Sneaking Out Past Curfew

All joking and teasing aside, having Plague here to talk all of these feeling out with was one of the greatest gifts that he gave her. She grinned as he made a note of her information and she knew that Maverick was going to fully appreciate that tidbit shared. Of course as he amused her he supported her as she grew more serious. Venom often hid her emotions from those around her, but Plague could bring them to the forefront and the Empress wouldn’t hide from him.

Those two words of understanding were really all that she needed, a soft reminder that he had experienced his own struggles similar to hers, and he knew where she was. Plague knew exactly where her fears lie, and understood better than anyone in the Empire how she struggled. He continued quietly, nuzzling her cheek as he tried to help her see. He painted a picture with his questions. Plague immediately compared Maverick to Hattori.

Venom had loved her ex husband deeply. Even now she could feel the ache in her heart where he had torn it apart. Another question was if she was really ready to take this step. To accept that Maverick cared about her, and embrace the mirrored feelings. She didn’t want to answer his question, but Plague did go on. He squeezed her tightly and told her not to be afraid, she deserved happiness and she deserved to be loved.

He was right, but she lingered on how difficult everything was. Was she ready? Was this the right path? Was accepting Maverick into her heart good for the Empire? Was she acting out of purely self interest? But Plague would be there no matter what, ready to back her up whenever she might need him there. "I know you will, that’s why your opinion and support means so much to me.” She told him softly as her sunset gaze looked up to meet his verdant eyes. "He does make me smile, much easier than anyone else…” Her voice trailed off as her heart swelled. "I won't be afraid.” Venom had to act while the opportunity presented itself. Maverick deserved better than to be strung along while she struggled inside. She was the Empress and she had to be decisive. And she would be.

"Venom"