Apologies for not posting this chapter last night. There were technical difficulties on both ends of the equation.

So with Genny being pregnant, the undercover operation is in jeopardy unless a substitute can be found. No problem, right? Of course, it's never that easy. There is an obvious answer, but it seems not everyone is pleased. Read on to find out more...

After dinner that same evening, Aubrey and Jessica sat down on the couch with their beers and enjoyed each other's company. On the sofa's back, Skinner slept peacefully as the two talked about the events of the day.

"So, with Genny pregnant, she's totally off field work, right?", Jessica asked.

"Yeah. FBI regulations state all female agents who are pregnant have to be relegated to desk duty for the duration. Genny is going to go nuts, but that's the rule. I'm happy for her and Hunter, though. I'm sure it was one hell of a surprise...you should've seen the looks on their faces."

Jessica sipped her beer. "Yeah, it probably happened at the FBI Gala…"

"Really?" Aubrey looked down at her in surprise. "How do you know?"

Not wanting to break a confidence, Jessica shrugged innocently. "Just a hunch. The time frame fits…"

Aubrey smirked. "Wow…what a way to celebrate getting a commendation…"

Laughing, Jessica looked back at her boyfriend. "Hey, we celebrated by you bending me over onto your desk, Agent Aubrey."

"But the key difference is I didn't knock you up.", Aubrey chuckled. "If that's true about her getting pregnant at the Gala, it'll be one hell of a story someday."

It was quiet for a moment before Jessica voiced her next thought. "So, if Genny can't go undercover, what are you and Booth going to do about the plan? Can you find another agent who also knows how to curl?"

Aubrey sipped his beer and set it down on the table nearby. "I'm sure we can. Booth and I plan to put out some feelers tomorrow morning after my meeting with the Cyber and Financial divisions."

Jessica hesitated for a moment. "You know, Aubrey, if you need someone who knows how to curl, I could help."

Aubrey shook his head sternly. "No, Jess, that's not necessary."

Sitting up, Jessica looked at her boyfriend. "But what if you can't find another agent who will be available? Maxco is hosting that bonspiel this weekend in West Virginia and whomever is going undercover for the FBI needs to be in place before then..."

Feeling queasy, Aubrey kept a smile plastered on his face. "Yeah, that bonspiel thing is on Saturday and Sunday, but don't worry, we've got it covered. If we can't do the undercover thing this weekend, we'll just wait, that's all. Anyway, you're not FBI, and we need an agent in there with Dr. B if she's still going."

Jessica looked at her boyfriend and grew suspicious. "Aubrey, are you serious about me not going because I'm not FBI, or are you refusing to consider me because I'm your girlfriend?"

'No way are you putting yourself in danger again.' Aubrey turned to Jessica. "Jess, you're a civilian, alright?"

The redhead's eyes narrowed. "So's Dr. B. What's your point?"

'I hate it when she does that.' Aubrey thought. "My point is, she has a certified partnership with Booth in the FBI, and she has a concealed weapons permit—"

"I don't have a permit, but I know how to shoot a gun, Aubrey. I think I could easily get a permit here in DC."

Surprised, Aubrey's eyebrows arched. "How the hell do you know how to shoot a gun?"

"My grandfather taught me. My father wasn't crazy about it, but Grandpa taught my brothers and said I was no different just because I was a girl. I was a pretty good shot, too, and even beat my brothers. When we shot clay pigeons at the cooperative, those lessons came in handy because I got them all, much to my brothers' irritation."

Aubrey exhaled, not thrilled at his new knowledge. "Well, the bad guys in this case shoot at more than clay pigeons, Jessica."

"Aubrey-"

"Dr. Brennan also has a contract with the FBI, Jess, and you don't. Most of all, we need an agent with Dr. B and I'm sorry, but you're not one. I appreciate the offer nonetheless."

"Okay, if you're sure." Jessica hesitated. "Don't forget that my FBI background check includes the undercover stuff I did when I was in Greenpeace. It wouldn't be my first rodeo."

"I know about all that stuff for Greenpeace. However, I had no idea that you could shoot." Aubrey didn't want to start a fight, but for his own peace of mind, he needed to shut the conversation down. "I learn something new about you every day."

"Hey, mysteries keep things interesting…"

Aubrey groaned as he remembered what had happened when he got home. "I'm sorry I had to take a crap while you were in the shower earlier, Jess."

"Superman, we live together. It was bound to happen at some point." Jessica laughed. "We've peed in front of each other for crying out loud."

"I know. but there are some things that don't need to be shared…", Aubrey grumbled.

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

The first hour of Jessica's shift in the lab was a quiet one as she was working on Brennan's WWI project. As she completed her identification of the remains, she was interrupted by her mentor. "Ms. Warren?"

"Yes, Dr. B?"

"When you've completed your work and returned the remains to their appropriate location, please come to my office. I have something to discuss with you."

Knowing with the older woman's tone that anything was possible, the redhead nodded. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Good."

Hoping that she wasn't in trouble, Jessica quickly but meticulously returned the soldier's remains to the drawer and put him back in his section. Uploading her findings onto her tablet, Jessica washed her hands and walked briskly to Brennan's office, where she found her at her desk.

Knocking on the door, Jessica peeked in. "Dr. B, do you still need to see me?"

"Yes, please come in, Ms. Warren, and have a seat." As her intern sat down, Brennan linked her fingers. "How adept are you at curling?"

Momentarily shocked, Jessica shrugged. "I'm still a little rusty but Genny and I did pretty well when we worked out last Saturday."

"Now, you were usually the lead or the third position, or in official curling nomenclature, the vice skip, correct?"

"Yes. I curled for the Great Lakes Curling Association on the Lansing team. Michigan has five teams and we went against each other in our league which was spread over several states, and occasionally participated in bonspiels outside of our league. Luckily, they were usually on weekends, although time was tight while I was going to school. They were a lot of fun, though. I'm thinking about getting back into a local league next year, actually."

Brennan opened a folder and perused the contents. "I've read your background check and saw that you've previously worked with Greenpeace. It seems that during your association with the group, you occasionally used subterfuge in order to plan protests against some facilities'…less than environmentally ethical actions, correct?"

Surprised at Brennan's abrupt change in subject, Jessica switched gears. "Yes. More than once, I worked in labs that we suspected were doing illegal testing on animals. I kept a low profile and gathered information. When I found out when the next specimens were in, or whatever dirty work the lab employees were involved in, I let my group know and we…protested."

Brennan read further down. "There was a protest where there was a pipe bomb placed in a laboratory, but your particular group was cleared of involvement."

"Yes." Jessica remembered the last time she'd talked about this subject with Aubrey, almost 18 months earlier. "The police were able to trace it back to a disgruntled former employee who'd infiltrated our group after being fired, and he used our protest as cover to get revenge. Luckily, no one was killed or hurt. Hopefully he stays in jail for a long time."

Brennan contemplated the file for a moment. "Would you be interested in assisting the FBI with the upcoming undercover operation? As in possibly taking Agent Shaw's place in joining the Maxco curling team?"

Dizzy from the change in subject again, Jessica took a moment to recover as her mentor's question sank in. "Um, can I do that? Aubrey said I had to have a contract with the FBI like you do, and I must work with a field agent. If you're going, then I can't, right?"

"True, but Aubrey and Booth will be working with us, mostly in a peripheral fashion as of now. However, if circumstances change to lead them to take a more active role, such as a plausible way for them to be at the bonspiel in person, they will. Either way, that requirement will be fulfilled."

Brennan saw her intern nod and continued. "Your next question is presumably regarding your safety. If you do choose to assist us with this operation, please understand that your safety would be a top concern. However, while our roles will be limited in scope to observation, they are still vital as we also look out for Booth and Aubrey as they will do for us."

Jessica nodded as she thought about what the older woman had said. "So, no matter what role we're assigned, we are all equal partners in the undercover operation...and all face the same dangers…"

"...including the worst-case scenario of you getting caught by the suspect and being executed, as could I, Booth...and Aubrey." Brennan waited for the intern to fully understand the gravity of the situation. "I'm telling you this because we need someone that Booth, Aubrey, and I can count on to have our posteriors. After observing and working with you the last three years, Ms. Warren, I think you would do an excellent job. However, this is not an offer...or a position...to take lightly as one must understand all consequences if there is failure."

Jessica nodded again as she thought about what Brennan told her. "I understand fully, Dr. B. While I don't want to die, these are dangerous people who've already used their connections to order a hit on an SEC agent as well as using bribery and subtle threats to try to get all of us to drop the case. If I could help stop these guys but chose to stand back and do nothing instead, I wouldn't be the person I've always tried to be. It wouldn't be right."

Brennan nodded in understanding. "You're doing this to help Aubrey, too, am I correct?"

Jessica nodded. "If his father is involved, he'll need my help…all of ours. I just want to be there for him…but it won't affect my ability to do the job."

"So, just to clarify, you accept the risks and are willing to assist the FBI by going undercover at the bonspiel at the Histavark Curling Club in Morgantown, West Virginia this weekend?"

Jessica took a deep breath, realizing what she was about to do. "Yes, Dr. B. I'm in."

"Excellent." Brennan picked up her phone and called a number. "Booth, it's me. I've talked to Ms. Warren…yes, I've explained the dangers of going undercover and she's understands the risks…okay, just a moment…"

The anthropologist put the phone down. "Do you mind going down to the Hoover and meeting Booth in his office in approximately ninety minutes? They have to discuss what your role will be as well as reiterating what we've touched on in here. If Booth is confident you can meet the FBI guidelines, he will have you sign a contract for your participation in this operation."

Jessica realized who was not mentioned. "Uh, does Aubrey know about this? I mean, he has a say in what I do regarding this, right?"

"Of course he does. Booth said he was going to talk to him this morning." Brennan saw Jessica's worried face. "Ms. Warren, if you prefer not to do this—"

"No, I'll do this. Booth and Aubrey need my help. I'll go over as soon as you can spare me."

Brennan got back on the phone and looked at her watch. "Booth, she'll be down there around 11:30…yes, I'll come with her and we can go to the diner for lunch afterwards…yes…love you, too…goodbye."

After being dismissed, Jessica went back to her task as she waited for the time to leave. She wanted to do the right thing, and if the FBI needed her, she would do it. She knew Aubrey wouldn't be happy about it…but as much as she loved her Superman, he had to trust her as much as she trusted him to do his job.

"He'll understand…"

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

"No, I don't understand! What the hell were you thinking, Booth?", Aubrey replied in a raised voice. "She's not an agent!"

Booth had expected Aubrey's reaction and was ready for it. "Bones talked to her earlier today and she feels that Jessica understands the risks involved. However, she also knows that we have to have a lengthy discussion with her regarding the FBI's expectations, the limits on her role in this operation, and to ensure to our satisfaction that she comprehends how dangerous her participation could be. Only if you and I are satisfied, as in the past, will she be allowed to sign a contractor contract with the FBI."

"No way is my girlfriend going undercover with us." Aubrey pointed a finger at his friend's chest. "I won't allow it, Booth."

Booth tried to calm his friend down with humor. "Don't let Jessica hear you say that or else she'll kick you to the couch tonight."

Aubrey's reply was a scowl. "This isn't the time for jokes, Booth."

"No, it's not. Now, if, after we speak with her, I'm as confident as Bones was earlier, then yes, she will be part of this, Aubrey." Knowing what Aubrey's next comment would be, he held his hand up. "Yeah, Bones has curled, but never competitively, so her chances of making the team are slim. She's probably going to be limited to accompanying Jessica to the bonspiel. Genny is still checking around to see if there's a way to get us in there as more than spectators so we can keep a closer eye on the ladies."

Aubrey shook his head as he paced Booth's office. "No…no…not happening…no fucking way…"

Annoyed at the younger man's stubbornness, Booth stood up. "This isn't just your case, Aubrey. It's mine, too, and I did some fast talking to get Stark to sign off on it because it's his ass, too, if it fails. We need her, Aubrey. Many peoples' lives could be at stake here, not just the four of us."

Gulping, Aubrey took a breath to compose himself. "We have to find someone else…not Jessica, Booth…maybe we can turn someone on Maxco's team or find someone else who works at the arena..."

"Too late. Jessica will be here any minute with Bones to talk to me and sign the contract if I'm satisfied that she can participate within FBI guidelines." Booth put his hands on his hips. "If you're going to be an ass, then I'm talking to her alone."

Aubrey stood nose to nose with his friend. "You're not shutting me out of this, Booth. That woman…is my life. I almost lost her two months ago…this case is dangerous…her working at the Jeffersonian on it is one thing, but I don't want her involved in all this..."

"I know you would rather keep her in a safe cocoon at the lab, Aubrey. I would love to do the same with Bones, but we can't because they both are involved now. That asshole Stephenson and his little Histavark buddies have already tried threatening my wife and they've also attempted to bribe us, Genny, and Jessica…"

Aubrey knew Booth was being logical but he couldn't take a chance. "But…"

"Come on, Aubrey, she's got curling experience and has a little bit of accounting background because she helped her brother at the winery a few times." Seeing Aubrey continue to struggle, Booth quieted his voice. "You know that she's the best we have, and I think she can handle this. She's smart as hell—"

"Yeah, but Jessica is also bullheaded as hell! Once she starts something, she doesn't half ass it. She'll jump in headfirst and get hurt—"

Aubrey's tirade was interrupted by Genny knocking on the door frame. "Chamberlain just called me. Jessica and Dr. B are in your office, Booth."

"Alright, we'll head over. Thanks, Genny." Booth waited until she was gone. "Have some faith in your girlfriend, Aubrey. Now, you'll act professionally or I'll do this part alone. Got it?"

Aubrey was gritting his teeth to control his temper. "Fine…I'll make Jessica see how crazy it is for her to do this—"

Booth was fed up. "That's it. Stay here. I'm not having you fuck up this case."

Aubrey's mouth dropped. "You can't shut me out of this!"

"I can and I will." Booth turned to walk out. "As we do with all civilians, I'll counsel her about what going undercover means and I'll send her down here when we're done. Hopefully you're over your tantrum by then."

Aubrey watched as his friend walked out and headed back to his division on the other side of the floor. "Jessica won't do this…she's a pacifist…member of the National Freedom party...she hates fighting unless provoked…hell, she stopped traffic last summer to let ducks cross the road when we took that day trip to Willamsburg…she won't do this. I'm not worried…"

The agent groaned. "Oh, who the hell am I kidding? She'll do it…damn it!"

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

The rest of the day was tense for both Aubrey and Jessica. She wasn't surprised when, after signing the contract and visiting her boyfriend in his office, he cut her visit short, stating he was swamped in paperwork. Of course, she wasn't surprised, either, when she got the text at 4:00 that said he was working late and not to hold dinner for him.

Monday nights he usually didn't get home until after 7:00 anyway, but she knew he was upset. However, Jessica also knew she had done the right thing by agreeing to help with the undercover aspect of the case. Surely, once Aubrey got over his irritation, he would understand that. He was a professional and they had worked together in a professional capacity for almost three years now. She had gone with him to crime scenes...to question witnesses. Nothing new.

Before signing on the dotted line, Booth was very thorough with her in discussing her role and the dangers attached to it. While he and Aubrey would be nearby in some capacity, she had to be able to think on her feet and be careful of everything she said and did. They'd even discussed coloring her hair to make her blend in more with the fellow curlers as her red hair would make her stick out like a sore thumb.

She was scared to death, and told Booth that. She expected him to withdraw the offer right then and there, but his response was surprised her:

'Good. You should be. If you weren't, I would have second thoughts about you working this case, Jessica. That fear is what will help keep you from being a hero and doing something stupid. Remember, your role is to observe and gather information, as is Bones'. Aubrey and I will be the ones making the risks as it's what we're trained to do. Do not take any unnecessary risks, or not only will the case be in jeopardy, but it could also mean your life.'

Touching her hair, she grew apprehensive once again at Booth's suggestion that she temporarily change her hair color. While attending MSU, she'd bleached her hair blonde on a dare and it had fried her hair. Luckily, her hair hadn't been permanently damaged, and she swore never to change her hair color again. Reading the instructions on the tube of the hair dye she'd picked up on her way home, she exhaled.

'Maybe tomorrow night...after Aubrey and I settle things...hopefully.'

She waited for him downstairs until after 9:00 when she decided she could read upstairs. Taking a shower and brushing her teeth, Jessica grabbed her tablet and began reading an article in Medicinal Physics Quarterly...or at least trying to. It was 10:30 before she heard the front door open and she groaned internally.

Looking at the end of the bed, she saw Skinner waiting patiently for his man to come up. "Skinner, you may want to sleep elsewhere tonight. This could get ugly."

Hearing him walk up the stairs, Jessica focused her concentration back on her tablet until he entered the room. "Hey, Aubrey...you worked really late tonight."

"Yeah, I had a lot of paperwork to do.", he muttered before stripping off his clothes and heading into the bathroom.

"Did you find your dinner in the oven?", Jessica yelled so he could hear her.

"I wasn't hungry, Jess."

Aubrey came out of the bathroom a minute later and after putting on his pajamas, got into bed, and immediately began reading from his tablet. The couple spent the next ten minutes in a deafening silence before Jessica took the bull by the horns.

"Are you going to talk to me at all tonight, Aubrey, or are you going to continue to ignore me?"

"I'm not ignoring you, Jessica." Aubrey continued to stare at his tablet. "I've had a really long day and I just want to relax before going to sleep."

Jessica hesitated about poking the dragon but they needed to talk. "Aubrey, I know you're upset about me going undercover with you guys…"

"That is the biggest understatement of the fucking year!" Aubrey shut his tablet and tossed it on his nightstand. "You know how strongly I feel about you working in the field and yet...you spite me and sign up to work this case anyway."

"I didn't sign up for this case to spite you. Dr. B said she's curled a few times, but never competitively. Booth said there wasn't another agent available on short notice who could pitch in. I'm it...and you need to get over yourself and accept that!"

"Get over myself!", Aubrey shot back. "What about you? You're not an agent! You haven't been trained to handle situations like I have. You could be caught in a situation and I won't be around to bail your cute ass out!"

"Bail my cute ass out?" Jessica exhaled as her cheeks turned red. "You think I'm doing this to prove something? Because I'm bored? I'm doing this because you all need me and I can defend myself just fine, James Aubrey."

"Like you defended yourself when Gerald Maxwell beat the shit out of you two months ago?", Aubrey blurted out as he jumped out of bed. "You got him good but he still overpowered you, Jess. Now think of going undercover where you may be stuck without me or Booth coming to your rescue...and this time there's a gun at your head. This isn't some game, Jessica, where you play cops and robbers!"

Jessica jumped out of bed on the other side. "I know it's not a game, Aubrey! This is real life and I know there's a risk-"

"Yeah, there is. I can't afford to work an undercover case and be concerned about you as well!" Aubrey tossed his top pillow in anger. "You're not doing this case, Jessica. I won't allow it."

"You don't get to tell me what I'm allowed and not allowed to do just because you get to see me with my panties off!", Jessica growled before tossing Aubrey's other pillow in his face. "Get the hell out of here! I'm not sleeping with you tonight!"

Incensed, Aubrey stood his ground. "It's my bedroom! You can't kick me out!"

"It's our bedroom and yes, I can! Get out, Aubrey, now!" Jessica wiped away tears of anger. "I don't want to be around you when you're being a jackass!"

"You know what? Fine...that's fine! I'll sleep in the downstairs bedroom tonight!"

"You can't, because we have some of Aaron's boxes are in there until he comes back next month. You get to sleep in the bedroom across the hall...have fun, asshole!"

"I'm an asshole?" Aubrey stormed around the bed and out the door. "You're a pain in the ass, Jessica Warren!"

"Better than being a jerk like you, James Aubrey! Argh!", Jessica yelled back at Aubrey's retreating back before tossing a pillow at him.

Aubrey made the trek to the room down the hall before it sunk in where he was sleeping. He thought about apologizing to avoid this, but his anger and pride took over. Hanging his head low, the agent pushed the door and turned on the light. Sighing, he entered the bedroom, now decorated with Jessica's childhood furniture.

"Great...I'm sleeping in a room that looks like Laura Ashley threw up on it."

Aubrey turned on the small bedside lamp before turning off the main light. After setting the alarm on the small alarm clock nearby, Aubrey pulled back the covers and got into bed. Covering himself with the pale pink comforter, he rolled his eyes as he attempted to make himself comfortable.

"It was bad enough I dealt with this with Warden Brinton, but in my own house? This is bullshit. Kicked out of MY bedroom...sleeping on a teenage girl's bed that I barely fit on…all because she has to prove something.", the agent muttered as he closed his eyes. "She's such a pain in the ass…"

Back in the master suite, Jessica picked up her pillow and tossed it on the bed before following it. After getting settled in, she laid down and closed her eyes. "He's such an asshole…"

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

Neither slept well for the next several hours. Aubrey's last attempt at sleep was interrupted when he heard Jessica walking downstairs. Looking at the clock, it read 4:08 and he groaned. "What the fuck is she doing up at this hour?"

He closed his eyes to go back to sleep but gave up after twenty minutes. "Might as well get something to eat. We can ignore each other for a few minutes."

Aubrey crawled out of the bed and made his way downstairs, where he was surprised to see his girlfriend hefting her yoga bag on her shoulder. "Where are you going?"

Jessica walked right past him to the front door. "Since you asked, I'm going to the 5:00 AM yoga class at the Jeffersonian. I'll shower and change for work there. Skinner has been fed. I packed up the dinner you wouldn't eat last night as your lunch today. I've also started some coffee for you and made you some ham and eggs. They're on the stove."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me. I made too many and it's better to do that than have you mess up my kitchen...since you think that's where my place is."

Seeing Aubrey's scowl, Jessica opened the door and turned around. "After class, I'm coming home to work on research before I meet up with Genny and Dr. B at the arena to work on my curling. I'm probably going to be there every day this week when I'm not at the lab. Don't forget to clean up your mess before going to work. Your mother didn't raise you in a barn."

"Thanks.", Aubrey replied sarcastically as Jessica slammed the door loudly. "Always have to make a statement, don't you, Jess?"

Rolling his eyes, he walked over to greet his cat, who walked away from him. "Ah, so you're taking Aunt Jessica's side. What a shocker."

Grumbling as he made his way to the stove, he felt momentarily guilty as he saw the scrambled eggs mixed with ham and cheese with a side of fruit sitting nearby. "So she gets to take care of me but I can't take care of her...stubborn ass woman."

Grabbing his food, he leaned against the counter and ate while thinking. 'Why can't she understand that she needs to stay away from field work? That's my job. She needs to stay safe at the lab where I don't have to worry about her…'

Flashing back to finding Gerald strangling his badly beaten girlfriend made him ill to his stomach. "I can't deal with that again...I can't lose her…I don't know how Booth deals with it when Dr. B is out in the field with him."

Finishing his food, he drank his coffee before rinsing his mug and putting it in the sink. Rinsing his plate, he put it in the sink as well before heading back upstairs. "Hell, might as well get ready for work."

oooooooooo

Aubrey was pulling into his spot at the FBI at 6:30 when he received a message from Booth. We got a way into the arena while the girls are practicing tomorrow. Meet me in my office.

"This ought to be fun."

Aubrey dropped off his stuff at his office before heading to the other side of the floor to his friend's office. "So what's the plan?"

"We're expected down there at 9:30 tomorrow to look at some equipment at the arena. I'm using my Buck Moosejaw persona and we've got to get you set up. I have some stuff over there for you."

Aubrey saw what was left over to choose from for his disguise and groaned. "Again? Are you shitting me?"

"No, Aubrey." Booth was becoming annoyed with Aubrey's grumbling. "What's your problem? Not any long johns left over in the break room?"

"No, my problem is my girlfriend is a major pain in the ass who made me sleep in the guest room on that stupid girly bed because she didn't like what I had to say about her working undercover!"

Booth shook his head. "I told you not to tell her she wasn't allowed to work with us."

"Booth, she is walking right into danger and she doesn't give a damn about how I feel."

"Aubrey...we're going to be there with Bones and Jessica, and besides, Genny plans to be there tomorrow. She's going to be fine…"

Aubrey turned to his friend. "Can you promise that? No, you can't."

"Aubrey, get the hell over yourself. Now, would you prefer she work alone or with you where you can help her and protect her if need be?" Hearing his friend grumble, Booth decided he got his point across. "I'll tell you what. You worked until after 10 last night. Go home this afternoon...maybe spend some time with her...then you can kiss and make up. You two need to be on the same page for this to succeed."

"Okay...you're right...maybe I need to chill a bit…"

"Good. Now grab your ugly redneck stuff and put it in your office. Wendell said I could borrow his truck so I'll pick you up at your house and we'll ride over to the arena tomorrow. Our source told us that Stephenson is out of town until later today but will probably head over to watch the next few days."

Aubrey made a face at the wardrobe selections before picking up a set of clothes and some other options. "I can't believe I had to do this again...ugh."

Carrying his things through the vast fourth floor, Aubrey decided to let his girlfriend cool off and then they could make up when he got home. "We can have some leftover ham...maybe I can make her forgive me faster when I use my 'magic' fingers…"

Seven hours later, Aubrey came through the front door, thinking maybe things weren't going to be so bad after all. Even though he and Jessica had engaged in a major row over her participation in the undercover scheme, Booth was right in that he needed to get over himself. It also helped knowing that he and Booth would be in the area in some capacity, so it wasn't like Jess and Dr. B were going to have to fend off that creep Craig Stephenson all on their own.

"So maybe I did overreact...just a little bit…", he said to Skinner, who was winding himself around his owner's legs. "I'm a big boy. I can...HOLY SHIT."

Catching sight of his girlfriend coming down the stairs, his expression went from shock to horror in a matter of seconds. "Jess...your hair! What did you do? Oh, my God…"

Taking a towel from around her neck, she shrugged. "I dyed it a really dark brown. I believe the color is actually called Deep Espresso." She walked past him and tossed the towel onto a pile of dirty clothes. "Booth suggested that my natural color was too noticeable...that it would be like wearing a target...so I went darker. It's only temporary…it'll be gone after a few shampoos."

"But your natural color is so beautiful." Inhaling sharply, Aubrey willed himself to choose his words wisely. "I mean, of course, you're still beautiful. It's just a shock, I guess."

"You don't like it."

"I didn't say that…"

"You don't have to. I can see it in your face. You hate it."

Scratching his chin, he nodded. "Yeah, I really do. You kinda look like one of those punk rockers…or maybe Katy Perry on a bad day..."

"Well, too bad. I like it a lot. In fact, I think I'm going to wear this color permanently." Scowling at him, she opened the refrigerator. "I suppose you don't mind if your brunette girlfriend fixes dinner, do you?"

"I suppose not...but it's gonna be weird sleeping with you while your hair is that color. I'm gonna feel like I'm cheating on you with another woman…"

"Seriously? You need to grow up, Aubrey! A lot of women color their hair. I don't know what the big deal is."

"The big deal is that you're bound and determined to do this whole stupid undercover thing even though you know I don't want you to, okay? You didn't even stop to get my opinion on taking part in the operation, did you? You just went charging ahead because Booth thought it was a good idea, and to hell with whatever I thought!"

"Fine! Next time I go undercover, I'll make sure to get an official okey-dokey from you before I commit to anything. Now, if you don't mind…" She grabbed a container of yogurt from the refrigerator and pulled a spoon from a nearby drawer. "...I'm going to go read up on some basic accounting practices." Turning her back to him, she loudly walked halfway up the stairs before turning to taunt him. "I guess if you want, you can get your jollies by cheating on me when you have sex with the brunette in our bedroom later this evening or else you can spend another night in the guest room. There's some leftover ham if you want it for dinner. Good night."

Grumbling to himself, Aubrey clenched his fists as he watched her walk up the stairs and then heard the bedroom door slam. Finding the ham, he stacked it high on some leftover pumpernickel and filled his plate with mounds of leftover deli salads. It was time to do some self pity eating.

"Man...it was going to be a good day...I had a great plan...I was going to give Jessica an earth shattering orgasm…" Aubrey took a large bite out of his sandwich. "...but at least I'm sleeping in our bed tonight...if she hasn't locked me out of the bedroom..."