Disclaimer: I don't own Bones or the song.

Story: In My Heart

Author: ReadingRed

Bones and Angela sat watching Parker play his Wii in the living room. They were at the table drinking coffee when Bones starts talking about the past.

"You remember when Parker had that army uniform Booth got him for Christmas two years ago?"

"Yeah the one he wouldn't take off for about a month? He was so cute, like a mini little Booth." Angela said with a grin remembering all the times Parker had worn his uniform.

"I've been thinking that he'd like another one, he can't fit into that one anymore. He still says that he's going to be soldier just like his dad when he grows up. I know it a great thing to do but I really hope he changes his mind. I can't go through this with my son. He's the only thing keeping me going." Bones was on the brink of breaking down and crying when Angela wrapped her arms around the scientists' shoulders.

"Shush, it'll be ok. Booth is fine and he's going to be back soon. You know him, he is a fighter and the only thing he loves more in the world than you is Parker. There is no way he will let anyone or anything take him away from you two for long. And as for Parker, he is only five, if he does decide to be in the Rangers when he gets older it will not be for another thirteen years. Stop borrowing trouble and enjoy him now." Angela having successfully calmed down the anthropologist got up to pour herself some more coffee leaving Bones alone with her thoughts.

He used to play in daddy's uniform
With the stripes across the sleeve
And he knew when he was all grown up
What he was gonna to be
He used to like to ambush every careless cat or dog
That had the nerve to cross the battle lines he had drawn

"You know, I don't think he really understands what his dad is fighting for. I've told Parker that Booth is overseas fighting for America and against terrorism but I don't think he really gets it. He wasn't alive before 9/11. This is the only America he has ever known and still he's Booth's little soldier. He knows something is wrong and wants to make it right, that's a good thing isn't it?"

"Yeah Bren, it's a good thing. Parker truly is his father's son." With a smile and a goodbye Angela left the table ruffling Parkers hair on her way out the door back to work.

And even though he didn't know
What his dad was fighting for
He was proud to be the other little soldier
In this war

The telephone rang and Bones' mind flashed back to the night Booth got the call that he was going to be deployed. They spent the night as a family, watching one of Parkers favorite movies and eating popcorn. Booth had told Parker what was going to happen when he tucked the child into bed. Parker had cried but Booth and Bones had calmed him by telling him that they would always be a family and Booth wouldn't be gone for long. A week after that fateful phone call Booth, Bones, and Parker stood at gate number five and said their goodbyes. Booth had kissed them and said he loved them both more than life itself. He knelt down in front of Parker and hugged the little boy to him. He told Parker to hold down the fort and that he would be back as soon as possible. Booth had then turned and boarded the plane, leaving his small family crying in each other's arms.

The phone rang in the middle of the night
When they called his dad to go
Kissed him and his mom goodbye
And said God I love you both
I know that it's a lot to ask of such a little man
But hold the fort and
I'll be home as quickly as I can

Bones snapped out of her thoughts and answered the phone.

"Brennan" she said using her usual greeting.

"Bones, it's so good to hear your voice. How are you and my little soldier?" Booths voice came floating out of the phone. She had missed him so much and the calls seemed to be getting fewer and farther in between.

"Booth, we miss you so much. Parker is doing great. He's in kindergarten and about to get out for Christmas break. His grades are perfect, all A's, he is so smart. He gave a presentation on you for show and tell. We went to the army base and bought a flag from the aafes. They folded it right in front of him. It was so funny, he made them redo it five times so he could watch and learn how to do it properly himself. He had the flag and a picture of you to show the class and when he was done he saluted your picture. Parker really is your other little soldier. He misses you so much, we all do, even the squints."

"Bones I miss you both too. We think they're doing to send us home soon. I can't wait to see you both. Is Parker there? Can I talk to him, I only have a minute but I want to say hi and tell him that I love him." Bones lowered the phone from her ear and called her son.

"Parker, it's your daddy. He's on the phone." Not even two seconds later Parker had paused his game and was running full tilt towards Bones. When he reached her he grabbed the phone out of her hand and pressed it to his ear.

"Daddy? Hi daddy, I miss you. When are you gonna come home?"

It was the first time he had ever seen
A flag from up that close
And he watched them as
They folded it so careful and so slow
As they gave it to his mother
He knew what he should do
He raised his little hand and
Gave his dad one last solute

Bones put Parker to bed that night with a story and a kiss. She knew that Parker would be great in whatever path he chose to take in life and if he chose to be a Army Ranger like his father she would support him, after all he was already his daddy's other little soldier in this war.

And even though he didn't know
What his dad was fighting for
He was proud to be the other little soldier
He was proud to be the other little soldier
In this war