( Said with a smile that softens from a grin, viewing the small, dark striped bean shaped creatures nestled into the fur clumps and remains of the second leaf, rendered useful as a rabbit doe's preference in nest building. Likewise evident, the second rabbit — both, he finally understands in a way he'll remember, indelibly female — with a tiny haunch visible beneath, nursing and flicking dismissive ears their way.
He has no concept of a count. How many nurse on the one, and oh, the second rabbit returning to settle over her babies, her little ones, her whatever they're properly called. The joyful mess of all this nestled in silk, the speed at which this has occurred, tenders a sense of awe, a sense of sweet fondness that surprises him in the moment.
He holds the basket steady for his husband's gaze. )
Lan Zhan, they're so small. Aren't they small? And their fur hasn't come in. You sneaky ladies, you just gave birth, didn't you?
( The wonder in his smile, in his eyes lifting and searching across Lan Zhan's face in its stillness, and he offers: )
I love you.
( ... these unexpected words, where he had thought he might say anything else. Only he's not embarrassed, can't be, secure in his affections and attractions and the privacy of Lan Zhan's cooling cave, the precious constancy of precocious existence displayed without fanfare, without justification.
The dregs of what hesitation his heart harbours for the small, quiet fear he may never be enough, not as himself, loosens its last root and drifts away. All for the sake of that emotion in his husband's eyes, gazing down at the blind, milk seeking wonders of their rabbits tending to their heirs of the body, safe and soft and trusting without inhibition or doubt. The pure smile that continues to frame his face births statement: )
no subject
In the usual way of things, I suppose.
( Said with a smile that softens from a grin, viewing the small, dark striped bean shaped creatures nestled into the fur clumps and remains of the second leaf, rendered useful as a rabbit doe's preference in nest building. Likewise evident, the second rabbit — both, he finally understands in a way he'll remember, indelibly female — with a tiny haunch visible beneath, nursing and flicking dismissive ears their way.
He has no concept of a count. How many nurse on the one, and oh, the second rabbit returning to settle over her babies, her little ones, her whatever they're properly called. The joyful mess of all this nestled in silk, the speed at which this has occurred, tenders a sense of awe, a sense of sweet fondness that surprises him in the moment.
He holds the basket steady for his husband's gaze. )
Lan Zhan, they're so small. Aren't they small? And their fur hasn't come in. You sneaky ladies, you just gave birth, didn't you?
( The wonder in his smile, in his eyes lifting and searching across Lan Zhan's face in its stillness, and he offers: )
I love you.
( ... these unexpected words, where he had thought he might say anything else. Only he's not embarrassed, can't be, secure in his affections and attractions and the privacy of Lan Zhan's cooling cave, the precious constancy of precocious existence displayed without fanfare, without justification.
The dregs of what hesitation his heart harbours for the small, quiet fear he may never be enough, not as himself, loosens its last root and drifts away. All for the sake of that emotion in his husband's eyes, gazing down at the blind, milk seeking wonders of their rabbits tending to their heirs of the body, safe and soft and trusting without inhibition or doubt. The pure smile that continues to frame his face births statement: )
Lan Zhan, you'll need another robe!