The way Cougar runs his fingers through her hair makes her sigh happily, tucking her head in against his shoulder and holding on, letting herself soak in their new reality.

"I was," she protests quietly, her left hand settling on Cougar's neck. The fake wedding ring she wears winks at her, and she stares at it, mesmerized. Without this stupid, cheap little ring, she'd never have this. "I just... If I flirted with you and you weren't interested..." She licks her lips and tries again, glad she's speaking to his collarbone and not to his face. "I didn't want to advertise something that wasn't for sale. I've had guys in other units treat me like I was...well. You know. And I was too afraid of losing you guys if I made it seem I was available. Of having you not take me seriously anymore."