"That's not quite what I mean." Alpha-Fourteen rubbed her earlobe and bit her lip. "Through whatever mechanism of hormones and other biological factors – something I'm sure you would understand better than I – I have developed deeper feelings for you, ones that, in the old society, would have been consummated with marriage."
Beta-Five's face whitened, and he stepped back into the wall. "Wh – what are you saying?"
"I'm not asking for an answer now. I just want you to give it some thought."
"B-b-but the preparations, and the memory wipe, and, and why now?"
"I know I shouldn't have, and I'm sorry, but there might not be another chance. If you want me to, I can erase this memory for you, so it's like I never asked."
Beta-Five took a deep breath and placed a hand over his eyes. "I – I need time to think about this. Then maybe."