[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.

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[lightamidchaos]

The wind races through his fur, ruffling it as he darts over the grass at top speed. It is almost like flying on Bichen, as quickly as he is moving, and he delights in it so much that it takes a moment for him to realize that the startled yelp is now accompanied by a pounding of footbeats from behind him.

He makes a tight circle around one of the pasture's fence posts and races back toward Wei Ying, who he sees is trying desperately to keep up with him.

[acrookedpath]

Lan Zhan does not seem frightened as he bolts back in Wei Wuxian's direction: there is no tension, no cowering, no frantic flicking of his ears. (They do flop rather adorably with each stride, but that's all.) So by the time they reach one another, Wei Wuxian has relaxed back into his cheery smile; he flops to the ground, breathing hard, and rolls onto his back.

"Let that be a lesson to me!" he says. "When you are like this, I will never be able to beat you in a footrace."

[lightamidchaos]

He springs into the air, leaping over Wei Ying as he lies on the ground, then does it again, and again.

It can be described as nothing but playful.

[acrookedpath]

Lan Zhan and playful go together so rarely that it is a marvel every time it happens. Wei Wuxian's heart swells, his whole chest lit with such warmth and fondness that he cannot help but laugh, watching Lan Zhan launch himself into the air over and over.

"Look at you!" he says. "You are having such fun like this! I knew you would enjoy it, Lan Zhan -- I am so happy you do."

[lightamidchaos]

He jumps over Wei Ying again, then rears up on his hind legs and rests a paw on his side, looking up at him. He twitches his nose at him, pointedly.

[acrookedpath]

Wei Wuxian's grin turns more sly. He props himself on one elbow.

Then, as quick as he can, he darts out a hand to try and catch Lan Zhan.

[lightamidchaos]

His fingers brush over Lan Wangji's fur as he twists and hops over him again, then bolts around him in a swift circle.

[acrookedpath]

Snickering, Wei Wuxian rolls onto his belly and tries to make another grab for Lan Zhan, only for him to slip through his fingers again. He scrambles to his feet.

"I will catch you this time!" he declares.

[lightamidchaos]

He stamps his hind foot on the ground as though giving an alarm call or a challenge, and runs around him in a circle again.

[acrookedpath]

Wei Wuxian spins, tracking Lan Zhan as he dashes around him --

He dives for the ground as the flash of white comes around again.

[lightamidchaos]

Rabbits are incredibly quick and can change direction in a flash, he discovers, doing just that. He ducks between Wei Ying’s feet, under his robes, and dashes back to sit up in front of him.

[acrookedpath]

"Oof -- "

He hits the ground hard enough that he needs a beat to catch his breath. Once he does, he looks up -- and splutters a laugh to see Lan Zhan sitting placidly in front of him as if to ask what all the fuss was about.

"How has anyone ever managed to catch a rabbit?" he asks, propping himself on his elbows. "You are too quick!"

[lightamidchaos]

There’s no question but that the rabbit looks smug as it stretches out its neck to nose at him.

[acrookedpath]

Wei Wuxian squinches up his face, playfully, and leans forward to touch his nose to Lan Zhan's.

"It is so nice to see you happy," he murmurs. "Enjoying your adventure."

[lightamidchaos]

The white rabbit licks his cheek and nudges its way under his chin to curl up against him.

[acrookedpath]

With care, Wei Wuxian arranges his forearms into a loose nest around Lan Zhan, smiling absurdly as the soft fur tickles his chin.

"Are you tired, after all that running?" he teases gently.

[lightamidchaos]

He snuggles down into the makeshift nest with a tiny squeak. Not that he would admit to being tired, but perhaps catching his breath would be no bad thing.

[acrookedpath]

He chuckles, so soft it is more felt than heard, and kisses the top of Lan Zhan's head.

"Then we will rest a moment," he says. "And once we're done, you can explore the grounds some more -- or we can venture into the forest, if you'd like to see how marvelous that can be with rabbit senses."

[lightamidchaos]

He is spoiled with choices, it is certain, but at the moment he feels no need nor desire to move. Lan Wangji rolls onto his back and stretches to his full length, paws forward and back.

[acrookedpath]

Oh, no. There is a soft rabbit belly right there.

Wei Wuxian valiantly resists the urge to bury his face in it. He does not, however, resist the urge to give Lan Zhan a belly rub.

[lightamidchaos]

He makes another squeaking sound of delight as Wei Ying pets him, and is startled when one back leg kicks at the air repeatedly of its own accord.

[acrookedpath]

Every time he thinks Lan Zhan cannot get any cuter like this, lo and behold, it happens.

"Lan Zhan!" It's perilously close to a squeak of his own. "What is this?"

He catches Lan Zhan's back foot.

[lightamidchaos]

He flattens his ears against his head and looks wide-eyed at Wei Ying.

[acrookedpath]

"I will not survive the day if you keep being this adorable." Grinning, he lets go of Lan Zhan's foot. "You are enjoying yourself, aren't you!"

He resumes scritching Lan Zhan's belly.

[lightamidchaos]

Even though he tries to prevent it, his foot starts kicking again. If it is possible for a rabbit to look sheepish, Lan Wangji does. He rolls to the side, into Wei Ying's hand.