i've come to the realization

She didn’t want to go another night without him, she realized as Plague found them sneaking around the border, that what they were creating wasn’t right. Sneaking around being secretive about the budding emotions for one another and how they were fostering a relationship. It wasn’t what an Empress should do, and it wasn’t fair to either party. Yes Maverick continued to come back, he was always punctual for their secret dates, and he had found himself in the Hallows at a wedding he wasn’t even a part of just to accompany her. If he didn’t have the same feelings growing as she did then this would end tonight. Either way things went, there would be no more hiding.

His trail was fresh, and she hadn’t been with her brother for too very long, but as Maverick erupted from his den she could see his dreamy features, and knew she had disturbed him. What was more though, she was struck by his reaction to seeing her here. Concern swiftly overtook his features as a flood of questions came pouring from his mouth. It made the corners of her lips pull back into a warm grin as white gloved paws helped to close the distance between them.

"I’m fine,” she tried to put him at ease as she raised her muzzle close to her, her gaze downcast towards his lips as she steeled herself. Venom didn’t know if she could handle the rejection from him, but if she never said it their fate would be even worse than that. All of their time spent together, all of her time spent thinking about him, debating the future, all came to a head right now. "I don’t know that everything is alright though.” She continued softly as she pulled away from him again, lowering herself to her silver marked haunches as her tail wrapped around her hips. A sign of her insecurity at that moment.

Venom’s purple pink gaze lifted to his stunning blue eyes and her resolve was renewed. Her chest was tight and nerves settled in her belly like nothing before. She felt like she was a yearling again with the emotions filling her up. "Maverick…” Really she was at a loss for words, but it was in these moments that she spoke most truthfully within. "I don’t want to spend another night alone, I don’t want to keep sneaking around and hiding my affection. I don’t want… I don’t want to say goodbye to you anymore.” She searched his features before she went on in finality, "I want you to be my ruffian.” Her words were quiet, somewhat pleading, and deep down, frightened. This was either the beginning of something incredible, or the end, it was all up to Maverick.

"Venom"