Genre: Unbearably fluffy fluff.
Rating: A nice safe G
Ian's Feather
by Loki'sRose
Rufus stalked through the long grass outside the Barton Boutique, a deadly hunter poised to attack. The grass rippled slightly in front of him, and he pounced, trapping the little bird with one heavy paw as it tried to take flight. Rufus grinned at it, unsheathing his claws and licking his lips in anticipation.
"Hey! Hey! Rufus, no! Let it go!"
Rufus lashed his tail. Ian appeared beside him and began prying the bird free of his claws.
"Why'd you go and do that?" Rufus complained as his catch was taken away.
"It's such a little bird. Hardly more than a chick."
"It was my lunch!"
Ian gave him a hurt look, cradling the weakly flapping brown bundle in his hands. It didn't seem to be hurt, just very frightened. "I'll buy you tuna."
"I caught it fair and square," Rufus grumbled, scratching himself.
"I'll... buy you cream?"
Rufus gave in. It was obviously the best deal he was going to get. "Fine, I won't chase it again."
"Promise?"
"Whatever."
Rufus turned his back on Ian and started cleaning his fur. After a moment, Ian released the bird and it disappeared into the nearest tree, scattering loose feathers like rain. A big brown one landed on Ian's outstretched palm and he laughed, fixing it onto the brim of his hat. Rufus pretended to ignore him.
Before long, the little bird decided it was safe to move again, and took off into the air, circling the Boutique before heading towards Durem.
"Ducky!"
"No, dear, not a ducky."
Ruby appeared around the corner, towed by her enthusiastic little son.
"Ducky!" he proclaimed again, pointing after the bird and grinning at Ian and Rufus where they sat in the grass.
"Peyo thinks all birds are 'ducky'," Ruby explained. Then she blinked and took a closer look at Ian. "What have you done to your hat? Oh, that's clever, haven't seen one like that before. What a lovely idea!"
"It just... came to me." Ian smiled, tilting his head a little, partly to show off the new addition to his hat, but partly so Ruby could play with his hair.
"Ducky!" Peyo insisted, pulling on his mother's arm.
"You tell 'em, kid," muttered Rufus, still sulking.
"I'd better go," said Ruby reluctantly. "See you later, Ian."
She waved as she was dragged down the street, and Ian watched her till she was out of sight.
"You're welcome at my shop any time!" he called, flopping backwards onto the grass happily. Rufus growled at him, but he just reached out to scratch his ears. "And you know the moral of this story, Rufus?"
"There'd better be cream really soon."
"Be kind to chicks!"
The end.
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