Gratitude in Spades

Her eyes filled and spilled over, allowing the rivulets of wet tears made trails down her cheeks. Sunset eyes lifted to Iki’s sweet features as she spoke, her voice was soft and gentle. The girl was far more perceptive and wise than Venom gave her credit for, no matter how wonderful she always believed her daughter to be. She wanted to show her appreciation in the form of the small gift she offered now. For all of Venom’s hard work to the Empire, the self sacrifice, and the added weight now.

Ikigai went on before Venom could offer proper gratitude for the beautiful present. Both women looked away as Hattori was mentioned, but not by name. Venom’s chest clenched painfully. As painful as the emotions she was feeling were, she felt like she shouldn’t have the feeling at all. That it should have been easier than this to move on and she was silently ashamed at how deeply she allowed the man to hurt her. She knew her daughter spoke the truth, they would recover. Venom would learn to live like this.

Iki returned her gaze to Venom’s eyes, a plea not to be sad because they were going to be better without. Venom wanted to believe her, but the wound wouldn’t be healed so easily. ”I’ll try,” she promised softly as she aimed to reach out with white gloved paws to bring her daughter in for an embrace. ”Thank you, so much Ikigai. For my present especially, but also your words and encouragement.” Venom knew what it was like to lose your father, and could sympathize deeply with Iki and her siblings. What she hated was sympathizing so closely with her own mother. She leaned her head against Iki's delicate features and held her daughter close, welcomming the warmth and love she brought. Something she needed a little a extra of.