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Language:
English
Collections:
Microcest, Therianthropy and Fantasy Stories - Serpex, Microcest - Serpex
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Published:
2025-09-03
Words:
295
Chapters:
1/1
Comments:
8
Kudos:
4
Bookmarks:
1
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52

Winter Warmth

Summary:

When Lan Cunzhi returns from his hike, he finds a certain werewolf curled up by the fireplace.

Notes:

Written for Microcest with prompts by ‪@microcest.bsky.social‬ on bsky

Prompt 74: Gray Hair(s)

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

Lan Cunzhi stumbled into their mountain retreat and shook off the fresh snow from his coat before entering the cabin. Warmth immediately shuddered through his whole body. He sniffed the air and caught his brother’s scent in the living room. As he passed through, he expected to see Lan Qiren in the large lazy chair. However, much to his surprise, he saw a large werewolf sprawled out in front of the fireplace. He was a pool of midnight fur against the browns of the skin rugs beneath him.

His younger brother rarely ever willingly chose to stay in his wolf form. But, it seemed like the temptation of a warm fire was too much for even Lan Qiren to resist. 

As quietly as he could, Lan Cunzhi nabbed a decorative pillow from the couch and slid it under Lan Qiren’s head. Up close, he noticed how grey hairs were starting to dapple his muzzle. It wasn’t too much, just a few lighter spots here and there. But it nailed even harder just how stressed his brother must have been in recent years. It had taken nagging from his wife, his two sons, and himself to convince Lan Qiren to take time off. Seeing him sleeping here, it was the most peaceful the man had looked in ages. He would have to drag him to even more places in the future.

Lan Cunzhi huffed lightly and scritched Lan Qiren behind the ears. He didn’t wake up, but the tip of his hind legs started to subconsciously kick as he hit the sweet spot. 

“Cute,” Lan Cunzhi mumbled happily. He stood back up and went to start dinner. The smell of braised carrots and tofu would rouse him later. But for now, he’d let his brother rest.