The Ties That Bind

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Ah, there it was. It wasn't as if he hadn't expected it, nor did he truly hold it against her, but the rejection did twist something painful in his chest. It always would, but that was the nature of being the sort of wolf he was. If he always held out his hand, there would be any number of times it was slapped back in his face. It would hurt to varying degrees each time, but it didn't mean he would stop offering.

As she spoke he focused on his breathing, just listening carefully to the words, to the feelings behind them. ". . . I understand." He said softly, giving her arm a careful squeeze where his hand still rested, as if to reassure her that for now, at least, he wouldn't let go - or, if he thought deeper, to reassure himself that she wouldn't make him. "It's all right, Maddie, it's your choice. Just know that I'm still here to help, if you ever need anything." He smiled a little, though he was sure if she were to look it would seem a bit pained. "If I step out of line, feel free to knock some sense into me. Sometimes I'm quicker to catch the instinct than others."

He couldn't lie and say that the urge to protect her would just go away, or that he would stop feeling the urge to hold her close, or stand bodily between her and danger, but he would respect her wishes. It was her choice, whether she wanted to belong with them or not. If he tried to stop her, he was no better than men like Farkas, taking what they pleased without any regard for what others wanted or needed. As much as Maxim wanted her to belong with him and his pack, he would have to settle for simply continuing to be her bodyguard until it was all over. Once the gang was dealt with and it was safe for her to live again, he would just have to let her go.
 
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His quick, calm acceptance of her hesitation was both reassuring and a little upsetting. She was glad to know that her instincts were right, he wasn't pressuring her at all, it truly was her choice, and though she could tell he was disappointed, he hadn't pulled away from her, and she knew he wouldn't hold it against her.

It was a little upsetting because it made that fearful voice whisper louder that if he was so quick to drop it, then he hadn't really meant it in the first place. "Instinct..." She repeated to herself softly, wondering if that was all this was, did he think of her as a friend or was it just his instincts?

She could recognise that she was focusing on the wrong things, her fear trying to find reasons to pull away, so she wouldn't have to deal with the pain and fear that came with letting herself be vulnerable, close and trusting with others.

"Maxim... I think you've misunderstood me..." She said softly, "I'm afraid, and this stuff... it's hard for me." She admitted in a quiet voice, "but..." After a moment's hesitation, she looked up at him, something very vulnerable but also hopeful in her shy gaze. "I'm not saying no."
 
Her voice was soft, her weight still warm and present against his side, and he was sure she was trying, at least a little, to let him down easy. He couldn't say it was unwarranted, given the little pain that had lodged in his chest at the thought of having her within reach and at the same time not. It was a struggle simply to listen, focusing on her words rather than letting himself stubbornly let his attention float away, but by the end she had his full focus.

When she finished he was left a bit stunned, feeling a strange sense of whiplash, and took a moment just to carefully shift his shoulder away from her, just enough that he could turn his head and see her more easily. "Do you mean that fully?" He asked, and some other time perhaps he might feel bashful about the way his voice had gone quiet, a pained sort of desperation in his eyes that he would normally have hidden. "I know . . . what it would mean to some to call you mine, and I don't want you to believe that I aim to hold you back. You wouldn't be mine to keep, but mine to protect. Mine to support. To offer my shoulder if you cry. To hold you up when you feel small."

Some distant humor drifted through his voice, though the smile he managed was a small, hesitant thing. "I can be overbearing. Nosy. Too familiar. I would never stop you from setting me right about it. . . I know you're scared, and I don't hold it against you. But . . . If you're telling me yes, I need to know you mean it completely. Please."

He trusted that she wasn't lying to him, and yet the part of him and his wolf that was so much more soft and vulnerable than any but his pack could see needed to hear it. It would be different if she were a wolf, or if she hadn't grown up among humans; she would understand. She would just know. But every experience she had gone through so far had been horrible. He had to know that she knew exactly what she was getting into, had to explain. If she accepted his offer and then took it back, it would be like a stab in the back. And if she waited long enough it wouldn't just be to him.
 
She was surprised by his quiet voice and the look in his eyes... He always seemed so strong, so calm and sure of himself, it was a little strange seeing this side of him, this soft, vulnerable, unsure side. Still, it made things a little easier for her, just like when she had been here before with Aether, having someone else to worry about, made it easier to deal with or ignore her own problems. His question put a fair amount of pressure on her, and so she didn't hesitate to take a moment to think it over. She hadn't expected this, for him to be worried about her commitment, but she had to admit, it was a nice change of pace.

"I... I don't know what it's like to be a part of a pack, or to have an alpha." "I don't know what it really means, and hearing that I'd belong to you... it scares me." "I've heard that before, from men who've just wanted to control and hurt me." "I've been at their mercy for pretty much my entire life, and I can't do it anymore, it's part of the reason I keep my distance, why I don't like to rely on anybody." She admitted softly, remaining independent was clearly very important to her, and she never wanted to be at trapped by anyone else ever again. "But, with you... I know it's different, i just... feel it." She said with a soft shrug, feeling a little embarrassed by her lack of eloquence. "I may not know everything that goes into it, but from what I've seen, what I know of you, and what you're telling me, it just sounds like being a friend, a good one." She said with a soft smile, any chance she might have denied his offer, any hesitation, was gone the moment she saw the desperation in his eyes, as she'd wanted nothing more than to just immediately reassure him, there was no point in denying it to herself anymore, she cared for him.

"In which case, if you can promise that no matter what, I'll always be free to make my own choices, that I'll always still belong to myself." She asked seriously, clearly this was very important to her, she knew he wasn't like them, but like him, she needed to hear him say it. "Then yes, I really mean it." She said softly, a hint of amusement in her eyes when he mentioned that he could be too familiar. She glanced down at them very obviously then looked back up at him, "you know, I'm not sure that we can get much more familiar than this." She joked lightly, perhaps trying to lighten some of the tension of such a serious conversation, or perhaps she was trying to distract herself from the enormous thing she'd just done.
 
Part of Maxim wanted to break in and insist - as alpha he had some sway in matters that affected the pack but he would never hurt her, not on purpose. He couldn't promise he wouldn't screw up, wouldn't make her angry or step out of line in the interest of trying to protect her, but he could promise he would always do his best. No one was perfect. Accepting that was just part of the process of bringing everyone together.

Her acceptance was a bright spot in his chest, an almost overwhelming relief, even though he heard and understood her concerns. He was too quick to take in anyone that felt like they needed him, he'd been told, but he couldn't fight down the urge to reach down and pull up anyone that so desperately needed someone to extend their hand. All he wanted was to hold her in his arms where she would be safe.

"Pack is family," he explained gently, the tight, worried muscles around his eyes gradually beginning to relax, tension draining slowly from his body. "It's give and take, in all directions. But only with people who want it. I may sit at the head of the table, and I may try to put my foot down, but your choices are your own." Carefully, gently, he pulled her back against his shoulder until he could nuzzle into her hair, a helpless burst of affection in his chest spurring him on now that she had given him permission to call her part of his family, though he knew he would need to draw back when the moment had passed. "There will always be a spot for you at my table, as long as you want to be there."

He was quiet for a beat, just soaking her in, then gave a soft, relieved chuckle that made his ribs ache horrendously. "You haven't seen Bella after she's had a bad day. Like an octopus. Won't give up until someone puts down what they're doing and spoons with her on the couch."

Everyone had different boundaries. Circumstances were extreme now, but if she didn't want to be touched in the future, he would always make it clear to her that she didn't have to take part.
 
Family... that simple word that stirred so many complicated emotions within her, but surprisingly, what she was feeling the most now was just... relief. Maybe she'd feel different or regretful later, after she'd had time to deal with her emotions around Doc, but... she didn't think so. The idea of being part of a family again, one that could leave her, hurt her, cast her out, was terrifying, but even with all the things that could possibly go wrong, she also knew and remembered the good that could come from it too, support, friendship, love, safety... Despite her fears, at least for now, she was at peace with her decision.

She let him pull her close again, letting herself relax against him. It still felt a little strange, to be this close, in an innocent but still quite intimate way. Still, she wasn't about to let it stop her, maybe later she'd feel differently, but right now she would take any comfort she could get and having him hold her like this, it helped a lot, it made her feel safe. "I'll keep that in mind, I didn't peg her for the type." She replied with a trace of amusement, knowing how hypocritical that was coming from her. She was immensely relived to hear him laugh, though she was sure it wouldn't feel very good for him right now.
 
Pulling another person into his pack was a strange mix of exhilaration, relief, and a healthy dose of anxiety. The last time he had added anyone into his flock, it was after tragedy, and after the most visceral form of betrayal he had ever experienced, but despite their limited time together Madeline felt like a soul he simply knew. She wouldn't hurt his family, not of her own will. Lash out in fear, perhaps, or succumb to her own demons, and yet so would the rest. Family wasn't perfection, it was an ebb and flow of mistakes and forgiveness, giving of oneself and receiving in turn. There would be a long road ahead before she and the others could see each other and think of Home, could know each other so deeply they would always see the other's heart. But they would get there.

"Mm, she likes to be independent," he murmured softly, letting the calm and quiet soothe the worry and the instincts that had flooded his mind so fully. "But she finds body heat as soothing as most wolves." There was more to it than that, a feeling of belonging and safety that came with curling into the warmth and life of another person, trusting like a child gravitating to their parent for reassurance. Even if she wasn't wolf, he was sure Madeline would understand the gist of what he meant.

After a moment to simply relax with much of the same sentiment in his heart, Maxim took a slow, careful breath and let it out in a tired sigh. "You should rest," he urged quietly, though he thought perhaps after the relief of knowing her answer he would find sleep before she did. "The nurse will come when you're due for medicine again."


As Maxim had predicted, Madeline was kept overnight for observation, to be sure there was no damage that hadn't been seen or treated. He refused to leave her unless she asked him to step out, occasionally getting out of the way for nurses or doctors but not listening to either subtle or direct instruction that he shouldn't have stayed. He was not above showing his badge and insisting again, or lying and saying they were unmarried life partners or some such thing to give himself the leeway to remain, but part of him assumed they didn't fight him any harder just to be sure his concussion didn't get any worse.

In the afternoon the next day, she was finally able to be released with explicit instructions for wound care and assurance that there would be someone to help her - to help them both - as needed. Again, Oscar came with Simon at his side to pick them up, so as not to add any extra excitement to the whole ordeal. Their human packmate was clearly very worried, but did his best to help without being overbearing, or expressing more than a very sincere sorry for Madeline's loss so as not to upset her.

When they arrived home Aether was already waiting on the front steps, clearly a bit anxious but composed enough when he came to take Maxim's arm and help him very carefully into the house. The young wolf worried, but with no injuries being life threatening he didn't fall into a panic.

As Maxim was assisted on his way, Oscar came around to Madeline's side of the car and crouched down to where she could see him easily, offering her a warm, gentle smile. "If it's all right with you, I'll carry you inside. The doctors said you shouldn't put any weight on that leg for a little while."

Using crutches would put too much strain on her other wound, and getting up the very few entrance steps with a cane would be difficult. If she would let him, he would take her all the way in to where she could rest.
 
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She nodded a little, though she'd already slept a fair bit, she'd dealt with a lot emotionally and physically, and she knew her body could use it. Besides, sleeping was a useful, although probably unhealthy way to avoid her grief over Doc, assuming she didn't have nightmares of course. She was actually surprised she hadn't had any yet, though she supposed a combination of sheer exhaustion and medication was enough to block them out for a while. Maxims presence was probably the biggest factor, she wouldn't have thought just having him beside her, holding her, could help so much. "Alright..." She murmured sleepily as she closed her eyes, relaxing against him. "You should too." She added with that same concern in her voice as before, falling silent as she drifted off again.


The next day, when she was finally able to go home, she was obviously relived to leave the hospital, but she was a pretty apprehensive about seeing the others. Maxim had offered her a place in his pack, but what if the others weren't okay with that? What if they didn't want her there? What if they found her too much of a liability? After all, she had disrupted their lives and gotten two of their family members hurt, albeit indirectly. If that was the case, she wouldn't blame them, she'd understand and once she was able, she just... move on, like she had before, too many times before. It would hurt, of course it would, but she refused to stay where she wasn't wanted, it wouldn't be fair to them or her.

She was quiet while they waited to be properly discharged, seeming a little withdrawn as she stared off into space. She was lost in thought as a million questions swirled around in her mind, about the others, about Farkas and Alex, about what her future held for her now, but mostly, she was just sad, thinking of Doc and the things she needed to do to fulfil his last wish and lay him to rest properly. Her attention was brought back to the present as Oscar and Simon came to take them home, though she was still a little anxious, Simon's very sincere condolences did earn him a soft smile, it was tired and sad, but genuine and appreciative. "Thanks Simon."

Thankfully, her voice was getting back to normal, though still a little weak. She didn't talk much in the car, just returned to her distracted thoughts. She'd need to talk to Maxim about Doc, and seeing him off, but that could wait for now. When they made it home, she was getting ready to get out when Oscar came around to her side. "Oh..." She blinked a little in surprise, feeling a bit embarrassed by the idea. Still, she knew the spectacle of her trying to hobble along by herself would be slow, painful and infinity worse. She wasn't as comfortable with physical touch with the others as she was with Maxim, for now anyway, but like Simon, there was something about Oscar that just seemed to exude calm and comfort, perhaps it was because he was a dad and older, reminding her a little of Doc. "Alright, thanks Oscar."
 
If she had insisted Oscar would only have helped her rather than pick her up against her will, but he was grateful for her allowing him to protect her injuries. "I don't want you to strain yourself," he instructed gently as he helped her turn just a bit, so lifting her legs wouldn't make her feet hit the dash, a quiet sort of humor in his words to set her at ease, "so just keep your arms and legs inside the ride and let me do all the work. I promise not to hit your head on the door frames."

When she was ready, he lifted her out of the car as if she weighed little more than his children, arms positioned carefully to avoid putting any pressure on her injuries and to evenly support her, cradled gently against his chest. Her hurt leg was kept straight by heavy bandaging, but he made sure the weight of it wouldn't pull on her. Simon lingered behind, gathering what belongings had made it to the hospital with them and making sure there wasn't anything else that would need doing, but followed them in after he'd closed the car doors behind them. The journey ended not in her own apartment but in Maxim's where the other wolf was already being assisted into sitting in his recliner, a second one having appeared while they were gone for Madeline to be deposited in with utmost care.

"I hope you won't mind staying here for at least a little while," Oscar said once she was settled, lingering at her side in case she should need anything else immediately. "It's easier to keep an eye out for you if you're both in the same place."

Maxim sighed softly, resigned to being doted on, and for a moment just did his best to relax sitting up rather than lying back. "All right. Send in the pups when you're ready."

He would need to reassure them before he could let himself rest. It would be a bit hectic in the space as everyone shuffled about checking on them and making sure everything was ready, but eventually they would be allowed to quiet down and get some rest.
 
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She let out at soft breath of laughter at his words, "it's alright, what's a head wound to go with the rest?" She asked with a hint of amusement, appreciating his little joke to put her at ease. Though she probably would have preferred to stay in her own apartment, she could agree that it would be easier for them both to be in the one place, just as before. At least this way she'd be forced to interact with everyone a little, rather than locking herself away and brooding over Doc, which she knew from experience, would be a very, very bad idea. As he set her down in the chair, she winced a little as she shifted to get comfortable, thankfully it was a big, comfy chair.

"Thanks." She said with a soft, but grateful smile. "Uh..." She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to bother him and feeling a little embarrassed, but she couldn't do it herself right now, and he seemed to be happy to help. "Can I please ask you to get me something?" She asked in a quiet, rather shy voice, "on the dresser, next to my bed, there's a framed picture." "It's in the front, me and an older man with a beard." He obviously didn't know what Doc had looked like, so she needed to describe him a little, since she had quite a few photos on display. "There's no rush." She added quickly, knowing she probably seemed a bit ridiculous, but she just... wanted, needed the picture close. "Just if you get a chance."
 
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Oscar had knelt at her side to be closer to her height, only smiling just a little and patiently waiting to hear her request. It sent a little pain into his chest, an empathetic agony at the thought of her loss, and something a little sad softened the way he looked at her.

"Of course, dear," he said gently. "I'll bring it to you on my way back." None of this 'if you get a chance' business. He would get it for her right away.

As he left, Simon busied himself bringing water over to leave nearby and make sure they had what they needed to be able to settle in. Aether retrieved one of the bed pillows that had been left on the couch and knelt next to Madeline's chair, reaching for the button on the side that would very slowly begin to raise the legs of the chair for her so her injuries would be supported and signing something short to her.

"He wants you to relax your leg." Maxim explained a bit tiredly, despite only being able to see half the gestures the younger wolf made. "You should keep it elevated. He'll help you with the pillow."

The wariness that had been in the boy since she'd arrived hadn't gone away, but at least there was no animosity apparent between them anymore. He had fought at her side, shared at the same table, and seen the way she treated the wolves around him. He didn't quite believe that trouble didn't follow her, but there was something in him that no longer held it against her. He met her eyes briefly before assisting in lifting her leg and putting the pillow carefully beneath it, calm and careful, and only drew away when she'd gotten more comfortable.

By then the pups had already made their way down from upstairs, the two youngest hurrying straight to Maxim's side with a concern that wasn't quite panicked, searching carefully for wherever it was all right to hold on to him without touching where he was hurt. He helped Amethyst climb into the chair with his good arm as if to reassure her he was still strong enough for it, inviting her closer until he could give her a little nuzzle even though the hand she braced in his chest hurt just a little and reaching out to give Jasper's hair a gentle ruffle, reassuring them in quiet murmurs that everything would be all right. Opal stopped a ways away to let them, wringing her hands a little as she looked him over and then turning instead to go to Madeline's chair where she reached to hold the woman's hand in both of hers.

". . . I'm happy you're home," she said, with glistening eyes that didn't quite turn to tears. Everyone was hurt, and it was really, really scary, but they were back now, and her father had explained that everyone would be okay after they had time to rest and feel better. Everything would be okay, right?
 
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"Thank you, Oscar." She said with a soft, grateful smile. She had more photos of them together, but she'd only framed one so far, and it was her favourite. Maybe she'd get around to framing the others, since she didn't have to pack up everything and move at the drop of a hat anymore. Or at least she hoped not, she still didn't know how this pack thing was going to go. She knew Maxim was alpha, but if the others didn't accept it, then she'd go, and there was still Farkas and Alex to worry about. For now, she'd proceed as if she were staying but that emergency bag of hers, that might remain packed and ready to go.

For the first time since she'd made that horrible phone call, she thought briefly of the furniture still in her old apartment, that felt like a lifetime ago given everything that had happened. It just wasn't important to her right now, she was more concerned about Docs stuff, he'd had a bag just the same as her, both of their entire lives summed up in one bag each, ready to move on at a moment's notice, never able to truly relax. Maybe if she was really lucky, she'd get that here.

She looked over at Aether with a bit of surprise, grateful for Maxims translation, though she had an idea of what he was getting at with the pillow. "That helps, thanks Aether." She said softly, gratefully, she was glad that he didn't seem angry with her. If she was going to live here, she wanted to learn sign language, even if he didn't want to talk to her much, she'd still like him to be able to without having to write things down or have a translator. She'd been trying to learn already, just by watching him sign and trying to pick up some of the common phrases, without any access to the internet it was really the only way she could learn, without bothering one of the others to teach her anyway.

She watched the pups run to Maxims side, smiling faintly at the way he consoled them, though she winced inwardly at Amy leaning on his chest, as she knew it must be uncomfortable, but he gave no sign. She'd been getting ready to just lean back and close her eyes for a while, when Opal surprised her by moving to her side, she supposed she didn't want to crowd Maxim too much. "So am I." She replied with a warm smile, touched by the girls gesture, as she gently squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I missed you guys."
 
Aether was, unfortunately, well accustomed to injuries and their care. He was sure to support her leg well even as he pushed the pillow beneath, and to set it down very gently afterwards. He glanced at her for her thanks, almost surprised though by now he knew he shouldn't be, and nodded in response rather than sign a You're welcome. A bit awkward under her attention, he only moved the bottle of water closer to her on the side table to encourage her to drink and got up to make sure the pups weren't causing any trouble.

"We missed you, too," Opal replied, her voice a bit watery, and pulled Madeline's hand gently close enough that she could lean her head against it.

Oscar came back a moment later, walking around the back of the chair to set a framed photograph on the end table beside her, where she could see it. "Is this the one?" He asked, even as he walked back around to kneel next to Opal and rub a hand gently up and down her back. "It's all right, sweetheart. Everyone is okay. Let's let Maddie rest, all right? We'll bring her dessert later and cheer everyone up, hm?"

Opal did have to swipe at her eyes a little when she let go, but was mostly composed when she nodded and leaned into her father's chest. She was old enough to keep thinking about what had happened over and over, but young enough still to be reassured without more overthinking. Making dessert for everyone would be fun.

"All right," Simon urged gently, letting Aether pick Amethyst up and giving Jasper a little nudge away from Maxim's chair. "They need to rest, and we shouldn't crowd them with everyone in the same room. Let's go play a game and make room for Rina and Bella to say hello, okay?"

Piling the whole pack into one space could be fun, but now really wasn't the time for it. He was sure Maxim and Madeline were tired, and he didn't want anyone getting overwhelmed by too much attention.
 
She gladly let Opal lean against her hand, it hurt her heart to see her so upset, and she hated knowing that she was the cause of it. She, her brother and the kids they'd grown up with, all of them had seen and dealt with things they never should have had too, and she hated exposing the pups to even a tiny fraction of things like it. Before she could offer some words of comfort, Oscar was there. She nodded to his question, grateful to have it. "It is, thanks." Watching him immediately tend to his daughter, caused a small twinge of a painful, envious longing in her chest. As she wished her father could have been even a modicum like he was, or that she could have had Doc, her real dad, for longer.

It was only for a moment though, as she was really just happy to see it, glad the pups had such a loving father to watch over them. "That sounds awesome." She said brightly to Opal, it was not at all how she felt, but she wasn't about to stress the kids out more with her looking or sounding upset. She smiled warmly, as she hoped the distraction would be enough to cheer the poor girl up a little. "I'll see you guys later than alright?"
 
Oscar gave his eldest daughter a little kiss on the temple, then picked her up into his arms as he got to his feet. Once she'd managed a little smile for Madeline he reached out and put a hand on the woman's shoulder, giving her a warm smile of his own in way of thanks.

"Just let us know if you need anything else, okay? We'll be around."

Aether helped get all of the children out after their brief check in, leaving just Simon behind, though it wouldn't last long. "Did she hurt you?" The human asked with a slight wince, and only grimaced a bit more when Maxim gave him a wane little smile, shaking his head and reaching down to help get the recliner set up. "Here, let me help. Are you due for any medication yet?"

Maxim gave his head a little shake. "No narcotics on my end, but I'll take some advil. Just pour the whole bottle down my throat, okay?"

Simon only chuckled, and then laughed a bit harder when Marina poked her head around the door frame with an intrigued face. "Whiskey or tequila?"

Bella pushed her aside as she came around the corner with a little pff under her breath and a roll of her eyes. "All right, party girl, simmer down. If we're doing shots, we're going out."
 
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She nodded a little, returning his smile. "I will, thanks." She wouldn't bother him, and she had her picture, that's really all she could think of that she needed right now, but she appreciated the offer and the gesture. Watching them go, she hoped that seeing Maxim alive and well, or alive at least, had helped soothe their fears a little. She looked to Maxim at Simon's question, sharing a similar worry, though she did smile a little in amusement at his little joke.

"Rum would be better." She replied quietly to Marinas question, faint amusement in her tone. She was content to sit and listen to their conversation, aware they weren't here to see her, it was a nice distraction.
 
Bella gave Madeline an amused little smile as she walked around the coffee table, shaking her head at the idea of rum. While she had spent a bit of time around Madeline, she usually kept to herself, but that was her usual prerogative and she had no real ill feelings towards the other woman. Rather than feel any need to berate her or coddle her, she went straight to Maxim's side. He would have offered her reassurance, but rather than wait for it she took his face carefully in both hands to hold him still and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the crown of his head.

". . . Be more careful," she murmured softly, and pretended not to notice Simon casually walking away like he'd heard nothing. "Bonehead moves aren't your style."

"Cross my heart," he reassured just as quietly, as if there weren't other people with excellent hearing nearby, and when he reached his good hand up to hold loosely to her wrist he let her do as she pleased without any attempt to make her let him go. "My bonehead days are over."

The smile she gave him was amused though it bordered on disbelieving. They both knew some day he would get hurt again.

Rather than check on him when she'd been reassured his injuries involved fractured or broken bones rather than horrible knife wounds, Marina let her attention fall on Madeline when she came in, sitting on her knees next to the other woman's chair so she could fold her arms over the cushioned armrests and give Madeline's hand a few almost uncharacteristically gentle little pats.

"Hospitals suck ass, huh?" She offered, wrinkling her nose a little at the idea of being in one. "Sorry you had to be there. . ." She hesitated for a moment, like she wanted to say more, but didn't know what to say. She'd been told about Doc dying and how he'd been important to Madeline, but she didn't think they knew each other well enough to speak to it. "I . . . I'm around, if you ever want to talk about it. And, I'm here to help if you need some help getting dressed or washing your hair and stuff." She gave a little mock salute, trying for a smile even though she knew there were still sad feelings in the room. "If there's too many stinky dudes around bothering you I can come kick 'em out for ya."

"Hey." Simon protested lightly as he brought back a blanket from one of the bedrooms in case anyone wanted to get more comfortable. "I feel like I should take offense to that."

Marina only grinned at him, unrepentant. "You're the exception."

". . . Thanks?"
 
She followed Simons lead, averting her gaze away from Maxim & Bella, not wanting to intrude on such a tender moment. She could still hear their conversation, not that she wanted too, her hearing was simply too good, and they weren't exactly far away. Still, she just pretended she couldn't, not wanting to embarrass or make things awkward for either of them.

Her attention was drawn to Marina as she knelt by her side, her gentle patting was sweet but really not what she expected from the woman. She understood and appreciated what they were trying to do, but she really didn't want any of them to feel awkward or uncomfortable around her. She had greatly appreciated Simon's condolences, but she didn't expect them from him or the others. They hadn't known the man after all, though she hoped maybe she could talk about him sometime, the good times anyway, even if it was only with Maxim, it would be nice to know there would be other people who remembered him.

"They do indeed." She confirmed with a faint smile, trying to soothe any awkwardness she might be feeling, she didn't want her, or any of them really, to feel like they had to treat her like she was made of glass. She repressed the urge to add the dark joke, 'better than the morgue' that had popped up in her mind, thinking it might have the opposite effect. "Thanks, I appreciate it." Her next offer, and little salute, did get a soft breath of laughter out of her. "I'll keep that in mind, but I think it'll be fine." "They're surprisingly clean, for dudes, anyhow." She joked lightly, a soft, amused smile on her face.
 
It wasn't, truly, a secret that Bella had feelings under her usually rather blasé exterior, Simon only felt that it was polite to give them a little fake privacy. He didn't need so much physical reassurance as the others did, given their nature was different from his, but everyone needed to take their turn making sure everyone else was okay. Even though they knew no one else was in danger of dying, it was scary still to see someone they cared about getting hurt. Madeline wasn't quite as familiar to them, obviously, but that didn't mean no one had worried about her either. Simon was sure everyone was glad to see her back and in recovery as well.

Marina laughed when the men of the pack were declared clean, perfectly content to stay where she'd sat on her knees on the ground and chitchat, even though there was a perfectly good couch just on the other side of Madeline's chair. "That's fair, but I think it's just 'cause you haven't run into them after a workout yet - although, I guess you haven't had to deal with me after work very many times either." She gave a distasteful little scrunch of her nose at the thought, knowing she could come home covered in more dirt or grime than the others on any given day, but chuckled at herself after. "You should see Oz use the kids as dumbbells some time, they think it's the best! He's a total sleeper build - it makes 'em shriek every time he lifts them, no matter how big they get."

Their eldest wolf always looked soft, with friendly smiles and loose clothes, but she would swear to the fact that he had more visible muscle than Maxim, even, and was nearly as strong despite not being an alpha himself. They refused to arm wrestle and prove it, though, no matter how many times she asked.
 
"I don't know, I think your job sounds pretty damn cool." She said with a soft smile, being completely genuine. Being around animals and working outside all day sounded good to her, even if it wasn't exactly glamorous. It made her think idly of what sort of job she'd eventually be able to get, or even want, assuming everything was resolved with Farkas, and she didn't have a criminal record dragging her down. "Even if it can be a bit... fragrant." She teased gently, making it clear she was only joking. She really hadn't noticed it, though Marina was right in that they hadn't spent a huge amount of time together after her work.

She smiled in amusement at that, thinking it sounded sweet, and she could believe his strength, granted she was pretty slim and didn't weigh much, but he'd still picked her up and carried her with impressive ease. "I'm sure I will." "And no, I haven't, but I'm sure it'd be fine." She said with a soft shrug, looking amused. "I've lived with worse."
 
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