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Disclaimers - JE's are JE's, Lucy is mine.

Recap

With everything strapped in my POS car I set off for Rangeman. I would call Dillon in the morning and end my lease. I have no idea where this sudden decision had come from but I scarily liked it and was ok. If no when Ranger returned I would be waiting for him and our someday.

Steph POV – Directly after Chapter 10

Pulling into the garage I angled my car in the spot by the door. It was late, so hopefully the guys in the control room didn't wake anyone up for my arrival. I climbed out of the car and was met by Junior.

"Hey bomber." He said softly and moved to help me grab my things.

"Hey Junior. How goes it?" I asked hiking my shoulder bag up and grabbing Rex's cage.

"Oh, it's hanging. Seven?" Junior held the door open for me and called the elevator.

"Yeah." I sighed and blew out a breath. I waited for the door to open and stepped in when it dinged. Junior pressed a button and the doors closed and zoomed up to seven. Resting my head on the wall I imagined Ranger's arms around me his front to my back. The slight caress of his lips on my ear, brushing my hair away from my neck, "Mmmm" I moaned. –Ding- "Shit." I muttered as the elevator jerked me out of my fantasy. I pushed my bag out with my foot and to his door. I stood in front of it with my hand on the knob.

"You can do this Steph…." I closed my eyes and pushed it in. My shoulder bag on the hall table, the duffle sitting by the entry to the kitchen, Rex on the counter by the fridge, it all seems so normal, so perfect. "I'm such an idiot Rex!" I couldn't stop the tears. All these years I, we wasted and now it could be too late. Ranger could be gone…. Tank had been to his parent's house yesterday. They wanted me to go with them but I couldn't. It didn't feel right; Ranger should be here to introduce me. We should have gone on dates before. I slid down to the kitchen floor and wrapped my arms around my legs pulling them to my chest. Tank had told me how the talk with Ranger's parents went. It broke me to hear how it affected them; I wish that we could tell them he was still alive, some how.

Begin Flashback

Third POV – The Day before

Tank palmed the letter in his right hand fidgeting uncomfortably as he Bobby and Lester drove towards the Manoso's home. They were each lost in their own thoughts. Tank on what to say, Lester trying to decide, after all this was all over, if Mama Manoso would ever be able to forgive them, and bobby mentally cataloguing his sedatives. The SUV stopped too soon for their tastes; the house was two stories and full of memories for all of them. Tank grunted and shoved his Drill Sargent's hat on his head.

"Let's get this over with." Tank said. Lester and Bobby all followed suit. Moving towards the front door they placed themselves on the porch Tank in the center. Bobby rang the doorbell.

"Coming! Ricardo get the door!" They heard Maria yell from the back.

"Alright, alright." They heard Ricardo open the door.

"Boys what an unexpected surprise!" He stated with a smile on his face, but as he took in their appearance the smile faded from his face. Tank couldn't speak he just stood their.

"Sir." Bobby said quietly "Maria."

"Yes of course. Um come in." Ricardo stated as he backed into the house. The three men walked into the entry but went no further. "Maria!" Ricardo said towards the kitchen. "Come out here, please."

"Who was at the door?" Maria asked as she wiped her hands on a dishtowel. "Oh Boys! Hello!" She smiled and walked towards them.

"Maria…" Ricardo said softly tucking a curl behind her ear. She took in the boys' appearance and Ricardo's face.

"What's going on?" Maria asked as her husband put his arm around her.

Tank swallowed. "Mr. and Mrs. Manoso…" Tank swallowed again. "We regret to inform you of the passing of your son…" He stopped; his mouth had closed and wouldn't open again. What if he was actually doing this for real, what if he was jinxing Carlos' odds. He couldn't continue, reaching out he held out the letter to Ricardo and stood there as Ricardo took the letter.

"You're sure." Ricardo asked looking directly into each of their eyes. Bobby shifted his eyes to Lester. Tank couldn't seem to find his voice and just focused on keeping his face blank. Lester locked eyes with his aunt and uncle. "Yes." He said quietly. Watching his aunt sag against Ricardo broke his heart and he clenched his fist. Moving towards them he helped his Uncle move her to the sitting room. Bobby moved to help Lester stopping before he entered the room. He glanced back at Tank taking in the big guy's posture and nodded. Tank about-faced and moved out of the house back to the SUV. Sighing he let his blank face drop. "Ric, when you get back you owe me big time." He said to roof of the SUV. He sat like that until the doors opened on either side of him. Lester and Bobby shut the doors an hour after they delivered the news they were finally headed back to Rangeman.

End Flashback

I thunked my head against the cabinet and pushed myself up. "No, he's out there, he will come home. We'll see each other again." I swiped my hand across my eyes and grabbed my duffle; I moved into the bed and slid under the covers. Reaching for his pillow I brought it to my face and felt the calming affect of his scent. "This is where I belong" I thought and finally slept.