(Hero in the Hold)

I definitely don't own Bones.

Ooooooooooooooooo

After he'd made coffee with the last of the grounds Booth checked his kitchen cabinets and the fridge and jotted down a grocery list. He hadn't been shopping for a few weeks and he knew he had to do something about it. Once his list was complete, he checked to see if his grandfather wanted anything.

"Well, since you're going shopping, I wouldn't mind some cookies and some Molson. Oh, and not the cheap cookies or those healthy cookies either. If I'm going to eat cookies, I want the real thing."

Amused, Booth knew his grandfather hated it when someone tried to change his diet. When it came down to it, he hated that too. Well, most of the time. Quickly adding to his list, Booth folded the paper and placed it in his pants pocket. "Got it. There's a market a few blocks down the street. I'm going to stretch my legs and walk over. I shouldn't be too long."

Once the door was closed and he was alone, Hank walked over to the stereo and turned it on. Pleased to hear jazz playing, he walked over to the couch and sat down. Rubbing his eyes, he leaned back and closed his eyes. His grandson seemed to be recovering from his ordeal and for that he thanked God. "I can't lose my boy, God. I don't want to outlive my boys so if you don't mind, keep them safe for my sake. Marie will be mad as a hornet if her boys make it to heaven before me and you know it's not a good idea to make her mad."

The soft music soon lulled the old man into a deep sleep. He was tired and he knew he could sleep now that he knew his grandson was going to be alright.

Ooooooooooo

Moving down the beer aisle looking for his grandfather's favorite beverage, Booth spied a younger man in a navy uniform waking towards him and nodded his head. His mind went back to his childhood and the first time his grandmother had taken her grandsons shopping with her. They had known the rules. They kept their hands on the cart or in their pockets and didn't ask for anything. Edwin Booth hadn't tolerated bad behavior and he'd punish his sons if they misbehaved. He believed his boys should eat what he bought for them and they should be grateful. Snacks and expensive cereals were not part of his budget and he'd let them know that almost every time he'd gone grocery shopping.

Puzzled about her grandson's quiet behavior, Marie found it odd that the boys didn't move away from the cart or offer her an opinion about the cereal and snacks she wanted to buy for them. "Seeley, don't you have a favorite cereal? You can pick the cereal that you want. Just tell me what you like. You too Jared. I know boys have favorite cereals."

Not sure how to react, Booth worried that he was being tested by his grandmother and shook his head. "No ma'am. Jared and me will eat whatever you want us to eat. We know the rules."

Afraid to ask, Marie was certain she didn't like the turn this conversation had taken. "Rules? I don't understand. What rules?"

Not sure if he was being tested or not, Booth glanced at his brother who was sitting in the cart staring at him and grimly turned his attention back to his grandmother. "We know we're not supposed to ask for anything because you're not made of money and we're grateful for the food you give us. The rules have to be followed."

Feeling sick, Marie realized that her grandson was explaining Edwin's rules and it made her realize just how much her grandsons were afraid of their father. "Sweetheart, those rules are nonsense and I don't want you to be afraid to ask for your favorite cereal or anything else. The worst that can happen is I'll say no and the only reason I might say no is if you pick too many sweet cereals or snacks. You have to eat vegetables and protein too." Pulling a box of Captain Crunch from the shelf, Marie smiled at Jared who was staring at the box. "Jared, do you like this cereal? If you like this one, I'll buy it. If you see something else just tell me. It's okay."

Cautiously the younger boy looked at his brother who shrugged his shoulders. "Go ahead Jared, she wants to know." He hoped this wasn't a test. His father had tested had him once in awhile and if he didn't give the right answer, his father would hit him. At that moment he didn't know what his grandparent's rules were, but he knew he'd learn them as quickly as he could and he'd make sure Jared did too.

Licking his lips, the younger child shook his head. "I don't know what that is." Jared was hoping he wasn't in trouble. His father had never asked him what he wanted and he'd never been offered the cereal his grandmother was holding in her hand. He didn't want his grandmother to be mad with him because he didn't know the right answer.

Angry that her son had been such a bully, Marie knew she needed to remain calm and not frighten the boys. Edwin had a lot to answer for and if he ever showed up at the house, she planned on letting him know what she thought of him. "It's a good cereal, well my friend Rita's grandson loves it and he thinks it's good. I'll buy it and you can see if it's any good. Okay?" God, help me help my grandsons.

Slowly nodding his head, Jared decided his grandmother meant what she said. "Thank you."

Booth remembered the new foods his grandmother had bought for them and they were allowed to eat. Living with his grandparents had shown him what good parents were supposed to be like and he rarely thought about his biological parents after that. They hadn't loved their sons and he didn't miss them. His grandparents had become his parents and he never forgot their kindness.

He'd grown to love his grandmother very much and when she'd died, he'd cried for days. He had never dreamed that he could trust any adult let alone the parents of his father. He'd thanked God every time he went to church that they had taken him and his brother from that monster that had called himself their father.

Ooooooo

Arriving back at his apartment, Booth found his grandfather sleeping on the couch. As quietly as possible, he carried his grocery bags into the kitchen and emptied them. That done, he walked back into the living room, covered Hank with a blanket and retired to his bedroom. Gently closing the door behind him, Booth walked over to the chair near the window and sat down. Rubbing his eyes, he felt tired but it was a good tired and not the exhaustion he'd felt for last two days. He'd had a close call on the ship and he was grateful that Brennan and the rest of the squints hadn't given up on him. With the help of his brother, they'd rescued him and he'd be grateful for their bravery for a long as he lived.

Oooooooooooooooooo

Let me know what you think of my story. I appreciate it.