stardust in your eyes, love [birth]

Hattori held steady for her, providing a foundation she needed. His quiet presence was her support and his silent love was enough. For a few moments she cursed internally at ever allowing herself to get here, the pain was like nothing she had ever experienced and the ordeal was taxing her strength. Kiyo encouraged her and Hattori supported her and with that came the first puppy, bright and alive and eager to vocalize his protests at being forced into the world. Venom was able to take a breath, resting against Hattori as Kiyo prepared the newborn.

She didn’t move as she caught her breath but she could feel Hattori shift to take in their first son. Without hesitation the boy was named and placed at her belly. With that Venom could have been done, one child, all of her efforts appreciated. She wasn’t completely exhausted. This would have been a pleasant birth, but as she had been told, and shouldn’t have been any kind of surprise, Venom felt more contractions.

The young Empress groaned as she pressed her features into Hattori’s fur and willed it all to be over with. She hated to think how she might feel had Kiyo not offered her herbs. For a long time she struggled, trying not to move too much so she didn’t disturb tiny Kuroki. The magic of her first child wasn’t fully appreciated as she pushed against Hattori with extreme discomfort. ”Next time you get to give birth.” She threatened nonsensically, but the words made her feel better.

Venom gasped and squealed again as she felt the urge to push. This time just as difficult as the last as she struggled and after nearly giving up felt relief in their second born. She didn’t have time to breathe before the sensation returned. Venom whimpered into Hattori’s fur, but pushed on. The third was the easiest so far, smaller than her brothers previously, but still more effort. Venom felt exhausted and gasped for breath before trying to look at the perfect bundles gathering at her side.

”Three is a good number.” She gasped for air, ”Kiyo, please tell me I'm done.” Her voice nearly turned into begging, but deep down she knew this wasn’t yet the ending. She grasped for Hattori and willed his strength into her bones.