Part of today's chapter is based on my birthday back in April with a lovely Aubrey/Jessica twist or two. Having a quarantine birthday wasn't cool but it was still a great day. I'm debating on whether to do a sequel with Aubrey's birthday as I do have a little nugget of an idea. Let me know what you all think. As always, suggestions are always welcome and if they're workable, I can maybe write a chapter on it and give credit to that person.
This chapter is for everyone who had to celebrate a birthday this year under stay-at-home orders.
Check out my Pinterest (MIBonesFan) for some special extras on this chapter.
Enjoy...
May 5, 2020
In the Aubrey living room, Jessica sat watching Rachael sleeping softly next to her on the couch. Slowly, she picked her up and carried her up to bed. Satisfied to see the little redhead's eyes remained closed, she carefully tip toed out of the bedroom and back downstairs. Making a cup of catnip tea, she laid her head back on the couch and sighed in relief. Their 20-month-old had spent the last few weeks in a sleep regression phase and hopefully tonight was the end. She was momentarily startled by a flash of lightning in the window. Turning to the deluge going on outside, the scientist hoped Aubrey would be home soon instead of driving in this weather.
Deciding to wait up for him, she was joined by Skinner on the couch as she turned her TV on to MSNBC. She watched as Rachael Maddow discussed how COVID-19 was ravaging New York City hospitals and once again sighed. Once again, she was reminded that life has she knew it had been turned upside down due to the pandemic.
Her part time schedule at the lab remained but she was now working 10-hour days twice a week with one day working at home. Aubrey's schedule had changed to working from home on days she had to be at the lab to help care for their daughter due to the closure of the Jeffersonian Day Care center. Her family's business, the Saoirse Finn Vineyard, up in Rappahannock County and the tasting room over in Bethesda were closed but luckily would be able to open next week with restrictions. Unfortunately, business would be tight for the rest of the year, and possibly 2021.
As for their home life, their plans to go to a B & B in Boonsboro, Maryland for their wedding anniversary three weeks before had to be postponed due to Maryland's restrictions. The Cineplex's annual Star Wars Marathon she and Aubrey looked forward to attending this week was also canceled.
She grew frustrated as she thought of her father at his nursing home to Towson. So far, he had not tested positive due to the facility's lockdown and strict restrictions. She was grateful he remained safe, but knew that her father hated being isolated from his family, especially his grandchildren. However, his safety had to be the top priority, so she and her brothers made it a point to check in with him every day, and even Dr. B and Hodgins had occasional virtual visits with her dad. She told them they didn't have to do that, but then Dr. B responded as only she could:
"Ms. Warren, your father is an intelligent and fascinating man whose company I enjoy very much, especially our discussions regarding neuropathology and anthropology. Talking to him virtually is not something I do as an obligation."
Her tea chilled, Jessica got up and as she nuked her beverage saw the Cat Wars Calendar on the wall…and the upcoming Friday blocked off in green highlighter.
May 8th…her birthday. Originally, Aubrey had organized a dinner with their friends at her favorite restaurant, 1789 and the following day was supposed to be the traditional joint birthday celebration with her brother Jack, whose birthday was the weekend before. Of course, each were canceled as large gatherings were restricted and restaurants restricted to take out due to COVID.
Suddenly, Jessica silently berating herself for worrying about her birthday. Currently, the world was in the middle of a pandemic with people facing lifelong complications or dying alone. Worrying about something so trivial made her no better than the Karens, including her mother up in Pittsburgh, who protested stay at home orders and mask mandates.
Hearing the door open, Jessica saw her tired husband come in and hang up his wet coat. Jessica set her tea down and greeted him. "Hi Aubrey. How was work?"
"Long." He accepted the kiss offered then listened for a moment. "Is Rachael asleep?"
Jessica nodded. "Yes…I think our Jedi's little sleep regression phase is coming to an end."
"Yay! We can sleep through the night again…at least for a while." Aubrey took his suit coat off and loosened his tie. "Damn, these long days are killing me."
Jessica gave Aubrey a hug. "I'm sorry. It sucks that you and Genny have to alternate 12-hour workdays for a while to maintain social distancing in your department."
Aubrey accepted the affection. "Yeah it does suck because the things I can't do from home pile up on my desk, but what can I do? Don't forget, though, that you're pulling long days at the lab, too when Dr. B works from home."
"Yeah, but I'm only part time, remember? Besides, it's easier for us to social distance at work without messing up our schedules too much, unlike over at the FBI. How's it going with the alternating shifts for the agents?"
"Well, there have been grumbles from some who hate working one week on days and the next on nights, but they're doing their part." Aubrey sighed. "I'm glad Genny and I are able to alternate days working from home so we don't have to scramble for day care for Rachael and her kids when you and Hunter have to go to work."
"Angela said that with her working from home every day except for Monday, she can help out with Rachael if you have to run to the Hoover when I'm gone."
Aubrey nodded. "That's good to know. I know how…vigilant she is about keeping the kids home, social distancing, and staying home unless necessary. I'll thank her tomorrow on Zoom."
The redhead observed Aubrey nod his head tiredly and felt bad. "Do you have a lot of work to do tomorrow?"
"I have to work on June's budget, summer vacation requests, and consult with Genny on case audits through Zoom while Rachael takes her nap." Aubrey made a realization. "Shit, I left the cases in my SUV."
"Get them tomorrow, Superman. It's pouring out there and the garage is locked, so they're safe. Go sit down." Jessica grabbed a beer from the fridge and brought to a grateful Aubrey before sitting next to him on the couch. "So, how was work today?"
Aubrey took a long drink from the bottle of Yuengling. "I had to get after Williams today for not wearing a mask during a search of a suspect's house and for adding a Trump wallpaper to his computer."
Jessica was all too familiar with Agent Richard Williams and his outspoken views. "Didn't go well I take it?"
"Nope. He protested that wearing a mask and being told what he could put on his company computer was a violation of his rights. So, I got Caroline on the phone and via speaker, she told him that any agent who didn't follow the FBI COVID regulations or violated the Hatch Act with political paraphernalia at the Hoover were in her sights." Aubrey smirked. "He did sweat a little after we ended the call, so I finished our chat with letting him know that his next violation would result in a suspension. That changed his tune."
Jessica rubbed his shoulder. "You're a good boss, Aubrey, even when you do the hard stuff."
"Thanks, but I'm just following the FBI COVID regulations and there's no wiggle room for exceptions. Hopefully, this is will be the only time I have to threaten someone. I hate being an asshole boss." Aubrey looked at his wife. "What's up, Jess?"
"Nothing, Aubrey." Seeing the man's knowing face, she sighed. "I was just thinking about how our lives, and our friends and family's lives have been upended by this pandemic."
"And…"
Jessica took her husband's hand. "I'm just so grateful right now that we're healthy, our daughter is healthy. Heck, Booth and Dr. B had to cancel Christine's birthday party last month and life moved on for them…I just…everyone is making sacrifices to keep everyone safe…"
Aubrey realized what Jessica wasn't saying. "You're sad that your birthday is going to be a quarantine birthday this year."
Knowing she was busted, Jessica sighed. "It's a stupid thing to worry about, I know…"
Aubrey put his arm around his wife, and she laid her head on his shoulder. "Jessica, you're a compassionate woman and a human being. It is okay to occasionally have selfish thoughts."
"You're not concerned about your birthday…"
"Well, if we're stuck at home in October, it will suck, but I'm sure we can think of a way to celebrate. Especially with cake." Aubrey raised his eyebrows, making Jessica chuckle.
"Logically, I know you're right, but emotionally… Aubrey, the world could be going to hell in a hand basket. Whining about my birthday makes me sound like those Karens that I see on Twitter." Hearing her husband snicker, the redhead smacked his arm. "Stop it, I'm serious."
"Jessica be rest assured that you're not a Karen, so please stop calling yourself that. It makes me think of Karen Delfs and I really prefer not to." Aubrey held her closer. "You're right that COVID has changed a lot for us, but I do believe that there will be an end to all this insanity. Unfortunately, this will probably be our new normal for quite a while. We'll get through it, okay?"
When Jessica nodded, the agent rested his head on hers. "Now, since the awesome dinner we had planned Friday with our friends is off, as well as the birthday party for you and Jack, what do you want to do for your quarantine birthday?"
"Let's just make it a family night, okay? You, me, Rachel, and a D'Angelo's pizza." Jessica saw Aubrey's sigh. "What?"
"Pizza? That's it?" Aubrey saw her face and saw that she was serious. "If you're sure…"
Jessica sat up. "I am. Now let's go to bed. You look exhausted, Superman."
"You go ahead. I'm a little wired so I'm going to stay up a bit." Aubrey pushed her forward with a chuckle. "Go…you have to be up early for work. I'll just nap with Rachael tomorrow in between case audits and budget fun."
"Okay. Don't fall asleep down here, Aubrey." Jessica kissed her husband.
Aubrey watched Jessica head upstairs and when she was gone, grabbed his laptop and began typing. "Celebrate your birthday like a regular day? Hell no…I've got plans for you, lovely wife of mine."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
May 8, 2020
The rest of the week was relatively routine, or as much as it could be. Finally, Friday arrived, and Jessica woke up at 5:00 to the rain pelting the large bay window. "Happy birthday to me…"
Heading across the hall, she looked in on Rachael and was relieved to find her sleeping soundly. Coming back to the master bedroom, Jessica heard Aubrey start the shower and decided to join her husband.
Hearing the shower door open, Aubrey turned around and grinned. "Happy birthday, Jessica."
"Thank you, Superman, but what are you doing up so early? You could have slept in until our Jedi wakes up."
The agent kissed his wife. "Yeah, but it's not every day my wife turns 32 and I wanted to spend some time with her."
"I see." Jessica wet her hair under the water. "So, what fun things do you have planned today?"
"I have a Zoom meeting with Stark and Hacker at 1:30, so hopefully Rachael goes down easy for her nap. If not, she gets to attend. Hacker will whine, but Stark will understand. Besides that, just paperwork and other FBI fun stuff. You?"
"Either assisting with any crime scene we're called to or examining remains in Limbo." Jessica squeezed her husband's butt. "Now, you wanted to spend time with me and we're here in the shower. What should we do?"
"Well, for starters, how about an early morning wake up?" Aubrey sensually kissed his wife and his lips slowly trailed down her neck and collarbone.
It didn't take long for the bathroom to steam up as Jessica's loud moan could be heard from inside the shower. "Oh…happy…birthday…to…me…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
While the redhead's morning at home was relaxing, her workday was busy due to assisting Cam and Hodgins with the exams of five victims of a homicide brought in by the Virginia State Police. However, lunch was fun with a small surprise birthday party set up in the loft with individually wrapped packages of cakes, courtesy of Angela and Cam with Brennan attending via Zoom.
Jessica carefully examined the Angel Food Cake in her hand and noted the fruit. "Angela, is it just raspberries—"
"Not a strawberry in sight, Jessica." Angela, donning an Eiffel Tower mask, answered before turning to everyone who were beginning to eat. "Okay all, eat at least six feet apart or go to your stations...nobody is catching COVID around this lab."
Her day was lifted further by a birthday bouquet of tiger lilies courtesy of her Superman before spending the afternoon supervising that day's intern as they cleaned the bones and their subsequent exams. After a teleconference with Brennan, she finished up paperwork and headed home.
Finally, after a very annoying commute, she finally pulled her Jeep into her driveway, past the gate, and into the garage next to her husband's SUV. Grabbing the cake Angela set aside for Aubrey, Jessica was halfway to the front door when she saw a rainbow. Happy, she let herself into the house and found her daughter playing in her playpen.
"Hello, sweet girl…where's your daddy?" Jessica looked up and suddenly stopped in her tracks. "What…Aubrey…."
The kitchen and dining room area were only lit by two large creamy candles on the table. They were surrounded by their good china and a bottle of wine chilling nearby. Suddenly, Aubrey emerged, wearing Jessica's favorite shirt of his, dark blue with white speckles, gray trousers, and a very handsome smile. "Happy birthday, Jessica."
The redhead kissed their baby and walked closer to inspect the table setting. "Aubrey? What's going on? Why do you have candles lit? It's still daylight outside."
Aubrey chuckled as he took her in his arms and kissed her. "It's your birthday dinner, silly."
Stepping closer, Jessica smiled at the effort her husband made to make her day special. "James Aubrey, what happened to having a regular night here at home with a DiAngelo's pizza?"
"I know what you said, but this is your birthday and I wanted to make it special for you, world going to hell in a hand basket and all…"
Looking back, she saw Rachael happily playing in her playpen. "So, we're having a candlelight dinner with our daughter?"
"No, I fed Rachael an hour ago, but she will be joining us later for dessert. Come, let's sit down. I'm hungry."
"Of course, you're hungry." Jessica let him pull out her chair for her before sitting down. "So, what's for dinner?"
"Something very special courtesy of our grill…" Aubrey put a towel on his arm and acted the part of a server as he retrieved two covered serving dishes from the oven and set one in front of her. She reached to peek but was stopped by Aubrey.
"No peeking until I say it's time, Jessica. I'm watching you. I know how sneaky you are."
Jessica giggled as her spouse poured her a sample of the white wine. Satisfied, she let him pour a full glass. "Saoirse Finn's new Chardonnay. You got the good stuff, James."
"I may have also made a pit stop at the tasting room after my meeting to take advantage of the family discount and yes, Mackenzie ran the bottle out to me so Rachael could stay in the car." Pouring a glass for himself, he put the wine back in the basket. "Now, I hope you enjoy this special birthday dinner that I prepared for us this evening."
When he removed Jessica's lid in a flourish, she was excited. "Oh boy, lobster tail with sriracha butter…mashed potatoes…corn on the cob…roasted asparagus. Wait, it rained today…and you had a full load to work on along with meetings. How did you find time to do all this?"
"Yeah it rained, but I was covered under the awning. I was fine." Aubrey smirked. "As for my work load today, my meeting with Hacker and Stark ended at 2:30. You can thank Daisy for the food, as she was nice enough keep the lobster and sides at her house so you wouldn't find out."
"You recruited my best friend in your scheme?" Jessica chuckled at Aubrey's proud smile. "Damn, I talked to her today and she didn't say a word. Now, what's for dessert?"
"Something special I picked up after I got the wine."
Aubrey gestured to the center island and the redhead chuckled as she saw the familiar takeout cartons on the center island. "You got us 1789 for dessert? Yum!"
"Yes, I did." Aubrey brought the takeout containers to the table. "I got us that amazing Pear Streusel Tart you love…and the cookies…the Bavarian mousse…"
"You got the Macadamia Nut Bar, too didn't you? You know you have to share that with the birthday girl, right?"
Seeing Aubrey blush, Jessica giggled before the couple proceeded to enjoy their dinner by candlelight. When finished, Aubrey took their plates away. Jessica waited for the streusel but instead was surprised when her husband brought his laptop to the table.
"Aubrey, what's this?"
"Patient you must be." Aubrey opened his laptop and typed with the monitor away from Jessica. It wasn't long before he turned it around, revealing Jessica's family, everyone from the lab, Wendell and Andie, Genny and her family, as well as Daisy and Lance.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
"Oh my gosh, everyone…" Jessica was touched by everyone who joined the Zoom meeting. "This is so wonderful…"
"You really think we're going to forget our sister's birthday?" Jack quipped. "Especially when you remembered mine last weekend? I'd be up shit creek without a handle."
"Shut up, Jack!" Jessica laughed.
"You didn't think we weren't going to still celebrate your birthday tonight, Ms. Warren, did you?" Brennan said from her home.
"Well, I had that nice little gathering at lunch and…well…I just, with the pandemic and all…I didn't think it was cool to make a big deal about today. I know everyone is trying to keep things normal even though we don't get to hang out much right now. Oh, I love this!"
For the next ninety minutes, everyone enjoyed their desserts and chatted until Aubrey cleared his throat. "Okay folks. My wife has a night of fun coming, so it's time to say good night."
"Aubrey, we don't need to hear about that stuff!" Booth admonished.
Confused, Christine turned to Booth. "Daddy, what stuff is that?"
Brennan turned to her daughter. "Christine, your father is referring to your Uncle Aubrey and Aunt Jessica engaging in sexual interc—"
"Bones!"
The group said their good nights before Aubrey ended the Zoom session. "That was fun. Did you enjoy it, Jess?" Turning, he saw his wife wiping tears away. "Uh oh, did I do something wrong?"
"No, you did something right. This COVID crap has been hard on all of us and…I've missed all of us getting together." Jessica wiped a final tear away and kissed her husband. "Superman, this was so wonderful. Thank you."
"You're welcome, but there's more coming." Aubrey got up and trotted to the den, returning with two gift-wrapped boxes. "Happy birthday, Jessica."
"Two gifts, Aubrey?"
Aubrey held up the larger box first. "Well, of course."
Jessica noted Aubrey's grin. "Is this gift a naughty one?"
"Naughty gift? Really, Jessica. You think lust is the only thing on my mind when it comes to my amazing wife?" My best friend? The mother of my beautiful child?"
"Yes, as evidenced by your actions in the shower this morning. Of course, I also know that you also love me very much." The scientist kissed her husband. "Now give me my presents."
"You're so demanding…" Aubrey held out one box and chuckled as Jessica snatched it.
The redhead unwrapped the box and opened it. Moving apart the tissue paper, she laughed as she went through all the items. "OMG…"
"I take it you like them?"
"Yes, I do!" Jessica pulled out a set of Princess Leia face masks, examining one that said, 'I Love You.' "Wait…Superman, if I have this one…"
Aubrey ran to his computer bag and pulled out a set of black masks that had Han Solo on it with the slogan I Know. Putting it on his face, the agent chuckled. "I figured we could wear these during the next case we work together."
"That would be awesome."
"Cool." Aubrey pushed the box closer to Jessica. "You have more in the box, birthday girl. Just lift the tissue paper."
"Okay…" Jessica did as she was instructed, laughing as she pulled out four sets of Star Wars lingerie, including a specific gold lame bikini costume. "A little early for Christmas, isn't it, Superman?"
"Well, I thought that since Rachael is sleeping through most of the night again…and because we're missing the Star Wars Marathon this week, maybe we could…re-enact certain scenes." Aubrey slid a smaller box over. "Now, open your other gift."
"Okay." Jessica gingerly unwrapped the package, not wanting to destroy the shiny green wrap. Getting the box opened, she opened the small jewelry box and melted when she saw the gift. "A Star Wars charm bracelet. Superman, it's so beautiful."
"You really like it?" Aubrey asked.
"Oh of course. It's so cool. Thank you, Aubrey." Jessica took his hand and kissed him. "You made my birthday a special day, even during a national pandemic."
"Anything for you, Jess." Aubrey kissed her softly. "So, what's next on tonight's agenda?"
"Well, we need to put Rachael down for the night. Then maybe…" Jessica dangled a G-string decorated with STAR WARS alternating with different colored light sabers off her ring finger. "…we give these a whirl."
"That's a good idea. It's important to try these on…you know, to make sure they fit properly…and model them, too. That way I can let you know if they fit properly before I help you take them off." Aubrey flirted back.
"Sounds good. Want to get her while I carry all this up?"
"Sure." Aubrey walked walking over to the playpen and gingerly picked up his sleeping daughter. "Yes, baby girl, sleep tonight for Mommy and Daddy…at least four hours."
"You know, someday I hope she finds someone as wonderful as you…" Jessica smirked before teasing her spouse. "…you know…someone who want to get in her panties like you always want to get into mine…"
Aubrey stopped in his tracks. "What? No, no…my daughter will not be someone's…plaything. She's not dating until she's 30, Jess. I know how boys think…"
Jessica merely rolled her eyes while carrying the box with her lingerie, being followed by Skinner who woke up from his nap on the couch. "So do I, Superman because I married one of them. Now come on upstairs so we can put our baby to bed and celebrate my birthday in style."
Aubrey followed his wife up the stairs. "I mean it, Jess. Rachael is not dating until she's 30…" He whispered. "And I've always a gentleman…even before we were dating."
"Of course, Superman." Jessica waited for Aubrey at the landing. Kissing him, she waved the G-string at him again. "Five minutes, Agent Aubrey. Don't keep the birthday girl waiting."
Aubrey felt something twitch and he smiled, forgetting the previous topic. "Yes, Ma'am."
Jessica watched Aubrey go across the hall and smiled. Her birthday didn't go as planned, but she didn't care because she had her family, friends, and Aubrey to share it with her. Someday, COVID would be conquered, but she, Aubrey, and Rachael would get through it together.
Any further questions about the Hatch Act, go to my Pinterest under this chapter's section.