A/N: So Aubrey and Jessica are happy and in love. Today, the couple recover from their World Series celebration and experience a trauma. Will they recover?

Real life and the responsibility that went with it came too soon for the lovers, who didn't make it upstairs until after 2:00 in the morning. When the alarm went off at 6:00, they both crawled out of bed and stumbled to the shower. Sharing the bathroom afterwards, Jessica did her hair and makeup while Aubrey shaved at the other basin, both moving half a step behind as their late night caught up with them.

When done, Jessica threw homemade breakfast burritos in the microwave before pouring coffee for both of them in their travel mugs. Aubrey fed Skinner before they rushed out of his house. Their usual morning banter wasn't as lively as normal as the agent rushed them to work while resisting the urge to use the siren, but neither was offended.

After sharing a quick kiss, Jessica grabbed her stuff and ran into American University's Hamilton building. Thankful for a few minutes to spare, she ducked into the nearby restroom. Dr. B's first class break wouldn't be until around 9:00 and it didn't look right for the TA to leave in the middle of the lecture.

Washing her hands, she looked down at her phone and smiled at the picture of her and Aubrey from the Star Wars convention. She was lucky to have such a cute and fun boyfriend.

As she dried her hands, she glanced at the time and her eyes got large as she saw it was 7:49. Grabbing her phone, laptop bag, and purse, she rushed out the door towards the lecture hall. She still needed to set up the Power Point projection for the lecture and being late for Dr. B was not an option.

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

After dropping Jessica off, Aubrey got to the Hoover just shy of 8:00 and rushed upstairs to his division. He was heartened to see a sluggish Booth and Charlie in the break room, both obviously tired from watching Game 7 as well. After sharing greetings and agreeing on a 2:00 meeting time for creating an orientation proposal to present to Deputy Director Stark the following week, Aubrey refilled his coffee and stole more donuts before retreating to his office.

Copious amounts of caffeine, several donuts, and a mid morning egg sandwich later, Aubrey felt almost normal again.

He spent his morning reading through his agents' cases. On his computer was the job performance review program the FBI used for their agents. While he'd helped Booth in the past as he did these reports for the other agents in Homicide, this was the first time he would be doing these on his own. Much like Booth did with him, he got Genny's input regarding their agents' performance. After a couple of hours, he put the files aside to do his other administrative work.

After finishing his review of Agent Baker's expense report from his last case, he got hungry again. As he reached into his drawer for the emergency peppered beef jerky he kept handy, his phone buzzed, signaling a text message. Checking it, he saw it was from Jessica.

Class getting out now. Lunch at RD?

Looking at the clock, he was surprised to see it was 11:05 AM. Smiling, he answered back.

Always. Meet u there.

The SAC got up and locked his computer. When done, he grabbed his overcoat, keys, and phone before locking his office door. Walking down to Shaw's office, he peeked in. "Meeting Jess at the diner for lunch. Want me to bring you back anything?"

"Actually, yeah.", Shaw wrote down what she wanted and gave the Post it Note to Aubrey. "Thanks, Boss."

"No problem." Aubrey headed out past Agent Bower's desk without a glance at Karen, who was sitting on the corner talking and flirting with the agent. He calculated he had just enough time to get there before Dr. B dropped off Jessica on her way to the lab.

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

When Aubrey got to the diner ten minutes later, it was packed. Luckily, he was able to snag the last table just as Jessica arrived. Greeting each other with a kiss, they sat down. Knowing the menu by heart, they were able to quickly place their order with Hilda as well as Genny's. Five minutes later, she came back with two Cokes and a large chocolate shake for the SAC.

"So you're working Saturday and Sunday, correct?", Aubrey asked Jessica.

"I am. Wendell needed this weekend off for his new program, so I traded my December weekend, which was the 9th and 10th."

"Anything interesting to do at the lab this time, or are you just going to identify unknown remains like the last few times?", Aubrey asked before sipping his shake.

"The Jeffersonian is expecting some remains from Turkey to arrive Friday, so barring a case, that is what I get to work on. However, I'm out at 3:00 both days."

"That's good. Want to grab dinner Saturday night when you get done?", the agent asked.

"Sure, Superman.", Jessica replied with a hopeful smile. "Any special occasion?"

"No…no…just wanted to spend some time with my girl is all. Maybe we can see a movie afterwards.", Aubrey said. "Doctor Strange is showing…"

Before he could go further, they were interrupted by the familiar nails on the chalkboard voice. "Wow, this place is hopping today. Can we join you?"

Aubrey and Jessica looked up and saw Agent Bower and Karen. They would've preferred to be alone, but each knew it would be rude to make them have lunch elsewhere.

"Sure.", Aubrey said blandly. When he saw Bower sit by Jessica, he suddenly stood up. "Wait, Steve, I'll trade you seats."

"I—", Steve protested. "I don't wanna cause you any trouble, Boss…"

"No, I insist.", Aubrey said, getting up hastily before Karen could take the chair next to him. In quick time, the agent made his way around to the outside chair by Jessica. When situated, he grabbed his Coke and chocolate shake. "There…now you two can sit together."

"All right.", Steve said, smiling as he got situated next to Karen. "This is great, ain't it, Sugar?"

"Definitely." Karen gave Steve a flirty wink. "I just love sitting next to my big, buff, FBI boyfriend."

"Um...okay." Aubrey glanced at Jessica in surprise before he continued. "So...you two...are together now? As a couple? When did that happen?"

"It's been a couple of weeks, right, Honey?" Steve put his arm on the back of Karen's chair as she nodded in agreement. "It was the Monday before the Gala thing. I was walking by the conference room where she was having that 7:00 meeting with you and Shaw when she came out in a hurry and ran smack into me. It musta been fate…best accident I ever had."

Exhaling softly as he realized which meeting Steve meant, Aubrey nodded. "I see…"

"It was a real stroke of luck, wasn't it, Steve? You just happened to be outside there when I came walking out of that room, and I just happened to have two tickets to the Jeffersonian Gala...and some Wizard of Oz costumes picked out...and you just happened to be available to go with me. I'm glad you chose the Scarecrow." Karen shrugged at Jessica as she laughed. "Steve's really smart like the Scarecrow in the movie, and he looked so good in the costume, too...better than Aubrey would've, you know...if I'd wanted Aubrey to go with me to the Gala, that is."

"I bet." Jessica said blandly, keeping her dissenting opinion to herself.

The profiler giggled as she pushed her glasses up on her nose. "I just love that furry Cowardly Lion costume. It's so soft and cuddly, and it's great for role play. I especially like it when Steve tries to tame me...he loves to use that naughty whip to show his pussycat who's in charge."

"Wow….a little TMI, Karen.", Jessica gasped as that picture flooded her brain. "So you like furry things like that?"

"Explains that pink stuffed...thing in her guest room that I woke up to after Cam and Arastoo's wedding.", Aubrey muttered quietly.

"Oh, you know it. That's why I like Steve. He's got enough body hair to make Sean Connery jealous." Karen made a show of patting her boyfriend's hand, hoping Aubrey would notice and be full of regret. James is gonna be sorry he let me go for that little redheaded twit...but I have Steve now.

"Wow…" Jessica said again, unable to come up with a coherent response as Karen continued.

"I think all that thick hair is so...manly. It definitely shows off the testosterone levels, doesn't it? How about you, Jessica?", Karen asked with a smirk. "Does Aubrey rate high up there on the manliness scale for you?"

The redhead put her hand on her boyfriend's, considering her answer for a minute since she knew he would be uncomfortable with the topic. "For me, a male's manliness and attractiveness is not so much the quantity of body hair or even the amount of muscle behind it as much as confidence in himself, security in his manhood, and personal integrity. Luckily for me, Karen, Aubrey has all three of those in spades, as well as more than enough hair and muscle to keep me interested. However, every woman has her own opinion."

Karen was annoyed at Jessica's easy and clever response and pushed further. "Well, with this hunky FBI agent, we have all sorts of fun together, don't we, my big, strong, Stevie Weevie…"

"You know it, Sugar Booger." Bower wore a cheesy grin as he gave Karen's arm a squeeze. "We have fun all night long…just the two of us..."

Aubrey cringed with disgust, watching the couple sitting across the table from him as they fawned over each other while indulging in some overly sweet baby talk.

'Stevie Weevie and Sugar Booger? God, I may be sick. It must've years since Steve's been laid if he's willing to put up with that shit from Karen.'

"Well, I'm glad you're both happy." the agent managed to say. ' ….and relieved….'

"Oh, we are!", Karen gushed. "We're just as happy as two people can be…and we had so much fun at the Gala, and then afterward, we went back to my place for a nightcap or two. We sat and talked for hours...right, Steve? We have so much in common…"

"You're right, Babe...and the talking was just part of it, but I guess we oughta keep the rest of the evening's festivities to ourselves, right? I don't wanna embarrass Aubrey's girlfriend, seeing how she's so young and all. She might not know about all that stuff."

"Yeah...thanks for thinking of Jessica like that, Steve. That's very considerate of you." Aubrey replied, not wanting to subject him and his girlfriend to a foreplay by foreplay description of Steve and Karen's sexual adventures.

The agent couldn't help but smile as he thought about all the stuff Jessica did know about, like how ten hours earlier she took him for the ride of his life in his living room chair. Oh, the stories his furniture...and hers...could tell about them. However, that was between him and Jessica.

"No problem, Boss. I always try to be considerate of others, particularly young women." Bower said as he winked at Jessica and licked his lips. "We should probably leave that sort of thing to your imagination, Sweetheart."

The redhead didn't like how the other agent was looking at her and decided to lay down the law. "My name is Jessica...not Sweetheart, Agent Bower."

"I'll remember that.", Bower replied, somewhat chastised. "No offense, okay?"

"Sure.", the forensic anthropologist replied before sipping her Coke. "None taken."

The table was quiet for a few minutes before the anthropologist decided to break the tension, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.

"So…um...why did you choose costumes from the Wizard of Oz for the Gala, Karen?" I really had her pegged as more of the Psycho sort. "I mean, don't get me wrong. You looked great…"

"I did, didn't I?", Karen giggled. "Even after that small spill on my tail by that goon Aubrey put in his place."

"Sugar, you looked hot in and out of it, and I know why you wore that costume." Steve grinned at his new girlfriend. "It's her favorite movie…"

"Yes, it is. I just love it. It has so many psychosexual overtones…"

"Really?" Aubrey was obviously surprised. "I thought it was just munchkins, wicked witches, and flying monkeys…you know, kid stuff..."

"Oh, it's so much more than that. I learned all about it when I was in Kansas City. One of the other profilers explained it to me." Karen gestured for them to get closer, leaning across the table as if she was going to divulge an important secret. "The Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion all represent parts of Dorothy's psyche...kind of like a version of Freud's id, ego, and superego theory."

"We really don't need to know any more…", Jessica stammered, but Karen plowed ahead with her explanation.

"The Scarecrow represents her brain...her intelligence. The Tin Man is her emotional component, and the Cowardly Lion represents her fears. Dorothy was trying to use those parts of her personality to overcome the sexual repression of society in her day, as represented by the Wicked Witch of the West. After the Wizard fails to help her, Dorothy is terribly frustrated, but eventually the Good Witch sets Dorothy free from her bondage, so that she becomes a fully realized sexual being." Karen smiled proudly. "By choosing the Lion for my costume, I was demonstrating that I've overcome all of my childish sexual fears, and I'm now completely at peace with myself as a sexually mature woman."

Stunned by Karen's explanation, Aubrey blushed slightly as he stared at the tabletop. "That's...a very unique theory, Karen. I've definitely never heard anything like that." He fidgeted with his silverware, wondering if he'd ever be able to enjoy that movie again. "Well, it sounds like you have things all worked out…"

"I really do, and I have my Stevie Weevie to thank for that. He's such a satisfying lover…" Karen grinned broadly at the agent, who smiled back.

"Sugar, you are definitely my kind of woman...in and out of my bed...especially with what you wore last night...I mean, you should've seen it, Aubrey...black satin bra and these amazing panties..."

"Um...okay…" Trying hard not to gag, Jessica looked out through the diner's picture window. "Nice weather we're having, isn't it?"

"I heard it will be sunny all weekend...great weather.", Aubrey replied, hoping the uncomfortable conversation with the other couple would cease. "Oh, look you two, here comes Hilda to take your order."

After the older woman took the other couple's order and left, Aubrey and Jessica were at the mercy of Karen and Steve's PDA, which currently consisted of them touching each other under the table while exchanging baby talk. As the redhead stole a drink from her boyfriend's shake, he showed her something on his phone to help them tune out the other couple.

Hilda efficiently came back with two coffees for Karen and Steve and the peaceful silence was broken.

"So, Jessica, how are things at the lab?", Karen asked, obviously pretending to be interested.

"Good. Thanks for asking.", the redhead responded in a polite tone, still in recovery mode from the sickly sweet display of the couple in front of her.

Karen reached over Agent Bower for a Splenda packet, making sure to flash her cleavage at him. Ripping it open with a flourish, she stirred her coffee noisily as looked over at the anthropologist. "I heard that you will getting some remains that were found in Thrace near Bulgaria tomorrow.", she said. "That should be interesting."

"Yes, I think so.", Jessica said. "There were some artifacts found at the site that will also be examined by the Antiquities Department while the lab gets to examine the remains. How did you know that they were found near Thrace?"

"This is Washington DC, Jessica. Nothing is secret here. However, you get to work with that goon Gerald Maxwell again. Can you handle that?", Karen said with a smirk. "I mean, Aubrey can't always be there to run interference for you if you offend him again."

Before the agent could open his mouth, Jessica squeezed his knee under the table. "I'm sure I'll survive, Karen."

The profiler took a drink of her coffee. "I sure hope you didn't burn your bridges in your dealings with him or else you'll have to find a job outside of DC when you graduate. After all, you know who his father is…"

The redhead was positive she saw a glint of challenge in the woman's eye before it changed to fake interest. "I appreciate your concern about my future, but I think my work at the lab speaks for itself."

"Jessica, really…", Karen said before stirring her coffee once again. "Harold Maxwell has friends all over the world. You're practically going to have to go to Timbuktu for your career after graduation if you can't play nice with his son. Remember, Aubrey has many prospects in the FBI, but he can't follow you everywhere."

Jessica took a breath, ignoring the profiler's implication. "Let me reassure you, Karen, that even if Gerald Maxwell hadn't been suspended for the shit he pulled with me at the Gala, I can still be professional. As for my future career, like I said, my work at the lab speaks for itself, and I will have several positive references, including Dr. B, Dr. Hodgins, Clark, and others."

"Oohhh, sensitive subject...my bad.", Karen said. "Now, with those remains from Thrace, it sounds you will be busy for a while. Are you still going to be able to work cases for the FBI?"

Jessica took a deep breath before continuing calmly. "If there's a case this weekend I'll be the intern working it. Part of our internship at the lab is working whatever case comes up in our rotation."

"You must twiddle your thumbs in between cases, right?" Karen asked. "That must be so boring for a smarty pants like you."

"I do all right, Karen.", Jessica said before taking a sip of her pop, keeping her annoyance tempered down. "I can always identify remains in Limbo or read."

"Do all right? Jessica...how do you learn all that nasty sciency stuff in between cases? Even more, how do you survive here in DC living off your internship? Heck, you have a Masters degree, don't you? You could find a better job now if you wanted anywhere in this country or in Europe that has an anthropology program, like that university in Scotland where you were this summer. Those places want super smarty Americans like you working for them."

Jessica got a sense the profiler had a purpose for her line of questioning, even though Aubrey was giving Karen the benefit of the doubt. However, the woman's nosiness and pushiness was giving her very bad vibes.

It was time to nip the older woman's pissing contest in the bud.

"As far as the learning goes, I am lucky to learn from several talented scientists. Most Mondays I work on my dissertation in the morning and then work as Dr. Edison's intern in Cultural Anthropology, usually from 1:00 to 6:00 before I attend a yoga class either right afterwards, or sometimes on Wednesday night. After that, I go home and either work on my dissertation or finish preparing the student materials for the Supplemental Instruction session that I do for Dr. B's Human Origins class on Fridays.

Jessica ticked off two fingers. "Tuesdays and Wednesdays I usually work with Dr. B at the lab, usually starting at 8 AM, 9 AM or something in that time frame, depending on whether she has to be in court or if I'm called to assist that day at a scene. I may go home as early as 3:00, or on rare occasions, as late as midnight."

Not prepared for the younger woman's response, Karen spoke. "Maybe a change of subject is-"

Jessica plowed ahead. "Thursdays mornings I'm with Dr. B in her Human Origins class as her TA from 8:00 - 11:00 before working in the afternoon as Dr. Hodgins' Thursday intern because I have an undergraduate degree in Forensic Science. Friday mornings I'm working with Dr. B and have a standing appointment with her at 9:30 to go over my progress for my dissertation. I leave the lab at 1:00 to go to AmU to conduct that SI session I mentioned from 1:30 to 3:00. I used to do one on Tuesday afternoon, but the students liked Fridays better."

"But-"

"Karen, I'm trying to answer your questions. Please let me finish.", Jessica said politely. Aubrey bit his lip to keep his snicker back and even Steve wore a smirk.

"Very well.", Karen replied before taking a drink. "Go right ahead."

"Thank you. Now, when I get done with that, I go home and usually send an email to Dr. B with any observations or any student questions from the session. After that, I get ready to go out for the evening, usually with Aubrey at Founding Fathers because they do half price appetizers on Friday nights before the two of us spend...time together."

Karen's back stiffened. "What-"

Jessica decided to dig the knife in a little deeper. "On Saturdays I use my mornings to pay bills, get groceries, and other chores. Then my Saturday nights and Sundays are spent having a life with Aubrey or with our friends hanging out together. Last Sunday, we went to Hodgins and Angela's house to watch Game 5 of the World Series with Dr B., Booth, and everyone else. It was a lot of fun."

The mention of the group hanging out without inviting her to join them once again hit a sore spot with Karen. "Well-"

The redhead interrupted Karen. "However, each semester I work at least two weekends in a rotation with seven other interns at the lab, where I do independent work in Limbo or work a case if it comes up. When that happens, I have the previous Friday and following Tuesday off. Of course, we interns do trade days with each other from time to time, like when I needed to go to Richmond last month for a lecture as part of my dissertation research."

Karen put her coffee down. "I see-but..."

"In answer to your question on how I can afford to live in DC?", Jessica said as she clasped her hands together on the table. "My graduate program at American University includes, as previously mentioned, being employed as a TA this semester in one of Dr. B's classes. As a teaching grad assistant, I also get 50% off my tuition each semester through tuition remission, a stipend that helps pay for my living expenses, and decent dental and health insurance through the university. I do have a trust fund that I inherited from my paternal grandparents that is used for college along with emergencies and extra living expenses. However, I'm also a careful budgeter, a skill learned from growing up in a family of six children...not that it's actually any of your business."

"Wow.", Agent Bower responded. "I thought you just looked at bones and shit."

"But what about another job? You can go to school anywhere, and I'm sure you're going to want to go somewhere new once you graduate.", Karen said, nonplussed at the intern's attitude. "I'm surprised you didn't stay at Ann Arbor."

"Ann Arbor has University of Michigan, Karen. I went to Michigan State in East Lansing, which is about an hour away from there. As for why I didn't stay at MSU? Honestly, I loved Michigan, but after eight years and traveling around a bit, I was ready to come home, and I wanted to learn from the best forensic anthropologist in the world."

As the profiler's mouth opened, Jessica continued. "So I applied to and was accepted to the graduate program at American University for the Fall 2013 Semester. I was accepted as an intern at the Jeffersonian over 100 other applicants six months later. While I could get more Benjamins now utilizing my Masters degree, I would rather learn from the best now so that when I get my PhD, I can someday be half as good a forensic anthropologist as Dr. B. Accomplishments and a high salary in the short term don't mean much without hard work and a solid education, Karen. As for after I graduate, I'm realistic, but I do know that there are many things I can do with my degrees. Contrary to your opinion, I don't think I'll have to go to Timbuktu to start my career."

The redhead sat back in her chair and propped her arm on the back of Aubrey's chair. He grinned appreciatively, leaning toward her as she rubbed his shoulders tenderly before she turned her attention back to Karen. "Now, is there anything else regarding my education, life in DC, or even my very enjoyable and active sex life with Aubrey that you have a pressing need to know?"

Aubrey's momentary embarrassment at their lovemaking being brought up in conversation ended when he saw the nosy profiler's face turn bright red. Wisely, he held back the laugh that formed at the subtle rebuke she'd gotten from his brilliant girlfriend.

"No.", Karen replied with forced politeness. "I think you've covered everything."

What followed was an awkward silence permeated only with the cacophony of the sounds of the diner. This remained until Agent Bower spoke up.

"I remember working on studying for my CPA exam. Man, trying to do that while I was interning was hard work. It was about that time that I had my Meet and Greet after my Phase One test to join the FBI."

Everyone nodded awkwardly before Jessica was surprised to feel a sensation moving up and down on her right leg. Aubrey was on her left, so she looked across the table to the only other culprit. She felt nauseated when she saw the lustful look on Agent Bower's face while her boyfriend and Karen weren't looking.

'What a f'ing pig. Hits on me while sitting next to his girlfriend. Asshole.'

Smiling back, Jessica moved her leg quickly and slammed the heel of her boot into the agent's shin. When he jolted the table and grimaced, she put on a look of fake apology.

"Oh goodness, Agent Bower. Did my big clown foot hit your leg? I'm so sorry. These new boots are so clunky and big, especially in the heel. Are you okay?"

"Yeah.", Steve said, wincing at the pain. "I'm fine…"

"Would you excuse me for a moment?", Jessica asked. She was irritated that her time with her boyfriend was interrupted and she didn't want to lose her appetite over his jerk subordinate.

Aubrey got up to let Jessica out. He watched as she went up to the counter and talked to Hilda. He had a thought about what the redhead was up to and hoped he was right.

"Jessica is a pretty...determined person, isn't she, Aubrey?"

The agent turned back to the profiler. "Yes she is, Karen. She's smart and driven, but also has the biggest heart of anyone I know."

"She was a bit snippy with me when I asked her about why she doesn't cash in on that masters degree and her future plans.", Karen said before sipping her coffee. "It's a legitimate question. She needs to be realistic about life, especially now that she's working with the FBI. Most people use their education instead of coasting along as a professional student. While she has been able to live on her family's money and dally along on life, you, Steve, and I had to work hard and make sacrifices along the way to get to where we are at today."

'You don't know shit about the sacrifices Jess has made in life.', Aubrey thought as he took a drink of his shake. "You told me once that after earning your Master's degree at Georgetown you chose to stay and earn your doctorate there. To support yourself, you were a research assistant for your advisor and had on campus jobs. If it's so good to 'cash in', why didn't you do that?"

"I…."

"Plus, Jessica began college at a school 600 miles away from home when she was fifteen years old, away from all her family and all that she knew. She had some adventures, but her summers were spent working on a multi year dig on Fort Michilimackinac in Michigan for MSU, which helped her get hired at the Jeffersonian. After graduation, she worked on other projects and made valuable contacts with people from several universities over the years. She's also assisted on cases not just with the FBI, but also the CIA, DEA, Secret Service, and other agencies within Homeland Security. Yes, when she graduates, she may have to leave the area, but I am confident I will land on my own two feet when I go with her."

"You...will leave DC?", Karen said, surprised. "You would give up your position as SAC of Major Crimes?"

"Yes, Karen. There are 56 field offices, along with more satellite offices, and 64 FBI legats overseas, so I'm not worried about finding another job in the Bureau. If not, I could probably get in somewhere at Homeland Security or another government position near where Jessica find a job after graduation. However, as my girlfriend just indicated, her life or our future choices are none of your damn business, are they?"

"I….um...", a stumped Karen blurted out. "I guess not…"

'That should shut her up for a bit.', Aubrey thought. Glancing back to where his girlfriend was, he smiled when he saw her take a large bag from the counter and a drink carrier holding three Styrofoam cups. As he watched her head back to the table, he began fidgeting, as he was anxious to leave.

Jessica held back a snicker as she saw her boyfriend ready to book it out of there. Arriving at the table, she put her game face on.

"Aubrey, I got a text message from Booth asking me to remind you of that meeting at noon that you and Genny had scheduled with him regarding the Finney case. It's the one Dr. B asked me to sit in on before going to the lab because she had a doctor's appointment."

Aubrey immediately caught on. "Oh...shit. Can't believe I forgot."

"I know...me, too, but we still have time.", Jessica replied while setting the food and drinks on the table. "I got Genny's lunch and a Sprite for her. Hilda also made our orders to go and put our Cokes in to go cups because I told her how much of a hurry we were in.", Jessica said before turning to the other two. "Sorry to run. Now you two can have a nice quiet lunch together."

"Yeah, can't keep Booth waiting.", Aubrey said before handing Jessica her jacket. "He hates that."

Quickly, the agent and anthropologist got their coats on. When ready, they grabbed their drinks as Aubrey grabbed their food and his shake before briskly walking away and out the door.

"Well...that was rude.", Karen said quietly before having more coffee.

"Yeah, it was.", Agent Bower said as he continued to rub his shin where he'd been kicked.

"Oh...my...God, Superman…", Jessica groaned as they left the diner, "...that was...disgusting…"

"I know...euuuuhhhhh…I thought I would go into a diabetic coma from all that...sweetness." Aubrey replied with a shiver.

"I don't think she was that bad even around you.", the redhead replied with a grimace.

"And that shit about using her lion costume as a sex toy with Steve..."

"Yeah, the same one that some of Gerald's pee got on it, Aubrey, when he tripped on her.", Jessica said. "It sounds like they used it for weird sex stuff that night."

"Ugh, I forgot about that...so gross…", Aubrey retorted before taking a drink of his chocolate shake. "I don't even want to think about what kind of role playing they did…"

"God...one of my favorite movies…corrupted by that skank...", Jessica trailed off before realizing something. "Wait, she mentioned having a Scarecrow costume and made a production out of how much better Agent Bower looked in it instead of you. Do you know what that means?"

"You mean…" Aubrey soon realized where his girlfriend was going. "She got me a costume for the Gala? What the fuck..."

"I know...and they got together after you read her the riot act about her stalking you...literally.", Jessica said as the man lit up in the crosswalk sign. "Doesn't that give you creepy vibes?"

"Yeah, but Jess….", Aubrey said as they crossed the street and walked the few blocks to the FBI building. "She and Steve can whip each other, whisper disgusting baby talk, and have super sweet nicknames for each other to their hearts content. I don't care what they do...just as long as Karen is our of our hair. Thank God we aren't that...ugh...disgusting..."

The redhead looked at her boyfriend and grinned. "You don't want to be my Aubrey Waubrey?"

"As much as you want to be my Sugar Booger.", the agent replied as they arrived at the J Edgar Hoover Building.

The couple laughed. "Hey, if we finish our lunch soon enough, maybe this young girl can make out with the Special Agent in Charge of the Major Crimes Division. I have to build up my imagination, you know."

"Jessica Warren, you are absolutely brilliant...I love you.", Aubrey said as he opened the door for his girlfriend.

"I know.", the redhead said before giving the agent a kiss and walking through the door. "I love you, too."