cam said with a smile.

A chuckle escaped Lilly. "Yes, maybe. But part of the offer was to do my Ph.D. from here, so I would still be able to continue being part of the team here."

Cam nodded. "I remember being really happy I was done with school after finishing my medical training and landing the position of NY coroner as the youngest one ever." Cam looked around herself. "Oh shoot, I forgot to grab your new badge. I probably left it at the coffee corner." Cam said after rummaging through her desk things.

"It's probably still there," Lilly said.

Cam nodded. "Come on let's grab it, otherwise you won't be able to get onto the platform tomorrow. Your intern card will be disabled starting tomorrow."

"Alright." Lilly took off her brand-new lab coat and put it back in the box, bringing it along with her.

They chatted about who was at the defense. Cam knew quite a lot of them at least by name or by rank. Reaching the top of the stairs there were slingers decorating the break area. A banner with Congratulations! Hung prominently from the ceiling.

"Ah look, there it is," Cam said, picking up the card with Lilly's picture on it.

Lilly smiled, accepting the security card. "You put this up for me?" She pointed to the banner.

"Yes, we felt like a small party was in order." As soon as Cam said that SURPRISE was yelled and everyone made an appearance.

Startled Lilly looked at the whole team.

Wendell walked towards her and enveloped her in a big hug. "Congratulations I am so proud of you." He kissed her.

Lilly smiled up at him lovingly. "Thanks."

The rest of the team moved in to congratulate Lilly.

"So, you're finally done being a student?" Hodgins asked.

Lilly chuckled. "At least for now. And why am I getting an attitude from Dr. Ph.D. Times Three?"

Hodgins smiled. "Hey, I only have one master's degree."

Cam interrupted them, handing both of them a glass of champagne. "Don't fight you two."

"Did you get your lab coat yet?" Dr. Brennan asked.

Lilly nodded. "Yes, Dr. Saroyan just gifted me the blue one." Lilly gestured to the box lying next to her.

"Good," Bones said. "Traditions are important and while I know you weren't officially a Jeffersonian intern; it has felt like you were."

"Awh", Lilly said, feeling a lump in her throat, feeling touched by Dr. Brennan's words. "Thank you, Dr. B. I definitely feel a part of the team."

Booth smiled. "And you're staying on a little longer, so that coat won't be just a souvenir."

Daisy looked startled. "What?"

Sweets squeezed her shoulder, wordlessly warning her.

Daisy looked up at him, annoyance visible on her face.

"We're happy you're staying Sweets filled in, partly speaking to Lilly and partly focusing his words to his girlfriend.

"Right," Daisy said. "Very glad."

Lilly smiled. Daisy really had her good and bad moments. "Don't worry, I probably will become even more of a desk jockey now that I finished my research project." Lilly shot Booth a look telling him to challenge her statement and she would find a way to make him regret it. All Booth did was grin right back.

"What? No, no miss Johnson. Part of your contribution is derived from your frequent visits and presence here at the lab. I am sure there are more than enough lawyers that can do paperwork, but there aren't many with your knowledge level and skill set." Brennan said appealed at Lilly's implication.

"Don't worry Dr. Brennan," Caroline said. "I'll be sure to send Lilly over to this place as often as you'll need her."

Booth smiled at Caroline, knowing the senior lawyer hated being around bodies.

Lilly blushed. "Wow, Dr. Brennan, all these compliments, I am not sure I'll be able to live up to all this. It is starting to sound like it is national compliment Me Day or something."

Hodgins chuckled. "Well, I'd say enjoy it. You worked hard for it."

Angela nodded. "I agree, especially when Bren is on a role, those moments are sparse and wide apart. So, soak it all in, sweetie."

"You probably deserved it," Booth said, raising his glass. "To our first cross-departmental intern!"

"Hear hear!" Was shouted as they all toasted.

"Is there going to be another intern like me?" Lilly asked.

Cam smiled. "No, at least, not any time soon. and even if there would be, none would ever be like you." Cam glanced at Booth and Brennan.

The team and Caroline nodded. Wendell grinned, whispering his agreement in Lilly's ear. Cam turned up the music and everyone mingled.

"So, who did Hacker sent?" Booth asked Cam

Cam chuckled. "He sent Cullen. You're lucky he told Lilly that you didn't know that, because she was ready to toss you off a building for not warning her." Cam thought back to the shocked look that had crossed Lilly's face when she had recognized the very higher up FBI official.

Booth snickered. "Well good for Cullen, it is hard enough to surprise Lilly anyway."

Cam nodded with a smile. "Yeah. And he did manage to catch her off guard for a second. I don't think I've ever seen so many law enforcement professionals attend a master's defense."

"Did Lilly invite them?" Booth asked. He knew Lilly was quite well connected and made new connections in all places easily.

Now Cam chuckled. "No, I don't think so. I believe her professors from American U did. Even Caroline's professor friend from New York showed up, apparently, she was the one who told Lilly to apply for this position."

"Leave it to Lilly to make lasting impressions," Booth said impressed.

Cam nodded. "I'll say. I am not sure if I'll be attributing her too many magical powers, but she had a hand in getting you and Dr. Brennan together, right?"

Booth grinned. "Aren't you dropping some of your professionalism here?" He pointed to the floor.

"Maybe. But only because I am over the moon you and Brennan found each other and we've been friends for 20 or so years."

"You and me both," Booth said. "I can't believe we made all this headway in such a short time. We already stripped the house, the house she and I bought." Booth shook his head signaling his disbelief at how far they had managed to come.

Cam smiled.

"It is going quite fast now, but it feels right. Bones got some confidence from somewhere or maybe she made a decision to not be scared anymore, whatever the reason... She is propelling us forward like nobody's business." He smiled thinking of the baby on the way they were going to keep a secret for now.

Cam smiled. "I am happy for you, big guy."

As soon as they walked into Lilly's apartment, she made her way to her bedroom. With a growl she let herself drop face-first onto her bed. "I am so tired," Lilly complained.

Wendell chuckled. "It has been quite a big day for you."

Lilly rolled over, looking at Wendell as he carefully placed his coat on the chair. "Yeah, I wasn't that nervous about defending this thesis as I was back in New York, but it was still draining. Though, the drinks were a lot of fun."

"I agree," Wendell smiled. "I can't believe you got the blue lab coat before I did."

Playfully Lilly rolled her eyes. "That is only because your defense is next week. Take it up with the coordinator."

"Potato potato."

Lilly poked his ribs. Before he could retaliate, she quickly rolled away and starfish posed herself on the bed. "I am so happy I am done with being a student." There was a satisfied smile curving her lips after she let out a big sigh.

"Done until you say yes to the NY professor," Wendell countered as he lied down too.

Lilly rolled back toward him. "Yeah okay, we'll see how that plays out."

A/N: As I finished this chapter, this feels like a very natural ending for this story. Should I end the story here and keep going in a new story where we pick up from here or maybe after the graduation of these two interns? I still have plenty of notes and ideas for The Gang and Lilly. Thanks for reading!