Work Text:
Dandelion gently let a hand brush over the bright yellow petals. They heard other Antinium move around behind them, but this corner of the Painted Soldiers' barracks had been designated as their garden, as long as the Soldiers could look at the plants whenever they wanted. And Dandelion enjoyed knowing that their flowers could bring joy to other Antinium in addition to themselves, so everyone won.
Their fingers followed the flower's stem downwards, to where it ended in a shock of jagged, bright green leaves. Dandelion raised their mandibles in a smile; the plant was healthy, and if Dandelion stood next to it, it reached almost up to their lower pair of arms, the largest of its species they'd ever managed to grow. Skills had helped, of course, but Dandelion was sure that all the care they'd put in it had had an even bigger impact. This flower was meant to be a gift, after all.
Dandelion slowly started to dig, careful not to harm the plant’s roots. Matching the size of the flower, the roots reached deep, but Dandelion was patient, removing hand after hand of dirt. They could have bought a garden trowel the last time they’d left the Hive, but that would have risked harming the roots of one of the many plants in Dandelion's little flower patch if they weren’t careful enough; hands, even ones covered in chitin, were much gentler. Especially with a [Gardener]'s Skills helping out.
It took a while, but Dandelion eventually unearthed the plant, all parts fully intact. They transferred it into a flowerpot—someone once told them you were supposed to put plants into something before you gifted them—and covered the root with soil, then did their best to fill the hole with what was left. Being underground, one would think that dirt was in no short supply, but just digging into the ground or walls would cause trouble, either by possibly weakening the structure or by creating tripping hazards. Not to mention that trying to dig into the Hive’s walls would be almost like trying to dig into stone.
It shouldn't take long to get new dirt, though; after all, new tunnels were always being made, and a part of the removed dirt usually went to Dandelion for their gardening projects.
The filled flower pot was heavy, and Dandelion needed all four of their hands to lift it. Now they just had to get it to the recipient.
Dandelion hesitated and clicked their mandibles together a few times. Physically, they were of course able to just carry it there, but... The idea of entering her chamber even invited was intimidating, and the idea of entering without being called? Terrifying. Even if it was for a gift.
Luckily, Dandelion knew an Antinium who had no such issues.
Granite had been about to enter one of the eating chambers, his carapace still dusty from helping build new houses in Liscor, when Dandelion reached him. They stepped aside so as not to impede all the Non-Individual Workers on their way; Granite didn't technically have to join their lines, but he still followed the same schedule, so it made sense to walk in sync with them, too.
Unless, of course, someone needed him.
Granite looked at Dandelion. "So you want this one to take this dandelion to the Queen?"
Dandelion nodded and pushed the flowerpot containing their namesake closer towards Granite. "Exactly! Please?"
Granite grabbed it with two of his arms, tried lifting it, then added the other two. "It is heavy."
"I can help you carry it until we are almost at the Queen's chamber?" Dandelion’s antennae waved hopefully. "I had to grow a large one so she can properly enjoy it."
Granite clicked his mandibles together. "This one supposes that makes sense." He hesitated, then finally nodded. "Okay. This one will present your gift to the Queen, if you help this one bring it near."
"Thank you, Granite." Dandelion raised their mandibles in a smile and grabbed their side of the pot, taking some weight off of Granite.
He hoped they wouldn't cause too many Workers to stop on their way. And, perhaps, that Dandelion would eventually learn to do these things themself instead of asking for his help every time.