stardust in your eyes, love [birth]

Venom was due any day now, and she felt every bit of it. She couldn't get around near as easily recently and her rounded belly made for a waddling gait that she didn't enjoy showing off. The young Empress was always uncomfortable, especially now. She wasn't sure that she had slept more than a few hours a day for the last few days, and as time progressed the cramps within grew with intensity. Venom was curled up in her private bed chambers where extra furs and pillows for whatever comfort she could manage. The sun would be rising soon, it was the very early hours of the morning when the cramps seemed to turn into contractions. That first pang was enough for the unexperienced she wolf to know what lay ahead.

Kiyo wanted to know every bit of progress she had, which was understandable. Venom lay for a moment after a gasp in reaction. Anko, ever observant as she was, also knew what was going on. The silver furred akita approached cautiously, ears perked and expression obviously concerned. The question was unspoken and as Venom pulled in breath she nodded slightly and Anko disappeared. Venom wouldn't be forced to call for anyone in her need, the dog quickly paced away to find Kiyo and Hattori.

This was only a small hint of the excitement to come and already Venom was dreading every second. She whined softly to herself while she was alone as all of her fears and anxieties solidified. This was it, this was the day and Venom struggled with her irrational fears. She tried to calm herself and breathe, and she yearned to relax but her body was tense and tight.