Author's Note: I've got the Helen vs. Stephanie/Ranger drama on lock in my head so I really want to get to it. I'm gonna finish the naked part (but I guarantee that there will be more to come (giggity) later) and then get into the bulk of the reactions next chapter.

Disclaimer: "Honestly, it's not mine!"

Ranger's POV

She climbed up on the kitchen counter top and opened the third cabinet, finding the olives I had Ella buy for her. Even at 4:30 in the morning, she had an unmistakable beauty to her. She'd protest and say that she looked like a hot mess but Steph was oblivious to her own appeal, something that I was determined to fix. How could she not see how gorgeous she was, both inside and out? It was maddening…

"Hi. You want a sandwich?" she greeted in a sexy rasp between bites of peanut butter and olive.

"No, I'm good. You sound hoarse." I remarked, making her give me her patented "No shit, Batman" look.

"I've spent the better part of 8 hours making mad passionate, oh my god, I'm gonna die love with you. Damn right I'm hoarse. Be proud."

"I am.", I confirmed bluntly as I found the tea kettle. She snorted and lightly flicked the dishtowel at my back. In retaliation, I angled some of the cold water from the faucet at her, hitting her nipples through the white fabric. She yelped and made to hit me again but I dodged, laughing under my breath as we ended up in the clear space in the living room.

"You're a jerk!" she squeaked indignantly as she slowly advanced on me.

"I'm your jerk, Babe."

"Not the point!" Steph snarled as she lunged at me, knocking me firmly onto my ass.

/

Stephanie's POV

Carlos and I are weird. We've been weird from day one but getting into a knockdown drag out wrestling match in the living room after spending the night together takes the cake. It's more play than fight but I'm all for slamming him to the floor, which I've managed to do about twice now. I even winded him for a good 30 seconds but now, his moves are getting a little frisky.

His hands keep sliding under my shirt and under the panties I pulled back on. I'm trying not to show my reactions but he's playing me like a violin and I love it and…

"You…you're cheating." I pant as his lips start working at my pulse point again.

"No, I'm not." he replied as I put my hand down his pants. "And I thought we had a rule about groping?"

"We have a rule about groping while sleeping, not in general. Besides, you…"

He makes a noise between a wheeze, a groan, and a laugh that sends tingles straight where they need to be.

"…started it."

"And I'll be finishing it!" he grits out before tearing my shirt (well, his shirt) in two.

Holy hot flash!

/

Ranger's POV

"So…" Lester started as he looked down at me.

"So what?"

"You and Beautiful work everything out? You didn't fuck it up yet again, did you?"

"Yes and No. ", I reply succinctly to both questions while continuing my bench presses.

"Cool. So, where is she?"

"Gun range."

"With all the ruckus from last night, I'm surprised to see you both alive." he chuckled, making me give him a baleful look, setting him off into further, louder (maniacal?) laughter.

"Why haven't I killed you, yet?" I asked him flatly as I racked the barbell.

"Because Tia Caroline would send you to hell right with me. Not to mention Steph. You know I'm her favorite."

"Not anymore." I replied with a shit eating grin.

Santos looked endlessly amused and then very serious.

"You mean it, right? The whole loving her forever thing? And you won't hurt her? Because I don't care if you send me to Asshairistan, if you hurt her, I'm gonna kick your ass and then shoot you in it."

"I'll give you the gun."