Rating: PG-13 for language.

Warnings: None, really.

Spoilers: Through TS.

February 2007 No Price Challenge by NikkiS

Ranger's take on 'no price.' This is a section I cut from the end of 'Twelve and One Half.'

Shortly after I made love to Steph for the first time, I sent her back to Morelli. I wanted her to be both happy and safe. I didn't think she would be either of those things with me.

I told her there was no price for what we give to each other. Not physical. Not emotional. Not financial.

She took it the way I wanted her to at that time. It wasn't the way I meant it.

I meant that the guilt over the deal I made to get her into bed was killing me. I meant I would always take care of her. I meant I would always keep her safe. I meant I wanted her to be happy. I meant that I would rather be only a coworker than not have her in my life. I meant I would gladly bleed money and men for her anytime. I meant her friendship was priceless.

I meant there was no price I wouldn't pay for her. I'd taken bullets for her. I'd killed for her. I'd die for her.

I meant that I loved her.

The hurt in her eyes that day twisted my gut, and I can't ever forgive myself for causing it. I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to her.

As I watch her sleeping in my bed, I am aware that there is still no price. The value of what I have with her is incalculable, as is the value of the woman herself. She's been mine for ten solid months now. Every day, she means more to me. Every day, the price I am willing to pay for her grows. Every day, her value grows. Every day, the value of us grows.

Since she came to me, I have made every possible effort to show her that she is priceless. I've made no effort to change her or curb her personality. I've done everything in my power to help her fly. I've provided a safety net in case things go wrong.

I've gone out of my way to ensure that she never pays a price for our relationship.

There is no price for us. Not ever.

I hope she understands that now.