having it out

Spider draws up short at the vehemence in Ignita’s voice, surprised at the fire they hear there. her relationship with Bas has emboldened her, it seems. anger prickles their fur when she mentions siblings - have she and Bas already discussed children, then? how many they’d have? what they’d name them? there’d been a time when Bas had professed a hesitance to have children - just another change thrust upon their world. and who is Ignita to order Spider around? she gets no say in how they treat her spawn (though a part of them suspects they’re incapable of hating Bas’ children.)

Spider turns back to face Ignita fully, a harsh retort poised on their tongue, but they’re pulled up short by the sheer anguish in the former slave’s face. Spider’s brow crinkles, a hint of confusion joining the medley of emotions on their face. she’s on the floor, crying, begging. does their friendship truly mean that much to her? Spider thrusts the thought away with an impatient scowl. clearly not, given the state of things. and yet, they can’t keep themselves from asking, “what does it matter? you’re getting everything you want, Ignita. i’m sure the loss of my company is a small price to pay in the scheme of things.”

"Speech"