Hate Crime

Summary – Zack has returned to the Jeffersonian, just in time for a new case to solve. As they delve into the murder of a young gay man, things get a little awkward for Booth. Booth/Zack slash.

Disclaimer – I don't own Bones. I don't even understand half the things the squints say.

Warning – boyxboy, some controversial topics about LGBTQ

A/N – At first I was going to finish with the sex chapter. But then I decided that even if Zack didn't particularly mind, Booth deserved a proper (albeit short) ending. I'm so glad I stuck to this and finished it. A big thank you to all the readers. =)

Chapter 9

[Epilogue]

After two more homicide cases and numerous trips to Hodgins' garage, Booth got his partner back.

It didn't feel all that odd anymore, Booth decided. In fact, it was quite nice—having Zack explain lab findings to him in a pleasant, decipherable manner instead of his usual, clipped tones that recited scientific terms Booth wouldn't know forwards or backwards. Having Zack hand him a cup of coffee every time he got one for Dr. Brennan, or sometimes just one for him. Having Zack being a bit more of a human in general, instead of seeming like an experiment gone wrong, as Booth had always suspected.

Dr. Brennan was not usually one to notice a change in interaction. But she did notice something. "You two get along much better," She said, stooping over a skull uncovered in the river bank.

Booth blinked. "No we don't." Zack raised an eyebrow, and suddenly Booth realized how pointless that little white lie was.

"You do, and it's very nice. You seem to work much better that way."

"Anything for America," Booth stated simply, though coughing a bit through his words.

"Patriotism at its finest," Zack mumbled to himself.

"Zack could be assigned to his own FBI Agent," Dr. Brennan remarked thoughtfully. "He definitely has the credentials. Now that he has security clearance and experience in the field…Zack, you ought to consider it."

"And take away the kid's fun?" Booth exclaimed before he was aware of what he was saying. "Come on, Bones. Keep my squints together for me."

"We can't keep you forever, Zack. You're quite brilliant," Brennan snorted, staring at the eye holes. She then peered up at Booth. "Why don't you want another agent to work with him? Because of his sexuality?"

"…I guess you could say that," Booth shrugged. While Brennan frowned and began to admonish "ridiculous societal beliefs", he snuck a glance at Zack. Booth had a feeling it was supposed to be short-lived. That it was rather stupid of him to start in the first place, and that they would have to let up eventually. Though it didn't matter all that much. Zack would be his own Forensic-Anthropologist. And if Zack's FBI agent didn't want to celebrate afterwards, he was always welcome back with them. Him.