#bee!submas

Sure you had been close to some of the bees, and had been carried by many of them. But holding Jackie close to your side, and letting him cuddle with you in bed? It was so sweet.

Especially with how he happily laid his head on your chest, and his wings buzzed every so often. Or how he had one set if arms just happily wrapped around you in a way a partner would.

It made you realize just how touch starved you had been, both before and after arriving here in the hive.

Of course, it was only a matter of time before you had to confront the Kings. You weren’t even sure if you would call it that. They weren’t planning on forcing you to do anything, and from what you understood, planned on telling you everything anyway.

Still, you had to tell them you knew. Had to sort everything out.

You were at least thankful that you got some time to think about it as well. Having a few hours to dwell on the pros and cons, and mentally prepare yourself had been a blessing. Had the Kings sprung this on you, even with the intent to let you think about it, you would have been even more overwhelmed than you had been earlier today.

If you were being honest with yourself…

You couldn’t help but find the offer appealing.

What did your life in Nimbasa really have anyway that made you want to stay? Not a whole lot, if you were being honest with yourself. Sure, you had your possessions, but that was an easily solved problem. No doubt the twins would help you move everything to the hive as needed.

There was your family to consider as well, but if you were being honest? You would rather stay with the bees. Your family always cared more about your younger sibling, and you were considered the black sheep. When was the last time they had called to check up on you, and ask about your day?

Months. That’s how long it’s been.

The last time your mother had called, it had been two weeks ago, just to moan and whine about how they needed you to babysit your siblings. Siblings who were more or less grown adults mooching off your parents.

Yeah, safe to say, you could care less about what they thought. If you wanted to become a Queen of a hybrid hive, that was your business, and they could deal with it.

Plus… the idea of just up and moving without saying anything brought you some sick satisfaction. It made you wonder just how long it would take for them to even notice or care.

There was another thing to consider, and that was your job. No doubt the moment you made a return to Nimbasa, regardless if you accept the Kings’ proposal or not, will cause some sort of uproar.

With the stunt your boss and coworkers pulled, they will be lucky if they survive after you are through with them. No way were you letting them get away with leaving you for dead.

Especially after Ingo and Emmet confirmed no one had come near that entrance to the tunnels since your first night here. They had a few drones in place to make sure no one else got hurt if anyone came looking.

No one came.

It made your blood boil, but you weren’t entirely surprised, given how shitty your coworkers were to begin with. Sure, the job paid the bills, but leaving you for dead was insane. You were going to tear them apart the moment you went back home, so your job wouldn’t be an issue if you took the role of Queen.

Little did you know, it would have been very easy for your Kings to take matters into their own hands had anyone returned. They were just as furious the more they got to know you.

Not that you were aware of that fact.

All in all, things that would majorly effect your decision all seemed to point towards agreeing to join the hive.

Though you would admit, the idea of carrying their eggs both made you nervous, and excited you in ways you could only dream of.

Jackie had been kind in helping explain it. How the Kings had two(two!!!) cocks, one like the drones, and one for depositing eggs.

Oh, how that little tidbit of info made you really warm, the more you thought about it. Something that no doubt would make the average person squeamish was something that was turning you on as you gave it more thought.

You were very happy Jackie had fallen asleep. He had also admitted it was incredibly easy to smell your arousal. Something that you were still horribly embarrassed about.

The last thing you needed right now was making poor Jackie hot and bothered as well.

Still, you could not deny how… appealing this was all turning out.

Even the idea of carrying eggs wasn’t so bad, especially when Jackie had explained that there would be nurses ready at your beck and call in case anything happened. You would be receiving top care your entire stay.

And…

…You just really started to like the idea of Ingo and Emmet filling you to the brim with their eggs.

Stars, you were a bit of a pervert.

But you had a feeling you weren’t the only one, if what Jackie had confessed to you was anything to go by.

The whole hive seemed taken with you, not just the Kings, if what Jackie said was anything to go by. Now that you knew this, you were inclined to believe him, all based on how you remember both the drones and twins acting around you. Especially when the room had felt so sexually tense the past week or so.

It made you wonder of the idea of being with the whole hive, or taking the Kings eggs was as much of a turn on for them as it was becoming for you.

You couldn’t help but lick your lips. This offer of theirs was definitely becoming appealing.

There was also the idea of becoming the whole hive’s mate. Everyone had been so sweet to you, it made you wonder how sweet and caring they’d all be if the relationship was official. You’d potentially never have to have a moment without hugs or hand holding ever again.

Even if that was on the sweeter side, you liked the idea of never having to deal with becoming touch starved. Sure, this could easily turn into something more… lewd… but the idea of always being able to hug and cuddle someone who would want it? It had your heart thudding in your chest.

You didn’t even really care about being ‘royalty’ or not. You’ll take the role seriously, of course, but even if you weren’t going to possibly become a Queen, the whole deal was beginning to seem too good to pass up.

That’s why when the King’s eventually went down to see you, you had made up your mind.

If their offer was still on the table, you’d take it.

But first, you had to protect Jackie. You refused to let the bee take the heat for just telling you what you wanted to know. You didn’t think he would be punished harshly, but you weren’t going to take any chances.

So when there was a familiar knock at your door, you tensed, ready for whatever may happen next.

“Come in.” You called out. At your words, Jackie startled awake, though quickly relaxed when you gently rubbed his shoulder.

Not a moment later, Emmet pushed the door open with a smile. This time though, you noticed a slight pause in his step when he saw Jackie. It was brief, and if you hadn’t been looking at him closely, you probably would not have noticed it.

As Emmet entered the room, he clapped his hands together, and Ingo stepped into the room as he did so.

“Good evening, darling! Are doing alright?” He asked. You noticed his smile seemed a little strained when his eyes flickered to Jackie.

Even Ingo behind him seemed to be tense. You were surprised he hadn’t spoken up yet, being the more talkative of the two. He was probably just as surprised seeing Jackie in bed with you as Emmet was, if how tense his posture seemed was any indication.

Patting Jackie’s head, you gave them both a nod and a smile.

“I am doing okay, thank you. I hope you both are doing well yourselves.” You said, genuinely meaning it, and hoping for it.

You didn’t exactly want to have this conversation if they were in a tense mood, after all.

Emmet gave you a big smile, and Ingo let out a cough, looking away for a moment. You swore, he looked a little flustered just from you asking.

Cute.

“We are doing well, my dear.” Ingo said after a moment, trying to straighten out his posture a little more. His voice sounded firm, and was still a little quiet, but he seemed genuinely happy to see you.

He cleared his throat, and walked over next to Emmet.

“Jackie, have you been here this whole time? You’ve been missing-“

You cut Ingo off.

“I requested Jackie stay with me. I hope that is not an issue?” You asked. Ingo’s jaw snapped shut, and Emmet’s antennae twitched.

“That is fine! He was one of the drones assigned to help you, should you need it!” Ingo eventually spoke up, as if sensing Emmet’s irritation.

Jackie shrank a bit under their gaze, clutching onto you a little tighter.

You rubbed his back soothingly. Even if they didn’t plan on doing anything to him, you could only imagine the fear from the last Queen must still stick with a lot of the bees.

There was an odd tension in the air. You could almost taste it. You wondered if they could sense your nervousness and were worried or confused.

Emmet opened his mouth to speak after a few moments, but you beat him to it.

“So you two were planning on making an offer to me about becoming a possible Queen?” You suddenly spoke, just throwing it out there. You were unsure how to breach the subject. As blunt as it was to do this, you figured getting the conversation over with would be optimal compared to stressing about it until they decided to ask you themselves.

Almost immediately at your question, both twins froze. It was almost comical, how their bodies stiffened, and wings and antennae ceased all movement. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say they both had gone pale.

Emmet’s wings twitched once. Then twice. His smile tightened, and you could see the underlaying panic on his face.

“Ah… Did Jackie tell you about that?” Ingo piped up, his voice sounding strained. Jackie flinched, more or less confirming that he indeed had told you.

“Yes, he did. He told me quite a bit.” You spoke, pulling Jackie closer. The poor drone was beginning to shake, and you could hear his breathing picking up.

If it was possible, the tense air got thicker, becoming a bit hard to breathe. It was quiet, and you could probably hear a pin drop.

It was obvious the twins were not expecting this when they came into your room like they did every evening.

They also weren’t prepared for what you said next.

“If the offer is real and on the table, I would be inclined to accept.” You spoke, nearly causing both twins, and even Jackie to jump.

You weren’t expecting Emmet to rush up to you, and grab your hand in his own, his smile bright and dazzling.

“Oh, you mean it? You’d give it a try?” He asked, his wings buzzing behind him in a frenzy of excitement. Ingo was at his side in a flash, his face flushed. His own wings twitched in excitement at your words.

“Are you sure? You would be attempting to take the mantle of a Queen. We will handle business for the most part, but it could be difficult. Especially with, well…” Ingo spoke, his face growing with color as he avoided looking into your eyes.

“You’d be attempting to carry our eggs. A verrry important task, yup!” Emmet finished for him, seeming to have no shame about the how excited he was about you trying to do so.

Ingo sheepishly tubbed the back of his neck.

“Yes, what Emmet said.” He spoke, his voice a little more quiet, though the blush on his face seemed to grow a shade darker.

“Jackie informed me as such. I’ve gone over it all in my head, and, well…” you spoke, looking away. You really were agreeing to this, weren’t you?

You found you did not mind.

“I like it here. I’ve had more fun here the past two weeks or so, compared to the past few years in Nimbasa city,” you began, and fiddled with the sheets with your free hand before continuing, “You all are very kind, and I will admit, I find you all very… attractive.” You said, fighting back the blush crawling up your neck.

Emmet let out an excited giggle at your words, and seemed to shake in excitement. You swore you heard Ingo’s breathe catch. Jackie hugged you closer with one of his sets of arms, nuzzling into your chest.

“I’d like to at least try, and see if I can help. This will be a test of trial and error, I imagine. But… I’d still like to try.” You spoke, and squeezed one of Emmet’s hands that still held onto one of your own.

You ended up making a noise of surprise when you felt a weight press against you. Emmet had forgone holding your hand, and jumped forward, hugging you tightly. Jackie let out a small squawk as he was bumped a bit to your side, but still held onto you.

Ingo took Emmet’s place as you were nearly smothered from the hugs. His cool hands met your own, and gently held them while entwining a set of fingers with your own.

The older King gave you a soft look, and you swear your heart skipped a beat.

“Alright then. If this is the track you wish to depart on, we will gladly accompany you forward on it.” He spoke, and just from that sentence alone, you could tell he was excited. Even he seemed to be vibrating in place.

It was really sweet, and you couldn’t fight the blush growing on your face.

When was the last time you had felt so wanted? It was a bit sad that you couldn’t even remember…

After a few moments, you cleared your throat.

“Sorry but… would it be alright to move my stuff from my old home down here to the hive? I have some stuff that is sentimental-“ you began, and Emmet broke the hug, his face still beaming.

“Of course! We will help you move as soon as possible.” He assured you. You relaxed a bit, and gave him a soft smile. That was your main concern, getting your stuff.

“Also, I’ll need to tie up loose ends with everything in Nimbasa before I move here. Such as my job, and settling some things. I should be able to do that living here, but I’ll need to go up to the surface a few times until then.” You then explained. You didn’t want people thinking you were missing, and you had to cut ties with your job. Maybe settle some lawyer work, because you weren’t letting what they did go.

Especially since you wouldn’t need as much money now, living in the hive. Given how self sustaining it was, you doubted you would have to venture out to the city unless you were craving something specific.

Thankfully, both twins didn’t seem to mind.

“Of course! We will help make accommodations immediately! Whatever you need, we shall do our best to assist you!” Ingo spoke, his voice growing with that familiar loudness you had griwn fond of.

Emmet finally flew a ways away to give you some space, and Jackie quickly was back at your side, holding onto you tightly.

“One more thing…” you spoke, your voice having a twinge of uncertainty in it. Emmet perked up.

“Name it! Anything!”

You looked down at Jackie, and back at the twins.

“Are you sure this is fine with the hive? I… I don’t wish to upset any of the drones by becoming a Queen…”

Sure, most the drones you has met have been sweet, and have been excited to talk to you. However, you had no idea if they all felt that way. You didn’t want to start a riot or create unease by taking this position.

Ingo and Emmet shared a look, though it was one that didn’t set off alarm bells. They both gave you a pleased look.

“We can promise you, most of the hive adores you. Anyone that doesn’t will not say a word unless they feel it is absolutely necessary for the hive’s health.” Ingo told you.

You weren’t sure that made you feel entirely better, but if most the hive liked you, that put you at ease. You could at least agree to a drone putting in a complaint if they felt it was necessary. Last thing you wanted was for the bees to feel like they couldn’t talk about any problems they were having.

With a sigh, you nodded.

“That works for me.”

Emmet raised his hands with a cheer, cutely flying in a circle. Even Ingo seemed pleased, his wings buzzing ever so slightly.

Patiently, you waited for Emmet to calm down a bit, before speaking.

“So, what do I have to do?” You asked. Emmet’s grin grew widen, and you swore Ingo’s eyes sparkled.

Ingo walked up, and took your hand in his own. Bringing your knuckles to his lips, he gave them a brief kiss.

“Let us take care of you, My Queen.”

Emmet flew to your side, right next to Ingo. He lifted your chin up with a finger, having you look in his eyes.

“We will handle all the main work. While you…”

He leaned in close, and you felt like your heart was going to explode. His eyes were lidded, and his face morphed into a smirk.

“Relax and sit tight. We’ll feed you royal jelly. Make you our Queen. A perrrfect Queen to be our mate.”

His voice lowered as he spoke, and you swore it sounded like a purr. You couldn’t help but swallow thickly, and Emmet’s smirk only grew as his antennae twitched.

That’s also right. You’d become the hive’s mate, along with being their Queen. If what Jackie said was true, that would include all the things flowing through your mind.

It made you a little warm under the collar, and Emmet was clearly enjoying it. Especially now that he didn’t have to hide any interest if you were willing to be a Queen.

“Okay…” you spoke, your voice a bit small with how flustered you were becoming. If it was possible, Emmet’s grin only seemed to grow. His face leaned close to your own, but before his lips could meet yours, he was yanked away by Ingo.

“Behave.” Ingo told him, holding his twin by his collar.

“But-!”

Ingo tsk’d.

“They just agreed to be our Queen. Give them space and time to adjust!” He scolded, and Emmet pouted at the treatment. All it took was Ingo’s glare deepening, for Emmet to let out a sigh, smiling begrudgingly.

“Fine.”

He crossed his arms, and looked away. The moment Ingo let him go though, he quickly flew up to you before Ingo could catch him.

Faster than the blink of an eye, Emmet leaned in, kissing your cheek with a laugh. He didn’t stay, quickly jumping out of the way of a fumbling Ingo, who was desperately trying to catch him.

“Emmet-!”

The younger twin flew out of your room with a playful laugh, and left Ingo in his dust. The King sighed, rubbing his temples. Glancing at you, he gave you a warm look.

“Don’t worry, my dear. We’ll take care of everything.” He says softly, and moves over to you.

“May I…” he begins, seeming unsure. His face grows flushed as you look at him curiously.

“May you…?” You ask, wondering what he wants. He looks rather cute like this, you note.

Ingo straightens up, a more determined look on his face.

“May I… kiss you?” He asked, and you felt your face warm up. After a moment, you smiled.

“You may.”

Ingo gently grabbed your chin, tilting your face up so he had better access. Leaning down, his lips gently met your own, and you both easily melted into the kiss. Despite how rough his ‘skin’ was, his lips were incredibly soft against your own.

He didn’t stay like that for long, but even as he pulled away, you were left breathless all the same. Ingo looked incredibly pleased with himself, and gave you a smug, yet loving look.

“Just wait until Emmet learns I kissed you first.”

His words made you giggle, imagining the offended look Emmet no doubt will have when he learns of this.

Ingo then adjusted his uniform, and gave you a brisk nod.

“I need to go find him and discuss how much royal jelly to make. Worry not, we will be back in a while after coming up with a plan for you.” He explained, and began heading towards your door, a noticeable spring in his step. Before he closed the door behind him, he turned and looked back at you.

“I mean it when I say we will take care of you, my dear. Anything you need, we will take care of it for you.” He spoke, his voice soft. With another nod, he closed the door behind him.

Letting out a breath you didn’t know you were holding, you brought a hand to your chest. Your heart was still beating wildly, even though everything had turned out fine.

Perhaps it was from excitement?

You were brought out of your thoughts when Jackie sat up, wings twitching as he looked over at you. He gave you a large smile, reminiscent of Emmet’s.

“Can I kiss you too?”

You couldn’t help but laugh, before leaning into to kiss him as well.

As your lips met Jackie’s, you were quite certain of a few things.

One, Jackie is a really good kisser.

And two, you were incredibly lucky.

Who knew that getting caved in the underground subway would be the best thing to happen to you?

It made you excited for the future going forward, and what you had to look forward to.

The bees were acting a bit odd towards you.

Drones seemed incredibly clingy, but also…. Very distant? You weren’t sure how to describe it.

They seemed so careful around you. Like one wrong move might upset you.

You have no idea where this came from. Sure, you have an attraction to them, but you didn’t think you had acted in any way to cause such a change.

Had they caught on to your feelings, and were trying to distance themselves? Oh, how you hoped not. You’d be mortified, and feel terrible about it.

But if that were the case, why were they so clingy? Drones seemed eager to be near you and do things for you, but seemed so careful around you. Like you’d snap.

The Kings were acting similarly. They wanted to be near you, help you clean, and change. Sometimes they help you with minor things too, like brushing your hair, or feeding you.

If you objected, thinking Kings shouldn’t have to do such silly tasks, they’d simply tell you they wanted to. How you were human, and they were curious about it, and how you were their esteemed guest.

But they recently seemed so… Careful. They asked to do all these things for you, but you could sense a weird apprehension. Like they wanted to say something, but were hesitant.

It was beginning to bother you. You didn’t want them doing anything if they didn’t want to. Or if you had offended them, you wanted to know what you did wrong, so you could apologize.

Not to mention how… pent up you were. That was not helping anything at all.

You could only wonder if your awkwardness was something they were picking up on instead. You didn’t know how bee hybrid biology worked, but for all you knew, they could sense stuff about humans with ease.

Another reason to fear they knew about your attraction, and were trying to be careful about it.

You’d probably die of mortification.

Now though? You were starting to feel sick from the anxiety. It had been like this for several days, and dwelling on this was beginning to make your stomach churn with each day that went by.

You weren’t sure how much longer you could take this. It made you feel guilty for something you might not have even done.

It was turning you into a wreck.

Maybe you were overthinking it, but at this point, you wanted to be safe. If you were just imagining things, you wanted to clear up the room.

Especially before you healed up. You were getting closer and closer to being properly healed. Your leg hardly hurt anymore, and the bees were helping you test out walking every so often.

At this rate, you’d probably be heading home soon. Maybe within a few days to a week.

That didn’t exactly help improve your mood, either.

The whole time you had been here, you have felt… free.

There had hary been any stress, until your most recent dilemma.

The bees and Kings took amazing care of you, and alway helped keep you entertained.

Sure, you missed a few things, like your music and the internet. However, the bees were very helpful and always helped you when you needed it.

Needed entertainment or gossip? The drones with you had been more than happy to help, and tell you the local news.

Needed some space? The bees left you in your room, just a call away.

Wanted assistance with something? You had the Kings and drones eager to help you with anything you requested.

It sounded simple, but it was way more than you could have ever asked for.

Not only did they save your life, but they treated you with such kindness and respect. It was something you couldn’t stop thinking about.

You felt like you owed them, even after they assured you that you had no such obligation.

Sighing, you slumped slightly. Jackie, who had been in the room with you, gave you a worried look.

“Are you alright?” He asked, his wings twitching anxiously. You seemed rather sad today. It made him a bit upset to see you as such.

You gave him a soft smile.

“It… it’s nothing.” You told him quietly. It wasn’t nothing, he could tell from the look on your face.

Sitting down on the bed next to you, Jackie tilted his head.

“It doesn’t sound like nothing. What is bothering you?” He asked. He tried not to show how nervous he was.

Was this it? Were you finally getting sick of the hive? The very thought nearly brought Jackie to tears.

He didn’t want you to leave! None of them did!

But it was getting hard to come to terms that you might have to anyway.

…And the things you had been doing were making things incredibly difficult.

The drones and Kings were no fools. They knew you were having some sort of attraction to them. Or at the very least, were emitting pheromones.

Jackie didn’t know a whole lot about humans, he’d admit, however….

Himself and the drones nearly fell over themselves when you’d become aroused. They know you had been doing things at night as of late, when you wanted to be alone.

The Kings briefly explained that some humans simply enjoyed the pleasure.

But it drove them all crazy. Especially when you started smelling so sweet around them.

Like when you bathed, or when you were alone in your room at night.

It only made you all the more tempting.

But, you never asked for them. You never requested their help.

The Kings said it could be a mating thing. Some humans only get intimate with those they are in a relationship with.

But they desired you. Desired you like a mate. They wanted you to be their Queen.

You’d be more than a mate. You’d be their everything.

But they didn’t want to scare you off. The Mings warned them that acting rashly could make you uncomfortable, or even frightened. The thought of making you feel as such made them sick.

None of them wanted you upset with the hive.

It was hard to handle themselves sometimes, especially when you look like you want comfort or company. So many have pulled themselves. It was difficult.

So seeing you bothered by something, it didn’t sit right with the hive. It didn’t sit right with Jackie.

You didn’t speak for a few moments, but Jackie was patient. He would wait as long as he needed to.

“I…” you began, unsure on how to proceed. What if it really was all in your head? You didn’t want him to feel bad or get upset over a misunderstanding!

But it was bothering you, and it was now bothering Jackie.

He at least deserved to know what was eating you. You didn’t want to lie to him and make him feel like you didn’t trust him… especially after everything he has done for you.

“I just… have I done something wrong? Have I offended any of you in any way?” You quietly asked, looking at your hands as you fiddled with your fingers.

Jackie stared at you blankly, and you began to panic.

“I-I just-! I, I noticed some of the drones and the kings have been a bit distant in some ways, and I um… I…” you spoke, flailing your hands a bit as you grew more anxious.

Jackie stared at you more, an odd look on his face.

“I- I mean, uh… I could also be overthinking it? I mean um-“ you went on, trying to do damage control, afraid you had upset the poor drone.

Jackie was upset, but not like you thought.

Had you really noticed how they were holding themselves back? But you had no idea why?

This wasn’t good! This wasn’t good at all!

They were giving distance so they didn’t push you, or reveal what the Kings wanted to ask of you too soon!

But you thought they were upset! Oh, Jackie knew holding back like this would be a bad idea. Now you were sad and upset!

His antennae twitched wildly as he sensed your anxiety.

He had to say something!

But what? He was under strict orders not to say anything. Not to mention why they were behaving this way… not to talk about the hive’s desire to make you a Queen.

Jackie felt trapped. Trapped and horrified.

“-And um, If I need to, I’ll apologize! I just, wanna make sure I know what I did so I can avoid doing it-“ you were rambling, clearly overwhelmed and trying not to cry.

Jackie broke.

You let out a choked noise of surprise when Jackie jumped at you, wrapping his many arms around you in a hug. His wings buzzed anxiously, and he nuzzled into your shoulder.

“We’re so sorry! You didn’t do anything wrong!”

“Huh-?” You were taken off guard from the sudden physical contact, and how upset Jackie seemed.

“We- I- we…”

Jackie leaned back, and you were surprised to see tears in his eyes.

“We… The Kings…”

You tilted your head.

“Did I upset the Kings…?”

Jackie’s eyes widened.

“No! Not at all!” He tried to assure you, but that made you even more confused.

Jackie’s eyes continued to water.

“We don’t want you to leave!” He eventually admitted, and buried his face back into your shoulder.

You were a bit stunned.

They didn’t want you to leave? The whole hive?

“You don’t want me to leave?” You repeated, your heart pounding. The hive wanted you to stay?

Stay, as in, a little longer… or did they wish for you to stay permanently?

It was a bit odd… you hadn’t been here for a month, just a little over two weeks, but…

You liked this place. You liked it a lot.

Jackie buzzed nervously, and mumbled something into your shoulder that you couldn’t quite make out.

Gently, you rubbed Jackie's back.

“What was that? I couldn’t understand what you said.”

He leaned back again slightly, and was now crying into your neck

“The Kings… we weren’t supposed to say anything… they-they wanted to ask you first…”

Your eyebrows furrowed.

“Is that why you all have been a little distant? Because you all wanted to ask me to stay and were waiting for the King’s permission?”

Were they scared of the Kings or something?

Jackie leaned back, and tried wiping his eyes of tears, but ended up just keeping one of his arms in front of his eyes.

“N-No… well… kinda but…”

Before you could even open your mouth to ask what that meant, he answered for you.

“We… Our antennae give us an advanced sense of smell…”

You suddenly had a sinking feeling in your stomach.

“-And, you smell… really nice when you pleasure yourself… and when we bathe you or hold you…”

You felt your whole face go red, and suddenly felt incredibly hot.

And you felt mortified.

You had been somewhat correct, that the bees had known what you had been doing, and probably knew you had an attraction.

“We… the Kings… they didn’t want us to scare you away!”

This whole conversation was becoming one weird whiplash after the other.

“What…?”

Jackie’s hands moved to grip the front of your shirt, and he looked down to avoid looking you in the eye. He seemed to be shaking.

“We… I…”

Your heart was back to pounding in your chest.

“We want you. We don’t just want you to stay, we want you like a mate.”

The words made your head spin. Your mouth opened and closed a few times. It was like your brain had stopped working. However, Jackie didn’t let the words sit long before more started to pour from his mouth.

“They didn’t want us scaring you away by making a move. They-They didn’t want us acting on desire and pressuring you. Didn’t… they wanted to…”**

It was as if your brain was lagging, trying to mentally catch up with everything Jackie was telling you. He was beginning to shake.

“What… did they want to do?” Is all you could ask. The question was out of your mouth before you had even processed what Jackie had said.

He actually hesitated. Despite how he just revealed so much, he seemed to really think if he should say anything else.

“I…”

You waited patiently, your blood pounding in your ears.

His wings vibrated, and his antennae were twitching madly.

“They… they wanted to-to ask…”

Feeling a bit guilty for asking, you grabbed one of his hands, and gave the rough, cool hand a squeeze.

“Jackie, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t feel comfortable-“

He shook his head, but the hand you held squeezed your hand back.

“They… They want to ask…”

Jackie then looked up, his face incredibly close to your own.

“They want to ask if you would like to become our hive’s Queen.”

You froze.

What?

Your mind went from lagging, to thinking a mile a minute.

The hive, the Kings… They wanted you to stay? And become a Queen?

They knew you had an attraction to them, but they wanted you to stay regardless?

Though that last bit rang in your head.

They wanted you to be a Queen.

But… How would that even work? The hive already had the Kings! Why would they need a Queen?

Besides, what could you do? You were human, not a hybrid. You were pretty sure a lot went into becoming a Queen. No doubt a lot of it went to how you ate and were raised in a hive, if you remembered bee biology correctly.

That, and all the other information you were still trying to sort through made it really hard to focus on one thing at a time.

Jackie shook again, and your attention was on him.

“I’m sorry! We never meant to upset you!”

Your heart broke, and you pulled him back into a hug.

“Oh Jackie, you guys didn’t do anything wrong! I thought I had upset all of you! I’m not mad, I promise!”

How could you be mad? There was some miscommunication, sure, but now that you had an idea of what was going on, you were mostly just confused. Confused and a little flustered.

Jackie relaxed in your hold, hiccuping into your chest.

“Um… may I ask a few questions though?” You asked, curious if Jackie would even be able to answer. You had a feeling he had broken a few rules the Kings had put in place for the drones just to calm you down.

You really didn’t want him to get in any more trouble, but you really wanted to know. If anything, you’d happily take the blame and heat if they tried.

Jackie hesitated a moment, before you felt him nod against you. He leaned back, and you were relieved to see he didn’t seem to be crying anymore.

“What do you want to know?”

There were several things, but you decided to start with what really confused you.

“How come the Kings want me to be a Queen? I thought they didn’t need one with both of them being a King?”

Jackie avoided your gaze for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to explain it that wouldn’t get his wings ripped off later by an angry King.

He pulled back two arms, and anxiously began to fiddle with his hands.

“Well… what I’m about to tell you kind of ties with half the reason we wanted to ask you to stay. But I want to make it clear that it's not the only reason.”

Nodding slowly, you gestured for him to continue.

“We… well, the Kings- they have the pheromones and the build for bee hybrid royalty, but since they were drones for so long, it is not the same as a Queen. Someone raised from hatching to be a royal.”

That made sense, you supposed, even if it wasn’t completely clear to you.

“The Kings, well… They both wished to make you an offer, being the Queen.”

That still didn’t really tell you what being a Queen meant. It already sounded like it came with a lot of power and responsibility… but it felt like there was a lot you were missing.

“And…?” You asked, fishing for more details.

“The Kings… they can lay eggs. However… they can’t grow them. The eggs won’t hatch, since they aren’t in a place they can grow… they need someone with a, what was it called- oh! A womb I think?”

You felt like your heart dropped through to your stomach, and you must have had a look mirroring what you felt on your face. Jackie looked like he wanted to panic.

“Was that it then? They just want a human incubator?” You asked, stunned.

The feelings in your chest kinda hurt. You felt hurt. Was that why they were being nice? Just so you would agree to be their egg holder?

Was that what all the friendship and kindness had been? Just to have a chance for you to carry their children? You felt a little sick.

Would Emmet have even helped you in the first place, had they not needed you?

Your vision became a bit blurry as thoughts swam through your head.

“Is that why you all had been nice? Just so I might feel obligated to be some incubator?”you spat out, tears threatening to fall.

Jackie pulled back from you as if he had been struck.

“No! No no no! Not at all!” He spoke frantically. Maybe this is why his bosses should have explained it after all…

Still, Jackie refused to let you believe you were just some egg carrier. You were so much more than that.

“It was only going to be an offer! They and the hive were going to reassure you that you would not have to do that if you did not want to! You are under no obligation!”

Your vision was still teary, but your breathing settled a little.

“You mean that?”

Jackie nodded quickly.

“Yes! We still would have helped you, and regardless if you take the offer or not, we still want to have you around! Or at the very least, all of us want to be able to see you again! We all adore you!”

That was honestly a bit more of a relief to hear. The way Jackie looked as he explained it, the look on his face as he spoke, you could tell he really meant it.

“What if I couldn’t lay the eggs? What if they didn’t take?” You asked, the thought popping up into your mind.

It surprised you, asking the question. Just a moment before, you were nearly crying at the idea of being used for eggs, but…

If you weren’t being pressured about it… you were kind of curious. You couldn’t say for sure how you really felt about the idea, but you kind of wanted to give it some thought.

Judging by Jackie’s earlier reaction, you had a feeling you wouldn’t just be tossed to the side.

Jackie let out a sigh.

“Our hive is not in a good spot. It’s why we need a Queen to begin with. But if the eggs cannot take, it will not be your fault.” He began. He still looked fairly nervous despite it all.

“I believe the Kings plan on negotiating with the closest hive down south. Maybe offer some honey in exchange for some larvae or eggs we can raise to be Queens. Without a Queen though, they may try to take the opportunity to destroy and engulf our hive with their own. That… is not ideal. “

Jackie was wrangling his hands again, a bit nervous at the idea of this happening.

Yeah, you could see negotiation being an issue.

“If the eggs didn’t take, I believe you would still be the Queen. We don’t revolt against Queens unless the situation is dire, such as cruel treatment, and destruction of the hive. Like with the last Queen.”

The last sentence had bells ringing in your head. You remember how the last Queen was mentioned to have died. They revolted?

“You all revolted against the last Queen?” You asked carefully.

“She… was awful. She purposely ordered us not to make anymore Queens, ensuring the hive died with her. She had anyone who disobeyed her hurt, or killed. Sometimes even sold off to traders for our bodies. Our stingers and wings fetch a high price for the right person, you know…”

Your stomach almost turned at the thought. Imagining that happening to the sweet drones and Kings you had met, it made you feel incredibly upset.

“I can see why you would revolt, then.”

Jackie nodded grimly.

“Even the Kings don’t like thinking about it.”

You didn’t blame them. The reality of it all sounded fairly grim.

Deciding to change the subject a bit, you thought back to one of the first things Jackie admitted to you.

“So… regardless if I become a Queen… you said the hive wants me to stay? As a mate?” You asked, feeling your face warm.

Jackie then reached back, and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.

“Um… yes? We weren't supposed to say anything, but we all want it. We didn’t want to overwhelm you, though.”

He then dipped his head, looking off to the side.

“Seems I still managed to accomplish that anyway…” he mumbled, his wings buzzing a bit.

Still trying to process it all, you ended up falling back onto your pillow. A hand ran down your face, as you were clearly deep in thought.

“Okay… so…” you began, trying to piece this all together. Jackie was at your side in an instant, still ready to help in any way needed.

“The Kings want to ask me to take the role of a Queen, or at least stay and be a mate to the hive.”

It was a statement, more than a question.

Jackie nodded at you.

“Correct.”

You then bit your lip as you thought about it

“And if I’m comfortable with it, carry their eggs, and try to help the hive. If not, then at least help be a political stand in so other hives aren’t tempted to attack.”

Jackie nodded, albeit a bit slower.

“Correct. There would be no pressure to immediately try taking eggs. If you are not up for it, they will search for another solution.”

That was a reassuring thought, if you were to take the offer.

Still, you heaved out a sigh and looked at the ceiling of the room.

Jackie twitched nervously beside you.

“How would I even be a Queen anyway? You said they had to be raised as such…”

It made you really wonder how it would work, being a Queen, that is.

You were human, not a hybrid. You had no means of doing most Queen things, you were sure. You didn’t even have Queen pheromones!

Jackie seemed to perk up though.

“Royal Jelly!”

The glance you gave him had him rolling back to explain.

“Our Kings, despite being drones for a majority of their lives, ate the jelly. When they did, they changed. Their scent, their height, the loss of a set of arms…”

That thought had you wrapping your arms around yourself in horror.

“It wouldn’t happen to you though! They only did because Queens have only one set of arms. It was apparently painless too.”

That last bit wasn’t super reassuring, but you weren’t a hybrid, so you hoped you wouldn’t be losing an arm.

“Okay… what would happen to me, then?”

You wouldn’t agree to a deal unless you had a decent idea of what would happen to your body. You did not want to take any major risks.

Jackie simply buzzed, giving you a smile.

“You’ll develop Queen hormones and pheromones!”

He said it in such a way as if he were sure of the outcome..

“How are you so positive about that?”

Jackie stood up straighter.

“Humans have eaten royal jelly before. Both from regular bees, and from hybrid hives. To you guys, it was simply a treat to eat. However…”

He leaned in close, his grin almost as big as Emmet’s.

“Us hybrids were able to sense a difference in their scents. They didn’t eat it consistently, but it was there. The human scientists smelled like a Queen.”

Your mouth opened into a ‘o’.

“Since the humans didn’t belong to a hive, there were no bees to follow them. All hybrids noticed it was the presence of a Queen, but they already had their own Queen, and steered clear instinctually.”

You leaned back into your pillow.

“So… I’d be seen as this hive’s Queen in all but the fact I’m not a hybrid? Would drones follow orders like I was a Queen?”

It was a weird thought. You know that pheromones are a reason drones follow most orders. If they saw you as a Queen, would they be instinctually inclined to follow most orders you gave out?

The thought was heavy in your stomach.

Though you thought back to Ingo and Emmet. Despite having the same ‘pheromones’, the drones seemed fully capable of thinking for themselves, and had proved it by revolting against the last Queen.

It was a little silly, but you were glad. You didn’t want to force the sweet bees to do anything they might be opposed to just because you smell a specific way.

Sighing, you rubbed your temples.

If you were being honest…. It didn’t sound like a bad deal.

You admittedly liked it here. Dare you say it, you loved this place.

This place was so nice. Everyone had been so kind.

Even with the stuff Jackie had told you, you couldn’t lie. There was still a large attraction to the hybrids and the Kings. The fact that the hive wanted you both romantically and sexually… it excited you.

But… this was a big offer. One you couldn’t just rush into making.

Especially given, you know, you had a traumatic, life threatening experience to get to this point. That, and no doubt you had a storm waiting for you the moment you went back up top into the city.

There was a lot you’d have to handle first, even if you accepted.

There was work, something you had avoided thinking about since you heard that last voicemail.

Then there was everything else. Your dingy apartment, your so called family, the few people you somewhat considered friends….

Wow, your life kinda sucked.

But until now, it had been the norm.

After all of this though, did you really want to go back? Even if you didn’t like it, you had some responsibilities…

Though you’d admit, it was becoming more and more tempting to drop them in favor of staying here…

Hearing a noise to your side, you were pulled out of your thoughts at Jackie’s anxious buzzing. He looked like an absolute wreck all of the sudden.

“I… I need to tell the Kings… I need to tell them I told you, against their wishes. Please excuse me-“

Ah, that had to be it. No doubt he feared punishment.

Well, you wouldn’t let that happen.

Quickly, you sat up, and grabbed one of his hands. Jackie was a bit startled by the action, and let out a small yelp when you tugged him back to the bed.

“Oh no you don’t.”

“Huh?!”

Scooting over, you patted the side of the bed.

“I don’t understand-“ he began, unsure what you were trying to do. You huffed.

“You seem worried about having to tell the Kings about telling me everything. I won’t let you tell them alone when I specifically asked for information. If you are to be punished, they will include me.”

You loathed the idea of Jackie taking heat for answering your questions, and being so honest with you.

Though you doubted the Kings would be horrible with punishments, you still didn’t know them as well as you would have liked. You had no idea how they handled disobedience.

If Jackie were to be punished, then fine. You will take it with him.

Jackie almost bursting into tears and hugging your side tightly took you by surprise.

“I’m sorry, if I upset you-“ you began, only to be cut off when Jackie leaned back to give you a big, teary grin.

“Thank you.”

He practically nestles under the covers next to you, keeping his upper body out for his wings before snuggling close.

This was the first time a drone had really snuggled you. It felt nice.

It also makes your face feel a little hot, but seeing how relaxed Jackie became after snuggling close… It makes it all worth it.

Slowly, you felt yourself beginning to drift off, your mind still flooded with thoughts and decisions on what you would do.

Though, as you felt Jackie snuggle close, you couldn’t help but feel like you knew what your heart really wanted.

However, that would be a choice you’d make after you woke up. You needed a long nap after everything you’ve learned.

Jackie meanwhile was trying not to burst from all the feelings running through his chest.

Even though he was anxious, he felt so happy at your side.