Chapter Text
The weekend was supposed to be a quiet one for Jessica and Aubrey, and they had purposely avoided making a lot of plans with their friends when they were celebrating at Founding Fathers on Friday night. Instead, they started their down time Saturday morning by running errands together. The first stop was Target, where they braved the crowd to get to the laundry section. After looking at several drying racks, Aubrey became excited as he pulled a display model on the floor to show his girlfriend.
"Yeah, Jess…this one is perfect. According to the sign, it can hold up to 200 shirts!"
Sighing in exasperation, Jessica shook her head as she looked at the triple row drying rack that was taller than she was. "Superman, are we really going to need one this large? You only need to wash your shirts every couple of weeks and your suits get dry cleaned. Everything else goes in the dryer...and I'm not even sure this behemoth will fit in the laundry room."
Aubrey made a face as he ran his hand over the upper tier. "Uh, yeah, we do need one like this, because you always hang your nylons and panties on hangers all over the laundry room…they take up a lot of room, you know…and then your bras are draped over the cabinet doors..."
Jessica rolled her eyes at his whining. "God forbid you be confronted with the sight of my drying lingerie outside of its drawer. You act like I have some panty party going on in the laundry room every weekend. I only wash my underwear and bras every few weeks, Superman. Besides, that's the price you pay for seeing me in those sexy things you like so much..."
"Why can you just put your lingerie in the dryer?", Aubrey asked, ignoring her comment. "It makes the most sense. It has a delicate cycle..."
"Because most of my panties come from Victoria's Secret…and I also know that the crotchless ones that you love me in so much aren't cheap, either, okay? They last longer when they air dry…at least until you rip them when you're super horny." Jessica picked up a smaller drying rack. "You also don't put bras in the dryer because it shrinks and ruins them. You are so obviously a boy…"
Aubrey gave her one of his charming smiles. "I'm not a boy…I'm a man…and you like it that way. Besides, when it comes to clothes, men are easy."
"You definitely are easy…", Jessica replied with a smirk.
"Hey, hey, hey…be nice…or you'll get no more of this.", Aubrey admonished as he pointed down to his junk.
"Yeah, but you would miss having this to grab onto in the shower, too…", the redhead shot back, pointing to her ass. She unfolded a smaller rack in the aisle. "So what do you think of this one? It has room for all of my things..."
"That thing is puny, woman." Aubrey held up the triple tier one. "This one has everything. I bet we could hang all sorts of things on here...maybe even my jeans. They're expensive, too, you know."
"We don't need to dry a caravan of clothes, Aubrey. This one is fine."
The couple looked at each other with slight annoyance, each certain they were correct. Aubrey returned the large display model back on on the shelf and crossed his arms over his chest. "It seems that we're at a stalemate, Jess. Now what? Do we need to buy both of them?"
Jessica shrugged as she glared at him. "Of course not. You just need to admit that I'm right, that's all."
He stood with his hands on his hips. "Uh, no, because I'm right."
After another thirty seconds of the stare down, Jessica put her rack aside and picked up the larger two-tier rack in the middle of the display. "Here's a simple solution…how about we just go with the medium sized one?"
"Works for me.", Aubrey said. "As long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg."
"It's just an arm, and anyway, I'm paying for it, Superman."
"Fine…" He grinned as he grabbed one of the racks and put it in the cart. "So since we'll have this thing now, does this mean I get to buy you some more lingerie? You know...some fancy bras for your nice rack, and then you can hang them on this nice rack?"
"Don't push your luck, Aubrey…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
At Pet Smart, Jessica stood in front of the shelves which held several varieties of canned cat food. "Aubrey, Skinner likes the Blue Buffalo Salmon and Trout stuff, right?"
"Yeah, but only get a few cans of that because we also need some of the Red Meat Feast as well as the Wellness Lamb and Venison kind.", Aubrey answered as he put two large boxes of cat litter in the cart, followed by a large bag of dry cat food. "He needs a variety of wet food. You know how picky he is."
Jessica grabbed the correct items and put them in the cart. "You got the resealable bag, right? I caught Skinner climbing into his bag of food again yesterday."
"Yep, and we're now hiding it under the sink.", Aubrey grumbled as Jessica pushed the cart to the front of the store.
"Maybe we should get one of those big plastic tubs to keep his food in." Jessica pointed to a display of containers at the end of an aisle. "I bet he couldn't break into one of those."
"Twenty dollars for a pet food safe? No way. Maybe we should just get some of those magnetic door latches like people use for little kids…"
"You know someone would have to install them on the cabinet doors, right?" Jessica giggled as Aubrey took over pushing their cart along. "Maybe you could get Booth to help you with that. He is your landlord after all..."
"Ha ha. Very funny." Inspecting the tubs, Aubrey shook his head. "Nah...I don't want one of these. I bet we can find a cheaper one at Priceco if we decide we need one."
"Cool. I love shopping at Priceco. I always find stuff there I need. Maybe we can get some new sheets. The old ones are starting to show some wear."
Aubrey rolled his eyes at his girlfriend. "Maybe we can plan an all day Priceco excursion for next weekend…"
Jessica chuckled softly. "I'll look forward to that…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
At Kroger's the two walked around getting the things they needed. In the Dairy section, Jessica had just put a gallon of 2% milk in the cart when her boyfriend dumped six boxes of cereal on top of it. "Superman! Do you really need all those boxes of Cap'n Crunch and Lucky Charms?! Gross!"
Aubrey shrugged as he straightened the boxes in the cart. "Jess, they're on sale, okay? Buy one, get one half price when we use the Kroger card, plus it's double gas points this weekend. Anyway, there's plenty of room to store them in the pantry..."
"I figured we'd get maybe two…or three at the most. Besides, Lucky Charms is so full of sugar. You're going to give yourself diabetes!" Jessica shook her head in amazement. "How you still have your teeth, I'll never know."
"Come on…this stuff is amazing." Aubrey smiled as they walked back down the cereal aisle. "You know that my blood sugar is wonky. I have to eat to keep up my strength."
Jessica rolled her eyes as she grabbed a box of Cascadian Farm Multigrain Squares. "I know, Superman…I know…"
Aubrey eyed her choice. "You know…there's more to life than tree bark in your cereal, right?"
The redhead turned around and put the box in the cart before adding a second box. "I don't eat bark. I usually alternate between cereal with fruit, Greek yogurt with fruit, or eggs, bacon, and toast. There is no consumption of tree materials in any of my meals."
Aubrey pointed towards the box. "Um…are you sure about that? Looks boring to me, and probably tastes like it, too. Might as well pour milk on sawdust and have that for breakfast."
Jessica merely gave him a look before walking towards the meat department. "Be nice, Aubrey, or no cherry pie for dessert tonight."
"Hey…don't bring innocent food into it…", Aubrey whined as he followed her with the cart.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Sitting on the bar stool, Skinner watched his man and the man's mate move smoothly back and forth in perfect harmony as they prepared the food for Aubrey's grill, a rare January treat thanks to the above average spring like temperatures. As soon as Jessica finished sprinkling a bowl of veggies with olive oil and garlic pepper, she slid the spice to Aubrey. Wordlessly, he used the mixture to finish the potatoes before sealing the foil packets. After he pushed it back, Jessica took it to put on the shrimp she was skewering for them.
"Going to put the steak and potatoes on the grill. I'll come back in for the shrimp and veggies."
"Okay, Superman." As she finished her last kebab, her phone buzzed. Washing her hands, she pushed the button and saw it was from Daisy. Great...I hope she doesn't want to talk right now… Puffing out a sigh, she read the text.
Check out the asshole who showed up 2 his cousin's fancy wedding tonite. He has no shame.
Jessica saw the photo of Gerald and Ashley talking to another couple. Shaking her head, she responded back.
He never does, Dais. R u surprised?
Daisy's response was quick. No. BTW, this wedding sux. Can't wait to go home.
Jessica asked the next obvious question. Why r u at a Maxwell family wedding?
GM cousin married son of Ecuador ambassador. Martin guilted Beau & me into coming...family friends shit. Food is good, but Beau doesn't want 2 b here either. Had 2 deal w G & H Maxwell being snide & rude 2 FIL all nite. Plus, Ashley tried making convo w me like we were buddies but I blew her off.
Jessica took a breath before answering. Dais she probably doesn't know anyone. U know how shy she is.
The response was immediate. Don't care. Don't want 2 talk 2 girl who associates w man who hurt my bestie.
Jessica was touched at Daisy's last comment. Thx 4 support.
YW. GM also bad mouthing u 2 anyone who will listen in btwn getting wasted or openly flirting w/ other women. Pig even flirted w/ me when Ashley went 2 restroom. Yucky. TG Beau showed up.
'Not surprised' Jessica thought as she waited for Daisy's upcoming text.
Press is here 4 wedding, incl that Hannah Burley 4 Ch 7 & she's asking people abt the trial when not interviewing B & G. Skank.
The redhead laughed. I wouldn't say that she's a skank.
Baghdad Barbie is skank that kept Booth from Dr. B & ambushed u after Aubrey shot. Her eyebrows don't move so she's full of Botox and probably bottle blonde.
"Huh?", Jessica muttered in confusion. Baghdad Barbie?
Name Angela & Dr Saroyan called her b4 troll broke Booth's heart & left town. Daisy texted back. We're leaving reception ASAP bc Beau, Lance, & I flying to Canada tmrw.
'Wow…didn't expect that.' Jessica thought. So you're going w Beau 2 talk to CFL team? That's cool that he wants u involved.
Her surprise ended with Daisy's next response. Beau nagged me until I said I would keep open mind about Canada. Coming home w Lance next Sat but he's staying 1 more wk 2 look at houses & meet w team.
'Daisy…' Jessica thought, one again disappointed in her friend's actions. 'She's getting his hopes up and lying to him again. It's only going to make things worse.'
Deciding that she wasn't in the mood to listen to another Beau diatribe, Jessica sent a text back. Aubrey & I sitting down 2 dinner. Will talk when u get back from Regina.
She finished as Aubrey came back into the house. "All set, Superman."
Aubrey grabbed the platters of shrimp and vegetables. "Those steaks look so beautiful on my grill. I love it so much, Jess…the best birthday present I've ever had."
"Really?", Jessica said blandly, turning around to raise an eyebrow at him. "I remember hearing something different on your birthday when you were in your birthday suit...something like, 'oh, yeah, Jessica…you're so beautiful when you're lying naked in my arms'...and we can't forget after we finished making love the first time when you said, and I quote…'that was the best birthday present I've ever received'...or was I imagining that?"
"Nope…", Aubrey chuckled before kissing his girlfriend. "Okay, the best gift except for you, of course."
"Nice save, Aubrey.", Jessica said wryly as she began to clean up the counter.
"It's the truth…" Aubrey walked away towards the back door. "…especially when you were moaning my name…'Oh God…Oh God, James…you rock my world…'"
Jessica threw her wet dishrag at her boyfriend's back but missed. Aubrey heard the thump on the floor and turned around with an arched eyebrow. "Hey, it's not the grill master's fault you love the way he makes you scream…"
The redhead held back her snicker as she put on a mock annoyed face. "Go outside and cook our food, Grill Master."
Aubrey smirked as he headed back outside while singing, "Cooking the meat…cooking the vege-tables…then for dessert...I get to fuck my girlfriend...over and over…"
Jessica controlled herself until the back door shut before cracking up. "Oh, Superman…you're never boring…that's for sure."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The next morning began early as Skinner finished his business in his downstairs litter box. Walking back up the stairs, he heard familiar moans that got louder as he sauntered into the bedroom.
"Yes…yes…yes…Aubrey…yes…", Jessica moaned as her legs wrapped around her boyfriend.
On top of her, Aubrey moved hard and fast inside her while bending down to take her inviting breast into his hot mouth. "Jessica…I'm going to fucking explode…", he begged as he tasted the stiffened peak while clasping both of her hands in his. "C'mon, baby…"
It wasn't long before the FBI agent felt his lover stiffen and then shudder in ecstasy. When he heard a delicious moan from her, he did just as he promised. "Oh…Christ…oohhhh…shit..."
When done, Aubrey collapsed on top of his girlfriend, his body spent as they lay together in each other's arms while recouping their equilibrium. Aubrey continued to tenderly nibble Jessica's breast and surrounding skin. "You are so hot…someday you're going to be the death of me, Jessica Elizabeth Warren…"
"I'll take…that…as a…compliment…James Robert…Aubrey…", Jessica said groaning as his tongue trailed down her abdomen. "Holy shit…you can't be up for another round already, Superman…"
"Not yet, Jess…", Aubrey replied as he teased her skin with his tongue and lips. "…but I will be soon…I could make love to you all day long…I may not even let you get out of bed at all today."
Jessica stretched into her boyfriend's machinations, enjoying the attention. Turning her head, she was surprised when Skinner jumped up on the bed. "Um, Aubrey…Skinner is hungry…"
Aubrey continued to kiss and nibble down his lover's abdomen past her navel, waiting for his body to be ready for Round Two. "He'll live, Jess. I'll feed him when we're done."
The redhead felt the cat's eyes on her. Turning, she saw him looking at her before turning his attention to his man. "Aubrey, he...oh wow...has the food stare…I don't think...oh yeah...he wants to wait for...oh yes...his daddy to screw his Aunt Jessica for breakfast."
Aubrey merely smiled before ducking under the sheet. Jessica moaned as she felt him lightly brush her inner thigh with his lips, forgetting about the orange tabby nearby. "Christ, Aubrey…what are you waiting for?"
As the couple enjoyed their morning, an interested Skinner watched the movement under the sheets and his tail started to twitch. Right before Aubrey's tongue moved into Jessica's core, he felt claws stabbing him as the orange cat pounced on his back.
"Ow...son of a bitch! Skinner! You little asshole!"
Jessica barely held back her laughter. "I told you he was hungry, Superman."
Coming out from under the sheet, Aubrey's hair was askew as he rubbed his shoulder and stared down the culprit. "You couldn't wait 30 minutes?"
"Meow! Meow! Meow!" was Skinner's indignant reply, followed by the angry swishing his tail back and forth as he glared at his man.
Watching the standoff between man and feline made the redhead chuckle. "Apparently not, Superman."
"To be continued, Ms. Warren.", Aubrey groaned as he got up and looked on the floor next to his side of the bed. "Where are my boxers…"
Jessica dug under the sheets and pulled out his Batman boxers, tossing them to her boyfriend. "Here you go…although I don't mind the view right now. Very nice..."
Aubrey wiggled his butt a little before putting on his boxers and leaving the room, followed by Skinner. Giggling, the redhead found her boyfriend's t-shirt from last night on the floor and put it on before following the two downstairs.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
After a blissful Sunday spent together making love and watching movies, Jessica and Aubrey awoke to the rude awakening that was Monday. It was still dark out, emphasizing the bright red 6:31 on the digital alarm clock as the agent saw his girlfriend get up when he came out of the bathroom.
He bent down to give her a kiss. "Jess, I'm sorry if I woke you up. Why don't you go back to bed? You don't have to work with Clark until 1:00. I already ate breakfast..."
Stretching, Jessica smiled sleepily at her boyfriend. "It's okay. I'm awake now. I'll either sack out for a while before going to work or just use the time to work on my dissertation research."
Aubrey put on his badge and holstered his sidearm. "Okay, I'll see you when I get home tonight…don't wait on dinner for me because it's going to be after 7PM before I get home. Oh wait, you have yoga tonight, don't you?"
"Yeah, so I'll be home around 8:00, but I can run to Winkleman's after class. Their new chili is out today, and I can't wait to try it.", the redhead replied while putting her slippers on her feet.
"Oh yeah…Eighth Circle of Hell. A combo of Habanero, Jalapeno, Serrano, and three other peppers, fresh tomatoes, Angus beef…" Aubrey was drooling as they walked down the steps. "I'll be home first, so I'll pick up the chili."
"I'll run to Mr. Leonelli's to pick up some of his amazing multigrain muffins before I go to the lab." Jessica kissed Aubrey goodbye. "Perhaps I can grab a cheesecake for dessert while I'm there…perhaps with cherries on top…"
Aubrey's antennae went up as he opened the door. "Should I pick up…some paper plates…so we don't dirty dishes…"
"Nah…we won't need any dishes…probably not even a fork…"
"I love you, Jessica." Aubrey grinned like a little boy before walking out the front door, pictures of sampling cheesecake off his girlfriend's lovely naked posterior dancing in his head. 'Maybe in the kitchen tonight so the bed doesn't get covered with crumbs like last time…'
Jessica giggled as she watched him back out of the driveway and turn onto Janus Street. Walking up to the coffee machine, she made her favorite brew before preparing a bowl of cereal.
"Today is going to be a good day."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Over ten hours later, Jessica finished the examination of the Viking remains Clark had assigned her. Humming to herself, she was counting down the minutes to 6:00 PM when she could leave.
"A little yoga workout, then chili with Aubrey for dinner before dirty fun together with cheesecake...it's going to be fun.", she said quietly to herself. "I can't wait…"
Seeing that Clark was on the phone in his office, Jessica decided to grab a cappuccino. After taking off her gloves and putting the exam room to rights, she came out and saw one of her fellow interns documenting results on her tablet. Making sure her badge was visible, the redhead made her way out of the Cultural Anthropology area, which was across the hall from the lab. Stopping to greet the security guards at the lab check in desk, she walked to the coffee booth near the museum entrance, not noticing the custodian who was watching her with interest.
Fifteen minutes later, she sipped her beverage as she turned the corner to the hallway leading back to the restricted area. She saw the custodian again as the two guards ahead manned the desk, but her mind was occupied with her plans for tonight. Suddenly, the custodian bumped into her with his mop bucket.
"Sorry, Miss."
Wincing from the wheel running over her leg, she kept a straight face, realizing it was an accident. "It's okay."
The man looked up and smiled. "Jessica Warren?"
Startled, she looked at the man warily. "Yes…do I know you?"
With quick precision, the janitor dropped the mop and pulled an envelope out of his smock. "You've been served. Have a nice day."
The man walked away quickly and it took Jessica a few moments to gather her bearings. Tearing the end of the large envelope, she opened it and her eyes got large as she read the enclosed letters. "Oh my God…"
"Ms. Warren, are you all right?"
Looking up, she saw the two guards gazing at her with concern. Keeping herself calm, she walked up and badged herself through. "Yeah...I'm fine."
Taking deep breaths, she walked back to Cultural Anthropology. Going to Clark's office, she knocked before entering when he indicated for her to do so. "Did you get my report that I transmitted to the binder?", the redhead asked shakily as she perched on the edge of a chair.
"Yeah, I did, Jessica. Nice work. I like how you--" Clark paused when he turned from the computer and saw his friend white as a sheet. "Jessica, what's wrong?"
"I'm fine, I-"
The anthropologist came out from his desk and walked over to her seat. "Jessica...you're not fine. You're whiter than my dress shirt. What's in your hand?"
Calming herself down, she handed it to Clark wordlessly. Reading it, his jaw dropped. "You have got to be kidding me. Is this for real?"
The intern bit her lip and nodded. "Yep...it is. Some process server dressed like a custodian served me a few minutes ago outside the security desk."
"How did he get into this part of the Jeffersonian? It's restricted to the public. Oh well, I guess that's not important right now." Clark looked at the time on his computer. "Listen, you need to go see Aubrey and show him this paper. We can go over your exam tomorrow sometime when Dr. Brennan doesn't need you."
"But Clark, you have enough to do--"
"Jessica.", the cultural anthropologist said quietly. "Yes, I have things to do. However, you're my intern...and also my friend who is in distress, and that's more important. Your report can wait. Those remains aren't going anywhere soon, so I think I can manage it if you leave 20 minutes early. My next concern is whether or not I need to drive you over to the Hoover. You're shaking like a leaf."
"No, I'm fine." Embarrassed by Clark's concern, Jessica took a breath before standing up. "I'm working 7:30 to 4 tomorrow, so I'll shoot for seeing you in the morning. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now go talk to Aubrey and figure out what you're going to do next."
The redhead nodded before walking out of Clark's office. Shakily, she punched out on the time clock before going to her locker and gathering her things. Driving out of the parking garage and into the DC rush hour traffic, the radio played music, but she didn't hear any of it.
'Why can't he just leave me alone? Why is Gerald so fixated on me? I don't know how much more I can take…'
Finding the nearest parking spot to the J. Edgar Hoover Building, Jessica pulled in and jumped out. Realizing she'd forgotten to lock her vehicle, she hit the button before walking briskly up the sidewalk. Right as she got to the front doors, she heard that familiar reporter's voice...the one that grated on her nerves. Turning around, her stomach lurched when she saw Hannah Burley and a cameraman running towards her.
"Ms. Warren...several sources have informed me that Gerald Maxwell is suing you for false arrest and slander. Is that correct? What will your first move be? When is your court date? Any plans to counter sue him?"
The redhead was in shock. "H-how did you know about this? Who told you?"
"My other sources are confidential, Ms. Warren, but when I interviewed Mr. Maxwell Saturday night, he declared that he was going to 'take you for all that you had'. That has to be scary for you, especially considering the size of your trust fund as well as your share of your family's business."
"How did you know about my trust fund…"
Hannah plowed past the young woman. "What do you plan to do about it? Do you think this will affect Agent Aubrey's position in the FBI?"
Feeling dizzy, Jessica backed away. "Um...no comment. Now if you'll excuse me…"
Hannah pressed further. "Ms. Warren...how do you think this will affect the trial coming up on January 23rd? Or how about your case against his father, Harold Maxwell? Do you think this could have a negative impact on your case?"
"I don't know. No comment. Please leave me alone.", Jessica replied meekly before opening the door and rushing inside. The guard on duty recognized her, so after she ran through the metal detector, he let her through, and she rushed toward the stairwell. When Hannah tried to follow, she was stopped.
"No press past this point."
Hannah gave what she considered her charming smile. "But I'm trying to interview Ms. Warren. Come on, Dave, you remember me, right? I used to date Agent Booth a few years back...we almost got engaged, you know..."
The security guard didn't move, planting his feet as he scowled at the reporter. "She doesn't look interested in talking to you, Ms. Burley. Now go back outside, or I'll have you forcibly removed."
Hannah looked out the window before nodding towards her cameraman. "But it's starting to snow and it's 30 degrees out. It's not as warm as it was this weekend. You wouldn't want us to catch our death of cold, would you?"
The guard wasn't sympathetic. "That's what winter coats are for, Ms. Burley."
Annoyed, the blonde and her cameraman walked back out to the sidewalk, shivering as the wind began to blow. "Let's wait in the van. Her SUV is over there. She has to drive home eventually."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Running up the stairs, Jessica found the 4th floor and forced the door open. Blazing a trail down the hallway and through Major Crimes' bullpen, she barely acknowledged Steve Bower and his wife.
"Stevie Bear, what's wrong with her?", Mitzi said with concern. "She looks upset."
Steve shrugged. "I don't know, Mitzi Muffin, but I'm sure she'll live. Now, is tonight whipped cream bikini night?"
The tall blonde laughed. "But, of course, Stevie…"
Jessica walked towards Aubrey's office with tunnel vision, anxious to reach her goal. Seeing him talking to Caroline Julian through the open door, she picked up her pace. When she walked in, she knocked on the door, interrupting the two.
"Jess, this is a nice surprise. I thought you had yoga tonight...", Aubrey began, pausing as he saw the stricken look on her face. "Jessica, what's-"
"He's suing me!", Jessica cried, handing him the summons. "Then Hannah Burley found me outside when I got here and asked me about the lawsuit. I don't know how she knew I was served…"
Caroline held out her hand towards Jessica. "What does it say, Cher?"
Aubrey read it aloud while holding a crying Jessica, barely holding his temper in check. "That son of a bitch is suing her for 10 million dollars for slander and false arrest. He's stating that the charges against him have affected his college program at GWU, and now he can't earn his doctorate. In turn, this will affect his future career prospects, which could lead him to seek financial support from his family for the rest of his life. He also states '...the trauma that he has suffered while attempting to clear his name from these false charges have damaged his emotional well being permanently.'"
Caroline took it and quickly read through it. "That bon rien…"
Jessica continued to break down in Aubrey's arms. "Why won't he leave me alone…"
The US attorney waited for Jessica to calm down before speaking again. "Cher, you need to sue him for the damages you incurred while he was harassing you."
"Ms. Julian, I don't want his money…"
"You had to replace your phone, get your rent covered, along with paying for other items, correct? You had to borrow money from friends, and you had to leave work to get things straightened out, and that cost you some wages. You went through a lot of trouble to clear up all the mess that bastard created, right?"
Jessica sniffled. "Yes...but I was able to get my father to sign off on that stuff…"
"I've been trying to convince her that she need him to pay for that shit-", Aubrey chimed in. "I mean, it's Law 101...recouping losses like that…"
"I don't want his money!", Jessica grumbled, wiping her eyes. "I just want justice for what he did to me."
Caroline stared down the young woman. "Cher, justice is blind, but it's also fickle. We have those women pressing charges, but I need all the ammunition I can get, and he owes you for all that stuff he destroyed because his designer panties were in a bind since you dared to stand up for yourself."
The redhead sniffled. "But...I don't want to...provoke him…"
Aubrey was going to speak up, but Caroline jumped in. "Jessica, he's already victimized you once, and he keeps doing so because he wants to break you. Don't give that piece of crap that power over you."
Jessica was silent, but Caroline knew the wheels were turning in the young woman's head. "Now, Marcellus and Keith are meeting me for dinner at the diner, so I have to go. You do what you have to do, but call me as as soon as possible when you make a decision, Cher."
Jessica smiled through the tears. "I will call you tomorrow, Ms. Julian."
"Good girl." , Caroline replied before turning to Aubrey. "You take care of her, do you hear me? I don't want to have to drive my Gremlin to your house and kick your scrawny butt with that snooty cat of yours watching me."
Nodding in agreement, Aubrey chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."
Caroline gently squeezed the intern's hand before picking up her briefcase and walking out of the office. Both watched her leave until the silence broken by Jessica. "I've always thought she hated me."
Surprised, Aubrey turned to his girlfriend. "Jess, she never hated you. What makes you say something like that?"
The redhead shrugged her shoulders. "Because she had you do a background check on me when we were...you know...kind of...sort of...dating, but still friends. I've always figured she didn't approve of me for you."
Taking Jessica's hand in his, Aubrey exhaled softly. "Jess, she knew I had political aspirations at the time. She just wanted me to be prepared, that's all, okay, so there wouldn't be any surprises along the way. She does like you. She told me once that my 'red headed squintern' fit me very well and that she preferred you over Karen. Karen annoys the shit out of her."
Jessica had a thought. "Oh shit, Superman. We were going to have chili, cheesecake, and naughty food sex later. I love when we do that, but I don't think I'm up for it tonight…."
Aubrey put his arm around her. "Jess, it's okay. We'll do it tomorrow, or another day. We've got plenty of time for that. How about we head over to Founding Fathers instead for some appetizers and a couple of beers? I know it's not Friday, but let's just chill for a while."
"Can we order them to go and take them home?", Jessica asked. "I would like a quiet night home with you and Skinner. Plus Dr. Who: Daleks Invasion Earth 2150 AD is on Comet tonight."
"That one has Peter Cushing. I love that one!", Aubrey exclaimed. "Okay, we can do that. I have to hit the restroom, though. My computer is up, so go ahead and order online. We'll pick it up on the way home."
"Okay, Superman...but I'm paying." Jessica sat at the agent's desk and found the Founding Fathers website. "Definitely gonna get you some sliders."
"Thanks. Be right back." Aubrey had a reassuring smile on his face, but it disappeared as soon as Jessica's head was turned. Walking briskly, he avoided the men's room near the now deserted bullpen and instead found the one near the break room. Entering the room, he made sure he was alone before kicking the garbage can across the floor in his anger, a loud boom ringing out when it made contact with the wall.
"Why can't that fucker leave her alone?", Aubrey yelled before kicking the plastic can two more times. "I could kill that son of a bitch!"
Seeing the dent in the container, Aubrey snapped out of his moment and decided that destroying FBI property wasn't the best way to cope with his feelings. Splashing his face with cold water, he took several deep breaths so his girlfriend wouldn't know that he'd just lost his shit. When he was under control, he walked back to his office, where Jessica was waiting for him.
"They must be busy because the website said our order will be ready in about an hour. Want to have a beer there while we wait?"
Aubrey took her hand. "Sounds great, Jess."
Jessica stood up to leave but suddenly stopped. "Shit...my Jeep is out front and I'm sure Hannah Burley is waiting for me, ready to pounce with all sorts of obnoxious questions."
Aubrey thought for a second before picking up his desk phone and dialing a number. "Tony, it's Agent Aubrey. Listen, I'm going to have my girlfriend park in my spot tonight...she'll pick it up in the morning. She has a reporter outside waiting for her to leave, so if you could make sure...hey, you're the best, man. Thanks."
Jessica watched as her boyfriend hung up his phone. "I'm leaving my Jeep here?"
"Yep, we're going out front together and if Hannah is there to hound you again, I'll get rid of her before you pull into my spot. Tony, who is the night guard in the garage, will make sure that no one sneaks in to ambush us. Tomorrow morning, I'll bring you here about 7:00 so you have time to make it to the lab. Jess, if she still hounds you for a quote about the summons, I might call Booth to see what he thinks we should do."
Jessica picked up her purse. "Well, he knocked boots with her and she moved in with him…Daisy, Dr. Saroyan, and Angela called her Baghdad Barbie. Do you think he'll back you up?"
"Oh, yeah. He may even try to get an order to keep her off the premises.", Aubrey chuckled. "Ready to go?"
When the redhead nodded, he let her leave first before the SAC turned out the light and locked his door. They walked with hands linked through the darkened bullpen. "Superman, is Skinner going to be pissed his dinner will be late?" Jessica asked.
"Yeah, but he'll be fine. I'm still annoyed with the way he interrupted our morning yesterday. Turnabout is fair play."
Jessica's laughter pierced the air as they took the stairs leaving the 4th floor.