Work Text:
Hong Hong-er shivers in the cold wind, pressed as close to the building’s wall as he can manage. His eyes are squeezed shut, and his tail is draped over his nose, a pitiful attempt at a blanket.
“Aww, look at you,” a voice says softly.
Hong Hong-er blinks up at a human.
“Won’t you let me take you home?” the human asks, inching closer. He keeps his voice soft and gentle. Nonthreatening.
Hong Hong-er stares at his chest. He’s wearing a cream-white sweater, and it looks so warm.
“I promise I’ll keep you safe, little fox,” the human says.
Hong Hong-er trembles, but he doesn’t fight as the human scoops him up and cradles him against that warm chest.
“Shh, there you go,” the human whispers. “My name is Xie Lian.”
Hong Hong-er’s heart pounds. Shouldn’t he be scared? Humans have only ever hurt him.
But no. He feels safe - safer than he ever has before, pressed against Xie Lian’s chest, soft mittens cupping his body.
When Xie Lian carries him into the building, he doesn’t panic, just basks in the sudden warmth.
It’s Xie Lian’s home, he learns.
And now - his, too.