Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE. Typos are my bad.
Ranger's POV
"The guys and Ella have been sneaking Rex treats." I shared with Babe as I caressed her too still hand. Babe's already porcelain skin looks even paler than usual, regardless of the hours we assume she spent trekking through the Sonoran desert. Chuckling, I admitted that I've let the infractions slide. "I'm positive the artificial and processed contraband have helped your hamster defy all the odds."
Flicking my eyes up to her face after talking her ear off for hours as a way to keep myself from spiraling with anxiousness, I was pleasantly surprised to see that she was finally awake. "Babe." I choked out, staring at those unique and striking blue eyes I thought I'd never see again.
Those usually once very expressive ocean blue eyes were blank, a practice guarded expression automatically falling in place. I could only imagine all the horrific shit she's been through. Giving her time to open up, I told Stephanie that I was here for her.
I'll always be here for you, Babe. Siempre.
"You're safe. I'm not going anywhere." I promised, squeezing her hand while being mindful of her IV.
Babe stared at me for a long time, remaining statue still until she reached over without warning. Her fingers ghosted over my face, touching me almost reverently. Keeping still, I leaned forward so she could satiate her need to know that I was in fact real.
Abruptly, Stephanie switched objectives. Her hand glided down my throat, slipping under the neckline of my Rangeman T-shirt, the same one I put on yesterday before boarding the company jet. Her fingers, cold and slightly shaky, searched my chest, stopping only until she found what she was looking for: my scar. Fingering the marred flesh, a small flicker of emotion slipped past her carefully guarded blank face.
Tapping her hip, I mouthed that she has a scar on her ass from her brush with Jimmy Alpha. Instead of mirroring my grin like she would have before this nightmare, Babe extracted her hand from my shirt just as abruptly as she'd reached for me. I had to help her when she risked yanking her IV in the process.
She watched me for several long beats, silently assessing. My heart thundered under my ribs as I waited. With Babe being in and out of consciousness through the antivenin treatments, we've yet to hear from her. It's been hard to be patient.
"Ricardo." Babe croaked, her eyes locked with mine as she waited for my reaction.
Knowing it was a test, I arched my right eyebrow. "Guiseppina." Knowing that she utterly despises her middle name, finding it embarrassingly abhorrent even, I waited to see the disgusted reaction I knew was coming.
I didn't have to wait long, that carefully guarded expression cracking predictably, even if just for a brief second.
"Don't call me that." There's my Babe. The way she narrowed her eyes told me everything I needed to know. Regardless of her ordeal, my Babe is still behind that survival mask.
"Don't call me Ricardo." I shot back, unable to keep my lips from twitching with amusement. In defiance to the horrific ordeal she's been through, Stephanie has proven she's as resilient as ever.
"Deal." She murmured after only a handful of seconds.
"Babe." I couldn't contain the crack in my voice as I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I've missed you so much, Stephanie." I confessed, leaning down to press my forehead against hers as I told her how much I've needed her in my life. This past year has been the worst of my life, topping even active duty tours.
Unable to control the urge to kiss her, my lips found hers easily. When she didn't immediately kiss me back, I mentally cringed for being such an ass. Not wanting to spook her or make her at all uncomfortable, I was quick to sever the kiss.
"I'm sorry." I apologized, but explained it wasn't my intention to make her uncomfortable. "I just…" My voice cracked further as emotion hit my chest full force. "I'm really happy that you're here with me…us…again." Debating, I nearly bit my tongue and didn't tell her how much she means to me, but decided to hell with it. "I love you, Stephanie." Kissing her forehead, I did swallow the sob that threatened to escape. This isn't about me.
As if on cue, Lester chose that moment to barge in, saving us from a potential awkward moment with his usual upbeat energy.
"Stop hogging our girl." Santos practically shoved me aside, a feat he was able to accomplish simply because I let him. "We missed you so much, Beautiful." Lester flashed Babe his patented flirty grin as he bent at the waist, enveloping her in a tight hug. He whispered something in Babe's ear that made her cut her eyes to him.
"Little Girl." Tank's nod as he crossed his arms over his chest was the equivalent of Lester's hug, a huge demonstration of care on his part.
"Bomber." Bobby squeezed her hand in solidarity, smiling warmly at her as he explained why she was in the hospital. He's got great tact and even better bedside manner.
"Estefania." Hector graced Babe with a rare smile as he wished her a speedy recovery. It was his unique way of showing how much he cares for her.
I noted the instant her eyes drooped, no longer able to keep up with the strict facade. Babe used up her little burst of energy to get a read of her surroundings, effectively wearing herself out once again.
"Santos." I gritted out, ordering him to cut his yapping. Just as I issued the order, the nurse on shift walked into the room.
Santos used his charm to placate the nurse after she reprimanded us for the ruckus. We all agreed that Babe needs rest, promising to follow the hospital's rules. It's best to play nice so we don't get kicked out for violating protocol, especially as the feds have great interest in Babe.
"We'll be right over there." Santos pointed out of the open doorway, closing off his upbeat goodbye by squeezing Babe's left food affectionately.
"Santos!" I snapped before Babe even thought to wince. "Out." I growled, getting ready to follow the guys out so Babe could rest. Perhaps she can do that if she has some peace and quiet. As much as it pained me to walk out of that door, I did so hoping it was the best thing I could do for Babe right now.
"Ranger." I heard her raspy voice calling after me as I reached the hall.
"Babe?" My heart raced as I popped back in, waiting to know what she needed from me.
She didn't have to verbalize what she wanted to say, I simply knew. Guess despite it all, we can still read each other.
"Babe." I flashed her what she calls my almost smile as I retook my seat by her bedside. This time, it was her hand reaching for mine, squeezing it on the verge of being painful.
In canon Stephanie is supposed to despise her middle name, even finding it embarrassing. I imagine it's something more traditional to her parental roots. What are some guesses to her middle name?