[MDZS] The Dragon and the Fox

Rabbits

The two waited approximately another week before continuing their journey to ensure Wei Ying was strong enough to travel. During that time, Lan Zhan helped him to strengthen his legs. They would walk everywhere around Cloud Recesses. Wei Ying morphed into his fox form to walk around by himself for a while.

Lan Zhan was busy with work, so Wei Ying had nothing else to do. He was told to stay within the confines of the Jingshi, but he was bored after only a few minutes. He walked through the back mountains and spied something very interesting. He at once followed the trail to find a patch of green grass and a bunch of furry creatures there. They were all different sizes and colors. He was curious as to whether or not he could catch them.

He camouflaged himself and hid, waiting for the right moment to strike. After studying the surroundings for a few minutes, he pounced! Unfortunately, he landed hard on his back legs, and because he wasn't strong enough yet, a pain shot through them from the force of the landing and the jump from the tree he was in.

Lan Zhan felt something was wrong. He was heading to the Jingshi to check on Wei Ying anyway, but something told him the young fox wasn't there. So, he went searching, and sure enough, Wei Ying was laying in the middle of a small clearing in the back mountains, sobbing quietly. Lan Zhan ran to him to help.

Lan Zhan: "Wei Ying. What's wrong? What happened?"

Wei Ying sniffled. "I saw some rabbits and wanted to play with them, but when I jumped from the tree, my legs started hurting. I lost my balance and fell." He only told half the truth, but it was enough where Lan Zhan believed it.

The dragon lifted the fox and carried him back to the Jingshi. Lan Zhan applied an ointment to the other's legs and massaged them. Wei Ying blushed and looked away. Lan Zhan's hands are soft and gentle. He was caught off guard by his own thought.

Wei Ying: "Um...Lan Zhan?" Lan Zhan hummed in response. "I can do this myself. You don't have to..." He trailed off as his blush deepened and he tried to hide it.

Lan Zhan: "Am caring for Wei Ying," he spoke simply.

Wei Ying blushed harder. Oh, Lan Zhan! You don't understand at all!

Lan Zhan was concerned Wei Ying was sick again, so he stopped temporarily to check the other's temperature. The fox boy's temperature was normal. It baffled Lan Zhan as to why the boy's face was so red.

Lan Zhan: "Wei Ying..."

Wei Ying: "I-I'm fine, Lan Zhan..."

Lan Zhan was still a bit concerned, but he nodded slightly and continued. The dragon's touch was gentle as he caressed the other's legs with care. Wei Ying couldn't think. He felt as if his heart was going to explode out of his chest.

Lan Zhan: "Don't go outside without supervision," he ordered after he was finished. Wei Ying didn't really hear what the other had said, but he nodded anyway. His mind was a jumbled mess. Lan Zhan lifted the boy's legs onto the bed. "Rest for a while. Will return with food."

Wei Ying spaced out. His mind blanked completely. The feeling of Lan Zhan's hands lingered on his legs. He couldn't help the blush creeping onto his face once more. He curled up with his knees to his chest, his arms wrapped around his legs, and his chin resting on his knees.

His nose twitched as he smelled something yummy, his stomach growling like crazy and very loudly. He looked over to see Lan Zhan standing there. He jumped, startled by the jade's presence.

Lan Zhan: "Come. Eat," he stated simply, helping the fox boy to stand up from the bed and walk to the dining table in the other room. Wei Ying was embarrassed to have someone helping him walk as if he were a babe taking its first steps.

Lan Zhan seated himself on the other side of the table. Wei Ying only stared at all the food.

Lan Zhan: "Wei Ying."

Wei Ying startled. "Yes, Lan Zhan?"

Lan Zhan: "Eat."

Wei Ying nodded. "Ah...okay," he said, picking up a pair of chopsticks. He stared at all the food, wondering where to begin. "Hey, Lan Zhan? I was wondering: where did those rabbits come from I saw earlier?"

Lan Zhan: "Mother gifted them to this one as a child. Eat. Now."

Wei Ying sighed, giving up. He stared at the food again. He picked at it, taking tiny bites of it. He was hungry, but he wasn't at the same time. Silence followed. Lan Zhan ate all his portion. He watched as Wei Ying continued to eat his in silence.

Lan Zhan was concerned. He didn't pursue the concern, however. He only allowed the other to finish quietly. As soon as Wei Ying finished, Lan Zhan helped him back to the bed.

Wei Ying gripped Lan Zhan's robe as the other turned to leave. "Wei Ying. What's wrong?"

Wei Ying: "Um...well...could...could you...massage my legs again...?" He winced from the embarrassment of the question.

Lan Zhan: "Does Wei Ying's legs still hurt?"

Wei Ying: "A little...? Not nearly as bad as before, but the walk to and from the other room is harder than it used to be..." Lan Zhan knew it was. There was something more, however. "Also...can I have a basket to hold?" It was at that moment, Lan Zhan saw the pale complexion of the fox. He hurried and grabbed a basket, handing it to the other in time for them to vomit what they just ate.

Lan Zhan: "Wei Ying!"

That was a week ago. The two set off once more on their journey to find the shadowed man. Wei Ying decided to walk in his fox form. He loved it! He felt absolutely free! Lan Zhan gazed at him from the side. He felt Wei Ying was a very beautiful creature indeed. He smiled at the other's happiness.