[She could open up more. They both could. But for now? These little steps when they learn bits and pieces of each other are enough. It's like putting a puzzle together, slowly revealing the kind of people they both are.

Maybe the end picture isn't worth seeing. But what he knows now. Well, it helps. Helps him understand why she gets so angry about simple things. Why she demands the things she does. In all reality, she's opened up more than him. And he appreciates it. It's something he's always craved. Information on people, about people. It makes him feel safer in general. Having some sort of understanding about the people around him. About the people he's come to care about it some form or fashion. And Ringer has made that short list, outside Leo, has probably become one of the people he feels most protective over.

So those words, those questions. He understands. Him and Tuck had been inseparable for days. She's used to the same dependent type of relationships. And suddenly he can't help but think that she must be lonely.]

We'll just have to count on each other to do so when the chips are down. You know...you know if you call, I'll come. [And there's a pause as he remembers a bit of her conversation with Alpha.] And I'll answer. And I can...I can expect the same from you. [There hasn't been a reason to ask that of her yet, but he's got a feeling that she would try.

And that's it. That's as far as he'll push today. As far as he'll let her push.]