A.N : Bones? Not mine!

Sorry for the delay. But in compensation, this chapter is huge! I hope you like it!

CHAPTER 21- STEPMOM , STEPSON

She didn't know for sure how long they've stayed in her office, Booth's strong arms still around her, while she took deep breathes feeling better and better as the minutes passed. Temperance was now beginning to feel a little embarrassed by the scene she've pulled in front of her co workers. But she felt truly scared. She still was scared. Only she felt much safer and able to keep going when Booth was so near. She sighed deeply, puling away a little in order to look at his eyes.

" I don't think we can stay here forever, Booth." She tried to sound amused, though she actually wished they could stay like this, in their little cocoon. But the real world was out there, and she wasn't a woman to just back off. " Everybody is probably waiting outside after my ridiculous meltdown anyway." Booth knew she was right, and stroked her face once more, a warm smile playing in his lips.

" Hey, I thought we agreed that it was not ridiculous. You had your reasons. They were way out of line, and they should know better." He still felt slightly angry, and Brennan could feel his muscles tensing up.

" They meant well, Booth. There's no need to be that mad, and I know that you are speaking specially of Angela. But really, it's only her way to show how happy she is for us. I'll agree that it was too much, specially with my lab coat, but… she means well, and you know it. So, no shooting menaces, ok?" He relaxed immediately at her words, slowly getting on his feet and dragging her with him.

" Fine. But she better behave more." He laced his fingers with hers, and stopped once again before opening the door. " ready to the real world again?"

" Yes. Let's face the song and dance." His laugh was the first thing that the rest of the team could hear while they exited Brennan's office.

" Music, Bones. Let's face the music, not the song." She rolled her eyes in the way he loved so much, as if telling what's the difference anyway?, while her team approached carefully. Angela was the first to speak.

" Sweetey, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out. I just got a little carried away, you know how I can be." Temperance felt Booth's fingers squeezing her a little, and gave him a warning look.

" It's ok, Ange. I know . I may have overreacted a little too. But you know how I can be too, right? But please, give my old coat back. I'm still temperance Brennan, ok?"

" Brennan-Booth, Bones. Remember?" Booth's voice was something between smug and stern, and Brennan felt like kicking his ass for a second. I'll definitely have to work on this man ego and enormous sexist tendencies.

" Wait. You are actually going to use Booth's name? Now, that's something to be surprised." Cam raised her eyebrows lightly. She knew Brennan well enough to be sure that she would never take a man's name instead of her own.

" I'm hyphenazing. For Parker's sake. Booth says that it would be confusing to him if I didn't use his name, since in the archaic tradition of marriage, women stupidly give up of her names in order to become some kind of possession of their husbands. And since Booth educated Parker in this premise, he says that he will think that I'm disregarding my affection for them if not using their surname. While I personally think that this is ridiculous, I can understand that for a six year old child it can be disturbing. "

" Bones, stop talking as if this was some kind of anthropological experiment. Jeez, it's just hyphenazing, it's not like I've used a piece of wood in your head and proclaimed you mine. I fully respect your independence, ok?" Could she be more difficult? It's just a damn surname, not her freedom. I feel like an oppressor now.

"Aww, you two are just so cute! Bren, that's really sweet of you doing this for Parker." Angela felt actually proud of her best friend. She was about to keep going, when a voice behind them made the new couple freeze.

" I have to agree with Angela, dr. Brennan. And it's very nice to know that you respect dr. Brennan's independence, agent Booth."

Oh no. The thought crossed both their minds as Booth and Brennan turned to face the one and only dr. Lance Sweets, who was placed with crossed arms staring intently at them.

" Sweets, what you're doing here?" Booth felt his face going into a wince , for he could very well imagine exactly what and why Sweets was there. The kid let out a small smile form in his lips, raising his eyebrows significantly as gazing at Booth and Bones laced fingers.

" Oh, I'm sure both of you know why I am here. Deputy director Cullen called me and gave me the happy news. I won 200 bucks, by the way, thank you very much. Being your therapist gave me some kind of advantage. But seriously , you guys. I'm hurt! Couldn't you have told me in person while you were at the headquarters earlier? I mean, I thought we were all a team here. But nooo, I had to learn by Cullen's phone call. So not nice of you." Booth rolled his eyes as Sweets pouted, and Temperance just wiggled her brow.

" Ok, Sweets, really not in the mood to deal with teenager outbursts right now. Stop sulking, or I'm really start to be sure that you're twelve. And you should be happy, since now me and Bones are doomed to have sessions twice a week with you. I know how much you love and need us." Seeley flashed his charming smile at the young doctor, while Temperance just shook her head at the two men. Honestly , I sometimes don't know which one of them can be more juvenile.

" Booth is partially right, Sweets. But I apologize for not telling you in person, although I'm very glad that we didn't, for now I see that Cullen wasn't joking about polls regarding Booth and me at all. Did you just say that you won money over us? This is just wrong."

" Wow, 200 hundred bucks, Sweets? Nice! How's the headquarters is taking the news, by the way? Cam and I are still collecting money here at the Jeffersonian." Hodgins's voice was full of amusement, and Brennan's eyes widened.

" What? There are bets at the institute too? What's wrong with you people?" Jack and Sweets shrunk a little at the icy stare that Bones was giving them, but soon recovered, explaining excitedly about all the polls and bets to a very indignated Temperance Brennan. Booth was about to enter himself at the conversation, when a gentle hand pulled him to the side, and in no time he was face to face to Angela.

" Hey, Booth? I'm really sorry about what happened earlier,ok? I know that you are mad, but like I said…I got carried away. It's just…I'm so happy for you two. Specially for Bren. She deserves someone exactly like you, but don't tell her I've told you this,ok? She would kill me with one of her ninja moves." How could he stay mad at that crazy woman, when he knew she had her heart in making he and his Bones happy?

" It's fine, Ange. Just… try to take things slowly from now on, ok? You know that it's scaring the hell out of Bones. Let's try to not make her freak out more than she already is freaked, right?" Angela nodded fervently, at the same time producing a small box in her hands and placing in his.

" It's a deal, stud. Now, open up. I decided not to break into your office because it was too risky and Cullen couldn't know before you two get back, so I didn't have the chance to put this in your office." Booth opened the box carefully, a wide smile spreading in his face as he examined it's content. In a silver frame, stood Temperance's picture, her silky skin exposed in a strapless dress, her blue eyes sparkling at the camera, her hair loosen framing her face in soft curls. She looked perfect.

" I figured out that you'd like to have a picture of your wife near you." Angela's eyes moistened at the expression in Booth's face as he studied her best friend's photo. She could see all the love she knew her friend deserved in there. " Booth?" he raised his head to look at her. " Don't let her give up, ok? I know that this is what Bren wants. She may take a while to admit or even realize it, but it's what she wants. And she wants it with you. You'll make her happy. You already make her happy. So, be patient and don't let her run, ok?"

Booth looked once again at the picture that Angela had given to him, and then, at the actual woman, engrossed in a heated discussion with her squints. He smiled broadly as he gazed back to Angela Montenegro.

" I will, Ange. She makes me happy too. I wont let her thanks for this. You are a mind reader." He indicated the picture in his hands, already picking a place in his desk for it. They stayed in silence for a while, watching the team, until Booth spoke again, this time low and soft.

" And Ange? Thank you for convincing her to stay married to me." She gave him the biggest smile, winking at him in utter satisfaction.

" Anytime, stud. Anytime."

(-------------------------------)

They stood silently inside Booth's SUV, parked in front of Parker's school, waiting for the bell ring indicating that the kids were free to go. Brennan was feeling her throat suddenly very dry at the prospective of facing Parker Booth. She kept telling herself that it was irrational to feel afraid old a six year old boy, but she couldn't help herself. She was about to become officially somebody's stepmom. And for a woman that always made it clear that she didn't want any kids it was a huge step, and she actually found herself curious with her attitude. She truly wanted to be accepted by Parker. And she truly wanted to be a part of his life. So, in a strange way, she felt as if she was somehow embracing a small desire of motherhood, and it was honestly freaking her out. She looked at the man that had become her husband, realizing that he too looked nervous. He couldn't stop drumming in the wheel, and kept staring at the school door as if a monster, and not a little boy, was about to get out.

" Why are you so nervous? I'm the one that should be shaking, not you." Bones finally lost it, speaking loudly, trying to make her own fears disappear. Booth looked at her in shock, and immediately stopped his drumming, his eyes becoming soft.

" Bones, We already had this conversation. There's no need for you to be afraid or worried. Parker loves you,ok? He'll be thrilled to know that you are a part of his life now. And don't even use the stepmom and fairytales speech again. My son can discern fantasy from reality."

"Fine. Then, what's the problem after all? You are starting to look more nervous than me as the minutes passes." She was honestly curious, and for a moment she felt like hugging him and telling that everything would be ok, for he gave her a lost little boy look that made her heart skip one beat.

" It's just…what if he gets mad at me? I mean… I got married without my own son in there. What if parker feels betrayed or something? What if he feels as I didn't care enough about him to want him there?" he finally got out of his system what was bothering him for a while. He didn't think he would be able to stand the hurting look in his boy's face if it was the case. Booth was surprised when Temperance moved very near to him, placing her hands in his face.

" I don't think that Parker can ever be angry at you, Seeley. He adores you, and he surely knows that you would never betray him, as you say. He may be a little surprised and confused with us getting married without him, but never, ever mad at you. I've seen the way he looks at you, Booth. You are his 'll just have to explain to him very carefully that it happened very fast. And be sure that he knows how important he really is. Okay ?" Man, her eyes are hypnotic. He rested his forehead in hers, breathing deeply.

" You know, for someone who claims to be so horrible with kids, you sure knows what to tell to reassure one." He smiled at her. " But I also know your obsession with the true and the way you tend to forget that sometimes a little lie wont hurt anyone. So, when he asks how it happened, could you please remember to let the " we were drunk" part out of the story? 'Cause I definitely don't want my kid to imagine his daddy wasted. And Rebecca would kill us if she discovered we said something like this for him." She rolled her eyes and scrunched her face a little, obviously bothered by the fact she would have to lie. And right before she could articulate anything, the bell rang and soon enough what looked like a million of children started running out of the building. " Ok. True time, Temperance." Booth opened his door, and Bones imitated his gesture, both taking ginger steps until they could stand near the stairs, on a spot where they could be seen. In no time, a child's scream was heard while a small person came running in a bee line at then, a mass of brown curls bouncing in the wind.

"Daddy!" temperance couldn't help but smile as she watched Parker jump into his father arms, and Booth held him tightly, a large and charming smile in his face that only matched his own son's. My god, they have the exact same smile. How could I have not seem this before? She was taken about by that vision, specially when Parker's smile switched at her direction, a mini copy of the grown up Booth. " Hi, dr. Bones!" And right there, she knew she was lost. Parker had her with that smile, just the way his father did. Damn charming smile.

" Hi, Parker. How are you?" She felt awkward and self conscious, while Booth released the boy of his arms and placed him back to the floor. Booth seemed to pick her discomfort, and squeezed her forearm reassuringly.

" Great! I'm so happy that daddy came to pick me up today. And that you came with him." He beamed at her, and once again Temperance felt herself melting a little. He was such a sweet boy.

" Yeah, bub. We just missed you so much while we were traveling that we had to pick you today." Booth made sure that the word We was pronounced with great enphasis. He then kneeled in order to stay eye to eye to his boy." Plus, We need to tell you something very, very important." Booth stared seriously at his boy, until all his attention was there.

" Is it something bad, daddy?" Brennan looked at Parker a little amazed. He seemed to be catching the tension in the air. She often hear that children were sensible to the environment, but it was the first time she actually saw that happen. Booth smiled warmly, and parker immediately relaxed a little.

" No, Buddy. Nothing bad at all. Tell you what. Why don't we go have some ice cream at the park,huh? Then, we can talk." He knew he was stalling, but Booth didn't want to just tell in front of the school that he got married. Hell, he needed some privacy, just him, his son, and his wife. The little boy agreed fervently, and in no time they were all back in the SUV, Parker carefully placed on the back seat, starting to tell them about his day at school.

Temperance heard every word in utter amazement. Sure, she've been with parker several times, and knew that he was a happy, full of energy little boy. But now, it was so much different. She wasn't hearing about just Booth's child day at school. She was hearing about her boy too, in a way. Booth seemed to sense her state of spirit, and reached for her hand, his fingers caressing it sweetly. Parker immediately stopped speaking and gazed intently at their hands, and both adults knew it was too late to retreat.

" Daddy? Is dr. Bones your girlfriend now? You're holding hands." Once again, Brennan was in awe with Parker's perception, and silently braced herself while staring at Booth. No way she was going to say anything before he did. Booth looked at his son by the mirror, as if analyzing the situation. Parker didn't seem angry, just curious. Here we go.

" She's a bit more than a girlfriend, bub. You know what that means?" he asked carefully, as maneuvered the car in the parking lot. Thankfully, it was a short distance to drive. Parker scrunched his face in confusion, now looking intently at the two adults in front of him.

" That she lives with you now? Like Mom and captain fantastic?" Booth took a deep breath, as they got out of the car and he leaded his boy and Bones to a bench. When they were all settled, parker seated in his lap, he started carefully explaining.

" Well, yes. Kinda of. We live together now, but Bones isn't just my girlfriend." Booth carefully placed his left hand in front of his son, showing his left finger. " Do you know what this is, right?" he wiggled his finger and placed parker hand on the golden band resting there. The boy's eyes suddenly widened, and he looked from his father to Brennan, and Bones felt her hands suddenly cold.

" Yes. It's the ring you wear when you are married. Does dr. Bones has one too?" The boy's voice wasn't accusingly, but Temperance still couldn't figure out what he was feeling. So, she just sighed and joined Booth on the talking.

" Yes, parker. I do." She showed him her own rings, and felt small fingers touching them carefully. She lowered her head in order to stay eye to eye with him, and realized that parker was studying her, as if deciding if it was a good or a bad thing. He grabbed her hand slowly, his voice suddenly small.

" You are my dad's wife." He stated in some kind of awe, and Booth placed his hand on top of theirs.

" That's right, Parker. How do you feel about that, buddy? You can tell the true, ok?" Temperance stared at Seeley. He was looking like a little boy himself.

" How come you got married without me?" There it was, the question he was fearing do much. To be honest, Booth could see that his boy wasn't actually angry. A little annoyed, maybe. But mostly, surprised and confused. Deep breathes, Seeley.

" Well, buddy…you know when sometimes you are so happy that you just want to jump and scream right there and right now?" Parker nodded slowly, and he prayed that he was doing it right. " And you just want to do it so fast that there's no time to even call your friends to jump with you?" Another nod. " Well, it was what happened with me and Bones. We realized that we liked each other very much while we were traveling. And then, we became so happy about it, but so,so happy, that we just wanted to say to each other how much we cared. And do you remember what daddy told you what a man and a woman usually do when they like each other very much, don't you? I mean, really like?"

" They marry each other." Parker's voice seemed a little more secure now.

" That's right. So, me and Bones decided that we wanted to get married, but we where so happy that we couldn't wait to get back home. And we really, really wanted you to be there, but we were very far. Can you understand that?" God, please don't let me hurt my ,please,please. His eyes were closed, so he was in pure shock when small arms encircled his neck, and he realized that Parker was holding him. He opened his eyes immediately, only to come face to face with his kid.

" Are you happy, daddy?" His boy was so serious, looked almost like a small adult.

" Yes, bub. I'm very happy. I can only be more happy if you say that you are happy too." Parker beamed at him, and once gain, did the unexpected. He let go of one arm just to grab Temperance to join then. He could see the shock in Bones's eyes, but she responded the embrace nevertheless.

" Then, I'm happy too." He let them go only to adjust at his father lap again, his huge eyes full of questions. " So, I'm like Billy from my class now? His dad married again, and now he says he has to mommies, his real one and the new one." This time, Booth remained silent, letting Temperance absorb Parker's words. It was her call. She felt her heart thundering, and for a moment she was so frightened that she couldn't speak. But then, Parker Booth smiled at her, and again, she was lost.

" Yes, Parker. I will be wathever you want me to be." She was serious.

" Then, can I call you just Bones? Or Tempe, like Max call you? I always though that Tempe was beautiful. For now? I want to make sure that my mom won't be upset if I call you mommy too. I have to talk to her first, so she wont be jealous." He was speaking very low, as if they were in some kind of conspiracy. She thought it was endearing.I must be loosing my mind. Did I just authorized Parker to call me Mom? This Booth Charm smile genes are really strong.

" I understand, parker. Bones or Tempe is fine by me. You can choose." She could feel Booth's hand squeezing hers gently, as if saying " Thank you". She ventured to look at him for the first time, and was overwhelmed by the feelings that his eyes showed. She was cherished. Parker suddenly became thoughtful, as if analyzing if he should tell something or not. He seemed to make his mind, turning to his father slowly.

" Daddy? I want to talk to Tempe. Just the two of us." Temperance felt her chest warm up by that child's voice using her nickname with such a sweetness. Booth, on the other hand, seemed utterly confuse.

" What do you mean, Parker? You can tell me anything too." He looked suspiciously at his boy, and parker rolled his eyes.

" I know, daddy. But I want to tell Tempe a secret. Can I?" He flashed his smile, and for the first time Brennan saw Seeley Booth completely subdued. He sighed pretending to be hurt, standing up and shuffling the boy's head.

" Fine. Hide a secret from your old man. I'll just have to tickle you merciless until you spill it to me too. I'll go buy us some ice cream. Be nice,ok, buddy?" parker laughed and waved Booth goodbye, watching intently until his father was far enough to not eavesdrop. Temperance was amazed to see how serious his expression became as he looked at her.

" Tempe? Do you like my father?"

" Of course I do, Parker." She stared at him in actual curiosity now. She had never seem parker so solemn.

" Just checking. I have a favor to ask you, but I couldn't speak with dad here. He would become angry." She couldn't imagine Booth becoming angry with Parker because he was asking for a favor. nevertheless, she motioned him to keep talking. " You and daddy sleep in the same room now, right?" She nodded carefully, wondering where this would go. Parker seemed extremely satisfied now.

" Good. I want you to protect daddy. Every night." He spoke very low, looking everywhere to see if Booth was coming back. Brennan squinted her eyebrows, now truly confused and interested.

" Protect your daddy from what, Parker?" He came closer, until his lips were on her ears, and just then he spoke something that shocked and worried Temperance Brennan honestly, for she could never imagine such words to come.

" From the bad dreams."

TBC…

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