[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 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."

[acrookedpath]

"I could take my ink and paper to the field and draw them as they play," he says. "If they are as bold as they were yesterday, I could even draw more pictures of you cuddling them."

[lightamidchaos]

His expression softens, enchanted by the thought.

“Yes.”

[acrookedpath]

Wei Wuxian melts. "Ah, Lan Zhan, how is it possible for you to be so adorable all the time?"

He reaches across the table to touch Lan Zhan's cheek, his thumb alighting on the corner of that barely-there smile.

"I will stop suggesting you should turn into a rabbit as well. You are cute enough just as you are."

[lightamidchaos]

He considers this carefully. “Would Wei Ying find me cute as a rabbit? And wish to see me as one?”

It appears to be a serious question.

[acrookedpath]

"I think you would have fun," he says. "And yes, you would be very cute."

Gently, he traces his thumb along Lan Zhan's cheek.

"But you should not transform unless you wish to as well."

[lightamidchaos]

Across the room, hidden in a dark corner and lounging in a tub of water near the warmth of the fireplace, an alligator with golden horns perks up, listening.

Lan Wangji leans into Wei Ying’s touch. “I have never deliberately accepted a curse before. But I admit I am curious.”

[acrookedpath]

"It is not only that you would be adorable, or get to speak to the forest rabbits yourself," he says. "It is an entirely new way of seeing the world. A rabbit's ears, a rabbit's eyes and nose -- they sense so much more than us big lumbering humans! I would not be so selfish as to experience that, and never leave you the chance as well."

Rising from his seat a little, he leans over the table to kiss Lan Zhan's brow, just above the silver medallion of his ribbon.

"Think on it, if you wish. It does not have to be today."

[lightamidchaos]

“Mn.” It is very soft, and unusually thoughtful as he looks up at his beloved.

[acrookedpath]

(Unheard by either, a muted splash sounds from the same darkened corner as the alligator slithers from its tub.)

Wei Wuxian's smile is warm, and gentle. He does not move his hand from Lan Zhan's face right away. They are close enough that he cannot resist: as if to capture that soft, thoughtful hum, he presses his mouth to Lan Zhan's in a small kiss.

[lightamidchaos]

They are in public, and he could not care less. He returns Wei Ying’s kiss with a sweetness that somehow also simmers with desire beneath the surface, leaning into him, heedless of the world around them.

[acrookedpath]

(Golden eyes -- and horns -- gleam from the shadows as the alligator skitters from table to table, drawing ever closer to their booth.

Bringing about a curse through trickery and deceit is a fine way to go. But to explain precisely what he's doing, and have the human curse itself willingly to become a helpless mammal, just before he crushes it beneath his scaly feet? Ah, that is even sweeter.)

When they finally part, Wei Wuxian is smiling. His eyes are a shade darker; he chuckles, lowering his glance to the table to collect himself. Lan Zhan will soon have to leave for the day, after all, and --

Wait.

He blinks.

In the center of Lan Zhan's empty dish rests a single, innocuous-looking bunny cookie.

[lightamidchaos]

It is only with the trained self-control of years that he is able to remain coolly collected - at least outwardly. He looks at Wei Ying, meaning to say something, and forgets it entirely as he sees the expression on his face.

His gaze follows the other man’s to settle on the small cookie. Lan Wangji blinks.

“Wei Ying?”