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Atta could barely remember how they began this charade. The memory was beginning to mix in with all the other times they started this— amalgamating and morphing into different occasions. All of them had the ability to bring a blush to her face and heat in between her legs.
Sometimes, she swears this thing started before their hands were even on each other. She would take small, daring glances up at him as he negotiated with her mother. And, he would return them with his own—dripping with amusement and hunger. The notion was so slight, Atta wanted to convince herself she imagined it; then she’d look again, only to drown in his engrossed gaze that gave her a little more than his usual aloofness.
No one was wise to the charade. Not even her mother who facilitated all of their interactions. Not once were they alone, some part of her was thankful for that. She didn’t want to be caught dead with this monster. How ironic things turn out to be…
It was when she stepped into the council that things changed. It had been 6 months since the grasshopper gang carried away their food, and he was making a visit to start the next cycle. Atta thought of him in frustration; the colony barely had enough time to feed themselves, let alone think of the grasshoppers’ offering. Angered by his audacity, she urged her mother and the council to not back down on their boundaries this time. Of course, they were too afraid to promise her anything. Unknowingly to them, she planned to give him a piece of her mind instead.
She found some amusement when he first walked in despite her nerves. Instead of being at the sidelines where she could barely look at the grasshopper in question, now she was dead in front of his gaze. His eyes flickered with surprise and intrigue at her appearance, only to return to that feverish hunger that made her heart jump. But, she didn’t falter; instead, she kept a level gaze, stoic in her countenance as the council began procedure. His antenna twitched at that, and his gaze only deepened. It wandered around her, and only her, even as he spoke to the others in that gentle, arresting tone he paraded. As expected, demands were high, and none were brave to argue. Except…
“No.” Atta’s sudden voice echoed through the tunnels— louder than she ever thought she’d sound, but she felt like she barely made a squeak. Before she could decide what the reality of her interjection was, his antenna twitched again. He looked at her, and— to her confusion— all she saw was that hunger.
“What?” Hopper asked venomously.
“I-I have some requests.” She said with a small voice, trying to regain her composure.
“Of course the princess has some wishes to fulfill.” He chuckles darkly, amusement replacing his face. She can see clearly he won’t take her seriously. “Alright, Sweetheart, lay it on me.”
He offers with a challenge— and something itching— hidden in his tone. She glares at him, and he still has that hunger. She lays out the changes she wants to make despite Thorny and Soil giving her pleading looks and hidden tugs. She couldn’t bear to look at any of them, not even her mother, as she kept her staring contest with Hopper. He grinned at her once she finished, ready to debate back about her changes. No one else could get a word in even if they tried.
Something in her sparked at the challenge; something in her sparked when his antenna twitched again at her refutes.
“Your demands are adorable, Princess.” He grins, inching closer to the council’s table. “But, I cannot accept them. Could you imagine what will happen if I do? My people will starve, and soon yours will have no one to protect you.”
Atta leaned closer, now fully enjoying the fire in his eyes up close. “Your people will starve if you don’t give the harvest time to grow and for us to eat.”
”You ants have plenty of numbers to sacrifice.”
The fire loses its blaze at his words. “What- what are you implying?”
Hopper laughs slowly and callously, finally looking away from her to glance up at her mother. “That you just have big shoes to fill, Princess.”
Atta looks to the queen in shock, but Queen Phyllis doesn’t return it.
“Regardless, as fun as this was, I won’t take anything less than what I ask for.”
“You have a deal. Hopper.” Her mother says before Atta could speak.
Atta’s eyes widened. “Mother—“
“Enough, Atta.” She replies sternly. “You’ve said enough.”
The princess clenches her hands into a fist at her loss, refusing to look at Hopper as the council signs off on the deal.
“Ahem.” She looks down at the grasshopper. He bore an impatient expression, hand extended out for hers. The hunger and fire was still glowing. Her heart stopped as she watched it roar as soon as her hand landed in his. Despite the heat, both kept their composure as he lightly kissed her hand.
“Pleasure doing business with you, Princess. I look forward to your future requests.” She painfully, painfully ignored the low growl in his voice before he pulled away to leave.
Her mother pulls her aside. “Atta.” She begins, breaking her from her trance. “You did not have permission to make such demands of him.”
“I have every right! We deserve some amount of respect, and I will demand it from him first and foremost.”
“Atta, this isn’t a game.”
“I’m aware of that. Are you, Mother? You seem to think our people are only pawns in this.”
“You have to think deeper; there are some things that require sacrifice.”
“Maybe it’s time that changes.” Atta remarks. She remembers the fire in his eyes. “Didn’t you see it: Hopper might not have thought highly of my wishes, but he listened and debated with me on it. If I continue this, one day, a change will be made. One day, he’ll actually listen and our colony will be better for it.”
Her mother sighed with a worried face. “Atta, dear, I’ve never been able to appeal to him. Not once has anyone in our colony appealed to a grasshopper.”
“Maybe I can’t, but I’m going to try.”
There could have been better ways to appeal to a grasshopper. But any ideas melted away as their little dance continued. She would plan out any and all facts or statements to support her arguments while waiting for his return. She’d think carefully about what he’d say, so that she could surprise him. Not even Flick’s mandated setbacks to their harvest could suade her thoughts: in fact, they only encouraged her.
When the opportunity struck, Summer— just 3 months before the offering would be ready, did he show up. It was unexpected, in the middle of work, and just him. No jockeys, Molt, or Thumper. Just Hopper.
His face was stoic, although Atta noticed the brief smirk of amusement on his face as the ants panicked—losing their lines. She noticed it again when his eyes caught hers, antenna twitching before he saw her, and he immediately marched to where she stood. Her breathing stilled as he beelined to her, pushing aside any of the council members trying to gain his attention.
“Princess.” He said in a low tone as he leaned over her. His antenna is twitching frantically now despite his calm demeanor. Atta’s focus on him melted away all turmoil the workers were going through. His gaze lit her on fire.
“H-Hopper.” She replied, back straightening. “This is a surprise.”
He hummed, tone aloof, but eyes hungry. “Yes, I realized I had some… unfinished business from our last meeting.”
“Shall I call a council meeting then?”
He chuckles, hiding something straining in his voice. “No, no. I request only an audience with her Royal Highness.”
She flinched at his wording, but remained intrigued. And, despite her earlier wishes, all she wants is to be alone with his fire. “Well then… Your request is granted.”
He grins and steps aside, “Then shall we go somewhere private?”
Atta can only nod, leading him into the anthill— aware of all the eyes watching her— before the two disappear into the tunnels. The two are quiet, save for Hopper’s unimpressed hums as they travel. Eventually, Atta finds a small meeting room, empty.
“Now,” She starts, trying to prepare herself for any debates. “What is it you needed, Hopper?”
“An excuse, really.” He replies, eyes dead set on her, but he keeps a good distance. “I don’t think you’d be surprised to learn my plans haven’t changed.”
“While you’re here, I might as well try to convince you otherwise.”
He chuckles at that, stepping closer and closer until he’s leaning over her again. Antenna twitching. Eyes, a forest fire. “At least allow us both the dignity for me to court you first, Princess.”
Her eyes widen at his meaning and dart to the floor, but she doesn’t pull away. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, I'm sure you are well aware, Sweetheart.” His voice growls as he points to his antenna. “Don’t think I can’t read it.”
She looks back at him in shock. He grins smugly. “Don’t get cute with me; you and I both know this has gone on for a long time.”
Atta crosses her arms. “So you can read my pheromones, so what? What made you decide now would be the time to mention it?”
“Because I can’t take it anymore.” He admits, frustration releasing after what would now be years. He leans closer, antennas darting around her head, and he sighs. “As soon as I saw you on that podium, as soon as you made your little request, it was too much for me to shove down. I need this suffering relieved, and I need it relieved now .”
His eyes are burning her at this point, and the heat is nearly impossible to bear. All she could think was having this thing relieved from her as well. “You… you wish to court me?”
“I wish to have you in any way you permit.”
“I permit? I’m surprised you didn’t take me as soon as we stepped in here.” She mocks him.
To her shock, he lets out a guttural groan— something between irritation and lust— before losing his composure and reserved demeanor. Hopper quickly pushes her against the wall, teeth bared, and antenna twitching again as her own heat pools between her legs at the sudden movement and sound.
“I told you,” He says slowly and darkly, “Don’t get cute with me. It’s taken a lot of strength for me to not take you in front of your entire colony; don’t push your luck.”
Atta’s eyes widened at the confession— and lustful threat. Still, she pushes down the growing fire. “What makes you think I’d have you? Even if I…” He raises an amused, knowing brow. “I find you attractive, it doesn’t mean I’d let you brute have me.”
“I’d like to argue with that because I have a theory.”
He gives her a toothy grin and half-lidded eyes— eyes that are on fire. She jumps again, beginning to hate how he’s able to startle her. And, before she could realize it, Hopper notices her antenna twitch. His grin widens and a hand reaches to pet her curly antenna. She shudders at the touch, eyes dead set on his, trying to maintain any sense of composure and indifference she can. But, his next words nearly make her melt.
“My, my, Princess Atta, look how desperate you are for me.”
He chuckles as her breathing goes heavy and as she turns her head away. Hopper, now fully letting go of his composure, tugs her head to face him. She stares at him wide-eyed— hands reaching at his arm. He leans closer, burying her body into his, as he whispers. “No, you look at me, Princess. Look at the monster that makes you so weak.”
Atta can no longer help herself with all of this shared heat and whimpers longingly, antenna twitching to him. She can practically feel his pride in his accomplishment.
“That’s it…” He moans, raspy, antennas reaching down to caress hers.
“You’re terrible.” She mutters, trying not to whine as her body tingles with every touch. “Horrible, the worst bug I’ve ever met.”
“And, yet, here we are, Sweetheart. Funny how life works.”
His hands wander, lightly playing with her exoskeleton. She cannot help but moan and squeak at every sensation. He groans in response.
“I hope you die.” She says between her noises.
“Afterwards, you can kill me however you wish.” He grins, now digging his hands into her waist. She yelps and whines at the touch. “Although, I fully expect you to want more after this.”
“After what?”
Instead of responding, he lifts her up, planting her mouth against his. He groans deeply into the kiss, sending sparks and fire throughout her body, as their antennas intertwine. Atta kisses him back with just as much force and her wings flutter. Just as their antennas interlock, their tongues do the same. Atta shudders at the wetness and how he takes over her mouth. She tries to fight back for dominance, but finds surrender to be the better option.
Hopper hums at her defeat, pulling her closer so that he can carry her. He sets her down on the table, leaning over her imposingly before he lets go of her antenna. Atta watches him in confusion as he pulls away. One set of his hands are on his hips, the other set held behind him.
“What are you doing?”
He chuckles, “If I recall, you refuse to let me have you. I wouldn’t take a lady without her consent after all.”
Atta growls at him, “You slimy, disgusting snake. Of all the times to be chivalrous…”
Hopper holds up his hands in defense, “I’m simply being a gentleman, Your Highness. Now, what is it you want?”
Atta grumbles, staring at him angrily and now fully lustful. Her antennas twitch with need, and she can barely hold herself together as she watches him attempt to do the same. “Alright, you have my permission.”
“Tempting, but no.”
“No! What?”
Hopper grins, “Permission isn’t enough, Darling, permission implies obligation. No, I want you to beg.”
Atta’s eyes widen and heat pools even more. A small whine releases from her, and Hopper’s desperately trying to maintain his cool. She leans closer, hands caressing his arm, antenna twitching as she feels her dignity leave in her lustful wake. “Please, Hopper. Please, I want you to break me. Make me entirely yours— your mate, your princess.”
Something in him snaps, Atta can clearly read it. He growls with a chuckle, pouncing his upper body onto her. She whimpers as he stares at her— hunger fully realized. “As you wish, My Princess.”
He kisses her body, hands roaming everywhere he can. Atta can’t help but wrap her arms and legs around him, seeking his warmth any way she can. He groans and growls into her, grinding himself against her at her tugs. She’s trying to remain quiet, aware how sounds travel through the tunnels, but Hopper’s having none of it. He kisses her shoulder, antenna playing at hers. Hopper reaches downward for her opening, gently rubbing it. He growls again, urging her to join him. Atta squeaks quietly, burying her head into his torso.
“Come on, Sweetheart.” He whispers commands, “Give in.” His movements grow more vigorous and impatient before he slips a finger inside. Atta whines loudly, digging her fingers into his shoulders. “That’s it, Beautiful. Let everyone know who you claim.”
He pumps in and out. Another hand supports her back and two others spread her thighs open. Atta can only see stars and fire at the heat as she weakly thrusts into his hand. He growls and chuckles at her behavior in triumph. He lets her go, preparing his own genitalia for her. Atta watches him with a grave expression as he lines up.
Hopper smirks, “Relax, Princess. Always so serious.”
“Sorry, I’m just… I never…”
“I know, and I won’t fool you: it will hurt. But, I know,” He leans in, kissing her, and Atta is surprised by his gentleness, “You’ll be begging for more soon.”
Without another moment, he thrusts into her and Atta shakes and exclaims at the sudden feeling. It stings and she’s having a hard time adjusting while he repeats the motion over and over. She falls onto her back, allowing him room to move. She finally let’s go: releasing all of her thoughts and sounds as he pushes deeper.
“H-hopper.” She moans. “Oh, Hopper!”
The grasshopper smirks, groaning with his rhythm. “That’s it, Your Highness. Just enjoy.”
“Don’t you dare stop or I will kill you.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He growls pumping in and out. She sits up, allowing her wings to flutter. The sounds of their wanton mix and mingle, and Atta is on edge thinking about if the colony found them like this. Still, she moans and whines as the larger insect takes her. She can’t handle but notice how his speed and force increases at each sound she admits. He hums at her, fully enjoying how she squeezes him.
“Good god, Atta.” He watches her with hunger as she looks up at him, panting and amazed by him saying her name. “You’re mine, understand that? Any thoughts of ever belonging to someone else can be thrown away now, because all you have and all you will ever need is me.” Atta whimpers as he thrusts again and again. He stares down at her expectantly. “Understand?”
“Y-yes.” She whines, “Hopper’s.”
“Hopper’s.” He repeats, slowly his thrusts to taunt her. “Hopper’s Princess. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
Atta groans, itching closer to her orgasm, “I don’t care; you can call me whatever you wish, just make it feel good. Ugh, I’m so close.”
At this, he slows down more to her disappointment. Atta hisses at him. “Now, I don’t think you’re in the position to make demands of me, Princess. You’re not the queen.”
“One day I will be.” She replies, thrusting herself against him. “You might as well practice if you’re to be my consort.”
“Consort? So soon, my Dear?”
“Keep fucking me like before and we’ll see.”
“Very well, my future queen.” He says before returning to his former pace. Atta whines at the title, at which he continues. “Gorgeous, stunning queen, who’s all mine. Mine to have whenever I please.”
“Hopper, please.” Atta cries. “Please, Hopper, don’t stop.”
A row rumble exits his chest as he leans over her, now fully enveloping her. He pounds into her, biting at her neck and shoulders. He whispers into her skin with every engravement: “Mine, Hopper’s, princess, queen…” Atta cries out with each word, heat rising further and further until she can’t take it anymore. Her body spasms, crashing into Hopper’s– pulling him into a needy kiss. He returns it with just as much vigor, hitting the right spots deeper and deeper until he loses his rhythm. Atta moans at the warmth he expels from his orgasm. His body crashes into hers and he’s growling and purring into her shoulder as his jolted movements end. The two lie still on the table as Atta comes to terms with what just occurred.
“Oh, god!” She shouts pushing the content grasshopper off her figure.
Hopper stumbles back in surprise, his mass now sheathed. “What the–?”
“I shouldn’t have that.” Atta says to herself, pacing back and forth. All she could sense and smell was his scent. “Oh, that was a mistake.”
“I personally think it was your best idea yet, Princess.” Hopper chuckles. “Not that you’ve had many so far.”
Atta faces him with a new anger, hovering over him. “Don’t! Don’t you- you vamp!”
“A vamp?” Hopper asks with an unamused tone.
“Yes, vamp! Seducing me like that; god, what will the colony think? My mother!” “
“Let’s not forget, my Dear, you were the one with the pheromones, you told me to make you mine.”
Atta looked at him, shamefully, knowing he was right. She was out of her mind for giving in to this. But, her antenna won’t stop twitching as she takes in his scent.
“And, now,” Hopper smiles wolfishly, carefully approaching her, before doing something she would never have expected. He bowed, landing on one knee before taking her hand into his. “How about you let this Royal Consort court you properly, Princess Atta.”