[pfsb] it's so FLUFFY

[acrookedpath]

In Wei Wuxian's defense, it isn't as if he forgot one should never eat free food unless it came from Madam Bar or the waitrats. It's simply that after nearly a year where he has -- only on occasion, mind you! -- accepted food and drink from strangers with no ill effects, he may have let his guard slip. Just a little.

Besides, he was so absorbed in his work that for all he knew, a waitrat had deposited the little bowl of animal-shaped desserts on his table. It wouldn't have been the first time he failed to notice one of them trying to get his attention.

So when he absently picked up a cracker to nibble on it as he worked through a particularly thorny set of talisman calculations --

Well.

The little black rabbit that now sits on the table, a red ribbon looped around one ear, just wants it emphatically known that this was not his fault.

Comments

[lightamidchaos]

Lan Wangji opens his mouth to answer, unsure of what to say, only to find that El-ahrairah has his own ideas.

Many of the humans in that place can't, the prince explains. The path there is a fickle thing for some. It does not matter, that means we get to keep him.

He sounds smug about it.

[acrookedpath]

That's true. With a small chuckle, Saxifrage drapes himself over Bearberry again. I won't complain that we get to see Hawthorn all the time!

[lightamidchaos]

He looks at El-ahrairah, who twitches his whiskers at him, then at Rabscuttle, who stares steadily back before rolling over on his side.

Lan Wangji decides not to ask, and to be grateful that he does not have to explain further. He nuzzles Wei Ying's wrist, then rests his chin on it.

[acrookedpath]

He strokes a palm over Lan Zhan's ears, scooping them up so they lay flat along his back, then scritches gently under his chin with one forefinger.

"I will sing the song you wrote for us instead," he murmurs. "If you do not mind our friends hearing it as well."

[lightamidchaos]

He wiggles his whiskers at him, not wanting to move his ears, and tries to look as contented as he can.

[acrookedpath]

His smile blossoms wider. With the same gentleness, he taps Lan Zhan on the nose, then brushes the backs of his fingers over his head.

"Wén dí shēng dú chóu chàng, yún shēn yè wèi yāng..." he begins, soft as a lullaby.

[lightamidchaos]

He snuggles closer and listens with a full heart. The sun drifts slowly over the clearing, dappling the ground with shadows and light intermingled. Everything is peaceful.

[acrookedpath]

I think I've heard this before, mumbles Cloudfoot, half-asleep. When Hawthorn's brought us food by himself.

The other rabbits murmur sleepy agreement, but make no further comment. Everyone is just as contented to curl up where they have rested, well-fed, drifting to sleep under the watchful eye of one of their humans.

[lightamidchaos]

He hadn't thought his heart could have any more room for joy, but Cloudfoot's quiet observation proves otherwise. Lan Wangji nuzzles his face into Wei Ying's hand and turns his head just enough to look up at him.

[acrookedpath]

Wei Wuxian smiles down at him, and his whole heart is in that smile. Quietly, he continues to sing, stroking his hand over Lan Zhan's ears; when the song ends, he trails into silence, letting the sounds of the forest replace the melody.

He would spend the whole day here if he could. It surprises him, even after so many months at Lan Zhan's side: he enjoys quiet now, when the peaceful moments come. Not that he would ever give up chattering and adventuring for good, but -- it's nice.

Wherever Lan Zhan is, that is where he wants to be.

[lightamidchaos]

In this way they spend a peaceful day together, happy in each other's company. Sometimes there are games, as when two of the rabbits decide to play at chasing each other; sometimes there are more naps and easy grazing on the various foods that have been brought.

When the sun lowers in the sky and the time comes to bid the small warren farewell, Lan Wangji promises solemnly that they will return again in the future, certainly in human form and again as rabbits if fortune will allow it. He rides nestled in Wei Ying's robes, over his heart, as they return to their room at the inn, then eventually curls up to sleep at his side.

[acrookedpath]

Lan Zhan's whiskers tickle his cheek as he dozes off, arms circled around his beloved in a makeshift nest. Wei Wuxian sleeps soundly, his dreams untroubled; he thinks he feels the bed shift here and there in the night, but it pulls him to only the barest hint of consciousness before he drifts asleep again.

When he wakes, the first rays of sunlight have crested the horizon. They catch on the wall of talismans, deepening the paper's golden hues. Lan Zhan's ribbon, still secured to his wrist, glints in the early light.

And there are arms around him.

Sleepily, Wei Wuxian begins to smile. He turns his head just enough to look over: there is Lan Zhan, human once more, nestled close beside him.