All familiar characters belong to Janet. Mistakes are solely mine.

"That's pretty fucking impressive, Steph," Lester told me, in what I know is just the start of a story-recapping that will continue for years to come. "In under ten minutes, one guy's nuts got lodged up in his pelvic bone - which has gotta make sitting in a squad car hurt like hell - another fucker's truck was completely torched, and you got Ranger to agree not to kill me for not stepping in just so I could see what you can do in the field."

"I did NOT agree to a stay of your execution, Santos," Ranger said, arriving like smoke at our already smoky and crowded scene. "I promised Stephanie that I would consider not killing you."

Lester's face formed what could only be called an adorable pout. "Wish I would've known that."

"Would it have changed your lack of action here today?" Ranger pushed.

"No. Not really. Steph was awesome. No one calls her baby and tells her to get back to the kitchen or bedroom where she belongs, and walks away without limping. Truck-dude was stupid for laughing at a sexist comment when she had her/my gun pointed at his gas tank. I feel like a proud papa right now. She was a sight to fucking behold."

"She's always a woman to marvel at, but clearly she can only be partnered with men who can handle that."

Lester glanced past Batman to catch my eye. "Sorry, Steph. Looks like you're stuck with the Boss ... or Tank when Ranger's busy. Guess you're the one being punished instead of me."

"Leave," Ranger ordered him.

"Before or after I talk to the police and fire department?"

"You recounting today's capture won't be necessary. The last thing Stephanie needs is you talking about her to the authorities."

Since my input doesn't appear to be required, I just crossed my arms over my chest and enjoyed the show.

"She wasn't in any danger, Ranger. I wouldn't let her be. She was just enjoying a little revenge. If you try to rein her in, she won't be the same Steph we know and love."

"The only one I'm sidelining is you. Now get your ass back to the Rangeman building. I'll deal with you when I get back."

Without another word, Lester left in the vehicle he and I drove here in, leaving me alone with a shaking Batman. That doesn't seem right. Ranger remains cool under even the most extreme pressure, he never freaks out. Lester wasn't trying to make him feel better, he was telling the truth. I wasn't in any real danger … I just need to work a little harder on controlling my temper.

"Ranger, I …"

Whatever was going to come out of my mouth was cut off when he reached out, circled my waist with an arm, and pulled me tight to him. That's when the reason for his shaking became really obvious.

"Are you laughing?" I asked.

It took a beat for him to answer, likely because he didn't want his amusement to escape and become more than just internal ab laughs. I've seen Ranger naked many times and he definitely doesn't have a belly to laugh from.

"Babe, you just turned a skip into a soprano and roasted a poor excuse for a Monster truck, of course I'm laughing. It's not bad for a day's work."

"You're not mad?"

"No. If you'd been hurt ... my reaction would be different and everyone involved would be hurting far more than they currently are. And then I would try to do exactly what Santos warned me against doing … order you to stay out of harm's way. But I'm not interested in clipping your wings, Stephanie. There's a big difference between needing to protect you, and attempting to dictate how you live your life. I love the woman I'm holding in my arms right now. For the rest of my life, I plan on only encouraging you, not changing who you are."