Hushed Willows that's nice, that's a nice sentiment

Buchanan watched as she paused as she sensed his anxiety and while he appreciated her initiative to give him space, how attentive she was to his body language, he wasn't trying to and didn't want to ward her off. The assassin was nervous because he didn't want to mess up, because that was the effect she had on him: restless butterflies in his stomach, caught breaths and timid, admiring glances. Buchanan wasn't sure how to process his growing affection for Banner beyond that he recognized that it was there; and the assassin did not try to linger upon it, nor analyze it. He simply let it be and take him where it may.

Buchanan studied her with mild curiosity when she spoke that he'd been more than just a peon before they'd met. While her tone was soothing and even he took her words to be formed out of confidence, assuming that she meant it when she said it. Yet, if that was true why had he strove so desperately to replace The Officer with Phippa? For reasons unknown to the wraith, she had not only failed but betrayed him. Abandoned him. Yet, without those unfortunate circumstances in his life: if not for The Officer kidnapping him and Phiipa betraying him it was possible that he might have never met Banner, and certainly if Phiipa wouldn't have left as abruptly and without preamble as she had he would not be here now. Or perhaps he would have. Perhaps, despite all of the possibilities it might have always led him to meeting Banner and to joining the Marauders; to this moment right here.

Banner had begun drawing nearer to him once more and Buchanan was still, patient. Buchanan's gaze lowered and held as she looked up at him, his inhale deep as she took a shallow breath and he felt the press of her nose against his shoulder. Not counting the gestures of comrade he'd received, it was the first actual touch that he could remember that was not of hostility and did not bear with it the brutality of punishment. It was a gesture that his instincts perceived to be affectionate. He released the breath he'd held for those few seconds in a contended rumble before he reached out — tentatively for a moment, only to gauge her reaction — returned it.