A/N: I know most planned a Halloween story, but I felt with October being Breast Cancer Month that this one needed to be told more. I also had my first mammogram a few weeks ago as I turned 40 back in April and this is based on my experience. I hope everyone can smile at this as I did eventually.

SEPTEMBER 2028

"Momma, can we have pancakes?"

"Momma, may we have pancakes, please…" Jessica said while putting the plate of scrambled eggs in front of her only son. "…and not this morning because I've already made eggs, but I will make pancakes this weekend."

"Cool." The six-year-old said before beginning to eat.

"May we have the special pancakes that Daddy likes?" Savannah asked before drinking her orange juice.

"Sure." The redhead said with a smile to her middle daughter as she put two more plates down on the table. "Now eat. Daddy will have Rachael and Molly down here in a few minutes."

Walking back to the stove, the anthropologist put out a plate for Aubrey before scooping some eggs onto a plate for herself. As she stood and ate her breakfast, she looked over their white board, noting the activities the kids had planned for the week. Comparing her family's schedule with hers at the lab, the Introductory Anthropology 101 course that she taught at American University, and her husband's, she foresaw a little juggling here and there. Of course, as the co-head of a family of six, it nothing she had not dealt with before.

"Aubrey will have to pick up the kids Tuesday night, but that's no big deal. He can work from home. I will just leave early on Thursday to take Rachael to karate."

Jessica drank her tea and her eyes lingered on a paper held up on the fridge by a Darth Vader magnet and exhaled.

An order for a mammogram.

It was only a piece of paper...just something that her doctor created at her yearly exam a month ago so she could get the procedure done. It was not a big deal.

Just like turning 40 wasn't a big deal four months earlier. Jessica smiled as she recalled how her husband made that birthday a memorable one with a surprise party at the Jeffersonian…and a very sexy one when they slipped off to her office for a little birthday tryst. Age hadn't slowed her husband down…and she loved it.

She knew that she needed to make the appointment, but she was always busy at the lab or with her class. Between her two jobs, tag teaming with an equally busy Aubrey to shuffle their four children around and carving out time to spend with her husband sans children, time was not a luxury. She will do it tomorrow.

Of course, she has been saying that for over three weeks, but this time she meant it.

Aubrey came down the stairs holding Molly with his tie looped around his neck. Seeing his wife staring at the fridge, he walked closer. "Jess?" When she didn't immediately answer him, he opened his mouth to speak again but he was interrupted by another female voice.

"Daddy…I wanna walk…"

"My apologies, Molly. Looks like Momma has your breakfast on the table, so go eat." Scooting her along, he directed his attention to his other children. "Okay you three, 10 minutes then you all are brushing your teeth so don't dawdle over the food."

Expecting some sort of admonishment, he turned to see his wife still looking at the fridge. Coming closer, he realized what had his wife's attention and looped his arms around her abdomen. "Earth to Jessica."

Startled, she turned towards her husband. "Sorry…did you say something?"

"Yeah, your name, but you ignored me…your loving husband."

"My apologies, Aubrey." The redhead said with a grin. "I guess I'll just have to kiss you instead."

The twins watched as their mother gave their father a peck on the lips. "Yuck…Momma kissed Daddy." Jamie said.

"Ewww, I don't want a boy kissing me." Savannah replied.

"All right…enough from you two." Aubrey got a fork from the drawer. "Jamie, final warning. Eat your breakfast or you go to school hungry. Savannah, keep that thought as long as possible so Daddy doesn't have to shoot anybody."

"Okay, Daddy." Savannah said before drinking her orange juice.

"Good girl." Aubrey sipped the coffee Jessica handed to him.

"Aubrey!" Jessica admonished. "You sound like Booth."

"Booth is a wise man and I've also got three daughters to look out for." Aubrey gave his wife a serious look. "Jess, make that mammogram appointment today."

"I'll try Aubrey, but thanks to you and Booth, the lab has been busy of late." Jessica pointed to the white board. "Our family is also a little bit busy as you can see here."

"Nuh uh…you're not blaming our murderers, thieves, along with our children's crazy schedule for your procrastination, Jessica." Aubrey said before stabbing some of his wife's eggs. "Make the call."

"I said I would try today, Superman...and quit eating my eggs." Jessica said with a snicker. "I set out a plate for you."

Aubrey grabbed the plate and scooped the rest of the eggs from the pan onto it. "Either you make the appointment today or I'll recruit assistance from Dr. B, Angela, Daisy, Cam, Nadia…oh and your longtime friend, the nurse practitioner Dr Andie Roberts." The agent said with a full mouth.

Jessica looked at Aubrey and realized that he was serious. Narrowing her eyes at him and pulled the order off the fridge. "You suck, James Aubrey."

Aubrey turned around to make sure his children were not listening. "I sure do, especially those amazing breasts last night after we put the kids to bed."

The redhead laughed despite herself. "Fine, I promise to do it today. Now, where's Rachael?"

Aubrey took the last bite of his eggs. "Oh, our little diva needed your help with her hair. Apparently, Daddy isn't good enough."

"You forgot about our oldest child's hair emergency to flirt and blackmail me into making this appointment?" Jessica said.

"Yep…and it worked." Aubrey replied as he poured more coffee into his Star Wars travel mug.

"Mooommmmm!"

"Excuse me Special Agent." Jessica said before walking across the family room and up the stairs. "Rachael, the next time you yell at me from upstairs I'm ignoring you…"

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

October 11th was a crisp and sunny day when the Aubrey clan came out of the house to start their days. While Aubrey hustled Rachael and the twins in his vehicle, Jessica got Molly situated in hers. When the children were all settled, the parents come together.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" Aubrey asked. "I know you're nervous."

Jessica smiled. "Superman, it's a mammogram. I'm not cool with getting my boob squished between two plates, but Nadia said if I take Tylenol or Motrin an hour before my appointment it shouldn't be as bad."

"Okay. Now, should I pick up Molly from preschool and take her to the Jeffersonian Day Care so you can come home and rest?" Aubrey asked.

"OMG, I'll be fine." Jessica said exasperated. "I can pick up Molly at preschool after my appointment and take her to day care before I go back to work. I'm the anthropologist working the Haskins case for you, remember? To help you with your case, I need to be at the lab."

"Yeah, but Dr Warren my wife is more important than Dr Warren, the forensic anthropologist." Aubrey grew pensive for a moment. "This is a little scary for me, okay? The last time I went through this with someone I cared about it didn't have a positive outcome."

Jessica nodded, knowing he was referring to his mother, who died of Stage IV colon cancer almost 20 years earlier. "I know, Superman, but I'll be fine, okay? I would ask Dr B to take over if I couldn't handle a mammogram and my workload today. Besides, I like working cases with my smart FBI Agent husband. It's kind of sexy."

"I like working cases with my wife, too and seeing your brain at work is definitely hot." Aubrey said flirtatiously before he leaned in for a kiss.

The couple lingered for a moment before breaking apart and Jessica caressed her husband's cheek. "Be careful today, Superman."

"I will…and good luck today." The spouses kissed one more time before separating into their vehicles. After the gate was opened, the family left for the day.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

After putting in some research time for Aubrey's case, Jessica left the lab and showed up at the hospital fifteen minutes early for her 10:30 appointment. After signing in, she sat down and fished inside her purse for her insurance cards before she was called to the registration booth.

"Here goes nothing."

In the span of twenty minutes, Jessica was checked in and taken back to a waiting room where she was given a gown to put on. After changing, the redhead put her stuff in the locker assigned to her and completed the Breast Cancer Risk Questionnaire with the IPad provided by the technician.

"Well, since my mother only lied about having breast cancer, my risk is not as high. Always good to know." Jessica said to herself as she signed off on the tablet.

Following the technician across the hall, they came into a small dark room with the mammography unit looming. Jessica knew what they looked like but seeing the apparatus as well as the two plates where her breast would go was a little off-putting.

"Okay now stand right here and remove your gown on the right side."

Jessica followed the instructions and the tech proceeded to manipulate her breast onto the plates. When she was done, the redhead decided that her breasts were off limits to her husband until further notice.

Instructed to stay still, the redhead did as was requested. She read up on the procedure and knew it would be a little uncomfortable, but she was tough. As Nadia suggested, she took Tylenol an hour before coming to take the edge off the discomfort. Things would be fine.

Then she felt the plates push down and her preparations went out the window as thoughts raced through her.

'Holy motherfucker…aahhhhhhhh! A little discomfort my ass!'

Time seemed to stop as she stayed still while the machine made its way around her breast for the 3D image. When she thought it would never end, the machine stopped, and the plates lifted.

"Okay, now for the side view."

'Oh, fucking great!' Jessica thought to herself. Following instructions, she remained completely still and braced for the pain as the machine started. It has just started its rotation back around when her vision became spotty.

'Oh shit…' Jessica thought before she became very lightheaded. "Um, I'm really dizzy…."

To her relief, the machine stopped, and the tech helped Jessica into a chair. The anthropologist vaguely heard the woman call for a nurse. When she was asked if she wanted juice, she thought she nodded her head before everything went black.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

"JESSICA!"

The redhead could register her name in the distance, but it went away. Then she heard it again.

"JESSICA!"

The redhead opened her eyes to see the mammography tech as well as two other women standing over her as she sat in a chair with her feet elevated and an ice pack behind her neck.

"Welcome back, Jessica." The woman on the left said before handing the redhead a grape juice. "We were afraid you weren't going to wake up and we'd have to call an ambulance."

"Oh God…my husband would freak out." Jessica stated as she sipped her drink.

The other woman looked at her eyes. "Jessica are you a diabetic or have low blood pressure?"

Jessica thought for a moment. "No, I'm not a diabetic, but with my blood pressure, my diastolic tends to run around 60 but sometimes dips below that. My mammogram was painful, though. Is it supposed to hurt like that?"

Concerned, the nurse rubbed her arm. "No, it shouldn't hurt that much at all. However, it sounds like your low blood pressure combined with anxiety is why you fainted."

Jessica finished her juice and as her faculties returned, the realization of her situation hit her. "Oh my God…I fainted at my first mammogram. This is so embarrassing."

The nurse put her hand on the forensic anthropologist's shoulder. "You're not the first one this has happened to, Dr. Warren. It happens more often than you realize."

As the nurse stood up to talk to the technician, Jessica closed her eyes and muttered to herself. "I'm a doctor of forensic anthropology…my husband is an FBI Agent…I have four children…I teach part time at a research university… I've almost died...and I faint at my first mammogram."

When she fully recovered her faculties, the tech finished the left side as she sat in the chair. This time, the pain wasn't as bad, and Jessica felt fine. After assuring everyone she was all right, she took it easy getting dressed and left with instructions from the nurse and technician to go home and put her feet up the rest of the day.

As Jessica got into her Ford Explorer, she shook her head at the embarrassment she felt at passing out during her first mammogram. "Put my feet up…I have four children. There's no such thing as putting my feet up. I'll just go back to work…I'm all good."

Putting the vehicle into gear, she left the hospital to go pick up Molly at preschool. "I'm soooooo not telling Aubrey about this."

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

After taking her daughter to the day care, Jessica returned to work where a set of remains from the Virginia State Police was waiting. Happy for a distraction, she signed off on the delivery and after sending the intern on duty to work in Limbo, wheeled the decedent into the Bone Room. She put her laser focus on the bones as she verbally dictated her findings and for a while was able to forget about what happened at the hospital.

Around 2:00 PM, she finished her exam. After returning them to their container, she went to her office to complete her other duties. However, she couldn't get her mind to focus on the task at hand. Frustrated, she got up and got a cup of catnip tea from the break area on the top floor. Going back to her office, she admired her photos on her credenza, one of her and Aubrey from their wedding and the second of them with their large family. Relaxing, she resolved to put her focus back on her job.

However, her will to work was superseded by her emotions and after forty minutes of constant distraction, she gave up. Saving her work, she closed out of her program and shut down her computer. After sending an email to her colleagues, Jessica grabbed her stuff and walked down to the Day Care where she signed out Molly for the day.

"Momma, where are we going?"

Holding the little girl's hand, Jessica and Molly walked out together towards the exit. "We're going to have some girl time together this afternoon."

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Jessica and Molly spent an enjoyable afternoon together at the park before picking up her other children from school. To the redhead's relief, Aubrey ended up having to work late due to catching a last-minute case with Hodgins and Dr B. Her husband knew all her tells too well and with him working late, it was easier to lie about what happened when he wasn't there.

After feeding her family, she made sure to put enough chicken, broccoli mac and cheese, and green beans aside so Aubrey could have something to eat when he came home. Putting her family to bed, she finished grading papers and attempted to read an article recommended to her by Brennan, but her mammogram kept popping up in her mind. As that happened, she also recalled a conversation she had when she was fourteen with her mother after the elder woman had her own mammogram.

"Jessica, that woman was trying to squeeze the shit out of my tits. Hopefully, puberty will kick in soon for you because mammograms are not nice to women who are flat as boards. Remember that."

Her mother always had a unique way of making her feel bad about herself while making everything about her. Eleanor Gordon was, and is a woman miserable with the world. Mental Illness and resentment of her social status in life was mostly to blame for what her mother had become, but she didn't care anymore. Jessica was determined to be a better role model to her three daughters than their grandmother was to her.

Deciding that dwelling on the past wasn't productive, Jessica turned out the light. Grabbing one of Aubrey's pillows, she closed her eyes.

Tomorrow was another day…and she needed to quit whining about her mammogram.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

The next morning was harried as always. Aubrey didn't get in until almost 2:00 in the morning, so they didn't have much time to talk as they shuffled their children out the door. A quick kiss and they left for their days.

While driving Molly to preschool, Jessica replayed the events from yesterday and steeled her resolve. 'So, I passed out during my mammogram. BFD. Who gives a rat's ass? I sure don't. Get over yourself, Warren. Your boobs getting squashed once a year is a part of life now. Better that than a mastectomy and death.'

After dropping Molly off, she arrived at work. She walked into the Jeffersonian prepared to confront the day. 'Mammogram…schmammogram. Oh well.'

That feeling of resolve dissipated as she saw Dr B and Dr Saroyan with an intern on the platform examining remains. Across the hall, Angela was working out a scenario on the Angelatron using her new hand sensors.

Dr B…Angela…Dr Saroyan. Three formidable women who were over 50 and whom Jessica was sure tackled their mammograms head on without whining.

Grabbing a cup of catnip tea, she walked to her office and turned on her computer. Reading her emails, she found one from Brennan requesting her assistance by taking Hodgins' place in examining the remains from Aubrey's case last night after her intern finished cataloging the items. "Oh, today is Curly's physical therapy appointment."

After letting her supervisor know she would be available later, Jessica read the rest of her emails. When done, her mammogram once again popped back into her head. Fed up with the questions, she deciding to make good use of her down time. Pulling up Google, Jessica began typing.

"Fainting…during…mammogram. Probably isn't going to be much and I will be a freak of nature." Shaking off her thoughts, she hit enter and watched as Google began the search. When the screen popped up with the results, she was astounded at what she found.

'The Mammogram Assault…It Doesn't Have To Happen To You!'

'Mamm-o-meltdown…Rethink Breast Cancer.'

'How Painful Can A Mammogram Be?'

As she read the articles and the other women's stories, she realized that perhaps she wasn't a freak. These were women of various ages, socioeconomic status, and locations. While some had anxiety issues, most had low blood pressure like herself. Some experienced the same pain she had during the mammogram. A few were diabetics but the situations were about the same.

They were standing still, their arm raised for a long period of time, or they were extremely nervous at the time. A few women also stated the pain was excruciating. Just like she was yesterday.

Before she could debate further, the phone rang, and Jessica answered. "Dr Warren...hello Dr B... yes, I'm just waiting for Angela's report on my case so I'm ready to assist...on my way."

Hanging up the phone, she left her small office next to the Ookey Room and walked out to the platform, where she greeted Cam, Brennan, and the anthropology intern on duty. As she put on her gloves, Angela hurried up to the platform.

"Sorry everyone. I was on the phone with Hodgins. His therapy appointment got pushed back a bit so he'll be here later than he thought." Angela grabbed her camera. "Jessica, I'm almost done with the simulation for your case with the Virginia State Police. I'll email you the final report after I put in a few variables."

"Thanks, Angela." The redhead said as she wheeled over a table with tools and petri dishes to collect evidence.

"I do appreciate taking Dr Hodgins' place with this exam, Dr Warren." Brennan said. "As his former intern, you are familiar with his standards and equipment."

"I don't mind helping, Dr B." Jessica said before turning to her other friend. "I'm so stoked for Curly, Angela. He seems to be doing well with those new spinal implants."

"When I got off the phone with Hodgins, he said the fitting for the crutches went very well and today's appointment would be working on how to walk in them." Angela held up her camera, ready to take photographs of the decedent. "He's only going to be able to use them in short spurts and alternate with his walker and wheelchair, but the surgeon said if his progress goes as well as he think it will, he could graduate to the crutches almost full time."

"That is very exciting news, Angela." Cam responded before they went to work.

As the women worked, it didn't miss anyone's attention that Jessica was quiet except for professional observations. Usually she had a story regarding her large family with Aubrey or as it was just Cam, Angela, and Brennan, they usually shared private nuggets about their husbands.

"What time did Aubrey get home last night?" Angela asked. "Hodgins didn't make it in until after 2:00."

"That's about when Aubrey came in. He gave me a kiss before he got into bed and passed out."

When Jessica finished collecting evidence off the remains, she stayed to help where needed. When done, she put all the petri dishes on a cart. "I'm going into the Ookey Room to set up the Mass Spec for Curly and stage some of this evidence for him. After that, when I get Angela's report, I'm going to write up the final report for the Virginia State Police and then work on the Haskins case for Aubrey. Do you need me for anything else, Dr. B? Dr. Saroyan?"

"Thank you for your assistance, Doctor Warren. If Dr. Brennan is all set, so am I." Cam said before the young woman left. When she was out of earshot, she turned to the others. "Jessica was way too quiet, ladies."

"Yeah, she was." Angela said.

"Perhaps one of us should talk to her." Brennan chimed in.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Thirty minutes later, Jessica walked into her office ready to tackle her next project. As she removed her lab coat and sat down, she heard a buzz on her phone. Unlocking her screen, she grimaced when she saw the message from her husband.

I'm such an inconsiderate asshole. How was your mammogram yesterday?

Jessica replied with the only words she could come up with. Fine…and you r not an asshole.

Jessica had to chuckle at her spouse's reply. If your breasts hurt at all, I can kiss them & make them better.

After sending her love Aubrey, Jessica opened Angela's new email. Seeing the results, she opened the case in the electronic binder program and entered the artist's finding in along with her conclusions. Sending the final report to the Virginia State Police Trooper in charge, she then opened Haskins case file and continued her research from yesterday, knowing Aubrey needed the info as soon as possible.

She was so engrossed in what she was doing that she didn't hear the knock the first time. When it was louder, she was jolted to see that she had a visitor. "Dr B, come on in."

Brennan entered the room and sat down on the chair in front of her subordinate's desk. "Dr Warren, are you under some sort of emotional distress?"

Jessica was taken aback for a moment, although she was used to the other woman's bluntness by now. "Um….no…why?"

"You were quiet this morning while we conducted the examination on the platform. Did you and Aubrey have a fight?"

"No…we didn't. We barely spoke this morning because he was half asleep as we got ourselves and the kids ready today." Jessica replied.

Brennan considered her words for a moment. "As the Deputy Forensic Anthropologist here at the Jeffersonian, it's important to be able to juggle different things, Dr Warren. However, if you are distracted, that could make things difficult. As your immediate supervisor, I feel that I should ensure you have all the proper tools you need. If your distraction is personal, I should try to help you with that so that you can concentrate fully on your tasks."

The redhead gulped at her mentor. "Dr B, has my performance not been up to par?"

"No, Dr Warren. Your performance in your duties has been as superior as always." Brennan tilted her head. "It's just that as I've already stated you were unusually quiet when you are very…loquacious as we work. Is there anything I can do?"

"Take back my humiliation." Jessica muttered, relieved she wasn't in trouble.

"I don't understand."

Jessica debated for a minute before spitting it out. "I fainted during my mammogram yesterday. It was so damn embarrassing Dr B. Nadia and Gail have had them for years without an issue, my mother probably doesn't but I have little to no contact with her, so I don't know for sure. I'm sure you, Angela, Daisy, Andie, and Dr Saroyan had no issues, so I'm just being a wuss."

Brennan could see that Jessica was in turmoil and decided that honesty was the best policy. "That's not…necessarily true, Dr Warren."

Jessica's pity party ended with her mentor's words. "What?"

Brennan took a breath. "I said…that…you're mistaken in regard to your assumption that I've never had an issue with a mammogram."

The forensic anthropologist eyes grew wide as she realized what she was hearing. "Like…how?"

Brennan hated to admit weakness but felt that Jessica deserved the truth. "I…fainted at my first one as well."

"Really?"

Brennan nodded. "It was two weeks after my father died. I wanted to cancel it, but Booth rightfully had me keep the appointment. As a woman of science, I know that these things are needed once you enter your fourth decade, as you know now. I did my research and I had talked to Cam, who is a year younger than Booth and had them before. As she had advised, I scheduled it about eleven days before I was due for my period, drank plenty of water, and drink acetaminophen about an hour before the procedure."

"So…what happened?"

"The technician was very polite and answered all my questions. I followed her requests as stated and mentally prepared myself as she shaped my breast between the two plates. Then she turned on the machine."

"Did it really hurt for you?"

"It was extremely uncomfortable, Doctor Warren. I stiffened up in response and told myself that it would end soon, and it was a medical necessity. When the machine finished its turn, I was relieved before she announced they were doing the side view. I just wanted it over with by this time, so I got myself into position awkwardly as my arm was up and over the machine. Then, my breast was pressed between the plates again. It had not made a quarter turn when I saw spots in front of me and I became dizzy. Before I could say anything…. I fainted."

Jessica realized what Brennan was saying. "So, you were caught in…"

"Yes, I was. The technician caught me and when I woke up, I was on the floor with my feet propped up. Apparently, she caught me before my entire body would be dangling by my breast. They offered me juice and after making sure my blood pressure was in an acceptable range, we finished my left breast as I sat, and it was much easier."

Jessica played with her cup of tea. "Were you embarrassed?"

"Very much, but I held myself together. When done and I was free to go, they instructed me to go home, but I came back to work again."

"That's what I did yesterday." Jessica said. "I…I…didn't want to sit and…think about it."

Brennan nodded then continued. "I told no one, including Booth right away, although we were having…a difficult time as I'm sure you recall." Seeing the redhead's nod, she continued. "He was quite upset that he wasn't called by the way. Have you told Aubrey that you fainted?"

Jessica shook her head. "No. You know how protective he is, Dr. B. Aubrey would've either panicked that I was dying or think I was pregnant again…"

"Are you and Aubrey not open to the possibility of a fifth child?" Brennan asked. "Although your chances for conception have decreased due to your medical history, you still can conceive, plus you both make excellent salaries."

"We did discuss it about a year ago. However, now that I'm 40 and Aubrey's almost 45, along with all that we went through with my last pregnancy with Molly, we've decided that four little Aubreys was enough. My IUD is our best friend."

After the ladies' laughter tapered down, Brennan sobered. "After what happened to me, I was embarrassed while I was also grieving, but then I realized that knowledge is power. So, I conducted a vast amount of research and through websites and medical journals, I found out that I was not the only woman this had happened to From what the evidence suggests, I was standing so still that all the blood pooled up in my legs—"

"—causing the blood to leave your brain." The redhead finished.

"It seems you've read the same articles I did. With the emotional turmoil I was also experiencing at that time regarding my father's death, my stress levels were higher than usual. After talking to Cam, she made the astute suggestion that my pain could be due to the lack of experience of the technician. I had realized that there were many ways that could explain my syncope." Brennan said quietly. "With that conclusion, what happened didn't make me weak or stupid. You shouldn't blame yourself, either."

"I'm starting to come around to that." Jessica replied, feeling better.

"When I returned the next year for another mammogram, once again, I took the medication. However, I sat down for the procedure and was more prepared for the discomfort. Per Cam's suggestion, I asked for a different technician and the experience was less traumatic. All mammograms since have had less discomfort."

"So, what you're saying is shit happens, I should learn from my experience, and quit feeling sorry for myself?"

Brennan nodded. "I'm still don't understand how the comparison to feces can be generated in these types of situations, but…yes, I am.

The two women laughed before they got up and came together in a hug. "Thanks, Dr B. You always make me feel better."

"I try…Jessica."

Just then, Hodgins walked slowly into the redhead's office with his new Lofstrand crutches. "Awwww, so sweet."

The two women looked at the head of the lab standing in the doorway. "You're really rocking those new crutches, Curly."

"Well, for now, I can't be on them for more than a few minutes at a time until I go through more physical therapy. However I'm really kicking these crutches."

"Doctor Hodgins, do you need one of us?" Brennan asked.

"Actually, there's been a body discovered in Shenandoah National Park along with a few pieces of jewelry."

"Aubrey told me that there has been that jewel heist gang that has been ripping off stores in the DC area as well as Virginia…" Jessica said.

Hodgins grinned. "Yep, which is why Major Crimes got called in instead of Booth in Homicide. Jessica, your husband requested to have you as lead anthropologist as long as Dr B didn't mind."

"I have a few cases I'm working with Booth on right now, so I have no objection." Brennan answered. "Dr. Warren, if you need anything else, my office doorway is always open."

Jessica smiled, knowing what Brennan meant. "I will. Thanks for talking to me, Dr. B."

After Brennan left the office, Jessica got up and grabbed her jumpsuit, hanging nearby. "I'll be ready shortly. I just have to call Daisy and ask her to take the kids home with her in case Aubrey and I are late tonight."

"Cam is packing up her gear now, Jessica and I'm going to grab my walker out of the Ookey Room. Just let us know when you're ready."

When Hodgins left the room, Jessica shut her door and changed into her jumpsuit. Relaxed for the first time in over 24 hours, she smiled before picking up her case and walking out of the office.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

After a busy afternoon for the couple, their dinner was relaxed as they ate lasagna while litening to their children's days. When done, they assisted the kids in getting around for bed with Aubrey was in the twins' room reading to them while Jessica read to Molly and Rachael in their eldest child's room. When they were done reading, the parents took turns telling their children good night before the agent picked up a sleeping Molly and carried her into her bed.

Moving quietly into their large master bedroom, each got undressed before brushing their teeth and completing their individual night time rituals in their en-suite bathroom. As she did every night, Jessica wiped up the toothpaste Aubrey usually forgot to rinse from the sink. When they went into the bedroom, Aubrey turned off the light Jessica usually left on before they crawled into bed. Grabbing his tablet, the agent found the Star Wars fanfiction story the couple had been following the last several weeks. After he got situated and Jessica laid her head on his chest, the two began to quietly read.

Throughout the evening, Jessica contemplated what to say to Aubrey, but as they neared the end of the chapter, she realized that the truth was best. "I fainted during my mammogram, Superman."

The redhead waited for him to either sit up in shock followed by rapid-fire questioning or a lecture on not calling him, but to her surprise, neither came. Instead, Aubrey put the IPad aside and ran his fingers through her hair.

"Are you all right?"

"I am. The nurse there thought it was my low blood pressure and me being nervous. It hurt a lot, so I don't know if the technician wasn't that experienced and all that made it worse." Jessica felt Aubrey stiffen up, so she hugged her husband while her head remained on his chest. "James, I really am fine. I'm going to be all right, I promise."

"Well, your blood pressure does run low, and you were nervous." Aubrey tempered his instinct to panic, knowing it was the last thing Jessica needed now. However, he needed to ask what was on his mind. "Why didn't you tell me, Jess? Was it because I was so caught up in that case I didn't ask until the next day? That was pretty thoughtless of me and I don't blame you for being pissed off."

The redhead lifted her head and looked at her husband. "No, Aubrey. I was just afraid you would freak out and…I was embarrassed."

"What on earth for?" Aubrey replied. "You're a human being."

Jessica looked at her husband with a 'duh' face. "James Aubrey, I'm a forensic anthropologist who works cases for the FBI…CIA…Virginia State Police…Maryland State Police…West Virginia—"

"Yeah, you work with law enforcement, Jess." Her husband replied. "What does that have to do with fainting during a medical procedure?"

"I've been through some hairy, life threatening situations…mostly with you in some capacity that we have to tell our children about someday when they're older." Jessica looked up and saw Aubrey's acknowledgement of what she was saying. "I've also been to crime scenes that would scare the hell out of most people…my mother is severely mentally ill and the shit from her I had to deal with…. I survived all that. I'm tough and strong, but..."

A light bulb went off in Aubrey's head. "But during a normal, routine, medical procedure…you weren't, and you think that makes you weak."

"I did…" Jessica replied as she gently rubbed her husband's chest. "But I talked to Dr B today and she made me realize that…it's okay not to be always be a superhuman."

"Sometimes, I need Booth to tell me the same thing." Aubrey said, gently rubbing her back. "Can I assume that you also did copious amounts of research after all this went down?"

The redhead giggled. "How did you know?"

The Special Agent in Charge smiled. "I haven't been having frequent sex with you and assisted in procreating our four children over the last twelve years and not learned a thing of two."

"You're a brat." Jessica smacked his arm and the two laughed. "Now be serious, please."

Aubrey rubbed his wife's arm. "Seriously, Jess…I know you. Your mind is always going. If you come up with something that stumps you…research is what you do. Furthermore, you do not quit until you know the answer. It's one of the things that I love about my best friend."

Jessica smiled. "You know what I love about my best friend? The fact he knows me so well."

"Yeah, like the fact you leave lights on." Aubrey said with a smirk.

Challenged, Jessica grinned back. "Okay Mister 'I can't brush my teeth without leaving toothpaste in the sink.'"

"I know one more thing." Aubrey said as he pulled Jessica closer. "You're only wearing my FBI t-shirt and panties to bed tonight."

The redhead chuckled before climbing up onto her husband and straddling him. "I am. What are you going to do about it, Special Agent Aubrey?"

Aubrey felt an erection come on and his hands moved up his wife's creamy thighs and under his t-shirt. "Well, Doctor Warren, as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there's only one thing I can do."

"Oh really?" Jessica said with a flirtatious grin. "What would that be?"

Aubrey flicked off the nightstand light and flipped her on her back in the dark. "I must…interrogate you."

There was laughter in the room, following by slow, quiet moans.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Two weeks later, Jessica came home on a Wednesday afternoon. Opening the mail, she spotted an envelope she had been waiting on for two weeks. Opening it, she read and smiled.

BREAST DENSITY: VERY DENSE

ABNORMALITIES: NONE NOTED

Yes, having highly dense breasts would find tumor detection more difficult. However, her doctor did not see the need for her to follow up with an MRI and she was all set. Next year, she would be more prepared and not worry.

Taking a picture, she sent it in a text to Aubrey. About a minute later, she got a smiley face and a thumbs up in response. Laughing, she walked back to her office and put in the desk drawer.

Maybe her forties wouldn't be so bad after all.

*There will be sequel to this chapter down the road...I can promise you that.