A/N: So I was watching Santa in the Slush…AGAIN…And I noticed that Captain Fantastic's name is Brent, not Drew. Sorry for the mistake. Thanks again to everyone who read and reviewed. Hope you like this one.

Disclaimer: The opposite of a yes.

POVs: T. Brennan, S. Booth

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T. Brennan's POV

The moment I heard Booth say "Rebecca, you're an hour and a half early", I slipped into the kitchen. I didn't know the relationship between Booth and Rebecca. I knew they slept together about a year ago, and Booth had told me that it was over, but I didn't know exactly where they stand now.

I know they have certain disagreements, like with Brent always being around Parker, and the amount of time Booth gets with him. Just a few weeks ago, during Christmas, Rebecca had wanted to take away Booth's Christmas with Parker. While it ended well, it had more to do with Parker running away to the FBI building to find Booth rather than an agreement reached by Booth and Rebecca.

I started to clean up the mess in the kitchen quietly, placing the empty cheesy baking tray into the sink, wiping down the counter…I couldn't turn on the faucet because I didn't know if Rebecca knew I was in here, or if Booth wanted Rebecca to know that I was in here.

"Dr. Bones?" Parker called out.

I turned around. Parker was at the doorway of the kitchen, his bag sloppily slung over his shoulders and his hair messy with sleep. He was sniffling, and I suppose this was the result of his reluctance to leave Booth so early.

I squatted down and held out my arms, and Parker ran into them. I felt him hug me tightly, and I reciprocated. "Hey, Parker, it's okay," I soothed. "You and your dad will see each other very soon, won't you?"

He nodded against my neck. He pulled back to look me in the eyes, and I was surprised once again at the similarities in his features he shared with Booth. His warm brown eyes were exactly the same as Booth's. They were normally happy, and comforting.

Only now, they were tinged with sadness. "Dr. Bones, mommy and Brent are taking me away," he whispered. "They want me to go with them on a twip."

Amidst the panic in my head, I subconsciously noticed that he sometimes had trouble pronouncing words with the letter 'r' in it. It might be a phase. He'll learn to enunciate.

"A trip?" I asked, my brows furrowing. "That sounds…Exciting," I tried to make it sound as if I wasn't upset by this. Parker seemed sad enough for the both of us. I could only imagine how Booth is feeling right now.

"You have to come with us. You have to go, then daddy will come, too," he tugged at my sleeve.

My heart broke just watching him like this. He missed Booth, and who could blame him? Booth gets him two days every two weeks. How is that fair? I've seen Booth with Parker, he would do anything for him. Rebecca should allow them more time together. She gets him almost all the time. While I know she didn't actually have to let them spend time together, considering the fact that they weren't previously married, any blind idiot could see the love and affection between father and son.

In my opinion, it's just cruel to give them so little time together.

"Parker, I can't come with you. Your mom and Brent want you to themselves for a little while, it's understandable," I told him, trying to make myself sound happy for him. "You'll be fine, Parker. You'll have fun. And when you come back, you'll get to see your dad. See? It won't be so bad…"

Parker shook his head, and he sniffled even more. Was he getting a cold? "But Dr. Bones! You have to come! I won't have 'ne friends there!" He was practically wailing now, and buried his face in the material of my shirt.

I rubbed his back soothingly. "Shh, Parker," I comforted him. When he calmed down enough, I took him by the shoulders so I could look him steadily in the eyes. "I think your mom and Cap-Brent," I hoped Rebecca didn't hear me say that out loud. "Would want to spend some time alone with you."

I hugged his small body to me, and smoothed back the curls from his face. "I'll see you soon, Parker, don't worry."

"I'm gon miss you," he said. He sniffed once more-I should really get Booth to check him for a fever-and kissed me on the cheek.

I smiled, brushing away the drop of tear that had made its way down his cheek. "I'll miss you too. Go ahead, your mom's waiting."

I heard Parker and Booth saying goodbye, then the door slamming a few moments later. I turned on the faucet and started scrubbing the tray clean. I wasn't sure how Booth was at that moment, and I wanted to comfort him, but I was the last person who could give anyone any form of comfort. For all I know, I'd just end up making things worse for him.

I should just clean up, help with the things I could do. The non-emotional ones.

Once I'd cleaned the tray, dried it, and placed it back where I found it, and straightened out just about everything else in the kitchen, I came to the conclusion that there was nothing else I could do in the kitchen.

Booth still hadn't come into the kitchen, so I assume he would want some time alone. It's understandable, too. He'd felt robbed of his time with his son, I would think. I'm not very good in psychology, nor do I believe in it, but I know Booth. And I know how much he loves Parker. He must be feeling awful right about now.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the living room.

I could still see the games lying on the table where Booth had placed them after Parker had gone to sleep. He was sitting on the couch, his head tilted back, his eyes closed. One of his hands was covering his forehead.

I stood there staring at him for a while. It was unnerving to see him like this. It was even more unnerving to know that he could sense me here, due to his sniper training, and he hadn't said a word yet or shown any signs that indicated he knew of my presence.

I bit my lip and went to sit by him. Placing a hand on his arm, I kept my silence. If he was ready to talk, he would. I knew that better than anyone. You don't just force someone to open up. Of course, that hasn't stopped me in the past. But after what had happened just a few minutes ago, I needed to think before I spoke.

Finally, he opened his eyes and looked at me, letting his hand flop down on the couch. "It just sucks," was all he said.

I nodded my head. "I know," I whispered. I didn't know what else to do, or say. I wasn't very good at emotional situations. I tend to say the wrong things.

But then again, this was Booth. And Parker. This was different. "I wish I could make it better for you and him," I said, reaching to brush at his hair gently.

Booth smiled sadly at me, and took the hand I had in his hair. He brought it down to his lips and kissed it. "You just did."

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S. Booth's POV

I sighed, my eyes snapping open. I glanced irritably at the alarm clock on the bedside table, noting that it was two in the morning. I had been tossing and turning for the past three hours.

Rebecca had called me, at ten o'clock at night when I was about ready to snap and call her myself. She had given me the phone number, with a reminder that she and I still needed to talk about the 'Dr. Bones' situation'. I hadn't told Bones yet about Rebecca's aversion to her spending time with Parker. This was bigger than me. Parker adores her, and I could even see that Bones adores him. I wouldn't hurt her by bringing it up. It was completely unnecessary.

Parker is my son, too. Bones is a very important part of my life. If Rebecca could associate Parker with whatever scumbag she's dating at the moment, then I can introduce him to Bones. He likes her. They've even met when we were just partners. I see no harm in it.

Of all the people I knew, Bones was the least likely to hurt Parker. She knows how much it hurt to have someone you love, especially a family member, walk out on you. She knows how difficult it is to trust someone.

She would never harm Parker.

Rebecca should know that, even if she didn't know Bones the way I do. Granted, she's never actually been very close with Bones, and they haven't known each other for a significant amount of time, but even she could see that Bones was a respectable, righteous woman. She would never do something like that.

I glanced to my right, where Bones was curled up next to me, asleep. She was wearing one of my sleep shirts again. I knew it probably wasn't fair of me to ask her to stay for the second night in a row, especially after I'd promised I would take it slow. But after everything that had happened, I just wanted the reassurance her presence brings me.

Just watching her, sleeping next to me, lost in a peaceful slumber…It was enough to bring me some peace of mind.

Parker's my son, and I love him. I know he loves me, and he understands why I'm not always around. But it's still not fair to either of us. I'm really trying to be a good father. I do my best to be a part of Parker's life.

But it seems that every time I turn around, Rebecca's either threatening to take Parker away from me, or introducing her boyfriends to him, or just playing more of her games. And now, with Captain Fantastic running around being the best boyfriend ever, taking them to Vermont and Utah and God knows where else…I don't know if Parker would grow up remembering me as the dad that loves him, or forgetting me as the guy that used to be a dad.

I sighed again as I realized that sleep wasn't coming to me tonight. I smiled down at Bones, making a small mental note to tease her some when in the upcoming future about her snoring tonight. I wrapped my arms around her waist and she subconsciously snuggled into me. I smiled wider, closing my eyes and letting my head drop on her shoulder. I shifted slightly so I could smell the shampoo on her hair.

I might not be able to sleep much, but at least Bones is here with me, safe, asleep, comforting. Mine.

There isn't a lot more that I could actually ask for and receive at the moment.

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My alarm clock went off before I actually got any sleep. I groaned, slamming my fist on it, shutting it up. I shifted a little, and felt an unfamiliar weight on top of me. Cracking my tired eyes open slightly, I glanced down.

Bones was curled up right on top of me, her arm splayed over my chest, her head resting in the crook of my neck. She had hooked one of her legs across both of mine. I smiled at her sleeping form and leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

I snuck a peek at the alarm clock. Six in the morning, the time I usually go for my morning run. I really wasn't in the mood today. I'd rather just go back to sleep.

I started to drift off, but then I felt Bones move. I opened my eyes again and watched her stir, and wake up. She looked confused for a moment, then smiled when she saw me. "Morning," she mumbled, dropping her head back on my shoulder.

I wrapped my arm around her waist, and pulled her snug against me. "Morning."

Bones lifted herself up a little and looked at my alarm clock. She gasped. "Six?" She looked at me for confirmation. "I'm late!"

I frowned. "Bones, how can you be late when it's six in the morning?" I groaned as she climbed over me to climb off the bed.

"I usually get in at seven," she explained, scrambling to get to the bathroom.

"Seven?" I yelped.

"Booth, you don't have to wake up. I'm just leaving early."

I shook my head at her. "You don't even have your car with you," I reminded her. I let my head drop back on the pillow. Great. Now I have to wake up, so I could drive Bones to her place.

"I'll just call a cab, Booth, it's not a problem."

I watched her leave my room and heard her padding down the hallway to the bathroom. My eyes were wide open now, and I couldn't go back to sleep even if I tried.

All the things Rebecca had said to me had come back full force, reminding me that Parker would be leaving today for an entire week. I knew I was probably overreacting, but Rebecca should at least have the decency to tell me earlier. It wasn't as if she and Brent decided last minute last night to up and go to Utah. They must have had to ask for a leave from work, they had to have discussed it at least a week beforehand.

And though I knew it wasn't much, Parker and I usually talk on the phone every night. He tells me the things that happen in school, and I tell him goodnight before he has to go off the phone. I don't know if I can do that every night if he's in Utah-I don't think Rebecca and Brent will like that very much.

I hated that Brent was a part of Parker's life. This strange man was seeing my son grow up everyday and I'm not even sitting at the sidelines it seems.

I sighed, rubbing my eyes as I climbed off the bed. I might as well get to work if I'm going to be obsessing over this. Maybe I could call Parker before he leaves with them.

I went out the door to find Bones. She was still in the bathroom, so I went into the living room and picked up the phone.

Rebecca had said that they would be hitting the road at seven sharp. Their flight leaves at eight thirty. I don't know if Parker was even up, since it's so early, but if they're leaving in an hour, I expect Rebecca would have him half-awake, getting ready.

"Hello?" I heard Brent's voice answer the phone.

Trying not to let my anger show, I spoke calmly, "Hey, Brent. Is Parker awake? I wanted to say goodbye before you hit the road."

I heard some shuffling noises before Brent spoke again. "Uh, yeah, he is. Hold on a sec."

"Daddy?"

I smiled. "Parks. You all set to go?" I asked cheerily. There was no point in sounding upset, especially in front of Parker. I knew he was already reluctant to go, I didn't want to create trouble and have Rebecca accuse me of putting ideas in Parker's mind. Not that I would do that. Intentionally.

"No," he answered sourly. "Can't I just stay with you and Dr. Bones?"

I laughed a little. I don't think the fact that Bones wasn't actually living with me-yet-registered with him. "Sorry, bub. I wish you could-" Was that saying too much? "But your mom really wants you to go to Utah. It'll be fine, bub. Once you get home, I'll take you out for pizza and ice- cream, how's that sound?"

Bones came out of the bathroom, and came into the living room. She saw me on the phone and gestured with her hands, wanting to know who it is. I mouthed the word 'Parker' to her. She nodded her head, eyes wide, and sat on the couch next to me. I smiled at her, grateful for her comfort.

Parker sighed on the other end. "Okay, I guess. I just don't wanna go. I don't know nobody there." I heard him pause on the other end, and was about to assure him again when he spoke in a whisper. "If you bring Dr. Bones, then mommy would think that you're working, so you can stay."

I sighed, shaking my head. "Parks, your mom will know I'm lying. And what'd I say about lying to other people?"

"Don't do it?"

I smiled a little. "Yeah. It's not very nice. Listen, Parks. Everything will be okay. It's only for a week. And I'll see you when you get back, okay?"

"Okay…Is Dr. Bones there?"

"Yeah, she is. You wanna talk to her?"

"Yeah!"

I grinned at Bones, and handed her the phone. Her eyes went wider, and she whispered, "Me?" I nodded my head at her, and she took the phone, her skin a little flushed pink. I watched as she talked on the phone, and almost sighed contentedly. I was so glad that Bones and Parker were bonding. I think Parker regarded her as a friend, or someone he could turn to. I saw the way they were around each other, and I'm glad Bones cared for him.

I know she thinks she isn't good with children, but with Parker? She's a natural.

"Of course I'll come with you to get pizza and ice-cream," she said, looking at me to make sure it's fine. I nodded my head again and kissed her forehead. "As long as there's a salad bar." I snorted. Typical Bones.

"I'll miss you too, Parker. I'll just pass the phone to-oh, hi…" Suddenly, Bones looked uncomfortable. "No, I was just…Talking. Um, sure, hold on," she passed the phone to me, and I looked at her quizzically. 'Rebecca', she mouthed to me.

I nodded my head solemnly and tried not to grimace. Bones didn't need to know that Rebecca was less than enthusiastic of the idea of Parker knowing her like this. I took the phone and stood up, pacing. "Rebecca?"

"What the hell, Seeley? You call here at six in the damn morning so she could talk to my son?"

I rolled my eyes. Why on earth was she so paranoid over this? It's not as if I was letting Parker talk to a serial killer, I was letting him talk to Bones, for God's sake. "No, Rebecca, I called at six in the damn morning so I could talk to my son before you and Captain Fantastic take him for a week outside DC. Is that so wrong?"

The moment my little tirade ended, I knew I'd made a mistake. Calling her boyfriend that nickname just riled her up even more. "I don't have time for this!" Rebecca snapped. "We have to get going soon. We'll talk about this once we get back. And, Seeley? Think very carefully about your partner being involved in our son's life."

"And why is that?"

"I don't like it."

I clenched my hand into a fist, looking around for something to punch. I settled for the wall. "And just because you don't like it, I'm supposed to oblige?" I asked through clenched teeth.

"You know what? I don't have to let you see him, Seeley. I allow it. For now. So just think about it."

Rebecca hung up on me, and I stared at the phone incredulously.

What the hell was I supposed to do now? Parker means the world to me, and so do Bones. But this, this goes beyond me, beyond Rebecca, and beyond Brent. This had everything to do with Parker, not us.

She'd already taken away his father from him most of the time, now she was going to take away his friend, too? Would Parker actually be okay with that?

And what do I tell Bones? That I love her, but I can't allow her anywhere near my son?

I sighed heavily, and dropped down on the couch. Throwing the phone as far away from me as possible, I cradled my head in my hands and shut my eyes tightly. This was getting far more complicated than I thought it would.

What do you think? I know we don't really get to see a lot of Rebecca on the show, but she's always threatening Booth, even from the very first time we hear of Parker, in the first Christmas episode. He had to plead with her to see his son. So I thought her as a 'villain' suited the story. I don't know to what extent she'll go to, though. She's acting very bitchy, but I'll explain in a few chapters why. She has a good reason.

BTW, thanks for the reviews. And thanks msu for mentioning the Drew is not Captain Fantastic thing. I just wasn't sure at the time I wrote.

Read and review, everyone.