Moonspear shrimps is bugs

Fennec appreciated the joke enough to run with it a little. Meerkat snorted, her cheeks aching a bit as she smiled. It really hadn’t been easy, forcing herself to speak hard truths, but Fen had clearly meant it when she’d asked for honesty and her responses were more than encouraging. Meerkat felt strangely liberated by the exchange.

You’re welcome, bitch, she whispered, tongue-in-cheek, returning Fen’s hug with a fierce little squeeze before pulling back with a laugh. Don’t worry, I won’t take this honesty thing too far, she quipped, but there really is merit to just… saying what you mean and meaning what you say. If everyone just knew how good it feels, they would stop talking around things.

Her voice trailed off into a thoughtful hum. Meerkat had been afraid of hurting Fennec’s feelings or damaging their relationship, despite her sister’s blatant request for honesty. Once more, she was reminded of how difficult it had been to overrule her own penchant for conflict avoidance and diplomacy. It was probably worth voicing some of that out loud for Fennec to consider.

It was hard, though, being honest with you even when you asked me directly. I was scared I’d hurt your feelings or you’d get upset with me, even if you insisted you wouldn’t. The risk was worth the reward, in the end, but the next time a loved one tiptoes around you, just know it’s probably with good intentions. Not always, she amended, frowning a little as she reflected on Fen’s mention of Bronco, but probably most of the time, it’s just misplaced care and concern for you. Almost definitely in Fig’s case, wouldn’t you think?