Disclaimer- Not mine, don't get a brass razoo for this little tale.

They had made their way back to their seats about half an hour ago, Brennan taking up the spot in the arm chair, across from Booth. Molly had squirmed to get down instantly and went straight to Parker, who was waiting for her on the floor to the right of Bones and the left of his Dad.

Bones turned her body slightly, to check on her daughter and Parker, who was currently entertaining her. Molly squealing with laughter was a sound Brennan was fast coming to adore. Booth also turned his body to face the kids, consequently turning away from Hannah who was beside him. Booth watched as Parker tickled Molly, he was extremely gentle with her, even as she jumped all over him, trying to escape his active fingers. Molly's head was rested in his lap as he stared down into her eyes with a bright smile.

Angela who had also been watching the kids, while Hodgins had an in depth conversation about Cam wanting to get the lab pest controlled, had turned her attention to Booth and Brennan. Something was different about them; they seemed as if they were back to their old ways, only with something stronger. She glanced at Hannah, who looked irritated and bored; she wondered if Hannah had noticed a difference between the 'partners'.

Ange turned her attention to her best friend, it was obvious she was very happy, she seemed very calm and natural in her motherly role and it suited her beautifully. Temperance Brennan was glowing, her eyes were bright and she wore a smile, unlike any Angela had seen on the anthropologist before, finally she looked as if she was happy exactly where she was.

Parker's chuckle filled the room followed by Molly's again, gaining the room's attention once more.

Parker and Molly got along fantastically; anyone looking in would never guess the two had only known each other for three days. Brennan mused that Parker really was everything a big brother should be; he was extremely protective of her and was only too happy to spend time with her. It was easy to see Molly loved being with Parker also; she was constantly hanging off him and always seeking to touch him in some way.

The little girl squealed again, her delighted giggles reverberating off the walls and making the other occupants smile.

Booth sneaked a glance at his best friend, while she watched her daughter and his son. Bone's smile was bright and happy, she had commented to him, how fulfilled Molly made her feel and she looked it.

Hannah patted Booth's knee, snapping him back to reality, he turned with a raised brow, a little perturbed at being pulled from his quiet contemplation. She smiled a sweet smile and held her cup up to him.

"I'm just going to put this in the sink."

He nodded wondering why on earth, she felt the need to tell him such trivial things. His attention was quickly drawn back to the floor, where Parker was helping Molly do a safe forward roll.

Angela's voice spoke up.

"So Bren, now that you have Molly, are you still going to that partner's conference on the weekend?"

The FBI had made arrangements without consulting either of them. The conference was for them to talk about their partnership and how effective communication, can help strengthen the ability to solve crimes.

Booth was anti going, Parker's birthday was next weekend and he didn't want to miss his Son's party, and Brennan had stated that it was a waste of time to talk at people about their partnership, because different personalities dictated whether the partnerships would be effective, not their ability to communicate.

Booth looked to Bones who was scowling at the mention of the conference, he smiled.

"Actually, I pulled some strings, Cullen wasn't impressed but... the conference is coming to us the following week instead"

He shrugged and felt his stomach flip at the smile he was being given by his partner. Her expression screamed 'thank you' and he was glad he was in Cullen's bad books now; it was definitely worth it, when she gave him that reaction. Sweets voice piped up.

"Wait so you're the reason, I got summoned to write up thirty personnel profiles and have to talk about the benefits of safe stress release in the work place and it's relation to sexual harassment."

The room laughed.

"Wow, sucks to be you huh Sweets?"

Sweets looked to Hodgins.

"Thanks."

Lance looked back to Booth and Brennan with pleading eyes.

"Seriously guys, I had plans with Daisy on that Sunday, we were gunna..."

"Ahhh..."

Booth groaned.

"Sweets, there's kids present."

Sweets blushed and went back to his juice.

Brennan excused herself from the lounge room and walked down the hall. Molly watched her go and quickly looked back, to where she had last seen Booth sitting, making sure he was still there. Booth winked at her, chuckling as she gave him a big cheesy grin.

"Rarrr!"

Parker's arms wrapped around her from behind, tickling her sides and sending her running around in a circle. The little girl was completely oblivious to Hannah, who was walking back in and slammed into her legs. She was unhurt, but when the journalist raised her arms in shock, it was enough to send the three year old into tears. Molly turned as Parker hurried toward her, but the little girl looked to Booth, who was already up and making his way over. She held her arms out to him, tears trekking down her pale cheeks from her baby blues.

"Daddy..."

Booth was surprised by the title, but loved the sound of it nonetheless. He scooped her up into his arms, hugging her tightly to his chest. In the background he could hear Angela and Cam cooing, over Molly calling him daddy.

"Shhh, it's ok Princess, you're alright."

Hannah stood mouth agape.

"Daddy? Since whe..."

Bones came flying down the hall in a panic at her daughter's cries. Booth looked over seeing his best friend's eyes wide with worry.

"It's ok Bones, she just got a fright."

The girl's sobs continued and the room was starting to wonder, if maybe she was hurt. Booth swayed side to side and rubbed her back softly, noting his best friend was getting increasingly upset by Molly's uncharacteristic sobbing, he pulled her in against his side and kissed her temple, before ushering them into the kitchen. The room sat stunned at the affectionate display, but none more so than Hannah.

Booth came out of the kitchen a moment later and grabbed a box of Kleenex off the side table.

"Seeley, why did she call you Daddy?"

Booth frowned.

"I don't know Hannah; she's a little girl in an emotional state?"

"I don't want her calling you Daddy."

The room tried to busy themselves with an alternate conversation, but they were all listening intently, it was like driving past a car wreck, you just had to take a peek.

"You don't wan... well I'm not going to tell her to stop, so you should probably get used to it."

Booth shrugged.

"You're not her father, you already have one kid."

Booth's gaze narrowed as he tried to get his mind around being told what to do.

"Molly is not my biological child Hannah, but that doesn't mean I can't be a father to her."

Hannah's fists balled slightly at her side.

"Let Temperance find her own boyfriend to be a father to the kid, you're MY boyfriend, I'm already second to your Son and partner, I don't need to get behind a child that isn't even yours, and how does Parker feel about sharing you, have you even asked him..."

Parker peeked over the top of the couch like a Meer Kat on a prairie.

"I'm ok with sharing."

He smiled evilly at Hannah, before dropping back to the couch cushion and smiling at the room.

"Look Hannah, I have to get back in..."

Hannah pointed a finger at him in a way the reminded him of his father.

"If you walk back in there, we're done."

Booth shook his head and scoffed.

"Sorry Hannah."

Before turning on his heel and walking back into the kitchen.

Hannah stood dumbstruck, but knew it was time for her to leave, she said her goodbyes to those in the room and left. Parker stood up with nervous smile.

"Does that mean she's leaving for good?"

He looked to the squints hopefully, Angela giggled.

"Yeah Baby Booth, she's done."

Hodgins muttered quietly.

"Finally... it only took months."

Parker looked to the kitchen where his family was and pointed.

"I'm gunna..."

They all nodded, waving him away.

Parker walked into the main kitchen area where his Dad had Molly seated on the bench, her legs still wrapped around his waist. She was still crying, although softer now and Parker could tell she was calming down. Bones stood close by; she was biting her lip and watching Molly tremble. Parker walked up to them slowly.

"Is she ok?"

Brennan held her arm out for Parker to step up close to them and he did. Booth was talking quietly to Molly.

"Did you hurt your head Princess?"

She shook her head as she sniffled.

"Why are you crying Sweetheart?"

She hiccoughed and gave a shudder; Booth brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead.

"Did you get a fright; you thought you were going to get in trouble?"

She shrugged and looked up with sad questioning eyes. Parker looked up hearing a sniffle come from Bones, he saw the tears running down her cheeks and spoke quietly.

"Oh Dad, now they're both crying."

Booth's head snapped up to look at his best friend; he sighed and wrapped an arm around her waist, bringing her to his side. Molly looked up to her and raised her brows.

"Don't cry Mommy."

Booth brought Temperance's head to his shoulder, as Parker jumped up onto the bench beside Molly and in front of Brennan. Booth kissed both his girls on the forehead and looked to his Son, who was watching Bones with worried eyes. Molly's voice sounded again.

"Daddy, why is Mommy crying, did she get scared-ed too?"

Brennan looked to Booth hearing the Daddy comment and smiled wryly. Booth smirked back at her and kissed her cheek softly.

"Yeah Princess, Mommy got scared because you were upset."

Angela, Hodgins, Sweets and Cam had quietly made their way to the kitchen threshold and froze. There was the little family they had all been praying for. Booth held Brennan to his side and Molly to his chest, while one of Brennan's arms was around Booth the other was around Parker, holding him to her chest. Angela found her inner voice screaming 'take a picture, take a picture' she pulled out her phone and began snapping the first pictures for this little fairy tale.

When the four returned to the living room, the squints and Sweets had gained Cam's daughter Michelle and they were happily talking amongst themselves. Molly was now in her Mom's arms, she was tired, but trying desperately to keep her eyes open. Brennan sat back in the arm chair and reclined her daughter across her lap. Booth sat back on the couch with Parker next to him, he greeted Michelle asking her how college was, she came home every second weekend, but Booth rarely saw her. Looking around he frowned.

"Where's Hannah?"

It was Parker who answered in his blunt Brennan like manner.

"I think she dumped you Dad, she said it was time for her to leave and then she did."

Booth sat silent for a moment and then looked to Bones, who was quietly gauging his reaction to the news, he was single again. She smiled seeing him not all that worried and looked back down to her daughter, who was sleeping. Parker got up and walked over to Bones, he whispered in her ear and stepped back to her see her smile.

"Yes, go eat, you don't have to ask, help yourself to anything you want..."

She looked to her other guests and smiled.

"All of you go and eat."

She playfully shooed them out to the dining room, where she could hear muttered sounds of approval for the food she had cooked. Booth returned to the lounge room with a plate of food and handed it down to her.

"Here, you need to eat too, what do you want to drink?"

She smiled and gazed up at him.

"Water, thank you Booth."

He grinned at her charmingly, before turning to go back to the kitchen.

"Booth?"

He spun back to face her with a tilted head.

"I'm sorry about Hannah."

"I... I'm ok with it Bones."

She could see it in his eyes, he really was fine with it, she guessed all the fighting and arguing they had done, allowed him closure before the break up occurred.

The group returned with loaded plates and napkins, Parker was being a dutiful guest come host, taking a drink order just as his father had earlier. Booth watched his son hand out bottles of water and balance, a glass of juice for himself on the tray, everyone thanked him and the eleven year old beamed, with the praise from both his father and Bones.

They all ate, Angela and Cam asking for the recipes of the food they were eating. Booth watched Bones; she was so content as she sat with her quasi family, enjoying the company of those around her. Molly was sound asleep with the warmth of her Mom lulling her into a calm and relaxed state.

"Do you want me to put her to bed Bones?"

Brennan looked up and smiled.

"Thanks, I was just thinking if she stays in this position much longer, she's going to get very uncomfortable."

Booth stood; he bent and lifted the child from her lap and into his arms.

"Back in a minute."

She nodded, watching him go. Angela grinned like a maniac; this night was definitely going to be up for discussion at work next week.

"You know it's quite interesting to see Agent Booth in this dominant family role, at work I've only been able to observe you both as partners, you're equals, but it would seem Dr. Brennan that here in a family setting you, despite your rigorous beliefs on equality, you also adhere to the social construct of having a male as the alpha..."

Brennan frowned at Sweets; she was bored with his speech and rolled her eyes impatiently.

"I mean possibly without realizing it, you have stepped down from your usual alpha female position and allowed Agent Booth, his instinctual need to protect the family pack, it's quite remarkable to witness."

Parker leaned into Bones as he sat on the arm of her chair. The eleven year old squinted.

"What's he talking about Bones?"

Sweets was about to explain in layman's terms.

"Well you see Parker..."

"That's enough Sweets; you're not filling my kid's head with that psycho mumbo jumbo."

Booth sat back on the couch and nodded to Bones, letting her silently know that Molly was asleep and there was nothing for her to worry about. Parker leaned into Bones again whispering into her ear. She smiled and nodded.

"Go get it and I'll start it for you, it's in my room, you remember where right?"

Parker nodded and ran off down the hall. Booth frowned.

"What's going on?"

"He's going to play on my laptop."

Booth cringed, thinking off all the important work his partner kept on her computer.

"Is that such a good idea Bones, what if he mucks something up?"

Brennan smiled.

"I have backups of everything, he'll be fine."

Booth didn't look convinced.

"What if he does something he shouldn't and deletes your files?"

Parker returned with the black laptop in his hands and handed it to Bones, who started up the machine and entered her password before handing it back to him.

"Do you want to use the internet?"

He smiled.

"Can I?"

"As long as you're responsible with it."

"I will be Bones, I won't make you sorry."

She smiled.

"You can go into my room and lay on the bed if you want."

Parker hurried off after kissing her cheek in thanks, she looked back to Booth and flared her eyes playfully.

"Luddite."

Booth chuckled and shook his head, her faith in his son astounded him, he was sure even his own mother didn't give him that much responsibility, which is probably why he was so much more eager to please Bones, he didn't want her to regret her choices.

Angela smiled at the two, who were caught in a gaze.

"So Bren... sweetie, how does it feel to be a Mom?"

Brennan smiled at her friend.

"It's inspiring Ange..."

The room waited for her to elaborate.

"Having Molly makes me want to be a better person, I never thought having someone rely on you so constantly could be so... rewarding, but I'm so grateful that she's in my life and I can't imagine going back to my solitary existence."

Everyone could see the truth in her eyes, the mask she always wore was down and Temperance Brennan the woman had been unveiled for all to see. Angela rubbed her belly affectionately.

"Oh I can't wait, till this little one arrives."

The squints had left taking containers of food with them at Brennan's insistence. Molly was still in bed and Parker was lying on the couch, while Booth and Brennan sat in the dining room with coffee.

"So do you think Hannah will go back to Iraq?"

Booth took a sip of his coffee and swallowed.

"Yeah probably, I mean she has no ties here, it's not as if she made friends with anyone outside of the lab, besides, she never made it a secret that she wasn't entirely happy being in DC, she missed the adrenalin of being in a war zone."

Bones nodded.

"Will you miss her?"

Booth could spot the insecurity in her eyes a mile off and set about to reassure her.

"Sure, I guess, but not nearly as much as I would miss you if you left."

She blushed and ducked her head.

"I would also miss you if you left Booth."

Booth clapped his hands together.

"Great it's settled then, no more trips away from one another."

He wasn't expecting her to nod, but was extremely happy when she did. They sat quietly staring into one another's eyes, the world fading away like it so often use to, gentle smiles on both faces as they realized things were changing again. An ear piercing scream broke their connection, followed by a woeful.

"Mommy, Mommy."

Brennan bolted from the table, Booth and Parker hot on her heels. Entering the little girl's bedroom to the left of the hall, Booth and Parker stopped at the threshold, watching as Brennan sat on the edge of the bed. Molly was kicking and struggling against invisible attackers, her cries desperate.

"Mommy... No."

"Molly Baby... wake up Baby, wake up."

She caressed her daughter's sweaty brow and pulled the covers back revealing the soaked body beneath.

Another scream left the three year old, as she scratched at her own face. Booth stepped forward to stand behind his partner.

"Molly... Molly open your eyes."

Booth stood eyes wide, he'd never seen a nightmare like it, it was heart crushing. Molly's face was red and tear stained, her hair was plastered to the side of her face, her nightgown was pushed up around her torso, heavy and clinging in its wet state, beads of sweat stuck to Molly's legs and arms, while she thrashed against her Mom who held her hands back to prevent further injury.

Parker stood in the doorway, seeing his sister like this was upsetting.

"Wake her up, why isn't she waking up... wake her."

Parker hurried forward with the intention of shaking her awake, Booth caught his Son round his waist, pulling him close.

"She has to wake when she's ready Parks, if you shake her awake; she'll be terrified when she see's you standing over her like that."

Parker's eyes were shinning with tears.

"She's terrified now Dad."

Booth hugged his son tightly.

"I know Buddy, why don't you go sit in the living roo..."

"No, I want to stay."

"Daddy... I want my Daddy."

Booth spun at the title, unsure if she was truly calling to him or not.

"No... No... Letmego..."

Booth walked back to Bones, standing behind her as she sat on the bed, he wanted to support her somehow, but was at a loss for how to show it. Opting to simply rest his hands on her shoulders, he knew he'd done the right thing, when he felt her relax under his touch.

"Ow-ie, ow-ie, ow-ie... NO... Mommy, Daddy save me."

"Oh Molly, please Baby, wake up."

Molly's eyes snapped open, sobs instantly filling the room as she launched herself into her Mom's lap.

"Mommy."

"Oh Baby I'm here, it's alright now, Shhh."

Brennan rocked the little girl in her arms, as Molly held her tightly nuzzling into her chest. Bones rested her head back against Booth's abdomen, looking up at with grateful eyes; she mimed the word 'thank you'. Booth bent placing a soft kiss on Brennan's forehead as he gently caressed her jaw line and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Molly looked up seeing Booth.

"Daddy."

Booth smiled down into two sets of blue eyes, he quickly glanced to his Son, who was smiling before looking back to the three year old and answering.

"Yeah Princess, I'm here."

It dawned on Molly that if her Daddy was here then Parka might be as well, she strained her neck from her reclined position to search for him, a smile appearing, when her eyes fell on his.

"Parka."

He stepped forward and waved to her timidly, seeing her nightmare as he did, he wondered if she would remember it.

Brennan gave Molly a quick wash down and changed her into some clean pyjamas before moving to change her bed sheets. She smiled upon entry to the room, seeing Booth slide the last pillow into a clean slip and drop it back to the bed. Molly ran over to him, literally jumping up into his waiting arms.

"Daddy!"

"Whoa Princess, hey."

He caught her with total ease and smiled at the blue eyes staring into his.

"Feel better Sweetheart?"

She nodded.

"Ah huh, Mommy got me new jama's."

He chuckled.

"I can see that... and look; they've got clowns all over them."

He looked up at Bones giving her a cocked eyebrow, to which she simply smirked and shrugged her shoulders.

"Hey, at least I was thinking of you."

"Oh, I'm flattered."

He grinned back at her playfulness and shook his head.

They got the little girl back to sleep with minimal effort and then walked out into the living room.

"Thank you for changing her bed, you didn't have to that."

He smiled.

"I know I didn't have to, I wanted to... are her dreams always so..."

"Scary?"

Brennan filled in for him.

"Yeah, I mean jeez."

"She doesn't seem to remember them after a few minutes, but they're not as bad as they were, she wakes up easier now and calms down quicker so, I guess that's a good thing."

Booth nodded.

"Are you ok?"

She smiled as his hand caressed her shoulder.

"Yes, I'm fine really."

Booth searched her eyes and saw nothing but truth, he nodded.

"Well I guess we should get a move on, it's getting late and Parker has school tomorrow."

She nodded, and smiled at the eleven year old currently snoring on her couch.

Booth promised to meet her and Molly for lunch tomorrow and walked a sleepy Parker out the door after they said their goodbyes.

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