A great weight was lifted off Venom’s shoulders when Hattori agreed to restructure the contact that held them together. No longer a proper servant but her betrothed. Venom hadn’t said much to anyone yet, she enjoyed the little secret she shared with her Shogun. It was exciting and new, but stabilizing at the same time. She had a partner for life, one that she knew would be loyal to her for the rest of their lives. Hattori proved his strength, intelligence, and determination to her many times over. He cared about her deeply and despite his private ways he’d opened up his life to the young Empress.

Not only did he have great value to the Empire but he had great value to Venom. She felt protected and safe in his presence, and had come to crave her time at his side. She enjoyed looking at his handsome features and losing herself in his deep silver eyes. Hattori knew how important he was to the pack, but Venom wondered if he realized how special he was to her. Not long after the night with him in the main hall the Empress very carefully began making preparations. She couldn’t allow anyone to catch wind so the trips had been frequent and small but eventually she made the cave on the sparkling beach inhabitable.

There would be a full moon tonight, and she’d been told that the whole cavern lit up at midnight, in addition to the pools at the back of the cavern. Glowing fish and squid were often trapped here, and their bioluminescence added to the magic. Hattori was a free man, she’d seen how intensely he focused on his duties, and she wished to see him relax for just a night. The patrols were given double duty tonight, security would be doubled while they were away. There would be nothing to worry about but the mystic lights of the cavern.

Venom was satisfied with her work and darkness had long descended. She arrived at the cave a little early, but she’d long sent Poison to escort Hattori. The young Empress stepped daintily inside, the only sounds of waves echoing off the dark wall and the sound of paw pads on stone. Venom breathed in the salty air and made her way to the camp beneath the ground. Plush furs were piled on a slight incline looking out over the hidden pool. Bowls of fresh water were gathered to one side, along with some fragrant herbs and preserved meats. Displayed in the middle another rare bottle of sake. Above a skylight allowed the pale moonlight to filter inside. Soon midnight would come and the entire cavern would light up and sparkle. For now Venom reclined onto her dark hips and waited in the peaceful silence.

Hattori was, as ever, a busy man. His situation had no doubt changed for the better, but there was still much to be done within Ashen. It was during his nightly patrol that Venom's squirrel had sought him out and gestured for him to follow with a wave of it's fluffy tail. The Empress- his yakusoku- seemed to enjoy the little critter but he truly thought it was about time she got a more fitting companion, perhaps that was another thing he ought to add to his agenda. With a grumble of acknowledgement Hattori followed the squirrel as it steered him towards the Shrine's borders, across Obsidian Beach and then to a mouth of a cave. It chittered, rubbing it's little hands together for a moment before pointing inside, as though he hadn't already gotten the hint by now Not that he could blame the thing, he supposed, it was only doing as it was told.

He turned a little as his gaze wandered back to the shore and to the looming shape of Black Island in the not so far distance. The salty brine of the ocean tickled his nose, highlighting the fact that other than Venom no one else had been here in quite some time. A few weeks at least. The depths of the palace offered plenty of privacy but nothing like this, were the world seemed to be at it's quietest, as though Hattori was the last of his kind. Dismissing the giant squirrel with a grunt, he stepped over the threshold and into what appeared to be an unassuming sea cave.

His eyes took a moment to adjust to the change in lighting but the scents that filled his nose told him all he needed to know. Yet again it seemed as though she was spoiling him and whilst he appreciated the sentiment even now he didn't think it was necessary. She did not need to buy his affections, she already had them. She waited there, laid out across the furs, as though she was completely and utterly at peace within the shadows. The white of her coat and the purple of her eyes seemed to stand out stark and bright in the darkness, and he was so distracted by her that he didn't notice the flask of sake just yet.

"Venom." He said, as though her name was the highest form of praise.

Poison was the farthest being from her mind as she settled gracefully over the furs and let her mind wander as she wired. Anticipation flourished in her belly as she waited for Hattori to answer the summons. He and their future together, were often on her mind. There was much to be done in Ashen’s borders, and it would be seen to. Tonight though, Venom would distance herself from her duties and bring her betrothed along for a celebration of their decision. Unnecessary? Absolutely. However, the young woman wanted a few moments together where they could be Venom and Hattori instead of the Empress and Shogun.

Right on time she could she shadows and then Hattori’s massive orange marked form appeared in the cavern. With only minor hesitation his silver gaze found her relaxed form, looking as though this little retreat was the last welcome he’d expected. He said her name with an affection that she hadn’t yet heard him utter and he warmed her with a single word. The Empress couldn’t help the easy smile that played on her monochrome features. ”Hattori,” Venom savored his name as she returned his greeting.

”Will you join me?” She’d dragged him an awful long way for him to deny her, but she didn’t think he would. Her ivory dipped tail swayed invitingly at her side as she beckoned him closer.

As if he would say no. Stepping forth, he soon joined her on the furs, settling at a respectable distance but closer than he would have  before. Just an inch or two apart. Daring, but not entirely inappropriate given their situation. Besides it wasn't as if anyone was around, he could indulge in this-in her- for once, surely. He'd been holding back for so long it was tedious and a little daunting to build up the resolve to keep it up, if he could be more of himself for just a little while this would be the place for it. A strange notion when he thought about it like that but he tried not to linger on the matter too long, especially since he had more deserving company.

For one reason or another propriety just didn't seem to have a place within these cave walls.

"What is the occasion?" As from the items she'd gathered there certainly seemed to be one underway. His brows furrowed, he hadn't gotten had he? Surely not.

They were far away from everyone and everything, there was no fera of prying eyes or ears. Poison was patrolling the nearby area and no doubt Hattori’s companions were as well. They were safe and more importantly alone. No one could see how close they lay upon the plush fur. For so long they strained to keep each other at arm's length, now she could feel the warmth gather between them. Almost carelessly, but with intent in every motion, Venom’s tail brushed softly against Hattori’s thigh.

She grinned at him as he made himself comfortable, the dimmed light was making way for the glowing creatures left behind in the water as the moon continued to rise to its zenith. Venom barely restrained herself from leaning in against his shoulder, but her mischievous tail was enough. ”A private celebration of our engagement.” The young Empress told him softly as she gestured to the collection to the side.

”A little selfishness on my part, getting you all the way out here so I might have your attention instead of the empress.” She grinned amusedly, wondering if she should have started drinking beforehand. She’d never felt so many butterflies in her stomach nor felt so nervous before. There was no logic behind the feelings, but she let them take hold of her as she embraced the night.

Ah, now that made a little more sense. Where he came from the celebrations tended to be a formal, yet subdued affairs, as though simply going through the motions. But if this was the norm here then he saw no reason to play along, especially since Venom had clearly put so much time and effort into organising it right under his nose. Her stealth skills put many Iga wolves to shame. He finally pulled his gaze from her to look at the selection she'd prepared and noticed the sake, only to wonder if his cousin had helped her procure it this time. Nevertheless he'd enjoyed drinking with her last and the prospect of doing so again pleased him.

She was right though. In stepping in the threshold it felt as though he'd shed his title, as though within the earth he was no longer the Shogun and she the Empress. Just a man and a woman who enjoyed one another's company. In any other time in any other place he might have pulled away the moment he felt her tail brush against his thigh but he did not. He leaned in a little closer as he pulled the sake close and popped the flask open with a flick of his talons.

"I see. Well my attention is yours." He said, offering the sake to her first.

Honestly Venom had no idea what kind of pomp and circumstance might be expected in the wedding of an Empress but she didn’t care. She was forging her own path, and that path led here. To this mystic cave that made you feel close to the earth. Venom felt like here beside him her senses were alight, and more attune to her surroundings and the wolf at her side. The prim and proper title of empress was left at the threshold. Now she was a more primal and pure version of herself. Right here the outside world didn’t exist, for now only the two of them mattered.

A shy smile played at her lips when he leaned closer at the touch of her tail. Sunset gaze watched as Hattori easily grabbed the bottle of sake and expertly removed the stopper. He seemed to agree with her as he gave her his attention and the bottle to begin the night. Venom grinned up at him as dainty paws grasped the offered flask. As she took a sip Venom closed the distance between them and leaned her shoulder against his. Stealing his warmth and affection as she passed the sake back to her betrothed.

The thought was still foreign and exciting, and made a nervous tingle rise up in her throat. Perhaps that was just the warmth of the liquor rushing down. Still the thought lingered, here she was right next to the man she longed after for so long. The one that appeared in her life suddenly but was such a perfect fit that she didn’t wish to see him leave. ”My life wouldn’t be the same without you.” She whispered to him quietly as she snuck one pale paw over his dark furred toes. Her gaze drifted from paws to the sky that could be seen overhead. The moon would reach its highest heights soon. She returned her gaze to his features suddenly, ”Now that you’re going to take me as your wife, will you tell me your name?” She pestered him again lightly, resisting the urge to nip playfully at his chin.

Taking the sake bottle with an appreciative grunt, Hattori had a long sip. From taste alone he could tell that this bottle wasn't quite as old as the last, but it was stronger and the flavour more present upon his tongue. He should have left it there and handed the bottle back but he'd always enjoyed sake and the last bottle she'd gifted him only rekindled his interest. He was falling back into old habits and it seemed as though Venom was the instigator. The things she did to him.

After yet another sip he went to nudge the flask back over to Venom, only to notice that she'd taken the chance to move closer to him, practically smushed up to his side as she rested her paw atop of his. His kneejerk reaction, from years of aloofness and training, was to whip his paw away. But he did not. His life in Iga was lost, smouldering ruins, but Venom was right in saying that things would have taken a very different turn if they hadn't met amongst the shadows in the Willows. Who's service would he have fallen into? It seemed foolish to even consider that, since he was now so fully enveloped in Ashen and all it stood for. A pack he had helped shape into something stronger and better, an amalgamation of Iga and Klein Abraxas.

At her request he sighed, or rather exhaled through his nose, his breath already heavy with the scent of sake. To keep concealing it from her now would only be pedantic, as though it was something he was ashamed of which...His name was fine, he felt no strong feelings towards it. After all, out of all the names he carried it had the least worth.

The cavern was lighter than before, with the moons reflection taking it's place upon the simmering waters. It was pretty, even Hattori thought so, but nothing could compare to Venom. He had always thought her a fine woman, but within this cave away from prying eyes he felt a pang of satisfaction that she would soon be his fine woman. Whatever that meant. He looked back to her, a little takeback by how close she now was, that not only did he not mind it but it felt right. Comfortable. And then a foolish impulse ran through his mind and he blinked.

"Hanzō Hattori." He finally told her, his words a breathless rumble, his eyes caught on her lips.

This would only be her second experience with sake and she was glad she started with the first bottle. This one was a little more difficult to swallow comfortably, and the flavors lingered longer. It certainly wasn’t bad, and Venom enjoyed the warmth in her belly. Hattori didn’t shy away from her contact as he took his sips of the fine liquid. Venom struggled to keep her eyes off him as he mulled over her words and offered up the flask in return. There was no telling what might have happened to him, or her, had they not been introduced by fate. His aloofness, how serious he was, his strength, and dedication to her and the pack all made this eventuality easy. Venom wanted to be close to him, and had eventually convinced him that he wanted the same.

Venom was only affectionate with those she felt most close to. Plague was easy to show physical affection, Sirius was another that encouraged the behavior in her. Her mind shied away from Azure and the tumultuous feelings he roused in her. On that note the young woman took the sake and took her own deep swing, not concealing her difficulty in swallowing this time. This round really was stronger, and she was already feeling its pleasant effects.

However light the cavern was becoming the beauty of their surroundings paled in comparison to how she felt beneath the surface. For a long time now they’d ignored the spark growing between them, but here in the sheltered haven beneath the earth she could feel it pulsing through her. Along with the tingling shiver that raced down her spine as she caught Hattori’s silver eyes as he finally gave up his full name to her. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to the development of their relationship.

Venom grinned, realizing just how close they were. The alcohol warmed her and brought a euphoric feeling that enhanced the one that fell over her when she leaned into Hattori’s side. ”Your secret is safe with me.” Venom assured him teasingly as she leaned in just a little bit closer. She really could get lost in his eyes, instead of freezing though the girl hesitantly tilted her muzzle so she might leave the brush of a kiss on his lips. ”And that one too.” She added in a whisper, only barely pulling away to tell him.

Hattori didn't doubt that nor would he ever. It was such a rare thing, given his profession, but Hattori trusted Venom as much as a man like him possibly could. And his heart, as conflicted and wanting as it was, it beat for her. Even if he struggled to act and say as much. She kissed him, soft, sweet and chaste- and it dawned on Hattori like a looming shadow that it had been his first kiss. And despite himself, despite everything that made him who he was, he wanted another. And perhaps even another after that, but maybe that was just the sake talking.

He leaned into her, angling his head down as his eyes flittered closed. He felt, smelled and heard nothing that wasn't Venom. In that moment she was his all, as she rightly deserved. It was as though he was seized, as though a man with lowered inhibitions took the reins as he bowed to kiss her again, pressing his still tingling lips against hers as the fluff of his chest intermingled with hers. His heartrate picked up within his chest as his paw coming up hook over her shoulder to pull her deeper into his embrace. This was why he'd held out for so long; once the floodgates were open there was no stopping what happened next.

Their eyes met for a moment as she barely pulled away, words weren’t needed between them as time stopped. There wasn’t another man she trusted more and as sunset met silver she knew he felt the same. Hattori was not stunned for very long, and the corners of her lips pulled back into a grin as she mirrored him. Closing her eyes as he returned her kiss. Venom was made aware of how much he too had been holding back. She melted against him as he pulled her into his chest and held her to himself. All of the moments where she held back or pulled away were remembered as this rush of emotion took her.

Venom returned the passion that she felt in his touch, there was nothing left stopping them so she wouldn’t. Her own white gloved paws reached up to wind around his neck as she shifted to press her belly against him. Her heart raced at his closeness. She fit herself in his embrace as though she’d belonged here the whole time. After so long holding everything she felt for him back, letting go was better than she could have imagined. Hattori returned her affections tenfold, and her not so innocent kiss progressed swiftly.

She would eagerly give herself as he grasped for her, as limbs intertwined so did their hearts. Though Venom’s beat like a thousand bison hooves she didn’t want it any other way. She’d give him her heart and keep his safe in return. ”You have my heart, Hattori.”** Venom whispered against his lips, unwilling to pull away as she blinked open her sunset gaze to seek his silvery pools just as midnight hit the cavern. The whole world around them was suddenly brightly illuminated by the refracting walls. Her grin brightened and she squeezed his neck lightly as she embraced him and the intense emotions she hadn’t realized how hard she’d been holding back. Letting go, revealing everything, was more refreshing than the coolest drink of water on a hot day. More freeing than the first warm day of spring, and like nothing else she’d ever experienced before. All she wanted was the man in her arms.


** in very choppy Japanese

Hattori pulled back by a breath to let out an amused rumble, she was doing well in her language lessons but she still had a long way to go. Still he understood what she meant and that was enough for him. He wouldn't ask any more of her, not here and not now.  As he pulled his paw back to reposition himself he felt a slight prick as his ankle caught against the quills hidden beneath her fur. Venom was many things but to describe her as weak and dainty were wholly inaccurate, a fact her enemies would one day be made aware of whether they liked it or not. And that's what drew him into her was the fact that she stood out on her own and was willing to get her paws dirty, as opposed to sitting pretty on an alabaster throne.

And she was to be his wife.

"And you have mine." He responded in kind, the words rumbling from his lips with a natural and fluent ease. The words came easier in his native tongue."Till the day I die."

Then he kissed her again, closing his eyes to the luminous glow that filled the caverns around them. Darkness met light, orange blended with white and all things were as they meant to be on this cold and lonely night.

The grin she wore for him was easy, as carefree as when she was a tiny girl. Being right here with him removed all the layers of weight on her shoulders. A rare freedom to express exactly how she felt. Being direct was a habit she held to, it created an open and honest understanding of the sparks between them that were finally let loose now. There was a sudden clarity in the jolt she felt as her quill snagged his flesh. She offered a look of apology as she pressed his tiny wound to her lips as he spoke in his native tongue. Venom understood much better than she could speak and grinned up at him as he returned her vow.

Then his kiss was all she knew as he pulled her close again. A potent mixture of love and alcohol lulled her into a state of bliss as the magic moonlight filled the cavern. Her heart swelled as she caught her breath in her throat and let Hattori wash over her. He filled her senses as he promised to be hers, a life long contract. She grinned into his kiss and fully relinquished any lingering willpower to hold herself back. Spring or whatever time frame might be involved, was too long to wait. Though this path had never been her original intention she walked it with him, unwilling to hesitate and eager to show her full affections.

The night was theirs to be alone together, and warm in their timeless sphere.

-fade?-

Hattori woke up in a haze, his mind blurry and his senses muddled. He blinked slowly and let out a long puff of air as his eyes adjusted to the dark and noted the slight throbbing in the back of his head. He hadn't overdone it with sake last night so it felt safe to assume that something else was the cause, and that something was most likely the Empress who was currently draped over his side. To say they hadn't slept much last night was an understatement. And an vast one at that.

As he laid there, chin resting against the furs he dwelled on the thoughts that should have been running through his mind. Frustration, concern and perhaps even a hint of regret. But he felt none of that, despite it all his mind was calm and clear. What was done was done, there was no going back and it wasn't as if he hadn't enjoyed himself. It seemed as though all the idle chatter he'd caught wind of in Iga had some truth to it, that being with a woman in this regard was indeed something special. Not that he'd ever ever dare say as much within Raijin's earshot. He'd never ever let it go, of that Hattori was certain.

Feeling Venom stir, Hattori raised his head from the ground and twisted his neck a little to get a good look at her. She'd been sleeping comfortable and sound, their bodies and scents intermingled as though they were still one.

"Are you well?"

The long night wasn’t new to either of them, though usually spent patrolling or deep in responsibilities Venom was wrapped up in Hattori. The first allowance of affection to be shown, and that first glimpse at the powerful emotions they’d both been holding back. Once open, Pandora's box could not be closed again and on into the night the pair learned each other. She didn’t know when they fell asleep, but even now she remained tangled up in him. The young Empress slept deeply, and far better than she had since becoming an adult. She felt completely at ease, safe, and loved curled up beside Hattori.

She woke up slowly, there was no real light but a hint of sun from the skylight above. Venom had no clue what part of the day it was or how long she’d been asleep. Only that she was greeted with Hattori’s warmth as she breathed in her first waking breath. A content sigh left her lips as sunset gaze blinked open groggily. Dreamy eyes lifted to Hattori’s handsome features as he greeted her softly.

Venom grinned sleepily and snuggled against his plush fur. ”Good morning to you, too.” She hummed softly before answering bashfully. ”A little sore, but it's worth it.” Not quite so daringly anymore the young woman reached up to steal a good morning kiss. ”How are you?” Venom almost regretted that the return to Ashen and their responsibilities would have to happen sooner rather than later. She’d had fun with Hattori before, but the experience of being and having him so vulnerable opened her eyes to the extremes that she had fallen for him.

Hattori returned the sentiment, but like her he wasn't exactly sure what time of day it was. He doubted that anyone had noticed their absence, least of all wondered where the pair had gotten off to, but sooner or later they would have to leave the cavern and return to society. A prospect he wasn't exactly ready and eager to get to just yet. Rumbling in response, Hattori shifted a little, as though to welcome her further into his side. He'd never really be the touchy feely sort, or at least not be the one to initiate it, but given she was already so comfortable he saw no reason to disturb her. Especially since as she said...he hadn't exactly been gentle. If she needed more rest then he wouldn't even think of denying her that. The world could wait but Venom should not.

He grunted in acknowledgement and, in what seemed to be a forming habit, he leaned down to give her easier access to his muzzle. Her kiss was sweet, far more chaste than those that had followed before but were welcomed all the same.

"I am fine." Quills or not she had not caused him any discomfort, or anything even close to that. Quite the opposite actually, but it went without saying. "You can rest more if you need to. I will wait."

Hattori hadn’t been easy on her, but Venom was no delicate flower either. He showed every bit of tendon concern, especially now as he shifted to hold her tighter. The young Empress knew all she had to do was say the word and he could present the world at her paws. He instinctively moved closer to her reach so she could kiss him, and was reminded how easy their affections were allowed to be here. She wondered if once they returned to their position of power any softer feelings, and sweet moments like this, would be better to stay guarded. At least until their engagement was solidified. Her siblings at least seemed to notice how close they were before, after their whirlwind of a night…

Hattori assured her of his status, and she felt her own mischievous grin brighten as his expression revealed his inner thoughts. The Shogun enjoyed her as much as she reveled in him. His concern for her continued, offering a longer rest should she have the need. ”I’d shirk my duties all day if you went and did that.” Venom teased him, but made no move to disentangle herself from him. This was where she most wanted to be, in his arms, cozy and cuddled up alone. She aimed another kiss, this one slightly more suggestive, as she searched for his silvery eyes in the dim light. ”I see now why restraint was so important.” Had they allowed themselves to give into temptation earlier how much would have been left unaccomplished when there was no desire to leave one’s bedchamber?

Hmm, Hattori supposed she had a point and could see himself following a similar line of thought. It was tempting to remain as they were but beyond his selfish desires there was still much work to be done, surely they'd had enough time to themselves, no? That's what his mind said but strangely enough his body didn't quite agree, as he shifted a little to rest his chin atop his front legs. As though he wasn't getting to his paws anytime soon. If it was anyone's fault it was his, but Venom was sure pulling her weight as she continued to cosy up to him, even leaning in for another kiss. The likes of which Hattori was unable to resist.

He leaned into her, his eyes fluttering closed  as his ears tipped forward to hear the gentle murmur of her words. Restraint had been important at the time and arguably still was but...well what was done was done. To backpedal now would not only be terribly rude but Hattori didn't quite care for it either, he much preferred this outcome. As selfish as that was to say. He pulled back from the kiss, his voice gravelly and his gaze remained hooded, and entirely focused on her.

"Do not tempt me woman." He told her, brushing his paw along the fluff of his neck, ignoring the quills that caught and tugged at his skin, as though he was forbidden from pulling away.

He made no great fight to pick up and head back to the overworld and the duties that remained for them there. This time alone was precious and both realized how little they might be able to enjoy before making their lives together more official. To show how unconvinced he was Hattori leaned into her kisses with no hesitation. A stark contrast to how tight lipped and distant they’d been before. Venom felt her stomach flutter in nervous excitement again, hoping the feelings like this he roused in her would never fade away. She smiled softly up at him, feeling all too much like she was living in a dream.

She liked this new aspect to the relationship she was developing with Hattori, maybe they’d made a mistake but as she looked up into his silvery gaze she would never admit that. Venom wanted him, and wanted this. His deep rumbling voice echoed through her as he voiced some dissent. The quills at her neck tugged at his paw and the young woman offered a bashful glance. ”Maybe just a little tempting?” She teased him softly and aimed to up the ante with her own slender white gloved paws snaking around his neck.

He said it in all seriousness but there was no threat behind his words. If she wished to tempt him a little more then...he would allow it. As if it was even much of a choice. He grumbled, as if he was being forced against his will, but his words rang true all the same: if he did not wish to be here with Venom he simply would not be. It was as simple and as matter of fact as that. Dipping his head into her embrace, he slipped his head underneath her paw and pushed himself up onto his haunches. Effectively toppling Venom over, out onto the furs. And she was gorgeous, every breath she took and every time she breathed she would not let him forget it.

He loomed over her for a moment, silver eyes gleaming in the darkness, before settling back onto his stomach again, right by her side. He raised his paw and soothed her mussed up fur with a gentle swipe of his talons, using them like a comb. Being gentle wasn't in his nature, but he was trying.

"Perhaps a little..." He eventually said, a slight tinge of humour lining his voice.