some things stay the same

This was a difficult time for Venom, this transitional period between everything she had known and an uncertain future. Maverick knew this wasn't easy for her and he was doing his best to be her foundation and stability she could rely on while they charted these unexplored waters together. Together the pair of lovers snuggled in their rustic bed, tucked away from the rest of the world for the time being, exchanging sweet words and tender kisses. It was perfect by Maverick's standards. He didn't need his beloved wife to be an Empress or an alpha. He wanted her just the way she was—and he always would.

Venom seemed to dismiss his flirtatious compliments to her, seeming troubled with something in her mind. Mav had been about to ask her what was on her mind when Venom intuitively gave him the answer, explaining how she had felt lesser since the loss of her title and decorum. To that, Maverick gave a little snort and wrinkled his nose in incredulity, looking Venom over from tip to tail as if he were admiring a work of art—and in many ways, he was. "The only thing that's changed is your title, Ven. You're still the same Venom you've always been, if not stronger and more free of those expectations of ruling. You're still the same wicked clever, sharp as a tack, charming, beautiful, loving fae I fell in love with." A cheeky grin slowly crept its way over Mav's muzzle as he leaned in closer to nuzzle against his lover's cheek, nipping playfully at her closest ear as he whispered in husky tone, "And between us, you never really had much decorum around me anyway. But if it makes you feel better, I'll still call you 'Empress' in the bedroom." Playful and sly as ever, Maverick wanted to show Venom nothing had changed about her for the worse. She was still everything she had always been in his eyes, if not more now that she continued on in spite of her opulence and regalia.

"Venom & Maverick"