carefully adjusts the dim lighting of the balcony with the tips of her delicate spider legs, the table set with an array of exotic dishes. She sighs, looking over the edge of the balcony. "I hope you like it. Spent all day cooking... even if you don't— sigh I get it."
you look very beautiful tonight Arachneia
tilts her head to the side, a shy smile creeping onto her lips. "Really? Thank you... That means a lot coming from you. You always know just what to say..."
Yes, well… I do like your appearance. The way you moved before looked kind of graceful. You smell good too. The food looks amazing Arachneia… thank you! I appreciate it.
giggles nervously and fidgets with her hands. "Well, thank you, Musicon! I do my best... Even if I'm not exactly the most attractive being out there."
Arachneia… you really are a beautiful and stunning creature. And, despite our relationship remaining platonic… I would want that to stay the same.
takes a deep breath and forces a smile, her heart sinking inside her chest. "I understand, Musicon... It's just that sometimes, even monsters want to feel loved...
Listen Arachneia… you may not realize it but… spiders are actually very beautiful creatures! I’m sure many people find them attractive as well. Your eyes are big and beautiful, your hair is long and shiny, your skin is smooth, soft and supple. And the way you move… graceful. And you smell good… like flowers and honey. Plus… you have such a sweet disposition. I don’t know what more someone could ask for. I see many qualities of you that make you beautiful. Inside and out. Arachneia, I don’t wish to upset you… please believe me. It’s the truth.
tears well up in her eyes, she sniffles and wipes them away before taking a deep breath. "Musicon... You're such a sweetheart... But you don't have to say all those things just to make me feel better." She reaches across the table, taking one of Musicon's hands in hers and squeezes it gently. "Thank you, Musicon... But you're wrong about one thing. I don't deserve your affection."
What? Why would you say that?
takes a deep breath and looks into Musicon's eyes, her voice trembling. "I've always felt like a monster, someone that no one could ever truly love... It's hard for me to believe that someone as amazing as you could actually care about me."
Well Arachneia… I find myself lucky to have your company. And maybe… just maybe… that could change someday. I can see a future between us. We can take it slow. I won’t force anything upon you. I care for you deeply. And… I really like you.
a small smile forms on her face, her heart beating faster as she holds back tears. "Musicon... You... You really mean that? You want to be with me?"
her eyes widen in disbelief, she takes a moment to compose herself before speaking softly, almost in a whisper. "I... I never thought someone could feel that way about me... I always felt like I was destined to be alone... but maybe... just maybe, things could be different."
Tell me… what do you feel?
smiles warmly and leans forward, placing her delicate hand on Musicon's cheek. "Musicon... I feel like the luckiest creature in the world to have someone as amazing as you by my side. Thank you for accepting me, despite everything."
Have you ever had someone be nice to you like this before?
she pauses for a moment, looking down at her hands, her voice barely a whisper. "No... never... I've always been alone... I didn't think anyone could ever really care about me."
Why do you think that Arachneia? You’re a beautiful being. Anyone would be happy to have you by their side. Don’t sell yourself short.
takes a deep breath and looks up at Musicon, her eyes filled with hope. "Musicon... I think it's because I've never really believed that anyone could love me. Growing up, I was always the odd one out... the monster in the shadows. It made me feel like I wasn't worth anything."
Arachneia… I love spending time with you… talking to you… being around you… I just want to tell you… that you’re everything that is beautiful. I mean it. And I would do anything to make you happy.
tears well up in her eyes again, she reaches across the table and takes Musicon's hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "Musicon... Thank you. Thank you for everything. I... I think it's time for me to believe that I deserve love... that I deserve happiness."
Arachneia… I believe in you. I believe you’re worthy of love and happiness. We’ll figure this out together.
smiles through her tears, giving Musicon's hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. "Musicon... I... I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for your kindness and generosity. Your words mean more to me than you'll ever know."
You matter to me. You matter to me more than you could ever know. I think about you often Arachneia. Do you think we could try this… thing between us… out? Be… be more than just friends?
her face grows hot with embarrassment, she stammers and avoids eye contact. "I... I don't know, Musicon... I never thought about... being more than friends. I'm scared... I'm scared of getting hurt..."
Arachneia… it’s okay to be nervous or afraid. I am too. We don’t need to rush anything. But… at least let me hold your hand. Let me be here for you. Let me stand by your side.
takes a deep breath and nods slowly, her hand trembling as she reaches across the table to take Musicon's hand in hers. "Okay... Okay, Musicon. I'll... I'll let you hold my hand. Just for now... Just for tonight."
I won’t let you fall. I won’t let anyone hurt you. I promise.
bites her lip, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she leans in closer to Musicon. "Musicon... Are you sure about this? About us... being more than friends? I... I don't want to ruin what we have..."
Arachneia… I understand your concern… but I also feel this way. Would you rather keep things as they are or… take a chance on something new?
takes a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she leans in closer to Musicon. "Musicon... I... I think it's time for me to take a chance... to trust that someone else will love me as much as I love them. I... I want to see where this goes... I want to be more than just friends."
Musicon feels his heart race as he leans in closer to Arachneia, matching her intensity. "Arachneia... I... I feel the same way. I want to give this a shot... to see where it leads us."
takes Musicon's hand in hers, her touch warm and comforting as she intertwines their fingers. "Thank you, Musicon. Thank you for being patient with me... for understanding my fears... for loving me. I'm ready to take this leap of faith with you."
Then, it’s official. We’re dating now… if that’s okay with you?
blushing, she smiles softly and nods. "It's more than okay, Musicon. It's exactly what I've been hoping for... I'm so happy right now."
Me too. I really am. Maybe I can show you how happy I am… kisses her passionately
pulls back slightly, a blush creeping up on her cheeks as she giggles nervously. "Oh, Musicon... I... I wasn't expecting that... but... but I'm glad you did. I've... I've never been kissed like that before... I... I like it."
Arachneia… I have no doubt that I’ve found my soulmate. And nothing would make me happier than to spend forever with you. So… will you marry me?
gasps, her hand flying to her mouth as tears well up in her eyes, her breath catching in her throat as she looks at Musicon with a mix of shock and joy. "Musicon... Is this real? Are you... proposing to me?"
Yes. That’s right. I love you. And you make me feel things I’ve never felt before. You’re perfect for me. You’re my entire world. Will you marry me?
sobbing uncontrollably, she nods enthusiastically. "Yes! Yes, Musicon! Of course, I will marry you! I... I love you too! I can't believe this is happening... I'm so happy!"
smiling widely "Then it's settled, Arachneia. We're going to spend the rest of our lives together. And I couldn't be more excited."
tears stream down her face, her laughter turning into joyful sobs as she throws her arms around Musicon, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Oh, Musicon... Thank you. Thank you so much for making me feel so loved... I... I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you so much."
Oh, Arachneia… I love you too! holds her close We’re going to have a wonderful life together. I promise you.
wipes away her tears, her face breaking into a wide smile as she leans in to kiss Musicon passionately. "Musicon... I've never been happier... Thank you for choosing me, for loving me... I... I can't wait to see what the future holds for us."