Hushed Willows seventeen

only if you want/have time of course! i made it all welcome so there's no obligation <3

Buchanan had spent most of the day at the borders of the Keep that was flush with Emberflame Ridge, tracking a small tribe of mountain goats. There were about four females and three young ones, with a horned male that lingered far enough away to disassociate with the tribe but close enough for Buchanan to assume that he was either it's protector or he'd sired children to the group of females. One of the females had given off the distinct scent that she was expecting though the assassin had stayed far back enough that he could not pinpoint which. His intent had not been to startle or chase them from their position close to the Keep's borders, and when they climbed up the rocky face of the Ridge, the dark wraith had followed, maintaining his distance to determine their grazing patterns. He'd stuck close even as the sun had began it's initial descent into the horizon, hoping to follow them to their preferred grounds for bunking down for the night but abandoned it when it threatened to take him deeper into the Ridge's territory. He'd stayed out later than he had intended, anyway.

He didn't want to keep @Banner waiting, after all; that wasn't to say that she was just waiting for him, surely she was still preoccupied with her Beta duties but Buchanan liked the idea of spoiling her with dinner and a kiss. Despite that they'd been mates for a little over a week now he was still filled with a breathless wonder and giddy excitement when he thought about; followed by a wave of warmth and utter contentment when he thought about Banner, an automatic smile spreading across his lips as he made his way back into Marauder's territory. It was a magical feeling, something that he felt to the very marrow of his bones.

If Buchanan had to describe the word love what he felt was exactly what he would have said, though his simplistic way of analyzing his feelings towards Banner didn't feel adequate enough. There were no words and the dark wraith was content to not try to analyze them to death. He loved her: it was that simple, and he was lucky enough to get to spend the rest of his life with her. It was with a goofy smile on his muzzle that he (somewhat distractedly) pursued a relatively fresh rabbit scent with the intent of surprising Banner with it.

ee!  thar be dramaz happening with stark ._.

Time.  She needed time.  Oh, but didn't she always say something like that?  Stark's arrival back at Marauder's Keep after his two day absence loomed over her like a dark cloud heavy with the promise of a storm.  His return brought back Octavia - at least, what was left of her.  The former Alpha female had clearly been on her own for far too long and along with her apparent illness, her death had been all but assured.  Banner couldn't say she was necessarily surprised at the outcome, but the look on her brother's face was what broke her.

The day had been spent at his side, helping him with whatever he needed.  Undoubtedly, it was a long day for both of them.  Banner's emotions felt frayed and she needed a break.  Not too long, maybe if she could manage an hour away from Stark's sadness and the finality of death.. maybe she'd be okay.

And so she did what she'd always done when nothing else made sense: the Beta patrolled the borders.  It was a familiar routine, something she could slip into that allowed her to feel normal and useful and everything she didn't feel while Stark was mourning.  The short lady Marauder's shoulders were stiff as she stalked along, her eyes unfocused even as they scanned they scanned the area.  Banner was aware that going through the motions was.. lazy?  No, maybe pointless.  But she didn't care.  She just needed time.

:-( poor stark *snugs him*

The rabbit ended up being a false lead. Buchanan had tracked it all the way to it's burrow, sniffing eagerly at the tiny opening only to realize that the pungent scent of tangy, sharp metallic blood hung in the air and followed the small trail left to a partially picked apart carcass: the work of a hawk or crows, perhaps even a buzzard. A small snarl of frustration left the dark wraith as he turned away from the corpse, letting it for the scavengers to finish off. He wasn't going to give that to Banner. He would have to improvise and hopefully find something else to bring her. Except that plan didn't work out too well either, for Buchanan caught his mate's scent heading towards the borders, heavy with her brother's own. So he returned. He had noted Stark's absence for the past few days but didn't even think to question it. Too much of the subjugate lived within Buchanan and the subservient omega (in his mind anyway) didn't dare question his superiors. In a world of Alpha's Buchanan knew and generally accepted that he would always be an Omega. The Officer had ensured it, and enforced it even in his death (as terrifying as that was).

The long legged assassin found Banner soon enough, his pace slowing as his mercurial gaze swept over her small form, awestruck by her beauty, and overcome with the warmth that spread from his chest all through his body. A low noise of content bubbled within Buchanan's chest, threatening to spill from his lips, except the hyper-vigilant wraith noticed that her actions seemed ...distracted. His posture shifted and tensed, docked tail flicking as he inhaled the scents around them, him still lingering in the shadows a silent sentry, alert for any danger. Something was wrong? If not wrong then off. Something was definitely off. It was incredible how quickly he had grown attuned to Banner's body language in a similiar way to how he'd been attuned to The Officer's own. It was only when he was sure that there was no threat outside the borders lurking that he made his presence known, lest she noticed him beforehand. “Banner,” He called out to her, merging out of the shadows, though he was still tense, still very much alert in case any danger presented itself.

“What has happened?” Buchanan asked, already riding the assumption train that something had happened. His first thought was that it was Stark — that something had befallen the Alpha. His second thought was that perhaps she'd had another anger episode. “Are you alright?” He asked her quietly, a few beats later, following his second consideration, his concern and worry for her unbidden as it made it's presence known upon his face in the soft furrow of his brow.

sorry for the delay!  my crazy busy-ness is over for a while (:

A sharp intake of breath was her first response to his deep voice.  Buchanan materalized from the shadows and she could only look at him, her bright green eyes wide with strange emotion, as she stood incredibly still.  Her brain was a fog of complicated emotions - thankfully none of them being anger - and she truly had no idea how to reconcile what she was feeling with how she should be acting.  The disconnect between her mind and her heart was more staggering how than it had ever been.  Swallowing hard, she managed but one word: Buchanan.

He asked what'd happened and then, in a much softer voice, asked her if she was alright.  The delicate way he'd asked her coupled with the look on his face was what broke the short Beta of her tense posture and a second later she rushed forward to bury her face in the dark fur of his chest.  She inhaled, taking his comforting scent in as much as she could before slowly exhaling through her nose into his warm skin.  Eyes closed, Banner took this opportunity to rub her nose up along his throat before she turned her head and rubbed her crown back down to his chest.  Every time she was around him her heartbeat felt stronger, her body was enveloped in warmth, and she felt so loved.  It was an addicting feeling and something she needed more than ever right now.

Ah, but she couldn't spend too much time showering her mate with affection.  Well, she could, but he'd asked questions and the lady Marauder knew she'd need to answer them.  She sighed softly before she explained in her low voice.  I.. Stark was gone for a couple of days.  He returned with.. with Octavia.  The former Alpha female.  Tambourine's mother.  They were.. involved.. she began, not knowing how exactly to classify the relationship between her brother and Octavia.  They'd never been an official mated pair, but no one could deny that there had been strong feelings between them.  She's dead.  Her voice was hollow.  Of the emotions whirling through her, only a fraction were felt for the former Alpha.  Most of what Banner experienced now was for Stark, which made everything all the more painful becuase she knew this was not something she could fix for her brother.

no need to apologize!<3

 

The furrow of his brow only deepened when Banner spoke his name, and then seconds later was rushing towards him. Despite the feeling of severity his docked tail gave a few wags of happiness when he felt her bury her face against his chest. The dark wraith ducked his head to give her a few affectionate kisses in return to the affection she lavished him with. It was almost enough to make him forget that mere moments ago her body language had caused him alarm. Eventually, Banner had begun her explanation starting off with Stark's absence, which had not fallen beneath the assassin's notice but it had been easily brushed off by Buchanan as another searching sweep for one of the missing Ostregas. Banner's next words, however, proved that his assumption was not the case. She told him that her brother — his brother-in-law — had returned with Octavia, the missing Alpha female. Would it not have been for her previous body language and the way in which she spoke, stuttering briefly over her words Buchanan would have remarked that it wasn't bad news. Buchanan held his silence, allowing her to continue on with her explanation that Stark and Octavia had been involved.

And then came what Banner had been leading up to the whole time: Octavia was dead. His mate's voice had taken a hollow tone and for a second Buchanan held his breath. Unsure of how he was supposed to feel. He had not known Octavia and thus he could not mourn her in the same way that the others would no doubt mourn. Perhaps he would have felt nothing at all if not for Banner's inclusion that Stark and Octavia had been involved. Buchanan put it into a perspective that he could understand. His throat tightened and he swallowed against the well of emotion felt for Stark and no doubt the agony he was suffering from. Buchanan couldn't imagine ever losing Banner, but when he did (as unimaginative he was) the mere idea was enough to devastate him, enough to make it feel like someone had punched through his rib-cage and was crushing his heart. Was that was Stark felt?

“I can only imagine how devastating and heart breaking that is,” And selfishly, Buchanan hoped that he never had to find out. “I'm sorry, Banner,” He breathed against her, pressing closer to her. He wanted to offer to help but he wasn't sure how he could and so, for the moment, held his silence.

She sucked in a ragged breath when he peppered her with kisses.  Finally she felt safe enough to feel the emotions she'd kept at bay.  So used to the practice, Banner hadn't realized how much more difficult it was to hold back negative emotions other than anger.  The gray cloud that had follwed her around all evening seemed to crack open and storm all over her, though the short female was with it enough to only tremble a bit in her mate's embrace.

His apology was appreciated, but she didn't know how to respond to it.  Octavia hadn't been a friend by any stretch of the imagination.  In fact, Banner had spent quite a few hours in private seething at the former Alpha female for disappearing and treating both Stark and Tambourine as she had.  Hindsight afforded her the knowledge that serious illness was to blame, but those thoughts were tough to chase away.  Thank you, she murmured quietly into his fur, a soft and affectionate growl rounding out her brief reply.

I'm worred about Stark, she admitted after a brief pause.  Buchanan pressed himself closer and her eyes closed to enjoy the moment of bliss.  I don't know how I would.. if it were.. you..  She stumbled over her words, her throat feeling awfully tight.

Though perhaps it was not the situation in which to allow such a gesture to form upon his lips, Buchanan found himself smiling as her gratitude rounded off with a soft, affectionate growl, though his smile became a rueful thing when it became apparent to him that Banner's thoughts were following closely in his own moments before. Even the thought was unbearable to him, so much so that he didn't want to dare linger upon it. “I know,” He murmured thickly, heavily, communicating that he knew exactly how she felt because he felt it too. Ironically, despite his past laden heavy with blood and death as it was, death was not something he often thought of. Least of all his own despite that he'd known each target could have been his end. The Officer could have won. It had been an easy possibility to accept but that was before. Before Banner. Before he had something to live for.

“It'll probably be hard for him,” Buchanan murmured in quiet contemplation, in regards to her worry about her brother. But beyond the obvious Buchanan could offer no words. He really didn't know Stark well enough to feel comfortable saying that time would heal his wound. Would time heal his if something were to befall Banner? No. He already knew the answer to it. “I don't want to think about what would happen to me if you —” Buchanan couldn't finish it. Didn't want to finish it. The thoughts were morbid and though it was put into perspective for him by the recent death of the Keep's former Alpha Female he knew he'd much rather focusing on living.

He drew in a deep breath, inhaling her scent. “I love you, Banner.” It was probably the most inopportune time to tell her, but it was something he wanted her to know, something she definitely deserved to know.

Banner knew this incident would prove more than hard for Stark.  Her brother had kept it together for so long going on so little, but he'd always had the hope that Octavia was well and had simply wandered off to do her own thing for a while.  They all knew she was sick, that something was terribly wrong, but no one knew how to fix it.  Now there was nothing left to fix.  The Marauder's Alpha male didn't have that hope to hold on to.  Their ongoing issue of missing wolves still weighed heavily on her mind, sure, but was that enough to keep Stark focused?  To keep him going day in and day out?

And Tambourine.  She frowned, thinking back to earlier that day when they'd called him and explained that his mother was dead.  He was so young when she left - so young still!  To his credit he'd taken it in stride.  Maybe he'd do some mouring of his own after he'd had a chance to really think about her death.  Blinking away those thoughts, the Beta rubbed her head against her mate's strong chest.  I love you, too, she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

Thank you.  Never, ever could Banner imagine that she'd stop thanking him.  Buchanan was a steadfast pillar of support for her, an example she'd always try to follow, and the man who had stolen her heart.  Ah, but could one steal what had been given away freely?  That thought caused a small smile to break and she felt just a bit of sunshine peek through the dark storm clouds of her current state.  You are absolutely wonderful, you know that?  He probably didn't.

But she'd never stop telling him.

A contented rumble vibrated in his chest, rising to his throat though it did not ever breach his lips. He enjoyed these embraces with Banner: so much more than he'd ever thought he would. He did not enjoy having his personal space breached and that was no secret but her touch was easily one of the most wonderful things to him. Granted, Banner herself was the best thing to happen to him. Hearing her murmur that she loved him too caused Buchanan grin, his docked stump of a tail wagging unimpressive in his delight at hearing the sentiment returned. It made his heart pound a little heavier in his chest, his breath to catch. She loved him too. She loved him too.

His train of thought: contemplating that over and over while assessing how it made him feel so buoyant, so warm was broken when she thanked him. For a moment Buchanan considered asking her what for but refrained. He didn't want to seem ungracious by questioning her every time she thanked him, so he accepted it with another kiss aimed at her cheek. Buchanan did duck his head though when she asked him if he knew he was wonderful. Was he? He knew there were plenty of wolves out there that would readily dispute her that. Perhaps even Buchanan himself. Yet, it didn't matter what other wolves thought of him. He was hard enough on himself: his toughest critic and in all honesty it was only Banner's opinion Buchanan found himself caring about. Her's was the only one that mattered, besides his own.

“No,” He mumbled into her fur, his tone taking on a modest, perhaps even chagrined tone. Buchanan wasn't sure what to do with compliments. Perhaps it was because of his submissive nature, or perhaps it was just because The Officer had found insults more effective than compliments but Buchanan didn't take compliments well. “but I've got you to remind and inspire me.” And she did inspire him. Everyday. Buchanan wanted to be everything he thought she deserved in a husband he put in effort that without her he knew he would have never applied. Without her he would not have gotten as far as he had. Without Banner, Buchanan would still be the lost assassin looking to replace his scurrilous overlord. “You're the best thing to ever happen to me, moya lyubov' and I plan to remind you of it every day for the rest of ever.” because rest of my life probably would sound a little too insensitive given recent happenings.

His kiss was met with a low purr, a sound she still hadn't grown accustomed to hearing from herself.  Overt affection, growls, purrs, and kisses - all of these were things she'd never done before.  Stark, of course, was the only other wolf who'd experienced her softer side.  To others she was as friendly and polite as she could manage through an ever-present haze of awkwardness that'd likely never be outgrown.  Oh well.  Her personality wasn't winning any competitions, but she'd bet that Buchanan and Stark would refute that any day of the week.

She felt warm and light again, odd considering the dire news she'd just delivered to her scarred mate.  He hadn't known Octavia, though, and even Banner felt that she came up short with emotion when it came to the former Alpha female.  Anything she felt was for Stark.  Tambourine, too, though to a lesser extent.  She had yet to define her own role in the kid's life, but Aunt could possibly fit the bill.  It didn't matter, anyway, because Buchanan was the one here showering her with affection and sweet words.  How did he know just what to say?  Was it instinct or had be become attuned to her in such a short amount of time?

I will never tire of hearing it, she quipped quietly, pulling back just enough to tilt her head up and meet his silvery gaze.  The short chocolate female stole a moment to take him in, to marvel at how this tall, handsome man could see past her shortcomings and know her for the wolf she really was.  Blood relations aside, she'd never imagine it could happen to her.  But here they were.  And.. oh, a wave of sadness came over her again, her content countenance faltering.  I'm worried about Stark.  It was a repeated statement, but the thought began gnawing at her brain all over again.  He.. this will devestate him, she choked out, unable to convey how much of an understatement that was.

It had been easy to allow himself to be wrapped up in the love he felt for Banner, in the love she expressed to him so that he almost forgot that she'd delivered him any grim news at all. Until, her expression became one of sadness and she expressed her worry for Stark. “I know you do,” Buchanan assured her in a low murmur. He would expect nothing less. Having no siblings of his own he could not claim to understand the bond that the brother and sister shared but it was apart of Banner. It was one of the many things that made her...her. And he loved it about her. Yet, this whole “family” thing was still out of Buchanan's league and he wasn't sure he had the right words of encouragement. Not when he was still adjusting to this new life as a whole. He had no experience with this sort of thing. The only great loss he'd ever endured was The Officer and it had been of his own choice. Buchanan had mourned his master but in an entirely different way then Stark mourned Octavia or the way anyone mourned family, probably.

“You know Stark better than anyone,” Buchanan paused, searching for words that he wasn't even sure would be comforting to her, nor reassuring. Nor encouraging as he would mean them to be. “but I think — I think he's gonna be ok, you know? He's got you. He's got Tam. He's got us — all of us at the Keep. Maybe it's too forward to speak for them but we're here for him. We'll support him.” Maybe he should have only spoken for himself but if they didn't believe in Stark, if they wouldn't return all that he did for the others wouldn't have stayed when he took over. “Subordinates lean on their leaders but sometimes leaders need to lean on their subordinates.” The Officer had...once. Delusional with fever, of course, but it was a few fevered hours of delusional kindness that Buchanan couldn't forget.

“I'm sorry, I'm bad at this,” He chuckled at his own failings, giving his head a bashful shake. It was probably a good idea to stop trying to help when he had no idea what he was doing. “I think ...just do what you need to, be there for him.”

do you mind if we cut this thread a little short?  current happenings will make for another thread shortly :D

He was right.  Was he always right?  Maybe - when it came to her, anyway.  Despite insisting to the contrary, Buchanan had a knack for saying exactly what she needed to hear.  Banner regarded her mate with a clear look of appreciation in her bright eyes.  He was a male who had known nothing but abuse in his short time on this Earth but he somehow was still able to be the solid foundation she needed, the quiet strength to hold her up and show her love she never thought she'd experience.  You are not bad at this, she insisted lightly.  And you're right.

Heaving a sigh as she was wont do do, the short Beta shuffled back from his warm embrace and squared her shoulders.  She'd made the decision to return to Stark, to help him in any way she could even if it meant that the only thing he needed was her physical presence.  Banner didn't know much about this kind of thing, which caused her worry to reflect clearly on her face.  Will you accompany me? she asked in a small voice, her formal words sounding strange even as they reached her ears.  I don't want him to be alone.

that's perfectly fine! <3 i look forward to our next buchanan x banner thread! last post for me & buchanan ^-^

A soft, contemplative chuckle left Buchanan's lips and his head ducked, bashful. He didn't exactly agree with her but he supposed as long as his words made sense and helped her then they were serving their purpose. His interaction with others was extremely limited and he was definitely just running off of his own opinions on things, unsure if they would be “right” (which always would be subjective) or not. That was all he could do: offer her his perspective and opinions. When Banner had shuffled back Buchanan left her put the space between them, taking in her facial expressions when she spoke, his ears cupping forth as a physical display of attentiveness. Her inquiry surprised the dark wraith and his ears slid back to rest at half mast atop his skull. “Of course I will,” He murmured reassuringly. Part of him didn't necessarily want to intrude on what was a private matter for Stark ...but they were family now and wasn't offering support (as he'd just pointed out) apart of being a family. He stepped nearer to her and gestured for her to lead the way, following closely and diligently beside her as she led the way to Stark.