"Well, that's the oatmeal done, really. Sometimes I crack a few eggs in there but I don't have any today."

Harley was still being fussy nearby, but he was being good and not barging in.

Knuckles picked up the bucket and moved it closer. "G'wan then, fella. Get in there."

And the spiderbird needed no further invitation, darting forward and sticking his whole head into the bucket. It looked pretty comical though Knuckles was used to it now so he didn't laugh so much as grin proudly.

"No table manners. As for YOUR little buddies, well, yeah, I could see hopw you'd worry. Daisy is a nice girl but even she might hurt one by accident. And Slippy...."

Gods, it was a miracle Slippy hadn't accidentally eaten one! Or two. Or fifteen. Or on purpo--wait, no. Slippy was too nice to do that.