` hey, honey you could be my drug;;SMIFF.

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[atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/2nk72pv.jpg,true] Actions. Thoughts. "Speech" Being kept captive, unable to really roam anywhere besides from your given ground, for almost a year could easily make a dog grateful for just the dirt itself. The drizzling had just stopped but would most likely turn into a full blown rain storm by the end of the day. Looking up to the grayish blue sky, Bane stared for as long as he could. He couldn't believe that it'd been almost a year that he'd been taken captive. This was the first time in a year that he'd been able to move and roll around in the grass. He loved the slight breeze on his fur, even among the humidity. He felt so grateful, he still felt like complete shit but it really didn't matter. No raw feet, sore body, bruised neck, or anything could bring him down from his freedom high. The idea that he'd missed a year blew his mind. Brooke probably assumed he was dead, or there would've been a rescue mission he was sure. What if she'd moved on to a bigger and better him? One who didn't have luggage bigger than his own body. Bane told himself that if she had moved on though that he would let her live her life, that he would not take any sort of happiness away from his dear mate. He thought of her everyday, that was the main reason- scratch that, the only reason he'd been able to survive the whole year. Of course he considered giving up, in fact some times he thought he surely had but then he would start thinking about Brooke and how the note that they had left on...wasn't a note he would choose to be their last. So he promised himself, he'd escape. He was so glad that the new guy on the team of "bandits" was as dumb as a doorknob. He was stupid and thought he was the biggest baddest pup out in those woods. The canine never listened to a word any of the head dogs ever said. "Don't get into a trapped area with the prisoner." or "Never take your eyes off of them, watch your back." It was smart information, Bane would've said the same thing. Of course, Spitz never listened so therefore it allowed a weakness. Bane knew the kid was a rookie, he was also a rookie who always told Bane he needed to die because weaklings had no place on earth. It just ticked Bane off that he really was becoming a weakling. Sure, he was tortured but the past few weeks there had been nothing and he still had yet to escape. But finally, he knew it was time to go. "Hey Spitz! Shhh, come over here. I have something you're gonna wanna see." he had whispered. He sounded so convincing, and Spitz came without hesitation. It took some lies and flattery for Bane to get the mutt to come into his cell. After that, it was easy. Spitz looked away for a milli-second and Bane lunged, bearing teeth and letting out such a defined growl. It's easy to say, Bane won that round. The old man did have some his game still left in him after all. If you asked him now where he had been held or how he found his way to Avalon Lake, he wouldn't be able to tell you. He'd been unconscious when he arrived at the location, after the ambush in the mission and all he did was run like the wind when he escaped. As much as his sore legs could have taken him anyways. A years worth of torture could do damage, although it was physical damage that he could handle...emotional damage, like what he'd experienced with Florence was just too much. But that was all the past, and he was done with it. He regretted not escaping sooner but he did all that he could have. Now he had to return home, to see whether or not his mate had moved on. He'd understand if she had, but he obviously was praying that she hadn't. He loved her so much, it didn't matter what they had been through anymore. The past needed to stay the past, or else it would haunt them forever. Yes, he hates all that happened and would have nightmares and regrets for the rest of his life. But in the end, he did not want to end up regretting the one thing he loves the most; his Brooke. He was walking now, because his body was just not favoring his constant running. He would pick up the pace as soon as he caught his breath. He was too anxious to see Brooke to go slowly. He couldn't even imagine having to walk like he was right now. It killed him. In the middle of thought, Bane became dead still. His ears twitched twice before slowly backing up. He didn't like the small, or the feeling, something...was off. Just in that moment, from his side came a huge buck. He was going insane and failing, ganging up all on Bane. He was quickly pushed o the ground, he could hear the loud noises coming from the buck. Bane tried to get up off the ground, to retaliate but every time he came close, the brute would raise up and very quickly through his weight back to the ground. Only giving Bane seconds to determine how not to get crushed. God, right now really was the best time. When his whole body would barely allow him to walk, now he had to fight off a buck. ooc: So it's pretty sucky, but I'll get better. but yes, Brooke & Bane<3

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Brooke's muscles were stiff. She had been laying in the same position, looking into the lake's waters, for what felt like days now. Days. She had warned Heuso that she needed a bit of time to herself: a week maybe. He'd simply given her a sympathetic glance and let her go with reassurance that he'd send someone for her if she was needed. At this point, Brooke almost wished that someone would come for her. Or that some stranger would just show up. Something to get her onto her feet. And though her mind was screaming at her to get up and at least go hunt, her body refused to move, pinned to one spot.

Maybe she was dying or something. Was this what death felt like? Brooke didn't think it would be this damn.... uncomfortable. You're not dying yet, Brooke, she thought. There was something left for her on this earth - she just didn't know... what. She had no mate - Bane was dead - she'd accepted that. Her two living pups didn't regard her as a mother. Many of her own pack thought she had gone mad. The list seemed to be endless.

"The water's right there, Brooke. You could go drown yourself," she murmured to no one in particular. Maybe then she could see Bane again... maybe then... maybe.... She suddenly blinked, as if awoken from a trance. She could... she could see Bane. He was there. He was there in the distance. Those were his eyes reflected in the moonlight, weren't they? She finally lifted her head from its resting spot on her paws, narrowing her eyes onto the slow moving shadow. She almost called out to it - almost. Brooke knew it couldn't be him, but some kind of company was better than being alone right?

A nice distraction at least.

But almost out of nowhere, a full grown male buck charged the canine she'd been staring at. Without even stopping to think, Brooke leapt from her spot, her body screaming from the sudden movement, and charged forward. Snapping her jaws at the buck's legs, she drew its attention away from the other dog, "Run!"[/color] she snapped.

If only she knew who she was ordering about.

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[atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/2nk72pv.jpg,true] Actions. Thoughts. "Speech" Bane was fighting the buck off the best he could, while he was laying on his back. He'd roll from one side or the other, but could never seem to be able to get back on his feet. All until he saw a black blur, jaws opening at the buck's legs. "Run!" the canine yelled, and Bane took that opportunity. He hopped to his feet and quickly regained his stance. He had yet to get a good look at the canine who was fending off the buck, but Bane already knew that he wasn't just running. He was going to make sure his rescuer wasn't left to fend for itself. He owed this canine his life pretty much. Little did he know who this canine was and who he'd have to thank after wards. The buck's attention was now on the canine, all Bane could see was the feet of the dog. Quickly, Bane jumped in, snapping at the legs of the buck hoping it would take a hint. It was in that moment, pretty much in mid lunge, that Bane saw the canine's face. Time froze for him, it was like his brain was taking a mental picture. Brooke. All of his emotions came flooding back, almost like his love tripled. Almost like the very first time he looked at her with loving eyes. God, how he missed her. When things came back into play with him, he shook his head. Get it together, he told himself. Seeing her had made his heart skip a beat. He followed her lead, wondering if she had seen him. Praying and hoping she hadn't moved on, how damn selfish of him, but true. ooc: It's short because I wanted to let you play the whole buck scenario out. Sorry.

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So focused was Brooke on fending off the enemy that she didn't have time to register that the other dog had turned to help her. Not even a glance was spared on Bane as she twisted and turned, dashed and darted between the buck's legs to confuse it. Hopefully it would give chase to her, and she could lure it away from the dog it had been attacking. Finally, she managed to leap up high enough to take a nice bite out of the male deer's thigh, and that was what it took before it finally decided to start charging her instead of Bane. Rushing through the grass, Brooke took a bee-line to the lake waters, rushing headfirst into the cold liquid formation.

To her surprise, the raging buck followed her, but Brooke was a strong swimmer, courtesy of her retriever genes. She could surely out-swim the creature. "Stubborn beast!"[/color] she snarled, paddling easily into the deeper waters. However, what she wasn't expecting was for another splash to be heard at the opposite side of the lake. Twisting around, she realized that the other dog had followed her and the buck to the waters. "Stay where you are! It'll tire before I do!"[/color] she ordered. But one glance over to the buck and it seemed the crazy animal wasn't so keen on giving up. Snarling, Brooke decided right then and there that she'd had quite enough of the stupid hotheaded deer.

Fine... have it your way, she thought. Taking a deep breath, Brooke suddenly dived under the water. Eyes stinging as she struggled to keep them open and calculate just where she could attack the animal's belly. There! And at that she propelled herself upwards, jaws gaping. She closed her teeth around the buck's flesh and tore, the metallic taste of blood and the murky lake water making her nearly gag in disgust. But it would be worth it. Unfortunately, the animal began to flail, and one of those hard hooves knocked her right in the neck

Choking under the water, she was forced to let go, floating to the surface and gasping for air. Winded and dizzy, Brooke had no idea where she was or where to go. Legs flailing, she struggled to keep her head above water and focus. Unfortunately that one bite wouldn't kill the buck right away either. It would still be in an enraged fit. She had to find her way to shore... somehow. Coughing, she managed to call out to the other dog, "Where are you? I'll follow your voice!"[/color]

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[atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/2nk72pv.jpg,true] Actions. Thoughts. "Speech" Bane followed Brooke, although she seemed like she had everything under control. Knowing her, he trusted her methods and it overall looked like if he helped too much that he'd just be getting in her way. She twirled through the buck's legs, gaining his attention instead of it being on Bane. Soon, Brooke went for the lake. He followed behind, but slowly. He knew they both held their breath, hoping the beast would give up and not follow her into the water but soon the large splash of the buck was heard. Bane who was a little ways away from the lake, started in a run and soon dove into the lake. He processed what was happening, coming up with absolutely no solution on how he could help Brooke. God, Bane! USE YOUR BRAIN, his thoughts screamed. He couldn't think of a damn thing. "Stay where you are! It'll tire before I do!" Brooke called out. Well it should be easy to stay in place, considering Bane couldn't think of anything to help. He dove underwater, barely able to open his eyes, but enough to see the battle from underneath. Then all of the sudden, the black paddling paws, brought Brooke under. He watched the whole thing, his heart screaming at him to go help his beloved but his mind telling him that he wouldn't be helping. Then, Brooke got hit. His whole body flinched as if he felt the pain, as if it had hit him. He pushed his body to emerge from the water, just a few seconds before Brooke did. He could hear her coughing, her struggle. She was pretty deep into the lake, and now she could barely breath. And the stupid beast was soon to bounce back, Bane needed to do something. "Where are you? I'll follow your voice!", coughed Brooke. Quickly, Bane responded as he backed up onto shore. "This way! C'mon Brooke! You got this, just swim straight but with a curve." he yelled out, he tried yelling as loud as he could. He hadn't even noticed that he'd called out her name. Bane was positive that she hadn't seen that it was him, but she would now know that the canine knew her. Brooke was paddling but he feared she wouldn't make it fast enough. The buck was flailing now, following but much slower. If the beast got close enough, just his flailing could surely send Brooke underwater. "Alright, you're almost here. Just see if you can swim a little faster, but don't hurt yourself." he called out. His nervousness became to much to handle, so when she got close enough, he trudged into the water, nudging her and helping her to shore. Finally, their feet hit the muddy land and he nudged Brooke onto the shore first. "If you can run, we should. That buck is right on our tails." it was more a suggestion until the buck was literally right behind him. "Yeah, run. Just run forward and fast!"

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The dog called back, said her name even, and Brooke could feel her heart skip a beat. No. There was no way. She knew that voice... but there was just no way it could be Bane! Perhaps it was their son, Diego. That had to be it. Had he really grown up that fast underneath Brooke's nose? That twang of regret pierced through her heart as she paddled towards his voice, lungs screaming because of the kick to her windpipe. I'm coming![/color] she thought, unable to speak anymore. Tears began to well up in her eyes, blurring the features of the dog as she approached shore. He jumped into the water, nudging her forward onto the muddy earth that lined the lake.

Brooke was shaking, the world spinning as she stopped for a few moments to catch a real breath. That hoof to the throat had done some real damage: she felt like she was going to spit up blood. Gasping still, she lifted her gaze to Bane, blinking the salty tears from her eyes and at last taking him in. She was shocked to see it really was him, "Bane!"[/color] But there was no time for a heartfelt reunion. The buck had finally pulled himself up to shore, and though he was bleeding profusely from the open wound to his belly, he was still too blind with fury to stop his rampage.

Without stopping to think, she took off at a sprint, only a paw's length behind her thought-to-be-dead mate, "It'll slow down soon. That wound will kill it..."[/color] she huffed, her voice hoarse. Oh how she hoped it was soon. There was nothing more that she wanted right now then to curl up with Bane and just take in his scent again. This is just like the old days... when we were both young soldiers, she thought. At that, an uncharacteristic laugh worked its way out of her, even though they were both in very real danger.

Brooke was sure her heart would explode out of her chest when the buck finally slowed and then collapsed behind them. She too, followed suit, stopping in her tracks and hitting the cold dirt below her. Breathing raggedly, she looked up at her beloved, eyes bright with life for the first time in what felt like eons. "Bane.... Bane... It really is you.... Right? I haven't gone crazy? It's really... really you?"[/color]
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[atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/2nk72pv.jpg,true] Actions. Thoughts. "Speech" When Brooke had emerged from the water, the buck following right behind, she must have had a chance to clear her eyes enough to see the face of the canine whose voice she obviously recognized. "Bane!" exclaimed Brooke, and as much as Bane wanted to have that heart felt reunion right then and there, he knew they had to run. They started off but Brooke wasn't going to last long with her running, she was exhausted. He felt absolutely horrible every time he heard her gasp for air. The stupid buck had already emerged and was trying his very best to catch up, even though he was just flowing out blood from his abdomen. Brooke had really got him hard, but he had really got her hard too. Bane stayed right beside her as she ran, making sure not to leave her anywhere behind him. Brooke made a comment about the buck falling or dying soon, all Bane heard was mumbled words as he kept his eyes on the buck. Finally, he collapsed, slowly dying the death he could have so easily prevented. Almost the exact moment that the beast fell, Brooke just threw herself to the ground. Bane's eyes went straight to her, he didn't care one bit if the buck died slowly. Brooke had already come to the realization that it was him, she'd seen him, and heard him. It was funny how one could never forget the voice of their loved one. His eyes met Brooke's, all he could do was smile like a stupid idiot. "Bane.... Bane... It really is you.... Right? I haven't gone crazy? It's really... really you?"

[/i] asked Brooke, who of course thought she was going crazy. He had been gone a year, he was sure she had thought he was dead. Poor Brooke, he had known that he'd be able to come back to her but she had thought she had lost her beloved Yuuki forever. Her pain was most likely triple what he had felt. He nodded, in response before answering in words.

"No, no, no, it's me for sure. God, I have missed you so much! I guess you thought I was dead, but I was taken captive in the middle of that mission. Have no idea why it took me a whole year to escape. But I'm back, and I'm not going anywhere else. " he couldn't stop staring at her. Mainly because he was afraid that he was just dreaming, that he would wake up in that dirty old cell.

"By the way, Brooke...." he started off loud, but went pretty quiet. He wanted to make sure he knew the answer, not just assume. "You didn't already find someone new did you?"[/b] He was really nervous, as to why he had no idea. He wanted to just tackle her, kindly, but just a huge tackle. Then just have her cuddle up beside him for as long as she possibly could, even before he left they hadn't much time for that. He didn't care though, he had her now. Or he hoped...




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"No, no, no, it's me for sure..." he said. And that was all Brooke needed to hear before a huge grin worked its way onto her face. She couldn't help it. It was him. It was her Yuuki. Her brave, strong, mate.... alive. It was enough to bring tears to her eyes. For once, she didn't try to resist them either, letting them well up and blur her vision before spilling over onto her already wet fur.

She tried to stand, but even one little twitch of her legs made her whole body scream. Oh but she had to. She wanted to just bury her face into his fur again, take in his scent. Brooke could only believe he was truly in front of her if she physically touched him now - that was the last real sign she needed to know she hadn't lost her mind from all the emotional stress she'd been taking on alone for so, so long.

But it was his last question that really shook her. Had she found someone else? Brooke lifted her gaze to him, eyes wide, almost horrified. The Mistress couldn't even fathom the thought of someone else standing beside her beside her Yuuki. "No... how could I have taken another mate?"[/color]

She took a breath and pushed herself to her feet, trembling with the effort (she was still winded from the buck's kick to her throat), and finally... finally... buried her face into his broad chest, "Bane... Bane I have missed you so much. You would be so proud of your son. Your son... he looks like you."[/color] Briefly, Brooke recalled how she had cast Addia out of Tempest. Explaining that to Bane would be one more piece of red on her ledger, but perhaps it could wait. She didn't want to chase him off as soon as he got back.

"Florence is dead,"[/color] she went on. "And since then it has been so quiet that I've nearly gone insane in the silence. That's why I asked if it was you. I thought... maybe... I was starting to see things I wanted to see. It has been lonely without you, Bane... I-I... I've been so lost."[/color]

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[atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/2nk72pv.jpg,true] Actions. Thoughts. "Speech" Everything just flooded back to him. Every waking moment he had shared with the love of his life. He sounded absolutely cheesy, but his heart had never been the same after he had met Brooke. After she had had their pups. His heart would never be cold and as strong as it once was, he'd forever be mentally cheesy. Hell, he'd probably sound cheesy for the rest of his life but he didn't care. He was just happy, that Brooke was here. She was alive. He'd never really questioned if she was alive, because she was a fighter. But sure, the picture of him coming home and being told his dear Amada was dead. He couldn't deal with even the thought. It was much worse then her moving to a new mate. "No... how could I have taken another mate?" replied Brooke. And his heart felt whole again, he had just needed confirmation. Confirmation that his mate was in fact still his, they were still the same Brooke and Bane. A duo he never could have imagined, but wouldn't trade the world for. He just wanted to feel Brooke against him again; and as if they'd had the same thought, Brooke stood up. She buried her face into his chest, something he'd missed so dearly, and he stood strong, allowing her to fully lean on him to avoid further pain. "Bane... Bane I have missed you so much. You would be so proud of your son. Your son... he looks like you." His children. Diego and Addia. He'd barely even been there for them, he barely even knew them. In fact, he didn't know them at all. Every time he'd tried to imagine and dream of his family, his children were almost blurred. Because he only basically knew their names, any other personality trait was probably far long ago dropped. They were adults now, and he was a terrible father. "Oh Brooke, I don't even know him. Or her. How can I even begin to be called their father, I was hardly there. " he didn't cry, but instead he sounded like he was telling the sad truth...because he was. "But...he looks like me?" he whispered with happiness. "Florence is dead," He just listened, he could tell more was coming. Of course there was plenty to tell...it had been a year. But Florence being dead? The news made his head, that was leaning in next to Brooke's, pop up. "Good. The witch is dead, I knew she would fall one day. She would pay for her wrong doings to us." As much as he hated to bring up the horrid past, it was something he'd always wanted. To get revenge on Florence, make her pay and although he didn't, the pack did and that was the meaning of a pack. They all had the same enemy and they all conquered that enemy. Even though the news of Florence was fling his head, he still listened to what Brooke was saying. "And since then it has been so quiet that I've nearly gone insane in the silence. That's why I asked if it was you. I thought... maybe... I was starting to see things I wanted to see. It has been lonely without you, Bane... I-I... I've been so lost." His poor Amada. She had gone through much worse, in a huge pack she had felt so alone. That had never been his intention, though neither had the year away. She wouldn't be alone now, Bane was back and though only the world knew when he'd exit the life he loved, he knew that at least he'd get to spend his remaining time with his family. "I know you've been lonely and lost, but I'm here now and I promise I won't let you feel that way again. I was lonely too, at some points I thought I was just going to die without ever seeing your face again. I thought of you, every. single. day. You were my hope, Brooke. We're together now, and nothing can change that."

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ooc; so, i only read your reply...so i hope nothing like contradicts anything i made him say earlier...or repeats. oh well. :3 sorry for the wait!

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Brooke was overwhelmed with sympathy when Bane expressed his sorrows over being a terrible father, and nuzzled him further, "I was no better a mother, Bane. That was our gravest mistake... But they are both strong... and... I'm proud to say they are our children."[/color] Brooke felt her heart clench at the thought of Addia again. How could she have been so foolish and cast her out? She silently prayed - yes prayed that her daughter had found somewhere safe to live and that she was happy.

Brooke didn't know if she could face either of her children and apologize. They both had every right to hate her, as did Bane, really. She had cast aside the most important people to her in order to benefit the pack.. but at what cost? She was tired of all this turmoil now though. She could no longer take the heat. It was becoming evident to everyone, even her enemies.

But Bane... Bane was what mattered right now. "There has been peace... for a time anyway, since I killed her. You came back just when I needed you, my Yuuki. Things are going to heat up again... I can feel it in the winds. I need your courage and strength now. I need you..."[/color] She sighed, squeezing her eyes shut and pressing herself to him more.

A small smile graced her face when he mentioned thinking of her everyday. She really, really had needed to hear that from someone. All her life she would have never guessed any soul on this earth would care for her in the way her mate did. Brooke wasn't even sure she deserved this kind of affection... let alone Bane's undying love for her, but she was so glad to have it, so thankful. It brought her peace. Warmth seemed to spread throughout her body that she had not felt in some time - not since her Yuuki had vanished. "There was no day you were absent from my mind either, Bane."[/color]

And after that, she grew silent, just happy to be in his presence once more. They were less a couple of words than of action anyway - they always had been like that. Brooke only removed herself from her mate's side for a moment so she could lay in the cool dirt. The run in with the buck had left her tired, and she was sure Bane was exhausted as well. She looked up at him expectantly, hoping he would join her for a small rest.

Or perhaps a long rest....

Was there really a rush to get home? Brooke didn't want this small moment to end. She wanted this to be where she stayed forever. But with the dawn approaching, she knew she had to return home. Heuso was a loyal General, but she did not want to abandon him as Gravity had abandoned her. Yes, tomorrow, duty would call her home. But she would finally not be alone. Bane was right. They were together now - nothing would change that.

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[fate]

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[atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/2nk72pv.jpg,true] Actions. Thoughts. "Speech" ooc; suckishhh. :c "I was no better a mother, Bane. That was our gravest mistake... But they are both strong... and... I'm proud to say they are our children." Bane only embraced Brooke more, nodding slowly. They had failed as parents, they weren't ready for that responsibility when they had had kids. Like all new parents, they hadn't known what to expect and more importantly they hadn't known what to expect with the pack. With the war. With anything, and for that, they lost touch with their children. Well, Bane imagined Brooke still talked to both of them especially considering she'd told him about Diego. Maybe they could still all be a family, maybe their kids would forgive them for their wrong doings. Bane now knew that loving your children with all your heart, wasn't all that mattered. Not one bit. "Maybe we could all still be a family, perhaps they will forgive us." he mumbled, only half believing that they would. "There has been peace... for a time anyway, since I killed her. You came back just when I needed you, my Yuuki. Things are going to heat up again... I can feel it in the winds. I need your courage and strength now. I need you..." He had needed to hear that, really he just needed her too. Brooke was what had kept him alive and would be the thing that would keep him alive for the years to come. Even if they had screwed up their chance at being parents, Bane knew they hadn't screwed up being mates. Even though it was rough, he knew they were a strong couple. As he hoped they would be until the day he died. "I need you too, my Amada. I love you so much. And i'll be there fighting and standing by your side. We're a team, both on the field and off." he said, as she snuggled into his chest. He took a breath, before speaking again. "Please know, that i'm so glad you are mine. I'd be dead without you." After that, they just stood there. Just embracing each other until Brooke eventually branched off and laid down. They both had the same thought, that the outside world...could wait. If only for a little while. He looked at her, a small smile appearing on his face. What were the odds that she'd be by avalon lake at the same time he was being attacked by a buck? It was fate. Bane honestly believed that fate, really liked them. Shifting his weight as he looked up at the sky, his surrounding, and the dead buck behind him; he couldn't imagine anything better than laying beside his mate. It was a grim thought but he hoped, secretly, that he'd pass away by his mate when the time came. Curled up beside her, his last thoughts being nothing but love. Though he doubted the end would come that peacefully, a guy could dream. Bane sighed happily, before laying down beside Brooke. Assuming the snuggling position. Putting his face right beside hers, he nuzzled her cheek and then licked it. He closed his eyes while all he did was take in her scent and her warmth. Bane had never known that returning would have felt so good.

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[SMIFFAGRIFF]

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Brooke thought long about everything Bane had said, about them being parents, about the possibility of their children forgiving them. She had long since given up any hope of that: she didn't thin Diego or Addia - especially Addia - were going to be keen on forgiving them and being a family. Not after this long. A talk was in order, certainly, but Brooke knew getting her hopes up would be for a lost cause.

She let out a long sigh, touching her nose to her mate's, and shuddering when he licked her cheek. It was just so surreal. He was here. He was alive. They were together again... and that was the only thing in the world Brooke could have ever hoped for at this point. "I love you, Bane."[/color] she murmured, realizing that she had not said those exact words yet. 'I need you' was one thing, but they weren't the same, and she needed her mate to know that none of her feelings had lessened in the time they'd spent away from each other.

Brooked stayed in silence for a while. She hadn't even been able to rest beside the warmth of another since Bane had vanished. Sighing contently, The Mistress tried to push her racing thoughts and questions away, but one simply would not stop bothering her. At long last, she lifted her head so she could speak again, her voice only just above a whisper, "I lost Addia, Bane. I made her leave the pack. She did something treasonous."[/color] She looked down, ashamed. "I don't know where she is. I don't know if she'll ever forgive me if she's even alive..."[/color]

Guilt filled her to the core, and for the first time in what felt like eons, Brooke found herself choking up, "I sent our baby away. Our baby..."[/color] And she cried, soft whimpers filling the air as her eyes welled up with unshed tears. "And I only know our son as a soldier. Bane. They won't forgive me... I've failed them as a mother, as a role model... and I've failed you as a mate. I'm so... so sorry."[/color][/blockquote][/div][/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[fate]

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[atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/2nk72pv.jpg,true] Actions. Thoughts. "Speech" "I love you, Bane." Those words hit home, it was those words so long ago that changed him to who he was now. It had taken him a while that's for sure, but he'd found the girl who changed not only his mind - but his heart. As much as he wanted to change so many things that had happened recently or even years ago; he never wanted to change meeting Brooke. Taking in a large breath, he continued to nuzzle her before he stopping to reply, "I love you too, Brooke." Then it was just silent for a while. Bane was still adjusting to the daylight, the fresh air, just the world. A whole year. He still had no idea how they'd done that. But in all honesty, it could have been worse. They could have killed him the first day they had him, or the first week, even month. Was it weird to want to thank your kidnappers for not killing him? Sighing, he dropped the thought and began listening to Brooke's breathing. Until she told him the news. "I lost Addia, Bane. I made her leave the pack. She did something treasonous." Brooke confessed. Bane was thrown off for a moment, trying to process what his daughter could have done. But then he realized, she could have done anything. There was no way he could say "that isn't my baby, she wouldn't do that." because he didn't know his baby like that. Hell, did he even hold the place of calling her his baby? No. "I don't know where she is. I don't know if she'll ever forgive me if she's even alive..." Brooke looked so ashamed that it hurt him. Their kids...that was the thing the both wish they had handled better. Technically, Bane wished he had handled it at all. But again, their kids didn't understand the sacrifice they'd made. ...Well...really, that was for their lost babies. The ones that Bane still mourned for daily. But he couldn't be mad at Brooke. He trusted her decision, but god he wished his daughter was alive. Bane begged her to be alive. Even if she was banned, whether Brooke went with him or not; he wanted to apologize to Addia. "I sent our baby away. Our baby..." Brooke blurted out, as she began to choke on tears. As she began whimpering, Bane embraced her more. "And I only know our son as a soldier. Bane. They won't forgive me... I've failed them as a mother, as a role model... and I've failed you as a mate. I'm so... so sorry." There were no redos in life, so regrets were just nasty bastards that haunted your heart. These regrets, Bane and Brooke would share as mates forever. But he had no regrets when it came down to other things. They had fallen in love; no regrets. They had brought puppies into the world, even if only two survived; no regrets. Bane straightened up and looked at Brooke. "You haven't failed me, you were alone Brooke. You had no one but yourself to ask when it came to handling our baby. I trust your decision, if Addia did something of the sort...then come the consequences. But I want to find her, I want to see her. And I want to make it known that we love her. You did what you needed to do and our son, he is still in our reach. If he won't accept us as parents...then that his choice. But we will present the choice first." Bane explained. He felt a tug at his heart, one that almost made him feel like crying too. "I want my baby and my son, our babies, to understand that it wasn't our lack of love for them that brought us to this; but rather our lack of understanding how to be parents."

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[SMIFFAGRIFF]

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[atrb=background,http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kitten_Lovour/brooketable1middle.png] Brooke could only move impossibly closer to her mate as he spoke, her heart still aching, the guilt still present, but his words were the comfort she had desperately needed for so, so long. She let out a deep sigh against his fur, resisting the urge to cry some more. Even after all these years, she hated feeling weak, even before Bane. "I want to find her... too..." she murmured. "I want to just run away with you and our children, Bane. I want to have a chance to have a real family. But it's too late... Even if we told them... even if we told them we loved them, that this was all because we didn't know what we were doing... they would still have every right to hate us..." she swallowed thickly at her own words, dread falling over her like an anvil. "I want them to know we love them, but... Bane, my Yuuki, you must know that they won't simply forgive us. They inherited my stubbornness, the both of them." She couldn't help but smile just a little bit at that, an uncharacteristic little laugh escaping her, "I wonder, though..." she continued, finally lifting her gaze to meet Bane's. "I wonder... if maybe..." But Brooke couldn't finish her sentence. Surly they were too old to have another litter of puppies. Would it be wise to try again? Would they even succeed? And what would their first two puppies think? She let out another whine, wondering if she should even finish her thought. But damn she wanted another chance. ooc; i'm sorry this is so painfully late ;;

[fate]

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[atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/2nk72pv.jpg,true] Actions. Thoughts. "Speech" Bane listened to his mate, his heart feeling heavy as she explained that their kids would never forgive them. Now, he felt it as true. They had lost their chance to be real parents. What was that saying? "You don't know how good you've got it till you've lost it." God, how that was true. He wondered who his children really considered parental figures then, if they even considered having any. Nuzzling Brooke, he wished they could have a do over. A second chance. He hated regretting but...how could you not regret having two children and never showing them love? Noticing that Brooke's gaze had raised to meet his, his heart froze as she hinted towards the unspoken. Could they? Was that possible? Bane and Brooke were both older. Bane mainly. Would it be safe for Brooke to carry a litter? Although, he sort of liked the idea. Images danced through his head of puppies jumping around him, laughing and giggling; then he tackles one and begins tickling it with his nose. A small smile appeared on his face, he hadn't even heard Brooke say maybe again. Perhaps he was sold now. But before he blurted out yes...he thought about it. How would this time be different? They never assumed they would be parents the first time. He didn't want this to happen again. Not with other babies. That would just be too many regrets for his heart to handle. But they could figure out right? They could have a second chance couldn't they? He thought so. Brooke seemed to think so. "Brooke, I'm not going to lie, that sounds wonderful. A second chance as a family. But how will we make this time different? And are you sure you'd be okay carrying pups again?" Puppies running around a cave, maybe one snuggled up to his mom while the rest torment dad. Laughter. Love. Tails being stepped on and feelings that need tending to from mom. Being called "Mom" and "Dad". A second chance. A happy life. So much love. All his images, were filled with love. So much that he felt his heart fill up with it. It hadn't even been decided and he already knew he'd love these pups with all his heart. Where had the strong Bane gone? His heart was all sappy now.

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