So Steve and Mitzi are now married, and it's time to celebrate. However, it seems that our favorite couple may have another cause to celebrate as well. Read on to find out more about their own little private party.

Please note: some mildly spicy bits at the end of the chapter. Take care if you're reading at work.

A/N: Watch for an L & C extra...follow mphs95 on Twitter or MiBonesFan on Tumblr.

Twenty hours after the wedding, Aubrey ate his lunch of leftover steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, part of Jessica's sea bass fillet, and assorted appetizers from Le Diplomate at his desk. He took a bite and groaned in pleasure as he worked on case audits that he wanted to complete before leaving for the day. As he enjoyed the perfection that was his New York Strip, he recalled dinner last night.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

Jessica and Aubrey barely arrived by 5:00 at Le Diplomate due to the icy weather. Holding his girlfriend's hand, the SAC walked up to the podium. "We're here for the Bower-Nilsson party?"

"Yes, sir.", the host said with a polite smile. "The other couple called a few minutes ago to say they're running late. However, they've ordered a bottle of champagne and the Grand Plateau for the table. Please follow me."

"I've heard that thing is amazing, Jess.", Aubrey said with glee. "Lobster, scallops, crab, oysters...yeah, baby…"

"We should probably save some for Mitzi and Steve, Aubrey.", Jessica replied before whispering in a sly tone, "Unless you think he'll be too full from using his teeth to pull her underwear off."

Aubrey laughed loudly until he saw the angry looks of patrons. "Sorry…". Simmering down, the couple snickered softly together as they were shown to their table.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

"So...Steve...do you two have any honeymoon plans?", Aubrey asked politely as he enjoyed a crab leg, trying to ignore the fact that his agent's left hand was not on the table as well as Mitzi's glazed over expression.

"Um…", Steve said with a smirk. "...we're going up to Michigan this summer to check out Mackinac Island…"

"That sounds nice. I went there once with some friends when I was in school.", Jessica said, sipping her champagne. "it's beautiful…"

Mitzi took a deep breath. "Then we're going to Milwaukee."

Puzzled, Aubrey hoped he didn't regret the question. "So...anything in particular you're going to do in Milwaukee?"

"We're going to stay in the same room we had sex in after our senior prom back in 1990.", Mitzi replied, relaxing with a satisfied smile. "Steve's so romantic."

Jessica barely kept a straight face as the couple came down from their fun under the table. "Will you all excuse me for a moment?"

Aubrey watched her walk towards the restrooms and enjoyed the view until he was interrupted by Mitzi clearing her throat. Startled, he turned to the other couple. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I said Jessica's dress is so adorable on her.", Mitzi replied. "That red hair of hers is also so striking. Is it real?"

Aubrey smirked, understanding that the nurse wasn't asking to be rude. "Yes, it is. Her father and two of her brothers are also redheads...and you're right...it certainly makes her stand out in a crowd."

"Looks good on her, unlike Karen's fake red shit."

Aubrey groaned. Only Steve Bower would bring up an ex-girlfriend on his wedding day. His groan became a held back chuckle when Mitzi smacked Steve's arm hard, causing the older man to flinch visibly. Before the SAC could comment, his phone buzzed. Seeing the message, his countenance became serious. "Will you two excuse me for a moment? I have a phone call to make."

"Is that code for finding Jessica for a quickie?", Steve said, laughing at his own humor.

"No, it's really a phone call. Excuse me.", Aubrey said, glaring at the man across from him. Walking briskly towards the entrance, he looked at the text message again, sent by Genny, whom he had informed about the evening's plans, in case there was an emergency.

'Bell saw GM coming up 2 entrance of LD.'

Hoping to cut the asshole off before his girlfriend saw him, Aubrey breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the podium as Gerald walked in with someone the agent recognized as one of Hodgins' interns. He waited patiently for the prick to notice him and it didn't take long.

"Hi, Gerald...bye Gerald…"

The blonde man stopped, a face full of fury. "Why are you here?"

"We were invited here, Gerald. Once again, goodbye and don't let the door hit you in the sexist, perverted ass on the way out."

"Excuse me.", the mousy brunette chimed in. "Gerald is innocent until proven guilty, so he has a right to be here. Jessica can just leave. She's screwed up enough men's' lives."

"Thank you, Ashley. It's nice some still believe in that concept., even if this jackass doesn't.", Gerald said with a smirk.

Aubrey merely shook his head as he answered calmly. "Actually, he doesn't have a right to be here. According to the terms of the restraining order Jess and I have on your boyfriend, he is required to stay 100 yards away from both of us. If we're somewhere first, he has to leave immediately. If he doesn't, we call the police and he goes to jail."

Gerald put his arm around the younger woman before turning back to Aubrey. "Well, I don't give a damn what you say. Ashley and I are eating here tonight. Now do as my date said...go get your slut and leave."

Aubrey saw the young woman with Gerald cringe slightly before she recovered her composure. Glaring at the former intern, he spoke quietly. "You're lucky we're in public, or else I would do more than make you piss yourself again in front of a crowd."

"You need to stop spreading that rumor Jessica started, Agent Aubrey.", Ashley complained. "You know that can't possibly be true…"

"It's not a rumor. There were several witnesses to that event, including his date for the night...two FBI agents...someone from the Virginia House of Delegates...and many others."

"That's a lie Jessica started because my boyfriend turned her down when she tried to have sex with him in the locker room on his first day back. Just like she set him up in the alleged burglary of her apartment and messing with her tires. He was weak with her one time in the past but that's over now. She's needs to move on because Gerald is committed to me."

Aubrey couldn't believe how snowed the young woman in front of him was, but he knew there was nothing he could do to change her mind...yet. "We can't discuss all that here. There's evidence tying him to all of those circumstances, and it will come out in court in a few weeks. Gerald will get what's coming to him. I just hope it's before he takes you down with him."

"Ignore him, Ashley. He's just a glorified beat cop who needs to make excuses for his girlfriend. It's sad, really." Gerald turned to the maitre d', who had just arrived at the podium. "Good evening, Andre. My dad's secretary called in a reservation for two at 6:00 for your best table, as always."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Maxwell, but I can't hold your reservation tonight.", the maitre'd stated.

The former intern's charming smile turned cold. "Why the fuck not? I'm a regular here."

"You are, sir, but there is a restraining order against you, and we are bound under the law to obey it."

"How do you-"

"I showed him a copy when I saw you talking with Aubrey.", Jessica chimed in from behind. "Caroline has asked both Aubrey and me to carry a paper copy and a digital copy. Now walk away, or I'll call the police for violating your PPO."

"Andre...you've just lost my business and my father's. I'll be calling your manager and you will be out of a job tomorrow...and I'll have this place closed down by New Years Eve." Gerald gave Aubrey and Jessica an angry face. "I'm not going to forget this stunt either, Jessica. My lawyer is going to drag you through the mud at the trial. You're going to regret going up against me and my family."

"I hope you don't forget, Gerald, because I'm going to fight whatever you throw at me.", Jessica said as she took Aubrey's hand.

Looking the younger man in the eye, Aubrey's expression was grim. "I'll be right by her side, along with our friends, to make sure you pay for what you've done. You're not going to do this to anyone else, you son of a bitch."

Gerald's eyes hardened into a cold glare. "When I'm done with you, you and your lap dog agent will have nothing. Nobody fucks with me and gets away with it. I'm a Maxwell."

Holding back a shiver, Jessica turned to her fellow intern. "Ashley, there are better guys out there than him."

"You're just pissed because he dumped you after you two slept together. I know the truth about you and your whoring around at the lab. Gerald will prove you for the liar you are.", the girl shot back before taking Gerald's hand as they left.

"Wow...he's going to hurt her, Aubrey.", Jessica said. "Ashley is very shy, naive, and reserved...she doesn't have a lot of boyfriends. That prick has blinded her with charm and a ton of bullshit."

"His exact type when he wants something, unfortunately.", Aubrey replied before taking her hand. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, Superman, I am.", the redhead said with a smile. "Now come on, we've got a fancy dinner coming to our table and a newlywed couple to make us cringe."

Aubrey kissed her hand. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Jess. If Gerald pulls anything, he's going through me, first. However, if you kick his ass before I can, I am secure enough in my manhood to say that it would be a major turn on."

"I'll keep that in mind, Superman, once we get the all clear.", Jessica acknowledged as they walked back to their table.

~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

They'd enjoyed the rest of their dinner last night, especially Aubrey, who'd ordered two entrees. Both the Trout Amandine and the Steak au Poivre were fabulous while Jessica enjoyed the Grilled Loup de Mer. When it was time for dessert, the PDA from the newlyweds became too much, so Aubrey threw in $40.00 towards a tip on what he knew would be an expensive tab before he and Jessica made their excuses, and left. They had stopped at their favorite ice cream parlor before heading home where they called Caroline with a report about what had happened.

Shortly after he came into work, the US Attorney called his office to let them know that she had informed Gerald's lawyer about the intern's faux pas, along with a stern warning that any more attempts at intimidation would result in a motion to have his bail revoked. Ms. Jensen had given her reassurances that it wouldn't happen again.

Deciding Maxwell wasn't worth his effort today, he stabbed at some of his green beans as he examined one of Agent Thompson's cases. When his phone rang, he answered without looking at the caller ID. "Aubrey."

"This is Susan from Dr. Elias's office. I'm calling because there was a cancellation today and you are on the call list—"

Aubrey didn't even wait for her to finish. "On my way. Bye."

Hanging up the phone, he left his food carton open on the desk as he grabbed his keys and jacket. Racing out of his office, he ran down the hallway to Genny's office. "Heading to the hospital. Be back ASAP."

Before the ASAC could get a word in, Aubrey was already out of the bullpen and jogging to the elevator. 'Please...please…get me off restrictions...I miss sex with my redhead...and Steve Bower should not be getting more sex than me.'

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

Using his siren, Aubrey arrived at the hospital fifteen minutes later glad that the blowing snow blowing hadn't made the roads icy. Hell yes, it really is an emergency….what Stark doesn't know won't hurt him. Getting into the first parking spot he saw, he pulled in and jumped out as soon as he could.

"I'm going to get laid tonight…going to get…laid tonight... by my hot girlfriend…", Aubrey sang to himself as he armed the vehicle.

When he entered the hospital's lobby, he saw construction and arrows directing him elsewhere. After walking through what felt like a maze for almost fifteen minutes, he arrived at Dr. Elias's office. Opening the door, he saw five people in the waiting room as he headed up to the desk and signed in.

"Ah, Agent Aubrey.", the receptionist said with a cordial smile. "Thank you for coming in early, but the opening today was for 2:15."

Aubrey groaned with embarrassment as he realized he was almost ninety minutes early. "Shit…do you think she can get me in sooner?"

"Actually, Dr. Elias and Mr. Sturgis are both running behind today. If you want, you can walk down to the cafeteria and get something to eat or a beverage."

Frustrated that he would be sitting around doing nothing and at the food he left behind, Aubrey resigned himself to waiting, knowing the results would be worth it. "I've already eaten my lunch, but a Coke or a shake wouldn't be bad. Where's the cafeteria?"

Following the receptionist's directions, he navigated the construction maze to the cafeteria. He got his chocolate shake, but then he also saw some assorted donuts. Buying the last four glazed along with a fruit cup, he took his purchases back to the office and made himself comfortable.

Over an hour later, Aubrey was reading some email his phone. As he finished his last donut, he was interrupted by a medical assistant calling his name. Getting up, he wiped the crumbs off his suit and followed her into an exam room. Seeing the sign that stated no cell phones during the visit, he put his on silent.

"Here's a gown for you to change into. Like before, change down to your underwear. Dr. Elias will be in shortly."

Aubrey stripped in record time and put on the colorful gown before pulling the back closed. "Hate these damn things."

Climbing up on the table, he leaned back and got comfy. Looking up at the ceiling, he pictured how it would be when he stripped down to his boxer shorts for Jessica later tonight.

'I'll pick her up and take her on the kitchen counter…no, it should be in our bedroom first…although the shower may be nice…I do enjoy her breasts when they're all wet and soapy, especially when I nail her from behind…but we've never done it in the Star Wars room at my house...screwing each other by my Han Solo carbonite statue would be awesome...'

Then it hit him. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve…Sunday was Christmas Day…

'Yes! Jess can wear the stuff I got her and we can make love all over the house…at least until her brothers and father come to the house later in the day. Then I have to behave in front of them…and if she decides to wear a pair of the crotchless panties just to mess with me…well, if she does, just wait til they go home...'

Aubrey had a goofy smile on his face when there was a knock on the door. Sitting up, he gave permission and Dr. Elias walked in.

"Hello, Agent Aubrey. How are we doing today?"

"Awesome, Dr. Elias. I'm hoping to get a clean bill of health from you so I can go back to normal activities."

The doctor smiled. "…and sex with your girlfriend." When she saw Aubrey turn red, she chuckled. "Agent, I remember your reaction when I explained all restrictions to you before I discharged you a few weeks ago. You are not the first man I've had to put on that restriction after surgery. I'm sure it was frustrating, but it was for your own good."

"Don't worry, Doc. Jessica kept me on the straight and narrow. She wouldn't even let me take a shower with her.", Aubrey grumbled.

"I had a feeling she would keep you in line.", the petite blonde replied. "Now lay back down and lift your gown up for me…"

For the next several minutes, the trauma surgeon quizzed him on his recovery as she palpated his abdominal and left thigh areas. Aubrey was getting antsy, but he didn't want to antagonize the woman who would decide if he could be naked with his squintern again. When she was done, she made a couple of notes in his electronic medical record chart.

"So what's the verdict, Doc?"

Dr. Elias smiled. "I think we can put you back on active duty."

Aubrey rolled his eyes. "What about…you know…"

"I think you'll be fine to use the exercise equipment in your home again...", Dr. Elias said, smiling when she observed Aubrey's impatient face. "…and you may resume sexual activity."

"Yes!", Aubrey exclaimed, but was interrupted by the surgeon.

"Now, Agent Aubrey, you've recovered from a major trauma. You were shot twice, had a vein graft transplanted into your left thigh, and you barely avoided lacerating your spleen. So you can resume sexual intercourse, but you need to go slow. At least the first few times, you need to avoid putting any weight on your abdomen. No major gymnastics right away. If you are not experiencing any pain or discomfort, then you can work your way up to more…ambitious physical activities. Understand? I don't want to see you back here anytime soon. Dr. Brennan and Jessica were both very thorough when we discussed your condition after surgery. Dr. Brennan even said she would have no problem informing Deputy Director Stark if you weren't compliant with my instructions."

"Yes, Dr. Elias.", Aubrey nodded as he thought back to what the doctor said. "Oh, I'd like to make a change regarding my personal information. Can I do that at this office?"

"No problem. After you get dressed, just stop by the front desk and Susan can help you. Congratulations, Agent Aubrey. You're free. Now don't come back to see me anytime soon."

"No, I won't, Dr. Elias." Aubrey shook the doctor's hand and when she left, he got dressed and stopped to see Susan. After making his request, the receptionist handed him the Health Care Directive paperwork.

"Remember to get two signatures on the form, then you can turn it in here or your primary care physician and it goes into effect as soon as it's filed into the system."

"Thanks, Susan. Have a nice Christmas.", Aubrey said before walking away. When he was only a few steps away from the front door, an announcement came over the PA.

"Code Orange…ER…Code Orange…ER…Code Orange…ER."

Before Aubrey could say anything, Susan ran out of her office and pushed buttons on the door. "What the hell is going on?"

"There's an active shooter, Agent Aubrey, in the ER two floors below us.", she whispered. "We're on lockdown. No one leaves."

"Except me. I have a job to do.", Aubrey replied as he instinctually went for his service weapon. Turning around he saw a woman and two children. "Susan, everyone needs to get in the back now."

"So do you."

"I'm a federal agent-"

Aubrey was interrupted by what felt like an earthquake under their feet, knocking them both backwards. Gathering his wits, he went into work mode. "Are you all right?"

Wiping the blood from her eyebrow, Susan shrugged. "I'm fine. I'm ex-Air Force. A little cut isn't going to get me."

Aubrey picked up his service weapon, which had fallen out of his hand, before turning to the others. "Everyone all right?"

When the family nodded, another message came through the overhead speaker. 'Code Yellow...ER...Code Yellow...ER...Code Yellow...ER.'

"What the hell is going on now?", Aubrey said before the speaker entailed another message. 'Code Red...ER...Code Red...ER...Code Red...ER'

"Code Yellow is a bomb threat and Code Red is a fire. There's some serious shit going down in the ER.", the older woman said drolly. "Come on, Agent, protocol states we all get into Rooms Four and Five unless police come to evacuate us."

"What a way to start my Christmas weekend.", Aubrey muttered before Dr. Elias ran out to check on everyone.

"Susan, is everyone all right out here?" Seeing the young family, she hurried over. "Owen, buddy, doing all right?"

"Yes, Dr. E.", the nine year old said. "My knee hurts a little, though."

Aubrey rubbed his elbow. "My elbow smarts but I'm good. Susan has a cut on her head from falling."

"Is the electronic door shut off?", Dr. Elias asked her receptionist. When she nodded, the surgeon took charge. "Okay, come on everyone. We have to go in the back and wait things out. I'm checking you all out while I'm doing that."

"Dr. Elias, I'm a federal agent-"

When the others were in the back, the petite woman stood in front of her patient. "Agent Aubrey...you're in my playground now. Heroes who think they're above established protocols piss me off. So, while you may have a gun, whoever is running around this campus may have a bigger gun, plus there is a fire and maybe a bomb in this hospital. Now, text Jessica about our triple whammy and get your ass back here so I can check you out."

"But-"

"Now!", Dr. Elias said before pointing to the door.

Seeing that he'd lost this fight, he followed the trauma surgeon to the back area. 'Man, my Christmas better not be fucked up or I'm going to kick some major bomber ass.'

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

Jessica, still upset about the news of Carrie Fisher being hospitalized because of a heart attack she'd suffered during a flight, took a deep breath. Knowing she needed to be on her A game for the woman with her, she pushed through.

"So Dr. B, with these types of fractures on the knuckles and the mandible, and based on what I saw during the Lola Marshall case, I'm speculating that the victim was first tossed in the car's trunk or a similar confined space. She tried to get out, but when the killer saw she was still alive, he or she...then tossed the flare into her mouth." Jessica said, shuddering. "That's so...awful. Who could do something like that..."

"Either it was a weapon of opportunity as the flare was all the killer had on hand...or a very sick person, Ms. Warren. No one really can understand what goes through the mind of a killer unless they experience it themselves."

"No doubt.", Jessica replied before feeling her phone buzz. Pulling it out, she became alarmed when she read the text.

Don't panic but there's active shooter & possible bomb at hospital. I'm fine. Phone not totally charged. Will text when I know more.

"What the hell, Aubrey?"

Surprised at her intern's comment, Brennan walked over to her intern. "Ms. Warren, what's wrong?"

"It's Aubrey. He's at some hospital where there's an active shooter and bombs...what the hell is he doing there?"

Angela waddled toward her friends as quickly as she could. "You two need to see this."

Following the pregnant woman into her office, they saw the Angelatron showing the news with the headline, 'Active Shooters with Bombs hold Hospital Under Siege.'

"Medstar Washington was the hospital Booth and Aubrey were at after they got shot. What is Aubrey doing there? I need to get there as soon as possible. If he's working a case, his ass is totally grass."

Brennan saw her distressed intern and acted quickly. "Ms. Warren, you are in no shape to drive. Come with me."

Startled, Jessica saw her mentor walk out the doorway before pausing and turning around to face her..

"Ms. Warren, are you coming or not?"

"Y-yes, Dr. B."

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

Later that evening, Jessica stood outside the hospital with Andie, who was earlier evacuated as she finished her shift in the oncology wing. Nearby, Brennan was on her cell phone while Wendell went to get coffee.

"Andie, why it taking so long?", Jessica said, obviously upset. "First Carrie Fisher has a heart attack and now my Superman is stuck in a building where there may be bombs and a shooter. Can this day be any shittier?"

The nurse put her arm around her friend. "Honey, Carrie is in the hospital now, according to the reports. As for Aubrey, he's a tough and smart FBI agent. He's probably taking care of people right now and doing his job so these buttholes don't hurt anyone."

"I know he'll take care of himself, but I still don't know why Aubrey is here. I got his text message saying the hospital was on lockdown but he was fine. When I tried calling Genny, she was in the middle of an interrogation.", Jessica said, turning to her friend. "Andie, what if something happens to Superman..."

"Aubrey's coming out of there, girl.", Andie said. I know it." Turning to the side, she saw her boyfriend coming toward them with four cups of coffee.

"Damn, it's cold out here.", Wendell said, passing a cup to his girlfriend. "Here you go, Babe. Here's one for you, too Jessica. Have you heard back from Daisy yet?"

"No.", Andie shook her head. "No, but she may be out in the field somewhere and can't get a phone call. She'll check in when she can...I'm sure she'll want to know Aubrey is all right."

The redhead continued to watch the building. "If Superman is working in the field I'm so going to kick his ass when he gets out…."

Brennan returned to join the group. "Booth made a few phone calls while he was driving back from Philadelphia. The police are going to hold a press conference soon, but it seems that three people are holding a few hostages in the ER due to a failed attempt to kidnap DC's deputy police commissioner. From what the hostage negotiator said, the kidnappers said they planted bombs in the hospital and one already went off. They're still trying to get the doctor and nurse who were shot in the ER out of there.

"Here, Dr. B.", Wendell said while handing the anthropologist a cup of coffee.

"Thank you, Mr. Bray.", she responded before signaling her former student and Andie to give her a little privacy. When they were out of earshot, Brennan said what was on her mind. "It doesn't get any easier, Ms. Warren."

Startled, Jessica turned to her mentor. "What?"

"The worry...the fear...it doesn't get any easier. It's even more pronounced when the person you love is in law enforcement."

Jessica stared at the crowd of police officers and bomb squad personnel. "How do you deal with it?"

Brennan sipped her coffee. "There's really not a...way I deal with it. Booth is a selfless man who will always help anyone in trouble, but he's also trained in how to protect himself. In addition, he made me a promise that he would always be as careful as he can. I guess the answer to your question is that...I just...accept Booth for who he is and cherish every day we have together. If I chose not to be with him because he has a dangerous job, it would leave a hole inside of me...a hole that could only be filled by him."

"I...feel the same way about Aubrey. He makes me so mad sometimes...but I know he loves me and would always protect me...like he protects others." Recalling how they shared each other's hurts and fears in the last few weeks, Jessica smiled slightly. "He's my best friend, Dr. B. I've never felt as close to anyone as I do him...not even Andie and Daisy. When we were broken up, I felt so...empty and sad. I am afraid every day he goes out, especially once he is off restrictions, but he wouldn't be my Superman if he didn't try to save the world every day."

Brennan saw Jessica relax. "Have I helped you at all?"

"Yes, you have, Dr. B. Thank you...for making me see what was in front of me."

"You're welcome, Ms. Warren."

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

Around 9:30, Aubrey finally emerged from the front entrance, hungry and relieved to be out of there. Looking to his right, he saw three people being dragged out in cuffs along with members of the DCPD Bomb Squad carrying out what looked like a series of small bombs. As he bypassed the reporters trying to get a statement, he was jumped by a redheaded tornado.

Aubrey hugged her. "Jess, I'm fine. They got the men."

"Superman, you scared the hell out of me today.", Jessica muttered into his neck. "Are you hurt?"

Aubrey let his girlfriend go. "My elbow's going to have a bruise in the morning, but nothing permanent…I'm good."

"Is it true about the bombs? They're saying that those crazy gunmen were lying about the bombs."

"Yeah. From what the officer told me as he was escorting us out of Dr. Elias' office, they were going snatch Deputy Commissioner Kirkpatrick at the Watergate Hotel where she was to give a speech today and hold her for ransom.", Aubrey said. "However, she was in an car accident on her way there, so she went to the nearest hospital...here. Of course, Tweedle Dee, Dum, and Dumber decided to sneak in as doctors and take her here."

"They weren't very bright to do something stupid like that in an ER."

"Nope, I guess they blew up an oxygen tank in an empty room away from patients in the ER, which thankfully was almost empty. Then one of them said it was a bomb, and told everyone that several more were planted around the place before one of them shot a doctor and nurse. The doctor was released early and sent to Georgetown. The nurse, who was hit in the shoulder, has a flesh wound. Luckily, no one was killed."

"What took them so long getting you evacuated?"

"Well, they had to clear the area near the ER without the assholes seeing them, and with the hospital under construction, it made things difficult. I'm sorry I didn't communicate more. I had to share a charger with two others and I let a couple kids play with my phone…I tried to leave, but Dr. Elias said we were on lockdown and made me stay."

Jessica was trembling with fear as Aubrey hugged her tight. "What were you doing here, anyway? Did you get a call? You're still on desk duty, Aubrey. If you went out in the field I'm going to kick your ass—"

"Jess, I wasn't working a case, I promise. Dr. Elias' office called me today."

Still in panic mode from what happened, Jessica didn't put the pieces together. "Why? Your appointment isn't until Monday."

Aubrey smiled. "Jess...the office had an opening today and I took it so we didn't have to wait until after Christmas..."

The agent's eyes conveyed his meaning and it finally hit Jessica. Grinning, she put her arms around his neck. "So, are you okay?"

Aubrey smiled at his girlfriend. "I'm off restrictions, Jessica…all of them. We just have to be careful regarding weight on my abdomen the first few times, but we can celebrate Christmas in the lifestyle we've become accustomed to."

The anthropologist realized that she would have to move up her special plans for Aubrey, but that was a minor issue. "I'm very happy to hear that. Now let's go home and renew our acquaintance."

"I can't yet, because I have to go to the police department and make a statement. It may be a while, so why don't you just meet me back at the house?", Aubrey said as he noticed the other couple and Dr. B. "Hey, you guys."

"Hey, yourself.", the nurse said, walking up and rubbing her friend's shoulder.

"Thanks for being here with Jessica.", Aubrey replied.

"No problem, Aubrey. I got the scare of my life when I heard about it on the news and rushed down here.", Wendell said. "Andie was just evacuated when I arrived."

"Booth got home from Philadelphia an hour ago and is with the children. He wanted me to stay and make sure you're alright.", Brennan replied.

"Tell Booth I'm all right...and I'm touched he cares so much. You should get home, Dr. B...you guys, too. You all must be freezing."

"Jessica, do you need a ride home or are you going with Aubrey?", Wendell asked.

"He has to go to the police department, but if you could run me over to the lab, I can pick up my Jeep there.", Jessica said. "I just need a minute with him."

"No sweat. We're parked over there.", the anthropologist indicated before leaving the two alone.

The redhead turned and smirked. "Okay, I'll go get my Jeep and head home but I'm going to wait up for you, Superman. We have a month to start catching up on."

"I can't wait.", Aubrey said before kissing his girlfriend. "See you when I get home. Oh, nothing fancy…just your PJs. They're easy to get off."

Jessica laughed. "Okay. See you later."

As he watched his girlfriend walk away, he was called over by the patrolman to go to the police station. "I'll follow in my SUV."

Jessica watched her boyfriend walk away and smiled. "So now my little surprise is going to be a Christmas surprise..."

[*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*]

It was almost midnight when Aubrey finally pulled into his driveway, munching the rest of his double bacon cheeseburger. After parking in the garage, he went to the front door and saw the living room light on. "Good…she's awake."

Unlocking the door, he came in and armed the house. Slipping off his jacket and shoes, he began removing his tie while giggling excitedly. Then he stopped in his tracks as he saw Jessica sleeping peacefully on the couch, a science fiction movie on TV with Skinner on top of the couch doing the same. Seeing her look so lovely made him fall in love with her even more.

Shaking his head, he finished undressing before laying his clothes on the bannister to keep them from Skinner. Stripped down to his boxers, he shut off the light before gently shaking his girlfriend. "Jess, let me in."

"Okay, Superman.", the redhead said groggily before moving over, half asleep.

Aubrey made his way on the couch and Jessica snuggled next to him before he covered them up. Kissing the top of her head, he shut off the television with the remote on the floor. Holding her close, he fell asleep almost instantly.

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Six hours later, Jessica woke up slowly to greet Christmas Eve morning. Getting her bearings together, she realized that she was snuggled into her boyfriend's warmth. 'I was supposed to stay awake until he came home so we could celebrate, damn it…"

Looking up, she saw Aubrey sleeping with his cute little pout and his disheveled hair, but was interrupted by a call of nature. Slowly, Jessica climbed over Aubrey and walked into the bathroom where she did her morning constitutional. Coming out, she fed a hungry Skinner and was pleasantly surprised when she saw Aubrey awake on the couch.

"You're hot in the morning, Jess.", the agent said sleepily.

"You're still asleep, Aubrey.", the redhead said goodnaturedly. "Now let me in, it's cold."

Aubrey lifted up the heavy blanket and Jessica jumped back under the covers. Pulling them back over them, the agent held her close before he kissed her softly.

"So, in case you forgot, I got some good news yesterday...an early Christmas present from my surgeon...", he said, rubbing his hand down her over her breast and abdomen.

"Yeah, I do recall that, but you got home too late.", Jessica said with a snicker before lightly touching Aubrey's ass.

"I did…", Aubrey said, lying down on top of her. "But since we're both up and we have the day to ourselves..."

"James Aubrey, stop talking.", Jessica said before kissing him hard and wrapping her arms around his neck.

For the next few minutes the couple kissed and caressed each other under the blanket before Aubrey pulled down the spaghetti straps of Jessica's top so his lips could trail down her soft skin. Her familiar cherry vanilla scent intoxicated him as he quickly latched on to her breasts. When she pulled her arms out, he pulled the top down to her waist before making a sensuous trail down her abdomen.

Jessica held onto Aubrey as tightly as she could as a month of frustration translated into moans as she moved her body against his. When she felt his hand go into her pajama pants and between her legs, she groaned.

"You're already wet…"

Jessica touched him through his boxer shorts before she began pulling them off her boyfriend. "And you're hard as a rock, James…get inside me now."

When he got his shorts kicked off, they both pulled off her pants before Aubrey settled himself between her legs and they joined together. Delirious with joy at being with Jessica, the agent pumped in and out of her as his lover's nails began trailing down his back. When he felt her thighs tighten against him, he pressed harder, loving her as she screamed his name. Just when he felt her claw his lower back, he exploded inside her.

Aubrey collapsed on top of his lover as both worked to catch their breath, the blanket pushed down to the point where the top of the agent's ass was sticking out. However, neither cared, both happy to be together again.

"Damn, Aubrey…", Jessica breathed. "That was...wow…"

Getting himself together, Aubrey kissed Jessica before his lips trailed down her neck. "Thank you….but it wasn't all me…"

"Want cinnamon pancakes for breakfast?"

"Sure." , Aubrey said, crawling off Jessica and standing up. When she stood up naked except for the tank top pooled around her waist, he stopped her from going into the kitchen. "Actually, I don't want cinnamon pancakes."

Surprised, Jessica thought for a moment. "Okay, well, you have eggs, cheese, and peppers. I could make us Christmas Eve omelets."

"No…..", Aubrey said before lifting her suddenly in a fireman's carry.

"Aubrey! What the hell are you doing?", Jessica said while laughing. "You need to be careful. You just got off restrictions."

"I want naked cinnamon pancakes.", Aubrey replied, lightly smacking her on the butt.

"Are you going to be naked, too?", Jessica asked in between laughs.

"Damn straight...we need to defile my kitchen...my Star Wars room...the den...wherever you want. It is almost Christmas after all.", Aubrey replied to Jessica's laughs as he carried her towards the kitchen.

Laying in the living room chair, Skinner eyes opened as his sleep was disturbed by the lovers.

"Aubrey, be careful…"

"Don't worry. You're not on my stomach. Dr. Elias said take it easy the first few times, then we're all good. Now, it's time for breakfast…"

"Oh my God, Aubrey...oh fuck..."

Skinner's eyes were closed until he heard pans falling on the floor. His nap disturbed, the tabby ran upstairs.

Reviews are appreciated. More next week!