I've posted this story on other sites, so you may/may not recognize it. Anywhoo...read, enjoy, and review.
No, I don't own Bones.
The Favor
3:30 pm Thursday Afternoon
Brennan sat at her desk staring at the pile of paperwork before her. She had been working all day on the endless pile, but to her dismay it didn't look any smaller. Releasing a sigh, she turned her attention to the clock on the wall.
"3:30," she whispered.
She secretly hoped that it was already five o'clock so she could leave, but no such luck. Slumping down in her chair and grabbing the next piece of paper, she began scribbling answers to the repetitive questions.
A half hour passed and Brennan once again looked at the clock.
"Ah, 4:00,' she yawned.
The day had crept by knowing that Booth would not appear at her doorway with a new case in hand. Usually the anticipation of his arrival sped the day along, but she survived today and she would survive tomorrow. Rebecca was out of town on a business trip and Booth jumped at the opportunity to take Parker for a few extra days and an extra weekend. Brennan missed him, although she would never admit it to him at least not directly.
Trudging into the paper pile once again, her focus was interrupted with the ringing of her cell.
"Brennan," she answered already knowing who was on the other end.
"Bones, it me Booth," he stated. "I've got a favor to ask."
"What?" she questioned.
"Cullen just called me in for a meeting and I was wondering if Parker could stay with you at the Jeffersonian until I'm done?" he pleaded.
"Sure," she replied, "I've been looking for an excuse out of this paperwork."
"Thanks Bones," his smile radiating in his voice, "We'll be there in about 10 minutes."
Brennan decided to finish the paper she was working on before Parker showed up. Suddenly the monotony wasn't as bad.
Placing the finished paper in its folder, Brennan looked up to see Booth strolling toward her office with Parker in tow.
"Thanks, Bones," he said before reaching her at her door, "I wouldn't have asked if it wasn't an emergency."
She flashed him a smile, "I know, but really, Booth, I don't mind."
Bending down to his son, Booth handed Parker his backpack.
"Be good for Dr. Bones, okay Bub?" Booth questioned.
"I will," Parker stated.
Booth stood up and placed a hand on Brennan's forearm. She saw the concern in his eyes and the dread of leaving him.
"He'll be fine, I promise," she said with a smile.
Returning the smile, he rubbed his hand over Parker's head.
"I'll be back soon," he said turning for the door.
"Looks like it's just you and me," she said taking Parker's backpack.
"Yep," he replied.
Tossing his backpack onto her couch, she returned her attention to the four year old.
"Well, what do you want to do?" she asked.
"Can we look at the dinosaurs?" he pleaded.
Giving him a wink, "I was hoping you'd ask me that."
Parker was walking along side as they made their way through the lab and Brennan would look down from time to time keeping a check on him. As they approached the stairs, Brennan felt a very small hand intertwine his fingers into hers. She looked down; smiling at the blonde curls bouncing with each step.
Brennan was convinced they had explored every corner of the dinosaur exhibit and her feet were yelling their disapproval. Glancing down at her watch, she realized they needed to be heading back to her office.
"Parker," she stated, "we need to head back. Your daddy will be back any minute."
"Okay, Dr. Bones, I'm ready," he skipped back to her side sliding his hand back into hers.
Parker talked nonstop on the journey back to her office. He asked endless questions about every specimen in the museum. Brennan was amazed at his curiosity and answered every question with just as much enthusiasm.
Arriving back at her office, Brennan was surprised not to see Booth waiting for them. 'Meeting must have taken longer than planned,' she thought.
"Would you like to color a picture of some of the dinosaurs we saw today while we wait on your daddy?" she asked excitedly.
"You bet!" Parker exclaimed.
He grabbed his backpack and pulled out a sketchpad and crayons. Kneeling down by the coffee table, his hands began quick work of the mysterious figures they had explored earlier. She sat down on the couch watching his fascination and nodding her approval as he worked.
Parker had completed a drawing of a Triceratops, and was working on his Stegosaurus when Brennan's cell began ringing.
"Hey Booth," she answered.
"Hey," he sighed, his voice was filled with disappointment and frustration. "I've got a problem."
"What?" there was a worried tone to her voice.
"Cullen has appointed me as FBI liaison to a new Home Land Security case that is being investigated," he stated matter-of-factly.
"Oh?" she answered a bit confused and concerned.
"Agent Munoz usually fills this role, but is out sick so I'm the lucky duck," he continued.
"I don't know what that means," she replied.
"I'm taking this case," he stated, "and it looks like I'm going to be here all night,"
"Parker?" she asked.
"Would you mind?" he pleaded.
"Of course not," she answered.
"Really?" he questioned.
"Really," she stated.
"Bones, you are a life saver. I know, I know. You don't know what that means," he chuckled.
"Yes I do," she replied, "but I don't know why you are calling me a piece of candy."
He gave another laugh, "I just mean you're really helping me out and thank you."
"It's not a problem. I'll talk to you later, okay?" she replied.
"Okay," he answered.
She looked down at the busy four year old, as he was finishing up his latest picture.
"Parker, how would you like to spend the night with me?" she asked playing with the blonde curls.
"What about daddy?" he asked in a disappointed tone.
"Well.." she stumbled to find the words, "There's some bad guys and…"
"And daddy is the best at catching bad guys," Parker interrupted.
"You bet he is," she answered smiling.
"Can we call him to tell him goodnight?" he asked.
"Of course we can," she answered packing up his backpack and grabbing her bag.
If you liked it, I have another chapter waiting to post. Let me know. :)