A/N: Astute readers of my stories will recognize parts of Women's March as I did borrow certain parts from my 2017 story as they fit the events of L & C. I also know there are some Trump supporters among our readers, but we worked hard to keep our politics out as much as possible while also staying in character throughout today's update. Laura & I hope what we came up with will be a satisfactory chapter celebrating the Women's March as well as move story forward for Aubrey & Jessica and our secondary characters.
If interested in the original story, Women's March is still posted on and AO3 under my mphs95 author page.
Michelle
The next morning, six women were crammed inside a tiny Metro car with many other females as it left the McLean, VA station and headed to Washington, DC. Daisy, wearing large black sunglasses and a pink pussy hat with 'Daisy' stitched in front, was leaning back in her seat sipping coffee, trying to make her hangover go away. Angela, Cam, and Michelle were talking with Brennan as Jessica was quietly looking out the window, pondering the events of yesterday.
Angela adjusted her hat with 'Angela' stitched on the front and noted her boss wasn't wearing hers. "Cam, where your hat?"
"It's in my coat pocket. I'll…I'll put it on later.", the pathologist said, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Hats aren't really my thing…"
"Come on, Mom...put your hat on…", Michelle said, smiling as she straightened her own. "I think they're cute."
"It's more flattering on you than me.", Cam replied quickly, still reluctant to wear it.
"You should wear it, Cam.", Brennan said, pointing to hers, which had 'Dr. B' stitched on it. "Ms. Warren did work hard on these pussy hats for today's March. Even Ms. Wick, in her elevated state of veisalgia, is wearing hers."
All eyes moved to Daisy, who lifted her head. "Damn right I'm wearing it today...men suck!"
"Wow, Daisy...a little harsh.", Angela muttered.
"Daisy, are you alright?", Jessica asked her friend quietly.
Daisy turned her annoyed gaze to her inquiring friend. "Yes, Jessica, I'm fine. Anyway, where were you last night? Because you canceled our plans, I'd ended up getting drunk at Founding Fathers. Luckily Aubrey and Booth were there to take me home. With the Inauguration yesterday, I'm not sure I could've found a cab..."
'She ran into Booth and Aubrey? He didn't mention that while we were texting.' Jessica thought. Knowing Angela was nearby, she stuck to the story that had been told last night. "Dr. B needed my help last night.", Jessica said. "I'm free tomorrow, though."
"Beau and Lance's plane comes in at 5:30, so we'll see." Daisy huffed out a sigh. "I needed my best friend last night, Jessica, because I had a bad time yesterday. Anyway, if Dr. B needed help, she could've asked me. I've already got my doctorate and you're still working on yours."
Jessica felt guilty, but she also knew that she hadn't been in a good place to help anyone yesterday. "I'm sorry about that, Daisy."
Brennan overheard the conversation and felt bad for her intern. "Daisy, it was regarding a case that Ms. Warren had worked on with me in the past. That's why I requested her help instead of yours. I'm sorry if I made her feel like that she had to cancel plans with you."
Shifting gears, Daisy sat up. "Oh...well, if you needed her, Dr. B, that's all right."
"Thank you.", Brennan said before going back to her conversation with Angela and Cam.
Seeing Daisy satisfied, Jessica went back to looking out the window. While she and Aubrey had somewhat made up after their horrible fight yesterday, she still hurt. She knew that her boyfriend didn't intend to scare her to the point that she locked herself in the bathroom and he was probably still sick about it. In fact, she was more angry at herself for being so weak and afraid of everything.
Would she ever get past the fear, pain, and disgust she felt about herself every day? Talking to Dr. B last night helped her a great deal, but she had a long way to go yet. She knew that even after today, she couldn't move forward until she talked to her Superman face to face, not just sending texts after midnight. Hopefully after today, things would get better for both of them.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Aubrey lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He had been up since 5:00 AM, unable to sleep. Making up with Jessica had helped him relax, but he wouldn't feel better until he was able to see her face to face and apologize for his atrocious behavior yesterday.
He knew what Booth had said, and it did put him a little bit at ease. However, his heart still felt pain. To let his feelings boil over to the point his traumatized girlfriend had locked herself in the bathroom to get away from him was horrifying. He knew he had a temper...it was one of the few things he'd inherited from his father to his detriment. However, he worked hard to keep it under wraps unless pushed too far, as he had been last weekend, when he almost beat Gerald Maxwell to death for. Seeing the woman he loved being strangled to death made something snap in his head. If it wasn't for Genny and Steve pulling him off the bastard, Gerald would be six feet under. He knew how lucky he was to not be called up in front of a review panel for his conduct, but some things were more important than a reprimand or suspension.
He wanted to be supportive and understanding with Jessica, but each time she barked at him, ignored him, or flinched from him, it cut him deeply. He put his focus on Karen to assuage his guilt, but he shouldn't have had any as he did nothing wrong either besides what he already 'fessed up to. His focus on revenge against the profiler to ease his pain and anger was selfish. He should have been on Jessica's recovery this week instead. He was ashamed that it had gotten as far as it did, but that would change now.
He was going back to work next week as his girlfriend was now mobile. Booth was right in that she needed to gain back some independence without him hovering over her. However, he was still scared to let her out of his sight, even to go to the March today. She made him promise last week to stay home so that he wouldn't get in trouble and Dr. B had done the same with Booth. With heavy reluctance, he would respect Jessica's wishes.
"Aubrey...how the hell do you work this stupid foamy crap coffee machine? Plus, your damn cat is staring at me like I'm a giant steak!"
'Booth's awake. Back to reality' Aubrey thought as he slowly got out of bed. Exiting through the open door, he headed downstairs to save his friend. "Coming, Booth."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Arriving in DC, the ladies met up with Andie, Jessica's sisters in law and nieces, Genny, and Caroline at the Plaza station before the ladies walked to the Jeffersonian on the Independence Ave. side, where the march would begin.
"I'm glad you could join us, Ms. Julian.", Jessica said to Caroline, who was arranging her hat, with 'Ms. Julian' stitched on the front.
"That crapeau…saleau…piece of…that got himself elected is the only reason I'm wearing pink cat ears on my head, Cher."
"It's cool that you made hats for the guys and kids as well, Jessica.", Angela said. "I know you and Brennan made Booth and Aubrey stay at home because of their jobs, but will they wear their hats when they watch the television coverage?"
"Aubrey promised he would.", Jessica replied quietly, still a little uneasy after last night. 'At least he did last Friday after dinner.'
"I don't know if Booth will wear a pink hat.", Brennan said. "He might view it as too feminine."
"Bren, it's for a good cause. Send him a picture of your breasts or something so he'll do it.", Angela said with a smile.
"Angela, I don't think Booth would appreciate that.", Brennan replied primly.
"I think he would, Bren, but alright. Hodgins promised me this morning to take a picture of Christine for you wearing her hat.", Angela said before she felt a buzz in her pocket. Picking up the phone, she looked and giggled. "Look everyone. Aren't they just adorable?"
Angela held up the phone to show Aubrey and Christine wearing their pink hats and smiling. Jessica looked at the photo and felt pride.
"That's my Superman.", the redhead said proudly before looking over at Daisy, who was texting on her phone. "Who are you sending a message to?"
"Beau." Daisy finished and hit SEND. "I brought him and Lance their hats when I visited a couple of weeks ago and I told him to take a picture for me."
"Okay, that's cute.", Cam smiled at the phone before pulling her hat stitched with 'Dr. Saroyan' out of her coat pocket. "Alright, if an FBI agent and a professional football player can wear pink pussy hats, so can a federal coroner."
"Go Cam.", Angela said.
"Yay, Mom!", Michelle cheered. "Now let's do a selfie for Aunt Felicia-"
"No, Michelle…" Cam ducked out of the way.
"Oh, here is where I need to rendezvous to find out when I'm speaking.", Brennan said, pointing to a booth. "Once I'm signed in, I'll have my time and we'll go from there."
Brennan headed to the organizers' station and the others waited and chatted amongst themselves. As everyone else was occupied, Nadia put her arm around Jessica. "Soră, are you all right? You've been quiet."
"I'm fine, Nadia. Just very tired still with my ribs and medication."
"You're a liar, Jessie, but you talk when you're ready, much like your brother does. Did you spend the night with Dr. Brennan because you and Aubrey had fight yesterday?"
"Wow...ummm…Nadia...how did you..."
"I'm no fool, young lady. I won't pry as long as you two fix it later and I won't tell your brother. Aubrey's good man, Jessie. Anyone who stands up to Eleanor is good person."
Jessica hugged the woman who was like an older sister to her. "Thanks, Nadia."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Booth was comfortable on the couch watching the March when he once again looked over at his friend. "Aubrey, get that thing off your head! Come on...we're just at your house."
The junior agent was wearing his pink hat with 'Superman' stitched in the front as he finished off a large bowl of Doritos. "No way, Booth. I promised Jess I would wear this today."
Christine, also wearing her pink hat while sitting on Aubrey's lap, turned to Booth. "Daddy, why aren't you wearing your hat? Jessica made them for us today and Mommy said they were important."
"It makes my head hot, Monkey.", Booth said quickly. 'I'm not wearing pink cat ears on my head...not even for Bones.'
"Okay." The young girl turned back to Aubrey. "Uncle Aubrey, can we play video games in your den until Mommy comes on?"
"You sure can, Mini Booth." Aubrey stood up when Christine did. "Jordan, Isaiah, Michael Vincent, and anyone else interested in video games, I'm setting it up in the den so you all can play until Dr. B comes on."
"Yeah!" Michael Vincent stood up, racing behind the Vaziri boys behind Aubrey and Christine. A few minutes later, the agent returned to the living room.
"Are Jessica's brothers coming today?", Hodgins asked. "I want to ask Jack about his future fermenting plans for the spring."
"Actually, they are all in Richmond since Nadia brought the girls down here for the March. They are all getting together at Aaron's house to watch and have a guys weekend." Aubrey sipped his Coke. "Hunter and Danny should be here anytime now."
"Seriously, Aubrey you can take your hat off now if you want.", Wendell smirked. "Although the pink really brings out your eyes, dude."
The younger agent took a Dorito from a nearby bag and tossed it at the blonde man. "Bite me, Wendell. As for my hat, I'm keeping it on because I'm offering support to my girlfriend today. However, Jess told me that Andie said you had to wear yours all day today as well."
"Nice, Wendell…", Hodgins replied with a chuckle.
The other guys joined in to the blonde man's chagrin. Aubrey munched on more Doritos before responding. "Now, one more crack about the hat and I'm selling you out to your girlfriend."
"Fuck you, Aubrey.", Wendell said with a mouth full of popcorn as the other guys laughed.
Aubrey laughed as he fixed the hat on his head. Jessica had made him promise to wear it while they were in the throes of passion last Friday after dinner at the Blue Duck Tavern. His redhead was a tricky minx, knowing him well enough that he would promise her anything right as he was about to cum.
"Wow.", Arastoo said while looking at his phone. "They're having marches all over the country. They're also having marches all over the world...London...Paris, also."
For the next 90 minutes, the guys alternated between watching college ball and the Women's March on TV. Booth cringed when Madonna gave her profanity laden speech, but cheered when he saw Scarlett Johansson and other speakers. Today was historic and meant a great deal to his wife and the other ladies. It killed him to not be there to support Bones, but she had made a logical point.
Looking over at Aubrey, the younger man looked back with understanding. He knew it was upsetting to him as well not be there with Jessica, especially since the younger man wanted to make things right with her. When Aubrey told him this morning about his conversation with Jessica, he agreed that they need more than a text message exchange of apologies to move forward from yesterday. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to happen for quite a while.
Seeing he had updates to his Twitter feed, Booth took a quick peek. He wasn't a big Twitter fan but after Bones got an account, he got one as well to follow her. Scrolling though, he saw tweets mainly from people cheering on what was going on downtown. Dr. Goodman and a few of Bones' fellow authors and professors, as well as many followers retweeted her tweet this morning:
DrBrennan: Today we celebrate women & tear down walls put up by men insecure & afraid of our sex's obvious intellectual prowess over them. #WomensMarch
Booth knew his wife's blunt words would piss off some, but he didn't care. He was full of pride as it had several thousand retweets and likes, including one by Jessica which included a photo of the ladies wearing their pussy hats with a response:
MSUBoneGirl:Dr. B u r my hero! #WomensMarch2017
"Hey Aubrey, check out what your girlfriend said about my wife." Booth smiled as he held it up to the fellow agent, who smiled.
"Yeah, that's my girl.", Aubrey replied.
"Holy shit! Andie got a pic with Scarlett Johanasson!" Wendell yelled before showing off the nurse's tweet to the other guys.
"Pretty cool, Wendell.", Booth said before returning to his feed. As he finished reading the updates, he saw another retweet of Brennan's message this morning that made his blood boil.
FlyerzfanB G8... DrBrennan muzzle off l8r today 2? Can't she & lab bitches shut up 4 1 day?
"You asshole!", Booth bellowed.
"What's up, Booth?", Aubrey said.
He threw his phone to his fellow agent. "Some jackass just posting something nasty about Bones and the ladies at the march."
Aubrey saw the handle and steam came out of his ears. "This is Paul Walker from that Men Now group that disbanded after that case last year."
"Didn't Dr. B sucker punch that dick?", Wendell asked. "That was awesome."
"Yeah, she did and she got in trouble for it, but...it was nice to see." Booth smiled with pride.
"This douche posted shit about Jessica, too, after Harold Maxwell's assault arrest hit the papers last month." Aubrey gritted his teeth as his face turned red. "He's lucky he's not in front of me right now or he'd be getting a cap in his ass."
"Simmer down, Aubrey. I've got a better idea.", Booth said as he got up and grabbed his pink hat. "Come on, guys."
"Where?", Arastoo said.
Booth put the hat on his head. "We're going to the Women's March."
"What about Doctor B? She said you had to stay home.", Wendell asked.
"My wife is speaking out against a major douchebag and his cronies and I'm going to be there. Aubrey's going to be there. We're all going to be there." Booth stood tall. "If the FBI wants to fire me, let them."
"Not me, which sucks.", Hodgins said. "It's going to be too hard with my wheelchair, but I'll stay with Hank if you guys take Michael-Vincent and Christine."
"Will do, Hodgins.", Booth said before yelling down the hall. "Kids, come out here."
"Put your hats on guys." , Aubrey said as he straightened his on top of his head. "I'll get an ETA on Hunter and Danny arriving here so they can come with us."
As the other men put their hats on and got around, Booth gathered the kids around, Christine still wearing her pink hat proudly. "Who wants to go downtown and see Dr. B speak at the March?" When everyone raised their hands, Booth smiled. "Alright. Now, Christine has her hat on but does everyone have their hats that Jessica made them?"
"Yes.", Michael Vincent, Jordan, and Isaiah said simultaneously.
"Good. Now put them on because it's cold out and then we'll go.", Booth said leading the way out the door.
Tyler turned to Arastoo. "Dad, do I have to wear this hat?"
Arastoo made sure his fit properly. "No, Tyler, but it would show support to your mother if you did...plus women like a guy who supports them. Bring it with you and think about it for now."
Tyler nodded as Christine walked out with her dad. "Daddy, can I ride with Uncle Aubrey?"
"As long as it's okay with him.", Booth responded while hitting the fob to unlock his SUV.
"Sure, come on Mini-Booth.", Aubrey said as he opened the door to his SUV. Looking at his phone, he looked back at Booth. "Hunter hasn't responded yet but he should be here any minute."
"Okay, cool. Arastoo, you and the boys ride with Aubrey. Wendell, you ride with me and Michael-Vincent.", Booth said as another vehicle pulled up. "Hey, Hunter and Danny are here."
Hunter escorted Danny to the group. "I just got your text message, Aubrey. What's up?"
"Heading over to the Women's March.", Hodgins yelled from the front door. "Booth and Aubrey are disobeying orders from Dr. B and Jessica to stay home."
"Yeah, Genny said the same to me, but I'm game." Hunter looked down at Genny's son. "Danny, what do you think? Want to go see your mom and other women stand up for themselves?"
"Yeah!"
"I've got room for two more in my SUV. We can park at the FBI if we hurry." After everyone was situated, Booth backed out of Aubrey's driveway first and hit the siren.
"Cool, Uncle Booth!"
"It is pretty cool, isn't it Michael Vincent?" Booth put the SUV in gear and drove towards downtown with Aubrey right behind him with his siren on.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Their SUVs had a rough time as they had to get around the Presidential motorcade traveling through the city. Parking the vehicles at the Hoover, the guys hoofed it with Booth and Arastoo hanging onto Christine and Jordan. Behind them, Aubrey was taking Michael Vincent and Isaiah with Wendell as well as Hunter holding onto Danny. It was slow, but their badges got them through in between fans recognizing the guys from the documentary that had aired last summer on FOX.
"Dude, there's thousands of people here. How are we going to find them?", Wendell lamented.
Booth hit an app on his phone. "I would think near the stage, but this app should help us track them down with Bones' phone. If unsure, look for Jessica's red hair."
Aubrey chuckled as they started their search. After ten minutes, he spotted them first. "Jess!"
Jessica, who was talking to Cam by the stage, turned and was surprised to see the guys coming. "Superman! What are you doing here?", the redhead exclaimed.
Aubrey wasn't sure if a kiss would be welcomed yet, so he maintained his distance with Michael Vincent and Isaiah following Wendell. "We're here to support you ladies."
"You have no idea how happy I am to see you..." Jessica hugged her boyfriend before wincing. "Ooohhh...shouldn't have done that."
"Be careful, Jessica." Aubrey hugged her back carefully. "As happy as you are to see me, double that for me seeing you."
Jessica pulled them to a nearby corner before standing on her toes and gently embracing her boyfriend again. "I'm so sorry for being mean to you…", the intern muttered into his shoulder.
"I'm sorry I got all caught up in my feelings. You've been through a lot and I could have been more sensitive about what you were going through instead of focusing on all my guilt..."
"After talking to Dr. B last night, I think I was so...awful was because I was afraid you wouldn't want to be with me anymore because of...Gerald...touching me...I didn't think I would deserve you anymore because I couldn't fight him off me..."
"Jessica, that is bullshit and I want you to forget about it...I'll always want to be with you. The fact that you fought so hard makes me admire you more. Not every woman could do as much damage to a man almost twice your size like you did.", Aubrey said, speaking as low as he could so she alone could hear. "What happened doesn't change how I feel about you. I swear."
"I guess I needed to hear that more than I realized." Jessica let go slowly before remembering something. "Wait, Superman! You and Booth aren't supposed to be here. What if you get in trouble with the FBI?"
"But Genny's here…" Aubrey pointed behind Jessica to show his ASAC bickering with Hunter about coming. "Hunter said she tried to ban him, too."
"Genny is a girl, Aubrey, and she's her own person, much like Ms. Julian. You guys...we didn't want you to risk your jobs…"
"Hey, no job is more important than being here for you. Booth said the same thing." Seeing the worry on her face, Aubrey moved to reassure her. "We're not here in an official capacity and there were no orders for us not to come from the Director. I'm here merely to support my girlfriend and my friends who are exercising their First Amendment rights."
"Okay…" Jessica smiled. "You're wearing the hat I made you."
"All day, just like I promised.", Aubrey said while gently coming a strand of red hair behind Jessica's left ear.
"You've really worn it all day, Superman?" The redhead replied quietly. "Just because I asked you to? I really don't think you're my bitch..."
Aubrey remembered his words from yesterday and sighed. "Of course, Jess. I love you. I love you so much and I know you don't think of me that way. Wearing this hat is for a good cause and it's the least I could do for being such a dick yesterday..."
Jessica touched his face. "Stop, Aubrey. We both were in the wrong, and we'll talk about all that later, all right?"
Aubrey gulped. "Will you come home tonight?"
Jessica took his hands. "Yes. I missed Skinner, and it was too quiet in Booth and Dr. B's guest room without your snoring in your sleep."
"Thank God, Jess, because Booth is crabby in the morning.", Aubrey replied before the two came together in a gentle hug.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Cam admired her husband wearing his pink hat. "Arastoo, how long have you worn that hat?"
The anthropologist shrugged a shoulder. "Since we left Booth and Doctor B's house."
Cam looked at their sons, who were flanking their father. "Boys...even Tyler is wearing the hat. You guys are standing up for women and I can't tell you how much I appreciate that.
"There's only one thing to do, Mom.", Isaiah said. "Group hug!"
Cam chuckled as she was flanked by her boys. "I love you guys."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"Daddy said since he couldn't come I was to represent all the Hodgins men, including my baby brother whose not born yet.", Michael Vincent said to his mother.
Angela smiled. "I'm glad you're here. You're getting a special hot fudge sundae later tonight."
"With whipped cream?"
"And a cherry.", the artist said. As she hugged her son, she grinned. 'And your daddy is getting a special sundae of his own tonight after you go to bed, little man.'
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"Thank you for being here, Wendell, and for wearing the hat.", Andie said. "It means a lot."
"Always, Andie.", the anthropologist said. "I survived cancer to be here for you today."
The nurse giggled. "Maybe later tonight, you can wear...just the hat."
Wendell smiled. "We'll put on some 80s Foreigner and we're good."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Brennan crossed her arms as she listened to Booth. "You're here because of Paul Walker's ignorant message on Twitter?"
"Yeah.", Booth said with a smirk. "Aubrey wanted to shoot him, but I convinced him that this was better."
Brennan grimaced. "I'm glad you're here, Booth, but I don't want you to get in trouble with the FBI. This is a protest."
"Hey, the last time you protected me you punched that cocksucker and you were put on probation by the Bureau. Obviously, Bones, the federal government can't live without us."
Brennan bit her lip. "And if they can?"
"Then I can be a kept man with my wife supporting me.", Booth said with a sultry smile.
"I think tonight will be a good night to explore Page 187.", Brennan said with a cheeky grin.
Booth looked to make sure Christine was still with the others. "What about the kids? Page 187 gets a bit noisy."
"Good point.", Brennan said. "How about Page 214 instead? Most tribes from that region are matriarchal societies and it is a bit quieter...eventually."
"It would fit with the theme today…I think we can somehow work it out. You know where the tribal masks are?"
"I do. They're in my home office and we can use them in the man cave." Brennan said before she was interrupted by an organizer of the event.
"Dr. Brennan, it's your turn to speak."
"Oh, thank you.", the anthropologist said before turning around to her female cohorts. "Ladies, it's time for me to go on stage. I would be honored if you all would joined me."
"Really, Dr. B?", Daisy asked in surprise "All of us?"
"Of course." , Brennan said, turning to Nadia, Gail, Annabelle, and Charlotte. "The invitation includes the four of you if you like."
"Mom, can we?", Annabelle squealed to her mom.
"Of course." Nadia turned to Brennan. "Thank you for including us, Dr. Brennan."
"Temperance, please, Nadia and I would consider it an honor."
Jessica beamed as her family joined her work family. Turning to Aubrey, she kissed him. "This is so cool! See you later, Superman."
"See you later, Jess." Aubrey watched Jessica join everyone backstage, but when he turned around, he saw a few of the guys make kissy faces. "Oh, bite me."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Fifteen minutes later, Brennan had the crowd's attention as she spoke.
"I will not dignify this man with the use of his name because it shows respect…something he doesn't offer to our gender. He has said we need to criminalize women who have abortions. This man who referred to a young woman with a healthy body type as 'Miss Piggy' think he and his fellow misogynists have the right to tell women how to make private health decisions, but they don't. Only women should be able to decide whether they are pro-choice or pro-life and make their decisions based on their own values!"
She heard cheers as she continued to speak. "He has bragged about grabbing women's genitalia as if it was a prize to be collected. He talks of his daughter's sexual attractiveness with pride. People, he doesn't respect women…he thinks of them as something to be served to him on a platter. He's no better than a dictator in Africa...or even behind the former Iron Curtain..."
Nadia shivered for a minute as she recalled her childhood in Romania before Jessica put her arm around her sister-in-law.
Brennan took a breath as she prepared to speak again, the next subject a painful one for her. "When I worked all over Central America, I was more than once threatened with harm due to my sex. I was not the only one as scores of women were victimized by guerrilla soldiers...government officials...and other men of prominent position who used their authority to hurt women."
Looking over, she saw Jessica watching her intently before continuing. "Unfortunately I've seen the same thing here in the United States, but not just by men in a position of authority, but also by men of higher monetary status. For most, it seems that they hold the erroneous belief that a woman's body and soul is owed to them, either because of how she is dressed, of how freely she expresses her sexuality, or even just because they have the power of fear and it makes them feel superior. The man who was smiling broadly as he paraded down Pennsylvania Avenue yesterday wears a nice suit and presents himself neatly, but in some ways he's no better than those thugs."
Brennan let her words sink in with the audience who cheered for her before continuing.
"What disgusts me more than anything is that our current administration is now led by a man who compared avoiding STDs to going to war. I'm sorry, sir, but you don't know what courage is. While you hid out in your high rise apartments looking down at people, my husband served his country proudly in Desert Storm, Kosovo, Afghanistan and in the FBI. He faced down death and torture that you aren't man enough to face. The man I married…my best friend…is more of a man than he who now hides out in the White House, from where many great men have led our country. To quote my husband…"
"Oh shit, Bones, don't mess this up…", Booth said while hiding his eyes.
"You can put lipstick on a pig, but he's still a pig."
Booth breathed a sigh of relief as everyone continued to watch his wife.
"I have a message for that man.", Brennan said before taking a deep breath. "If wanting equal respect as a man, equal pay to a man, and equal treatment as a man makes our gender nasty women…"
Brennan pointed to Cam, Angela, Andie, Caroline, and Jessica's sisters-in-law behind her. "...my female colleagues nasty women…"
Next she pointed to Jessica and Daisy. "...my female interns nasty women…
Finally, she indicated to Michelle and the twins. "...our daughters...then we are the nastiest of them all!"
The crowd roared as they celebrated the anthropologist's words. On stage, Cam was surprised when Caroline grabbed her in a bear hug in celebration. Gail, Genny, and Angela screamed while Andie and the twins jumped up and down chanting "Dr. B! Dr. B!". Daisy attempted to join them but after one jump, grabbed her throbbing head before electing to just yell instead. Nadia and Jessica lightly bounced due to their ribs and advanced pregnancy.
In the crowd, Aubrey put two fingers in his mouth and let out a loud whistle before he joined Arastoo, his sons, and Wendell with Michael Vincent on his shoulders also chanting "Dr. B! Dr. B!" while the young boy yelled "Aunt Bren!"
Next to them Booth wiped a tear away as he held his daughter on his shoulders. He was in pain, but at the moment he didn't care as pride for his wife made him forget everything else. Suddenly, he felt a tug on his shoulder. Turning, he looked up at his daughter.
"Daddy, are they cheering for Mommy?", Christine yelled.
"They sure are, Monkey!", Booth said. "Now, let's give her a big cheer that she'll be able to hear. Ready! One…two…three!"
Christine chanted "Mommy!" along with Booth's "Bones!"
From the stage, Brennan forgot the cold as she looked out all the women and men who came to protest along with her. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Jessica smiling and celebrating, looking more hopeful than she did last Sunday in the hospital. With that, the initial hopelessness she felt November 9th was gone. Now, she had a determination, one shared with the people out there and others around the world.
The fight had just begun and they would keep fighting until true equality reined. She couldn't punch all the misogynists in the world, but like these people, she would exercise her rights and make sure her daughter…Cam's daughter…her interns, and every other woman and their daughter knew her true value in this world.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Angela held up a glass of sparkling cider in a toast. "To my best friend, Temperance Brennan, for giving a kick ass speech that told a certain someone what he could do with himself. To Bren!"
A mixed chorus of "To Brennan, Dr. B, Aunt Brennan, and Bones" followed with the kids drinking Sprite, as the group celebrated today's events in the back room of Founding Fathers.
"It was a good day and it will make a difference, plus when Booth picked me and Hank up, we got to ride with the siren on.", Hodgins replied to everyone's laughter before sipping his champagne.
"Thank you very much for including my daughters, my sister Gail, and myself in your celebration today.", Nadia said. "To be associated with such a wonderful group such as this make me very happy our Jessie has such wonderful friends."
"Nadia, it's women like you who survived leaving a Communist regime as a child...Ms. W...Jessica, fighting back against a man who abused his position to hurt women, Angela, who shows that computers are not just a 'man's' free time, Gail, who along with being an artist, is the head mechanic and co-owner of Harlequin motorcycles…"
"Harley Davidson, Bones.", Booth quietly corrected to chuckles. "She and Stephan own a franchise and are building another one."
"Of course...to Daisy, who is the Head Forensic Anthropologist at the NFL…" Brennan missed the darkening of Daisy's countenance as she continued to speak. "...and Cam, who worked hard to be the youngest coroner in New York City's history...to all of us women."
Everyone had a second Cheers, but before they could start to get food from the buffet in the back of the room, Angela asked a question.
"Daisy, you must be stoked to see Beau and Lance come home tomorrow. You must have missed them so much."
Daisy composed herself. "I did...do. What happened last weekend only showed me that I need to appreciate my loved ones more than ever, and I will from now on."
Caroline's phone buzzed and when she saw the caller ID, she immediately stepped out. "Excuse me a minute. I have to take this."
Jessica didn't miss the subtle shakiness in Daisy's voice and glancing over at Andie, it was obvious that she didn't either. Aubrey had told her, Andie, and Wendell earlier about Daisy's confrontation with Rani last night but when they asked why, the agent had related Daisy's vague description of how the physicist was trying to sabotage her relationship with Oliver. The three ladies had agreed to meet for drinks next week where Daisy was certain to tell them what had happened.
Jessica hoped that with Beau home, Daisy would get her head out of the clouds. While she didn't see it, everyone noticed how much she had fawned over Oliver and it was going to get back to Beau sooner or later.
Before she could ponder any further, the US Attorney came back in the room and sat down. As people got up to get food, Caroline took her and Aubrey aside when she explained her phone call.
"That was Gerald's attorney offering another plea deal?", Aubrey asked.
"It was. Seems our little defendant is a little bit scared since he has no family money to fall back on. I guess I would be too if I were facing the rest of my life in prison." Caroline then explained to the couple what Gerald's attorney had offered.
Jessica squeezed Aubrey's hand. "Is this a good deal?"
Caroline nodded. "She first called me yesterday with an offer of 20 - 40 years with all sentences concurrently, but I told her 'hell, no', because that little worm almost killed several people, plus the things he did before that were horrible. She just countered with 27 - 51 years with all five attempted murder sentences to be served concurrently, but the sentences for stalking, trespassing, violation of the restraining order, and the burglary charge will be consecutive."
"His minimum sentence will be 27 years, Caroline?", Aubrey asked. "There won't be some loophole that lets him come up for parole for good behavior or any crap like that?"
"No. Of course, the judge can reject the plea, but the judge we drew has three daughters of his own and has a reputation of not being a friend to prominent defendants who are arrogant. My guess is that's why we're getting the plea offers. However, I won't go forward unless everyone involved is all right with this, because I can nail that little turd to the wall where he'll sleep with his eyes open every night for the rest of his life."
Swallowing her tears, Jessica crossed her arms over her chest. "I want him to tell everyone what happened. He has to admit he's guilty of what he's done to me, Ms. Julian. I want him to tell everyone about his stalking me, hiring a PI to follow me and Aubrey, stealing my panties, masturbating on my clothes...how his father tried paying me off...what happened last Sunday...all of it."
"He will, Jessica. Part of a plea bargain is that he has to explain to the judge all that he is pleading guilty for. The hearing will be filled with media coverage. No way can he hide behind his family name, and he will be going to maximum security for the best years of his life."
Aubrey looked at Jessica, who was thinking. "Jess, what do you think?"
The redhead took a breath. "If Ashley and everyone else is okay with this, I'll go along with it."
Caroline smiled. "Alright. I have some phone calls to make, but we could be in court as early as Tuesday if everyone is on board with this. You do have the option to make a statement to the court."
"I have to stay home another week to heal, but I'll be there, Ms. Julian. I want to speak."
"Me, too, Caroline.", Aubrey said. "I'm going back to work next week, but I want a front row seat when that fucker pleads guilty and confesses all that he did to terrorize Jessica."
"That can be arranged. I'll take care of everything tomorrow because tonight we're celebrating." Caroline pointed to Aubrey. "Now Cher, get me another Old Fashioned but hold the Fashioned."
"One Bourbon on the rocks, coming up.", Aubrey replied before walking away to the bar set up in the room.
When he was out of earshot, Jessica hugged the US Attorney. "Thank you, Ms. Julian."
Caroline hugged the intern back. "You're welcome, Jessica. Now, if you hurt my Aubrey, I'm coming after you."
Jessica heard the affection in the woman's voice. "I'll take care of him, Ms. Julian, I promise."
"You do that, Cher."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
About two hours, four beers, and multiple turns at the food table for Aubrey, he waited until Jessica was done talking to Cam and got her attention. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired and sore, but excited about today. I think I'm ready to go home, Superman."
"Yeah, me too. Let's tell everyone goodbye."
After making their final goodbyes and arranging for some people to pick up their vehicles at his house later tonight or tomorrow, Aubrey and Jessica walked out of Founding Fathers. Putting his arm gingerly around his girlfriend, the agent walked her down the block to the FBI garage. Kissing Jessica on top of her head as they got closer to the Hoover, he was rewarded when she snuggled closer to him.
"I'm feeling better after talking to Dr. B and after hearing those women talk today, but I don't know when I'll be up for...you know...I'm still a little…"
Aubrey stopped them and turned the redhead around. "Jessica, I'm in no hurry…"
"But, our sex life was always so...passionate, loving, and...fun. I just don't want you to look at me like...or be afraid to touch me because Gerald did…do you still..."
Aubrey realized what Jessica was asking. "Jessica Elizabeth Warren, nothing has changed in how I feel about you or how I look at you. You are still the most beautiful and exciting woman I've ever been with. What happened was not your fault and yes, I'm afraid to touch you because you've flinched when I have. I don't want you to be afraid of me."
The redhead wiped away a tear. "I'm not...I was just afraid you...would be mad and disgusted because I didn't fight hard enough or that I let him...urinate on me…like you deserved better..."
Aubrey looked his girlfriend in the eye. "Jessica...I'll keep on telling you as much as it takes that you can't ever think that ever again. You are still the same woman you were a week ago and my feelings about you will never change. Don't give Gerald Maxwell the power to run your life. You do whatever you have to do to become whole again and I'll be there every step of the way because I love you. You're my best friend and I can't live without you."
"You're my best friend...and I can't live without you, too." Jessica smiled before shivering. "Wow...it's getting cold. We should go home."
Aubrey kissed his girlfriend on the lips. "Yes, we should."
Putting his arm around Jessica, they continued the short distance to Aubrey's SUV, relieved that they cleared the air. They'd dodged a bullet yesterday, and they still had to talk more later, but they would face what was coming together.
They were going to be okay.