So I wasn't really sure where to go with this story. The garbage scene outside TPD was the only thing that popped into my head and I'm struggling to continue on. I really appreciate all the reviews, with feedback like that how can I not give it a shot.

Previously:

"Let's go." He said as he guided me over to the passenger side of the 911 turbo.

"Ranger, I don't want to get food all over your car. I'll drive myself."

"Babe." He said and I knew that arguing was pointless. He'd just drag me back if I tried to go for my own car.

Chapter 2

I sat with my ass on the very edge of the leather seat. I was trying to touch as little of the car as possible to avoid making a mess of Ranger's beautiful car. Ranger walked around the car and got in the driver's seat. He reached across my body, effectively pushing me back into the seat, and grabbed my seat belt. Once I was buckled he pushed my hair behind my ear and smirked at me.

"It's just a car, Babe." Damn ESP. With that he took off towards Haywood.

I still had my body turned towards Ranger and I was staring. I couldn't help it. He was home. I was looking at every inch of him that I could see. I scanned for injuries and checked for weight loss. He looked a little thinner, but he's come home in worse shape. His hair was longer so he hadn't had to cut it while he was gone. There was a bulge around his chest so I was guessing he must have broken a few ribs.

"Shit, Ranger. I didn't hurt you did I?" I asked reaching for his painted on black t-shirt.

"I'm fine Babe. I wouldn't have had it any other way." He kept his eyes on the road but he took my hand and held it on his thigh.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. If the car hadn't smelled so much like soy sauce, I would have felt much better. As it was, I was trying to block out the Chinese food and focus on the Bulgari smell that filled the air.

When I opened my eyes again I resumed staring and inspecting Ranger. I probably should have tried to find my zone or just stared out the window, but I still couldn't help it.

"You're staring Babe." He said without taking his eyes off the road.

"I know." I said. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Babe." He said as we pulled into the underground garage. When I noticed where we were I got a bit nervous. Not about Ranger, I'd worry about him later. I was worried about seeing the guys while I was covered in all this food.

"Um, can you scramble the cameras while we head up to seven?" I asked taking my hand out of his.

"I'll scramble them while we head to four."

"Why do I have to go to four?" Now I was worried. Did he not want me in his apartment?

"We're meeting Bobby in his apartment. You can't shower with a burn on your arm until it has been treated. I'm sure he'll let you shower there so you don't have to see anyone else until you're cleaned up. I'll run up to seven and grab you some clothes."

"Oh. Ok, I guess." I was relieved, I think. I'm glad I understand but I'm not really happy about having to see Bobby first. I'd much rather no one else saw me like this.

"Babe."

We got out of the car and the elevator was waiting for us. We rode up to the fourth floor and Ranger led me down to Bobby's door. He used his key fob to let us in without knocking.

"Can you get into everyone's apartment?" I asked a little surprised. He led me inside and turned on the light. I went to sit on a chair in the dining area. I didn't want to mess up the couch.

"Yes. I own the building. It's a bit like having a master key but I only use it when I have permission." Ranger said while he leaned against the table.

"And when did you talk to Bobby?"

"Before I got in the car."

"That must have been a quick conversation."

"You were too busy worrying about the car to notice."

"Well I didn't want to get garbage stuff on your seat."

"Again, its jut a car Babe."

"But a very nice car."

"Glad you like it." He said as he pushed my hair behind my ear again. Fried rice fell out of my curls onto his hand.

"Sorry." I said, turning a little red I think.

"Come here Babe." He grabbed my hand and led me over to the kitchen sink. He put me in front of him and pushed my head down a little so I was leaning over the sink. Then he started to run his hands through my curls while rice, egg, carrots, and peas fell into the sink. I thought about objecting. As it was I know my face had turned full on red from embarrassment but it felt really good and he was being so gentle. Finally he ruffled my hair shaking my head gently.

"Here, let me." I stood up and pushed him back. I leaned over the sink again and ruffed up my hair while I shook my head. Soon, nothing was falling despite my best efforts and figured that was as good as it was going to get. Still sticky, but not chunky anymore.

"Better?" I asked as I stood again.

"As beautiful as ever Babe."

"Guess I should clean up the counter." I said looking around and the little bits of fried rice all over. It was better than making eye contact.

"I'll take care of it while Bobby takes care of you." He said while Bobby walked through the door. Did he know he was there or does he just have crazy good timing? Probably both.

"Hey, Steph," Bobby said.

"Hi Bobby," I said walking back over to the dining chair I had previously vacated.

"I hear you got burned."

"Yep, some kind of brown sauce straight off the stove."

"Ouch. You didn't clean it off yet?"

"Nope, came straight here after I dropped off the skip."

"Who'd you bring in?"

"Ryan Festin."

"What?"

"Yea."

Bobby looked over at Ranger with his eyebrows raised. Ranger just smirked and continued to wipe down the counter. Domestic Ranger, interesting.

"Wow, nice work Steph."

"Thanks Bobby. Now I just need to work on captures without the mess."

"Not a big deal, but let's get this cleaned up and taken care of. I'm sure you want to shower ASAP."

"Yes please."

Bobby began cleaning the brown sauce off my arm very carefully. I was trying my damndest to keep a straight face. I don't think I succeeded though. Ranger's blank face was back and he came over to hold my other hand. The stop on my arm began to be cleared of the sauce. It was an angry red color with a pale spot in the middle. There looked like there might be some small blisters forming. I gritted my teeth and squeezed Ranger's hand.

"Steph, I'm sorry but the shower is out." Bobby said.

"What? I can't stay like this Bobby."

"I know but the water will hurt and it might pop these blisters. You can try a bath but you might need some help. The arm needs to stay out of the water and it's got to be cool water."

"I am not going to feel clean soaking in a tub full of all this garbage."

"We'll go up and use my tub Babe. I'll help you rinse off the food before you get in and then I'll help you wash. It'll be ok."

I looked at Ranger and I wanted to cry. My arm hurt, I couldn't shower, and now I get to feel like a child being taken care of like that. This is not how his first day home was supposed to go.

"I'm glad that I'm here to take care of you Babe. Don't worry."

"Damn ESP" I said through my slightly tightened throat.

"You can even change your clothes down here so the guys don't have to know about the size of the mess. I'll bet you'll feel a lot better once you're out of those jeans." Bobby said.

That made Ranger glare at Bobby and I think he might have growled. I giggled and looked at Bobby who had gone rather pale.

"Sorry boss, not what I meant."

"I'll call Ella and ask her to bring down a t-shirt and sweats for the ride upstairs. She can take your clothes straight to the wash from here." Ranger said directing his attention back to me.

"Ok." I said.

Ella came down a few minutes later with Ranger's clothes. I like his clothes better any way. I changed and handed over my Chinese food wardrobe before we left Bobby's apartment and got into the elevator. I said thanks to Bobby when he got off on 5 and to Ella when she got off on 6 leaving just Ranger and me heading up to 7.

Ranger took my hand and led me into his apartment and back towards the bathroom. He was right, most of the mess was on my clothes. But I still felt gross and really wanted a nice hot shower. I guess a Ranger sponge bath wouldn't be too bad. Oh shit. A Ranger sponge bath. How am I supposed to get through this without drooling or moaning! I swallowed loudly and Ranger looked back at me and smiled.

Sorry its shorter. Should I change the rating for the next chapter and go for some smut? Let me know.