Shock and D’aww
A Thursday Prompt story
© 2024 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by  technicolorpie, color by  marmelmm

Prompt: appalling


“Fuji – “

The Komodo monitor wagged a finger under the golden palomino mare’s nose. “It’s just a game, Merry. And I’m sure you don’t want Jinzi to use that word if Varan drops by.” Nearby, their daughter played, seemingly oblivious to the minor drama going on in the room. “Or one of the business clients.”

The word that Meredith had used was an intricate compound expletive in Kashlanin that doesn’t translate well into Terran Basic but is a gutter insult among the shlani. There were historical accounts of two Mercantile Fellowships essentially going to war when the leader of one conglomerate used it toward their opposite number in front of witnesses. Despite the intervention of the Sovereign at that time, bad blood still existed between the two Fellowships despite millennia having passed.

“I’m even shocked you know it,” the bull said.

Meredith crossed her arms defensively across her chest. “I said I’m sorry, Fuji – and how do you know it?” she suddenly asked.

If he had ears like his wife’s, the monitor would have dipped them. “I read the same databases you did when I was learning the language.” There was a short, embarrassed silence between them.

“I’m sorry,” Meredith said.

“I’m sorry,” Fuji said, and he slipped his arms around her. She reciprocated, and they hugged for a short while.

The mare suddenly chuckled. “What?” her mate asked.

Meredith met his gaze. “Your mother told me what your first word was.”

Fuji blinked at her for a few seconds before he groaned. “Yeah, I recall her telling me. According to her, I walked into the middle of a family gathering – “

“ – And said ‘Fuck!’” Meredith giggled.

“Fuck!”

Both parents turned to see their two-year-old grinning happily.

“Well,” Fuji said, “at least it wasn’t her first word . . . “