Mid day in the palace and all was silent, a slight draft could be felt in the main chamber but Venom was tucked away and warm in her private chambers. She was able to move around more, but she was most comfortable sleeping here. The young Empress was in a deep sleep, though nothing would easily wake her this was when the caves were quiet. Faint calls of doves and tropical birds whispered through the halls and the sun filtered in from the smoke release at the peak of the cavern.

However still and silent the cave, Venom’s mind was filled with the opposite. Flames, smoke, and lava filled her mind as she was transported to the volcano. She wasn’t present the day of her father’s death. She had still been a very young girl at that point, but she’d seen him in his afterlife and her mother’s description of that day would never leave her. She hadn’t had a nightmare about the volcano in a long time, but as it went on her sleeping body became more restless.

Her mind was deep asleep as she moved lightly against the furs of her bed, a soft whine left her lips but from her dream or the pain caused by jostling her leg couldn’t be clear. These subtle movements and noises would continue sporadically along with her eyelids, ears, and toes. Though not very intense the body of the dreaming Empress would make one final heave, her nightmare came to a conclusion. Venom’s lungs would suck in a deep breath and release a soft helpless sound, ”’Tori..”

Venom was on the mend, she didn't need him in the same way she used to and yet Hattori lingered all the same. Just in case. He'd been roaming the palace halls, swathed in his black cloak as he stuck to the shadows, more out of habit then necessity. The first time he passed Venom's private chambers nothing had been amiss, her breathing was slow and steady, but the same couldn't be said for his second pass. He paused, his talons clicking against the stone flooring as his brows smushed together. The air was tense, a sense of roiling panic lingered behind the door cover and Hattori's gaze turned sharp. He couldn't near nor smell anyone beyond the doorway, he was about certain she was alone so what then? And then she uttered his name, short and breathy and that was it. Hattori pushed himself across the threshold and stormed into the room as though it was his right to do so.

And there she was, asleep but not soundly.

He scanned the room nonetheless, his steely gaze lingering on the shadowy corners and crevices where he would hide, if pressed to. But all was still and quiet as it should be, except his empress who still seemed to be in some degree of distress. Pain perhaps, or maybe even a bad dream. With a sharp exhale through his nose, Hattori shrugged off his cloak and draped it over Venom's shoulders. The season was getting colder with each passing day and perhaps- he thought idly- she'd find comfort in his scent.

She was falling, falling forever into the volcano. Sucked in by the lava and pulled into the center of the earth. Suddenly everything stopped moving. The heat was replaced with a comforting warmth and a soothing scent filled her senses. A heavy sigh left her pale lips as wakefulness brushed over her eyes. She blinked lightly, still half absorbed into the nightmare she’d been pulled free from. The young Empress lifted her head slightly as she found Hattori’s high contrast coat. His silver eyes easy to catch. Dual toned tail wagged slightly beneath what she then realized was his cloak. She had been confused by his sudden presence, but if he’d known that she was having a bad dream…

Her expression softened considerably, he showed his feelings in very subtle ways, but the gesture spoke volumes as a result. She could feel her emotions getting away with her as her face grew hot. Hattori offered his cloak, but she all too quickly imagined his arms around her shoulders instead. A shy grin flashed over her features as she lowered her head over her back. ”Thank you,” she told him quietly as she snuggled into the dark cloak pretending it was the shinobi’s embrace.

Venom seemed to settle right away beneath the safety of his cloak. He ought to have excused himself and left it at that, but the shinobi found himself lingering, watching. Overstepping his bounds perhaps. But in the same breath he noted that she wasn't pushing him to leave, that she seemed at ease in his company and grateful for all he'd done. Which, thus far, admittedly wasn't all that much. This job was somehow both simple and complex at the same time, her orders were few and far between and she mostly left Hattori to his own devices. Knowing full well that he would wordlessly serve her best interests without even needing to be told to do so. But what was he supposed to do in the here and now? Usually he acted with certainty and precision, but the path beneath his paws felt weak as though its foundations were crumbling. Was this what hesitation felt like? Hattori did not like it one bit.

He exhaled sharply through his nose, his gaze heavy and lingering.

"Is there anything else you need of me?" Anything.

Venom wouldn’t deny that she had been slightly surprised to see Hattori at the doorway of her chambers even after he’d spread his cloak over her this frame. There was a deep trust that had formed between the two beings, especially after being forced to rely on his work when she was unable to perform her full duties. There wasn’t anyone else who stepped up into such a position, and even without her current… affliction the importance of him in her everyday life was obvious. Just as obvious as the attraction she felt for him.

After so much time together, even through his stoic form and simple words, Venom could see the shift in his emotions. The uncertainty in his frame as he debated his usual course of patrolling while she slept, and lingering for more instruction. The heavy exhale revealed his expectations and subtle desires, Hattori never hesitated, but he poorly hid that flaw now.

The young Empress searched his silvery gaze with her sunset stare, seeking out a revelation that would not come. Paths diverged unending from this moment, and even through her feeling of sleepiness her heart beat erratically in her chest. ”Lay with me, Hattori.” Her words were a breathy whisper as she spoke her desire. Carefully she opened pandora’s box, letting consequence be damned. ”Until I fall asleep.” She set her parameters, but knew as the words left her lips that she did not want to return to unconsciousness.

Lay with her? Had it been anyone else Hattori would have outright refused, turned her down with a flat no. But there he was, considering her request as he remained on the spot as still as stone, unblinking. He knew where she was coming from, sort of, she was simply looking for comfort and he was right there in front of her. But surely there were better wolves for this, ones who would leap at the opportunity, but she wanted him and who was he to deny her? He knew she wasn't the sort to throw caution to the wind and act on a whim, she knew what she was doing and the implications of her words. Things were changing between them, as quick as a flash at one moment then a slow crawl at another, it was confusing and strange yet Hattori saw no reason to slam on the breaks just yet. If ever.

"Very well." He rumbled, dipping his head in a brief nod.

Stepping behind her, Hattori slotted himself against her back with his limbs tucked against his belly. It was a fairly comfortable position and it idly reminded him of the coldest winter nights in Nippon, the clan would gather in the audience hall and huddle up together to wait out the storm. He'd never been a touchy feely man but he supposed this was pleasant enough, Venom's form was warm and soft against his-even if her scent was all the more distracting up close and personal. Till she fell asleep. But he was in no rush for that to happen, as long as she was content he would deal with whatever she asked of him.

Lines were drawn, ones Venom dared the shinobi to cross for her. He was a serious man and even more so his duty consumed his life. The young Empress half expected him to deny her request, a selfish part of her hoped that he would for any other woman. But Venom was not just any other she wolf. She knew where this requested closeness could very easily lead to, but the Abraxas had already read the signs. The break in her leg right before she came of age.. This was not yet the opportune time to conceive. Even if her body begged otherwise.

Hattori spoke softly, as though he were resigning himself to an unchosen fate. It wasn’t reluctance by any means, and the man wouldn’t do anything he didn’t wish to. Yet here he was, lowering himself beside her. In her bed. The thoughts became much more real with his proximity, but even with the tension that lingered in her shoulders Venom heaved a comfortable sigh as she relaxed against his strong form. ”Perfect.” She murmured as she lowered her head to rest against his neck.

And then they were settled. It was strange though and Hattori found that-compounded by his nature- he just couldn't relax. But that wasn't really the point, now was it? As long as Venom was content and comfortable that's all that really mattered, as always the shinobi would just make do. But when pressed to think about it, despite the strangeness of it all, he didn't hate it. His mind rolled back to the time he'd called Venom a fine woman and even now those words wrung true, clear and loud like an old bell. If anything, simply leaving it as fine wasn't right, almost insulting. He sucked in a breath at this line of thought, of the sheer biasness that tainted his thoughts, this was very much unlike him and Hattori wasn't a big fan of change. Somethings had to shift of course but he liked to think of himself as solid and dependable, unchanging and unwavering like the mountains that framed Nippon. But here he was, nothing the subtle shift that stirred within him and for the life of him he didn't know whether it was a good or bad thing. Perhaps neither, another grey zone.

Hattori rumbled to himself, the sound low and throaty as it reverberated through his chest.

Venom found the stress that camped out in her shoulders and lower back melt away as she relaxed against Hattori’s massive frame. Despite the implications and temptation that their close proximity would and could allude to. Venom was toeing some very hard lines, but all she could feel was the urging deep in her belly. As fast as she relaxed she felt the tension return, but in very different ways. The young Empress could feel the tension in her shinobi’s body, though he was in a resting position he did not relax as she had.

Her mind suddenly racing Venom doubted her ability to fall back asleep. The dream continued to haunt her, and the feeling of herself falling to the volcano made her heart beat faster. Was Hattori uncomfortable? Was he forcing himself to be here so close to her? She had no doubt of the class she was in, the catch that she was. Hattori offered her subtle compliments but how did he really feel about her? About how close the were right now.

A (what sounded like to Venom) contented rumble echoed through his chest, the sound and feeling of it causing a shiver to race over Venom’s spine. The waves of it causing a nervousness to rise in her belly and her heart to suddenly beat erratically in her chest. Her breath caught in her throat as she tried to ignore the feelings he caused in her with a simple sound. Venom shivered, but not because of cold.

”Hattori,” she whispered softly, unable to meet his gaze as she prepared her confession. Her totally inappropriate and much too eager admission. She second guessed herself even before the words slipped from her lips. Venom paused for far too long, but were these words worth uttering? What would they do to the once professional relationship they shared? Venom was even more aware in these moments how much she wanted the man beside her. ”I..” she stuttered for him again, how could he make her so absolutely unsure of herself like this? ”I want you closer.” Venom felt overwhelmed, unlike she’d ever felt before as panic took hold of her. She buried her features into his soft dark fur. ”I want to be closer, physically.” Venom continued, unable to pull her eyes up to meet his as she felt fear of rejection. Azure had denied her gently but strongly and she still felt the sting. ”I want to be closer emotionally too, I want to know you shinobi.”

Hattori remained silent, given that he assumed Venom wished to go back to sleep, but he sensed the growing anticipation in the air. Rising and rising till she finally broke it with a breathy whisper. She uttered his name as though it was a praise and instinctively his ears flicked forward in interest, his breath catching in his throat. She had angled herself that he couldn't see her expression but he doubted that would have helped all that much anyway, not because she was overly guarded rather it was sometimes a little difficult for him to read between the lines. Especially since he came from such a different culture. He waited, expecting her to continue but she did not and the silence lingered on like a long winding path ahead of them. Surely this was something important, why else would she hesitate so? He let her take all the time she needed and instead his attention prickled at the soft in and out of her breathing against his chest. Almost in rhythm but Venom's was just a little off, slightly faster than his own. Nervous perhaps?

The soft words that slipped from her maw were, initially at least, a mystery to him. How much closer could he be? What else did she want from him? At first he took it to mean that she wanted to change the terms of their contract but clearly there was more to it than that and as she continued-rather bluntly, luckily- it soon dawned on him that she was referring to a relationship of a far more personal level. Blurring the lines between an empress and her shinobi. But she was asking for a lot, so much more than Hattori had ever willingly handed over- perhaps more than he was even capable of. He became very still as he considered and processed her words, his mind not working nearly quite as sharp and as fluid as he would like.

But what was he to say? For once he didn't have a straight forward answer. His silence extended hers, stretching and pulling till when Hattori tried to speak only the first syllable spilled out. Pulling in a deep breath, he filled his lungs to the brim and exhaled through the gaps of his teeth. He tried again.

"Well-" He had some concerns that had to be addressed but he wasn't outright turning her down either. Strange that. "You see- Damn it."He rumbled, words he hadn't yet-or would ever- teach Venom.

He took another moment and pulled in a long, steadying breath. Gathering his senses and composure so that he was at least somewhat comparable to his usual state. Close but not quite, like a forgery of a famous art piece.

"May I ask what brought this on?" He dipped his head against her back, a slow and soothing motion. He didn't outright accept her with words but surely she would know, he hadn't pulled away after all.

She breathed him ine, knowing full well this was the closest they’d ever been. His warmth radiated through her and she could feel the well toned muscle beneath his groomed fur. Those same breaths quickened as she silenced herself, knowing if she tried to continue or clarify that she’d only end up sounding like a fool. Maybe she was, perhaps she over estimated herself. Venom took comfort in the fact that he hadn't left her side even as she spoke out of turn. Hattori offered any service to her, but this likely crossed any avenue he might have foreseen in their working together.

The young Empress shocked him into silence, he was quiet but that was not an uncommon trait in the man. Venom knew him better than she gave herself credit for. He didn’t push her away and the way he finally showed his inner thoughts in a heavy sigh as he formed a response. She’d caught him off guard and for once his answers were neither swift or prepared. Venom still felt her nervous energy, a restlessness not helped by being in heat.

Eventually he did speak and though the words and his similar stutter were devoid of comfort Venom was receiving what she wanted. The girl wanted to know his inner thoughts. She didn’t know the words he said, but the inflection of a curse was obvious. Instead of being discouraged Venom felt an amused grin flutter to her features. Maybe he did feel similarly, the feeling of not quite knowing what to say. Being so uncertain when your life was built on self-confidence.

He finally answered with a question of his own, something she might have done were their positions switched. The grin grew into a smile as she felt him drape himself over her back in an almost embrace. An excited thrill spread through her body at the hint of affection. She leaned more heavily against him. ”I want what I can’t have.” Amusement danced in her voice, but there was so much more depth than humor. ”I’ve felt it creeping in for a long time. You’re so private, I want to be the one you let in.” Her voice was breathy and soft, she could hardly catch her breath through the way her heart hammered against her chest.

What in the world was beyond an Empress' grasp? It wasn't as though he made a pointed effort to be distant, but he supposed he could see where she was coming from, in a sense. But everything was always so much more complicated than it seemed at face value. She claimed that she'd felt something for a while but in the grand scheme of things they hadn't known one another for much time at all, and it wasn't as though he'd gone out of his way to woo her either. As if he even knew how to do such a thing. Even if her feelings were earnest and not caused by her situation there was still the issue of propriety, he took his duties as a shinobi seriously and had never once slipped into the realm of unprofessionalism. And yet here he was, considering it. Weighing up the pros and cons with a stern look planted across his features, as though for once he was willing to make an exception. To draw her close instead of holding her back at arms length. It was completely out of character and an former version of himself would no doubt think it was unacceptable but Hattori had always been quick on his paws to adapt to whatever situation he was in. But that made it sound overly cynical, though in part he wanted to do as he was told it wasn't as if he had an issue with it either. Not really.

There was so much for the pair to think about and for once Hattori had no intention of making a swift decision right now. Sometimes it was better to wait.

"I will...see what I can do." It wasn't a promise since he wasn't the sort to make those he couldn't keep, but he would make an effort all the same. He shifted a little, his tail laying over the dip of her back. Respectful but more than enough to provide the comfort she sought.

Despite the newness of their business contract the two of them were closer in proximity everyday than Venom was with anyone else. With that time in each other’s presence Venom had a building desire in more than one way. She wanted to know more, she wanted a deeper connection, she wanted what no other wolf had. She trusted him at levels she never would or could have predicted Venom wanted him to feel the same with her. She wanted to be selfish deep down. If she was honest she would have admitted her need for him to cast off duty for pleasure because that was the ultimate taboo for an Empress. She had seen her mother’s downfall when she allowed herself the luxury of self over the Empire. Venom couldn’t allow herself to do the same. Perhaps part of her hoped that Hattori would keep her on the difficult path.

They were silent for a long few moments, and though Venom felt her anxiety spike she still felt safe and comfortable beside him like this. Hattori wouldn’t leave her without an answer, and as he spoke there was no definitive answer but he did give his pledge of effort. He also pulled a little closer and wrapped his tail around her cloak covered form. Her heart did another exciting flutter as she settled in the crook of his form and let out a soft sigh. Venom could be content with their arrangement for now. His presence soothed her, but sleep was now a far thought despite the cozy den.

With her head buried in his neck the young Empress put her efforts into gently grooming his soft black and orange fur. Her motions were hesitant but sweet as she took her chances at toeing the line once again.

Hattori couldn't offer her anything definitive as things were. Venom offered no words in return and he assumed that she was thinking things over, content to let the silence linger on he dropped the topic for now and waited for her to settle. Whatever thoughts ran through her mind were a mystery to him and he was content-ish- to let it stay that way. They had reached an understanding and it was sometimes better to quit whilst you were ahead, lest they pushed too hard to fast and made things far more complicated then they ought to be. Which wasn't to say this was a simple matter but...well, all uncharted territory came with it's risks, no? Hattori considered this, only to be distracted the sensation of a serpentine tongue grooming his coat. Like any well to do man he kept his coat clean when need be but he wasn't all that familiar with the intimate feeling of another doing it for him, his brows furrowed but despite the terse expression on his face he didn't mind this...It was quite pleasant actually, though he'd no doubt struggle to put that into words if pressed.

Instead he let out a thankful rumble and allowed her to have her way for some time. When he finally did speak his words were a low, but firm rumble. The shinobi had not forgotten his place and would no doubt apologise if Venom had any complaints, but as far as he was concerned his request was a reasonable one.

"Rest now. I am here." And he would remain till she wished him away.

Venom had spoken her piece, she’d very blatantly told Hattori what she wanted, how she felt, and though they’d come to no consensus she was excited. That was obvious in her contentment as she gently groomed Hattori’s neck and chest. He didn’t stop her, something she’d half expected. The fluttering feeling of her heart and body wouldn’t subside, but with every caress of her forked tongue Venom felt herself drowsing. Sleep threatened to reclaim her, but she had woken in the middle of what should have been the longest sleep of her day. Despite this being the first time she was allowed so close, and to be so intimate, Venom’s body was exhausted.

Her movements had nearly slowed by the time he spoke, like he could read her mind he mentioned her sleep. Hattori promised his presence to her. Sunset gaze had long since slipped closed, but as his words Venom relaxed further against his body and allowed herself to be told what to do. To let sleep take hold of her once more and allow her shinobi to watch over her.