Momentous changes are in store for our favorite couple. How will they respond? Read on to find out.
Caroline Julian acted quickly on Sunday morning, contacting all of the women who had been assaulted by Gerald in the past. Because of her prompt response, 72 hours after the Women's March, Jessica, Ashley, Angela, Hodgins, and several other women were in court as Gerald stood at the defendant's table with his court appointed lawyer by his side. Instead of the bespoke wardrobe that was his mainstay, he was instead in an orange jumpsuit, wearing handcuffs and leg chains. Aubrey smirked slightly, enjoying the scene as the former intern gritted his teeth while the judge spoke to him in a stern tone of voice.
"Mr. Maxwell, you understand what it means for you to plead guilty to all the charges against you, is that correct? You are admitting guilt in all the crimes you are charged with?"
Gerald's response was simply a taciturn, "Yes."
"Before I sentence you, you will describe the details of each offense, starting with the attack of five people at the Jeffersonian Medico-Legal lab on January 15th of this year."
For the next hour and fifteen minutes, everyone listened as Gerald described in monotone what he had done in the commission of each crime he was charged with. There was no emotion, merely a recitation of the events. Jessica didn't know whether it was because he knew he had lost or because he truly didn't have feelings for the victims of his crimes. She shuddered at the thought, but leaned into Aubrey as he pulled her close to him in support.
When Gerald had finished with his statement, the judge asked to hear from each victim who was willing to speak. Jessica's heart broke as she listened to Ashley talk about how she had considered Gerald the love of her life and how she wasn't sure if she could trust another man after his betrayal. Much like what happened to her, her fellow intern was staying with family, unable to face returning to her apartment after almost being murdered there.
Because Oliver was still recovering, Hodgins was present as his proxy to read his victim impact statement. It was in typical Oliver style, with its verbose nature regarding his physical and emotional recovery over the next several weeks and months. The entomologist cherry picked through a few parts that compared law enforcement and society to troglodytes in allowing Gerald to get as far as he had in society, as well as the veiled threat to the judge if he should happen to hand down a less than ideal sentence. However, Hodgins made sure to focus on the fact that Oliver's traumatic brain injury could affect his ability to earn a living in his chosen field.
"Dr. Wells is a brilliant man...and a talented scientist. He was lucky in the sense that he was discovered mere minutes after he was attacked, and he had gifted trauma surgeons available to perform surgery on him less than an hour later. His initial prognosis was grim, but he has defied the doctors' expectations and is now awake. However, he still has months, if not years, of therapy and recovery ahead of him. This injury may set back his studies several months or for several years...at a great cost to his ability to earn a living and to the detriment of society, which will lose a great deal if he cannot continue his career as a forensic anthropologist. His life will be forever changed because of Mr. Maxwell's attack, your honor...an attack that was vicious and unprovoked. We are steadfast in our belief that Gerald Maxwell deserves to feel the full force of justice for what he has done."
Jessica's statement was the last, and she was nervous to the point where she wanted to vomit. However, Aubrey squeezed her hand again in support. Gathering her courage, she walked up to the podium and read the words she had conceived the night before. Tears fell as she described her ordeal, beginning with the sexual harassment and stalking she had endured from Gerald during the last semester and then describing the terror she'd felt that day in Limbo nine days earlier. Turning to her assailant, he looked away as she spoke her final words.
"You tried to destroy my life and my security because I wouldn't let you break me like you had broken so many other women who had dared to tell you no. I've struggled with so much since what happened last Sunday. However, while you rot in prison, I will continue to move closer to recovering from what you've done to me. I will not let you win, Gerald Maxwell, because someday I will be fully healed. I refuse to be your victim any longer."
Sitting back down, she took Aubrey's hand as they waited for the verdict. The judge accepted the concurrent sentences of 27 years each for the five counts of attempted murder for Jessica, Oliver, the two security guards, and Ashley, but it was the rest of his statement that surprised everyone present.
"While you are a first time offender according to the law, your actions have disgusted me, Mr. Maxwell. Listening to the statements of Ms. Anders, Ms. Warren, Dr. Wells through Dr. Hodgins, and the other women here, you've lived a life guilt free as you've tormented women for your own personal pleasure. Judging by your demeanor, as I observe you even now, I can see that you feel no guilt or regret for your actions. To your detriment, and society's, your family has used their influence to help you escape the consequences of your heinous actions up until now, but that will stop here. The following sentences will be served concurrently after the minimum of 27 years for the previously mentioned offenses."
The judge opened a folder and read it aloud to the court. "On the charge of aggravated assault against victim Angela Montenegro and her unborn child, the maximum sentence of 37 months. Charge of aggravated stalking against victim Jessica Warren...the maximum sentence of 41 months, two counts of burglary...the maximum sentence for each offense for a total of 82 months...the bomb threat onto the Jeffersonian Institution on January 6, the maximum sentence of 51 months...violation of a federal restraining order involving bodily injury to the receiver, Jessica Warren...the maximum sentence of 78 months."
The judge looked at the defendant with absolute revulsion. "You have proven yourself a disgraceful menace to society, Mr. Maxwell, and this sentence will ensure that you will never be able to unleash your entitled, misogynistic, evil actions and views on women or anyone who happens to be in your path ever again. Court is adjourned."
Shocked that he would be spending the rest of his life in prison, Gerald was kicking and screaming as the two bailiffs dragged him back to jail. "You'll never get away with this, you son of a bitch...I'm a Maxwell...my family has friends in high places and you'll be disbarred…"
When he was gone from the courtroom, Jessica exhaled in relief as Aubrey hugged her. "It's over...it's really over…"
"Jess, I'm so proud of you for standing up to him once again.", Aubrey replied. "I know reading that statement to the court, in front of all these people, was a lot harder than reading it to me last night."
Angela smiled as she took Jessica's hand. "Jessica, you were so brave to stand up there the way you did. I'm so glad for you."
Jessica nodded as she brushed away a tear. "Me, too. How's the baby?"
"Going for a check up today, but still feeling good. This is a miracle baby...for sure." Angela stood up when she saw Hodgins speaking to Ashley. "I'm going to grab my husband so we can take Ashley back to the lab with us."
"Okay." Jessica and Aubrey watched her walk away before the redhead turned to her boyfriend. "Aubrey, can we get out of here? After I thank Ms. Julian, of course..."
"Yeah, Jess...anything you want..."
The couple walked over to Caroline, who was arguing with the defense attorney. Jessica waited until the US attorney noticed her and hugged her. "Thank you, Ms. Julian...for everything."
"You're welcome, Cher'."
After letting go, the couple let Caroline get back to her argument and the two walked out of the courthouse.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Two days had passed since Gerald's plea hearing and Aubrey was relieved that Jessica seemed less irritable, but she was still very pensive...not quite her old perky self yet. He knew her well enough to know that something was on her mind, but he also knew he couldn't be too nosy. She'd tell him what was bothering her when she was ready, and he'd have to be patient.
Finally, as they sat down to dinner Thursday night, she began to confide in him. Sipping her water, she glanced at him shyly. "I want to talk to you about an idea I have, Aubrey...but I'm afraid you might think it's silly…"
Puzzled, Aubrey frowned slightly as he cut his steak. "I don't think your ideas are silly, Jess…"
"Yeah, well...you haven't heard this one yet." She focused her attention on her meal. "I'm not sure it even makes sense…"
"You're a literal genius, Jess, and you always have smart things to say. So, tell me...what's on your mind? You know you can tell me anything, right?"
"Okay…" Jessica puffed out a small sigh, shrugging a shoulder as she glanced at her boyfriend. "I've been thinking about a lot of things lately...since going to the March, you know? About how, as women, we should feel empowered on our own...that we can be strong and about how we're able to face any challenge that life throws at us." She licked her lips nervously as Aubrey gazed at her intently. " And I know you may not understand why I feel this way, but I think maybe I've given Gerald too much control over my life…"
"What?!", Aubrey sputtered angrily. "That bastard doesn't control you at all! He's going to be in prison for probably the rest of his life…he won't be able to hurt anyone else..."
"I know, but just listen, okay?" Reaching over to pat her boyfriend's hand, she bit her lip nervously. "I know that he'll be far away from me, physically, but, with everything he's done to me, he's really messed with my mind. It's like I've been scared of my own shadow…afraid to do anything..."
"Well, that's understandable, Jess. Any normal person would feel that way…" Aubrey frowned slightly, wondering what point she was trying to make.
"But I don't want to feel that way any more. I'm ready to move on with my life." Jessica took another sip of her water, trying to gather her thoughts. She hadn't anticipated that it would be so hard to explain what she was feeling. "I need to conquer my fear so I can get past everything else...and, I think in some ways, you do, too…you've been afraid..."
"Afraid?" Stunned at her comment, Aubrey sat back in his chair. "What do you mean...afraid? I'm not the one who was attacked…"
"No, but I know how me being injured affected you...that you thought it was your fault...that now you feel like you need to constantly hover over me. Isn't that part of the reason you went to the Women's March? Yes, I know you wanted to support me and the rest of our friends, but you also didn't really want to let me out of your sight, did you?"
"No, I didn't." Aubrey shook his head slowly. "I see what you mean. I guess I've been reacting out of fear...and anger, too." He stared at the table for a few seconds, wanting to avoid looking into his girlfriend's eyes. "I wanted to kill Gerald, Jess...and I might have if Genny and Steve hadn't pulled me off of him. The thought of you being hurt by that bastard...every time I remember seeing him as he tried to strangle you, it still makes my blood boil…"
"But I'm doing better...it doesn't hurt to talk anymore and I don't croak either. My bruises are mostly healed. Pretty soon that day will just be a bad memory, right? We still need some more time to heal, but we're getting there." Jessica sighed softly as she ate a bite of salad. "You know, you can't prevent every bad thing from happening, Superman. The world is a scary place. I know you want to protect me, but…it doesn't always work that way."
"Maybe not, but I'm gonna do my best to keep you safe, okay? That's my job…to make sure no one hurts you…in any way."
"I know. That's because you love me, right?" She smiled at his bashful grin. "And I love you, too, so what I want to do is going to seem really weird, but I need to get over being scared, and I think it'll help you, too."
"So...what's this amazing idea you have?", Aubrey asked, taking a sip of his beer.
She hesitated slightly, running her finger around the rim of her glass. "I want to spend the night, alone, in my old apartment." Seeing Aubrey's surprise, she rushed to explain. "I know it may not make sense to you, but I've associated that place with Gerald, and it's made me afraid to be there by myself. I think that if I can be there alone for an extended period of time, it's like I can finally prove to myself that I don't have to be afraid of him anymore. It's more of a psychological victory, I guess...it's hard to explain…"
"No, I get it." Aubrey nodded as he cut another bite of steak. "It's a symbolic thing, right? A sort of 'fuck you' to Gerald, to prove that he's got nothing on you." Although he wasn't thrilled with the idea, Aubrey could see how important it was to her. "So when do you want to do make this grand gesture of defiance?"
"Saturday night. We can go have a pigeon dinner at Satay Sarinah, and then I can drive myself over to the apartment. I'll spend the night, by myself, and then we can meet for breakfast at the diner Sunday morning. What do you think?"
"Sounds like a plan." He reached across the table to take her hand in his. "Have I ever told you how proud I am to have a woman like you as my girlfriend? You're so smart...so beautiful...so brave…"
Jessica laughed as she playfully arched an eyebrow at him, trying to keep things light. "And you're so full of shit...if I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to seduce me. I still have to be cleared by the doctor, you know…"
"Well, I'm just trying to ramp up the anticipation factor. Is it working?" Aubrey flashed a dimpled smile at his girlfriend. "You can't wait to make passionate love to me, right?"
Sighing softly, Jessica nodded in agreement, as she shifted nervously in her chair. "Right. Hey, do you want another beer or anything else?"
"No, I'm all set, thanks." Noticing how quiet she'd become, Aubrey recalled what Booth had said about letting Jessica take the lead, and he realized he may be pressuring her before she was ready for that step. He quickly spoke up to reassure her. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be insensitive…"
The redhead exhaled softly. "I know you didn't mean to make me feel bad by saying those things…"
He shook his head as he began to clear some of the dishes from the table. "No, I didn't...and I don't want to push you into something if you're not emotionally and physically ready. There's no rush for us to make love, Jess...we'll take as much time as necessary for you to feel right about it. You know I'm okay with whatever you decide about us being...intimate. I just want you to be comfortable with it, okay? I love you, and I'm willing to do whatever you want...whenever it's best for you...I'll wait as long as you need me to...no questions asked..."
Feeling reassured, Jessica smiled at her boyfriend. "I know, Superman...soon, okay? I just need a little more time…"
"Okay." He bent down to kiss her cheek. "We're good, right?"
"Yeah, of course." She gathered up the silverware and the glasses. "Never better. Now, let's finish cleaning up. I want to watch Godzilla vs Mothra on Comet tonight…"
"Oh, alright. You're such a slave driver…"
She smiled to herself as she watched Aubrey carry their dinner plates to the kitchen sink. After the way Gerald had mistreated her, it had been hard not to consider herself damaged goods, and she had wondered if Aubrey would still desire her sexually. Once again, she had underestimated him. He obviously couldn't wait to be with her that way...he actually looking forward to it. She had felt ugly...dirty...and maybe even a little bit guilty that she couldn't fight off Gerald's attack.
In retrospect, she realized that perhaps she had been so awful with Aubrey because she felt like she didn't deserve to be loved any more...that maybe she was unworthy of her Superman's affection...but now it seemed as if he would always love her, no matter what had happened. Gerald had tried to do his worst, but it hadn't kept her boyfriend from thinking she was beautiful.
He still loves me...still wants to make love to me...after everything...and I trust him...he would never hurt me...I want him to make love to me…
Knowing that he loved her like that gave her the overwhelming sensation of well being...a sense of comfort and peace flooded her soul. She was ready to accept his unconditional love now, completely and without reservation, and to return it without holding anything back. It was time for them to take the next step together.
Giggling softly, she began to load the dishwasher as Aubrey put the leftovers away. Suddenly she couldn't wait to have the doctor clear her for engaging in her normal activities. There was one particular activity she was looking forward to when she was ready...and she knew her boyfriend would definitely approve as well.
ooooooooooo
The rest of the week had been pleasantly uneventful, with Jessica and Aubrey gradually falling back into their domestic routine. Jessica was still wary of reinjuring her ribs, but that was more of an inconvenience than a major obstacle. Doing a modified yoga routine did help tremendously with her breathing, and she was feeling stronger every day. She was also itching to get back to the lab and being Dr. B's TA again hopefully starting on Tuesday if her re-check with her primary care physician went well enough..
For Aubrey, because Gerald was now on his way to a federal maximum security prison in California, he was able to relax and hover over Jessica less. She was slowly becoming more active, although a return to full activities wouldn't happen for another few days at least. He was still uncertain that his girlfriend spending the night alone in her old apartment was a good idea, but he also knew he wouldn't be able to dissuade her.
So Saturday evening, after a wonderful meal at one of their favorite restaurants, Aubrey walked Jessica out to her jeep. Clearing his throat nervously, he took her hand. "Are you sure you want to do this, Jess? I mean, it's not really necessary to prove anything, is it?"
"Yeah, I think it is. I may not need to prove anything to you, but I need to prove something to myself. I need to find my toughness again." Smiling up at her boyfriend, Jessica tilted her head to one side. "I know it's going to bother you, not having me at home...but I think that in the long run, this will be good for both of us."
"Skinner is going to be mad because you're not in bed with us.", Aubrey said jokingly.
"I know...I'll miss him, too. Think of it this way...you won't have to worry about me hogging the bed."
Aubrey shrugged. "I don't know...I'm kinda used to hanging off the edge of the bed now."
"I know...and I'll miss your snoring." Kissing him gently, she caressed his cheek. "I'll text you when I get there, okay?"
"Or you can call me, and we can talk on the phone until one of us falls asleep waiting for the other one to hang up first." Aubrey chuckled at Jessica's exasperation. "What? You'd still be alone…"
"Good night, Aubrey." She gave him one last squeeze before getting into her car. "I'll see you tomorrow morning. I love you..."
"Yeah, okay...I love you, too. Drive safe." He tried to smile, waving as he watched her Jeep pull out of the parking lot before trudging back to his SUV. It was going to be a lonely night for him without Jessica at home, but if she felt like this was something she needed to do, then more power to her. Maybe this would be the last hurdle they'd have before they could be together for good.
As she drove through the dark streets of the nation's capital, Jessica gave herself a pep talk. "I know I can do this.", she mumbled to herself. "It's just a set of rooms...I've lived there for a long time. There isn't anything there that can hurt me…"
Sighing as she checked the rearview mirror, she wondered if she was making a mistake. She'd been away from Aubrey only thirty minutes and she already missed him. Squaring her shoulders, she shook off her doubt. "No more excuses. I can do this...I can do this..."
She pulled into the grocery store's parking lot and slowly got out of the car, grabbing her overnight bag before locking the doors. Looking around cautiously, she slowly walked over to the tenants' entrance and stepped inside, staring up at the stairs which led up to the third floor. Inhaling deeply, she took the few first steps before pausing. "There's nothing to be afraid of...no one here that doesn't belong here. Come on, Warren, let's go."
Her footsteps echoed in the stairwell as she made her way up the steps. When she finally reached her floor, she walked down the hall until she stood in front of the apartment. Taking a deep breath, she inserted the key in the lock and pushed the door open and flicked on the lights.
A shudder passed through her as she stepped into the tiny living room. She couldn't help but remember being there with Dr. B as they realized that someone else had broken into in this place...someone who didn't belong there...or when she was with Angela and discovered that someone had committed disgusting acts of vandalism.
'But he's in prison now…', she thought. 'He got what he deserved...and I don't have to worry about him any more…'
The little apartment was chilly, and Jessica rubbed her arms to warm up as she adjusted the thermostat. It seemed like years since she'd been here, and she was surprised at how cramped it felt. There was a film of dust on the furniture and a few cobwebs on the overhead light fixture. "This place could use a good cleaning. Too bad I have bruised ribs and my back is still a bit sore. I'm sure a dust cloth would be too heavy.", she giggled.
Walking into the kitchen, she shook her head as she looked through the empty pantry, happily surprised to find a package of microwave popcorn. Deciding that a late night snack was in order, she fixed herself the tasty treat.
"I guess I've lived at Aubrey's place too long...this place feels like a shoebox now…", she muttered to herself as she leaned against the kitchen counter, munching on the buttery kernels. "Oh, I'd better send him a text…"
Made it here safe and sound. Found some munchies, but I miss you. C U tomorrow. J
After quickly sending her boyfriend the message with a picture of her popcorn bag, she once again looked around the apartment, pausing as she heard some noise filtering up from the apartment below. "Sounds like Holly and her girlfriend are at it again." Hearing her phone chime, she smiled as she read Aubrey's reply.
Good deal. Show that bastard who's boss, Jess. Damn that popcorn looks good. Movie Theater Butter, my favorite. A
Nodding to herself, she put her phone back in her pocket. Aubrey was right. She was going to show Gerald Maxwell that she was really in charge of her life. This was her space, and he had been the unwelcome intruder. Well, no more. He's never going to bother me again. I am my own person, in my own apartment...and Gerald can go fuck himself...
Walking into the bedroom, she changed into her pajamas and set the alarm on her phone. Opening her book, she began to read before settling down for the night, and it wasn't long before she began getting drowsy. Giggling softly, she sent a good night text to Aubrey before setting the book on the nightstand and turning off the lamp. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep.
Oooooooooo
The next morning, Jessica grumbled softly in her sleep, rolling over in bed as she tried to get comfortable. Judging from the angle of light on the bedroom wall, it was still early in the morning...too early to get up on a Sunday. Scrunching her eyelids tightly together, she willed herself to go back to sleep, but she gave up after a few restless minutes. Sighing quietly, she opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling as she worked through her thoughts about the last few days.
She'd done it...she'd overcome her fear, staying overnight in her apartment by herself. Wiping away a tear, she nodded resolutely. Gerald had done his best to humiliate her...to defile her...to injure her both physically and emotionally...but she had taken her life back, and in the end, she'd come out on top. She knew that it might be several months before she was completely unafraid, but the son of the bitch hadn't won...he hadn't broken her spirit. She was still an intelligent, independent woman who could do whatever she wanted to do. She'd taken the first step along the road to recovery.
Sitting up in bed, she stretched before turning to touch her toes to the cold floor. She'd spent more nights away from Aubrey in the last week than she had in several months, and she decided it would be an even longer time before that happened again.
She chuckled to herself as she walked to the bathroom. It had almost been too quiet to sleep without Aubrey's snoring next to her. She'd been sleeping in the recliner in his living room because of her bruised ribs, and he'd been camped out on the sofa next to her, but soon she hoped to be back in her own bed...well, actually, his bed...or was it their bed?...with her boyfriend by her side. She had missed having him to snuggle with...and she missed having him try to push her over when she hogged the bed.
As she turned on the shower, she contemplated the last few days. Her ribs were still healing, and she was still slightly sore after attending the Women's March the previous weekend. Arching her back as the warm water ran down her body, she squirted some shower gel into her hand. The Women's March had been a life changing event, and she was thrilled to have been a part of it, but at the moment she wondered if she'd overdone things a bit. After all, the doctor had warned her about doing too much too soon, but it had been worth it to be a part of history. Now, however, she was ready for her life to get back to normal.
Reaching for a towel as she stepped out of the shower, she shivered as she quickly dried off before wrapping it around her damp hair. Throwing on an old sweatshirt and some yoga pants, she nodded to herself. After spending so much time at Aubrey's place, she'd forgotten that her little apartment had always been drafty during the winter, It'd be nice to live somewhere with a heater that actually worked…
As she walked back into the bedroom, she glanced around the tiny space with a feeling of nostalgia. It had been just what she'd needed when the educational cooperative closed, but now...now this apartment was just a set of vacant rooms. It didn't feel like her place anymore. Everything that had made it a home...all of her family photographs, her books, and her mementos...all of the important things had somehow found their way over to Aubrey's house over the past few months. The only things of any sentimental value left at the apartment were her grandmother's oak rocking chair, which was too heavy for her to move by herself, and a large watercolor painting that her brother Aaron had given her one Christmas several years ago. Everything else could be replaced, or rather, had been replaced, as she'd made herself comfortable at her boyfriend's house.
This apartment was no longer her home.
Combing out her hair as she sat on the bed, she finally came to a realization. What this apartment was missing now wasn't her possessions, because, for the most part, their replacements could easily purchased at Priceco. What she needed to make some place her home was Aubrey. Wherever he was, that's where her home would be…
Stunned by this epiphany, she tried to reason her way out of the idea. "I can't live with Aubrey full time…", she muttered to herself. "I still have a lease...I need my own space...I've been bitchy, and he won't want me around…"
But her logical mind would have none of it as she remembered buying the laundry rack for 'their' laundry room, sleeping in 'their' bed, shopping for 'their' groceries and feeding 'their' cat. 'We've been living together for almost two months now...with the only difference being that I had an escape with my apartment...but I don't need one anymore. Aubrey's name is the only one on the lease, but I've been contributing to the groceries and household needs….''
Glancing at her phone, she rolled her eyes. Her lease would be up in six weeks. Aubrey's house was huge...she could have a room that would serve as both an office and yoga space. She had been difficult to deal with through her recuperation, but he'd stood by her the whole time, when most men would've thrown in the towel.
"So...am I gonna do it? Am I gonna ask if I can move in?"
After a quick debate, the redhead quickly sent her boyfriend a text so they could meet for breakfast. Throwing her phone aside, she giggled as she pulled some bags from the bottom of her closet before slowing down because of her sore ribs.
"Oh well, I guess that stuff can wait until my ribs are better, but, yes...yes, I am…I'm going to ask Aubrey if we can officially live together."
Oooooooooo
Aubrey lay in bed with Skinner curled up on his stomach. Puffing out a loud sigh, he checked his phone once again, only to be greeted with no message, just like when he'd checked it five minutes earlier. Come on, Jessica...aren't you up yet?
He'd been awake since 5:30 that morning...not that he'd actually been asleep very much the night before. After gently moving Skinner aside, he sat up in bed. He'd been less than enthusiastic about her determination to stay the night by herself in her old apartment, even if he'd understood why she needed to do so. He'd been unsure that this was the right time, but, then again, he might not ever feel like it was the right time for her to take this step.
Gotta get back on the horse that throws you, right?
He had wanted to protect her from all that unpleasantness, but Jessica was bound and determined to face her fears, and who was he to discourage her, especially after the blow out they'd had last week? She had always been independent, able to do things by herself, and he loved that about her. She really didn't want anyone to help her with anything, and the fact that she had trusted him enough to let him support her through all of the ordeal with Gerald...well, it made him feel like a million bucks.
Still...he was getting antsy, thinking she should've texted him by now. After all, there was no food in her apartment except that bag of microwave popcorn...and he'd been looking forward to one of Frankie's amazing omelets at the Royal Diner…
He headed for the bathroom to take a quick shower, followed closely by his cat, who was apparently starving. "Just a minute, Skinner...I gotta get cleaned up."
Turning on the water, Aubrey grinned to himself. He and Jessica had enjoyed many sexy mornings together in that shower, and he was looking forward to spending many more with her. The things that woman could do with her tongue…
Shaking off his horny thoughts, he quickly rinsed off and got out. "Gotta behave, right, Skinner? Aunt Jess isn't up for the fun stuff yet, but she'll be home tonight to see you…it's not like it was last week, when you were stuck with me and Uncle Booth."
Scratching the cat's ears, Aubrey grinned to himself. It had only been one night, but he couldn't wait to see her. If he had anything to do with it, she'd never spend another night away from him. He needed her too much…
Pulling on some jeans and a sweatshirt, he checked his phone again, disappointed that he hadn't heard from her. Deciding that she'd been tired from their very busy week and that she had slept in as a result, he trotted downstairs to feed the cat.
He paused as he got to the foot of the stairs, once again catching a whiff of her cherry vanilla scent. She had permeated every part of his life. Her books were stacked on the kitchen counter. Her favorite picture of her father was on the end table. Her umbrella was in the stand by the door, and her heavy coat was hanging on the hall tree. Everywhere he looked, he saw evidence of the woman he loved.
As he put Skinner's bowl down on the floor, he heard his phone chime and chuckled, happy to see a message from Jessica saying that she was ready to meet him for breakfast. Grabbing his jacket before heading out to the car, he nodded to himself as he finalized the great plan he came up with while he was awake in bed earlier.
If most of Jessica's stuff was at his house, it just made sense for her to live there, too. After all, why pay for an apartment when she was so comfortable at his house? He had to admit...maybe Booth was right. Maybe they were already living together, so why not make it official?
Cringing slightly as he pulled the SUV out of the driveway, he glanced at himself in the rearview mirror, seeing the nervousness he felt. Yeah, it's a great plan...now if I can only convince Jess...
Oooooooooo
After parking her car, Jessica walked quickly down the sidewalk toward the diner. She hesitated slightly before opening the door, wondering if she'd be brave enough to follow up on her resolution. She knew that Aubrey loved her, but still...living together was a different level of commitment. How would she take it if he said no to her idea? Would this bold move be the end of their relationship?
She recalled Daisy telling her about the first time she was going to move in with Sweets, almost five year earlier, and how they had broken up because they'd had such different ideas about what living together meant. Realizing she was psyching herself out, she shook her head.
'But we're not Daisy and Sweets...we're Aubrey and Jessica...we're best friends...we've been through hell and back...' Puffing out a sigh, she squared her shoulders and bravely marched into the restaurant. She was going for it...frayed nerves be damned.
She glanced toward their favorite table, happy to see that he was already waiting for her. He flashed a big smile, obviously glad to see her. 'Okay...just act natural...you can do this, Jessica…'
Aubrey rose from his seat and greeted his girlfriend with a tender embrace. "Well, you did it, didn't you? You stayed by yourself in your apartment last night. How does it feel?"
"It feels great!" She wore a broad smile as she sat down across from him. "I slept really well...it feels like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. I'm ready to take on the world again, you know? I feel like nothing can stop me now."
"I'm glad, Jess." He paused as their server set a cup of tea in front of Jessica and refilled his coffee cup. "I know how much your independence means to you…and, for what it's worth, I'm really proud of you."
"Thanks. It does mean a lot to me...being independent, that is...and, of course, I want you to be proud of me, but…" Jessica focused on her teacup for a few seconds. "...but I've recently discovered something else that means even more to me...something I want to share with you…"
Obviously confused, Aubrey's brow furrowed as he thought over what she was saying. "I don't understand…"
"I know." Jessica shrugged slightly as she sipped her tea. "I'm not explaining it very well, am I?" She gazed out the diner's window, trying to find the right words. Hearing her boyfriend clear his throat slightly, she glanced at him. "Okay, I made a decision about our relationship last night…"
"Oh." Aubrey felt his stomach drop to his toes. "Um...what...do you...do you want to tell me what you decided?" And do I really want to know?
Jessica hesitated as their order arrived. After making sure they had enough coffee, ketchup, and napkins, the waitress finally left them in peace.
"So...Jess?" Aubrey poured a pool of ketchup next to his hash browns. "You said you decided something…"
"Um...yes, I think so." She spread some apple butter on her toast as she thought about the speech she had rehearsed on the way to the diner. "I was...er, that is...I think that I could live anywhere...as long as I'm with you." Hearing his gasp, she hurried to explain. "I mean, I was at my apartment last night, and after a few minutes, I realized it wasn't really my apartment any more, because you weren't there...that I need to have you around to make my living place a home...and Skinner, of course. So…"
"Yes." Aubrey grinned as he cut a big bite of his omelet. "Yes, we're going to live together."
"But, wait…" Jessica stared at Aubrey with a surprised expression. "I didn't even get to finish…"
"Well, that's what you were going to say, right? That you think you should move in with me full time? It makes sense. After all, a lot of your stuff is already there, and there's a lot of room for whatever else you want to bring over…" Aubrey sipped his coffee, arching an eyebrow at her. "Besides, I had the same idea...that I wanted you to be with me. I was kind of afraid to push it, you know, because I know you need your own space...what with everything that's happened, but if you're ready, then I am, too."
"Well, that's anticlimactic. Don't you want to hear all of my reasons? I mean, I have a whole speech prepared…", Jessica grumbled. "You gave in too soon…'
"It's probably a lot like mine...I worked on what I was going to say while I was laying in bed all by myself last night." Aubrey chuckled at his girlfriend's grimace. "Oh, okay...tell me what you were gonna say…"
Jessica's pent up emotions burst forth in a torrent of words as she breathlessly explained her idea. "Well, I was going to say that it occurred to me that we already spend a lot of our time together, and, you know...we get along...most of the time, anyway...and my lease is up soon, so the money I had been spending on rent could go to our living expenses and maybe we could save some money, too...and…I love you, so...it makes sense that we pool our resources...and anyway, everybody already thinks we live together, at least according to Angela, so why not just go for it?" She paused as she saw his silly smile. "What?"
"I was going to say pretty much the exact same thing...except I don't want us to move in together just because everyone else thinks that we already have or that we should. We've listened to everyone else's opinions more than once, you know, but yours is the only one I care about, Jess, and if you think this is what you want, well, that's good enough for me."
"Oh, I see." Jessica said with a smirk. "You've been thinking about it to, huh?"
"Yeah." He laughed as he stole a slice of bacon from her plate. "So...I think we're good to go…about living together, that is...if you're sure you're ready...but I'm not going to be willing to let you leave me once you move in...you know that, right? I want this to be permanent...another building block to our future together, so are you sure you're ready for that?"
Jessica took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm ready, Superman. I'm willing to make a promise to you that I'll stay with you, and if we ever have any more problems, we'll stay together and work things out." Sighing happily, she fidgeted with her tea cup. "It shouldn't take more than one afternoon to bring over the rest of my things to the house...our house. I don't have a lot of furniture...just my bed, my dining room table, and maybe a couple of chairs…I can donate most of my stuff if we don't need it."
"Cool.", Aubrey replied with a mouthful of egg and cheese. "That makes things easy."
She smiled as she watched him pull out his phone. "Are you really sure this is what you want to do? It's a big step…" She inhaled deeply as their eyes met. "It's like a major commitment…"
Aubrey swallowed his food, pausing slightly before he spoke again. "Actually, I think we made that commitment two months ago, Jess, when you stayed with me after I'd been shot...without even giving it a second thought...and, well, I guess I've known for awhile now that you're the only one I want to have sharing my house." He showed her the text he was getting ready to send Booth.
Add Jessica's name to the lease ASAP.
"Are you ready for me to send it, Jessica?", Aubrey asked with a chuckle. "It's not too late to back out…"
She grabbed the phone from his hand and hit SEND. "There...now you're stuck with me, Superman."
"I love you, Jessica Warren." Aubrey reached out to take her hand. "I can't wait for us to take this next step together."
"I love you, too, James Aubrey." As she ate a bite of fruit, she winked at him. "Okay, so now I need to figure out which room at the house is going to be my office and yoga room...and I need to find a place for my grandmother's rocking chair…we can put my bed in the guest room and maybe save the table for poker night or something like that..."
"How many boxes of stuff do you think we'll need to move? Do we need to hire a mover?", Aubrey mused as he finished off his omelet. "I mean, we'll have to carry stuff down three flights, and with your ribs still healing…but the SUV can hold a lot of crap...I think maybe we can get Wendell to help us...maybe Arastoo and his kids if need be..."
"That's true...and some of that stuff is definitely crap. I may end up throwing most of it away." She giggled as she sat back in her chair. "So we're really doing this, right? I can call Mr. Cho and tell him I'm not renewing my lease…"
"Yep, we're really doing it." Aubrey drained his coffee cup and set it on the table. "And I can't wait for this next adventure to begin." He picked up his water glass and clinked it against hers. "To us and our new home."
Smiling, Jessica raised her glass to him. "To us."