Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Just simple one shots about Zasp and Iva.

I have like--over 10 prompts about these menaces. Cuz I'm a sucker for romance and these two are my main ship... so. Yeah.

Still struggling with ao3 and I have no idea where to put the chapter summary or whataver (either I missed it or it didnt show, but I swear ao3 has one) but its in the title anyways so...

There's more to it, and I want to maximize my time before school starts, or I might forget about this not will I have time to make this.

Chapter Text

Thud – Thud – Thud

“Hellooooo! Anyone hooome?!”

Mothiva sighed irritably as she listened to the heavy pounding and loud calling on her front door. She angrily set down her cosmetic brush before she accidentally snaps it in half. 

She stared at the spilled oil, the one she uses to help smoothen her fur--- was wasted on the wooden table, right in front of her.

“Mothiva! Are you in there?!”

The moth huffed, her anger rising. Who on Venus’ name was outside of their porch at this hour?! For Bugaria’s sake it was already midnight. Most, if not, everyone should be asleep at this point. But no, some crazed bug decided it was a good idea to loudly bang on someone’s door in the middle of the night.

Mothiva stood up, stomping towards their front door. She and her partner bought a somewhat medium-sized ‘house’ in the Golden Settlement, it wasn’t much really, but it was enough for her and Zasp to get some rest without having to worry about renting an inn every time they get tired. Plus, having her own personal space and not worrying about other bugs was nice.

It was supposed to be a secret at first, mainly to prevent her fans from barging into her home just to meet her. It worked…for a while… It wasn’t until then, her fans found out she was living there and now, many bugs come and goes just to ask her for an autograph or at the very least, see her in general.

It reached a point where a couple of hundreds of bugs were crowding in her front porch, the Queen Bianca herself ended up finding out about this and reached out to her to offer a few of her guards to station near her residence, to prevent unauthorized bugs from getting to her place. The popstar was thankful to the Queen, of course, but she couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed at that. Her supposed little secret abode turned into a full-blown tourist spot.

And Mothiva wasn’t too happy about it.

The banging became louder, whoever was behind that door was becoming aggressive, and so was Mothiva.

She rushed to open it, “Just a second~!” she said, forcefully keeping her ‘sweet tone’.

Aren’t the guards supposed to keep her fans into barging onto her home?! She swears they only have one job---!

“Mothiva! There you areeee…!”

‘Oh Venusdammit.’

The silk moth opened the door only to be met by a drunk blue ant. Celia was smiling sheepishly, her face flushed, and barely being able to stand on her feet. It almost looked like as if a gust of wind can knock her over with ease. Mothiva blinked at her, her mouth agape.

‘What is she doing here?’

The moth shook her head, wearing a scowl on her face. “What are you doing here?!” she demanded, trying to keep her voice down, she didn’t want the other bugs in the village to hear her getting angry at her fellow explorers. Celia hummed, not wanting to put up with her attitude, she looked at Levi, wordlessly asking him to explain to Mothiva about their arrival.

“Right, so Mothiva…” The ladybug nervously started, he had both his and his partner’s weapon in hand. The size of Celia’s shield was ridiculously the same size as him, if not bigger.

Honestly, the diva didn’t even notice Levi standing right there. She was too focused on the ant’s absurdity to come barging into her own home, so late in the night that she already had a ton of words to ‘scold’ her about the whole thing----!

-Bzzt -

Mothiva froze, whatever she was planning to say was already gone. Ants don’t buzz, right? Nor do ladybugs.  

Mothiva inspected Celia once more, and her sight stopped at the random wasp head resting on her shoulder. She didn’t even realize the ant was carrying someone on her back. So that’s why Levi had her shield. The ant laughed, adjusting Zasp on her back.

She has so many questions.

“So…Yeah…” Levi gripped Celia’s shield tightly, he pointed to Zasp, seeming hesitant to explain the whole thing to her, fearing the diva’s wrath.

The ladybug could already tell she was very agitated, it was obvious. But he was kind of surprised to find out she was still awake at this hour, considering someone with a job like her would need their so called ‘beauty sleep’

The diva huffed, crossing her arms as she leaned on the door frame.  

Levi sighed, “Well, you see… Something happened and well...”

“On with it will you? I don’t have all night.”

Levi winced at that, making Celia back him up.

“Hey! We’re the ones doing you a favor here y’know!” she argued.

That only made Mothiva’s hemolymph boil. Oh, how she had the audacity to bark at her, like they weren’t the ones disturbing her.

Mothiva took a deep breath fighting the urge to argue with the explorers, she’s too tired for this mess. She gazed at Zasp; the wasp was knocked out cold. And judging by Celia’s drunken state and how tipsy Levi looked, it wasn’t surprising that they probably had a drink in that dumb underground bar.

Mothiva’s antennae twitched, their scents didn’t help as well. They reek the smell of alcohol. She had to force herself to not gag right in front of them. She doesn’t understand why a lot of bugs like to drink fermented juice, she never liked any of those stuff. Heck, even Zasp was a fond of it. 

“Listen, Zasp will probably tell you what happened earlier to us, tomorrow.” Celia sneered, already sick of Mothiva’s attitude. “Can we come in? We’ve been standing here for an unreasonable amount of time, also, I’m getting tired.”

Mothiva deadpanned, “No.”

“Are you kidding--!”

“We’re just here to drop your partner off.” Levi interjected, before they start to quarrel. Who knows how it’ll end up.

The diva glanced at Celia, and then at Zasp. There’s no way she could just let them drop him on their front porch, now, can she? Let alone drag his unconscious body all the way to their bed by herself.

Mothiva stepped to the side, begrudgingly letting them in. Not before she reminded Team Celia to be careful with their stuff, and not to touch any of it.

Celia ignored her as she relied on Levi to guide her to Mothiva and Zasp’s supposed bedroom.

As they got there, the team froze, realizing there’s only one bed. They looked at each other, does Zasp and Mothiva sleep together? They expected a separate one for him. Celia and Levi thought she wasn’t allowed to have a relationship, as an idol. Either that or Zasp lives elsewhere. Or she makes the poor wasp sleep on the floor.

‘The last one has got to be it.’

Celia glanced at Mothiva, who was right behind them, “Where do I… put hi---”

“Just drop him on the bed and get out of my house.” Mothiva shouted in a rather hushed tone. She didn’t really want to startle the sleeping Zasp. She wanted them gone before they started asking questions about her and her partner’s relationship. Any form of disclosure about it may result in staining her ‘perfect’ image as an idol.

No one, and she means no one, should know that she and Zasp are in a romantic relationship. Even if they don’t seem like it.

Celia eagerly obliged, carefully setting down the wasp on their supposed bed. The ant didn’t want to linger in the diva’s presence any longer, she wanted to be far away from her as soon as possible. And it seems like the feeling’s mutual from both parties.

Mothiva was tapping her foot repeatedly, impatient with the explorers right in front of her, as soon as Celia got Zasp off of her back, Mothiva quickly kicked them out. Not even bothering to thank them, nor listen to whatever blabber they have in mind.

She shut the door on them, and soon enough Team Celia left her place. Mothiva sighed, returning to their bedroom.

Right now, Zasp was her priority. Clean him up, then get some rest. Mothiva watched the knocked-out wasp, she loured at the sight, he looked pathetic in that state.

The silk moth mentally slapped herself, she shouldn’t be thinking about that when her partner is in a vulnerable state.

She knew full well she won’t be enjoying a mere second of this.

Mothiva walked towards her partner, footsteps faint and silent, as to not startle the barely conscious wasp. She watched as Zasp shifted on their bed, groaning quietly, he tried to get a more comfortable position to sleep.

Mothiva sunk at the edge of their bed, sitting next to him.

“Zasp… Can you, uhm… move?” she asked hesitantly, not even sure if he was capable of processing simple phrases, let alone questions.

The wasp slightly opened his eyes, taking a peek at Mothiva, his heart fluttered at the sight of her, already feeling ecstatic just by being next to her. He sluggishly reached for her, craving for her touch.

“Iva…” he mumbled, while his claw blindly searched her own.

Mothiva’s gaze softened, she held his claw, giving it a gentle squeeze. A small gesture, to tell that she was with him.

“M..hmm.. Stay…” Zasp slurred, closing his eyes.

Mothiva pouted before retrieving her claw. “Stay put.” Zasp opened his mandible to speak, but she was quick to shut him up, “Don’t-! Even think about getting up. I’ll be right back.”

She heard him call out for her weakly, but she didn’t mind him. It’s not like she’s going leave him there in that state. Mothiva went to their pseudo-kitchen with nothing but a small little crystal to guide her in the darkness. The house they bought wasn’t exactly filled with windows, because, privacy. And having artificial lights were pretty expensive, and her budget isn’t looking too great for them to be able to afford them. Despite being a famous pop idol, she wasn’t exactly rich, so they had to rely on candle lights and the soft glow front the crystals.  

She was pretty lucky when she found out the bedroom had a small window, enough to illuminate the room during day and night. It wasn’t much but, it does its job.

The room was chilly, the cold midnight air flows inside their little abode, and that was enough to make her shiver. Mothiva searched for a small basin, or anything that can contain water, as well as a simple cloth. The search for the latter was way easier since she does have a clothing line to her name, and she had a ton of them laying around the house. But, looking for the basin was more… annoying to say the least.

She didn’t realize they don’t have that many containers, and she had to search the entire room only to get a small bowl. It wasn’t much, but it should be enough.

The diva filled the bowl with clean, lukewarm water, careful to not spill any of it. She hung the fabric on her shoulder, before heading back carefully to their bedroom.

She was met with an awkwardly positioned wasp sleeping on the bed. ‘Oh Venus, he looks so dumb.’

She groaned at the sight, before setting down the bowl of water on the nearby nightstand. Mothiva stretched her body before tending to the wasp. She took their pillow-like leaves and neatly arranged them in the head of the bed. She turned to her partner, taking his arm and hung it around her shoulders. A horrible attempt to fix his posture and lay him down properly. Needless to say, she almost accidentally fell down, not once, but twice.

She did not expect him to be heavy, considering how underweight the wasp appeared.

“Mo..ht…vaaa…” Zasp’s garbled speech was getting hard to understand, paired up with how deep his voice is, she had trouble comprehending his words.

She was honestly impressed that he was still awake.

“Hhhmm…”

Hardly, anyways…

Mothiva was proud of what she did. He was still wasted, yes. But at least he doesn’t look like he did yoga the wrong way.

Mothiva got off the bed before sitting properly on the edge of it, right next to Zasp, while being near the nightstand. She reached for the cloth, drenching it in the warm water before twisting it to remove the excess.

Her attention returned to Zasp, silently observing him. His face looks flushed. Somehow, his shell was redder than usual. How was that possible? She wasn’t in the mood to care.

Carefully, she wiped his face with the clean soaked cloth, getting rid of whatever filth was on his shell. Zasp squirmed, mumbling something, Mothiva didn’t bother to understand it. She thoroughly scrubbed the dirt off his chitin. Leaving Zasp to look and feel fresh. Mothiva had to take multiple trips to the sink and back, renewing the water in the bowl with a clean one, as well as cleaning the fabric itself. She rinsed the cloth and moved on this his chest, then his arms, and then wherever else.

It took her a while to get his entire body. Eventually having to ask him to turn on his stomach. Surprisingly, he was sensible enough to follow her instruction, albeit he did so clumsily.

She finished off with his wings, it buzzed softly when it made contact with the cloth, although he doesn’t seem to be hurt at all.

“There we are…” Mothiva huffed, finally finishing. She set down the cloth by the bowl before taking the whole thing and threw it in the sink, she can clean that up later.

Mothiva was exhausted, that took a lot from her. It was getting late too. As if, it wasn’t already late when Zasp got home. Mothiva stretched her arms, she still has work early in the morning, she only has a few hours of sleep to get well rested. She didn’t even get to clean the oil that spilled on her table earlier. Still mad about wasting the thing.

She was definitely going to make Celia pay for it.

Mothiva didn’t even manage to complete her nightly routine. “This is so dumb…”

“Moth…”

Zasp’s soft voice caught her attention, she glanced at him. He was asleep. Mothiva shook her head, she wanted to get some sleep as well, she laid down next to her partner. Quietly gazing at him, he looks so peaceful. The moth sighed, rolling over with her back facing Zasp.

The moth’s eyes were getting heavy, and the softness of the bed helped her relax. She aimed to get some sleep before the morning comes, only to be interrupted by Zasp’s arm wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer to him. The wasp embraced her, and Mothiva did too.

“I..love you so much… you have no idea…”

His voice was hushed, as if he only wanted his partner to hear it. Mothiva couldn’t help but smile a bit, she snuggled to his touch, slowly drifting to sleep.

“Goodnight, Zasp.”

They slept comfortably, as the moonlight shines down on them throughout the rest of the evening.

Chapter Text

“Ughh… what the…?

Zasp groaned as the sunlight shone on his eyes. He squinted, slowly waking up from his slumber, as he let his vision adjust to the sun’s brightness. Zasp suck in a breath feeling his whole body was ache, and at the same time, his head felt like it’s about a matter of time before it explodes.

He feels so dreadful right now.

The wasp attempted sat up, only to fail as he realizes something was on his arm. Whatever it was, it was keeping him immobile. He slowly glanced at it, careful not to make the pounding on his head worse.

‘Oh’

Apparently, that was not a something, rather, a someone.

Zasp tiredly inspected the moth next to him. Mothiva was sleeping soundly, her head laying on arm like a pillow. Zasp didn’t notice her arm wrapped over his thorax, snuggling closer to him. His mind stopped functioning, barely registering the fluffy bug right next to him in bed.

He felt himself crack a smile at the sight. Curse his numbing arm, if Mothiva wants to sleep there, she can sleep there. They have all the time in the world. Zasp winced at the sudden sharp pain in his head and used his free claw to massage his forehead, attempting soothe the pounding in his head. Although, he deemed defective, it didn’t work, not even a little bit.

Zasp struggled to recall the events that happened last night. And when he did, it hit him like a weevil on wheels. He physically cringed at the memories: all the drinking, the bets, his insufferable ego of not wanting to lose to Team Snakemouth… Zasp sighed irritably, that little brat taunting him… ‘Venusdammit’ He shoved those thoughts away, not wanting to think about it. The wasp still couldn’t believe he fell for Vi’s taunts; he swears he was better than that.

Now, he just hopes that Mothiva doesn’t find out about it… she wouldn’t let him hear the end of it. He was already embarrassed enough with the whole losing to a ridiculous drinking contest, he didn’t need her to rub salt in the wound. Well, not that he doesn’t mind that. Speaking of Mothiva, the last thing he remembered before passing out, is that, he was still at the table with Team Snakemouth and Celia. So, how on Bugaria did he get here, lying right next to her.

In any case, he expected to wake up on the cold damp floor of the underground tavern, not in their own bedroom, sleeping right next to his beloved. His heart suddenly fell, if Team Snakemouth were the ones that accompanied him to get home, then, he was sure Mothiva already found out about his… defeat against Team Snakemouth… Zasp grimaced, he just hoped they didn’t fight while he was knocked out cold.

He was starting to regret everything that happened last night. He should be better than that.

He remained lying in bed for a while, not wanting to wake Mothiva up just yet. Maybe he could get some extra rest while she’s still asleep.

“Mhmm…”

The wasp instinctively froze, feeling her shift, he glanced at Mothiva, and the very sight alone made his heart skip a beat.

She absolutely looks so ethereal.

“Oh Venus, you’re so beautiful…”

Mothiva’s face turned sour, “Quiet, Zasp. I’m still trying to get some rest while I still can.” She voiced tiredly.

“Oh…sorry…”

Zasp apologized, why did he say a that out loud? How embarrassing. Well, at least he knew Mothiva was awake now.

“Morning, Iva.”

The moth yawned, snuggling closer to him.

“There’s nothing ‘good’ about this morning, Zasp.”

Oh, how he dreaded to move, the throbbing in his head hadn’t eased off a bit, it was still trying to kill him. Yet, he pushed through; he can’t let Mothiva see him like this, nauseous no thanks to his actions. He just wants his headache to go away anytime now. Zasp turned on his side, facing Mothiva. His arm is still under her head, he didn’t bother to move it.

Mothiva felt Zasp’s movement, and fluttered her eyes open, staring into Zasp’s tired ones.

The wasp smiled at her, a little hesitant, unsure of what his partner was thinking right now. Mothiva can be… irritable, well, crankier than usual especially when she didn’t have enough sleep. He opened his mandibles to strike up a conversation when his head suddenly throbbed, instead, he let out a pathetic whimper. He cursed silently, his breath hitching up a bit. Zasp he shut his eyes tightly, praying that Mothiva didn’t hear any of that the lasting he wanted was to spoil her morning was for her to find out he had a migraine.

Unfortunately, Mothiva was smart enough to figure that out. “Does your head hurts…?”

Zasp shook his head, his eyes still shut tightly. Mothiva sighs, sitting up and finally relieving the pressure on his arm. Zasp frowned, a part of him was thankful that he can finally feel his arm again, but he did not want her to get up. He reached out for her, his claw meeting hers.

Mothiva tsked, retrieving her claw from him.

“Zasp,” she utters, stretching lightly. “We still have work to do.”

The wasp sadly sighs, opening his eyes, only watch when Mothiva get up and leave the room. He was still stuck in bed alone with his thoughts, what time is it already, anyways? The sun was already up, but he assumes it’s not that late.

But she was right. Mothiva has a concert by tonight, and they still have plenty to prepare for the occasion. Although he wasn’t a part of the organizer’s crew, he is still her bodyguard. And since Mothiva will joining them to give some pointers, he had to be there too.

But, it’s not like Zasp is willing to leave her by herself to do her work anyway.

Zasp clutched his head, softly massaging it, it’s really just an attempt to ease the pain. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the day. He’ll be dammed if he’d let something stupid as a mere headache slow him down. And Zasp knows full well it’ll be a long, slow, and tiring one. 

Ignoring the pounding in his head, and his aching shell, Zasp pushed through, wanting to sit upright. The wasp inhaled sharply; his arms wobbled at his weight. He cursed himself for his foolishness, ‘Just how much did he drink?!’ He wasn’t a lightweight drinker--- he was sure of that. A bit underweight, yes, but alcohol was never a problem for him.

Zasp huffed. There’s no way his head will be easing up anytime soon if he wants to do something today, he had to suck it up. Zasp felt like he was about to fall, when all of a sudden, a hand caught his back, helping him to sit up properly. He leaned the headboard slat, ignoring the uncomfortable wood.

Mothiva gazed at him, before setting the tray on their nightstand. His antenna perked, smelling the food that came with it.

Zasp muttered a soft “Thanks.”

Mothiva just rolled her eyes.

“Scooch over, will you?” Mothiva waved a claw, “You’re not the only one who owns this bed.”

“Oh, uhm, right…” Zasp did as told, giving the moth space to sit at the edge of the bed. She sunk in the edge of the bed, while still facing him.

Zasp watches as Mothiva grabbed the tray, and sets it on the spare space the bed had to offer. It had two plates, one for each of them. She grabbed a cup of…water? Left on the nightstand, giving it to him.

“Here,” She demanded, “Drink this.”

Zaps scrambles to hold the cup from her, taking long sips. It tasted kind of sweet, definitely not water. Mothiva retuned her focus on the dish right in front of her. It was a hearty breakfast,it was drenched in a bit of honey, and Zasp wonders how that would taste. She cuts the fried aphid eggs into small chunks, then scooped a spoonful of it, offering it to Zasp.

The wasp stared at her extended claw.

He has got to be dreaming.

There is no actual way this is happening. Mothiva? Spoon feeding him? Ha! What a joke, she knows full well Zasp can take care of himself. She isn’t going to waste her time doing that. Absolutely not.

Yet… here she was, taking care of him. And Zasp yearns for it…

The alcohol had knocked him out hard.

It wasn’t long until Mothiva’s patience started to run out. She narrowed her eyes, scolding the wasp.

“Zasp. Hurry up and eat, we don’t have all day for this.”

The wasp didn’t reply, instead, he hesitantly took her offer, opening his mandible to take it, Mothiva hummed, satisfied. She continued to feed him and herself.

Yeah, Zasp was unquestionably dreaming.

Soon enough they finished the whole plate, Zasp feels a tad better now. Mothiva smirked, glad that he had finished his entire plate. She didn’t say a word and took their respective plates, putting them back on the tray, alongside their cups. She stood up, leaving Zasp alone to himself again.

“Okay…that was new.” Zasp tittered, unsure of what happened.

It wasn’t often for Mothiva to check up on him, and he’s grown used to that. His partner trusts that he could take care of himself. But there are some rare cases where Mothiva would go in the way to force him to rest. But that’s only when he’s life was on the line.

Simple things such as a pathetic headache or him being ill, is something like her doesn’t need to worry about. So Zasp doesn’t let her know. He doesn’t want to ruin her complexion by making her worry about him.

It’s better to not let her know.

But there’s a part of him that wanted to.

He took a deep breath, feeling the pounding on his head start to elevate. What did she give him?

It wasn’t long when Mothiva came back, her mood was noticeably better compared to earlier.

“You should be fine for a couple of hours.” She asserted, “Actually, you know what? Let’s make a stop at Isau’s later, to renew the medications, I just found out we only have little left.” She glared at him, “I don’t recall using any of them, nor have I seen you take it.”

She looked disappointed. “Have you been not telling that you’ve gotten sick, Zasp?”  

Well, there goes that. Zasp was confused, he didn’t expect her to be mad about not telling her about him being ill… Now once you think about it, there’s a lot of things he’s been keeping a secret from her. He didn’t want to say some of them mainly to keep her safe but…

“Did you put something on my food?” He asked, there’s a good change Mothiva crushed the pill and sprinkled it on his food, or was it the water?

Either way, Mothiva knew that Zasp would deny any of her accusations that leads for her believe that he’s ill.

“Tch, never mind that. How’s your head?”

“I’m alright, I think.”

“Oh good, I didn’t expect for it to take effect immediately--- Anyways, your stupid headache won’t be slowing us down for the rest of the day.”

She clapped her claws eagerly, “Come now, we still have a stage to perfect!”

With that she left, not even bothering to wait for Zasp’s reply. The wasp sighed, as he got up to follow her.

This was definitely going to be a long day.

---

Everything was going great so far.

They made a quick stop in Defiant Root at Isau’s Clinic. Mothiva had a brief chat with the Doctor, something about the medicine from earlier. But he wasn’t interested in that.

Soon enough, their little consultation had ended, Mothiva got back with a new set of medications prescribed to her by Isau. It wasn’t cheap to say the least, Zasp was sure they won’t be needing that much. After all, Mothiva’s the only one who’s going to use it.

“It’s for emergencies only.” She says firmly. Shaking the small bottle filled with this time, capsules. “The Doc said you should take another one in a few hours before Dinner. Just to be sure to fully get rid of that headache of yours.”

“I don’t need that.” Zasp argued.

“You could barely sit up straight earlier, Zasp.”

He sighs, he can’t argue with that.

“We can save it for you.”

“It’s for the both of us.” Mothiva made sure to stress that part out. “I’m pretty sure you’re not invincible, Zasp. There’s a reason why I buy us medicine. You don’t need to take them in secrecy.”

“There’s no reason to bother you. My health is my concern alone, you have nothing to do with it., let alone worry about it.”

Mothiva huffed, storing the container in her little bag. She moved closer to him, whispering.

“You’re my partner, Zasp. Of course, your health is also a part of my business. What made you think that I’m not allowed to worry about you?!”

Mothiva rubbed her forehead, giving him space. “Unbelievable… Next time…No more secrets, okay?”

Zasp nodded abruptly, not too keen on continuing this conversation. Zasp’s main focus is her wellbeing, and hers alone. It doesn’t matter if he’s the one hurt, as long as she’s okay. Mothiva doesn’t need to worry about him, he’s not weak.

They made their way to the Ant City Plaza, where her concert will be held. M.M.’s theatre was free for Mothiva to use, at least for the duration of the concert. They had a contract about or something. Zasp doesn’t exactly have much details about any of that, nor will he be given any of it. Needless to say, Mothiva’s manager doesn’t really sees him as a part of the crew, therefore, has no business with them. Despite literally being Mothiva’s personal bodyguard.

He once overheard one of the crewbugs says it’s because he’s a wasp, it’s not like he cares, really. Zasp was more than used to the other bug’s beration towards him and his species.

He can’t blame them.

Zasps sighs, leaning against walls backstage as he observed the crew run back and forth, doing whatever they’re intended to do. It was boring yes, but it’s not like they’re letting him do anything to help at all. At least the concert was held at the Ant Kingdom. It wasn’t too far from home. Unlike Mothiva’s other concerts, it was sometimes held at the Termite Kingdom. The inns there didn’t really provide much privacy that he always craved. Mothiva says otherwise, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

He can’t let the public spot them together outside work hours.

The moth bought them a house in the small village in the Golden Settlement. It was a sweet gesture, not until he found out she used a bug percentage of her saving for it. Zasp talked to her about this, and she just shrugged it off.

He didn’t exactly… liked that. He had a few berries to spare. She could’ve asked him for the payment and Zaps would’ve found a way to pay for the house without using her savings.

Mothiva got mad about it, saying ‘she was doing it for them, and not everything should be him doing something for her.’ Zasp knews that, but he can’t help it. Mothiva had already done so many things for him, she doesn’t need more. Zasp was already capable, and it’s his turn to do the same.

---

Their day went off as usual. For hours, Mothiva kept her ‘sweet and lovable’ attitude when interacting with the other bugs. She wore it like a mask, a mask that could keep her image clean. However, she’d still sometimes bring herself to the private room mainly used by the ‘stars’ of the show, to… cool off a bit.

She’d even drag Zasp with her at times. That earned a few suspicious looks from the crew, but Zasp’s stern glare made them shut up about it. Mothiva would make an excuse--- ‘She needed her guard to be with her, in case something wrong happens’ It wasn’t wrong… but it’s also not the whole truth either. Zasp smirked, her words not his.

Mothiva would vent to him when they two were finally by themselves. He couldn’t help but feel a little proud that someone like her would trust him enough to let herself be true and vulnerable.

He was her partner, listening to her was the bare minimum.

…

He just wished she’d listen to him as well.

Zasp shook his head, why would he think like that about Mothiva. 

He doesn’t need to think about their relationship. It was perfect, just the way he and Mothiva wants it to be. She was the leader of their exploration team, she was the one that asked him out first, she was the one that helped him belong, she was the one that…

She was the one that saved him.

“Zasp.”

The wasp lightly jumped; his line of thought was derailed by Mothiva’s smooth yet firm voice. She was standing in front of him, her arms crossed.

“I’ve been calling you for the past five minutes now.” She stressed, huffing in annoyance. “Get your head in the game. We’ll be starting in a few hours. Have you taken your medications?”

Not this again. “Mothiva, relax. That won’t be necessary. My head is fine.”

The silk moth squinted, “Well, you don’t seem like it.”

“Trust me, I’m fine.” He pressed.

“Maybe I would, if you weren’t so knocked out last night.”

What? Why would she randomly bring that up now?

She continued, “I don’t care whatever you and those collective group of morons did in that tavern last night, but make sure to not let it hinder your performance…please?”

Zasp nodded, “Right, I’ll make sure of it, you have nothing to worry about…”

“We have food at the ‘star room’ for you. Eat— and don’t even think about bailing on it, I’ll be checking on you— eat and take the pill for your head. Understand?”

Mothiva didn’t give Zasp a chance to respond, which was good because he was reluctant to say whatever was on his mind. She lightly patted him on his face, before returning back to what she was doing before.

Zasp, noted her order as she left, leaving him to himself again. The wasp sighed, making his way to the room Mothiva was saying. Unsurprisingly enough, there it was. A bowl willed with— what is that, Leaf Salad? Zasp, grimaced, she knows he can’t eat those stuff, his stomach won’t be able to digest the leaves properly. Zasp approached it, only to notice a small note right next to the bowl.

It was Mothiva’s writting.

‘Look again, Zasp. This one’s mine. Also, in case you’re still spaced out— yours it to the left.’

Zasp followed the direction said in the note. And as expected there was another plate, this time it contained a few pieces of Sweet Mushrooms. He shrugged, that’s a lot better than Leaf Salad, those tasted like nothing anyways. It came with a cup of water with medication pill right next to it, the one she said to take.

Zasp felt his heart flutter. Mothiva, as busy as she was, even bothered to make him a snack. He was impressed that she remembered Isau’s consultation earlier this morning. That completely slipped out of his mind. He took a peek at the only window in that room. It was covered by the curtains, but the small orange glow of the sun managed to shine through it.

The sun was setting outside, he concluded. It wasn’t a matter of time until the concert starts. He just knows they won’t be going to have dinner together.

Might as well keep himself energized for the rest of the evening.

---

Zasp fetl a lot better compared to earlier, guess all that standing took out most of his energy. Or… maybe all those times he thought about his relationship with Mothiva, was the sole reason to tire him out.

Even though there wasn’t anything to talk about…

Right…?

For some reason, Zasp felt rather… unhappy. The way Mothiva took care of him earlier stuck to him, it wasn’t necessary but she still did it. He couldn’t stop thinking about that. He recalled the times she made way to look after him. Zasp didn’t need to be treated like a baby, he was her bodyguard. Someone strong enough to protect her, no matter how much it’ll hurt him.

It’s all that he ever wanted to do ever since he met her. To protect her.

But… Why does it feel like he wanted more?

Zasp scolded himself, he was being selfish. She had already done so many things for him and he wanted more? Protecting her was the least thing he could do for her, the least thing he can contribute in this relationship.

That’s the only way for him to show Mothiva that loves her.

He wants to be with her… for the rest of eternity. She’s the only one that made him feel like he’s anything of worth.

Zasp slowly takes it in…

That feeling earlier, Zasp wanted more of that.

The way he felt…vulnerable with Mothiva, to rest just for a little bit. No other bug has let him feel anything like that.

He wants to be with her… for the rest of eternity. She’s the only one that made him feel like he’s anything of worth.

Oh, how he longed to be with her.

He can do that, right?

…

“Oh good, you’re here.”

Mothiva was with him again.

Zasp felt ecstatic just from seeing her. He smiled, “You ready?”

The moth snickered. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Zasp nodded, “Break a leg.”

“I won’t be needing that and you know it!”

Mothiva twirled around gracefully, slightly fluttering her wings in the motion.

She stopped to observe him. Noticing that her partner was looking down. “What’s the matter? C’mon, at this point I’m used to this already. No need to worry.”

The moth playfully punched him. Zasp’s heart ached, whatever she was doing wasn’t helping with his feelings right now.

“Yeah, yeah I know. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to give you a little good luck charm yeah?”

“Psh, the only good luck charm I need is you being there.” Motiva moved closer. “And I already have that.”

Mothiva looks so smug, and the wasp couldn’t help but look away. That reaction of his made her frown.

“Zasp, look at me. There’s something wrong, is it your head?”

She held his face with her claws, inspecting him. “Are the medications working?” She huffed “Isau said, it should work-”

“It’s nothing like that.”

“Zasp-” He knew she was getting impatient with his antics “What is it about then?! The concert is going to start and I can’t keep worrying about you during my performance!”

Great, just great. She was getting mad all thanks to him.

“You’ve been acting weird ever since you woke up earlier. Tell me, what’s the matter.”

Zasp sighs sadly, pushing her away, “It’s Nothing.”

Mothiva scowled, putting her claws on her hips. “You aren’t a broken record, are you?! Say ‘it’ s nothing’ one more time and-”

“It’s about us.”

He doesn’t mean it like that. Zasp didn’t mean it to sound like he’s tired of them. He wanted to follow up on what he just said, but he just let the silence consume them.

Mothiva was taken aback. “…What about us...?”

She backed away, keeping quiet. Distressingly quiet.

Zasp doesn’t know to continue the conversation.

“Are you happy…?” He said hesitantly, his voice quieter than usual. “With us?”

Mothiva looked at him ridiculously, “Of course I am! Why wouldn’t I be?!”

“…”

“…Are- are you? Zasp?”

“Yeah… I guess I am…”

“You guess? What do you mean you guess-”

“Miss Mothiva! You’ll be out in ten!”

Their attention snapped to her manager just before the stage. They didn’t realize that time flies that fast.

Mothiva stuttered, “I- Five more minutes!”

“Wrap it up, Miss. Schedule is out tight!”

She puffed, completely stressed out. Zasp was beginning to regret pulling that discussion up.

“Mothiva!”

Just outside they could hear countless of bugs cheering her name.

He needs to talk to her; she clearly got the wrong idea.

“I’ll be there~!” Her tone was obviously forced. She returned to Zasp, “This conversation is not done!” The diva ran up to the stage manager, and she was given a mic, and Zasp can see her recomposing herself. She looked mad about it, Zasp messed that up so badly. If she ruins her concert just because of that he’ll never forgibe himself. Mothiva took a quick glance at Zasp, before showing herself to the citizens of the kingdom, facing them with her mask on.

Zasp spent the rest of the concert scolding himself.

---

He messed up so badly, Zasp messed up horrendously bad.

Mothiva hasn’t spoken to him even after her concert was done. Hell, she didn’t even spoke to her manager.

The diva continued to ignore him, even when they’re packing up.

The walk home was quiet, and the concert lasted for hours. Zasp could feel himself tired at this point. Either way it was successful, she was able to keep her sweet face while she signed a few of her fan’s stuffs.

After that… it all went silent.

It wasn’t long until they got home. The house was as serene as usual. Maybe serene wasn’t the right term, the atmosphere was tense, just like him and Mothiva was. Zasp got to their bedroom, it was the same when they left. He had no energy to comment on it as he collapsed on their bed while Mothiva went to do her nightly routine. He waited; he doesn’t know what she was thinking, but he hoped there wasn’t any misunderstandings earlier.

For a good hour, Mothiva finished her routine, looking fresh as ever. She is still wearing a deadpanned expression to her face, the very same one she wears when she ignores him.

When she’s upset him.

Mothiva crossed her arms, towering over him. The moon shines down, bathing them in its ethereal light.

“Mothiva,” Zasp mumbled, sitting at the edge of their bed. “Come here…” His claw patted the space next to him, waiting for her.

Mothiva didn’t move for a solid minute. Zasp could feel his heart drop, how long will she give him the silent treatment this time. He needs to talk to her now.  

Mothiva sighs as she lightly stormed to towards him, her expression pouty. Zasp was rather surprised, he expected her to just turn on her heel and leave him by himself. Instead, she went. The wasp immediately held her hand, as soon as she sat next to him.

Zasp made his move, “Tired?”

Mothiva nooded.

“Want to lay down…?”

Mothiva didn’t speak, she squeezed his claw, and Zasp took that as a cue that she agrees.

Lied down, taking the moth with him. She rests on top of Zasp, with her head on his thorax, embracing the wasp.

He felt at peace.

The two of them stayed in silence, enjoying the night’s elegance. Zasp gently combs her head with his claw, careful not undone her hart work. They remained in silence, but eventually, Mothiva was first to break it.

“Be honest with me…” she stammered. “Do you… Do you hate me…?”

The wasp was caught off guard, his gaze turned to her.

“What? No… I don’t” It’s quite the opposite, in fact.

Mothiva sighs “The thing you said earlier at the theater… about us…” she says, uncharacteristically hushed. “I’ve…been thinking about the way I’ve been treating you. I’ve been thinking about what the others told me.”

Zasp’s gaze softened, embracing her tighter.

“I don’t hate you, Mothiva.” His tone was hushed. “I could never hate you…”

The moth glanced at her partner.

“I’m not hurting you… am I?”

She looked hurt saying that, Zasp couldn’t help but frown empathetically, he reached out to hug her, “You’re not…” he assured her, “I promise you, you’re not.”

Zasp sat up, with Mothiva following. He moved closer to her, pressing their foreheads together, they stayed like that for a while, enjoying each other’s presence.

Oh, how he wanted to stay with her forever…

…

Perhaps… he can.

“Mothiva…” he called, pulling away. He longed for her touch, but he had something important to ask.

“What are we?”

She thought for a moment, Mothiva did not expect a question like that from him.

“We’re… partners, Zasp.” She paused, “In our relationship, and as explorer...” Mothiva cringed internally, that did not make sense.

Zasp smiled, “What else can we be…”

“What do you mean?” She tilted her head, confused.

Zasp paused, looking for the right words.

Was he sure of this…?

“…Can we be… lovers?”

Mothiva was puzzled, “Technically, we already are, Zasp.”

“No, I mean like,” He took a deep breath.

“What do you think about marriage?”

Mothiva turned red, almost matching the wasp’s shell color. Now, it was her heart’s turn to flutter.

“Do- Do you…want to marry...?”

Zasp smiled, taking her claw with his, he held it firmly, giving a small kiss as he stared into her eyes.

Yeah, he was sure of this.

“I would want to spend the rest of my life with you, and only you, by my side, Mothiva.”

There’s no way Zasp would let this be his proposal to her, he swears if that day comes, it’ll be grander than the Queen’s coronation. He just needed a reassurance from her.

“Do you… Feel the same?” he hoped.

Mothiva was quiet, a smile forming onto her face. She felt the weight of her heart lift.

“I would like that too.”