Chapter Text
February 1, 2019
Angela saw the email from the Governing Board and got excited.
JEFFERSONIAN CHILI EXTRAVAGANZA FUNDRAISER.
In honor of American Heart Month, the Governing Board is sponsoring a Jeffersonian Chili Extravaganza cook off in honor of National Chili Day February 28 th . Each department may form a team that will man booths in the cafeteria and offer chili to be sampled by employees as well as any public visitors to the museum with a $10.00 admit fee. Each guest and employee will rank the chili recipes and the team with the most top votes wins a $500.00 prize for their department.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Heart Association. Each department is encouraged to participate. Recipes must be completed by employees only. The deadline for teams to sign up is February 10 th . Good luck!
Excited, she headed into the Ookey Room, where she found her husband injecting a substance into the GCMS. "Hodgins, did you see the email about the National Chili Day competition the Jeffersonian is doing as a fundraiser. Do you think Cam would go for it?"
"Well, for a good cause, I'm sure she will. The lab is the best department at the Jeffersonian, after all…"
"Okay, I'll grab everybody and we can talk about it on the platform. I have my dad's Texas Chili recipe that is going to win us that prize."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Twenty minutes later, Angela introduced her plan to Brennan and Booth, who were eating lunch in her office, Cam and Arastoo who had just returned from lunch, Hodgins, and Wendell, who was working there today.
"So, should we go for it?" Angela asked.
Cam nodded. "If you all want to put a team together, I have no problem with that. We could do something nice for the lab with the prize money."
Excited, Angela jumped in. "Great, now I have an awesome recipe we'll use—"
Wendell stopped her. "Angela, Andie has a pretty good one, too. Yours is good but the spice kills some people."
The artist turned to Wendell, surprised. "Um, chili is supposed to be spicy, Wendell."
"Angela, most chili has meat, including your father's recipe. I don't eat meat." Brennan said. "I do have an excellent tofu chili recipe that we could use—"
"No Bones. Tofu does not belong in chili." Booth held up his hand. "I draw the line at that."
Brennan rolled her eyes. "Fine, I can use Tofurkey or I can use beans in it instead."
"No Bones. No, no, no…" Booth replied. "Chili has meat, damn it."
"Bren, we'll just use my recipe. It's true Texas chili and it will win." Angela wiped her hands together. "Problem solved."
Cam turned to the artist. "Angela, why are you assuming we'll use your recipe? This is supposed to be a team effort."
Surprised, Angela turned to Cam. "Well…it was my idea…"
"So what, Angela? Why can't we use Andie's…or mine for that matter?" Booth crossed his arms, curious to see how she responded.
Realizing she was cornered, she stammered. "Well…you and Andie aren't employees of the Jeffersonian. You're just our FBI liaison, Booth…I'm sorry, but your opinion really doesn't count."
"But I'm employed here, Angela and I really resent your implication that Booth isn't part of our lab." Brennan said, standing up for her husband. "I read that email as well and there's no rule on what recipe is used as long as it's made by the department."
"But Bren…it was my idea…and…it was my idea!" Turning to her husband, she pleaded with him. "Hodgins, tell them."
The entomologist chuckled. "Sorry Ang, but Booth has a point. People like different things and as much as I like your cooking, that chili has set my ass on fire a few times."
"Not a vision I wanted to have, Bug Boy…" Booth muttered.
"It's not that spicy…" Angela said, not appreciating the criticism over her chili. Irritated, the artist turned to Booth and Brennan. "I love you both but I'm sure many will prefer mine over your vegan tofu one, Bren."
Not liking how spiteful Angela sounded, Booth stepped forward. "You don't know that, Angela. Just because it's your idea doesn't mean we should all go along with what you want. I thought this was supposed to be a team effort for a good cause?"
Realizing how petty she sounded, Angela sighed. "I'm sorry if I sound selfish, but most people don't like tofu and shit like that. I mean—"
"Actually, I have a suggestion." Cam held her hand up, sensing a battle royale forming. "After we create a team, everyone who wants to use their recipe each make their chili and then we find a person willing to taste all of them. Whatever he or she says is best, that's the one we use. We leave our egos out of it as it will be to win for the entire department."
Brennan put her hands in her pockets. "I think that's an excellent idea, Cam."
"I'm going to put up a sign-up sheet for anyone to join the team and ask any employees with a good chili recipe to sign up to make a sample as well to give everyone a fair chance." Cam looked around. "Does that work for everyone?"
Hodgins nodded. "I think that's fair."
"Well, that's settled. Now, we just need to find a person to make the final judgement." Angela shrugged. "Obviously someone who likes chili…and can handle spice. Wimps need not apply."
"Also, it should not be someone who works in the lab." Booth said. "That way it stays fair."
Wendell saw someone and had an idea. "Can it be a spouse of someone that works here?"
"I don't see why not. Is everyone else okay with that?" Cam asked.
After everyone nodded affirmatively, Brennan turned to Wendell. "Mr. Bray, do you have someone in mind already?"
"Yep I do." He pointed towards the entrance, where Jessica walked in with Aubrey, who was holding Rachael.
"He would be perfect." Angela said as there was unanimous agreement.
"Yes, he would." Booth said. "Let's go get him."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Ten minutes, Aubrey, still holding his infant daughter, stood in Angela's office as he listened to the proposal laid out to him.
"So…I try all the chili everyone makes, and whatever I think is the best is the one that will represent the lab in this National Chili Day fundraiser?" Aubrey reiterated before yawning.
"Yes, and you get all the free chili you want." Angela said. "What do you say?"
The SAC nodded before turning to his wife, who was repacking the diaper bag. "Jess, what do you think?"
"It's up to you, Superman." Yawning, the redhead zipped up the bag. "However, if all that chili gasses up our house too much, Rachael and I are going to stay with Stephan and Gail."
"You're a funny lady, Jessica." Aubrey replied sarcastically.
"Uh yeah, that's why you married me, Aubrey." The redhead shot back good-naturedly.
Angela saw her friend and how tired she was. "Jessica, you look tired…actually, you both look pretty tired."
"Rachael is a bit colicky." Jessica replied. "I've already cut down on the eggs and dairy since I'm breastfeeding, and it is helping a bit. At her doctor's appointment today, Dr. Hill said she should soon outgrow it soon."
"Yeah, but it doesn't make it any easier, does it?" Angela put her hand on Jessica's shoulder while ticking the redheaded infant's chin, making her giggle. "She is so adorable."
"Uh, of course, because Rachael is as beautiful as her mother." Aubrey said.
"You're very sweet, Aubrey." Jessica said with a smile.
"Only speaking the truth."
"So, Aubrey, what do you think?" Angela said, getting the agent back on track. "Jessica apparently doesn't care as long as you don't fart her and the baby out of the house."
The agent exhaled. "Well, it's for charity and I love chili…I guess I can be the Chili Master."
"Great!" Cam exclaimed. "I'll sign up our department on the intranet and work on a sign asking anyone who wants to enter to have an 8 ounce container in the fridge for Aubrey—"
"16 ounces at least." Aubrey interrupted. When he saw everyone look at him, he shrugged. "I need a sufficient sample to make my decision. However, if anyone happens to make more than that, I will not be upset."
"Aubrey, we don't have a chest freezer. Remember that." Jessica replied.
"Don't worry, Jess. All will be good." Aubrey said with a wink. "Especially if I have a helper taste test with me…perhaps with some chili dogs…"
Angela saw the sly wink and Jessica's smirk, but held back her comment. "Okay…big enough container for Aubrey to pick up on say…Valentine's Day and you can let us know by the 20th so the winner can use the weekend to pick up the stuff needed?" Angela said.
"Sounds good." The agent looked at the time and grimaced. Turning to Jessica, he kissed her before reaching for the diaper bag. "I have to get back to the Hoover. I'll take Rachael back to daycare, Jess. See you tonight."
"Bye."
Aubrey made his way out of the lab and after signing himself out of the lab, walked out of the lab area. "A chili taste taster. Your daddy's the man, Pumpkin."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The lab for the next seven days was business as usual, except for the pool Oliver Wells created on whose chili would represent the lab at the fundraiser. More than once, Brennan and Angela both bragged about having the winning chili. A couple of times, tensions grew slightly snarky but always extinguished quickly.
February 13th, Jessica was working on a set of remains in the Bone Room. Now that she was in the final months of her doctorate, Dr. B had her working independently on a few cases, but was available for questions. Over the last week, the redhead remained neutral when people asked her opinion as to whose chili Aubrey would choose. She knew how competitive her mentor was and it didn't surprise her that it extended to chili. Angela's competitiveness surprised her, but Jessica chalked it up to Texas pride. Things would blow over soon and they would be back to normal.
Jessica and Aubrey did enjoy her chili, but they both loved spicy food. She personally felt that Angela's recipe may not be the best one to represent the lab, but also knew enough about human nature that tofu chili wasn't the recipe to use either. However, she refused to sway her husband since it was his choice that mattered the most. She trusted him to pick one that would lead the Medico-Legal lab to a win.
Jessica knew that tonight everyone would be making their recipes to bring in for Aubrey tomorrow. Even Daisy contributed one as an option. She was no longer an employee but she was still connected to everyone and it could be used if made by the team. Unfortunately, cooking except for a few things wasn't her close friend's strong suit, but she didn't have the heart to discourage Daisy.
'Chili galore for the most romantic day of the year.' Jessica chuckled as she continued her work.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
That night, Brennan and Booth were both making pots of chili on the stove after putting Christine and Hank to bed. "This is fun, Bones…us cooking together…side by side."
"Yes, it is but it's not the first time we've cooked dinner together." Brennan gave her husband a face. "You can try, but I'm going to prove that just because a chili is vegetarian doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed. Aubrey has shown himself to be appreciative of new things and I'm certain mine will be chosen as it is unique and flavorful."
Booth added crushed red pepper to his pan. "Well, Gram's recipe is awesome and you agreed when I made it for you when you were pregnant with Christine."
"It was quite flavorful, but you also made some separate for me without the meat, Booth. Why does chili have to have meat?"
Booth looked at his wife. "Meat in chili is…it just has to be, Bones. I don't mind the different beans, but I draw the line at tofu and other fake meat crap."
"Tofurkey is not fake meat crap." Brennan added a few more spices. "Aubrey will enjoy this and prove that it's better than everyone else's chili, including Angela's."
"People are not going to go for tofu, Bones. Gram's chili is going to show up everyone else's chilis and win the cookoff."
"No, because mine will win, Booth. You espouse about how meat and chili are symbiotic of each other, but there are more vegans out there than you think, Booth." Brennan turned the burner off to let the concoction slowly cool. "This will stand out when it represents the lab at the fundraiser. Not only will it be amazing and loved, but it will also win our department the $500.00 prize, not a chili with dead cow in it."
"It's not dead yet, Bones." Booth inched closer towards her. "Moooo….Bones…we're going to beat your nasty ass tofu fake chili…mooo…."
"My chili's not fake…" Brennan laughed. "Booth…stop…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Hodgins was in the kitchen as he watched Angela add habaneros and other peppers to her chili. "Babe, you may want to go easy on that stuff."
Angela laughed. "No way. This is true Texas chili. No beans, no celery, just cubed up top quality chuck, peppers, homemade chile paste, and spices. Aubrey is going to love this batch so much he'll decide it's the winner."
Hodgins considered what he was going to say next. "Angie, he isn't going to love it tomorrow if it kills him. I don't think Jessica wants to be a widow."
"He's had it before, Hodgins. Aubrey will be fine."
"Yeah, Ang, he had it and loved it after he put a bunch of sour cream in it."
Angela turned to Hodgins. "He said he likes it creamy. A lot of people do."
"Yeah, but I think his mouth was on fire, too when you made it. Aubrey loves chili, especially those mega hot ones from Winkleman's Chili House, but even he has limits."
Rolling her eyes, Angela went back to what she was doing. "I'm going to win this, Hodgins. I'm going to show everyone that Texas chili is the only chili to have."
"Angie, be careful. You're not the only who is going to eat this. Just saying…" The entomologist said before wheeling out of the kitchen.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Cam rinsed the skillet as Arastoo stirred the pot on the stove. "That smells wonderful, Arastoo. I didn't realize you could do chili in the Middle East."
"Well, as long as the beef is halal, which this is, I'm fine. Add the garbonzo beans and the spices I used, it's going to stand out enough to help the lab win. The boys helped with cutting the onions and peppers." Arastoo put the lid back on. "Aubrey is going to love it."
"Arastoo, Aubrey eats everything, you know that." Cam put her arms around her husband. "However, if he doesn't rate this the best one, you're good with that, right?"
"Yeah. Angela and Dr. Brennan seemed a bit…competitive about it, though."
"Yes they are, but it'll blow over." Cam got a spoon and lifted a sample of the meal.
"Cam! It's not ready yet."
"Oh hush." The pathologist groaned when ate her spoonful. "Oh so good…Texas chili is the best my ass…this is amazing."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Aubrey came to the lab on Valentine's Day at 5:00 to pick up the chili and was astounded to see how much there was. "Holy shit…this is awesome."
"Yes, Aubrey, it seems everyone is interested in this competition." Brennan said before pointing to the containers in the box. "This is mine. This is Booth's. Angela's is here. Arastoo made a Middle Eastern chili which is here. Mr. Bray and Andie's is here. Daisy wanted to contribute also and it's in here. There are a few other recipes as well, but I trust you will make the best choice."
Aubrey knew what Brennan was hinting at and decided to play dumb. "No worries. Having these will make the weekend fun...besides Valentine's Day of course. Jess and I want to thank you again for babysitting for us Saturday night. I was able to get reservations at La Refuge in Alexandria for a nice romantic dinner and a wonderful evening."
"You're welcome, Aubrey. After all, this is your first Valentine's Day as a father and sometimes it's harder to make quality time with your significant other. Ms. Warren should be ready to leave soon if you want to get your baby from daycare."
"Actually, Angela and Hodgins are taking Rachael home with them tonight."
Confused, the anthropologist delved further. "But I thought you and Ms. Warren were going out Saturday night?"
"Well, we were, but Angela offered to babysit tonight since they're not going out until this weekend, so we're having a quiet night at home for Valentine's Day. They're going to drop her off at the house on the way to the lab tomorrow since we both took Friday off." Aubrey hoisted the box up. "Tomorrow is going to be great, too because I get to spend the day with my girls before Jess and I are using a gift certificate Cam had for a spa in Alexandria that was about to expire and we're spending the night at the hotel."
"Is Cam babysitting Rachael as well?" Brennan asked, suspicious of the timing of Aubrey's good luck for Valentine's Day.
"Oh no, Aaron and Nadia are going to take her since their kids all have plans." Aubrey remained unaware as he counted the chili containers. "Nine chilis. This rocks."
Brennan merely nodded her head, keeping her thoughts to herself. "Well, I hope you and Ms. Warren enjoy your holiday weekend."
"Thanks."
Brennan watched Aubrey walk away with one eyebrow arched. Deciding that she needed to know, the anthropologist walked into Angela's office, where she was working on a rendition.
"Are you trying to bribe Aubrey's vote by babysitting their daughter tonight?"
Turning around, Angela looked at her friend. "Aren't you by babysitting Saturday night?"
"No…." Brennan gave an unconvincing laugh. "I don't need to resort to bribery because my chili is going to be the best."
"Even better than Booth's?" Angela put her controller down. "I heard from Jessica that Aubrey got a gift certificate for his favorite bakery from Booth, saying it was an extra one. Your husband is doing it to, Bren."
'Booth…' Brennan thought, although she couldn't help but admire her husband's sneakiness. "Does Hodgins know what you're up to?"
"He doesn't mind taking Rachael tonight. She's an adorable baby and Aubrey and Jessica deserve a nice and romantic Valentine's Day."
"You're keeping Rachael overnight even though most nights lately she has colic? That…is very generous of you, Angela, especially for Valentine's Day."
"Babies cry, Bren. You're keeping the baby overnight Saturday, so what does it matter what I do for them? They're getting an extra night to themselves. Big deal."
"No, they're getting three, Angela." When she saw her friend's face, the anthropologist continued. "You and Hodgins are babysitting tonight, Booth and I are taking her overnight on Saturday, and tomorrow…"
"Angela, how is it going with that…" Cam came into the office and saw the two friends looking at each other. "I don't want to know…"
Before she could walk away, Brennan grabbed her arm. "…they are using a spa package Cam got them allegedly that was just about to expire."
Angela looked at their boss and crossed her arms, arching her eyebrow. "Cam, are you're trying to butter up Aubrey?"
Trapped, Cam thought quickly. "No…Arastoo and I have other plans so we had no use for the couples massage gift certificate and didn't want it to go to waste—"
"Liar, Cam. Must be afraid of some competition." Angela said with a smirk.
"Arastoo's chili is amazing. Like I said, I didn't want the gift certificate to go to waste. Now, let's keep this competition friendly…"
"Dr. B, I—" Jessica walked in and saw all three ladies looking at her. "Um…hi…"
"Jessica, it seems you and Aubrey will have a good Valentine's Day weekend since it seems you have plans tonight, tomorrow night, and Saturday night." Angela said.
"Yes, Aubrey and I will. Thank you, ladies for your generosity in helping Aubrey and I celebrate Valentine's Day." Jessica looked to Brennan. "Dr. B, I've uploaded my notes to the electronic binder so unless you need me, I'm going to join my husband for a romantic evening at home. I'll see you Saturday and I'll see you ladies either tomorrow or Monday. Good night."
The three women watched Jessica leave until Brennan turned to the other ladies. "My chili will be the best. Aubrey will notice that and your attempt at bribery with baby sitting will be for nothing."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Three hours later, Aubrey and Jessica were enjoying their quiet night at home eating chili dogs naked in their kitchen. In the middle of the center island was a bouquet of tiger lilies Aubrey surprised Jessica with for Valentine's Day along with various chocolates and treats the couple gave to each other. These items were surrounded by several Tupperware containers of chili the couple were sampling for their hot dogs.
"Aubrey, you realize that the babysitting and the spa deal were to butter you up about the chili so you'll vote for them, right?"
The SAC mowed down on his chili dog. "Oh yeah. When Booth brought me the gift card for that bakery that was about to allegedly expire, I knew something was up, but I must remain true to my palate. You said there was a pool going on about who was going to win?"
Jessica sipped her beer. "Yeah. I overheard Oliver bragging that the kitty was up to $150.00."
Aubrey threw more cheese on his dog. "Well, whoever gets it I hope they enjoy it. So what chilis do you like, Jess?"
"Booth's is really good, actually, and I'm enjoying Arastoo's." Jessica wiped her mouth. "He said he got the halal meat at Mr. Leonelli's."
"Awesome." Aubrey dumped a bit of a different chili on his hot dog. "How about Dr. B's?"
"Not a fan of the tofu. If you pick it out it's pretty good but people aren't going to want to do that. I love Dr. B but I'm not a fan of her vegan lifestyle. However, I don't want to influence you, Aubrey." Jessica finished off her chili dog. "Helping you with a taste test of all the different chilis is a nice way to celebrate Valentine's Day, Superman."
"But of course. Tomorrow we'll have a romantic hotel room after we get a couples' massage, and Saturday we'll have dinner in Alexandria."
"We're still taking care of Jeffrey and Michael Vincent next weekend, right?"
"Yep and I'm going to insist on letting Christine and Hank spend the night soon, too. Just because our friends tried to pull a fast one doesn't mean I'm going to take advantage." Aubrey did the same and chased it with a beer before walking over to his wife. "However, I think I would prefer to do something else now…"
Jessica smiled. "Someone is feeling a bit frisky it seems…"
Aubrey smirked at his wife. "Hell yeah…you know what chili dogs do to me…and you naked of course, Jessica."
"Well, James Aubrey…you're going to have to catch me first." Jessica took off running towards the stairs.
"On my way…" Aubrey followed right behind her.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Jessica tried to get Aubrey to tell her what his favorite was, but he wouldn't reveal it to her all weekend. Friday and Saturday nights were wonderful for the couple and it culminated in a quiet Sunday after they picked up their daughter from Booth and Brennan's. They were happy to hear that Rachael slept through the night and were hopeful that the colic phase was done.
Unfortunately, Monday morning at 3:00 AM, Jessica was up with a crying Rachael. "Oh baby…I think it's going to be another car ride for you. It's Daddy's turn to drive, though so let's get him."
Carrying the baby, Jessica walked across the hall back to the master bedroom but was surprised to see the bed was empty. "Aubrey?"
Peeking into the en-suite bathroom, she turned on the light but it was deserted. Perplexed, Jessica came back out while soothing the crying infant. "Okay, Honey, let's see what Daddy is up to downstairs…he probably having a snack."
Walking downstairs, she wasn't surprised to see Aubrey in the kitchen. What did surprise her was all the bowls on the counter.
"Aubrey…what are you doing?" Jessica asked as she continued to soothe their baby. "It's 3:12 in the morning."
"I can't decide, Jess." Aubrey took bites of all the chilis. "I can't decide on which one is the best. I just can't."
"You're up in the middle of the night because of the chili?" Jessica exclaimed while trying to calm Rachael.
"Yes, I can't decide..." Aubrey walked over and rubbed the baby's back. "It's okay, Pumpkin…"
"Superman, why are you up in the middle of the night about this?"
"I don't want to piss off our friends, Jess." Aubrey lamented. "What if I pick the wrong one?"
"Aubrey…you won't. Buttering up aside, this is a friendly competition and we'll all be friends when it's done. Please don't worry about it. As for picking a winner, listen to what your vibes are telling you. They'll never steer you wrong." A tired Jessica handed Rachael to her husband. "Now, since you're up and undecided, Rachael needs a car ride and it's your turn to drive around the neighborhood. Think about the chili while you're doing that. I'm going back to bed."
Aubrey watched Jessica go upstairs and he turned to his crying daughter. "Mommy's right. I'm the chili master, so I must make the call. Come on little girl, let's take another tour of Cleveland Park to calm you down. You like that, right?"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Fourteen hours later, Aubrey gathered everyone, including Wendell, who came in on his day off to the break room. Looking over at Jessica, who nodded her head, the agent talked.
"Well, I tried all of these…and they were all amazing. However, I could only pick one."
"Well, which one, Aubrey?" Angela asked impatiently.
"I just want to say first, thank you everyone for babysitting our daughter this weekend. It was nice having a couple days with my wife at home. Jess was a great help to me we both sampled all the chili and it was her advice that helped me make a decision."
"So, what did you decide, Aubrey?" Hodgins asked.
Pulling a container out of the microwave, Aubrey grabbed some plastic spoons and handed them to everyone. "This is the chili that will kick ass at the Jeffersonian chili competition on the 28th."
Brennan was the first one to take the dish. Making sure her bite had no meat, she sampled and disappointed that it wasn't hers. However, she was impressed with the taste. Passing it to Angela, she did the same. Nodding in agreement, she passed to Booth and everyone sampled until the bowl came back to Aubrey.
"So what did you all think?"
"Very unusual…." Brennan said. "However, it was good."
"The meat was halal, right, Aubrey?" Arastoo asked. "I picked around it because I wasn't sure."
"It was. I wouldn't do that to you, man."
Booth nodded. "I liked it…better than Gram's, actually."
"It was pretty good. I liked the different spices." Wendell said.
Aubrey turned to Angela. "Angela…your thoughts?"
"Honestly, really good. Not Texas hot, but has a pretty good bite. Even the beans, which is…wrong…goes well with it. The chickpeas are different. Whose was it?"
"Nobody's." Aubrey said. When he saw the surprise, he explained. "I racked my brain all weekend because I loved them all, even Dr. B's, although I picked around the tofu and whatever else that stuff was…"
"Tofurkey." Brennan said. "Aubrey, if you would try it—"
"Bones, that ship has sailed…" Booth said before putting his arm around his wife as they continued to listen to Aubrey.
"I was even up at 3:00 in the morning trying them because I was afraid of upsetting any of you because you're my friends. Some of you were pretty serious about this and I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings."
Brennan and Angela looked at each other before the artist spoke up. "Yeah, about that. Sorry, Aubrey. We took it way too seriously."
"Not that we minded babysitting your daughter. Rachael is a lovely baby. As much as I felt my chili was the best, whatever you chose was outstanding." Brennan turned to Angela. "You're right, Angela. We did take this contest a bit too seriously and I apologize."
"I'm sorry, too Bren." Angela replied before squeezing her friend's hand.
"Thanks, everyone." Aubrey smiled. "As for the chili I chose, it's actually a mix of everyone's."
"You're shitting me, right?" Angela said.
"You mean, you did use mine?" Brennan replied.
"Arastoo's was good, wasn't it?" Cam said with pride.
"Kind of used yours, Dr. B…and Booth's…and Arastoo's. Daisy's wasn't even half bad. Everybody's chili has good things and I couldn't decide. Of course, Rachael's colic acted up, so I drove her around the neighborhood since that's the only thing that seems to calm her down…"
"Aubrey." Booth said firmly. "The chili?"
"Right." Aubrey nodded. "While I was driving, I realized that if we mixed the best of everyone's chili, it would be amazing and it would so win this competition. Essentially, we need Angela's chile paste and no habaneros, Booth's chili with lean sirloin, Dr. B's with no tofu or fake meat, Arastoo's with the chickpeas and awesome spices, and Andie's with more roma tomatoes."
Everyone considered what Aubrey said before Booth spoke up. "Folks, we've got work to do before the 28th. Let's go."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
February 28
The cafeteria was full of people as throughout the day, employees and the public enjoyed samples from each department that competed. For the lab, they spent their lunch hours sampling the different chilis, even Brennan who found three different vegetarian chilis and was impressed with the quality of each one.
Booth also enjoyed each sample, with him enjoying the one from the Antiquities department. "Who made this one, Dr. Miller?"
"One of my interns." David Miller sat at the booth, enjoying a cup of chili. "I have to say, the lab's chili was quite good as well."
"Well, you guys are giving the lab a run for their money, Dr. Miller."
After work, Aubrey picked up the baby from the Jeffersonian Day Care and arrived at the lab's booth, which was being manned by Jessica and Cam before Wendell and Ashley Anders took over at 6:00. Walking around the different booths, the couple sampled the different products a second time and were still impressed. As Aubrey was enjoying the chili at the Natural History department, he was bumped from behind and some dribbled down his shirt.
"Son of a bitch. What is it with chili and me spilling it?" Turning around he saw his wife looking at him intently. "Jess…what's going on in that mind of yours?"
"Ohhhh, a little déjà vu…I'm remembering the last time we went to a chili cookoff and what happened after that. There may be a repeat of that tonight after Rachael goes to sleep. Just saying…"
Aubrey watched his wife walk away. "Damn…that woman still get me hot…wait up for me!"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Christine enjoyed the chili she was eating. "This chili is really good, Mommy."
Brennan nodded. "Yes, the Air and Space division had a very good chili this year."
"Want any more, Monkey?" Booth asked as he was helping Hank eat one of the milder chilis at the event.
"No thanks, Daddy. When do we find out if the lab wins?"
Brennan rubbed her daughter's shoulder. "The cook-off ends at 7:00 and since they've been tallying the votes since this morning, they should have the winner by 8:00, I would think."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Brennan was correct as at 8:00, Amanda Marshall walked up to where a small podium was. "Well, we have the votes in. Ready to hear the winner?"
Laughing as she got a lot of catcalls, the president of the Governing Board opened the envelope. "The winner of the 1st Annual Jeffersonian Chili Extravaganza is…Team Scientists Caliente!"
Applause filled the room as the lab's team, consisting of Brennan, Angela, Hodgins, Cam, and Wendell went up to accept their trophy as well as a check for $500.00. "The other teams gave us a real run for our money…" Cam said.
"No they didn't. Our chili was the best, obviously." Brennan said to Angela.
"Bren, she trying to be polite. Let Cam do that." Angela whispered.
"I see…"
"…but in the end, this event was for a good cause and I just want to thank the people who donated today to try our chili. The American Heart Association is an excellent charity. Thank you."
"Jess…" Aubrey put his arm around his wife, who was holding a now sleeping Rachael. "…let's go home. I'm in the mood for chili dogs."
"When aren't you, Aubrey? You dirty boy, you…" Jessica responded before they walked out.
Angela and Hodgins were cleaning up the booth when the scientist had an idea. "Angie…"
"Yes, Hodgins…"
"What would you say to a late night of chili sampling after Michael Vincent and Jeffrey are asleep?" He said. "Like with you in my wheelchair and me with no pants?"
Angela laughed at her husband. "I say you're on, Hodgins."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Three hours later, Booth and Brennan were comfortable in bed as their children slept. "Bones…"
"Yes, Booth." Brennan replied as she read her tablet.
Booth turned out the light. "I think we need to celebrate National Chili Day in style…"
In the dark, Brennan giggled. "Oh really, Booth. How do you suggest that?"
"Well, it starts with you naked…."