Note: This is part of a collection based off a meme called "ten ways of flirting". Only I'm writing drabbles based off the prompts, and I'm not doing them in order.

This first drabble will be continued with the next prompt btw. So don't worry about Tigger.

Embracing

Rabbit had never thought Tigger was capable of being protective. Yet, one winter Rabbit learned that he was indeed capable of that. On that day, Rabbit, Tigger, and Roo were making their way through the fresh fallen snow.

Well, more like Roo and Tigger were bouncing about, laughing. Sometimes they would flop down onto the snow on their backs and make snow angels. Rabbit, having only ran into the two while out gathering winter berries, didn't join in with the nonsense.

No matter how much Rabbit voiced that he was not interested in playing and that he did have things to do, he actually didn't mind Tigger and Roo's company. Part of him figured Tigger and Roo knew that anyways.

It wasn't long before they reached the river. Normally the bridge would be used to cross it. However the three were too far down from the bridge to even see it and the fallen tree stretched out across the river was convenient. Still, the thought of crossing it worried Rabbit. He was even more worried when Tigger just bounced onto the tree.

"Tigger! Be careful!" Rabbit shouted.

"Don't you worry, bunny boy. I'll be fine." Tigger said, nearly across the tree already.

Rabbit didn't care just how close to the other side Tigger was. He climbed up onto the tree.

"Roo, stay there." Rabbit ordered before heading over to get Tigger.

"But Rabbit-" Roo started, not sure about the situation at all.

There was no time for a response. Rabbit didn't even get halfway across when he slipped. Tigger heard Rabbit's cry and Roo calling out for Rabbit at the same time. For a second, Tigger's eyes went wide. Then he went into action.

He jumped off of the tree and at Rabbit. Time seemed to slow for both of them as Tigger reached out to Rabbit. Rabbit was in enough shock that he didn't really react when Tigger's arms wrapped around him and drew him close in an protective embrace.

Thankfully the ice was not very thick and the water was not too deep or shallow when they hit the river. Rabbit got his senses back thanks to the jolt of the cold water. His first thought was to get to the surface. His second thought was the realization that Tigger wasn't responding.

It took a lot of work and effort, but Rabbit managed to help Tigger get to the surface. Then with more effort, he got Tigger to the shore.

"Tigger! Rabbit!" Roo shouted as he came running over to the two sopping wet animals.

"Roo, get your mother and tell her to brings some blankets quickly. I think the cold water may have put Tigger in shock!" Rabbit cried.

Roo didn't need to be told a second time. The agonized worry in Rabbit's eyes was enough to set Roo off to his home. As Roo hurried, Rabbit tried to figure out what he could do for Tigger in the meantime.

"Please be okay..." Rabbit said softly.