dare you to move [birth]

Maverick wasn’t anymore awake than she was as the birth of their children began its first stages. As the Empress spoke his brain caught up with the events, they both had weeks to prepare for this moment, but she could still hear the uncertainty within his voice. He moved his form so that he could better support her as she leaned into him. Venom could feel his uncertainty, but that was one aspect she could have easily predicted. His strong paw roved her rounded stomach, a comforting touch through the pain of her ordeal. Maverick worried for her, and while she was risking her life in childbirth, she had no worry at all. The pain combined with the comfort of his presence, chased any uncertainty from her.

He whispered in her ear, concerned as much as he asked for direction. She smiled, even if she couldn’t see his expression she could see it in her mind’s eye. His worried features as he held to her. "I’ll let you know if we need one,” she grit her teeth through the pain, her cat like claws scraping at the bed as she pushed back against Maverick once more. As it subsided she finished her thought. "I want this to be just you and I.” She closed her eyes, relaxing against his larger frame. "Just hold me. I only need your support.” Wolves had been giving birth since the beginning of time, she was fully capable of this.

She groaned lightly, "Not much longer now.” Even though she couldn’t see, the loss of her sight intensified her other senses. She could feel the warmth of him deeper, the sound of his voice was more clear, the scent of him filled her nose. All she needed was Maverick to get through this grand ordeal. She could feel the changes within her body and the progress of birth, a steady trail until the first of their puppies made their grand entrance. An intense pain filled her, and she struggled against it as her efforts to give birth had her squirming and moaning with pain. Every moment of effort and torture made the arrival of their first born worthy of the battle.

With a muffled cry Venom relaxed against Maverick once again, before all of her effort was put towards the tiny baby she brought forth. The pain was forgotten as she moved on instinct and touch as she cleaned it of birth and tucked him gently to her belly. The sound of his cries filled the warm den, and even if they were far from finished, the accomplishment renewed her energy and filled her heart with unconditional love.

"Venom & Maverick"