Inspired by the one and only That That San and big floppy ears bun Hwa whom I always wanted to write.

Smut warning at the end

********

The wide brim of San's hat cast a shadow over his face. The sun hovered in the zenith, sweltering down on him with unbearable brilliance. Sweat pearled on the back of his neck and under his chin, dripping over tanned collarbones and down the V of his vest. He didn't bother to wear anything below, just his jean jacket on top to avoid the sunburn.

Below him, the freckled flanks of his appaloosa felt drenched and sticky. The animal was heated from their gallop, and brown ears ticked left and right. Sympathetic, San leaned to hold on to the horn of his saddle with only one hand. The other reached to pat his companion's sweaty neck, thanking him for the effort.

The prairie rushed past in a band of brown and gold. The sky was so clear it looked painted on and dust stuck to San's boots and his brown leather chaps. They framed worn jeans and their tassels whipped in the wind.

San had been born in the saddle. He spent every free hour out in the prairie, hunting, exploring, and checking the horizon for hints of a storm. He serviced the fort and got to relish the wind in his face at the same time.

The movement of horse and man were one. They knew each other like the dips in the ground and the rattling of the concealed snakes in the sparse bushes dotting the desert. On the far horizon, the heat sweltered on the jagged mountains, stone formations more than proper hills. The sky blurred with them, tricking San's eyes. When he licked his lip, he tasted salt.

Today, the wasteland was barren. The few coyotes out at this unlikely time of day skittered when the clop of hooves neared and only the head of a black-footed ferret peeked from the rocks to watch him pass. San sat back in the saddle, riding with leisure as he relished the familiar sights. Out here, it was quiet. No people yelling around, no duels in the middle of the street. No broken dams and no limited water supply. Ever since they built that damn railroad, the fort got uncomfortably busy.

Movement between the rocks caught San's attention. His sharp eyes flicked over the infertile land, discerning the bleak browns of the dust from the creature.

Behind a shrub and cowered into a ditch were the curves of two flopping bunny ears. They nibbled on the meagre bits of food the dry plant provided, and the spindly bush trembled with every yank of impatient teeth.

"Whoa, slow down, Boots. My eyes spied a fine dinner." A gentle tug on the bit brought the appaloosa to a slow trot as San circled back on himself so his proximity wouldn't alert the rabbit.

The bush quivered from yet another aggressive tug. San chuckled and wiped his sweat with one hand while the other reached for his lasso. Trustful that he wouldn't tumble out of the saddle, his hips followed Boots' graceful circles.

Practised hands hooked the lasso from its belt. It was prepared ahead of time; the loop always knotted so San merely had to throw it out.

Once he found a good view and angle, San spurred Boots with a sharp yell and a press of his knees. Ears alert to the call for a hunt, Boots stormed forward and San clamped his thighs around the saddle so he wouldn't fall off.

The scrub stopped moving and tall ears pricked under the gleaming sun. As soon as it picked up on the danger, the bunny froze, giving San enough time to hurl his lasso at it. It shot through the dry desert air like a snake poised to strike. The second it found its target, San jerked his arm back, dragging the flighty bunny into his loop. Boots rounded the ditch, ready to take off as soon as San dragged the squirming package into his arms, but he met unexpected resistance.

His shoulders bulged when the bunny's thrashing almost lifted him out of his saddle. The animal couldn't get anywhere, but it was weightier than he expected.

However, San and Boots were a remarkable team. As Boots stormed into the open plains, San hooped the lasso around his hands and clutched it tightly. With combined strength, they hauled their prey from its hiding spot.

A scream of agony startled a bird from a nearby rock. San slackened his grip in shock, heels digging into Boots' sides to stop him. His companion neighed, upset with the sudden change in pace, then they halted in a cloud of dust. With wide eyes, San blinked at where his rope ended.

Not the most haunted desert creature screamed like that.

The dirt cloud got blown away by the blistering breeze. Only the sizzling heat remained. That, and the pitiful sniffles coming from the being trapped in San's rope.

The cowboy dismounted, heavy boots hitting the earth. He gathered up his rope as he approached the heap of misery in the ditch. The closer he got, the more absurdly large it became for a rabbit.

He hadn't been wrong. The dust-specked ears in front of him were undoubtedly those of a rabbit. They were big and droopy, hiding tears of pain from San's view.

The rest, however, wasn't the body of a bunny. A grown person lay before San, coiled into himself and with his arms trapped to his sides by the rope. Vicious red streaks marred his skin where it caught him and one of his ankles was twisted into a morbid angle from his leg.

"Heavens," San brought out as he knelt by the hybrid's side. He didn't know what to do, he was too mortified by his mistake.

Another sob pulled him from his reverie.

"I'm so sorry," San choked out. His shadow fell over the bunny when he reached to undo the lasso. He thought it earlier, but up close, those fluffy ears seemed to match the man's hair. The dusty outer fur was a soft pink and the insides white.

When San touched him, the hybrid flinched back. He hid behind his ears, curling into himself and wide, reddened eyes looked at him full of fear. San knelt, lifting both hands in defence.

"Let me help. I don't mean to harm you." However, when he stretched out his hands, the bunny scrambled backwards. He bit back a whimper when his hurt ankle protested and fresh tears rolled.

Horrified, San stayed right where he was.

"I want to undo the rope and check your injury." He pointed at what he meant, unsure how much the bunny understood. He was dressed, but his clothes were tattered and frayed from age, and San had never seen him in the fort before. Otherwise, he would remember those teary, doe eyes.

"Please let me help," he added in a rushed breath.

This was not what he did. He didn't hunt people, no matter the dirt they perched in and how they acted like animals. The brutal yank on horseback broke the poor chap's ankle, and now he was terrified.

Oh, Yeosang would have San's head for this. He should relish the last minutes in the sun.

Trembling, the bunny cowered away. He quivered to the tips of his ears and no matter how San pleaded, his attack and the shadow of his hat terrified the hybrid too much to reconsider.

San had no other choice but to trap him in place by the rope and crawl over. Even as the rabbit squirmed and squealed in dread, San mounted his thighs to seize the tightened rope. With quick movements, he tugged it over the bunny's shoulders and head.

In a flash, the hybrid threw himself around. San glimpsed a twitching, pink tail that was white at the bottom before his flight instinct took over.

A moment later, he crashed to the ground with a wail when his ankle caved. Weeping, he clutched his leg. His shivers got worse when San stood and the sand crunched under his boots.

"I don't want to hurt you," he begged, kneeling once more. The bunny retaliated when he was cornered. His teeth caught onto the back of the hand San stretched out and bit down, quick and vicious. He fled immediately, twisting away as San hissed.

The bite was small but deep. Blood gushed to the surface and San cradled it to his chest. The shared misery slowed the injured bunny, and he rethought. His ear twitched.

"Please," San said, not losing his temper over the deserved wound.

Perhaps the bunny was wearied from his fight. Perhaps he knew he needed help. He turned towards San, head cast away and eyes clenched shut to expect a quick end. A vicious knife stabbed San's heart when he scooted closer. Cautious fingers found the bunny's leg. It jerked in his grasp, ready to pull away, but the fear of pain kept it in place.

San lingered a moment, and the hybrid copied him when no imminent threat came from the cowboy. He sat in apprehensive wait, and his fingers clutched to his ears, bunching them around his face like a shawl to muffle his whimpers. San only saw those big, vulnerable eyes, and something in him dissolved.

"Shh, you're in no danger now. I will take a look at this, alright?" His fingers skimmed the leg below loose pants, finding the shape of a scrawny body beneath.

The rabbit didn't nod, but he also didn't protest. Thus, San carefully pushed the holey leg of his pants up and exposed his swollen ankle. Even in such a short time, it discoloured in ugly yellows and blues. It wasn't broken, but it was far from good.

San hissed through his teeth. His dark fringe fell into his eyes when he lifted his head to the bunny. Total suspicion and accusation. The cowboy winced.

"You need a medic. I can take you to our village and bring you to someone I trust. Is that fine?"

The hybrid shook his head. He understood, but a stubborn refusal clouded his eyes. Now that the shock lifted, he looked angry at San.

"But you can't go home like this. It might get worse, or the coyotes come out before you make it," San appealed to his survival instinct. Yet, the rabbit was reproachful. He yanked his leg from San's careful fingers and scrambled backwards until he stood. Quivering knees almost caved as he shifted all weight on one leg.

San watched him from the ground, how he cradled his ears and stubbornly hopped a few steps. He broke down once more and San surged up to help him, but the headstrong bunny scrambled right back up to repeat. At a snail's pace, he made his way into the danger of the open desert.

San gnawed on his lip. How far was his home from here? Could he help himself?

Apprehensive, the cowboy returned to Boots, but his eyes lingered on the pitiful bunny. He did this. He tore on that peaceful creature and twisted his ankle.

He had to take responsibility.

With one rush, San swung on Boots' back. He pulled him around, directing him at the back of their limping catch. He trotted alongside the bunny for a few steps. The pain in his heart couldn't take that pitiful limp.

"Please," San asked. He extended his hand, and the rabbit looked up at him. The brim of his hat shadowed San's carved features and his shoulders were broad and those of a hunter, but no malice carried in his offer.

The bunny contemplated him. When those eyes shut off with the all-known fear of a stranger's intentions, San sent an inner apology to Yeosang and the reasonable parents of this bunny. Then, he packed him under his arms and hauled him up on Boots.

Furious squeaks and kicks got forced into submission when San pressed him down to slump over the saddle before him. He spurred Boots to bring them back to the fort so he could help the indignant Bunny as fast as possible.

-

Yeosang hit San over the head with a book on healing herbs.

"Look what you've done, you klutz!"

Whimpering, San held the back of his head. He stood in the tiny, cramped spare room of Yeosang's house that barely fit all three of them.

The bunny sat on the bed, huffy and upset at the rough treatment San forced him through. Yeosang knelt by his side with a curse on his lips. The bunny trusted anyone more than San, but it helped to have another hybrid around.

"I apologised to him, but he wouldn't listen. I only dragged him here because he needed help," San winced. He adjusted his hat before he retreated to the door to let Yeosang work. He kicked his boots over each other and crossed his arms to lower his head in shame. His shoulder leaned in the door frame.

"He wouldn't have needed kidnapping if you didn't lasso everything you see out there!" Yeosang furiously whipped his medicine kit open. Like this, his little horns looked almost intimidating, if not for the fluffy bison tail dangling from his backside.

Though satisfied San got scolded, the bunny was skittish when Yeosang treated him. He nibbled on his ear, grooming his fur to distract himself from the pain.

"He sat in a bush and I only saw the ears! What was I supposed to think?"

Yeosang struck him with a devastating glare.

"Beat it. I won't let you near him if you can't tell a hybrid from an animal. Look at him once while he is here and I will neuter you."

On instinct, San's hand flinched to cover his crotch. He grimaced.

"Got it. I'll wait downstairs if you need me. But please, convince him to stay until he gets better. He was alone out there," he muttered before he pushed off the door. Agitated doe eyes glared at him until he left.

San exhaled once he was out of sight. Both the fluffy rabbit looking ready to cut his throat with dull teeth and Yeosang's beating humbled him. He was sorry, but he couldn't turn back time.

San rubbed the lingering heat on the back of his neck as he stepped outside. As he looked down the street, his eyes caught on the saloon. Perhaps he could drink his guilt away?

As he strolled over, he hooked his thumbs in the hoops of his jeans. He kept his eyes low and covered by his hat, not wanting to talk to anyone. Those accusing stared didn't leave his head, and he nudged at the small bite wound on his hand. An eye for an eye. He would treat it as a reminder of what he had done.

San stepped into the saloon with a sigh. He was ready to drown his sorrows in ale and hope for good news from Yeosang. He greeted the owner and weaved past boisterous drunk cowboys and the fast pace of the music when someone came up to him. With a coy hand under his chin, Wooyoung leaned next to him against the bar. His full chest invitingly pushed in San's direction and his black and white tail flicked behind him.

"Hey, handsome," he breathed, coquettish lashes deaf to San's turmoil.

San gave him a bland smile.

"Howdy."

Wooyoung slipped onto the stool next to him, shuffling it closer until their thighs brushed. While San received his drink from the amused barkeep, the cow hybrid nuzzled his soft ears and dulled horns into San's neck.

"I missed you sooo much. My chest feels so full, Sannie. Can you milk me today?" He put on his best pout. Had he done it to anyone else, people would have been at his feet.

San, however, stared at the countertop.

"I'm sorry. I have a lot on my plate right now."

The pout became a sulk. When he crowded closer and pushed his arms together, the sweetheart neckline of his blouse enticingly squeezed his pectorals. They were full of delicious milk San loved to taste on other days, but now his mind was stuck on the irate bunny.

"What could be more important than I? We can play in the hay. I've been waiting all day for you to return."

San took a sip and shook his head.

"Not now, Woo. Ask someone else."

With a huff, Wooyoung jumped from his chair. His gaze was the same. Disappointment, distaste, upset.

San messed up a lot today.

"Fine," the hybrid hissed as he stomped outside, leaving San with the saloon full of snickering men. He rubbed his face with his hand as he guzzled his drink.

Wooyoung would forgive him, as he always did. His infatuation with the cowboy came naturally with their roles. Although the way Wooyoung liked to be lassoed had nothing to do with what San did to that poor bunny.

Remorseful about the damage he caused, San brightened his mood with the alcohol. By the time his confidence returned and warmth eased his strained muscles, Yeosang strode through the swinging doors. Since he only ever drank the same, the barkeep scurried to prepare his drink as he slid onto the stool by San's side.

San took off his hat so they could talk and put it on the sticky wood in front of him. His tousled black hair had dried from the earlier sweat. Not even his repentant grin and the sweetest dimple could get the scowl off Yeosang's features. His animalistic side looked dreadful when angry. Otherwise, Yeosang was a rather pacifist fellow.

"How is he?" San asked when the bison merely scowled to himself. He feared getting locked in jail until the rabbit felt better, just so he couldn't cause any more torment.

"He's fine, no thanks to you," Yeosang snapped before he tilted his head back to empty his cup. His long, thick hair tickled his pale neck. Usually, San would play with his horns if they sat this close, but he didn't dare touch them today. Their tips weren't cute and rounded like Wooyoung's.

"I apologised the second I saw what he was," San promised. His regularly so confident figure shrank in his chair, handsome face lowered to rub his neck with restless fingers. Whenever he came here, he rarely spent his time alone. Some pretty dove was always interested in chatting him up, hoping to spend a night in his warm bed that wasn't occupied by a wife.

Sometimes he indulged them, sometimes he joined Wooyoung in the barn he frequented. At least, the cow hybrid and he were so accustomed to each other that the morning after was never awkward. Or any time later, since the fort was so small.

"The poor thing was too terrified to tell me his name. Where did you find him? I never saw a pink bunny out here."

San shrugged.

"He sat half an hour's ride west in a trench and nibbled on some creosote. He doesn't seem to be a desert breed. Their ears don't flop." He tried to banish the visual of those ears from his mind. He wanted to know what the bunny who cradled them to his face like a scarf and ever so cutely nibbled on his fur in nervosity liked to be called.

Yeosang rubbed his cheeks with a contemplative hand.

"He didn't mention anyone searching for him or to run to. Had you left him out there, he probably would have died. He doesn't seem to live with the rest of his fluffle in a warren. I imagine he hides in a lonely cave."

When San perked up, hands coming to lie on his thighs, Yeosang gave a defeated sigh.

"So, yes, you did a good job taking him along. As much as he resists, he couldn't have tied a good splint. He should hop around as before in a couple of weeks."

Relief flooded San's chest. This time, his grin was genuine.

"I'm glad he will heal. Will he live in your guest room until then?"

With a nod, Yeosang accepted a refill. His tail swished behind him idly, at ease in their surrounding of humans and hybrids of various animals. Naturally, desert animals felt more at ease here. Once, a snow leopard inspected the train tracks and the poor lad could barely stand from his heat stroke.

San was human, but he grew up around hybrids and treated them like any other person. As a cowboy, he also constantly had to do with them and their needs. Wooyoung favoured him over the others when it was time to get rid of excess milk. (He wasn't pregnant. Modern cows just developed genetics convenient to human needs.)

"He conceded he would make his leg worse if he returned and tended to it himself. Though he is still frightened. I would like for everyone to stay as far from him as possible. Especially you. He might get the binkies of fright and get hurt."

Though disappointed at that news, San gave in. This was his fault. Maybe those accusatory eyes would forgive him one day. He would ride over into the next city to bring the rabbit his favourite greens if that meant he got a chance to apologise.

"Fine, fine, I will stay away. We have the summer festival coming up, anyway. I need to prepare."

"Perhaps he can join if he feels up for it. But yes, you scurry and get things done. And Wooyoung milked. I saw him stomp down the street earlier. Ears flicking in anger and all."

San lifted his hat on his head as he stood. The press of his gun holster against his thigh eased.

"I sent him away, yeah. If he hasn't bothered someone else already, I might catch up. Gives me less bun to think about." He muttered the last part to himself, but Yeosang's eyes still narrowed. Yet he let San go when he tipped his hat and retreated. A casual hand hooked on his belt as he strode down the dusty road.

The preparations for the summer festival busied various areas of the fort. The herds of cattle got gathered in their encasement, and a new fence framed the area for games and challenges. Everyone decorated their houses with colourful fabrics and volunteers prepared food and music. It was a small-scale festival, just for them to celebrate the heat ceasing and the nights getting colder. No visitors from outside would use the railway to participate, but maybe their bunny could enjoy the many lanterns that would illuminate the night.

Before he delved into his preparations and helped the others put up the fence, San stopped by his home. He rid himself of his chaps and cooled his body in the shade of his room. Outside, the sound of hooves idled past and the laughter of the villagers followed. With a glass of water, he set out to brief his housemate of his return.

San left his jacket for a moment, low-riding jeans exposing a sliver of his waist under his vest. He didn't bother knocking on Yunho's door since they were long past that stage. When he found the man sprawled on his bed, naked, his lips jumped into a grin.

"Yo," Yunho greeted him, relishing in the breeze that felt almost cool if one was naked enough. San leaned in the door frame.

"Howdy. Had a fight with a chicken here? There's hay all over the place." Amused eyes swept over the ground. Loose stalks dotted Yunho's room and clung to his furniture.

Yunho batted his lethargic eyes open and propped his head up on his arm. When he took in the sight, he groaned. A big hand covered his face.

"Ugh, I'll clean up, don't mind it. Are you on your way to set up the festival booths?" He sat up, ruffling through his dark hair and leaving it messier than before. When he slipped into his jeans, he didn't bother with underwear.

"Yup. Yeosang banished me after I accidentally lassoed a bunny out west earlier. Ruined the lad's ankle when I dragged him to light."

Yunho broke out in laughter.

"Did you get scolded? Poor bun. Is he a pretty one at least? This stinkhole could need a couple of new faces. Or a hundred. Bunnies breed like crazy." He found his shirt in the hay and dusted it off before he slipped it on. A haphazard hand tucked it into his pants at the front and belted them shut. When he left the room to get a drink and a broom, San strolled along.

"Can't tell; he hid behind his ears. Only know he was furious at me." San ducked his head when Yunho laughed about him once more. They squeezed into the tiny kitchen area and looked out onto the street that bustled with people.

"Maybe I can get Yeosang to introduce me. No one resists my charms."

"Believe me, that one kicks if you try to drag him into the hay with you." San frowned at the wound on his hand and used the moment to wash it out before it grew shut around any dirt.

"He sounds adorable," Yunho hummed as he plucked his brown hat from the wall. "I'll see you once I cleaned up."

San nodded at him and retrieved his jacket and hat before he left into the heat of the day once more. He greeted his acquaintances as he joined his team. Soon, the bunny with the doe eyes and punitive glare was forgotten as San sweated his guilt away carrying planks to hammer them together into a fence for the festival.

-

San saw the bunny again two days later, by chance. It was the first time he dared emerge from Yeosang's house, and the bison was by his side to guide his wobbly step. San rode through the main street at a leisurely pace, seat comfortable in Boots' saddle and chaps and lasso by his side after besting the prairie yet again. When he spotted the fluffy pink by Yeosang's side, however, the cowboy perked up. Under his hat, his lips pulled into a grin.

The bun was doing well. He didn't look feverish, and he resisted the pain with stubborn resilience as he dared a few hops. Yeosang led him over to the saloon to introduce him and offer some change from the otherwise bleak room. Before they made it across the street, however, the slowing rider coming their way had them blink up into the sun. San angled Boots and halted before them so his shadow shielded their pinched eyes.

"Howdy," he greeted with a warm smile. The bun retreated into his ears, tilting his head so they flopped around his features and he could nibble on one in distress. He must have taken a bath with Yeosang's help since his hair looked soft and clean.

The slightest jab of jealousy bore into San's stomach.

"Have any cruelties to confess today?" Yeosang asked, and though his brow arched at San, his voice was less unforgiving than before. The cowboy tilted his head, pleased with the sight of the rabbit. Being out meant he improved. Maybe he could celebrate with them on the weekend.

"I was extra prudent not to lasso anything I'm not supposed to lasso. I'm still sorry about that." He said the last part towards the rabbit. The other didn't meet his eyes, shying away from the height he had on the horse.

When San remembered the single flower he picked up among the dust earlier, his face brightened. He meant to give it to the bun via Yeosang, but this was even better.

He swung his leg over Boots' back and the bunny shrank away from him when his feet met the ground. With a disarming smile, San reached for the flower tucked into his hat. Apprehensive eyes met him over the frightful nibbles on an impeccable ear.

"Here, I picked it for you," San said as he plucked the yellow flower free. He reached it towards the rabbit and waited when insecure eyes flicked between his face and the blossom. As if he didn't trust San and waited to be stabbed with the fragrant gift.

Patient, San didn't let up. His smile persisted and then, finally, the bunny dropped one long ear to dangle to his chest and reached for the flower.

San's breath got stuck in his throat when he saw what the bun had been hiding. His nibbles on the other ear slowed, yet still dampened the fur. But now he exposed the plush pink lips parting around nervous teeth that skimmed his fluff. His skin was tanned from the hours spent outside and the sweet doe of his eyes was bright under the sun.

He had a pretty face, much prettier than one would expect from a lonely desert dweller. San never saw more allure behind hybrids than regular people (aside from the fact that milking Wooyoung always brought a bunch of unexpected heat) but now that he looked at the rabbit, those big floppy ears framing him with innocence and the tail San knew was twitching behind him added to his charm.

Once he twirled the flower in dainty fingers, San stepped back with a grin. He tipped his hat at the two and caught a glimpse of Yeosang's satisfied expression.

"I'll leave you to it. Take it slow."

He didn't swing up on his horse, instead taking the reins to lead Boots to his paddock. Only three steps later, a voice called out to him.

"San! One moment." Yeosang turned to the bun, listening to his murmurs under his ear. He clutched the flower close, disbelieving someone gave him a gift and San, of all people. Yet he cowered away and only dared to look as high as San's collarbone.

With one hand buried in his jeans, San waited. His heart skipped despite his casual appearance.

When Yeosang nodded, San lifted his chin to hear him out.

"He wanted you to know his name is Seonghwa," Yeosang disclosed, warmer.

San beamed, rivalling the bright star in the sky.

"A lovely name. I'm San." He turned on his heel, not giving Seonghwa the time to retreat into his shell. As they went on their merry way to explore the saloon, San thought about the bunny's cute features and the way he groomed his fur when nervous.

Seonghwa.

He would remember that.

As he continued with his daily routine, a smile kept sneaking back onto his features every time he thought of Seonghwa and the innocent surprise in his eyes when he received the flower. While San unsaddled Boots and left him to munch on his well-deserved meal of the day, he kept wondering about the bunny. Was he all alone in the desert, or did he have friends? San's aura scared him, but he had been vulnerably delighted over such a simple gift. Would he forgive the cowboy? Or should San use this as a lesson so the bunny learned not to trust those who might deceive him?

Not that San did that.

Or did he?

As he grabbed the end of a wooden board to help the others assemble the last fence around their makeshift arena for bull riding, San unveiled the true intentions lingering in the back of his mind.

No, he wasn't deceiving Seonghwa. He honestly wanted the bunny to forgive him and accept his apology.

On the other hand, however, San wished to see something else fill those doe, innocent eyes. He wanted the bunny to unravel and discover his beauty in the best of ways. But not for anyone else, not to seduce and be seduced.

Just for San.

Perhaps it wasn't deceit at work, but if San got an opportunity with the sweet rabbit, he would take it. He hadn't seen such a pretty thing around since he first got to know Wooyoung. And if not, he could at least fix the impression Seonghwa had of him right now.

Satisfied with the prospects of the future while the bunny was among them for healing, San ducked under the shadow of his hat as he hammered the last nails into the boards. With a rough shake of the wood, he tested their stability before he got up. The back of his hand wiped the sweat trailing from his temples.

By tonight, everything would be ready. The carts with not yet broken horses and agitated bulls jostled in their corner. Apprehensive lads went around to feed them, cautious not to leave a finger or five. On wobbly ladders, two men strung up lights around the area while the gals directed them from the ground.

San's work was done. All he had to do was wait until the festivities started. He could get his mind off things then. There would be plenty of food and drink and enough laughter to supply the entire year. Perhaps, if he was lucky, a certain curious bunny to explore among them. In the years he spent out in the desert, he probably never witnessed the fun of a rodeo.

Until night fell, San contemplated how Seonghwa would react and if his eyes would light up at the people and lights or dim because they overwhelmed him. Bunnies were social creatures, the hybrids being no exception. But since he came here scared and hurt, San would have an eye on him. If anyone as much as looked at him weirdly, his lasso would find them.

By the time everyone flocked towards the arena and the paddocks, San roused from an afternoon nap. The warmth of the sun lingered on his skin as he shrugged on his jeans and vest, adding the jacket just in case the night got cold. Before he put on his hat outside, he tilted his face toward the sky full of stars. Out here in the desert, they blinked with a mesmerising shine. San could read the brightest of them, just in case he ever got lost out in the wild. He grinned at them, looking forward to an entertaining time in their company. Then, the shadow of his hat fell over his features.

San trudged down the road, joining a few others who babbled in excitement. It was the first rodeo for some of their youngsters and they couldn't wait for the dreadful potential to be gored. They ranted about their techniques of how they would win the Grand Prix the mayor offered to those who bested the bull. When San snickered about them, they pushed out their chests to make their mothers proud.

Searching eyes scanned the crowd already assembled on the field, but no pink rabbit ears popped up. People mingled with booze and laughter, boots whirling up dust. Their singers gathered on a little stage and everyone was invited to dance. San's hand settled on the round hip of the baker's daughter when she arched back against him. Over her shoulder, he made eye contact with Wooyoung, who snappishly turned to push up against some fellow's arm.

For a while, they warmed up, drank, and laughed. The mayor announced tonight's win, and a greedy shine found its way into everyone's eyes when he brought out the ridiculously large check.

San was with the workers who wouldn't participate and patted the cart with the bull inside when it was time for the grand finale. The animal's anaesthetics had worn off, and it thrashed around its confinements, agitated to stomp anyone to the ground who dared best it. The huffs and puffs of its mighty bodies coiled San's stomach with excitement.

"How many sign-ups?" San asked with a glance at the man's list to his right. A thoughtful pen tapped at half a dozen names.

"Could convince some newbies to go for a horse instead. We got the usual crowd and two others tonight. Are you in?"

"I'll ride for the prize if everyone else fails. Not my priority tonight, though." San stretched his neck when he spotted Yeosang in the distance. The bison couldn't fit a hat on his stubborn horns and thus stood out among the others. His entrance to rodeo festivities always brought a rush of jokes upon him since he fit with the bulls. As he moved through the merry bustle, San found he accompanied the one he had been waiting for. With cautious steps on his good leg, Seonghwa altered between looking where he went and gazing into the crowd. His sparkling eyes were wide with all the new information, but he didn't seem bothered by their gathering.

A grin stretched on San's lips. He didn't even hear what the man beside him said.

"If they make it past six seconds, they can have the prize. Otherwise, watch me set a record," San said with a pat on the man's shoulder. Boisterous laughter followed him as he made his way through the crowd.

"I can't wait to see that!"

The bull handlers knew best San wasn't just talk. He was one of their most successful competitors, having bested the bull thrice; once for the Grand Prix. He never got hurt worse than a broken arm, either. Both were difficult to accomplish, and he had an enraptured audience every time he announced his participation.

Perhaps he could show Seonghwa how this was in his blood. How he didn't catch him for some sadistic pleasure.

San didn't bother the two. He left it to Yeosang to find a place on the stands to sit on. The bison never strayed far, so no one pestered the soft bunny in their midst. As the two got cosy to overlook the festivities, San snuck through the crowd in nonchalance. Since Seonghwa was still hurt, he couldn't join the dancers, but he clapped shy hands to the beat of the music and his head bobbed along. Finally, he stopped clutching his ears all the time, and one lay slung back over his shoulder to curve charmingly.

San always found rabbits cute, but this one might take the crown.

Slick, San found his place at the fence rounding the arena. He idled about in needless conversation with the boastful youngsters who would try the huffing bull today. If Seonghwa recognised his hat in the crowd, they exchanged no interaction. San simply propped his forearms on the rough woods and stood in wait.

Soon, everyone swarmed around the arena for the big event. The stands filled with bustling people and the musicians got to take a break and relish in free drinks to watch the show. San accompanied the handlers to the quivering and groaning cart. He got the first view of the bull, agonised by its tight surroundings and the rope tied to its front feet. No unreasonable aggressors were allowed in the rodeo.

As soon as the bar holding the cart shut lifted, the bull crammed outside to leap into freedom. The workers jumped away in time before they would get gored by trampling hooves. Dust whirled into the night air when the massive animal circled around the arena.

Leaning against the fence, San glanced up at Seonghwa. The bunny disappeared in the crowd, yet stood out to shine in their midst. He garnered occasional attention from his surroundings as heart-eyed people offered him food and drink. Glad that Yeosang was there to protect him, San monitored the first lad entering the ring. Only now, Seonghwa's eyes widened, and he leaned to whisper to Yeosang.

The bull was an intimidating beast. It stood tall above the first competitor, and its mass could flatten him to the ground in seconds. Everyone tensed up in anticipation when the lad warmed up, searching a way to best the circling beast.

Bulls were not too fond of being mounted. The same went for bisons, by the way. Their instinct was to buck off the load on their backs.

The rodeo rules were simple. Stay on longer than the others, survive, and snatch the prize money. The mayor awaited his champion with a proud grin.

When the youngster dug his feet into the sandy paddock to dodge the barrelling bull and grab for the rope, San's chin lifted. He watched with rapt attention how the man used the bull's momentum to swing himself up. Legs clamping around the bull's flanks, he held on to the rope for dear life.

One buck, a leap. The cowboy got thrown around like a rag doll as the announcer called his seconds.

The second buck propelled him off. He skidded through the sand, rolling off as the raging bull continued on. Hasty helpers dragged him over the fence before he got stomped into a pulp.

San's eyes wandered to Seonghwa. He sat with his ear pressed to his lips, so pale he almost looked green. If he had been any less endearing, San would have laughed at him. He looked horrified, but he didn't move from Yeosang's side when the bison explained the rider was fine and would strive on the adrenaline for days.

The rider dragged off, and another one entered. Seonghwa followed the line they had come from and his eyes locked with San.

The bunny jumped from his seat, sending Yeosang toppling over to catch the food Seonghwa knocked from his hands. With panic-stricken eyes, Seonghwa looked between San and Yeosang, beckoning and gesturing. When Yeosang dragged him back down with gentle conviction, the turmoil eased.

Pleased by Seonghwa's attention, San tapped his hat in salute when their eyes met once more. While he turned to the arena, the hybrid fretted on the stands.

San would show him there was no need to worry about him. He would watch the terror shift into awe and once Seonghwa understood San was a natural, he might forgive him for his instinct to catch the bunny ears ducked into a bush.

Dust whirled through the cooling air. Drunken yells spurred the rodeo riders and the strung-up lights doused everything in a haze. San nursed a cup of booze while he waited for his turn. Only once, he checked on Seonghwa, when one rider took a hoof to the head and slumped in a pool of blood. As they lugged him away, Seonghwa nibbled on his ear. His eyes kept flinching back to San, the last competitor in the ring.

The announcer patted his shoulder when the cowboy passed.

"5,8 seconds. Think you can do it?"

San circled his shoulder and pressed his hat to his face to obscure his broad grin.

"Fill in 8 seconds for me."

The announcer whistled through his teeth as San swung a leg over the fence. From his peripherals, he saw Seonghwa cramped up by Yeosang's side, chewing on one ear while his hands clutched the other.

The bull stood, huffing from all the energy it needed to fend off the humans crawling over it. Piercing eyes bore into San's as the cowboy rested his hands on his hips.

"I promise I'm the last one," he chuckled with a friendly wave. "You get to eat dinner and take a rest afterwards."

The bull snorted at him and charged away when San neared. In a light jog, he crossed the ring, cutting the animal's path. The ground beneath him shook from those frenzied hooves and the screams of the crowd made his head spin as he detected the bloodied rope from chafed hands between the whirling dirt.

San snatched it and held on tight as his leg swung over the bulging muscle of the bull's back. Instantly, the animal bucked, and San let his hips follow, upper body leaning back for balance as he stuck tightly to the animal. His free hand thrust into the air with a cheer, getting echoed from everywhere around. A second later, he had to clutch his hat when the mad pace of the bull brought him across the ring. Like a train, it rushed around, almost trampling down the barricades.

In his head, San counted the seconds. He was on for 3 and they dragged as the bull whirled and jumped in every direction to shake San off.

Anything beyond 8 was distressing for the animal. They didn't want to break the bull. So far, it strived on the feeling of getting rid of all the ants that bothered it. If San stayed on for longer, the animal would lose its spirit and submit to him.

5 seconds. San felt the jerk coming when the muscles below his thighs rippled. He braced himself, body locking up and then smoothing with the flow when the bull kicked out behind. It spun on the spot, huffing when its slobber cast over the dusty ground. The heated body below San became slippery with sweat.

San gripped the rope tighter when it bit into his skin. Another twist. His head spun. He stayed on longer than the prior leading rank already.

The moment San's mind reached the number 8, he let go of the rope. Gravity hauled him from the back of the storming animal and he rolled off before his spine could connect with the ground. When the bull hastened to curve back and stomp him into the dust, San hurdled over the barricade. He got stuck with his fleeing foot and crashed into the excited crowd that received him, and their cheers turned into laughter. Together, they helped him back up and adjusted his hat. Everyone rained shoulder pats and praises on him. As they ushered him to meet the mayor on the platform, he couldn't find those pink bunny ears in the blurry crowd.

"Your fourth win, San! We can be proud to have you to best any beast," the mayor greeted him with a hug. Sweaty and smudged with dirt, San's smile stood out on his features. He received the check and the mayor's assistant hurried to bring the briefcase with cash over.

"I wish to share my wins with my fellow competitors. My share shall go to the cost of treatment for the poor bun I lassoed a few days ago." He shook the mayor's hand and posed for the camera. The flash blinded him, then the photographer scurried away.

San received his briefcase.

"Congrats on another successful year. We hope to see you in the ring in the future," the mayor sent him off. San hopped from the stage and into the people that swarmed him to congratulate him. He worked through them, accepting compliments left and right and chuckling about blatant confessions of love.

After sending off yet another foolish young girl who begged for his babies because he could conquer a bull, he found himself at the end of the mass. Seonghwa and Yeosang stood there, the former firmly attached to the latter. They waited for their turn, yet Seonghwa's lips parted in surprise when San appeared before him unexpectedly.

For a beat, they just stared at each other. Seonghwa's eyes were glassy with unshed tears and his prior fretting left the fur of his ears wet and ruffled.

Since he noticed the stares at them, San took pity on the bunny. He plucked his hat from his head and pressed it atop the other's head. Seonghwa ducked, ears flattening to match the fedora. When he lifted his face to study San's brilliant smile, his hands tangled into his ears once more.

"How did you like your first rodeo?" San asked as he joined them to the side, letting the crowd move on. Soon, everyone returned to music and drinks.

Seonghwa shook his head. A pout quivered on his lips.

"It was so scary. Did you need to do that? The bull was huge."

Chuckling, San leaned to the railing by Seonghwa's side. A subtle glance at Yeosang had the bison retreat, but not before he sent another warning glare San's way.

"We do it for fun. The money is a bonus. It's a test of courage." San nodded his chin at the huffing bull, which got dragged away by its handlers. Rattled, Seonghwa crowded closer to San.

As expected. San no longer counted as a danger to him.

"I never want to see that again. Someone got hurt! I was scared you would get crushed."

With the adrenaline fresh in his veins, San lifted a hand to grasp Seonghwa's chin with two fingers. He tilted his head until he could see those expressive eyes.

"You were worried for me; how sweet. What would you have done had I got hurt? Would you have nursed me back to health? Perhaps I need to go back."

Seonghwa's cheeks flushed an adorable pink hue. He wanted to hide away, but didn't dare pull from San's grip. As if entranced, his eyes flicked over San's features.

"Don't. I'm still hurt," Seonghwa sulked. Stuck on those plush lips that were swollen from all the biting, San hummed. If that was Seonghwa's sole concern, he left an impression.

"Then how about a reward for doing so well, dearest bun? You look so adorable in my hat, I can't resist but hope for your favour."

To Seonghwa, it was a simple gesture. San, however, knew what it meant to put his hat on another. No one else dared look Seonghwa's way now. So long as he wore San's hat, he was San's.

Embarrassed by the attention on him, Seonghwa shifted in his spot. His brows drew together when he put weight on his injured ankle, but he was so distracted by San that he forgot about it immediately after.

When he gulped courageously, San grinned.

"W-What do you want as a reward?"

San's finger tapped his cheek.

"Just a little kiss. Don't worry about the cost of your treatment, since I was the one who hurt you. This is just because I did a good job."

Seonghwa's fingers kneaded his ear as he thought about it. After a long moment, he nodded.

"You are very brave." When he leaned in, San turned his head to offer his cheek. The bun's lips were soft as flower petals and pressed to his skin enticingly. If he tasted San's sweat, he didn't bother.

When Seonghwa pulled back, San straightened. His prideful glow contrasted with Seonghwa's blush.

"Thank you, bunny. Shall I bring you to your room now? I imagine the tension strained your injury. From now on, people will be too drunk to be coherent, anyway."

Seonghwa glanced around for Yeosang before he nodded. When he stretched out his hand, San offered his arm to hold on to.

"You can bring me back... But nothing weird," Seonghwa warned him, eyes turning into slits. With a pat on his hand, San led him through the crowd.

"No need to worry. I will tuck you into bed safe and sound."

As he led the cosy bunny back to Yeosang's house, his skin tingled from the touch of the kiss. Seonghwa leaned into his side, feeling safe with San. Finally, San got to relish in the soft brushes of his ears without the bunny jumping from him in horror.

-

Time passed with Seonghwa's healing and soon he had spent three weeks in the fort. Every day, he unfurled further from his defensive shell. He got closer to Yeosang, to the kind strangers smiling at him on the street, and to San. Soon, he trusted the cowboy enough to meet with him for lunch or smaller trips around town to practise his walking.

San was always patient with the precious bunny. He offered his arm when Seonghwa swayed from exertion and he shielded his face from the sun when Seonghwa needed to take a break.

By now, his claim was apparent to even the last dimwit in town. His hat spent enough time atop Seonghwa's lush pink hair that no one dared approach him anymore. At first, San did it to have him all to himself; obsessed with the sweet bun. Now, however, he just wanted Seonghwa to feel comfortable and secure.

Seonghwa warmed up to him and after that day at the rodeo, San never got glared at with angry ear-nibbles again. On the contrary.

"Didn't I tell you to seek shade if you want to wait for me?" San called with a grin as he slowed Boots' gallop. The appaloosa stemmed his hooves into the dirt, coming to a standstill in the scorching desert.

Seonghwa perched on a crate behind the far-most house of the fort. It became his favourite spot to look out over the desert and watch San return from his hunts. The owner allowed the bun to lean against his wooden walls and relish the sun on his tanned skin, but San always feared he might get a heat stroke.

When San swung his leg over Boots' back, Seonghwa stood from his box. His step was almost stable again; the brace exchanged for a smaller bandage. San didn't dare think about it, but soon, he would be healthy enough to return home.

The bunny wore a sweet white blouse that accentuated his narrow waist. When San leaned in for a greeting hug, he pulled that body against him. Seonghwa nuzzled into his neck, breathing in the scent of sweat and the sun that lingered on San's skin.

"The shadow got cold," he murmured, nose gliding below San's ear to bury in his dark hair. His tail twitched, but San resisted the need to grab it. His fingertips only dared skim its soft fluff when he retreated.

"What brought you out today? You smile so big."

Now that he said it, the grin Seonghwa had been suppressing broke out over his features. It shone like pearls and flower blossoms and the soft of his furry ears pressed against San's chest when he clutched his arm close. Together, they wandered towards the fort once San gathered Boots' reins.

"Yeosang and I visited the doctor today. He said I could go home!" Seonghwa cheered. His eyes sparkled like the rare gems hidden among rocks and, though his ears were too big and droopy to perk up, they twitched as if they wanted to.

San was both endeared and crushed.

He forced himself to a smile.

"Oh? My sweet bun gets to leave? No more pain?" He wanted to be happy for Seonghwa. Genuinely so. But the ugly whim in his chest grumbled in displeasure.

Seonghwa merrily shook his head.

"It wasn't broken, so I was lucky."

"Free from me after so long. You deserve your peace from this place. I know you were reminded of the pain every time you saw me." San frowned at the lasso by his side. Though it was his childhood companion, he never resented it before Seonghwa.

A pout pushed those plush lips out, making San's eyes drop. It had been a while. He didn't play with Wooyoung since he knew the bunny, too obsessed with his charm. Now that Seonghwa would leave, his groin foolishly screamed at him to conquer him and show him bliss in the hayloft, before they would never see each other again.

But no.

Forcing him, hurting him was the last thing San would do.

"Don't say it like that; I don't hate you. You were so good to me. I know you didn't want to hurt me."

He was maddening, with those doe eyes and the soft ear pressing against the lean muscle of San's arm. Seonghwa didn't know he was doing it. How his tail twitched in delight and how badly San wanted to tug him into a dark alley and shield their faces with his hat as he kissed the soft bunny senseless.

San was agonised, but he deserved it. It was his karma for hurting the bun when he could have courted him otherwise.

With a soothing smile, San halted before the saloon. His hand parted from Seonghwa's grip to trail down his ear, caressing the pink pelt.

"Don't be upset. I promised to make it up to you, so I will bring you home safely." His hand fell to find Seonghwa's fingers, hooking their indexes around each other. His gaze softened further when Seonghwa's wide eyes fretted to part in dissonance.

"Do you want to leave right now? Boots is still saddled," San suggested, voice quiet through the bustle of the inn.

Seonghwa hesitated. When he lowered his head, his dangling ears covered his face.

"I- I miss my home," he confessed. He bit his lip right after, as if ashamed to admit he wanted to leave. "I already said my goodbyes to Yeosang, so-"

San squeezed his finger before he let go of the bunny. His heart echoed back at him, hollow in its every beat.

He didn't even get to spend a last day with Seonghwa.

"No problem. I will take you there and then you can rest."

He turned on his heel to lead Boots to the water basin, giving him some rest before another voyage through the desert. Seonghwa trailed behind him, ears sad on his head and his fingers fiddling before his body. San didn't look at him, reeling in his yearning so he would overcome their goodbye quicker.

He would miss Seonghwa's smile waiting for him to return from his explorations. Would miss those downy ears and the wonder in his eyes when San taught him about the desert.

San shook his head to himself.

Seonghwa was only here because of an accident. He was never meant to stay.

Once Boots had cooled down, San glanced at the fidgeting rabbit perched on the corner of the basin. When their eyes met, Seonghwa stood and his mouth opened, but no words came out. Instead, he lowered his eyes and gulped.

San flashed his dimples in a sunny grin.

"Shall we?"

This time, he helped Seonghwa sit normally on Boots' back. He hovered insecurely until San swung up behind him, pressing their bodies snug together as he reached for the reins around Seonghwa's body. A soft tail pressed into his middle and Seonghwa held on to his ears with nervous fingers.

Once he dragged his eyes off the tan neck before him, San clicked his tongue to get Boots moving. In a slow trot, they took off through the desert.

Seonghwa was quiet for the most part of their journey. He pointed out directions for San only occasionally and each time; he had to clear his throat as if the words got stuck inside.

San didn't force him to conversation. He relished in every second of sitting pressed close to him for he knew he would miss it.

Time passed too fast despite their slow trot. Soon, they arrived at the rocks where Seonghwa burrowed his warren. San's heart sank when he recognised it.

"We're here," Seonghwa mumbled, pink head hanging low. His shoulders looked so lonely. No one expected him here. The hole large enough to fit a person was empty.

San didn't move as Boots shifted in his spot. His eyes stuck to the circular entrance, imagining Seonghwa popping out of it to grin at him with his innocent eyes.

After a long moment of silence, the cowboy dismounted first. He gave Seonghwa his hand and his other palm supported his waist when Seonghwa slid into his arms. When he staggered, fingers clutching to San's shoulders, San tugged him close to catch his weight. For a moment, his hat overshadowed those delicate features.

Shrouded in privacy from the blaring sun, Seonghwa looked up at him with big eyes. If he recognised San's yearning, he shied away from it. A hand came up to hide his lips behind an ear as he stepped back with a muttered thanks.

While he limped over to his home, San stood next to Boots with his hands in his pockets.

"Will you be fine? I can send Yeosang with supplies if you need anything." He didn't know if he could take the job and leave Seonghwa behind twice.

Hurt by the rejection in San's words, Seonghwa peered inside the darkness. His shoulders were tense.

"I can manage."

He hesitated.

San's boot scratched lines into the dirt.

The sun burnt their necks.

When Seonghwa turned, his brows had drawn into a line. He bit his lip, holding back from biting his ear once more.

"Do you..." He faltered, not meeting San's eyes. Just when the cowboy was sure he would change his mind, Seonghwa mustered his courage. "Do you want to come inside?"

San cocked his brow. His heart leapt, but he forced it back into its cage.

"S-Since I'm still hurt!" Seonghwa hastened to explain. "Other animals might have burrowed while I was gone since my scent lifted. I can't fend them off, so..."

San came closer, leaving Boots to munch on a nearby shrub. When he rolled up his sleeves, Seonghwa's eyes raked down his toned forearms.

"I will always offer my strength to a bun in need," he teased. He ducked when Seonghwa shyly beckoned him to go first.

Of course, Seonghwa's burrow was bigger than a regular rabbit's lair, but narrow enough that San had to crawl in on his hands and knees. What he found inside, however, cosily matched the hybrid.

His three caves were connected through ducked tunnels, and each had its own purpose. The main one was a living room and Seonghwa assembled a ramshackle desk and a chair with the wood he dragged inside. He even had a little fireplace that connected to the outside with a thin hole so no fumes would kill him. Wilted flowers decorated his space, and everything was orderly and clean.

Seonghwa twitched his nose towards his washing room next. He gathered water for his baths from a nearby oasis and washed with self-made soaps from fragrant cacti in the desert.

When they found no intruder there, San got to enter the most sacred place of the warren.

Seonghwa's nest matched him. It was cosy and round, perfect to curl up in. He gathered feathers and animal pelts to soften his space, the human in him besieging the peaceful rabbit as he rested on silky ferret pelts. He had a few books and his equipment to make soaps and teas when he needed to. Some smaller, flatter stones rounded the nest and could be carried outside to warm up in the sun so he didn't freeze at night.

San looked around his homey cave, the perfectly rounded ceilings and the candles Seonghwa lit to brighten the darkness.

"Do you close the entrance at night?"

He didn't like the idea of any hungry coyote crawling in here to maul the sleeping bunny.

Seonghwa beamed at him.

"Yes! I have smaller openings I can open to let in air and the bugs never bother me much. The kitchen has an extra ball of earth and stone I use as a plug, but I keep it open during the day."

Not safe enough in San's eyes, but he wasn't one to judge. At least, Seonghwa's human side could terrify some lost predators.

Seonghwa straightened, kneading his ear insecurely next to his nest. No groundhog had stolen his home and San stood relaxed, thumbs hooked into the straps of his chaps.

"I, um..."

In the candlelight, his hair was like the sky in the morning. Everything in San begged to touch those ears, to tug on them, to tilt Seonghwa's head back and kiss all over his neck.

His eyes must have betrayed his thoughts because the next time Seonghwa looked at him, he curled into himself, hiding away from that penetrating stare. Yet, he didn't ask San to leave. Nor did he make any move to settle down and get comfortable.

"Do you... Do you have to leave right away?" Nimble fingers nervously squished his ears, ruffling the groomed fur. His eyes flickered everywhere but at San. As if he was seeing his own home for the first time.

"I will go once you want me gone," San replied. It made Seonghwa blush, and he hid behind those fluffy appendages. San adored them, but he never wanted them gone more. He wanted to flick them aside and look at Seonghwa's sweet, flushed face.

Perhaps he should leave to maintain his sanity.

Struggling with his every word, Seonghwa babbled to fill the silence.

"I wanted to thank you once more. Just you. Though you feel guilty for harming me, thanks for not doing it on purpose. And for tending to me. I had fun in your fort, though I am not used to so many people. Everyone was really kind. You were really kind." Seonghwa rubbed his arms as he stared at the floor. He looked so forlorn, so sunken into himself.

Nothing would complete him more than being held in another's arms.

San's fingers twitched by his sides as he exhaled.

"I'm glad I could make it up to you. Come to visit us, and we will show you another rodeo. Everyone will look forward to seeing you again."

When Seonghwa nodded, San mustered his last smile. He had no strength left for more.

"I should go. Take a rest."

He turned on his heel, leaving the lonely rabbit with the drooping ears in the safety of his home.

Before he could duck into the tunnel leading outside, Seonghwa's feet shuffled through the cave. A hand caught the back of San's jacket, clutching it in a hesitant grip.

"W-wait."

Seonghwa stood, gulping when San turned around. His hand fell off, but the urgency of his frame remained.

When San pushed one of his ears back over his shoulder, the pink blush he found beneath made his heart race.

"What do you want me to do? Is there anything you need?" San crooned. Since he was broader than Seonghwa, their heights seemed matched.

Seonghwa thumbed on the corner of San's open jacket, so close to the sliver of skin his vest exposed. He bit his lip, glanced at their feet, almost didn't dare say it.

When he mustered the words, they were so quiet San had to lean in to hear.

"I... I would like you to kiss me," Seonghwa breathed, faint like a breeze sending a tumbleweed rolling.

And as a tumbleweed, San's heart rolled. Straight into a euphoria that had floppy bunny ears. His hand found Seonghwa's chin, tilting it until their eyes met. Seonghwa struggled to keep looking at him, too frightened to dare.

"Have you taken a liking to me, sweet bun?" San whispered, and their heads were already so close that he angled his to keep the hat away.

Seonghwa clutched the corner of his jacket tighter, easing into their proximity. His heat radiated to mingle with San's.

Ignoring the desperate little tug that would save Seonghwa of an answer, San waited for a response.

"You are a good person," Seonghwa said, as if defending his decision. His pout made San grin.

"I don't want to do this because you feel you need to repay me. No need to be pressured."

With a huff, Seonghwa stomped his good foot. San froze, then his face lit up with glee when he understood what had happened. Seonghwa didn't notice, instead rambling on.

"It's not repayment! In the beginning, I was scared of you, not understanding why you hurt me instead of catching cows. But you showed me how your life works and I understood. I had fun with you and Yeosang. And now, every time I see you, my heart flutters and my stomach gets warm, and I felt sad to see you go. I don't know what all that means, but I wanted to be close so-"

San kissed him.

In the split of a second, he tilted his head, hat overshadowing their features, and pressed his lips to the soft, babbling ones of the bunny. Seonghwa immediately fell quiet, frozen for a moment.

Then he melted into San.

With a sigh, he brought his arms to San's waist, holding it loosely, while San circled his ears with tender fingers. He held Seonghwa, smoothing out the agitated fur as their lips became one, figuring out how to kiss each other.

Heart jumping like an unbroken bull, San desperately held his balance as he breathed in Seonghwa's scent. The lips under his were soft as the clouds and, though shy, they courageously kissed him back.

Their bodies pulled towards each other like magnets. Soon, Seonghwa stood flush against San, holding onto his waist as his lips opened to share hot breaths. San flung his hat in the general direction of the room, tousled black hair mingling with pink as he tilted his head to guide Seonghwa's jaw closer.

Now, everything was complete. The bunny was as endearing and as delectable as San dreamed of, perhaps even more since he kissed him back. The little whimpers escaping his throat became San's favourite melody.

The cowboy kissed Seonghwa until his knees weakened, until his weight dragged on San's clothes. Putty in his arms, Seonghwa was willing to take everything he had to give and since this was a dangerous gamble, San parted them before Seonghwa went too far.

He regretted it when he opened his eyes and took in Seonghwa's hooded gaze and swollen lips. The flush to his cheeks was endearing, warranting another kiss to their soft skin. A breathless little gasp rewarded San.

"There you go," San whispered as he pecked Seonghwa's lips, not getting enough from his softness, his pliant give.

What a honey trap he was.

He walked Seonghwa backwards, helping him sit before he would hurt his ankle. Cushioned by his furs, the rabbit watched with glassy eyes how San picked up his hat.

Another kiss, this one of goodbye.

"I will leave you alone now. Take care," San whispered, voice no more but a low rumble in the privacy of the bunny's warren.

But before he could stand, Seonghwa's hands shot out to wrap around his shoulders. He clutched at him, making San drop to his knees above him. The hand with the hat dropped to catch his weight.

Seonghwa's pout was irresistible.

"Don't go," he whined, distress showing in the twitch of his ears.

"Stay with me. Stay with me for a long time," he begged, face nuzzling San's neck.

Stunned, the cowboy hovered on all fours above him. He couldn't move, trapped by Seonghwa's allure and his stubborn grip. Now that he knew what he wanted, he refused to let go.

"Do you know what you are asking for?" San made sure, voice dropping into a growl when he couldn't contain his desire for the bunny any longer.

When he lowered his weight the barest bit, touching his body against the rabbit, Seonghwa's breath got stuck in his throat.

"I- I want this. I want you. Stay with me, San," he whimpered, burying his face in San's neck as their bodies instinctively sought each other. The cowboy stifled a groan in Seonghwa's shoulder, but there was no more need to hold back. Nothing that kept them. When his lips found Seonghwa's again, parting to plunder that sweet mouth, Seonghwa willingly let himself be pressed into the furs.

San discarded the hat because he needed his hands. One guided Seonghwa's waist to align their bodies, lightning sparks of excitement to zap everywhere they touched. The other brushed Seonghwa's ear and hair aside so guide him into another kiss. The bunny whimpered, putty in his hands as his legs twitched. They opened so willingly, offered all the space for San to lean into.

Something possessive rumbled in San's chest. He didn't want the bun to submit to anyone but him. If he imagined Seonghwa in heat, desperately spreading his legs for anything that followed his addictive scent to his warren, no matter if man or animal, he wanted to bury his teeth in the bunny's neck in the manner of the hybrids. His; Seonghwa could be only his.

Seonghwa was quicker than him, needier. His hands scrambled over San's clothes, tugging and pulling to get the jacket off his shoulders and hold him close at the same time so he could rut into the smooth leather of San's chaps. On one hand, San wanted to slow him down and ease his fever, on the other he wanted to pounce the bunny, to respond with the same heat until they melted into one.

With the resilience of ten horses, San paced himself. He parted their lips, looking down at Seonghwa's glassy eyes and the lips shiny with saliva. He gulped, not responding to the little twitches of the bunny's hips against his thighs.

"What do you need, bunny? Let me catch up; I haven't tasted a rabbit before." He nuzzled Seonghwa's neck, breathing in the scent of his excitement. A wet spot formed on his pants where Seonghwa pressed against him and sweat glimmered on his neck. After San shrugged off his jacket, he placed his hands on the hybrid's hips, hiking up his shirt to let him breathe.

"Need you inside. Many times, so deep, everything you have, please-" Seonghwa's hands yanked on San's vest, bringing him in for another kiss. Their tongues tangled dirtily and when San pulled back, tears glistened in Seonghwa's eyes.

"I want you so bad." His quivering hands dipped over San's shoulder and down his sculpted arms.

San huffed a smile.

"We can arrange that," he assured. His hands helped Seonghwa's quivering fingers to unbutton his vest. As the bunny's delicate palms explored the lean muscles beneath, San slowly ground his thigh into Seonghwa's crotch. The bunny hiccuped below him, fumbling hands tugging the cowboy closer as his head tilted back in bliss.

San mouthed at his neck, never leaving the bunny's lax features from his gaze. Under his lips blossomed pink hues to match Seonghwa's hair. When Seonghwa's eyes rolled back and his lips parted in a moan, a pleased hum rumbled in San's chest.

His fingers hiked up Seonghwa's blouse, freeing him with great care of his ears. Huffing, Seonghwa dropped back down into the pillows, ears falling to spread around him as San kissed over his chest. He straddled the bunny, grinding their crotches together in a manner he would do to a rodeo bull. The garbled sound that came from Seonghwa's throat assured him he thought the same.

Mindful never to pressure his foot, San straightened to look down at his debauched bunny. He pressed an ear to his lips, stifling his whimpers though no one would hear them here. His pants wet his fur and his long lashes fluttered in bliss when San trailed his hand down the middle of Seonghwa's chest. It halted over his quivering belly button, thumb digging inside gently.

"You don't need to hide your noises from me. Let me hear how I make you feel good," San murmured as his fingers skimmed Seonghwa's waistline. The bunny's cute cock twitched between the valley of San's thighs, begging to be freed from its prison.

Seonghwa flushed a pretty hue of red that reached all the way down to his chest.

"San- More, please." He needily reached for him, tugged him in for another kiss. When San bit at the tip of his tongue, no more but a gentle graze of his teeth, Seonghwa bucked into his waiting hands.

San took his time to peel the clothes off his bunny. No matter his impatient squirming, San had to worship every inch of skin he exposed. He was mindful of the injured foot and the bunny's delicate built. His waist was narrow and smoothed into San's hands as if it belonged there.

"Here, take my fingers, bunny. Be good to them," San crooned as soon as Seonghwa was naked. He slipped two fingertips past those greedy lips, burying them in the hot cavern of Seonghwa's mouth. Clouded eyes shut when Seonghwa sucked on them, dipping his tongue between. In the meantime, San gathered up all his slick and smoothed his hand over the bun's pale arousal, eager and twitching. His hand slid lower, squeezing the soft flesh of Seonghwa's behind before he guided his wet hand to the twitching entrance buried in between.

Seonghwa keened when the first finger entered him. His body wasn't foreign to this and San leaned to kiss him, proud of him for adapting so well. Though the bunny squirmed more than he relaxed, he made enough space for San to rock his fingers in. They were rough and calloused from his work, but Seonghwa liked it. Their contrast kept taking his breath away.

"Want to ride you," Seonghwa babbled, one hand holding his emotional support ear, the other groping for San's middle. He licked his lips when he felt up his bulge through his jeans. "Like you rode that bull."

"It takes a lot of skill to ride a bull," San hummed as he guided another finger inside. His lips sucked at a dusty pink nipple, relishing in the shudder that wracked Seonghwa's body.

"I- I want to try." His head flew back, ears flopping along when San found his special spot. He crooked his knuckles into it, teasing it relentlessly until the bunny's legs shook and his tail twitched beneath him.

"Then let me teach you," San whispered in his ear before he rolled them around. Seonghwa came to perch on top of the mostly clothed cowboy, and San's vest fanned open as his back found the furs. Full of hunger, he stared at the cute bunny above, at the shyness that had him curl into his exquisite body. Always with those ears to hide his expression from view.

They were San's biggest challenge. Once that last veil fell, he would get to relish Seonghwa's undivided beauty.

Seonghwa adjusted, slipping back until his fingers found the buckle of San's belt. The cowboy watched as they struggled to open it, too greedy for grace. He chuckled.

"My bunny is so eager," he praised, hands slipping behind Seonghwa to squeeze at his tail. With a moan, the bunny ground down on him, losing his focus as his ears dangled to San's chest.

"Want you inside so bad... Want you to fill me up." He finally opened San's pants, not bothering with his chaps or even his boots. As soon as the man's length sprung at him, Seonghwa's doe eyes sparkled with desire. He shuffled forward, taking them both in one hand to make their wet tips kiss.

"You don't need to stop when I come. Bunnies are sensitive," Seonghwa educated him when he angled his hips. San bit his lip when he breached that heat, felt it clamping down on him. His fingers reached for his hat, pressing it on Seonghwa's head.

"Now you look like a real cowboy."

Stunned, Seonghwa hesitated, ears forgotten. Then, he abruptly dropped on San and his head flew back when he came right that instant.

Awed, San glanced at the droplets of come on his chest, then at his heaving bunny. His flush suited him so well. San needed more.

When he grabbed for Seonghwa's waist to guide him, the delirious bunny came along. Their hips found a rhythm as San thrust from below and Seonghwa relished in being filled. He squirmed and whimpered, but he was achingly hard again in mere moments and his legs quivered by San's sides. He keened every time San tugged on his tail, walls clamping around him like a lasso's loop. San cursed under his breath as he wrung another orgasm from Seonghwa. His beautiful, lustful bunny lost all reason as pleasure took his senses away. Drool clung to the corners of his mouth and his ears dangled with every hit.

The cave was stuffy with their lovemaking, but San relished the heat. It made Seonghwa's skin glisten and his love marks shine even prettier. By the time his bunny collapsed, his hair stuck to his nape and forehead.

San rolled them around, sitting up to take over. He shoved his pants and chaps down to his thighs so they wouldn't chafe Seonghwa's reddened skin. As soon as the whimpering bunny propped himself up on shaking arms and legs, San slid back home. The hybrid's natural slick cloyed the air with its musky scent and made everything even hotter.

"My darling bunny," San whispered as he leaned over Seonghwa, hammering into him from behind. Seonghwa wept and hiccuped, babbling praises of how good he felt. When San gathered his ears in a fist to pull them back and kiss at his neck, he believed Seonghwa might disintegrate from how eagerly he shoved back against the cowboy.

San's ragged breath wet Seonghwa's nape. He skimmed his teeth there gently, carefully, before his hand gave a tiny pull.

Seonghwa yelled his name when he came untouched, almost passing out from the force. San caught him, helping him through his third or fourth orgasm, when the line inside him snapped as well. He buried deep in the bun's hot cavern; the hat knocked astray and lost as they became one. Blunt human teeth nibbled at Seonghwa's neck, making him cry out with his pleased instincts.

San stilled when his warmth filled the bunny's open body. He was spread so obscenely and their skin clung together, but San couldn't adore anyone more.

Guiding Seonghwa by his ears, he turned his head to kiss the tears from his eyes.

"You did so well, bun. So beautiful," he praised, relishing Seonghwa's meek noise.

It took him only a moment before he wriggled back against San.

"More, please," he whimpered, and San chuckled before they went back at it, spending a steamy night in the bunny's warren.

-

San carded his hands through his hair before he put his hat on top of the tousled locks. A loyal hat, now with even more delightful memories attached to it. He had no mirror here, but he trusted he looked fine to cross the desert where none other than some ferrets and the occasional tumbleweed would see him.

Seonghwa rested against his furs, warm from their lingering heat in the cave. He laid bare as the day he had been born and his pink fur matched the marks all over his neck and thighs. Stretched out and no longer hiding away, his frame lolled lazily as he listened to San getting ready. When his tail twitched, his eyes also opened.

San knelt by his side to kiss him before the upset could find its way upon Seonghwa's features.

"I must go to assure Yeosang everything is fine, but I will return as soon as I can," San whispered as he nuzzled their noses into each other. The tender gesture brought a smile to Seonghwa's lips.

"Will you visit me lots?" He asked, voice rough after a long night. San poured him some water and urged him to drink to recover from their strain.

"Of course. Recover first and relish the comfort of your nest. You can visit us anytime to see me ride another rodeo, or I visit you here for our own."

Seonghwa snickered as he put the water aside. San's fingers skimmed through the soft fur of his ears, awed by his adorable bunny.

"Tell Yeosang my thanks. And... thank you for dragging me back then. I wouldn't have met you otherwise."

"Next time, let me treat you with kindness so you may get to know me. No more pain," San whispered against his lips. He knew he would return, no matter how Wooyoung whined at him to be milked. San only had eyes for Seonghwa.

The bunny grinned a cheeky smile.

"Isn't lassoing also a skill to learn on my path to become a cowboy? You better teach me everything about a full rodeo."

With a chuckle, San straightened and made his way outside.

"In due time."

And time they had. For the bunny didn't need to be alone anymore and his foot still brought plenty excuses why San had to keep crossing the wasteland to come visit him.