[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]

He waits through the laughter, taking the opportunity to serve up Wei Ying's breakfast for him, selecting choice bits to ensure he has the best.

"Mn."

[acrookedpath]

He wrests himself under control, the giggles petering out little by little -- and when he lifts his head, ah! There is his breakfast! His whole expression softens to deep fondness.

"All right," he says, as he fetches the jar of chili oil from the table's center. "How about this: I will design a translation talisman, and should either of us turn into rabbits, the other will swear to stay human, protect him, and keep the talisman close. And should we ever wish to be rabbits at the same time, we will stay where it is safe!"

...Maybe he could design some protection talismans as well, that would remain active even if they are not human. Then they could still have adventures in the forest! Hmm.

[lightamidchaos]

"I am certain you will be able to accomplish it," Lan Wangji tells him, and pours their tea.

[acrookedpath]

"Hopefully it will be easier than the energy-revealing array," he laughs.

When Lan Zhan sets down the tea, Wei Wuxian catches his hand in a squeeze, briefly linking their fingers. Just because he can.

[lightamidchaos]

The faintest hint of a smile, nearly invisible to everyone else but clear as calligraphy to Wei Ying, curves his mouth.

[acrookedpath]

"I will groom whiskers that aren't there, as I grow used to being human again," he murmurs, "and I will do this every chance I get."

He kisses Lan Zhan's knuckles.

[lightamidchaos]

“You will,” he agrees. “You already rub your nose when you are thinking.”

Even as he says it, he touches Wei Ying’s cheek, just for a moment.

[acrookedpath]

"I do? ...I suppose I do," he says with another quiet laugh, as he casts his mind back to his times of deep thought. "I have never really noticed before. Perhaps because I am too busy thinking, eh?"

He tips his head into Lan Zhan's caress.

[lightamidchaos]

“Perhaps.” He runs his thumb over Wei Ying’s cheekbone, then pulls his hand back.

“Eat,” he suggests.

[acrookedpath]

As if just remembering his food is there: "Right! Yes."

Wei Wuxian picks up his chopsticks and digs in.

After a few bites, he adds, "So would you like to hear how El-ahrairah got his name? Or how he and Rabscuttle outsmarted the cruel king who kept them from his lettuce garden?"

[lightamidchaos]

Without hesitation: “Both.”

[acrookedpath]

Midway through taking a sip of his tea, he sputters, quickly clapping a hand over his mouth.

Once he has swallowed: "Lan Zhan, how did I know you would say that!" His eyes sparkle merrily. "Which would you like to hear first, then?"

[lightamidchaos]

He gives that due consideration, then decides, “The lettuce.”

[acrookedpath]

"The lettuce story is a very good one," he says cheerfully.

After another sip of tea to wet his throat, he begins the tale just as the rabbits told it to him. Wei Wuxian's memory may be poor, but he has always had a good head for stories, if nothing else. Perhaps there are a few extra embellishments here and there -- who can say? It is a thrilling, joyous legend nonetheless.

[lightamidchaos]

He listens with careful attention that quickly becomes rapt, eyes widening at the risks taken and tricks played, at the daring of the rabbit prince and his companion. No wonder Wei Ying was so enthralled!

[acrookedpath]

Lan Zhan is so adorable when he's excited about something!

(Wei Wuxian is quite biased, believing that Lan Zhan is adorable in most things he does, but nevertheless.)

From the end of that story of El-ahrairah's hated enemy, it takes but a small hop -- pun very much intended -- to segue into how the Prince With a Thousand Enemies got his name. A shorter tale, without the same excitement as the first, but quite pleasant to share over breakfast.

[lightamidchaos]

By the time Wei Ying finishes, Lan Wangji has finished his breakfast and is sipping the last of his tea.

A small smile curves his lips. "That is quite a tale."

[acrookedpath]

"You see why I was having so much fun listening to it!" Realizing he has barely touched his breakfast in the course of his telling -- and seeing Lan Zhan has already finished his own meal -- Wei Wuxian hastily shovels up a few quick mouthfuls of food. Once he can speak again: "There were others, too, but those may be better saved over wine. The story of the warren Saxifrage hails from, and how El-ahrairah gained his sparkling ears."

[lightamidchaos]

"Eat," Lan Wangji tells him. "We have time. You can tell me the other stories later. I will enjoy hearing them."

[acrookedpath]

He huffs a tiny laugh. "Yes, Lan Zhan," he says, amused, and returns to his food.

(Hopefully he did not worry Lan Zhan too much when he explained his fear of dogs. Or perhaps he just wants to ensure Wei Wuxian won't forget to eat, before he must return home for the day!)

[lightamidchaos]

"Mn," he murmurs, a warmth and gentleness to the sound.

[acrookedpath]

Soon enough, his bowl sits empty alongside Lan Zhan's. He polishes off his tea and sets that aside as well, with a small, pleased sigh.

"...Maybe I could write down the rabbit stories for A-Yuan," he says, eyes newly alight as the idea strikes. "As I collect other tales to form into a book for his birthday."

[lightamidchaos]

An answering spark lights his own glance, and he nods at Wei Ying. "He would like that. I am certain of it. And you could illustrate it, too."

[acrookedpath]

"Yes!" He beams. "Of course, I will have to show the illustrations to the rabbits first to ensure they approve of how I've rendered them. Especially El-ahrairah -- I am certain he'd insist he has a reputation to maintain!"

[lightamidchaos]

"... I had never thought that rabbits might appreciate pictures," he says, somewhat struck by the idea. "I suppose we should."