Tis The Season (WangXian RomCom, SEASONAL)

Bunnies

“Of course, other than meatloaf, you can make burger patties from the same mixture. You just have to shape them with your hands and then pan fry them with butter. Add the heated glaze and eat them all with warm rice and sunny side egg for the best experience!” 

Wei Wuxian added another use for the same mixture, and everyone ooh-ed and aah-ed, and the kids were expressing their intention to make it later – including Xiao Yuan.

“Can we also make the burger later, Uncle?” He asked Lan Wangji with bright eyes, and Lan Wangji couldn’t say no to the child.

“Of course, Xiao Yuan. Anything that you like.” He patted Xiao Yuan’s head and the boy smiled sweetly before he was taken away by Jingyi to get some seats outside.

“I see Xiao Yuan enjoys the lesson, Mr. Lan.” Wei Wuxian approached him and said his greetings. “You know, Xiao Yuan is a very good influence for my boy. The little brat was really testing my patience ever since his mother left, and then suddenly he became more polite and… well, manageable. I asked Teacher Wen what happened and he said that Jingyi has befriended Xiao Yuan who taught him basic manners.” Wei Wuxian shook his head in disbelief. “Anyway, let’s go outside and eat together with the others. I will introduce you to the other parents, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course.” Lan Wangji nodded and he took the meatloaf dish alongside the mashed potatoes and Wei Wuxian helped him with the sauce.

Outside, everyone was chattering and preparing the long communal wooden table for eating, and Lan Wangji noticed that the house had a large yard. 

There was also a separated caged area with colorful bunnies inside, and that was where the kids were playing.

They gave the bunnies carrots, and some of the older kids were petting the bunnies while the younger ones were touching their fur.

Lan Wangji noticed that Jingyi had a bunny on his lap, and Xiao Yuan was very interested in it judging by the way he caressed the fur carefully.

“Do you like bunnies, Xiao Yuan?” He asked the little boy – who nodded enthusiastically.

“Uhm!” The boy smiled so wide, it made Lan Wangji’s heart ache because it was the first time he saw him smile after his father’s death.

“Do you want to adopt one?” It was a spur of the moment offer, but seeing how Xiao Yuan’s eyes lightened up, Pan Wangji knew that he made the correct decision.

“Uncle, you can’t adopt just one, they will be lonely! You can adopt at least 2! I’ll tell Baba about it, I’m sure he’s willing to give you a couple of them!” Jingyi suddenly interrupted and put the bunny on Xiao Yuan’s lap before he dashed away to find his father.

Not a minute later, he came back dragging Wei Wuxian with him and Wei Wuxian was smiling at the boy and both Lan Wangji and Xiao Yuan.

“I heard that you want to adopt a couple of bunnies?” He ruffled Xiao Yuan’s head. “I recommend the black and the white one here, they are both male so that we wouldn’t be surprised by the arrival of the little ones.” 

“Are you sure we can adopt your bunny?” Lan Wangji asked the chef, but the latter only chuckled.

“Yes! In fact, everyone here has adopted at least a couple. The bunnies are reproducing kids at an alarming rate. I was thinking of giving them away to the orphanages and the schools to help with the education.”

“It helps when I want to eat rabbit stew.” Jingyi added with a grin.

“Nooo!” Xiao Yuan hugged the bunny tightly. “Don’t eat the bunny! I-I’ll buy you a burger, but please don’t eat bunnies!” He let out a couple of tears and Wei Wuxian smacked Jingyi’s head.

“Don’t worry about it, Xiao Yuan. Jingyi didn’t mean it, he’s just teasing you. Right, Jingyi?” Wei Wuxian glared at Jingyi who winced and nodded.

Then Jingyi pulled Xiao Yuan into a hug.

“If you don’t want me to eat rabbit stew, I won’t, Xiao Yuan. But promise me that you will be my friend forever.”

Xiao Yuan held Jingyi back while still sniffling.

“I promise, Jingyi, I will be your best friend forever.”