Disclaimer: I own no one and nothing. Except the guy who got shot in the first chapter. And the guy who will get shot in the third (aren't you curious?).

Chapter 2

I sat in 'the Batcave', thinking. First off, were Morelli and Stephanie really broken up? Because of their relationship, I've never really done anything. Sure, I've kissed her, and we'd spent one night together, but nothing long term. The second question, though, was this: even if they were broken up, would Stephanie feel guilty if I kissed her? Whenever we kiss, she always pulls back and says she can't do it because she feels guilty about Morelli. Since she'd dumped him, would she let me kiss her?

And now, the third, and most important question: did she even want me? I knew the answer, on a physical level. That was a very obvious 'yes!' But I wanted more than just sex. I couldn't just come out and ask her, though. If the answer wasn't yes, not only would it destroy any hope I had, it would also make it so I couldn't kiss her. Because I couldn't kiss her knowing she only wanted my body, when I wanted so much more.

As I thought about it, I guessed this whole problem was my fault. After all, I'd had plenty of opportunities to tell her I loved her, but I always chicken out. Like when I added 'in my own way' after telling her I loved her. What was that supposed to mean? Really, who could blame her if she didn't want anything to do with me beyond the physical level? I'd done so many stupid things since I met her. Sending her back to Morelli was probably my dumbest move.

I looked up as I heard someone come in. It was Tank. He, Bobby, and Lester, lived with me. The Batcave was pretty big, and they were my best friends, so it wasn't weird having them all here. It was annoying at times, however. I was in the living room, and now wished I'd gone to my room to think, because Tank gave me a curious look and sat down on the loveseat, which was at a ninety degree angle to the couch I was on. He looked at me.

"So, what's up?"

I looked at him, not sure I wanted to say anything, then deciding I might as well. He was married (which made me more grateful that the house was huge. It would have been strange living in a small house, especially since his wife, Emily, was expecting twins. I probably would have kicked him out by now if the house wasn't huge) so hopefully he'd have insight into the fairer sex.

"Stephanie and Morelli broke up. For real." I didn't need to explain. Even if I was able to hide most of my emotions, Tank, Bobby, and Lester knew me too well.

Tank was silent for a moment, thinking. "So, what're you going to do?"

I shrugged. "What should I do? I've been a complete idiot."

Tank grinned. "I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees that." I glared at him, which only made his grin broaden. He was quiet again and I could see that now he was trying to think of a serious answer to my question. As he was thinking, Emily walked in. She looked at me, then at Tank, who was looking pensive, and then she walked in all the way and sat down next to Tank. Tank wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him.

"So, what's the dilemma? Someone get shot?" I wasn't sure I wanted Emily involved in this too, since she'd probably give some sappy suggestion that I'd have no intention of following through on.

The decision was taken out of my hands, however, as Tank spoke. "Stephanie and Morelli broke up. For real. And Ric is a complete and utter idiot, so he's trying to figure out what to do."

As expected, Emily's suggestion had no chance of being used. "Well, what you should do, is buy a dozen roses and then go over to her apartment. And you should apologize and pour out your soul and say you're a complete idiot. Then you should get down on one knee and beg for her forgiveness and say that if she'll marry you, you'll spend your whole life trying to make up for it. And then, of course, she'll say yes, and you can get up and kiss her." Her expression thus far was one that, in my experience, is only ever seen on a woman when they are talking about this kind of super-romantic fluff. Now it suddenly turned stern. "And not a mauling, 'I'm going to ravish you and let's have sex now' kiss. It has to be a totally loving 'I love you, and not just for your body' kind of kiss. And then, after you kiss her, you can sweep her up into your arms, carry her into the bedroom and..." she waved a hand in the general vicinity of my body, "do your thing."

As she watched me expectantly, there was complete and utter silence for a second, then Tank chuckled and kissed her on the lips. "I love you, honey, but you think up very strange things. Do you think there's even the slightest chance Ric will ever do that?"

Emily looked disgruntled. "Unfortunately, no. But, we've already established that he's an idiot. He needs to stop doing what he's done up until now. If his actions so far were good, we wouldn't have this problem. So, he has to do something dramatic and sweet. In fact, he should maybe do it in a public place instead of her apartment. The more people he's willing to risk his bad-ass reputation in front of, the more meaningful it'll be." Tank was about to protest again, but she interrupted. "I'm a woman. I know what will work on a woman. If he wants to woo a man, then he should use whatever stupid suggestion I'm sure you'll say in a bit. But I'm just saying, that if he were to come and do all that to me, I'd say yes."

I could see Tank's arm tighten around her. "No you wouldn't."

She turned her attention to him. "You know what I mean. If you did it, I'd say yes."

Tank rolled his eyes (something he made sure never to do around Stephanie, but which I think she'd laugh if she saw) "Yeah, but you said yes without me saying that, so there's no point in it."

"Yeah, but Ric has been such an idiot that he'll need all the help he can get. So, accepting the help of another woman is a wise choice. My tactic is pretty much guaranteed to work."

Just as Tank was getting ready to respond, my cell phone rang. I answered.

"Yo." No one replied, but suddenly there was a banging sound. Not as though something on the other side of the line had fallen, but as though the phone had hit the ground. Seconds later, there was a muffled sob.

"Ranger!" I could hear Stephanie's voice, but it sounded like it was far away from the phone. The sound of my name being called was quickly followed by a whimper and then a man's voice that I didn't recognize.

"He can't hear you, sweet heart. No one can help you, it's just you and me." I wouldn't count on that, buddy.

Rage filled me and I got up off the couch. I covered the mouthpiece, though I kept the earpiece to my ear, and spoke to Tank. "Call 911. Send them to Stephanie's apartment. I have to go." Tank nodded. Emily looked stricken. Not waiting, knowing that Tank would do as I'd asked, I ran as fast as I could to my truck, hoping I'd get there in time.