hold onto 16 as long as you can

Venom tried to mask her scent, she really did. It was a bit of an embarrassment and only served to make her more irritable. She had the servant burn spices in the fire, she had Poison rub her fur with rose and lavender. Maybe a mistake but she would rather smell like her mother than her season. If she was uncomfortable with it she knew that Hattori would be as well, though she knew he also would not say a word of it. He was loyal to a fault, but she’d learned by now that trying to think of her shinobi didn’t help her circumstances. Thoughts of Azure made things worse as well.

Her mind had been unoccupied for too long when she heard the familiar rap of talons upon the threshold. Her eyes shot up as the ninja slipped through the doorway and into her chambers. Inviting someone into your den was a much more intimate experience than she’d ever thought. Not many wolves stepped foot in here, but Hattori’s presence had swiftly become natural. The evening was upon them, he’d come to give her his report and their daily lesson.

As his silver tarnished eyes fell on her she realized how difficult focusing on anything he said would become difficult. Another silent curse left her as she flicked her tongue in annoyance. Not at him, never at him, but at the circumstance that plagued her. Venom flicked her tail aggressively, finding it easy to show those little motions that gave away her emotions so easily. Hattori was one of only a handful that she’d give that privilege to.

”Good evening, Hattori.” She returned with her own subtle bow of her head, her fiery gaze settled on his own. His stare was intense and Venom was forced to take a breath as she fought back the memory of having him towering over her as his teeth brushed the delicate fur at her throat. Why was it suddenly hard to breathe? She tried to hide the subtle swallow before speaking again.

”What news do you bring me tonight?” She tried to settle down she really did. With effort she pulled her tail against her hip and repositioned her paws more neatly in front of her. She wasn’t sure how long this position might last, but she’d hold for as long as she could. It was easier focusing on that than her mind wandering aimlessly towards Hattori’s dark handsome features.