Alternate / Parallel Ending to Tank's Purr-fect Christmas

December 20

/Ranger's Point of View/

There was a small, wrapped Christmas gift on my desk. It was wrapped in Batman Christmas paper. Who knew they made such a thing? Since we are in a secure building I went ahead and opened it despite not having a tag. Inside was a pair of phone cases…one Batman and one Wonder Woman.

I'm not really a Batman fan but Steph always calls me Batman, so how can I complain?

She'd get a kick out of these, but who left them?

I knew there had been pranking going on as people were relaxing during the holidays. I appreciated that the guys needed to blow off steam so I wasn't acknowledging the pranking.

I placed the cases in a drawer figuring I'd show them to Steph when she showed up later. We'd been seeing each other secretly for months, but for the next week she'd be working here daily to cover for some of the added holiday time off requests.

December 21

/Ranger's Point of View/

I headed to my office after hitting the gym this morning. I could feel the added lightness in my step knowing that Stephanie would be around the office today and I'd have the excuse to eat lunch with her.

The morning was smooth other than a couple of shoplifting incidents which always increased this time of year.

I wasn't an outwardly joyful person, but in the last couple of years I'd come to appreciate the holiday season. It always seemed to make Stephanie happier as long as she wasn't scrambling trying to buy presents last second. That's part of the reason I'd been pushing more work her way since just before Thanksgiving. She had more cash in her pocket, I got her brilliant mind working my searches, she was happier, and I was happier. Just don't tell the men or my mother!

As Stephanie and I were finishing up the hot lunch Ella had provided, a knock on my office door presented Gene with a delivery.

Stephanie gasped at the cookie bouquet in his hands. I almost laughed…almost. Man, it's getting harder and harder to maintain my steady demeanor (she calls it a blank face) around my babe. She makes me want to live more fully.

The cookies were decorated in a Batman and Wonder Woman theme. It took everything I had not to let my head thunk on the table in front of me. Nobody needs that much sugar…except maybe Stephanie. But there is a strict rule about sweets in the office for a reason. Someone is pushing my boundaries.

"Who dropped them off?" I asked Gene.

"A company delivery person. He even showed me his ID. I called and confirmed they came from the local cookie shop," Gene replied.

I nodded my thanks to Gene as he set it on the table between us. He knew to confirm the package wasn't a threat. If I found time, I'd try calling later and see if they tell me who ordered the cookies under the guise that I needed to thank them.

In my musings, Stephanie had already unwrapped a cookie and devoured it before asking why I'd be getting a cookie bouquet. She definitely has priorities even if I don't agree with their order. I should be questioning why she'd eat my cookies, but we both knew the truth…what mine is hers and there is no way in hell I'm eating one of those.

"No idea. Assume it has something with the Christmas gift pranking Tank has been receiving."

"Really, do tell. What's going on?" She queried.

When I failed to respond fast enough, she jumped up and headed to the door.

"Please, don't," I asked. She turned looking at me quizzically. I asked her to close the door before telling her I didn't want to be involved or acknowledge it because I'd have to put a stop to it.

"A mystery then." I chuckled and went to grab the phone cases from my desk drawer. She smiled gleefully.

I realized that both gifts had the same theme and were couple-centric. The men know she's my woman, but is one trying to push us to declare more? No one better be meddling in our relationship!

Next thing I knew Stephanie had her phone in the Wonder Woman case and was reaching for my phone. I shook my head; I'd remain with my black leather case.

"Oh come on, Batman. It's black on black, so it doesn't violate any of the wardrobe rules. Besides, if I can't discuss this with anyone, I at least want to gauge the reactions of others to figure out who's doing this."

"I'm not sure you'll get anything from reactions, Babe, but have at it," I said, offering up my phone which was soon ensconced in its Batman case.

December 22

/Stephanie's Point of View/

I had made sure to leave my Wonder Woman phone case out on my desk yesterday afternoon and to place my phone next to me when I sat in the break room.

I'd gotten a couple of "cutes", a smile, and a smirk. I didn't think the smirk was meant to break his blank face, but I kept my mouth shut.

When I scooted into the office just after 0900 (9:00 for those of us that have to convert), Ranger had been in a core team meeting so I wasn't able to ask if another package had arrived.

Around 1130, Ranger stopped by my cubicle offering me lasagna for lunch in his apartment. I knew it was likely vegetarian lasagna, but Ella was a wonder with veggies.

As I suspected, I got a healthy dose of vegetables for lunch. But I also got another surprise package. Ranger had stopped by his office on the way past to the elevator and snagged a neatly wrapped Christmas package.

Inside the package ensconced in dancing gingerbread people, were two wearable blankets with sleeves in the patterns that had become the gifter's trademark…Batman and Wonder Woman. I laughed, Batman sneered. I found them a home on his couch for our next movie night.

"No," Ranger said.

"Why not, we can cuddle up together. You don't like to admit it, but I know you're a cuddler,". I replied.

"I'm more partial to skin to skin cuddles. I don't need more layers."

He had a point.

I'd been keeping my eyes and ears open. Only Tank and Ranger seemed to be getting the mysterious secret Santa gifts, but it seems Tank has been getting them since December 1. Seems odd that one person would use different MO's.

I loved puzzles. I started coming in earlier and leaving later…funny how it became easier to get up early when I had a mystery to solve. Staying longer gave me a chance to spend more time with Ranger, kept me from having to see my parents as much, and gave me the opportunity to sleuth a little more. Fortunately, I'd done my Christmas shopping early since I had a bit more fluidity this year.

From what I could tell Tank had been on edge for weeks now. He didn't seem to know who his secret Santa was and it was giving him grief. The gifts were the talk of the office. I knew Tank didn't want to be the talk of the office.

Hector patched me into the security camera footage. I could tell that someone had been playing with them over the past several weeks, but I started back checking all others that were badged into the building at the same time as the scrambles. Technology may be working for whomever was doing this but it was also working for me.

It took me about thirty minutes to have both Tank and Ranger's secret santa(s) narrowed down to six people. I would focus on those six.

December 23

/Ranger's Point of View/

Steph never could step away from a mystery. It's part of what caused trouble to find her but it is that tenacity that makes me love her. I love watching her mind spin.

She'd been wanting to keep our relationship relatively quiet so she didn't have to defend us to her mother or hear about it from Morelli. She'd also been focused on taking our relationship slowly out of fear of one of us screwing it up...she said it was her but deep down I was pretty sure I'd be the one to screw it up. However, last night she was keyed up and didn't seem to want to go home. I'd been able to convince her to stay the night. I don't know who is leaving me gifts, but she's the best one I could have received. Nothing had happened, but I'd slept more soundly and peacefully than I can remember.

Stephanie was up before I got back to the gym ready to hit the office. She was convinced today was the day. She didn't even complain about the bagel breakfast since she was so focused on her stakeout.

She actually beat me to the office by heading down while I showered. When I walked onto the floor, I noticed she'd subtly rearranged her desk allowing a better view of the corridor leading to the offices. She had a shit eating grin on her face when I arrived. Not two minutes later, she was walking into my office asking to see what goodies had been left today.

She was right, there were two packages on my chair when I got here. Had she figured it out? I handed her one and I took the other. We opened them together to find thermal travel mugs with the respective logos emblazoned on the side.

"Have you figured it out yet?" I asked her. She smiled slyly.

"I've got it narrowed down significantly, but what I don't understand is the motive. My main suspect seems wrong."

"Want to run it by me?" I asked, starting to get curious myself.

"Not until I'm sure." I chuckled and gave her a kiss as she went on her way. She didn't shy away from the kiss. That alone made these gifts worth it. I smiled…on the inside.

December 24

/Stephanie's Point of View /

I woke up in Ranger's arms this morning with a smile on my face. It was way too early to be waking so I rolled back over and went back to sleep thinking about how some secret Santa gifts had broken down some barriers for me. I'd spent two nights at Rangeman and the world hadn't ended…my mom wasn't calling, Joe hadn't blown a gasket that I knew of, and they guys downstairs seemed unphased. Maybe this was an adult relationship.

There was no gift this morning on Ranger's desk when we arrived. I was a bit disappointed but got to work.

I noticed a package arrive for Tank, but he shut the door before opening it. Interesting, but not helpful. His Santa was switching up delivery methods obviously.

Ranger and I focused on our duties and by end of day, no gift had arrived. I was beyond frustrated. It's funny how you come to rely on the consistency of something even if you hadn't been expecting it. I was curious what he'd come up with next. I wanted to catch the guy, mostly to thank him.

At 1820 (read 6:20 pm), no gift had surfaced, but Ranger and I headed upstairs for dinner hand in hand. I was almost startled when he first interlocked our fingers as we waited on the elevator, but I relaxed and leaned my head against his shoulder. This felt right.

Hanging in the door knob to his apartment was a gift bag. I smiled.

"Before or after dinner?" Ranger asked.

I looked at him under a furrowed brow and replied "I'm not waiting." He shook his head. I'm not even sure why he thought I'd wait. Not much outweighs food, but a mystery does!

As we walked into the apartment, I was pulling out the tissue paper. Damn, I was glad we hadn't opened that in the middle of the office. I must have blushed, because Ranger stopped in his tracks.

"What is it?" He very nearly growled.

I couldn't even think of the words and pulled out a Wonder Woman pajama set. It wasn't super revealing but was a tight, spaghetti top tank with Wonder Woman's logo along with a pair of bikini briefs. The top was short and the bottoms were small and wouldn't be suitable for company.

I could tell Ranger was torn. I could see the lust in his eyes warring with anger. Even I knew the guys weren't allowed to even think about me as a woman. But the next item nearly made him snap.

"Model them for me?" I asked holding up a pair of mens bikini briefs with the Batman logo.

He was not happy. I was beginning to fear for the life of the one that had dared suggest that they had noticed I was a woman and that Ranger and I had a relationship. They should have known they were treading on treacherous ground. I gave him a kiss to diffuse his anger. As the kids became more passionate, I could feel him relax.

I pulled back and gave another quick peck on the lips. I pushed the items back in the bag, set the bag by the bedroom door, and took Ranger's hand leading him towards our dinner.

After a couple glasses of wine and a scrumptious dinner, Ranger was much calmer and I was much friskier. I stole away into the bedroom while he picked up dinner and slipped into the new pajamas.

I swear he stood at attention when I returned.

December 25

/Rangers Point of View /

Never, I repeat never, have I received a better Christmas gift than waking up with a naked Stephanie wrapped around me. I stayed much longer in bed than usual enjoying her warmth. I felt no guilt as today was a holiday, but I was on monitor duty at 0900, so I finally crawled out of bed at 0800 for a shower before cooking Stephanie Christmas pancakes.

I barely made it to my office at 0900, and I'm not sure I would have if Stephanie wasn't so excited to see if another gift arrived today.

Today on my desk sat a Christmas card. The card featured snowmen that sang Jingle Bells when it was opened. Secured inside was a gift card to Pleasure Treasures. Stephanie thought it was a great gift, but I don't appreciate anyone butting into our relationship. I don't like my men sexualizing Stephanie.

This whole thing was starting to piss me off. I think Stephanie was starting to realize my blood pressure was rising, so she came around and sat in my lap wrapping her arms around my neck. Soon, I was calm again, thanks to her.

"It really isn't a secret we're in a relationship. Let it go. I know you'll reap benefits from the gift card. I'm sure I can find something to entertain you. I won't even make you go shopping…unless you want to," Steph whispered in my ear.

She could tell she was physically affecting me. "Babe, it's none of their damn business what we do behind closed doors."

"You're right, and they don't know what we do. That's between us, but we are both healthy, sexual people….that's not a secret."

"I don't like it!"

"I will make sure you enjoy it," she said with a smile. "You got on board with the lingerie last night." She's right. Honestly, I might just owe this secret Santa one, but I'd never admit it.

/Stephanie's Point of View/

I'd narrowed the perpetrators down to two people. By process of elimination, I knew who was pranking Tank, but I wasn't 100 percent sure who was giving Ranger (and I) gifts.

By late afternoon, I figured my only play was a bluff. I approached Tank's office and knocked softly.

"Merry Christmas, Bomber. What's up?" Tank offered.

"Merry Christmas, Big Guy," I replied smiling. "I know who is leaving your gifts and Ranger's. I just don't quite understand the why."

Tank maintained his blank face. I do hate when they hide behind that from me.

"What will it take?" He responded. "What do you want? I already gave you the cookie jar and cookies."

"I don't need anything," I replied smiling.

"Come on, you've got to tell me," he begged. Interesting. This really was driving him crazy.

"You tell me why?" I responded.

"Damn it, I thought I'd hidden my tracks well enough and that Ranger would know who was leaving me gifts and blame my perp for his gifts too. I should have known you'd figure it out. You always were tenacious."

"The lingerie nearly pushed him over the edge. Why did you go that far?"

"Ranger didn't seem affected by the gifts. I needed him to react. Same with today's,"

Tank replied.

"You are risking his wrath."

"Yeah, but I was sure he'd blame my perp or just about anyone besides me. I take it you haven't told Ranger yet or I'd already be in Siberia."

"No, I haven't told him."

"What will it take?"

"You will owe me. Actually, I'll point to your perp and you owe me two markers. Deal?"

Tank was hesitant. "No dinners at your parents and no babysitting your grandma."

"This isn't open for negotiation. Two markers…my choice, my time. Deal?"

Tank nodded. I could read the mixture of relief and dread on his face. Guess he feared Ranger more than me, times two. As it should be.

/Tank's Point of View/

About fifteen minutes later, Ranger came stalking from his office. He was eerily calm but the wafts of anger could be felt through the office.

"Lester, you've got monitor duty until I get bored of your ass in that seat, and I'll see you on the mats at 0500," he barked for all to hear. I came to my door to watch the fireworks and duck if necessary.

Lester looked dumbstruck. "What the fuck, man? What did I do to you?"

"Keep your eyes and thoughts to yourself," Ranger bellowed. "No one wants your opinion or your inappropriate gifts." Ranger answered.

"But…" Lester tried but Rangers look shut him down. Lester was dumbfounded wondering how cat gifts could get him in this much trouble with the boss.

As I walked past his desk, I whispered to Lester "Payback is a bitch. I suggest keeping your head down and watching your back. Always know your opponent."

Not sure what Bomber will dream up, but it was worth it.