A/N: This is a bit past 300 words but I just couldn't cut it anymore. Oh well :) This continues where my last piece left off.
Engage
"Booth, I need to engage in a conversation with you about a difficult subject."
"Bones, the sun is out, the beach is beautiful and my son is here, what could be the problem?"
"I had a discussion with Parker this afternoon about how he is doing in school."
The hint of apprehension in Brennan's voice made Booth sit up from his relaxed position and pay attention in a way he hadn't been doing prior.
"First, I want you to know that I will support you and Parker in any capacity you choose. Second, just know without any doubt you are a wonderful father and this…development…doesn't change that."
"Out with it Bones, you're making me nervous."
"Parker has confided in me that… he is struggling…with what I think might be an alcohol addiction."
Booth's only reaction was a sharp intake of breath so Brennan pressed on.
"He thinks he is failing out of college due to a large amount of partying and drinking. The reason he came to see us is because he woke up and realized he had no recollection of the previous night and that scared him."
Booth looked at her with so much pain in his eyes the only reaction she could think to give him was a tight hug for reassurance. After a few minutes he finally spoke.
"This is my biggest fear you know, passing my inadequacies on to my children."
"I know you never wanted to see your children struggle the way you have. But you are uniquely equipped to aid Parker in this situation. You have successfully managed your addiction for a long time now and he needs a role model like that. But to be that role model you need to entrust him with the truth."
"I know. It's been time. I've just never been able to figure out how to tell my son about my biggest failure."
"Well how about instead you look at it as sharing with him your greatest triumph"
Booth got up to go find Parker but before leaving gave Brennan a deep kiss.
"Bones, living life with you, that is my greatest triumph."