No sleep, only play!

She knew that she couldn’t fully settle him right now, not when he was so eager to keep going. Venom knew her children though, and she could tell the boy was tired even if he couldn’t feel it for himself. She would offer him some concession, offering the potential to stay up late if he managed to take a good nap. They were very nearly to the point that bedtime and naps would no longer be enforceable. Every day her babies were getting bigger and growing older. Something the Empress was both sad and excited for.

Rogue would not allow her to divert any attention from him though, and just when she thought that she might be convincing him the young prince started his struggle all over again. Venom didn’t slow her pace even as he gave all his might in his wriggling. The patient mother wouldn’t dissuade his action, just hold onto him more securely as he went through his tantrum. Hopefully this would just help get him to sleep faster once she got him down for said naps. "Maybe, staying up for sunrise.” She tilted her features so that she could give him a stern glance when he finally gave up. Obviously more tired now then when she had first captured him.

Then he went and begged for a bedtime story and melted Venom’s heart. He pulled forth a loving chuckle as they arrived back in the den. The other three puppies were all falling asleep as Venom put Rogue down beside them. Mav would be right outside the den by now if the boy decided to make a break for it, but he’d been caught and was by now feeling the effects of his last ditch effort. "Alright I can tell you a story,” she promised in a whisper. "Do you have a preference?” She asked as she aimed to wrap her arms around him as she settled into the plush furs.

"Venom & Maverick"