She made it to the beach on her own, but she’d been going farther than that for a while. Venom was beginning to take her independence back, but it still seemed like she was so far from being completely healed. That fact couldn’t be made more clear in the ways that she had found herself missing Hattori. You really don’t know what you have until it was gone and all of the tiny things he did to watch over her or keep her aware of the goings on inside the pack. Being beside her after she woke from a nightmare or giving her lessons on his native tongue every day. 


The more she thought about what he did while she was with him made her even more upset with his missing presence. Not only in the line of duty, but she missed having his near constant presence. His importance was obvious to her in more ways than one now that she had been alone. 


The young Empress lowered herself to her haunches on the sand as the sun began to set on Ashen. Maybe she’d take her first real patrol tonight. She was already beginning to put weight on her injured leg, it was only a matter of time until she was fully free of its confines. Until that time she knew she wouldn’t feel completely settled without Hattori at her side. The thought was alarming and thrilling, but she wouldn't forget their last words when he'd laid beside her. 

Hattori's time away from Ashen was, for the most part, quite uneventful. To compare it to a prison sentence would be both inaccurate and unfair, the wolves of the Armada kept a watchful eye on him but beyond that he was left mostly to his own devices. At first that suited him just fine, but as the days rolled on by he found himself distracted by thoughts pertaining to certain serpent tongued empress. He knew that with a broken leg or not Venom was more than capable of running her empire, but he'd grown so accustomed to serving her that to be without her presence felt- well, he didn't like it. It bothered him far more than he'd ever show, a secret hidden deep and concealed behind the cold blankness of his resting bitch face.

In time the matter was dealt with and his debt repaid.

Padding up the beach, Hattori was quick to notice Venom's dark silhouette. She sat there with pose and grace, her shoulders straight as her gaze was set on the horizon, as though she could see something he could not. At first his glance was cursory, just to ensure she was well but despite himself his look lingered on till he had to break the tether by blinking. Had he been the sort to believe in magic he would have thought that she was a witch, that she'd cast a spell on him. But perhaps this was just her natural charm, or the result of their prolonged separation. Yes, that sounded like the more logical culprit, easy and blameless as though their foundations hadn't shifted. As though Venom wasn't slowly melding him into a new shape. But that was neither here nor there, Hattori couldn't-or rather wouldn't- address such a thing now. Too much, too soon.

Instead he finally drew close, the soft murmur of the sand beneath his paws giving away his presence. He didn't say a word as he came to sit by her side, positioning himself so that his shoulder brushed against hers on the way down. A fleeting touch, nothing more and nothing less, but meaningful all the same.

He was back and ready to serve her once more.

Venom had no idea that Hattori might feel the same way as she did. They had fallen in to a routine, one neither of them had really noticed until they were forced to endure without it. Their separation wasn’t some torturous event, but by this night Venom was keenly aware of the space that he should have occupied. The sound of pawsteps on sand called her attention and her sunset gaze quickly took up his shape. His paws didn’t hesitate as he drew more near, his shoulder pressing against hers for the slightest moment as he sat close.

Venom felt an odd thrill race up her spine as the corners of her lips pulled back slightly. She averted her gaze, feeling warmth in her cheeks as she tried and failed to settle her flagrant emotions. She sighed softly in relief and leaned against him slightly. Venom closed her eyes, suddenly grateful for his returned presence. How had she become so dependent on him? Though fully capable the desire to do so alone was minimal. He uplifted her skill and helped her to be her best for Ashen and the empire.

”Hattori,” she greeted him softly, her words appreciative as they slipped from her dark lips. ”Welcome back.” She tilted her features slightly, catching his gaze from the corner of her eye. With an absent wave of her paw she sent Poison scrambling over the canopy towards the palace. Hattori didn’t know it yet but she had more than one surprise in store.

Hattori dipped his head low in acknowledgement to her greeting. It was remarkable how quickly they fell back into stride, as though they'd never been apart, and Hattori felt as though everything was as it ought to be. Of course, nothing in his life was as simple as it seemed and there was so much more going on behind the black curtains, but for now it was at least manageable. Distant, like a faint memory. He breathed deep and the ocean's scent filled his nose as his ears listened to the soothing rush of the waves rolling back and forth. From the corner of his eye he'd noticed the flick of her paw but he thought better of pointing it out and simply pretended as though he didn't see.

The silence that fell then was comfortable and the shinobi appreciated that endlessly. So many wolves went out of their way to fill the void but with Venom their conversations felt relevant, as though they were uttering words that deserved to be said. When she spoke, more than anyone else, he felt a pull to listen and he wondered if she felt the same way. Or why he even wanted her to. He pursed his lips as his brows smushed together a touch, once again he warned himself against getting too invested, that he was wandering down a slippery slope. Though he'd never felt this way before he knew of other shinobi who'd experienced this, that ultimately it had resulted in their failure. But not Hattori, regardless of how- he steeled himself with a deep breath, his expression blank once more. His first mistake was dwelling on this too much, some things were best left alone for now. Instead he turned his head a little, the line of his muzzle angled to face hers.

"Are you well?" He suspected that she was but he was inclined to ask regardless,

A return to normalcy. Venom surprised herself at how quickly she considered Hattori’s presence normal. He fit into place beside her in more ways than one, taking up any duty she asked of him and going above and beyond in places she wouldn’t expect. He’d proven in subtle but meaningful ways that he cared about her and everything she stood for. His loyalty was easy to earn and in return he had a firm grasp on her trust. Their relationship was mutually beneficial from the start, but now that she had him living without was difficult. She wondered if he felt the same way, judging by his greeting she thought he did. That thought brought the corners of her lips up lightly and her pretty pink nose flushed slightly as Hattori turned to seek after her well being.

Every word he spoke was important, not one to waste his breath she couldn’t help but feel special as he made sure of her welfare. Bright eyes flashed from under dark lashes as she looked up at him in return. Unwilling to hide the emotions he invoked in her she allowed the natural smile to play over her features. ”I am,” Venom assured him. ”I assume you were treated well under the Armada’s care?” She wouldn’t admit how much she missed him, but maybe that was obvious enough on its own. She enjoyed the way lines blurred between them, and she craved more but was thankful that Hattori held back with such steadfast resolve.

Poison returned on the ground, in his paws a fur wrapped package. Venom hadn’t been able to find much, but she’d managed something all the same. ”I have some things for you.” From both the Empress and more importantly from Venom.

Hattori rumbled in acknowledgement and was content to leave it at that. He'd never been the sort to fuss and he most certainly wasn't going to start now. Instead he directed his attention to her question and dipped his head once more, shallower this time. He wouldn't go as far to say that he enjoyed his time there, but if nothing it provided him with further perspective of the empire's inner workings. Being the empire's brawn he wasn't all that surprised to learn the majority of the Armada's ranks were filled with warriors and soldiers alike, but he hadn't seen the lynx coming if he were to be honest. But in all it had been an experience, the sort he was in no rush to relive, especially given that he was back where he belonged and a position he had no intention of straying from till their contract was complete. Come spring, that was the date they'd agreed upon if his memory served.

"Yes." He said, catching her gaze so she knew his words to be the truth. As if he would ever lie."They were not unkind."

And then Venom's little companion returned baring gifts. Hattori's brows furrowed tightly as he bit back a knee jerk refusal, it was not his place to accept gifts nor should Venom stoop so low to even offer them. He eyed the fur wrapped package and his eyes squinted as though he rolled the matter around in his mind, as though it was scalding hot to the touch. By no means did he wish to offend her but there were only so many ways to courteously decline gifts, an art he was far from mastering. But again, who was he to deny her?

"You are too generous, Empress." He got his to paws and crouched down in a deep bow, gaze downcast at set at her pale front limbs.

Hattori was hers, at least for now, and the Warlord wouldn’t dare to harm one of her own. She was glad he confirmed his well being and her assumptions. Spring would be here faster than she knew it, and then the contract they’d struck up would be through. Venom wasn’t sure that she wanted the easy symbiosis they’d slipped into to end. Which she was afraid she might ruin as the shinobi stiffened at the sight of Poison and the small gift he brought.

Venom’s features returned to a neutral position as he moved to bow before her, a perfect position for her next words. They were nearly a whisper over the waves in the background as she leaned in closer to his white marked ears. ”This gift is not from your Empress, but from your friend,” the placeholder felt foreign on her tongue but as the word left her lips she knew it to be true. Even if underneath she wished for more. ”In congratulations for the offer of promotion to Right Hand.”

The young Empress leaned back and lowered her own head to nose the soft package towards him. Inside he would find an ancient decorative bottle filled with a taste of home. Sake. A nearly unattainable liquid in these lands, as she had come to find out. She still wasn’t sure where Poison found it.

Hattori waited and only raised his gaze once she'd said her piece. He appreciated the sentiment far more than he could ever articulate but even so the shinobi felt her bias slipping though the cracks. What had he done to deserve a gift, let alone a promotion? In his eyes he had simply been doing his duty, fulfilling the terms of their contract and here she was rewarding him long before his service was complete. His sense of honour and obligation pushed him to decline her offer but her clever choice of words showed that yet again she'd read him like an open book and cut him off well before he could even make his move. Yet again he was given undeniable proof that she was more than just a pretty face, that she knew full well what she was doing and the consequences of her actions. On that line of thought perhaps it was not his place to worry about her prejudices and judgement, he'd warned her about this before-several times in fact, if memory served- and the fact she still chose to press ahead was telling. It looped back to his mantra, if this was what she wanted then who was he to deny her?

Hattori pursed his lips into a thin line and finally stood at his full height. Even if he felt as though he hadn't yet earned his promotion he would prove himself in time, his efforts to strengthen Ashen would only increase from here on out. Not just from his sense of obligation but now it was his duty.

"Thank you." He dipped down into a curt bow and dragged the gift over so that it rested in front of his paws. Proof that he'd accepted it. With a deft flick of his talons he unwrapped the furs and was met by an overwhelmingly nostalgic sight. Sake. A worthy gift indeed. He looked to her as he let the flask rest against his ankle, the sake sloshed enticingly within. "Venom. As a friend I would like to share it with you."

As Hattori took his gift he took his promotion as well. Venom smiled lightly, her bright eyes watching the shinobi as he stood proudly and gave another quick bow. She had been right in thinking he couldn’t expect what she had to offer and was ever more glad when he didn’t fight her decision. The young Empress wrapped her tail around her hips and straightened herself. Dainty porcelain paws together while he carefully revealed her physical gift to him. His thank you was genuine, just like every other word he spoke to her. Again, the line between them grew fuzzy.

Venom appreciated the man who stood before her, not just as the Empress he served but as a wolf who cared for him. The young she wolf could rely on him, a quality she couldn’t place in a lot of wolves under her leadership and beyond. He caught her with his liquid silver eyes and returned the sentiment. Those few words spoke volumes though. Hattori made her heart flutter excitedly in her white marked chest with his invitation.

The young Empress had never consumed alcohol, nor had she much plan on ever doing so, but she couldn't deny an offer like that. There wasn’t much to begin with, and if she only tasted it… ”Hattori,” She said as her features brightened into a grin. ”I would be honored.” Venom took her turn to lightly tilt her head in thanks. ”What should I expect? I’ve never tasted alcohol before.” She went on to ask curiously with an innocent air, not hiding her naivety.

Hattori supposed this was yet another cultural difference, one he couldn't really judge Venom for. He regarded the question for a moment, his brows scrunching in thought as hooked his claw and pooped the flask open. It was tightly sealed and so Hattori was certain that it was still good to drink, though he took a quick sniff just to be sure. Using the rope tied around the neck of the bottle he brought it to his lips.  The liquid that rolled over his tongue was every bit as lovely as he'd expected, clear and light with a slight twinge of sweetness, just enough to whet his appetite. He'd tried all sorts of sakes, some expertly brewed and other's not and thus he knew a good batch when he tasted it. And this one-whilst clearly not made by an expert- was pleasant enough that he went back for a second sip before passing the flask over to Venom.

"I have been told that sake is like wine, but it is made with rice instead of grapes." Wine wasn't all that popular in Nippon, though he'd seen some nobles drinking it on a few occasions. "It will taste dry. Do not gulp and take your time drinking it, there is no rush." As for the side effects Hattori tipped his head a little, he knew that he had some quirks that reared their head when he'd drunk a little too much. But he wasn't going to admit as much. "From what I have seen, it tends to make people rather talkative and relaxed. Depending on the individual and amount consumed some lose their inhibitions and make some rather...questionable choices. As long as you do not overdo it you will be fine."

Venom watched as Hattori skillfully opened the bottle, the precise way he manipulated his claws had her transfixed with her bright sunset gaze. Lashes fluttered as he tipped it back and enjoyed a swallow. He didn’t spit it right back out afterwards which meant it was at the least palatable. Dark ears perked as he gently passed the bottle back to her. The young Empress was in no hurry, and admired the bottle for a long moment as Hattori explained what exactly sake was and what she could expect.

She nodded slightly and just as delicately brought the bottle to her lips. She allowed a small sip to flow into her mouth. There was an odd warmth to it, but she couldn’t say that the taste on her tongue was particularly pleasant. She managed to not expel the contents. Venom did give a little amused chuckle as he mentioned the side effects shemight experience were she to hit the bottle too hard. Getting Hattori to over indulge sounded like a great time though.

”Talkative you say?” She questioned him with a playful smirk playing on her contrasting features. The girl made to give the bottle back to her shinobi, but at the same time positioned herself much more closely to him. The tips of their fur barely brushing as she settled. ”I’m sure you’d keep me from.. questionable choices.” She giggled softly, wondering if the drink was already taking hold of her.

Hattori watched, his gaze both curious and intense, as Venom took her first sip of sake. He knew he was a woman of grace and propriety, but he wouldn't have held it against her if the taste had been too much for her senses. But it seemed as though his concerns were for nought, as she quickly swallowed it down without even a wince. His ears instinctively tipped forward to draw in the sound of her laughter and he nodded as he drew the flask back into his grasp, tempted to take another sip. His palette had been wetted and whilst he'd never admit as much once he started drinking good sake it was quite difficult to stop. Not that anyone ever had tried to cut him off, given that so many had made offhand comments that he was so much more agreeable when he had a belly full of sake

"Naturally." He rumbled, though he suspected that Venom already knew that. She was neither a fool or blind, other's might not be able to gauge his intent but but she could.

His service wasn't quite as black and white as it used to be, Hattori couldn't pinpoint the moment but they'd strayed into the grey and despite himself he had no inclination to turn back now. If ever. They were at the point that he didn't even need to be ordered anymore, without prompting he went out of his way time and time again to serve her best interests. Every time he ventured from Ashen's lands it was to better himself and whilst he had no doubt come a long way since their meeting there was still plenty of work to be done. By spring Ashen would be reborn anew. He wanted nothing more than for Venom to be content, to know that even without his company and service her empire would thrive and grow. As it was meant to be.

He took a prolonged drink and pulled back with a muted, but satisfied sigh. The more he drank the better it tasted, but he was not greedy and nudged it over to Venom once more.

"But I do not think you have cause for concern. I have ordered you back to your chambers once before and I am willing to do so again." He reminded her, his gaze level and sure, oblivious to how his words may come across.

Venom side eyed the orange marked man as she took her first sips. The corners of her lips pulled back in amusement at the intensity of his gaze, but neither made much comment. She was slipping slightly, showing in the way she bubbled forth with unhindered mirth. Venom was usually serious, but the sake, being in Hattori's presence, she was letting loose. How could she ask Hattori if she did not as well. She rumbled along with him as he agreed with her statement, she could rest easy, knowing she was safe in his paws.

The thought was a strange one, Venom had always had to be independent. There was no one to look out over her shoulder. She had her siblings, and Sirius in the next pack but it wasn’t the same as this. Azure was there when she asked him to be, but Hattori had taken up a natural position beside her. He’d become her right hand and an extension of herself. Her partner.

Hattori took another drink of the gift before reminding her that he’d sent her to her room before. Venom welcomed the offended expression that jumped to her features as she grinned and bumped his shoulder, ”Just because you’ve ordered me doesn't mean I will listen” She warned him playfully. Venom took the offered drink and took another sip, longer this time. Before returning the bottle to him. Suddenly feeling very restless. ”Curse my leg.” She uttered as she made a hasty attempt and failure at standing.

Hattori exhaled sharply in brief display of amusement. When she bumped into his shoulder he remained put, a subtle if nor sure sign that he didn't mind the contact. He didn't think too deeply into it but by now he was somewhat used to her touch, even her heat scent didn't get under his skin as it used to. He noticed it of course, his nose worked just fine, but Hattori was a man of restraint at the best of times. Back on topic, he supposed she had a point there and he knew she didn't mean it personally either, she was a wilful woman and so if she didn't want to do something she simply wouldn't. It was as simple as that. But in this hypothetical scenario that would likely never come to pass, Hattori had an ace up his sleeve, one he debated mentioning.

Hattori took yet another sip, the flask would soon run dry if they kept this up.

"That is true. Then I am also not opposed to forcibly carrying you either, if the situation calls for it." That was the closest to a joke Hattori had gotten to for a long long time. Though his sense of humour was a little too dry for most, no doubt.

He parted his lips to speak again, only for his teeth to click shut as he rose to his paws. As quick as a flash he was at her side, propping her up lest she fell. With his side pressed against hers, remained there for a moment, allowing the Empress to regain her balance and baring. When he spoke again his voice was quieter, the rumble of his voice seeping into her chest where his ribs met hers.

"Where do you wish to go?"

She wasn’t sure it was possible but as the moments wore on Hattori was becoming looser than he’d ever been around her. His subtle hint of amusement as she teased him and the way he lingered against her touch. Venom didn’t hide the way her dark lips pulled back, nor could she if she tried. The liquor was strong, and for a young woman who had yet to have her first sip, it was quick to take her under its influence. The young Empress felt euphoric and their little jokes between each other were far more amusing and endearing than sober Venom might have thought.

If she felt this light and care free how was Hattori with his swig up on her? The words the fell from his lips could have been taken seriously, but if there was anything she didn’t expect from Hattori it was to have his will forced upon her. Venom grinned mischievously in answer as she tried not to dwell on the thought of him vaulting her to his back kicking and screaming.

She struggled to her feet, and nearly fell back to the earth before Hattori was at her side quick as a flash. The sake hadn’t hindered his speed any. Venom felt her breath hitch at the sudden proximity to him along with the feeling of his voice reverberating through her delicate frame. ”I wanted to be dramatic.” She replied softly, surprised at how close their muzzles were now. Soft lashes blinked over her sunset gaze. ”Make my point as I stormed off…” her voice trailed as she glanced up into his sharp silver eyes. Nervous at what she might find harbored in his stormy gaze.

Polite and as proper as ever, if Hattori noticed Vemon's breath hitching he made no show of it. Instead his expression flattened, a little taken back by her admission. Understanding soon seeped in and his features returned to their usual neutrality, it seemed as though his misread her intention. No big surprise given how serious he was, he simply wasn't all that used to people who jested and joked, but in a situation like this it was acceptable. Not that it was really his place or duty to decide such a thing but yes, he understood now. That is all that mattered.

"Ah, I see. My apologies." He dipped his head, his sense of propriety and manners still coming through.

He would have let her be and returned to his spot but she was still leaning on him, comfortably, and Hattori's brows furrowed once more. He understood their dynamic and his duties but sometimes Venom left him feel a little unsure, as though he should distance himself more and show more restraint. By no means did he feel as though he'd overstepped his bounds but he was aware it was a possibility, that despite it all he was indeed just a man. On that note, he probably should have stepped back and let her be, but she hadn't ordered him to do as much and just leaving her without support felt like the wrong call to make. And thus he would remain till she told him otherwise.

"I can leave you be so you may try again, if you wish?"

Despite the drink they were enjoying together Hattori was still as polite and proper as ever. Though the young Empress would have done well to follow his lead all she wanted to do was ruffle his feathers. She wanted to see him let loose, Venom quickly forgot her own resolve at propriety. Maybe it was the liquor, perhaps she was losing herself more than she realized. Maybe the thoughts wouldn’t be so easy to indulge in if he had indeed moved away from her, but she could feel the warmth of him and the physical support that manifested the way he always supported her.

She expected him to move, with how their relationship developed the young Empress relied on him to be the proper one. They had a contract, a deal and professionalism they needed to withhold, but that was so difficult to focus on when he was so close. The scent of him filled her breath, he guarded her against the chill with his warmth. He didn’t move, but he suggested he do. The sound of a joke in his voice made Venom grin and her forked tongue flicked from her lips in amusement. They were still so close.

”No, I don’t wish for you to go.” She whispered to him, her bright sunset gaze looking up at him from her dark lashes. She took in a steadying breath and reached up slowly, letting home move away if he wished. ”I want you closer.” The words were but a breathy murmur as she aimed to press her lips to his muzzle in a hesitant show of affection.

If she wished for him to remain then Hattori would, but he found himself questioning her judgement, wondering why she wanted this. Why she seemed so invested- for a lack of a better term- in him. He dipped his head in acknowledgement, as blurred as the lines were he was content to leave things as they were for now. But Venom continued, her words breathy in his ear as she finally said the words she'd no doubt been dwelling on for quite some time. And then she kissed him, gentle and chaste on the muzzle- and his mind short circuited.

He stiffened up as though frozen solid, his paws bolted to the ground as his eyes snapped wide. Objectively he understood what had happened and could make an educated guess behind her intent but beyond the logistics his mind was awash with confusion and jumbled thoughts. Strings were twisting and intertwining, getting tangled and knotted as Hattori just sort of...remained in place. Lost, almost. By no means was it unpleasant, nor was he offended but well it was nice and strange and the Shinobi had always clung to his sense of propriety so damn tightly.

Words in the common tongue escaped him.

"I-oh. Hm."

His gaze snapped to the horizon, as though suddenly very interested in the distant waves. He would not deny her, even if his knee jerk reaction was to pull away and put some distance between them. That would have been the right and proper thing to do, to put some boundaries between them but despite all he knew Hattori didn't care to do that. Not yet at least.

Blurring and crossing lines brought the young Empress a much needed excitement to her life. She knew what her position and propriety told her to do, but the contrarian inside her urged her onward along with the natural processes of her body. The liquor encouraged her, and Venom would have continued had she any less sense present. The moment was nearly perfect, but as Hattori stiffened she was able to blink back her own desires and pulled away slightly to allow him more comfort.

Venom took mercy on the poor man as she kindled uncertainty inside of him. The young Empress had never seen him react like he was, his joints stiffened and his silvery gaze widened in obvious surprise. A grin spread across her features as she flicked her tongue in warm amusement. Her heart beat excitedly in her chest and her own nerves manifested in the way her tail flicked at her hips.

Content with the state she’d brought him to, Venom leaned more heavily against his shoulder and allowed herself to savor how close he allowed her to be. They had a long winter before their contract was up in the spring, she wondered if she could win him before then? But also what she would do about Azure and the turmoil between them. With Hattori beside her the young Warlord was difficult to think about.

”Do my actions disturb you?” She whispered to him as her own eyes searched the horizon. ”Or do you find them as pleasurable as I?” Venom ventured daringly, as her dual toned tail swept up his lower back. ”Perhaps I’ve gone too far.” She admitted in the end, but didn’t pull herself away from him.

Hattori's pale brows creased, her words met his ears and their meaning sunk deep but even then he did not respond. The silence stretched on, with nothing but their breaths and the hiss of the waves to fill the space in between. He knew what he should do and even know he struggled with the urge to act out on instinct, to deny her gently and redraw the lines so that they both knew where they stood. He served her and thus it was unthinkable to allow such a thing to pass, no matter how tempting Hattori had to put his paw down. As things stood he could not give her what she wanted. But that was not the end of it, it was a no for now but perhaps not forever.

Come spring once his contract ended he would, for an intents and purposes, be a free man.

"It is not a matter of discomfort, but of propriety. As your shinobi I can not cross this line, even if I too find it...pleasurable." He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. "However, I am sure you recall our contract. It will come to an end this spring." And that was all he said, he was certain she would sense what he was inferring here.

He finally stepped back and the lack of her warmth against his side hit him harder than he would admit. But he remained steadfast, sake in his system or not he could do what needed to be done. Dipping his head low in a bow, Hattori was slow to raise, she had gotten her on her own and thus it was safe to assume she was capable of getting where she needed to be but he had to bite back the offer to assist all the same. He would give her time to think, one of his companions would collect his sake and return it to his quarters if she was done with it for now.

"I will take my leave and patrol the borders. Good evening Empress."