One Sweep
Actaeo realized that everything was set. It was perfect. He had the strange weed that Anoxia had considered her ‘favorite flower’. Good. He had her favorite mushy meal prepared, easy for her to gum down (not. Pizza.). And he was dressed well and his lady was not going to know what this surprise was because he had planned it ABSOLUTELY perfectly for the past few perigees. Their one-sweep was a special celebration, after all!
The entire week had been just them at hive—relaxing, enjoying each others’ company. A lot of romance—nice, sweet activities for them both. It had been a wonderful time of bliss these past few eves—and the climax of the situation was this candle-lit dinner for two with sweet music and a lovely eve that they’d enjoy together. He even had a gift!
That was the special present for the end, of course. Obvious.
And it was all ready! The table set, the food there with proper covers—the glasses ready with a nice drink.
Now all he had to do was get the lady.
The dandelions in hand, he went over to the respite block and opened it—even if it was his. “Ah, Anoxia? Are you ready for dinner?”
Alert now, his lovely, tender lady of a matesprit came out, gas mask actually off—and what a splendor her face was. He had to smile, as he offered the flowers to her.
“Ooooh… Thank you!” She seemed delighted. And he was prepared with a vase after the several minutes she took up with fascination of the bright specimens! And up they went!
Good. And to the table, he had her sit, pushed her chair in, and pulled off the cover for the hot meal, going to his own and putting those clanky things up! They did serve their purpose!
Oh, and wasn’t dinner lovely? A nice meal. Quiet. Soft music around them. The candles flickering—oh how they caught her lovely eyes.
They had soft conversation, a lot of pretty words exchanged. This evening was wonderful.
And at the end of their meal, after talking, after the spongy dessert thing he had gotten specially ordered because quite frankly who knew how to make strange things like this—there.
“Happy anniversary, love.”
“Ooooh!”
“You… forgot?”
“Sssorta, no… Being with you feelsss like… a good… long time.”
“Oh! Alright—well, I did… get you something.”
He cleared his throat with preparation, and pulled out a box, offering it opened to her. A ring sat there, made of a sturdy blend of non-reactive metals that wouldn’t corrode easily due to her… condition. The stone was shaped in his symbol.
“You are the matesprit I want for the nights and sweeps to come, Anoxia. Please… please accept this ring with my symbol, because I am yours.”
She nodded with a smile, and marveled at it as he carefully placed it on her finger.
“It’sss lovely…”
“But…?” She didn’t—oh no, did he mess up?
“I gassss all I need is you, Actaeo.”
And he blushed. Flustered now at her words. “And I, you.” He gave her a soft, sweet kiss. “Happy anniversary, love.”
“Happy anniversary.”