A/N: parts of this story may seem like a stretch, but I'm invoking some poetic license. If you have time to review, I'd appreciate it. Laura

Sunday morning held the promise of a beautiful day ahead. Booth, Parker, Max, Aubrey and Hodgins were loading the SUV with coolers and tackle as they got ready to drive to the city pier for a deep sea fishing excursion.

Brennan watched in amusement as the men bickered about the best place to stow the gear in the truck. Finally she couldn't resist adding her two cents into the conversation. "Why are you taking so much equipment, Booth? When I read the brochure online, it said that fishing tackle was provided to all the guests. That's why we had to make reservations...so the captain could make sure there were enough rods to go around."

"Oh." Booth leaned against the side of the SUV as he considered that bit of information. "Well, I guess we don't have to take all of the stuff after all, but I want to take the coolers. I've got enough sandwiches and water for everybody." He tapped the top of of one of the coolers. "I think I'll only take a couple of six packs of beer today. I want to be on my toes so I can catch the big one."

"I think that's an excellent decision, Booth. You shouldn't take the pills that prevent motion sickness with alcohol." Brennan put some apples in the cooler as she continued. "Are you sure you have enough food for Aubrey?"

"Yeah. Everybody's in charge of their own provisions, but we're limiting ourselves to two big coolers total." Grimacing slightly at his wife, Booth shook his head. "I didn't take that motion sickness stuff last night. It makes me too sleepy the day after I take it. I didn't want to spend all that money on a fishing trip and then sleep through the damn thing."

"I don't think that was good decision, Booth." Brennan stood with her hands on her hips as she watched him rearrange things in the car again. "Remember when we took the pirate tour with the children a few days ago? The gentle rocking of the boat as it traveled around the harbor made you feel slightly queasy. On a deep sea fishing trip, the waves will be much higher, and you may suffer from sea sickness…"

"Nah...I'll be fine." Booth laughed off her concerns as he put the coolers in the back end of the SUV. "What are you girls gonna be up to today?"

"Angela wants to do some shopping in the galleries and antique stores along the main street in Ocean City. We'll probably have some lunch there and then let the children ride the carousel a couple of times. Ms. Warren says she wants to purchase a souvenir tee shirt while she's here, so we'll probably look in some of the tourist shops along the boardwalk as well. I imagine we'll be home well before you get back to the dock."

"Yeah, probably." He grinned as he turned to his friends. "Are you guys ready to go?"

"Yep." The men piled into the car, laughing and talking about their upcoming grand adventure.

"Okay, we'll see you later, Bones." Booth gave his wife a kiss before getting into the car. "Don't worry...we have plenty of sunscreen."

"Have fun." Waving at the SUV as it pulled away from the house, Brennan sighed softly, hoping Booth wouldn't regret his decision to forego the motion sickness medication.

Oooooooooo

"Okay, Sweetie. I'm ready to go." Angela grabbed her purse as she walked to the front door. "Have we got everybody?"

"Ms. Warren has already gotten the children arranged in your van." Brennan followed Angela out to her car. "I'm looking forward to our trip."

"Me, too. I want to look in some of the local shops, and maybe that art gallery I read about last night." Angela threw her purse on the van's console. "Ready to go, Jessica?"

"Yes!" The young woman giggled softly. "Thanks for including me in your plans, Dr. B. I'm looking forward to our shopping trip."

"No problem. I know Christine is pleased that you're coming with us." Brennan grinned at her intern, who was ensconced between Christine and Hank's car seat. "I'm sure we'll be able to find plenty of souvenir shirts for your perusal."

"I hope so. I try to buy one whenever I travel somewhere. Part of the fun of the trip is deciding which shirt to buy."

"Booth collects tee shirts as well. I believe he has well over 100 tee shirts at this point in time. He used to have many more, but we compromised the last time we cleaned out our closets. I reduced the number of books I kept for my home library, and he culled some tee shirts from his collection. It was difficult for both of us to part with some of our cherished belongings, but we had an excessive amount of household items in our home, so we needed to do so."

Angela laughed sarcastically as she steered the van toward Ocean City. "Maybe so, but now you have room for more books, right?"

"Hmm...I suppose you are correct, although by that logic, Booth would have room for more tee shirts." Brennan grimaced at the thought. "However, the goal was to have more storage space for other items."

"Trust me, Sweetie...what Booth doesn't know won't hurt him. You just need to find a more secluded place to store your books. You know...put them in a place where Booth never looks, like under the bed or something like that."

"Angela! We both need to set a good example for Ms. Warren! I don't want her to think that it's appropriate to resort to subterfuge to get what we want from our husbands." Brennan pretended to be shocked. "I don't want to lie to Booth. He trusts me."

"It's not a lie. You just don't tell him everything you know. He doesn't need to know everything, does he?" Angela smirked at her friend. "Are you telling me that you actually got rid of some books? I don't believe that for a minute."

"Well…" Brennan wore a slightly naughty smile as she looked out the van's passenger window. "I did find a different place to store them, but they are no longer at home, and that's what matters…"

"They're being stored at the Jeffersonian!", Jessica interrupted. "In one of the janitorial closets…"

"Aha! Just as I thought!" Angela laughed out loud. "You never could stand to get rid of your books, could you?"

Brennan blushed slightly as she turned toward her friend. "That's true, and I do feel badly about that, since Booth gave some of his tee shirts away…"

"Actually…", Jessica began quietly, "...I know where some of those shirts are…" Angela looked into the rearview mirror and caught Jessica's eye, shaking her head slightly. Understanding what Angela meant, Jessica paused before continuing. "Booth told Aubrey that those shirts went to Goodwill." She bit her lip to keep from giggling as she thought about the number of tee shirts packed into the large plastic boxes that were currently being stored in Aubrey's garage.

"Perhaps, after our vacation is over, I should actually donate my books to a worthy cause." Brennan smiled at the young woman in the van's back seat. "I'd appreciate it if you researched some organizations that might be willing to take them, Ms. Warren."

"Of course. I'd be glad to help." Jessica nodded happily. "I'm sure we can find someone who'd love to have them."

Angela rolled her eyes as she gave her friend a sidelong glance. "That'll be the day…"

"Mama, I hungry.", Hank interrupted, whining as he twisted in his car seat. "Wanna cookie, Mama."

"No cookies right now, Hank...how about a slice of apple?" Handing a small container to Jessica, she nodded toward the little boy. "Maybe Ms. Warren can help you."

"Okay." Soon Hank, Christine, and Michael-Vincent were munching happily on apple slices as the van sped along the highway toward Ocean City.

Chuckling to herself, Jessica took a bite of her apple slice. She knew that eventually Dr. B's books would make it home, as would Agent Booth's tee shirts. It was all a matter of time...and a matter of compromise...but she knew they'd work it out, just like they always did.

Oooooooooo

Captain Billy Spencer took another drag from his cigarette before he flicked it into the water surrounding his charter fishing boat, the Katie Ann. Nodding to Tom, his first mate, he pointed to the group of men headed their way. "Looks like we've got ourselves some live ones here…"

Tom grunted without looking up from his tackle box. "Yup. We're gonna have our hands full, ain't we?"

"Yup." Billy pushed his hat back away from his face. "You better tell Benny to cut us some more bait. I'm not sure those greenhorns are gonna know which end of a knife to use." Waving at his passengers, he greeted them heartily as the men stepped onto the boat's deck. "Howdy, gentlemen. Ready to catch some keepers today?"

Aubrey was practically bouncing with excitement. "I am. I haven't been on a fishing expedition like this one since I was a little kid. What kind of fish do you normally catch?"

"Well, let's see. Probably some kingfish, some amberjack, flounder…probably some sea bass, and wahoo...maybe a couple of tuna. We don't normally get many sailfish up this way. They're more plentiful if you go further south. We'll be heading out to some deep sea wrecks to do some bottom fishing, so you'll be in charge of your rod and reel the whole time we're out there." Captain Billy helped Booth stow the coolers as he continued to explain about the trip they were to take. "It'll take us a good hour before we actually get out to the wrecks, though, so you gentlemen might as well relax and enjoy the ride. With the wind up like it is, we've got a bit of chop today, but it shouldn't be too bad...just a bit of rock and roll."

"Are there really wrecked ships in the water out there?" Parker scanned the horizon of the seemingly peaceful ocean. "I didn't know that."

"Some of the wrecks were boats were sunk by accident, but some of them were ships that were naval vessels that were decommissioned and then sunk to make artificial reefs." Captain Billy pointed off to the east. "The African Queen lies out that way. We'll probably try that spot first. We always have good luck out there. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get us underway."

Hodgins inhaled sharply as he noticed the sudden flash of pain that crossed Booth's face. Moving to sit next to his friend as the boat left the pier, he whispered quietly to him. "You okay, Buddy? I'm thinking maybe you've had a flashback about how the Gravedigger kidnapped you, right? Being trapped aboard that old Navy ship they were gonna sink was definitely not fun…"

"I'm fine, okay? I was just remembering how I ruined the cool watch that Parker had given me, that's all." Booth gave Hodgins a small smile. "Thanks for asking...and for working so hard to get me off that damn tub before it blew up."

"No problem. I owed Dr. B that much, you know?" Sighing happily, Hodgins pointed to the seabirds flying overhead. "Larus canus...the common gull. One of nature's best scavengers. They're kinda like Aubrey...they'll eat anything."

"Hey, watch it!" Aubrey grinned good naturedly as he took a bite out of an apple. "I can't help it if my taste buds are easily entertained."

"I know. I was with you when we were checking out Chili Reuben's van." Hodgins made a disgusted face at the memory. "I thought you were really gonna eat that old sweet roll we found on the floorboard, remember?"

The hot summer sun beat down on the men as they laughed and joked for the hour or so it took for the charter boat to get out to the old wreck. Tom, the first mate, came around to hand out their rods and tackle as the Katie Ann bobbed up and down in the choppy water.

"Okay, fellas, we're gonna be fishing at about 70 feet deep. It's pretty much just a straight drop down and then wait for a bite. Watch the float on the water's surface, and when it disappears, yank hard." Tom showed the group how to thread their bait on the large treble hooks at the end of their lines. "Ready, guys? Let's fish."

Cheers went up as the fishermen wet their lines. After about fifteen minutes, Parker got a bite, and excitedly cranked the large reel attached to his rod.. After an extended game of tug of war with the fish, he finally was able to bring it over the boat's railing. "Wow, look at that one! It's huge! What kind of fish is this, Tom?"

"That's a mighty fine mackerel you've got there, young man. A fish like that goes about twenty pounds." After removing the fish from the hook, Tom grinned as he marked it's tail with colored tape before baiting Parker's hook again. "We wanna make sure these older guys don't take credit for your work, right?"

"Fish on!", Max cried as he pulled back on his rod. "It must be a monster!" After a few minutes he pulled a large flounder onto the boat. He held it up proudly for everyone to see. "That's a nice fish, isn't it? Good eating, too. Hey, Booth...take my picture with that fancy phone of yours."

Moaning softly, Booth grimaced as he pulled his phone from his pocket. "Okay...smile, Max…" He braced himself against the rolling of the deck as he held the phone up to take a picture, and then shook his head. "Here, Aubrey, you do it. I don't feel so good." Bracing himself as the boat rocked with the ocean's swells, he squeezed his eyes shut. "I feel like maybe I'm gonna throw up…"

Trying not to giggle, Hodgins made an attempt to commiserate with his friend. "Gee, that's awful. Maybe this'll help...just focus on the horizon out there, Booth...don't think about the way this boat is bouncing up and down...all over the place…with the waves..."

"Oooh…" Booth gripped the boat's railing and promptly lost his breakfast overboard. "God...I feel awful…"

"Look, Dad! I caught another one!" Parker proudly showed off the large grouper he'd landed while his father was indisposed. "This is great, isn't it? I love fishing from a boat like this."

"Yeah...great." Slumping onto one of the boat's seats, Booth exhaled slowly as he waved his hand in front of his ashen face. "I'm gonna go get some water." He got up carefully and stumbled back to the cabin where the coolers were stowed, trying to keep his balance as the boat rocked from side to side. Nodding to the captain, he groaned. "I need to lie down…"

Captain Billy laughed to himself as his passenger tried to get comfortable in the small bunk built into the stuffy cabin's wall. "Well, I think if you rest here for a few minutes, you'll feel better." The skipper puffed on his cigarette as he made himself a grilled bologna, onion and hot pepper cheese sandwich, which was topped with a large dollop of hot mustard and a can of warm sauerkraut. After taking a big bite, he opened a cold bottle of root beer and took a big drink. Belching in satisfaction, he shrugged at his guest. "After all, we don't want you to miss out on all the fishing because you're seasick…"

"Jeee...susss…", Booth sighed. "What's that terrible smell?"

"Just some lunch. Want some?" The captain offered Booth part of his sandwich. "Plenty more where that came from…"

"God, no! Where's the head?" Booth pinched his lips together as he tried to keep from vomiting. "I'm gonna be sick..."

"Down those steps…" Billy chuckled to himself as he watched Booth dash off. "Greenhorns…"

Meanwhile, up on the boat's deck, the rest of the charter party was having a great time as they hauled in several fish. Aubrey was in heaven as he thought of all the different ways their catch could be cooked. Hodgins was waxing poetic about the tremendous diversity of fish species they were encountering, and Max was thoroughly enjoying himself as he watched his grandson having fun while they both caught several large fish.

"Too bad Dad's not feeling well.", Parker said to Max as he watched Tom tag another one of his fish. "He was looking forward to this trip for a long time."

"I know." Max nodded as he watched his float. "We've got a few more hours to fish, though. I bet he'll be able to try his luck sooner or later."

"I hope so." Parker shrugged slightly as he gazed out over the ocean. "I kinda feel guilty having so much fun fishing while he's feeling so bad."

"He wants you to enjoy yourself, son. He's happy that you were able to come spend a few days at the beach house, and that's all that really matters to him." Max smiled proudly at the young man next to him, pleased to be considered his grandfather. "Hey...where's your float?"

Oooooooooo

An hour later, a pale and slightly wobbly Booth clenched his jaw as he staggered onto the boat's deck. "Hand me a pole, Tom. I'm gonna catch at least one damn fish on this trip." He glared as his friends as they tried not to laugh at him. "Listen...not one word about me being seasick to Bones, you hear me? I do not need to hear her say 'I told you so' about those fucking motion sickness pills, okay?"

"Having mal de mer is perfectly normal, Booth…", Hodgins began in a professorial tone as he tried to keep a straight face. "It's just your inner ears trying to adjust to the rocking motion of the boat. A lot of people have trouble with it. Are you sure you're okay? You still look a little green around the gills..."

"Enough!", Booth roared. "I don't want to talk about being sick any more. I just want to catch a goddamn fish, okay? A little help here, Tom?"

First Mate Tom, who was used to dealing with seasick passengers in his line of work, didn't bat an eye as he helped the irritable man bait his hook. "Yes, sir...there you go. I think we've got an hour or so before we have to head back. I'm pretty sure you can catch a couple of big ones…"

After some impatient moments, Booth was finally able to land a small amberjack. "Thank God. I'm glad this trip wasn't a total waste. Let's have some more bait, Tom…"

Forty five minutes and three more fish later, it was time to head back to the dock. Pleasantly tired, the men were happy with their day's catch. Even Booth was feeling a little bit better about their day. After pulling into the boat's berth at the pier, Captain Billy, Tom, and Benny pulled the fish out of the hold and sorted them out according to who had caught which one.

"Well, young man…", Billy laughed as he nudged Parker gently. "...it looks like you won the prizes for the biggest fish and for catching the most. Here you go…"

Parker smiled broadly as he showed everyone his award. "I won a free fishing trip on the boat! That's great, isn't it? Maybe I can use it when I come to visit next summer…"

"Yeah, that's just great. Maybe Max and Bones can take you next time, huh?" Booth smiled sarcastically. "I'm not sure your old man can handle another deep sea fishing trip. It's probably a good thing I joined the Army instead of the Navy."

"Aw, c'mon, Dad...it wasn't that bad, was it?" Parker grinned as he slapped his father on the back. "I bet if you take those motion sickness pills next time, like Bones suggested, you won't be seasick."

"Who's side are you on, anyway?" Booth laughed as they hauled the fish and their coolers back to the SUV. "You're right. I should've listened to Bones. She's always right…but you don't have to tell her I said so…"

"You're correct...she is always right.", Max quipped. "And we don't have to tell her, because she already knows that." He smiled happily as he climbed into the backseat of the car. "Thanks for letting me come along, fellas. I had a great time."

"I think we all did.", Aubrey agreed. "I'm gonna remember this day for a long time."

Still feeling a bit off his feed, Booth nodded slowly. "Yeah, me, too. Let's go home."

Oooooooooo

It was late Sunday evening, and the darkened house was finally quiet. The weekend guests had left a few hours ago, and all three of their children were sleeping soundly as Booth and Brennan enjoyed a pleasant evening on the veranda.

"I'm glad you invited everyone to come this weekend, Bones. It was a lot of fun. I'm glad Max showed up, too. I think he enjoyed the fishing trip." Booth sipped his scotch as he pulled his wife into a hug. "And I'm really happy that Parker was able to come to stay for a few days…"

"I'm glad." She reached up to give him a kiss. "I was surprised to see Max, but I'm glad he came. And you're right. He had a great time fishing. He especially enjoyed spending time with Parker." Snuggling next to her husband, she continued softly. "He's thrilled about being Parker's grandfather. Thank you for allowing him to fill that role in our family, Booth."

"Of course Max can be Parker's grandpa. A kid can never have too many grandparents, right?" He smiled as he stroked her hair. "So I guess we're gonna have to go back to reality pretty soon, aren't we? I mean, I've missed working, but I've really enjoyed our vacation here."

"I know. I've enjoyed it, too." She laughed as she sipped her wine. "I suppose even being seasick didn't keep you from enjoying your fishing trip."

Pretending to growl at his wife, Booth scowled. "Okay...who ratted me out?"

"No one. I overheard Aubrey tell Ms. Warren about it as they were packing their car to leave. To be fair, he was being complimentary towards you, telling her about how you wouldn't let feeling so awful get in the way of Parker having a good time. That's what makes you such a good father, Booth...the way you care for others. It's one of the many reasons I love you."

"Thanks, Bones. I love you, too." He twitched a flirty eyebrow at her. "In fact, I think it's time I show you just how much I love you, seeing how we have the house to ourselves now."

"Are you sure you're completely recovered from your bout of motion sickness, Booth? I wouldn't want you to have a recurrence while we were engaged in some intense back and forth movements…"

"Trust me...I feel great." He grinned as he took her hand and pulled her up from her chair. "But I'm not gonna take any pills...I don't want to fall asleep and miss anything."

"Don't worry." She gave him a big smile as she followed him to their bedroom. "I don't think you'll have much reason to fall asleep for awhile…"