This is getting redundant but I don't care. You guys are so awesome! I'm glad you like the story so much! This chapter really didn't want to be written, but I made it happen. I hope you like it :)

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"Where are we gunna go?" Parker excitedly inquired as Brennan pulled his shirt down his torso. Booth had stepped out to the nearest pharmacy to purchase a new toothbrush after Parker used his to remove dirt from his shoes. Because of the father's absence, the task of dressing him fell on the scientist, but his enthusiasm for their upcoming tourism was making it more difficult than usual. The child had given the partners a rambunctious wake-up call at 6 o'clock that morning by bouncing up and down on the bed. He was a handful during breakfast as well. The adults assumed he would act that way for the day's duration.

"We're going to visit the Willis Tower, the tallest building in North America. It used to be known as the Sears Tower." Brennan informed while motioning for him to sit on mattress. He hopped up and held his feet out so she could slip on his sneakers. She squatted down and tied the laces into precise double knots. "After that we'll eat lunch and then go to the Chicago Children's Museum."

Parker nodded, shaking his wild hair he hadn't sat still long enough for anyone to brush yet. "What about after that?" He asked despite already knowing the answer.

Brennan sighed. "Then you and daddy are going to get on your plane to Philadelphia."

Before she could stand upright, his voice sounded. "Don't you want to come with us?"

She placed her hands on the comforter, one on either side of his body. Her position kept her eye level with the kindergartener. "I'm sure I'd enjoy myself if I went with you, but I have to work this week at the college we visited."

His energetic mood suddenly subsided. Brennan would have been thankful is the frown that quickly found its place on his lips didn't make her heart clench. "It won't be fun without you."

"I'm sure you'll have so much fun with daddy and your family that you won't even notice I'm not there." She deflected his sudden reluctance to their arrangement with a defensive maneuver Booth taught her long ago. Making children believe the positive side of things would outweigh any negative was a wonderful way to sidetrack their thoughts.

His small fingers reached for the blue stone hanging from her necklace. A small dolphin was carved into the smoothed rock. Booth had purchased it for her from the zoo gift shop the day before. "Nuh-uh, it's funner when you're with us."

"More fun." Brennan corrected.

The boy was growing more frustrated with every deflective word she spoke. "Your just gunna play with more bones. That's what you do at the Jeff'sonian for your job. We're sposta be on vacation. Daddy said we're gunna go have special family time so you have to come." His unyielding tone highlighted the desire within her to give in to him, but she knew this wasn't a time when she could back down.

Re-gaining control of the situation, she gently removed her necklace from his hand, careful not to break it, and firmly stated, "Parker, I can't."

His method of persuasion suddenly morphed from adamant to desperate. His flung himself forward and wrapped his arms around her neck. Brennan moved her foot backwards slightly to keep from falling. Two pecks on her cheeks from his baby soft lips were followed by a whisper in her ear. "Please mommy?"

It took all her strength to ignore the burst of affection that exploded within her. Brennan removed the boy's limbs from her collar. His chocolate irises pleaded with her to concede to his wishes. "I think we need to have a very important conversation."

His button nose wrinkled. "Conver-what-sin?"

"A talk." Brennan clarified while standing up. She sat on the mattress and crossed her legs Indian style. Parker turned ninety degrees and did the same. Her hands went to his knees and rubbed them comfortingly. "Parker there's something you and I have in common. We're both very honest, with others and each other. So if I ask you a question, I expect an honest answer, okay?" She could tell he was wary of the discussion, but he shook his head affirmatively. "Why have you started to call me mommy?"

His eyes widened and then darted downward to stare at their legs. It was obvious that he wasn't expecting those words. A long moment passed without a response until he finally spoke. "I'm not allowed am I?" He dejectedly asked with his head hanging.

"I will answer that question after you answer mine." Brennan directly replied. Parker played with a thread on his jeans. The woman knew she shouldn't push him but she didn't want to speak about this in front of Booth who would be walking back into their hotel room any minute. He had told her the issue was between she and his son, and she quickly realized she wanted it to stay that way. "Please, talk to me, Parker."

Her encouragement was enough to loosen his lips. "I know mommy's a special word…and I'm only sposta use it with my real mommy…but she didn't want to be my mommy anymore. You've been my mommy since she went away, Bones, so that's what I wanna call you." She knew that she should expect a simple explanation. He was only five after all, but the true simplicity of the concept made all the sense in the world to her. Parker lost his mother and was trying to re-fill that gaping void.

"I understand." She told him. "Can I tell you a secret?" He nodded and she re-adjusted preparing to disclose something very personal. "When I was 15 my mommy went away just like yours did. I was older than you are but I still felt very sad. There were a few women who tried to take care of me after that. They all wanted to be my new mommy, but I wouldn't let them. Do you know why?" His head shook. "Because a mommy is someone that can never be replaced. I won't ever be a replacement, Parker…" His chin shook a little. It was obvious that he thought she was rejecting his term for her. "But I would love to be another mommy."

His jaw dropped slightly in surprise and his eyes began to mist. "You would?"

Brennan felt her eyes burn with unshed tears. She placed her hands on both sides of his face. Her thumbs wiped away the moisture on his cheeks. "If you want me as your mother, than that's exactly what I'll be."

Parker crawled into her lap and hugged her tightly. "I want you to be my mommy forever even when I'm grown up and you and daddy are old like Pops."

Brennan grimaced. She didn't know what part of that visual she didn't want more, Parker as a grown man or an elderly version of herself and Booth.

The newly declared mother and son sat in the same position until the turning door handle to the hotel room caught their attention. Booth strode into the room with a plastic bag in his hand and their room key in the other. "Alright, dad's teeth are safe. One quick stop at the sink and-" The FBI Agent stopped when he saw his son curled around his partner with red, puffy eyes. "What happened?"

"Bones is gunna be my mommy now!" His son elatedly informed.

Booth felt his breath catch in his throat. He almost pinched himself. Could it be happening? Could his fantasy have turned into reality…while he was busy buying a toothbrush? He couldn't conceal his happiness. The signature grin that emerged on his face almost hurt it was so wide. "Really?"

Brennan smiled at him, pleased by his delight. "Really." She confirmed.

"Aren't you happy daddy? Now you're the only one who calls her Bones." Parker giggled.

Booth laughed at his child. He walked over to him and lifted him up under the arms to hold him. "I'm very happy, bub." He leaned over and kissed Brennan on her cheek. "For both of you."

Brennan took a deep breath. A mix of emotions washed over her. She felt a new sense of responsibility that was paralyzing, but empowering at the same time. Also, she felt more important than at any other time in her life. To know that there was a child, another human being looking to her for guidance, protection, and support was overwhelming. Dozens of thoughts and sensations raced through her mind. She didn't understand them all, but she knew she felt good, better than she ever had.

(-)

"Let's go daddy! The plane will take off without us!" Parker pulled his father by the hand as they strolled through the airport.

"Parker, we've got almost an hour before take-off, we won't miss it." Booth calmed his son, trying to avoid him making a scene in front of a crowd.

Unlike the flight a couple of days ago, the father and son's departure to Philadelphia was scheduled for the evening. Booth hoped his son would enjoy being in the sky for about twenty minutes before falling asleep the rest of the way. His cousin was enlisted to greet them and drive to the home of Booth's aunt, where they'd be staying for the next week. Once there, they'd go right to bed and start the family-oriented adventure bright and early the next morning.

Brennan stepped in sync with them through the building, but unlike her two boys, she didn't carry a boarding pass or suitcase. After her discussion with Parker, their day progressed perfectly. The five year old was as energetic as they predicted, but they attributed that to their newly altered family dynamic. The family enjoyed themselves while sightseeing and experiencing the best of Chicago. Pictures were taken. Gifts were bought. It was wonderful and, for the scientist, served as an excellent distracter for the despondency that would come in just a few minutes.

They walked as far as they could as a trio until an ugly "Only Passengers Beyond This Point" sign flashed in their faces. Booth tugged Parker's hand. "Bones can't go past here, bub. Time to say bye." He stuck to using his coined nickname for her, believing that it was still early for him to refer to her as his mother.

The boy frowned, but he held his composure. "Are you sure you can't come with us?" He had to be sure.

Brennan smiled at his last ditch attempt. "I'm sure."

"They need her here to take care of those bones. Besides, what would we do with her the Phillies games?" Booth teased, keeping them from getting too emotional, too soon.

"Yeah, me and daddy gotta have guy time and that's no fun for girls." Parker agreed.

Brennan bent down to be eye level with him. "You're right. Go have guy time." She hugged the child goodbye.

He pulled away from their embrace first but his forearms stayed loosely around her neck when he quietly asked, "You'll call before bedtime?"

"Every night." She promised.

"Ok." Parker hugged her once more and kissed her cheek. "Bye mommy, love you." He murmured just loud enough for her to hear.

He had worked the title into conversation all day and it warmed her heart the same every time she heard it. "I love you, too." Brennan told him as he stepped aside so the senior Booth could say farewell. "Call me when you arrive." She insisted.

Booth smiled, knowing she didn't mean for her words to sound like such a demand. "It'll be late."

"I don't care. I won't be asleep." Until I know you're both safe, she added in her mind.

"I'll call, text, even send you some pictures." She nodded, pleased with his terms. "You go and do your squint thing, but if any of those hoity-toity professors give you a hard time tell them they're going to have one angry FBI Agent and tough little kid to deal with."

His humorous attempt was interrupted when Parker whine, "Daddy, just kiss her bye so we can go!"

Both adults awkwardly stiffened at his command. A shy smile was exchanged between them as was the understanding that Parker was just a kid who didn't know any better. Booth's muscular arms opened slightly and Brennan automatically moved forward to lean into him. Their 'guy hug' quickly turned into something more amorous when she felt Booth's stubble on the side of her face as he turned his face closer to hers. He placed a chaste kiss on her temple and as if that wasn't enough to bring her to her knees, his voice suddenly sounded in her ear. "I think your son is going to start playing matchmaker." Booth softly spoke. He felt her tremble in his arms evidently touched by his words.

Their hug broke and he could still see how affected she was by the look in her eyes. They were a shade of blue he couldn't ever remember seeing before. His cocky side was pleased with itself for having such an impact.

Brennan recognized that pride in his expression. Never one to letothers have the last word, she replied, "One step at a time." That arrogance quickly deflated, but it wasn't enough. She was feeling that materal confident so she took it further by placing her hand on his right cheek. Before Booth knew what was happening, she pressed her lips sweetly to his. The connection didn't last long enough for him to kiss her back. She only applied a little pressure before pulling back with a content smile. "Have a good flight." She wished him bon voyage as if nothing had happened.

Booth rewarded her wish a charm smile. Words weren't necessary. That kiss said all the goodbye he needed. It said 'see you soon,' like one a long time couple would share on their way out of the front door in the morning. The FBI agent just nodded and stepped away from her, grabbing his suitcase handle in one hand and his son's palm in the other.

Brennan watched the pair stride towards the entrance to the security checkpoint. Parker turned his head and waved to her. She hid her sadness expertly while returning the gesture. Booth never looked back however. The scientist smirked, knowing that he was probably still reeling from their lip lock. She didn't know why though. It wasn't the first or even the second time it had happened.

Three Months Earlier

Brennan stubbornly kept her eyelids from falling shut as she shifted on Booth's uncomfortable couch. She had been awake over 24 hours, helping tend to Parker who was suffering from a relentless ear infection. The child continuously asked her not to leave despite his father's presence. The adults took turns trying to ease his pain but he had refused to sleep all day.

Booth slowly stepped from his bedroom into the living room. His shirt was wrinkled and had a purple stain from accidentally spilling Parker's grade flavored children's Tylenol on himself. His hair stuck up in several places. Brennan would have laughed at his appearance if she didn't look just as bad herself. Her neatly done hair had fallen hours ago and it now hung to the side of her neck in a loose bun. One button on her blouse was somehow missing and her jeans were still damp from attempting to bathe the boy.

"Is he asleep?" She mumbled while lifting her feet so he could collapse on the opposite end of the couch.

Booth nodded and reached to drape her calves across his lap, knowing how desperate she was for comfort. "Yeah, a half eaten bowl of chicken noodle, one dose of medicine, three ear drops, and half an hour of holding a warm wash cloth over his ear, later, thank god."

"God had nothing to do with it." She replied rubbing a hand over her tired eyes.

Booth sighed and let his head fall back against the cushions. Even sleep deprivation didn't cease the hits to his religion. "I never thought this would happen, but I'm actually too tired to argue with you."

Brennan pulled herself from her lying position reluctantly. "I should go."

The father's head turned, but remained rested against the couch. "What? No way, Bones. You're too tired to drive."

"I'm fine, Booth. My apartment isn't that far."

"Didn't I just say I was too tired to argue?" He whined, very much sounding like his son.

"I'm not arguing, just stating a fact." She retorted.

"And that fact doesn't change the fact that you shouldn't drive so exhausted. You're sleeping here." He reached over and grabbed her car keys from the coffee table and put them in his pant's pocket.

Brennan rolled her eyes at his alpha male antics. Objectively, she knew the average person shouldn't drive in her state, but she all her late nights at the labs had made her used to it. "Booth, do you honestly think that I won't go into your pocket to get my keys?"

He gave her an odd look. "Seriously?"

Actions spoke louder than words. Brennan pulled her legs back to her so she could rock forward. Her hand instantly went to his waist, feeling for an opening.

"WHOA!" Booth instantly put his hands on her shoulders to try to push her away. It wasn't that he didn't like her so close, but her grabby hands were a little too close to Seeley Jr. who hadn't had any real action since Seeley senior took on his son full time. "Warn a guy next time, Bones."

"If you wouldn't have stolen my keys there wouldn't be a problem." Brennan threw back and reached for the other side of his waist, not remembering if he put the keys in his left or right pocket. During her search, she had swung one knee over his thighs, straddling him. Finally, her hand met metal and she pulled the silver keys out with a smug grin.

The second her eyes met his however, she realized he had stopped caring about the keys and was totally focused on her body that pressed against his. The scientist didn't know how to diffuse the situation. She considered a quick goodbye but was suddenly at a loss for words when a warm hand landed on her side, just at the place where her torso became her hip.

"Stay." His husky voice pleaded.

Her lips parted knowing that he didn't ask because he was worried about her energy level. "Booth, I-"

"Please." The way her messy hair framed her face, the way her missing button allowed for her shirt to hang open just enough to tease him, the way her pelvis was perfectly fitted again his…he felt control slipping away.

Without another word, he leaned upward to capture her lips in a desperate kiss. He moved the hand already on her around, to his spot on the small of her back. The action pushed her harder against him forcing a pleasing moan to reverberate in his throat. The other worked its way north to cup her gorgeous face.

For a moment, Booth thought he actually had fell victim to sleep because he realized she her lips were moving at her own will on his. All logic had disappeared from her mind. The only conscious thought she had was simple. More.

More of his lips, his hands, his scent. She reached around to the back of his head and threaded her fingers through the short hair there. The hunger of their kiss fervently grew when she felt his tongue glide across her lips, begging for access. Eagerly, she granted it and whimpered at the sensation of him learning the contours of her mouth with the talented muscle.

Just as Booth was trying to gather the strength to separate from her mouth to attempt tasting the flesh on her neck, a cry came from the back of his apartment.

"Daddy!"

The word shocked them both back into reality. Their mouths pull apart with a resounding pop. Brown eyes stared into blue eyes for what felt like the longest second of both of their lives until Parker called for him again. "DADDY!"

Brennan moved off of his lap and Booth sprang up, casting an "I'll be right back" in her direction.

The father went to Parker only to find that he had dropped his teddy bear on the floor and didn't want to get up to get it. He knew the sickness was what made him needy so he gladly retrieved the stuffed animal. Booth readjusted the warm cloth over his child's ear and kissed him before walking back out to find his living room empty.

Fifteen minutes later, Booth was lying in bed when his phone beeped. He opened the device to find one new text message from Bones.

'Home.'

For all of your loving the Parker/Brennan fluff...there you go :) And for all of you who were begging for some BB action...THERE YOU GO :D

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