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It was just after a heavy rain storm, and you were trudging through the dense forest that one of your more... odder friends resided in. Haree. He was a much more closed off person, both figuratively and literally, as hes never truly left this beautiful forest in a very long time...
You always thought of him as someone a little more special... surely he was cold and monotone, but you had a gut feeling for a long time there was more to him than his so called religion and the blades on his back. You always like to check up on him occasionally, see how hes doing, make light conversation, etc. No matter the circumstances, Haree seems to have been enjoying your stays with him more and more.
Today was no exception of course, especially after such a heavy storm, you needed to make sure he was holding up alright. So, you put on your rain boots and a little gift bag for him this morning, set off for the woods, and here you are now. The woven basket rested in your swaying hands as you walked along the same worn path you always have taken, never a fresh step on this dirt path anymore.
Haree of course, being something like a guardian of the forest, seemed to catch on quick about your arrival. The second you had made it to the clearing where his church was and where he stood, his soft cooing voice echoed in your mind.
'Welcome back my dearest friend... i take you have slept well, even after such a storm?'
You smiled and laughed a little, nodding to the seemingly smiling rabbit. You expressed your concern for his sleep though, given he didnt have much for a finished roof over his head.
'Ah.. i do appreciate your concern, but there is no need to worry about my sake.. the spawn has protected my home and my roof, so the night went by swimmingly'
You nodded, still a little concerned but slightly reassured. You walked up closer to him, and offered your little basket of goodies to him. Haree seemed surprised by the gift, his eyes dilating, taking the basket and sniffing a little at the contents of it.
'Why.. thank you kindly my friend... i do not know how i could repay you for all of your kind acts for me.'
Haree smiled and held the basket in his arm, taking your hands and rubbing them with his thumbs. After a quick minute, he finally let go with a thought in mind, informing you to stay right where you are and keep still.
Confused, but you do as he says, watching Haree scurry into his church, and soon come out with a large old blanket. Excited, the rabbit skipped outside still with the basket and blanket, and lead you over to a large patch of flowers in the open clearing.
Haree laid down the old blanket in the patch of flowers, sitting down on top of it and placing the gift basket next to him. He patted the other side next to him, where plenty of blanket space was left just for you!
'I had the idea of perhaps... repaying you with a light picnic thanks to all of your kind services for me'
Haree looked up to you and smiled, perhaps even looking a little pink in the cheeks, but its probably just sunlight.
You smiled and happily sat in the spot where Haree had patted, gesturing for him to go through the basket.
'Oh! Yes yes, of course.'
Haree snaps out of his little gazing, and goes through the basket, taking out a little pack of cookies, some crackers, cheese, and vegetables. Small snacks, but nothing he wouldnt eat!
Haree smiled at all of the little goodies, then back up to you. He laid down all of the snacks in front of the both of you onto little paper plates, plucking a grape off of the vine and popping it below his chin. He practically melted from the sweet flavor, especially given he hasnt found something so sweet in so long...
You smiled a little at his poorly contained excitement, eating a grape as well. Yours was just as sweet, if not more so. You hummed to yourself in contentment, adding on how these were all picked as freshly as you could find them, just for Haree.
'...really...? Goodness i... im quite honored you would do so much just to gift me such a sweet treat. Thank you kindly my friend...'
Haree smiled to you, and opened up his arms just a little, indirectly asking for a little hug. He looked solemnly to you, his head tilting slightly as his warm presence welcomed you, literally, with open arms. You very happily accepted the hug, gently moving the plates of food to the side while you adjusted yourself into the embrace.
He was oddly warm... much warmer than usual at least. You could softly feel Haree's smile creeping up around his slim face, as his tail wagged furiously behind him. He closed his eyes and began to lean onto you more and more, practically bathing in your touch.
Haree sighed a heavy sense of relief, like he waited so long for a hug like this, like yours for that matter. You smiled at this well known fact, softly rubbing circles along Haree's sweater back, no longer needing to avoid the harsh wings he once bore.
He let out a quiet little squeak, slowly opening his eyes and looking back to you with dilated and loving eyes. His actual voice whispered out to you, with his head tilting slightly.
"May we... lay here for a little while..? If you dont mind i... id like to relax.. just with you."
You looked to Haree with hazy eyes, already a little sleepy from such a comforting hug. You just nodded slightly and smiled, helping him to pack away the snacks you had packed for him.
He seemed much more red by the time you looked back up to him, the sunlight making Haree's flushed expression practically glow. Meanwhile, Haree could only gaze at you in the same manner...
You basked in the sunlight so beautifully in his eyes... laying down on the picnic blanket just waiting for him to join in your soft snuggle brought so many little butterflies to his stomach. Haree's crooked, loving smile creeped all the way up to the sides of his flushed red face.
He flopped down next to you (liiiike a bunny) and tugged you up close to him. His breathing was soft and stifled, and his eyes closed as he rested his chin right onto your neck, practically enveloping himself around you.
You smiled as you continued on with your embrace, rubbing more circles along the rabbit's back. Haree squeaked out a few more happy little noises, as he nuzzled his nose onto your neck as a form of a soft kiss, holding you close to him as if you could be whisked away at any given moment.
The two of you enjoyed the summer sun, the swaying flowers in the soft breeze, each other's warmth and presence, all in one warm afternoon. You both needed a little down time together, and whether Haree chose to admit it or not, an afternoon felt a little incomplete without someone like you to keep him company.