not maybe, definitely

Maverick gave her another smirk as she took the fresh plants from him. She wasn’t about to reveal the depth of her understanding in this topic. Venom wasn’t one to inebriate herself, she enjoyed a glass of wine on occasion but usually when offered by someone else. She didn’t seek that kind of release. Mav seemed a little surprised, but he didn’t say as much and neither did she. She was quite subdued, differing from her strong personality completely. This was not a usual day, Venom was not in peak condition. Her brain felt scrambled and her body was bruised and beaten.

Maverick made the decision to come to her aid, he held her, supported her, and took charge of seeing to her health. The wounded Empress uncharacteristically yielded all control, and any hesitation left her. Thankfully he had no smart remark to say about her docility. As she settled on his back he moved slowly at first, but as she proved her words Maverick carried her off. At first they were indeed headed towards Ashen, but it didn’t take long before he announced the change of his mind.

He wouldn’t see but Venom’s eyes widened in surprise and she almost gave protest. She was injured, she needed to be home, but what was she going to do? The tension left her limbs as she accepted his decision and he took her to abraxas knows where. The trip was much quicker than going all the way back to Ashen. Maverick carried her into a small cave, room just enough for the two of them.

Venom was lowered into what she could only guess was his own bed. She grimaced as her sore body was placed onto the hard ground, but she didn’t take very long to get more comfortable. "Thank you…” She offered uncertainly as she curled into herself and Maverick moved away. She nursed her aching leg, it wasn’t like when it had broken all those years ago, but it hurt like it hadn’t in a long time. Her attention was on her wound, but Maverick swiftly gained her attention again as he offered dinner.

They were going to be here for the night, and he assuaged her fear by assuring her he would return her home tomorrow. A promise. She had kept her word and now would be his turn to keep his. Venom never thought she would be relying on Maverick. So far he was quite the gracious host, and despite how careless he had seemed there was genuine concern. The thought lingered as she took her rabbit, realizing now as the drugs really took their effect, that she was now in his debt. He saved her life, he carried her, he fed her. Venom owed this man.

"You’ve been very kind,” She offered when she started to slow down in her eating. The drugs further subdued her, the fire in her eyes was but a flicker as she quieted.

"Venom"