Bug rolled over to his right side and noticed something warm instead.  It had been a long and stressful day, being a humanoid Egg-Planter and a human-Bug interaction Ambassador; or of something alike.  Not only did he do an extra shift at the Hatchery, but even Roach had started to become a fatherly figure in Bug's life.

"Why can't you just be a normal bug?  It surely would be easier to understand you and lots of other things going on!"

"I just..can't.."

   Bug enjoyed his life as a bug once, but it was too much shortly after Bugette had moved onto the next life.  Sometimes, the days felt longer with her absence and almost felt overwhelming.  But Bug had moved on, or at least tried to.

"What's wrong, Bug?" asked a familiar voice.

Bug looked over and gave a grin.  
"Oh, nothing.  Just...thinking, pondering."  Nothing too much to worry about."

"You sure?  Not having second thoughts?"

But shook his head, taking his partner's hands into his own.

"Don't worry, I'm here to stay."

   Up grinned which made his grey eyes sparkle.  There was nothing else that was needed to say, so Bug and Up slowly went back to sleep in each others arms until morning.
   
The following morning was relaxing and tranquil like always.  Bug and Up shared their usual breakfast outside on the terrace while enjoying the peace.  It had taken some time, but Up had eventually gotten used to all the bugs and their sounds within the passing day.  Bug had to show Up that they would never mean any harm to him, or anyone for that matter.

"You know, Up, you don't look too bad without the mustache.  I mean, sure it makes you look a bit more professional, but I think you could do without it."

"Yeah, but Taz would probably say otherwise.  She always was quite fond of it, you know.  Although, I probably look weak without it, I think you're right though."  Up reached to his face with a shaky arm and gently pulled at the faux hair above his upper lip.  A boyish smile was taken in place of the mustache.

"See?  You look more handsome already!"  Bug smiled, in his eyes there was an innocent sparkle in his eyes.  Up tried to look away, but flushed anyways.

"Well, Bug, looks like it's almost time for your appointment with the Overqueen.  Go on ahead, you know I'll be here waiting for you."  Up sighed, sitting back into the wired chair.

"Erm, right.  I'll be back before you know it!"

Up took a bite out of his plain bagel and relaxed back into his usual position.  But just when the Commander was certain that Bug had gone, he could feel a slight, but delicate, kiss just barely passed his right cheek.

~

Bug slowly made his way to the common area where the Overqueen was waiting for him patiently.  Even though it was just a brief discussion on how things were going with the other humans, Bug had a hard time keeping a relaxed and calm composure.  Memories were important to Bug in so many ways, but some were harder to hold back than others.

Like many , Bugette was one of the most prominent figures that gave Bug feelings he regretted abandoning.  He knew that Bugette loved and cared about him so much, and all he ever did in return?  Nothing.  Sure, he made her laugh through awkward moments, but he hated how much pain and discomfort he caused her as well.  It was like when she was first saying how she wanted a bug to share the larvae with, and at the time, it felt right to turn her away.  But no more he felt like that was right, instead, give her a chance instead of assume too much about something he knew nothing about.  

Comparing his life from then and now was kind of like a bee sting.  Some days it was more obvious, and others it was just overwhelming.  The way in the past with February was kind of an example of that, knowing he loved February in the same fashion that Bugette loved Bug.  

"Hey Bug?"

Bug turned slowly and noticed his friend Roach with a worried look on his face, his wings also lowered.

"Yeah?"

"Is something bothering you?" the Overqueen intervened, "looks like you're a little down."

Bug looked at Roach, then to the Overqueen, and then just to the ground.  

"I really miss her, even though I didn't know it would be this difficult.  I mean, how could I miss someone this much I didn't truly love until they were gone from my life?"

Roach exchanged a glance with the Overqueen and laid a gentle palm on Bug's shoulder.  It was kind of an awkward feeling, being in human form and a small bug hand just lying there to attempt to give comfort.

"Just because she's gone doesn't mean you can't keep living, Bug.  I mean, sure it'll be harder to get through, but I know you can do it.  Bugette had a good life, Bug, and that's something that you shouldn't forget about.  Even if it is...tough."  

Bug looked over to Roach and the Overqueen; who was only nodding.  "Thanks guys, really.  But I'm going to go take a walk and reflect on this for my own.  If I need anything, I'll come find you here.  However, if Up comes by, tell him that I'll not be home too late.  See you two around later!"

Bug left the common grounds and slowly made his way into a different area not too far from the Hatchery.  Nostalgia suddenly became so strong and equally overwhelming, But couldn't walk far before his knees buckled beneath him.  Bug's sore and fragile body fell to the ground and began to cry.

~

Up looked at the overcast sky with nothing entirely in his mind.  It was just simply a relaxing afternoon, even with the temporary absence of Bug.

"Hey Commander, how's it going?" the silence was broken by the familiar Spanish-accented voice.

"Taz..I..nothing..just being alone to myself.  What about yourself?" Up said nervously.

"Not much different, I guess."

Up gave a warm grimace in Taz's direction but the sentimental emotions didn't last long.  It was hard to stay strong in times when Up felt broken and deep, in the words of Taz, when he was "soft".  Like Bug, the past few months had been rough in several emotional and mental ways for Up.  To the contrary of that, Taz didn't know exactly what was going on in his life, but she had her own speculations.

"Are you sure there's nothing?"

Up sighed deeply, knowing that he would have to tell her the truth.  Damned that it had taken so long, but it had to be done for her to understand the softness and gentleness of his heart and mind.

"Taz, you know I'm...different, right?  I mean, things aren't exactly the same as they used to be.  I used to be a tough son of a bitch, but I've changed in other ways.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that Bug and I are..."

Taz had a brief questionable look at first, but it slowly grew into a warm smile.  She approached Up slowly, before giving him an approving hug.