Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Of course you wouldn’t be XianXian’s familiar. It all makes sense now…” Jiang Fengmian said as he stared his son down with that disappointed look that Jiang Cheng was all too familiar with. Jiang Cheng swallowed the shame all the same. He’d tried his best and it seemed like he would have been chosen because he had a good bond with Wei Wuxian. However, Wen Ning had appeared with his sister Wen Qing into their part of the familiar realm Lotus Pier. It so happened Wei Wuxian was visiting and the two met.

“You couldn’t even be that brat’s familiar? What’s the point in you being here now!” His mother said with an icy edge that Jiang Cheng felt actual pain. His mother had been the one pushing him to try to bond more with Wei Wuxian.

“Maybe you should just take a walk? Let them calm down, it's not like they are going to make you leave.” Jiang Yanli said, softly trying to comfort him. “You’ll find your own Bond like me and A-Xian.”

“That’s a great idea, A-Li! At first light you’re to leave and find your witch then you can come back!” Jiang Fengmian said with a grin on his face and a look in his eyes that broke the last bit of hope in him that his father actually cared about him. HIs sister had at least had the decency to look horrified though did nothing and his mother had been pleased because this was an appropriate punishment for a failure such as him.

Jiang Cheng had known that it wasn’t going to be a good breakfast with his family when Wei Wuxian had met his familiar, Wen Ning. All this father’s hope that he’d been the familiar of his former friend that was a witch went down in flames and his mother had only wished for it because it would stop his father’s daydreaming. What he hadn't expected was to be thrown out the next morning. He felt like his heart was breaking when his mother had all but disowned him. 

He didn’t even bother to take anything but his bell. That he attached to his sash. A gift he’d been preparing to give his witch. He wouldn’t wait for the morning. What's the point in avoiding the inevitable? It’s not that they truly cared, did they? 

Jiang Cheng’s eyes burned as he ran away from the only home he’d ever known. From the family he thought cared for him. No, he wouldn’t go back. If he ever found them. Supposedly familiars are forever linked. So in each life in some way he’d find his way  to the one who’d care for him. 

He left the familiar spiritual realm of Lotus Pier  into what was Shanghai. And of course the moment he stepped out in his familiar form as a black cat it was raining. Not a soft mist, but a cold heavy pelting followed by rolling thunder. His hackles rose in this form but he focused on finding a spot. He needed to quickly before he got sick, because that would be his luck after what happened. He would get sick and die alone. 

Jiang Cheng got off the sidewalk and saw the signs of a park. He’d remembered that a lot of them had benches or maybe a tree he could climb up in to try to get dry. Though the rain was only coming down harder and the benches that he was close too all had those metal slats.  Sadly the trees were all manicured and lacking in the coverage needed to protect him from the rain. Jiang Cheng huffed as he sat in front of one staring at the bench like somehow it would morph into what he needed. His ears twitched hearing the sound of shoes on pavement but he ignored it.

Suddenly, the rain was no longer falling on him. The pattering of it striking a tight, slick fabric made soft music instead.

He had ignored the feet, but the owner of said feet had not ignored him. Even with such neat, tidy clothes, the man wasted no time in tilting his umbrella to cover Jiang Cheng. His left arm was already soaked.

If the man cared, he didn’t show it. His eyes were kind, though his face was impassive, and a strong current of magic flowed through him. He crouched over the mud to get a good look at Jiang Cheng.

“Lost?” he asked, gentle and unthreatening. He offered his free hand for Jiang Cheng to sniff just as a crack of thunder raged overhead. 

“Nope.” Jiang Cheng answered resolutely. Because he had nowhere to go. He still didn’t even bother to look up. It wasn’t like there was a magic red string that could help him find his witch. No, that’s not how bonds worked.  “I am not a pet, human.” He ignored the hand. There wasn’t a reason for him to accept. No one would want a bone soaked cat.

“You are not,” the man agreed, hearing the cat sniffle. No doubt, he had been in the rain long enough to get sick. That thick fur was soaked through. 

It was clear the cat was a stubborn sort, but the man was too, and he quickly tried a different tack. “Hungry?”

Jiang Cheng blinked and finally deigned to look up at his bystander. His eyes narrowed seeing the magical aura around him. It was calm and an icy blue. The way it moved let him know that he was a witch and a musical one at that. Which was nice but it also stung because that’s what kind of aura that Wei Wuxian had. 

He pushed that thought away to focus on the man. He was tall and lean. Clearly a runner. His hair was shoulder length and dark with a bluish tint to it that made his ember eyes stand out. The man was dressed in a light blue turtleneck that peeked out from a pristine white pea coat and jeans. 

A sneeze ruined his train of thought. His wet paw rubbing it from the burn he’d felt. Jiang Cheng internally sighed feeling that it was warm which meant he was probably going to be sick. He’d been right that the powers that be were against him. His stomach growled at the thought of food. That’s when he remembered that he hadn’t eaten since breakfast this morning and had been too anxious to eat after finding out about Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian. 

“I am fine.” Jiang Cheng said stubbornly. He could find something he was sure and it wouldn’t be smart to just trust the first witch he’d seen. The weather alone was a sign. But his stomach growled again just as the words had come out of his mouth.

To the man’s credit, he didn’t quite snort, but there was definitely some sort of huffed breath at that. “You will get sick,” he said, knowing the familiar already was, and turned his face to point down the street. The sky was so dreary and dark, it was hard to make out his home, which was a three story house squeezed between two older apartment buildings. It had a red door from the previous owner, which he’d kept, liking the striking accent. Now, he was thankful he’d kept it for another reason, for it was visible even through the rain.

“Red door,” he said softly. “Free food and a warm hearth. You are welcome to come. Stay as you like, go as you like.”

“Why? Is that what you do? Take stray familiars?” Jiang Cheng sassed, feeling the sting of that being what he was now. A stray. He sneezed again and he swatted his nose, sadly entertaining the thought that perhaps he should have waited till morning.

“Sometimes,” the man said, calm in that. It was true enough. He did meet a few strays - familiar and regular animals alike - that needed help. “Have none of my own. Help where I can.” He didn’t bother offering his hand again, given that sniffling meant Jiang Cheng couldn’t smell him. He moved the umbrella more over the cat instead, uncaring that he was getting wet. “No charge to stay.”

Immediately, Jiang Cheng wanted to tell him no, but he couldn’t go home. Well...what had been his home. He let out an audible sigh as he tried not to cry. Because that’d be the cherry on top of a terrible day. Crying in front of the witch while being rude to him. He also needed to think about the situation. Jiang Cheng had nowhere to go and this witch was offering. Though he was still a bit weary that the witch would trap him. 

“No tricks or I’ll claw your eyes out.” Jiang Cheng finally caved as he moved onto all four paws. 

“No tricks,” the man agreed and held his umbrella over Jiang Cheng as they slowly walked to the tall, squashed house with a red door. He’d been about to wrap the cat up in his pea coat, carry him there, but Jiang Cheng was clearly a proud creature and would probably not appreciate it. There would be plenty of time to get him warm and dry once inside, anyways.

The key he took out of his pocket was antique and long, with a flat head for the lock. He had to turn it completely through the lock nearly twice, and there was a soft rumble through the building, the magic shivering through it, welcoming them both.

He held the door for Jiang Cheng to move through, right into a small entryway with a spot for outdoor shoes and indoor shoes. It was old concrete, so there was no harm in standing there a moment dripping. 

“Be right back,” the witch said, tucking out of his shoes and wet pea coat. He shook out the umbrella outside then shut the door, which locked itself with a winding mechanism much like a clock’s. Shuffling into his indoor slippers, the man stepped up into the entry-hall, which had glossy, dark hardwood floors and moved quickly towards his bathroom to grab a towel.

He came back and knelt down, holding the towel open so Jiang Cheng could walk into it. “Here.”

Jiang Cheng considered it and hesitated only for a moment before stepping forward into the warm towel. He’d only ever been touched by Wei Wuxian and his sister in this form since he was kitten. His eyes closed to keep the tears at bay again. It was best to try not to think about them. He knew though that it was easier thought than done.

The man rubbed him vigorously with the towel, drying him off. He could better hear the cat’s thick breathing now that the rain was muffled through the door. “May I carry you?” he asked, wrapping the towel around Jiang Cheng like he was a kitten burrito. “Living room not far. Has a fireplace.”

“No funny business.” Jiang Cheng sniffled. He’d been strong and hadn’t purred when the drying off started to feel a lot like scratching. It’d been a while since he’d been petted. He swatted his tail at the witch. “I am Jiang Wanyin.” Jiang Cheng finally decided to share his name with the witch. 

“Lan Wangji,” the man gave him, then carefully lifted him up into his arms, cradling him like he was a babe. He further wrapped the towel around Jiang Cheng and moved towards his living room as promised. The fireplace came to life with a mere thought, warming the room in a golden glow. It was a traditional looking space, for all the building was more western in design. It had a low table and a daybed couch near the fire, but also a recliner. Lan Wangji set him on the recliner since it was closest and softest.

“I’ll be back,” Lan Wangji said again, removing the damp towel and trading it for a dry blanket. Then he was out of the room to make a quick bowl of food for his new guest, leaving Jiang Cheng there to get settled.

Jiang Cheng settled into the warm cushion of the seat. He kneaded and circled till he felt comfortable enough to sit down. Well loaf down was the correct term.  To just lounge wasn’t something that he did around anyone really. For fear of being called lazy. He tucked his tail in and listened for Lan Wangji. The witch's home was comfortable and nothing like his siblings' own homes. It smelled of sandalwood and patchouli.  His gaze shifted to the guqin on the table and with the swirl of clouds of his design made him think of Wei Wuxian’s youth at the Cloud of Recesses.

Soft footsteps approached around the smell of fish. Lan Wangji quietly crossed the room to him with a plate of lightly steamed shredded trout. He set it on the recliner next to Jiang Cheng and tucked the blanket around the cat a little more, making sure he was warm and fed.

Once satisfied that Jiang Cheng was comfortable, he neatly folded himself behind the guqin and started to tune the instrument, his magic shimmering over the strings. He plucked softly, so as not to disturb his guest, obviously not one to push too much into Jiang Cheng’s business or force awkward conversation.

Jiang Cheng ate as quietly as he could after smelling it to make sure that it hadn’t been tampered with. Not that he’d truly smell any right now. His eyes got droopy from the good trout, Lan Wangji’s playing, and the warmth from the fireplace. Just when he started to fall asleep he sneezed hard. 

“I...I’m done.” Jiang Cheng announced, though he hadn’t eaten all of it. He probably should have but his stomach just wasn’t in the mood while his head felt the way it did. “Thank you, Lan Wangji.” He tried for nice but he was sure it sounded like he was annoyed.

Lan Wangji took it in stride, elegantly standing and taking the plate. Then, his head tilted, considering him. “Bonded or not?” he asked, needing to know if Jiang Cheng would be shifting human at some point. It would determine the medicine he needed to get for him.

“Not.” Jiang Cheng answered, bluntly. Dazed sapphire eyes gazed up at him. “And I wouldn’t be shifting anyways. I’m for my witch.” the last bit a little slurred from slight dizziness that was coming to him. He really shouldn’t have been out in that rain most of the day.

Lan Wangji just nodded. “Alright. Will be back with medicine,” he said and moved off, no judgement in his tone. He knew Bonds were important to familiars and he truly had only needed to know what medicine to grab. It was meant for smaller animals, but infused with his own magic, a cocktail just for familiars. He knelt down beside the recliner and held up the needleless syringe to Jiang Cheng’s nose. “Here. Good for colds and sleep.”

Jiang Cheng tried to smell it but all he really smelled was Lan Wangi and his sandalwood. So far the witch hadn’t tried to hurt or capture him. He swallowed, making the best choice for himself before opening to take the medicine. The mixture had settled on his stomach and started it’s job. He could feel the magic in it that told him Lan Wangji was the one who made this. It tasted mostly like he’d taken a bite of a strawberry pie. Which had him curious about the witch’s kitchen and cookbooks. 

“Not bad.” Jiang Cheng offered instead of a thanks. That would be reserved for when he was better to see if the witch had tricked him. Even if it had been too late. At least he hadn’t thanked him for hurting him.

Lan Wangji took that as a good sign and simply tucked the blanket around Jiang Cheng more, then returned to his kitchen to clean out the medical syringe. He was hardly surprised to see Jiang Cheng’s eyes blinking slowly when he folded himself back behind his qin and began to play for him. He went with a lullaby that was infused with his qi, promoting deep sleep and present dreams. Jiang Cheng seemed like he needed that kind of kindness. 

Sleep, he bid silently through the melody, watching Jiang Cheng from the corner of his eye. Feel better.

“Don’t trick.” Jiang Cheng reminded him, before he felt himself start to drift off to the lovely music that Lan Wangji was playing. His ears flicking. He prayed that he didn't purr as he slept was his last thought before falling into a deep sleep.

Lan Wangji continued to play, even though Jiang Cheng was sound asleep, and didn’t stop until his usual practice time was over. Then he got up to get dressed and readied his music room for the couple music students that would drop by for their lessons. He hoped all the giggling wouldn’t wake Jiang Cheng, but then he supposed there were worse things to wake up to, and thought no more on it when his first student of the afternoon showed up with her tiny qin on her back.

He had three students, a slower day, and it was a good hour before he needed to decide dinner when he escorted his final pupil to the door. The house fell silent again, calm with the echoes of children’s laughter and the magic of music being so earnestly learned. He moved quietly to the living room to check on Jiang Cheng. Seeing the cat still sound asleep was both endearing and worrying, and he could only hope the medicine was doing its job.

Chapter Text

Dinner had his kitchen smelling of rice and roasted vegetables. Lan Wangji fried up triangles of tofu to golden perfection, then paused, thinking he’d heard a soft bell. It made him consider Jiang Cheng and he went back to his fridge while his stew bubbled, checking the sparse bits of meat he kept. He didn’t eat meat beyond fish and the occasional bit of chicken and egg. He only had fish and eggs for now and pulled out the carton. Eggs were good protein even cooked, so he fixed a quick scramble with the remains of the flaked fish Jiang Cheng hadn’t finished.

He heard the bell again, a bit louder. No longer muffled by the blanket. There had been a bell around Jiang Cheng’s neck, he remembered, and was scraping the eggs onto a plate when he heard the thump of a cat jumping down.

“In here, Jiang Wanyin,” he said, probably needlessly, but then again the cat’s nose was clogged. He probably couldn’t smell him cooking, only hear him. “Dinner.”

In the hallway, Jiang Cheng had stopped to look at the pictures on the wall. There was a large one of Lan Wangji, a slightly older man probably a brother or at least the older twin, and a young man. Though the older brother looking on was the only one truly smiling. Jiang Cheng guessed that it was the man’s uncle? Because there were other photos of who could be his parents? 

It was strange to be here and he noticed all the wards that were similar to his jiejie’s house. Minus the ones for familiars there were a few symbols for welcoming them too. So Lan Wangji’s offer was just as he’d said. That made him relax some more. The calling of his name had him going to the kitchen where the smell of food was strong and luring his stomach to release another growl.

Jiang Cheng’s fur stood at the embarrassment because of course that’s when his stomach had done it. He peered up at the man. From the living room to the kitchen he’d smelt the faintness of children that were magical and non-magical. But it faded only lingering on Lan Wangji. The sound of giggling children in his dream had been real. His thoughts drifted to where he’d dreamt Lan Wangji a crane and back to the now. Since the giggling was surrounded by music, that meant that Lan Wangji was most likely a music teacher. 

“You...there were students here?” Jiang Cheng asked, wondering if his assumption was true. It also made him remember to thank the witch for his help and the food from earlier to now. “And thank you for the food and my medicine.”

Lan Wangji was rather impressed with the cat’s astute nose. Apparently it wasn’t as clogged as before. “Yes. Tuesdays are slow,” he said and gestured for Jiang Cheng to hop up onto the kitchen island where the plate of eggs and trout waited. He nodded to the gratitude as he returned to prepping his own meal, then clicked off the stove burner and scooped out the vegetable stew over his rice and tofu.

He moved around the kitchen island to sit on the stool and began to eat with delicate movements. “How do you feel?” he asked as he used his chopsticks to cleanly pinch a piece of tofu in half.

“Better. Thank you,” Jiang Cheng answered, unsure. Because hsi opinion or feelings about the situation hadn’t really mattered. Because his parents had put so much pressure into making sure he was perfect for Wei Wuxian. Not that the spunky man had cared. Wei Wuxian was spontaneous and wilful. His mother regrettably had been bound to Jiang Fengmian at a young age. Only to find out he was in love with another witch. Since her binding had already been blood sealed there was no getting rid of them and she’d bitterly tried to make the best of it. 

Lan Wangji tilted his head a bit, sensing the cat’s distress, but stayed quiet. It wasn’t his business, after all. He focused on eating slowly, savoring each bite, and watched Jiang Cheng eat. “Good?” he asked, a little worried. “Can make you something else.”

“I am fine. This is food.” Jiang Cheng stated, moving to take another bite. “And this is good though you don’t have to cook the eggs. I like them just as they are over dishes.” He shared despite himself. What was the point? Would he be here beyond right now?

“Noted,” Lan Wangji said, and with a wave of his hand a small notebook and pen appeared. He actually wrote that down. “Foods you like?” he asked, prepared to make a list. He added chicken preemptively, then waited for Jiang Cheng to speak.

“Are you keeping me?” Jiang Cheng blurted before he could stop himself. Then winced when that came out more like a hiss than a part of a thought. No one had asked really what he liked. He did like his sister’s lotus soup and zongzi. Though both were common when he and Wei Wuxian had gone to his jiejie’s house than at home.  

“You are not a pet,” Lan Wangji said, softly chiding, but still kind as he explained himself. “Wish to be accommodating. I am mostly vegetarian, but cat bodies need meat. All I keep is fish, chicken, and eggs.”

“I know I’m not a pet. I meant...I can stay longer?” Jiang Cheng tried to explain himself now. Because he hadn’t meant to be harsh sounding. This is what Wei Wuxian and his father always talked to him about. Nie Huaisang had told him that it’s what made him different, but in a good way. However, Nie Huaisang’s speciality was joy with some good humored trickery. Poor Mo Xuanyu. Jiang Cheng snorted thinking about how his friend hadn’t been able to shift from his warbler form for almost a week when Mo Xuanyu had chosen him. 

“As long as you like,” Lan Wangji said. He didn’t quite smile, but he hoped his face was gentle nonetheless. Inwardly, he wanted nothing more than to tuck Jiang Cheng into a blanket and hold him close, but that was more an instinct from caring for actual cats and rabbits and not men inside them. He knew it would not go over well, so he had to try other things. “Do you like red meat? Or stick to white? Cooked, or raw?”

“I like white and I prefer them cooked. While this form prefers raw meat, my human form doesn’t.” Jiang Cheng answered, eating the last of his food then nudged it slightly before moving to loaf in front of Lan Wangji while he was writing and eating. His tail tucked in instead of swishing around. 

“Though I will eat duck just not in large sittings.” 

Lan Wangji noted that with a nod, then turned the page towards Jiang Cheng so he could look it over. “I will shop tomorrow. Set up for cats on the second floor,” he added, thinking of the space he’d cleared as a play area for any strays he picked up. There was a litterbox up there too, as well as a cat tree and beds. “My room is on the third floor. Door always open if you need me.”

“Thank you and I...don’t have any money to pay you for doing this…” Jiang Cheng said, though it wouldn’t have made a difference. His parents weren’t going to give him any money when he left. Jin Zixuan was a good brother in law but he’d rather actually be dead than ask him and his sister. They were preparing for their own child. Every cent was needed. 

“I can repay once I’ve...found work.” Jiang Cheng said, thinking of how he was going to do that. He could cook and clean. Most of his other skills were in hunting. But that was if he was willing to be human. And he didn’t want to do that. He’d always felt his human form was special and for his witch. 

Lan Wangji shook his head. “No charge,” he said again and punctuated this by eating his last bite, as though to stave off an argument. He wasn’t hurting for money, so he could be as stubborn as he wanted about it. “Here to help.”

He gave Jiang Cheng a kind look when the cat looked uncomfortable. “Pay me by feeling better,” he said, no nonsense, then stood with his empty bowl and Jiang Cheng’s plate to wash them.

Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but feel grateful that Lan Wangji hadn’t made him go to work to pay him back. A sense of relief came over him. Perhaps he didn’t have to be too bitter about the situation. He was about to answer when he felt the summons. It was like a stirring of magic that looked like the wind in that Pocahontas kids movie. Only familiars could hear it and see it. He knew it was Wei Wuxian but he denied it. There would be no point. Thankfully he couldn’t send Wen Ning to him because of the ward he had tattooed on his human form. The one good thing he’d gotten from his father. 

“I...will..get better.” Jiang Cheng stumbled to say as he stretched to get up. He went over to the notebook that had been left on the table. The writing was elegant but small. The list was good and he couldn’t think of anything else now. “Will there be children tomorrow?”

“Wednesdays and Thursdays off,” Lan Wangji told him. That meant it was his Friday and he could feel that bone-deep satisfaction of another week put away successfully. He loved his students, but it was still nice to have a day of rest and a day to catch up on himself.

And now two days to get his home into a comfortable and safe place for Jiang Cheng to stay. “Working around school schedules. Saturdays and Sundays are busiest. Summer will change. Mondays and Fridays busiest.”

“The little ones will be tormenting their parents.” Jiang Cheng laughed, thinking not of his own parents but how his nephew would be coming into the world soon. He sighed pushing every thought after that away. Nope, he’d already cried in the rain. No need to cry here and now. “I’ll go look around. When can I take my medicine again?” 

“I sleep at nine and wake at five,” Lan Wangji told him with a thoughtful hum. “Bring your medicine before bed.”

He tilted his body then to point around the arch of the kitchen entryway towards the stairs with a sudsy hand. “Left at the top is the cat setup,” he explained. “Right is my library. You are welcome to both. Next floor are my rooms.”

“I won’t bother you.” Jiang Cheng responded, because he didn’t expect to go anywhere near those rooms. They weren’t for him and Lan Wangji wasn’t his witch. No, he’d stay in the common rooms and the cat area. Now, the library got his attention. He loved to read and it would be nice not to be interrupted by Wei Wuxian’s random thoughts. “And I will be back to get my medicine. You don’t have to come looking for me.”

“Not a bother,” Lan Wangji assured him, a little worried about his words. “Come to me for anything. I will listen,” he promised, then paused, thinking of his library. It would be a bit hard for a cat to navigate, unless he knew how it worked. “If you wish to use the library, use the stand near the window seat. Think of the book you wish for, it will appear.”

“Thank you.” Jiang Cheng said, more towards the instructions on how to access the books. “Can it put them back? Or do I need to make a pile?” 

“Pile is fine. I like organizing,” Lan Wangji hummed. He loved his library for that reason. Not just because of the books, but in the calming motions of putting them back. He gestured for Jiang Cheng to go explore all he liked. “Call if you have need.”

“I...thank you.” Jiang Cheng said, knowing that he wouldn’t be reaching out. His father had made sure that he understood not to be a burden and he was already sick in the witch’s home. Jiang Cheng slowly made his way out of the kitchen not saying anything else. It was easy to make his way up to the second floor where the library and what must have been a sitting room or extra bedroom had been. The door was gone though but he went into where he could smell the previous cats. It was very faint. He’d want to give Lan Wangji some tips on how to remove other cat familiars’ scents easier.  

It was an open space. The carpet was a plush blue rug that covered most of the wood floor of the room. In the far corner was a cat tree that went floor to ceiling and connected to another cat canopy tree with several apartments inside. He would use that probably for exercise and climbing. The tree would be where he slept for now. It gave him the best vantage over the room and the evening sun like it was now was at the top keeping it warm. The rest of the room was decorated modestly with some other cat toys and a scratching tree that... ohhhh … it was a wood cat scratching post. Like most of the things in this room even the cat litter he inspected was natural. Though he said he wouldn’t shift in front of Lan Wangji that wouldn’t stop him once the man was out.

Jiang Cheng chuckled at that thought and went up the cat tree. Which he loved because the base was wood while the perches had the softest fabric not carpet all over them. “He washed it in the sun.” Jiang Cheng beamed as he sniffed to see if any other cats had been there. All he could smell was the barest of fragrance of detergent and the sun where it had dried the fabric. “Good witch.” He muttered and lounged on the perch. His eyes started to droop from a full belly and a warm spot. His last thought being that he should probably go back downstairs in a few minutes. 

An hour later, Lan Wangji entered the area with the medicine, though blinked a moment when he couldn’t see Jiang Cheng. He could sense the familiar’s magic, so he knew he was there, but where? 

It took him a few minutes, before he realized Jiang Cheng had curled up on one of the top sections of the cat tree. Lan Wangji smiled to himself, pleased to find Jiang Cheng sleeping well, and gently sent a tiny trickle of magic up to him to ruffle the fur between his ears. It was a trick he’d learned with the cats that had stayed before, when they were too high up to get down. “Jiang Wanyin? Medicine.”

Jiang Cheng woke to the touch of magic gently petting him awake. He’d not been woken like that ever, but he’d seen Wen Ning and Jin Zixuan done the same. So it was a little bit of a shock but not too much. He took his time remembering that he wasn’t in Lotus Pier but Shanghai with Lan Wangji. He slowly got up stretching his body and peering down at Lan Wangji.

“I...I’m sorry, I made you come find me.” Jiang Cheng sputtered, then slunk down to a perch closer to him. A pang of initial worry for having him do that when he noticed the oversized shirt and shorts on the man. Of course he’d overslept just as Lan Wangji was going to get some sleep. 

But Lan Wangji just shook his head, a soft look in his eyes. “Not a bother,” he said again and held up the syringe so that Jiang Cheng could swallow the medicine. He pulled the syringe apart once it was all gone so he could clean it upstairs. “Glad you are sleeping well. Anything else you need?” he asked, earnest, and reached up to pull out his hair tie to reach his final level of comfort. It was a quarter to nine and his body was winding down, but he was more than willing to get Jiang Cheng something if needed.

“No, there is nothing else that I need. Sleep well.” Jiang Cheng stated, after taking the rest of the delicious medicine. “You need me then call for me and I will help. Since I am staying the least I can do is protect you.”

“Thank you,” Lan Wangji said, and offered Jiang Cheng a tiny, sleepy smile. “Sleep well. I will see you in the morning.”

“Good night.” Jing Cheng said, watching him go with a flick of his tail. He stayed there for a bit just enjoying the space. It was calming here which made him relax even more.  He dozed a little then woke up enough to go investigating. 

Despite his words earlier, he was curious enough to go to the stairs leading to Lan Wangji’s bedroom. He made it to the top of landing before he stopped. The rich scent of sandalwood and patchouli was coming from the room. He could hear the soft snores and a little bit of shifting of the sheets. Jiang Cheng lowered himself almost into a loaf.  

Instead of a door the third floor was more of an open studio. So that meant that the room for the familiars and strays had been a bedroom. He knew that he should go back downstairs but he was already up here. Lan Wangji was asleep and he was a stealthy cat. So if needed he could get out.

At that Jiang Cheng slowly made his way into the room that was simply decorated as the rest of the house with just a few more sentimental trinkets and paintings that were lovely. He padded close to the bed then over to a desk where he jumped on the chair to look around. He peered over at the bed to find the man curled up in a ball much like he did as a cat. 

Cute. Jiang Cheng thought before going to investigate more of the room. He noticed a nice soft pink cable sweater that was clearly not the man’s style and something he’d like in his human form. Jiang Cheng wasn’t one to steal but the man had said he didn’t mind.  

So with that in mind he made his way back downstairs to rest on his perch. With both of them resting, the house seemed to breathe out and settle, creaking into its own sleeping state, warm and cozy and protective.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji, as promised, was up at five a.m. sharp. His bare feet shuffled to the bathroom, through a shower, then back out to get dressed. He made his way downstairs in his warm slippers, an oversized sweater, and comfortable jeans. Seeing Jiang Cheng passed out on the perch was a good sight to see, and he took a moment to find a few books in his library to take downstairs.

Breakfast was quiet, as was usual for so early. His kitchen smelt of fried dough and fresh soy milk, as well as a bright mint tea. He sat down at the kitchen island with his plate of youtiao in reach of his right hand, while his left slowly turned the pages of his book.

Familiars have a profound bond with their witches. When summoned, they are compelled to answer. However, if another witch they are not bound to summons them, they have the choice to refuse. In both cases, the familiar’s true name must be known to the summoner, or the spell will fail to work…

Lan Wangji paused, hearing Jiang Cheng’s bell faintly, and slid off his stool to prepare Jiang Cheng’s medicine, as well as start on a breakfast for him. Like the night before, he went with eggs, though this time made a jianbing “pancake” with them. Making the flat omelette, he cooled it with a rush of magic and rolled it into a snake, then cut it at neat angles all the way down, so Jiang Cheng would have layered bites. He set it out on the kitchen island with the medicine in a small condiment cup then returned to his seat to resume reading.

“Good morning.” Jiang Cheng greeted him. The sight of a comfortable looking Lan Wangji. Even more so than last night when he’d been sleeping. His own voice a little gravelly from sleeping so hard. If he’d been human he’d been rosy cheeked and messy haired. “Thank you. This smells good.” He said getting up on the island.  

“Mn. Good morning,” Lan Wangji said, voice warm and sleepy still, though the mint tea was starting to wake him. He watched Jiang Cheng lick out the medicine from the small cup in some amusement, taking a better stock of him with fresh eyes. Thankfully, Jiang Cheng didn’t seem skinny, or patchy. He seemed well cared for and healthy, besides the cold. It of course begged the question why a non-Bonded familiar was out alone on the streets, but he wasn’t going to ask. Jiang Cheng was safe here and seemingly content. That was all that mattered.

With that in mind, he turned back to his reading. “Sleep well?”

“I did thank you. Are you sure that there isn’t anything I can do besides protect your home?” Jiang Cheng asked, wondering if the witch could think of anything for him in a cat form. He tilted his head looking at him. Today’s medicine tasted like blueberry cheesecake. Which was nice. He licked his teeth. “Did you sleep well? Too?” He added at the end remembering he hadn’t asked. 

“Mn,” Lan Wangji nodded again and considered him, tilting his head much like a cat would, or a puppy. “...do you like toys?” he asked, curious. 

“I...the ones upstairs are enough.” Jiang Cheng answered gruffly not meaning to. He felt a bit embarrassed, wrapping a tail around him. Wei Wuxian was used to him being this way. Lan Wangji wasn’t. If he wasn’t careful out in the rain and sick he’d be. “I mean, I do. No need to bother.” 

Lan Wangji was quiet for a moment, then gently shut his book. A Study of Familiars. “No bother,” he promised. “Tradition. Buy a toy for each guest. Want you to be happy and comfortable.”

“I am and I like bells.” Jiang Cheng answered, quickly. Not wanting to seem ungrateful. His gaze flicked to the witch’s book. A bit of dread coming to him. The witch was probably looking for a familiar. He could sense how strong Lan Wangji was. It was odd he didn’t have one by now. That meant he would and probably out the door he’d be. “Preparing to go to Lotus Pier?” 

That got him a very confused face. “I… no?” Lan Wangji said, uncertain if perhaps he should be, before it clicked as he saw Jiang Cheng eye his book. “I am not used to un-Bonded familiars coming here,” he explained with suddenly red ears. “Wanted to research to best help you.”

Ah, so it wasn’t as horrible as he thought. At least he wouldn’t be going to Lotus Pier mentioning his name. Well, that probably didn’t matter. He was most likely already forgotten with how much of a burden he was. Jiang Cheng let his tail swish. Since the teacher needed some information and he was the source then it made sense for him to tell him.  

“You have questions and since I happen to be not bonded. I can answer them for you.” Jiang Cheng offered leaning in to pick some more of the medicine. 

Lan Wangji turned toward him, a curious light in his eyes that was almost boyish. “Bonded familiars are restricted by distance,” he began, thinking of what he’d been taught. A Bonded witch and familiar couldn’t be too far apart without feeling a great deal of pain. “You are not.” It wasn’t exactly a question, more a confirmation, and seeing Jiang Cheng nod let him know he had it right. It made sense, anyway. They needed room to roam in order to find who they needed. “You are out looking for a witch?”

That question hurt despite knowing it was coming. But the truth does hurt the unwilling mind does it not?

 “I..I am.” Jiang Cheng answered, truthfully. He didn’t want to explain the reasons why but it would also help Lan Wangji understand. “Not every familiar leaves our realm. But some do. There is a ritual you as a witch can perform in our realm to request a familiar. It’s called the calling . It alerts everyone in the realm that a witch is looking for someone to volunteer. The last volunteer was Nie Mingjue. But he hasn’t returned in a long time. I on the other hand am choosing to go find my own. ”

Lan Wangji soaked that in like a sponge. “But do you have to?” he asked, head tilted again as his mind tried to understand. By the way he was blinked at, it wasn’t a question Jiang Cheng had been expecting. “Bonds are… like magnets,” he did his best to explain where this question had come from, ears going redder. “A call to be together, to be complete again. But you have no such tie. Do you follow a pull? Or is it a choice?”

“It is a choice. Though it is said that familiars and their witches always find their way back to each other in every life. My sister and brother in law said that it was like everything clicked into place for them when they met.” And how it worked on Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning. Two perfect pairs. “Nie Huaisang my friend said meeting his witch was like a dream come to life but he also couldn’t change human for a week he was so smitten.”  Jiang Cheng answered, tilting his head and sitting as he watched Lan Wangji’s ears flush. Did he say something wrong to him?

“A choice.” Lan Wangji considered that and looked down at the book, a bit sad now. Still, he offered Jiang Cheng a kind look. “Nie Mingjue is Bonded now,” he informed him. “To xiongzhang. Engaged to be married in the fall.”

“Oh? That’s great. He was happy after meeting his wi-...your brother. I wish Nie Huaisang would have told me. Though he is probably lost in his love songs.” Jiang Cheng sighed, knowing his friend had to have done it hearing the news of Jiang Cheng’s fate. He hadn’t missed the sadness especially since it didn’t smell good on Lan Wangji. “I’ve never been bonded. I thought we would be but then he found the right familiar.”

Lan Wangji wasn’t sure who he meant, but the message was clear enough. “I… have broken Bonds,” he admitted quietly. There was a bit of a stigma attached to it, and was the reason he had not applied for his own familiar. Many looked upon his services to abused familiars as a waste of magic at best and downright heathenry at worst. “That is why I am not used to un-Bonded. I have had many hurt familiars come and ask me to take away that connection. I am powerful enough.”

He sighed a little. “I am glad it is more a choice. I would like to believe in a fated one, but I would not wish anyone the pain I have seen in them. In you…” He trailed off and shook his head, letting the sadness settle before he pushed it away. “Thank you, Jiang Wanyin,” he said, offering a smile, then got up with his empty plate to wash it.

Jiang Cheng was quiet for a moment. He sighed knowing it was going to come out sooner than later. “He rejected me because he found one that he felt was the right fit. I’d been with him all my life…” His appetite faded quickly. 

“Then he was not good for you,” Lan Wangji said to that, firm and broaching no argument. The pain was understandable, so his voice was still kind, but still ... “You were right to want to find better. You have much to give to a witch, Jiang Wanyin. You will find them.”

He noticed Jiang Cheng had stopped eating and could practically feel the hurt coming off him in waves. Lan Wangji understood rejection all too intimately. It hurt like hell.  So, gently, he settled his hand on the back of Jiang Cheng’s scruff and shoulders, giving him a better smile than before. “But even if you did not wish for a witch, you would still be of worth. Who you are should not be judged by your abilities alone, or who your partner is. It is what is in your heart that matters most. Those who cannot see that do not deserve you. Not one whisker.”

“Thank you.” Jiang Cheng finally breathed out. He hadn’t dared think that in a long time. No it’d been verbally beaten out of him. He was supposed to be the perfect one to Wei Wuxian’s chaos. Gone was Jiang Cheng the moment Jiang Fengmian had wished for him to be Wei Wuxian’s familiar. He needed the reminder to be himself with no exceptions. Jiang Cheng leaned into the touch. A small purr came out from being comforted. 

Lan Wangji just nodded and massaged into the cat’s scruff, until his head was nearly touching his chest. That purr was adorable, but more importantly, it was a sign of trust. Lan Wangji would do his utmost best to honor it. “Going to the store soon. Want to come?”

“I...yes.” Jiang Cheng answered, more confidently near the end. He’d trusted Lan Wangji with the knowledge of what happened. Instead of mocking him and telling him if he’d only been better, he was comforting and telling him he was already worthy of being a familiar. “But as I am now.” 

Lan Wangji smiled a little. “What I meant,” he promised and gently smoothed back Jiang Cheng’s ears. The shopping list was still there from the night before and he slid it over. “Anything to add?”

“Blueberries?” Jiang Cheng asked. He hadn’t smelled any in the kitchen but that’s what was in his medicine. So he assumed that Lan Wangji probably used the last of them for it.

Lan Wangji added them to his list, then a few more items that came to mind from his past working week. After they were both satisfied, he tucked the note into his back pocket and moved off to get ready to leave. Unlike the day before, the sun had decided to come out, and he could feel the budding warmth through the window’s glass. 

Still, he had a sick cat to care for. That meant taking no chances. “Alexa, what is today’s weather?”

Weather for Wednesday, March 24th, 6:57 am. Six degrees Celsius, with a high of 12 degrees Celsius. Partly cloudy with a fifty percent chance of precipitation.

Well, that was that, then. He pulled on his peacoat and hooked his umbrella over the crook of his arm, then knelt down when Jiang Cheng sauntered in close. “Climb up,” he instructed, patting his shoulder, then holding out his arm so Jiang Cheng could use it.

Jiang Cheng climbed up with ease despite being a little wobbly. The medicine doing its work with the bonus of Lan Wangji’s warmth was starting to make him sleepy. He really didn’t want to be asleep but he guessed that the ride wasn’t as important as the destination. “Don’t drop.”

In answer, Lan Wangji pulled up his collar so Jiang Cheng could nestle in between it and his neck, like a purry scarf. “Mn. Won't,” he promised gravely as he toed on his shoes, then moved out the door into the brisk morning. He took a moment to lock the door behind him, then adjusted his coat around them both. When he turned his head a little to see him, his cheek brushed Jiang Cheng’s ear. “Warm?”

“Yessnfg.” Jiang Cheng answered before sneezing. He rubbed his nose with his paw. “Sorry.” Then rubbed his head on Lan Wangji’s cheek to clean up the bit of spray that he got on him. 

“It’s alright,” Lan Wangji assured him and started down the street towards the train station. It wasn’t a long drive to the inner market of the city by taxi or bus, but he liked the train and didn’t mind having to take a more scenic route. He preferred it, really. “Do you mind the train?”

“I’ve never been. I wasn’t allowed to go with him when he did that.” Jiang Cheng shared before he could stop himself. But he backtracked. “I’ve never been.”

The news wasn't entirely good, but Lan Wangji hid his worry regardless. “I prefer trains, but if you don’t, we can take a bus back,” he promised then crossed the road towards the station building.

Given witches and non-witches were aware of one another, the public transports hosted for both. There were strictly magic trains in Shanghai, usually for a quick cross country jump, but Lan Wangji didn’t mind mixing with his non-magic neighbors. As long as he and Jiang Cheng could ride unbothered, that was all that mattered.

He got a seat at a window and noticed Jiang Cheng’s wide, awed eyes at everything. Truly, he had never been on a train. It was both a sad thought and a happy one, because it meant Lan Wangji could give him this. “Comfortable?”

Jiang Cheng though in wonder didn’t forget that he needed to be cautious. He could see the different witches and non-witches on the train. It was amazing. He curled as much as possible into Lan Wangji’s neck. “Yes, thanks.” His voice was low for just the two of them. “Are you?” He wrinkled his nose not that he could help with that unless he was too much for Lan Wangji. But he was sure that the witch wouldn’t have asked if that was the case. 

“Mn.” Lan Wangji was comfortable and turned his face towards the window as the train began to release it’s pressure breaks. The sharp, loud hiss made Jiang Cheng flinch so he cupped his hand up around one of those fluffy ears to soothe him as the train lurched forward then smoothly pulled out of the station. 

“Look,” he said softly, nodding at the window once he felt Jiang Cheng relax again. The cityscape was on the other side, so they had a full view of green pastures and open forests. 

Jiang Cheng leaned his head against Lan Wangji staring out the window to the calming scenery. This world was truly beautiful. It was amazing to see it from where they were. “Pretty.” He murmured burrowing down. Slowly, he began to purr as he drifted. His tail tucked around the other side of Lan Wangji’s neck to help keep him in place.

The purr was like a blessing. Lan Wangji soaked it in gratefully, glad he’d been able to give him this. He stayed calm and relaxed as the train moved along, letting Jiang Cheng sleep.

He didn’t feel Jiang Cheng stir until they were off the station and he was walking towards the shopping district. Since a majority of their list was food related, he went into the large department store which had a sizable grocery side, but also a general merchandise section that had a generous pet section. 

He grabbed a basket, hooking it on his arm next to his umbrella, then moved off into the store. He grabbed the blueberries first, then a few other berries and fruits. When he peeked down at Jiang Cheng to see his eyes open, it was on the way to the meat area. Lan Wangji wanted to smile at the cat’s timing. Instead, he looked over the chicken and fish in the meat case, eyes narrowed in scrutiny. 

“Which fish do you want?” he asked Jiang Cheng, gesturing to the whole trouts in the case.

“Salmon? Tuna?” Jiang Cheng answered, peering up at him. The moment he woke up the purring stopped. The tail swishing at Lan Wangji’s back shyly. “Will you eat it with me?” he didn’t want Lan Wangji to overspend on him. If they shared surely that would be alright.

“Mn,” Lan Wangji agreed and moved down the case to the salmon, as well as the cuts of tuna. He bought a full salmon and a sizable cut of tuna, then settled the wrapped meat neatly in his basket with a cooling spell over them to keep them fresh. 

Noticing Jiang Cheng’s bug eyed look he paused, blinking back. “Did you want another?” he asked, moving to go back to the case.

“I..I can have more?” Jiang Cheng asked, clearly becoming more shy. Though Lan Wangji gave him a look like he was waiting and Jiang Cheng ducked his head. “More tuna?” 

Lan Wangji went to the tuna again, this time pulling his collar to the side a little so Jiang Cheng could very easily see all the cuts available. “Pick the ones you like,” he said easily. 

“That one.” Jiang Cheng poked his paw out to gesture at the one he selected. Then quickly tucked it back in. 

“Any others?” Lan Wangji asked as the butcher took the selected meat out to weigh and wrap. “Fish keeps well, so we can buy as much as you like,” he assured, sensing Jiang Cheng’s unease. “Will buy us chicken too.”

Reluctantly, Jiang Cheng did it again. But then fully ducked his head not wanting to choose anymore. It was a bit overwhelming to be given the choice. At home, Wei Wuxian had tried that and while the witch never was the one to tell him he was wrong. When his parents found out it’d been a fight and Jiang Cheng ended up not feeling good enough. So it’d stopped to avoid the fighting. He just didn’t want to get too comfortable here with Lan Wangji. It wasn’t like he was his witch and would be more inclined to keep him. 

Lan Wangji didn’t push him, setting in the other tuna pieces and a small package of chicken cuts. Those didn’t keep as well, so he only bought a small tray.

He let Jiang Cheng have some quiet as he went through the rest of the shopping, before gently coaxing him out with a little mouse toy once he made it to the pet section. It had a bell inside it and feathers for a tail. He smiled to see those eyes peer out.

“Toys,” Lan Wangji reminded him, holding the little fluffy mouse by the tail and smiling when Jiang Cheng’s pupils dilated, wanting the bell. “Good selection here. Pick what you like.”

Jiang Cheng wiggled just a bit too focused on the toy in Lan Wangji’s hand. It was just the kind of toy that he loved to play with. Also it was a neon blue and purple two of his favorite colors. Instead he swiped at the toy wanting it. “Bell!” Jiang Cheng murmured as he swatted at it again. 

Lan Wangji smiled and jerked it side to side, making the little bell inside jingle and made the cat go crazy. He looked around as Jiang Cheng batted at it before he knelt down and gently tossed the toy down the aisle. Unsurprisingly, Jiang Cheng just launched after it. He huffed the tiniest laugh and waited for Jiang Cheng to bring it back so he could toss it for him again.

“Again.” Jiang Cheng stated, coming to a stop in front of Lan Wangji. He tilted his head to give it to Lan Wangji.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji gently took the toy back and tossed it down the aisle again, amused and impressed at the speed Jiang Cheng showed even over slippery floors. He made a mental note to play with Jiang Cheng like this at home, too, a thought that was surprisingly warming to his heart. 

“Again?” Jiang Cheng requested this time with the mouse still in his mouth. 

“Mn.” Again, Lan Wangji held his hand out for it, then tossed it down the aisle, a smile on his face at how quickly Jiang Cheng skittered after it. They were definitely buying this toy, he decided.

“Again?” Jiang Cheng asked as he approached, except this time there was a look in his eyes. His tail swishing confidently behind him. 

Lan Wangji was not entirely surprised when, instead of letting him have it, Jiang Cheng simply took off with it. He chuckled, low and amused, and got up to “chase” after him. He didn’t run because this still was a public store, but his long stride made it easy to keep up. 

It made that warmth come back in his heart to see Jiang Cheng enjoying himself, and after a few rotations of trying to catch him, he passed the toys again and found another bell toy. This one was louder and also had a crinkle texture on the outside of the ball encasing the bell. He crinkled and jingled it to get Jiang Cheng’s attention.

The mouse dropped from his mouth as he crouched down. He wiggled before lunging at the new toy. His instincts on high from them playing. It was the most carefree fun that he’d had in a very long time without worrying at being yelled at. “Mine?” His mouth said as he finally caught the new toy from Lan Wangji. 

“Yours,” Lan Wangji agreed, wrestling with him and the toy a moment before letting him trot off in victory with it. He picked up the little mouse and looked around for a few more bell toys, smiling to hear the other one crinkling and Jiang Cheng’s bell chiming gleefully around his neck as he flopped around with it. “Do you want any more?”

“Nnngh,,,no thanks.” Jiang Cheng said, nipping at his crinkly toy. He was sure that he’d probably want more but right now the two he had were perfect for him. He’d rather use them till they weren’t effective before getting more right now. Plus, the fewer he had the more of his scent he could get on them in case a stray joined them. They’d be declared toys. 

“Very well,” Lan Wangji said, content because Jiang Cheng seemed far more assured in his choices this time. He knelt down to set the little mouse in the basket and smiled as Jiang Cheng dropped the other in. “Hungry?” he asked, thinking of food stalls nearby they could get something.

“Thirsty?” Jiang Cheng answered, moving to climb back up into his arms. He liked his new warm perch on the witch’s shoulder. Instead of saying thank you. He rewarded Lan Wangji with a rub to his jaw and the semi-loud purr followed by a soft merow. 

“Mn. You’re welcome,” Lan Wangji said, hearing that loud and clear, and rubbed Jiang Cheng’s ear as he stood with their basket and umbrella. He moved to the self checkout lane to pay, then went down a few shops to a cafe. They were kind enough to give him a small cup of water for Jiang Cheng alongside his ice tea, as well as a complimentary cup of whipped cream, which he offered to Jiang Cheng once they were walking again.

Jiang Cheng couldn’t resist the sweetness as he leaned forward to steal a lick of it. “Mmmn.” Jiang Cheng hummed happily at the taste. It was really good cream and he was lucky to be able get some. “Thank you for today.” 

“Mn. Had a good time,” Lan Wangji told him, glad he Jiang Cheng was enjoying the cream. “Need anything else?”

“Nope. Jus-...” Jiang Cheng stilled and whipped his head around hearing a familiar tune. His ears flickering and he tensed on Lan Wangji’s shoulder. The source of the sound coming from a songbird, a very familiar song bird. “Home after food?”

Lan Wangji paused. “What is it?” he asked softly, so only Jiang Cheng could hear, and tucked his peacoat around Jiang Cheng more to protect him. “Jiang Wanyin?”

“I….Jue-ge’s brother is here...I don’t want to be here long. Wei...my friend that's a witch might come. I don’t want him too.” Jiang Cheng stated. Deciding to try to be as honest as possible. He wanted to like his new home and not be dragged away only to be verbally beaten down again for not finding a witch fast enough who’d want him. Nie Huaisang wouldn’t mean for that to happen but that’s what would happen if Wei Wuxian knew where he was.

“Stay still,” Lan Wangji murmured, then gently pressed a tiny dot of qi onto Jiang Cheng’s forehead. “This will keep you hidden.”

Trusting Jiang Cheng to stay still, Lan Wangji moved off towards the train station, staying calm and collected. He didn’t remove the little talisman until they were seated, once more at the window. “You okay?” he asked, rubbing the spot of qi completely away with his thumb.

“Yes, I..I’m sorry. I know you wanted to go to one of the other stalls today. You smelled excited.” Jiang Cheng apologized, feeling guilty for feeling relieved to be away. Nie Huaisang was a good friend but he just needed more time before the figurative axe fell on his head.

“No worry,” Lan Wangji assured, moving his gentle rubbing to those ears, massaging down his scruff until he felt the tension start to leave. “Can go tomorrow. You are more important.”

To highlight this, he grabbed the tiny mouse toy and tucked it in with Jiang Cheng so the cat had something to sniff and chew on for the ride back. He’d sat on the same side as before, so they would have cityscape to look at on the way home, a thought that warmed through some of the worry he felt.

It was half after noon, so he turned his thoughts to it as the train started to roll off. “Tuna for lunch?” he offered, thinking of some tuna and rice rolls for himself.

“Yessssnghf, pleassegnhgf.” Jiang Cheng said between nipping at his toy. He heard a soft chuckle from above and peered up from where Lan Wangji was letting him play in his lap. The toy was still between his teeth so he probably looked a sight but Lan Wangji’s chuckle had made his heart skip a beat. 

“Very well,” Lan Wangji said and grabbed the feather tail of the toy to wrestle with him, hoping to distract Jiang Cheng further and return him to the good mood he’d been in. The medicine was working well, which was a relief, so he simply sat back and enjoyed the train ride while Jiang Cheng played. Even with the small bump, it felt like an all around good day out, and it was only half gone. 

He was honestly looking forward to cooking for Jiang Cheng and watching him play. He wondered if he could get away with having him stay downstairs in sight of his qin so he could have some amusement as he practiced.

“Must be a good hunter,” he mused, watching the ease in Jiang Cheng’s reflexes. 

“The best. I once caught a shifter. He was pretending to be a familiar. Snapgnfh..” Jiang Cheng decided to be a little selfish and proud of himself to share the time he’d helped Wei Wuxian catch Xue Yang in Lotus Pier after nearly blinding the familiar Song Lan. 

“Most impressive.” And indeed it was. Shifters were hard to spot if you didn’t know what you were looking for. Jiang Cheng had every right to be proud of that. 

Lan Wangji managed to wiggle the toy free as the cat preened and tickled his face with the feather tail, smiling softly at the sneeze he got for it before Jiang Cheng pounced again. How anyone could reject such a strong, clever, loyal familiar was beyond him. Lan Wangji wouldn’t call himself an expert on familiars, Bonded or not, but he knew loneliness was, and how to care for someone. He just hoped it would be the solid foundation Jiang Cheng obviously needed to get confidence in the world again.

Chapter Text

The home welcomed them back with warmth. The hearth in the living room immediately flickered on and not a moment too soon. The rain had started to drizzle as they’d left the station and by the time Lan Wangji shut the door behind them, it was beginning to come down like sleet. Thankfully, with Jiang Cheng tucked around his neck, it was far easier to keep them both dry under the umbrella. Only the bags suffered some dampness, but with a simple spell they dried and cooled, protecting the meat and fruit inside.

He hung up his coat and tossed the crinkle bell ball down the hall, encouraging Jiang Cheng to enjoy himself while he cooked. Hearing claws go skittering over his hard wood floors made him smile as he put away the meat into the freezer, save for the chicken and the portion of tuna he would cook. The chicken and fruit went into the fridge with a spell to enhance freshness for as long as possible, then he was cooking, the smell of tuna, rice, and vegetables strong and moving quickly through the lower level of the house.

“Your rice is burning.” Jiang Cheng’s voice said. Though it was slightly muffled by the mouse toy in his mouth. His eyes flicking to the rice cooker. Where there was a line of smoke coming from it. Lunch smelled divine and it made his belly growl louder. He’d been playing in the living room till his stomach couldn’t take it anymore and needed to be closer to the source of food. Possibly in hopes of stealing a piece.

“Mn.” The rice cooker was old and hardworking, not yet ready to give up the ghost. It was always on the verge of burning the rice. Lan Wangji added a bit more water inside to calm it down and refresh the rice inside. It was a sticky kind, so he didn’t mind as much if it did get a bit overdone. It was going to be fried into cakes anyway.

Lan Wangji wiggled his fingers over the counter to let Jiang Cheng know he was welcome to jump up and see. He had a bite of tuna at the ready. “Good?”

Jiang Cheng tilted his head then looked around. He padded over to the table to put his toy in the chair seat before going over to jump on the counter. He sniffed the air then the tuna. Jiang Cheng made that small chirping sound he had earlier with the cream. “Yess. Very good.” Jiang Cheng answered, between the bites.

“Good.” Pleased with Jiang Cheng’s delight, he saved the rice as the tuna finished cooking and patted a few balls of it into flat cakes. Once the tuna was done and his wok cleared of water, he poured in rapeseed oil to cook up the cakes. They puffed up quickly. 

With the rest of his rice, he made tuna rolls, and vegetable rolls, then shredded the tuna cut he’d set aside for Jiang Cheng. He placed both plates on the kitchen island and took his seat, liking the feeling of companionship between them. “Let me know if you want more,” he said before breaking one of his rice cakes and biting into the brittle crunch of it. They were a bit plain, so he added a few blueberries on top as well as a blueberry or two on Jiang Cheng’s plate.

“Thank you.” Jiang Cheng stated, before he dived happily into his food. The blueberries he would save for last as a treat. He’d let himself be vulnerable and wasn’t mistreated. Jiang Cheng peered up at Lan Wangji as he ate. He tilted his head in wonder why the witch was like this but he didn’t let himself go down a trail of thought that would make him second guess himself. He’d already done it enough and Lan Wangji hadn’t given him reason to doubt him. 

Lan Wangji just stared steadily back at him, but before he could really ponder the looks, his phone chimed in his pocket. It was a lovely tune, a guzheng, and he perked up a bit, though he was also confused. It was a chime he’d not heard in a long while, but the name on the screen proved it.

Luo Qingyang: hey! It’s been awhile, I hope you’re doing well

Luo Qingyang: Just a heads up, Wei Wuxian’s brother has gone missing. A familiar, so Wei Wuxian will probably call you crying at some point?

Luo Qingyang: I’ve checked my area and no one new has come around. Keep your eyes open! And take care ~blows kisses~

Lan Wangji blinked at the message, head tilted to the side and a frown settling over his fine features. Slowly, his eyes flicked to Jiang Cheng, then back to his phone.

To Luo Qingyang: I will keep my eyes open. Take care.

It wasn’t necessarily a lie, but then again he wasn’t about to tattle. He wasn’t sure if his cat friend was even the missing brother. Jiang Wanyin was not the name Wei Wuxian called his didi by, anyway. The surname was right, fine, but it was commonplace. 

And if Jiang Cheng was the one here and missing, well, clearly he wanted to be. He was safe with Lan Wangji, and content. Lan Wangji would not jeopardize it. It wasn't his business anyway. With that thought solidifying his resolve, he simply tucked his phone away and resumed eating.

“May I..” Jiang Cheng started to ask as he waited for the both of them to be finished with their lunch. He hated to ask but he didn’t want to lose the aura of ease and calmness Lan Wangji gave him. He nudged his plate closer to Lan Wangji.

“More?” Lan Wangji guessed, and getting a shy look only nodded. “Of course.”

He got up to cook more of the tuna, relaxing again at the familiar pattern of it and Jiang Cheng’s eager eyes. He set the plate down with a slight cooling spell over it so it didn’t burn Jiang Cheng’s mouth. “How are you feeling?” he asked, grabbing his own plate to wash, as well as the pan and rice pot he’d used.

“Better.” Jiang Cheng answered, licking his teeth. He peered up at him. His ears flicked hearing Lan Wangji’s phone going off again. “My nose isn’t as hot. Feel?”

Lan Wangji offered his finger to be booped and nodded. “Nor cold,” he agreed, sighing at the new chime. This one a flute. “I am sorry; there’s a missing familiar. I am part of a network,” he explained, though didn’t go for his phone. Instead, he rather pointedly shoved his hands under the suds in the sink so he wouldn’t have to.

Of course, Wei Wuxian found the work around. Not long after Jiang Cheng had finished his seconds and Lan Wangji took the plate to wash it, Alexa was ringing.

Call waiting from Wei Ying.

Lan Wangji sighed heavily. “Answer call,” he said with great reluctance and waited for the soft click. “Wei Ying.”

“Lan Zhan, thank the gods.” Wei Wuxian sounded frantic in a way he never did and it was enough to give Lan Wangji pause. “I’ve been asking all over the network. Have any familiars come to your side of China without a witch? Jiang Cheng is missing and… Lan Zhan, what if he’s hurt, or laying in a ditch somewhere? Starving?”

Lan Wangji very pointedly looked at Jiang Cheng, seeing him stiff and afraid, and made up his mind. “No, Wei Ying. There has been no one,” he assured, giving Jiang Cheng a nod before resuming his washing. “I will keep an eye out.”

There was a sniffle. Wei Wuxian did not cry too often out of sheer stress, so this was clearly a trial for him. “I keep trying summons, but he wont answer.”

“If he refuses, then he is alive,” Lan Wangji reasoned and moved across his kitchen to put the plates and rice pot on the drying rack. “Surely he would answer if he was desperate.”

A sad laugh. “You sound like Wen Qing…”

“A compliment,” Lan Wangji murmured. He could hear wind on Wei Wuxian’s end of the line, probably from flying. He sighed, this time fond. “Wei Ying. Go home. Let him come back on his own time.”

“Stop being logical, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian chided, but there was no heat in it, only tears. Lan Wangji felt his heart go out to him, but thankfully it only took one echoing of the order for Wei Wuxian to finally relent. “Fine. I’ll go home. Call me if you see him?”

“I will keep an eye out,” Lan Wangji said, not promising more than that, but thankfully Wei Wuxian was too stressed to catch it. He said a dejected goodbye and hung up, leaving the kitchen in utter silence.

“ You’re Lan Zhan?” Jiang Cheng sputtered realizing just whom he’d been living with. The gentle giant was the icy Second Jade of the Lan Coven? Jiang Cheng almost laughed. If not for the gut wrenching fear that came to him. Just calling wouldn’t be enough for Wei Wuxian. He’d come here eventually. With Wei Wuxian came his parents. He’d have to leave. There was no way he could stay once Wei Wuxian arrived. “My brother’s Lan Zhan ?” Jiang Cheng moved back a bit.

“I am not his pet,” Lan Wangji told him. “And he will not take you away. This is your sanctuary, not a prison. As long as you are here, Jiang Wanyin, I will keep you safe. If you do not wish to see him, then you will not. He will respect my word,” he said, assured of that, and set the rag down that he used to dry his hands. 

Afterwards, he grabbed the books he’d laid out that morning, just as a crack of thunder shook the windows. He wasn’t sure how to reassure Jiang Cheng, so he didn’t try, just stayed calm and controlled. He’d meant his words, anyway. Wei Wuxian was a menace, but even his core was not strong enough to battle this house. 

“In the cat room, there is a bed box in the topmost corner,” Lan Wangji told him. “If ever you feel afraid, go there. This house will shelter you.”

With that, he offered a small smile to Jiang Cheng and moved past him for the stairs, intent on putting the books away and giving Jiang Cheng space to calm down and muse over the honesty in his words. Hopefully, it would be good enough.

In the kitchen, Jiang Cheng tried to find comfort in the words. But he knows Wei Wuxian. The witch meant well but he’d be alone again soon enough. Lan Wangji was strong but he didn’t understand Wei Wuxian the way Jiang Cheng did. He just didn’t trust in this house, Lan Wangji, or anyone enough yet to allow himself the comfort the other wanted him to have. He jumped down from the island and grabbed his toy to take with him back to the cat room to look at the box. He had seen the space in his investigations. But he hadn’t stepped inside. He didn’t see the point. But then he guessed it wouldn’t hurt if it didn’t work. Just proved that he would be forced to go anyways. 

It wasn’t until he was inside of the strawberry decorated bed box that he felt the talismans activate. He could read them and knew that they were done well. It gave him more confidence to set his tow down inside. If it truly worked against his brother then this would be the perfect place for him to build his own home in the familiar realm. That had him thinking that possibly he was overreacting earlier? He was thinking about building a home here. That meant there was trust between him and Lan Wangji. And at no point had he been told he had to leave; it’d been the opposite. 

So, Jiang Cheng tried to chase his fears and lean on that new trust. Because with that new trust had come someone who cared about him, was nice, and had just wanted him to be him. If there was going to be a trick then it’d been done already and Lan Wangji didn’t seem the type. Jiang Cheng took a deep breath and probably decided on the worst decision ever.

Lan Wangji’s feet padded out of the library and hesitated outside of the cat room. He could sense Jiang Cheng in there and hoped he’d liked the sleeping box. It probably meant he wouldn’t be seeing him for a while, but it was better than him being totally gone.

He was nearly to the stairs when the crinkle ball bounced off his ankle. Lan Wangji paused in surprise and looked back, seeing Jiang Cheng peeking around the archway. Slowly, without breaking eye contact, he retrieved the ball and gently shook it. Seeing those eyes dilate filled his heart with relief.

He tossed it down towards the library, where it bounced off the wall and sailed over Jiang Cheng’s head when he tried to get it. Seeing the wild flailing around further broke through the ice that had settled in his gut and he chuckled, low and soft, while Jiang Cheng subdued his toy.

Jiang Cheng pounced on it with great flare and rolled with it. His teeth and paws made the crinkle paper go wild. His heart and mind in bliss at the sound. Once he was calm enough, he rolled over with the toy in his mouth then got up to pad over towards Lan Wangji. He sat the toy down and peered up at Lan Wangji. 

“I’m sorry. I was scared but you’re right. He can’t take me away if I don’t want to go and I don’t. If you’ll still have me.” 

Lan Wangji’s answer to that was to kneel down and rub his scruff in soothing, massaging circles. “Always,” he promised, then grabbed the ball again. He booped Jiang Cheng’s nose with it then tossed it down the stairs in such a way it bounced neatly off every other step, giving Jiang Cheng time to make it down without hurting himself, but still make it a merry little chase. He followed at a far more sedate pace, content, and watched Jiang Cheng go rolling across the wood floor.

Jiang Cheng caught that ball and rolled making a growling sound of victory as he nipped and pawed at it. This was going to be his favorite toy. He could tell because of how much fun his heart was having at playing. Though he was sure that it had to do with his playmate. Lan Wangji made it fun. He popped his head up with the ball between his paws. 

“Again? In the living room?” Jiang Cheng asked, hopeful with his ears flicking in anticipation for a yes. 

“Mn.” Lan Wangji nodded and leaned down to take the ball, not surprised that it came with an attached, growling cat. He gave the ball a halfhearted shake as he made his way to the living room dragging Jiang Cheng along, where he sat down behind his qin and managed to wrestle the ball free. He tossed it over the back of the couch, where it bounced towards the kitchen.

Jiang Cheng’s claws could be heard scratching against the floor as he chased his ball into the kitchen. It bounced off a bottom cabinet coming back at him. He caught it with ease and pawed it back into the living room so he could chase it. The ball rolled underneath Lan Wangji’s guqin table. He was quick making the carpet squeak under his claws as he lunged for the ball. He ended up rolling after catching it right into Lan Wangji’s lap. He nipped more at it and kicked his legs till he decided to nip more at it. 

Lan Wangji let himself be utilized, then reached down to shake the ball to get Jiang Cheng’s kicking feet going again, much to his amusement. It also made both the bell inside the toy and the bell on the cat’s collar chime, a beautiful harmony. He chuckled and let Jiang Cheng wrestle his toy while he reached for his qin, tuning it effortlessly even with a flailing cat in his lap.

“ Mine .” Jiang Cheng growled out as he nipped at the toy and rolled. His tail swishing happily as he pawed the toy. He liked being here with the comforting smell and the gentle playing. When he was done playing he pawed the ball out of the lap. Now came the good part. He got up and circled while kneading to get Lan Wangji’s lap the way he wanted then unceremoniously plopped down. Mine . his mind supplied as he let his eyes droop from the play and medicine. 

Lan Wangji said nothing, just let him flop as he liked. He reached down to rub against Jiang Cheng’s scruff for a moment before resuming his tuning. Then, once everything was as he liked, he started to play. Like tiny sparks, his qi ran down the strings, coming to life and eager to dance. Lan Wangji’s expression was calm and serene, but his magic spoke of joy and playfulness. It was times like this he was glad he was a music witch. His qin helped him speak the words of his heart that he had no knowledge of how to voice.

“Just a little softer.” Jiang Cheng requested, his ears flicking at the stronger note. It was lovely but too strong for his cat ears. He liked it though. His tail swishing in contentment at the pets and music. “Please.” Lan Wangji’s playing far surpassed Wei Wuxian’s in his mind for the peace it gave him. 

The notes softened immediately. Lan Wangji could feel Jiang Cheng relax further and knew it was good enough, so he continued. He played for an hour, as was his standard practice, and when the final note rang out he carefully folded his hands over the strings to calm them. The quiet that returned to the room was soft and comforting, and he glanced down at his lap to see Jiang Cheng asleep. The sight warmed his heart and he gently rubbed between those ears, content not to move until Jiang Cheng let him back up.

It’d been a long while since he’d had company like this. Usually the familiars that came in need of his help were in pain, and then stayed in the playroom to rest. Which was more than understandable. Breaking a Bond was hard on the core and body, and it took time to heal. 

The last time he’d had this companionship had been with a rabbit. Just a normal, gentle creature that had come to him in need of fostering. She’d ended up going home with one of his students, and was living her best life. Apparently, she still liked to lay in laps and listen to qin. 

But this… this felt significant. This was trust, and considering how he’d almost ruined the day today, it was also a blessing. Lan Wangji smiled softly, lost in memories, and continued to rub circles between Jiang Cheng’s ears, hoping that his dreams were peaceful and that he woke feeling even better. He was responding to the medicine beautifully, which meant their cores were compatible. A relief, really. He’d had sick familiars before that his qi did the bare minimum with and the sickness dragged on. He was glad he could help Jiang Cheng, and so effortlessly. He needed care and kindness, and Lan Wangji was more than willing to give it. 

Jiang Cheng didn’t know how long it had been dozing but the moment that warm hand had moved to go away Jiang Cheng grabbed it with his paws putting it back. “No..” Jiang Cheng slurred sleepily as he opened his eyes. He liked pets and didn’t get them as often as he’d liked. Lan Wangji’s hands were literally magic with their warmth and skill not to hurt his ears.

Lan Wangji smiled a little more and let his hand be taken, resuming the massage. It was far too clear Jiang Cheng was starved for affection. Thankfully, it was more than easy to give. “Feel better?” he asked, though he didn’t let up on the petting. He was only half expecting an answer, anyway.

“Yes, you’re warm. My brother is stupid.” Jiang Cheng said, still tired enough to hold back his restraint. He purred loudly at the little bit more pressure Lan Wangji put into his pet. Jiang Cheng also kicked his leg a little. “He was right about your music though. You are far better than he is.”

Lan Wangji blinked at that, then chuckled softly. He’d been worried about what things Wei Wuxian would say about him, given when they’d met he’d been… well. A stubborn brat, at least in his own eyes. To hear Wei Wuxian had called him cold was at least nothing new. 

“Xiongzhang is naturally cool, while I run warm,” he admitted with a faint blush on his ears. “He says it is because I hold so much inside. It has nowhere to go so it turns into warm energy.”

“Your brother is wise and I am lucky.” Jiang Cheng said, purring the loudest he ever had so far as he got a scratch for that.  “Wei Wuxian told me in his letters that you were jade cut from ice. But I get now how he thought that. He’s so full chaos that sometimes he can’t see what’s there in the beginning. His loss.” 

“He called me fuddy-duddy a lot,” Lan Wangji hummed in memory. “I… was not used to people wanting to know me. Wei Ying attached like a barnacle and refused to let go. I was not used to that either. Did not want to be touched, did not want to be bothered. But he wanted to be a friend. I had never had a friend before.”

He moved his fingers to scratch under Jiang Cheng’s chin, then his soft cheeks. “Because of Wei Ying, I have friends. He is chaotic, but a good heart.” He smiled and poked Jiang Cheng’s nose. “He spoke of you often with pride.”

“You have friends because of ...ngfff..meoruw.” Jiang Cheng purred, liking the scratches a lot. “...you. Wei Wuxian could see the you underneath once you let him in more. He’s an expert at ….nghfffff.” His paw coming up to keep Lan Wangji’s hand in place in case he tried to stop as he pressed his chin more into Lan Wangji’s fingers. “...finding a way in. I didn’t want him in either.”

Lan Wangji just smiled, knowing that all too well. “He opened the world for me,” he murmured. “Met amazing witches and familiars through him.” He kept scratching, chuckling at how squinty eyed Jiang Cheng was. “Nearly got a familiar with his help too,” he admitted even more softly, so soft he wasn’t sure he could be heard, and moved his light scratches down Jiang Cheng’s neck, which made the cat tilt his head back all the more. His heart warmed at the sight. 

“You did?” Jiang Cheng asked curiously. The thought didn’t pain him as much as he thought it would. Lan Wangji was a good witch and deserved to be happy. He tilted his head back and purred even louder. 

“Mn. I have always liked rabbits since I was young,” Lan Wangji told him with red ears. “Miss Luo is a rabbit. Strong, confident. A good familiar. Chose someone else though.” Even now, he wasn’t sure if he’d been so interested in having her as a familiar based on their friendship and compatibility, or if he had been listening too much to that child inside his heart that wanted to reclaim a lost joy with a rabbit friend. Both, he supposed.

“Hers was the first Bond I broke,” he said, voice growing pained. That had been a hard time, but he did not regret being able to help her. Luo Qingyang deserved only wonderful things, and she had them now with an architect witch who looked at her with stars in his eyes. “She is happy. Married. We are still friends.”

“That’s good but I am sorry. Perhaps your familiar will be a rabbit still?” Jiang Cheng responded, swatting at his hand when he was done. He’d loved the attention but now he was feeling slightly more exposed for being needy. So he was done. He flopped over to signal to stop as well. “Want to know something?” 

Lan Wangji obediently dropped his hands and set them on the ground to lean on. “Mn?”

“I dreamt you were a crane the other day. There was a house with a man made pond off by itself.” Jiang Cheng said, thinking about the dream. It had been a serene place with it in the mountains. But it was so quiet except for music coming from the lake where the crane was.

“My… mother was a crane,” Lan Wangji admitted, a bit thrown by the story. And sad too, because if that had been Lan Wangji’s mother instead, the lonesome crane made far too much sense. “If i had been born a familiar, that could have been my form.”

“Is..that’s why you wouldn’t speak to me when I called you Lan Wangji; I thought you were ignoring me.” Jiang Cheng said, sitting up. “And you’d have been stunning just like her. She played music for me and...it made me feel safe? Like it was okay to be there?”

“She taught me qin,” Lan Wangji explained, smiling a little in awe now. He knew, of course, that his mother’s spirit was still around, watching over him, but to hear proof made his eyes mist over. He closed them before tears could form. “The home you saw was hers at Cloud Recesses. Xiongzhang lives there now.”

“Oh…” Jiang Cheng said, smell the salt and the sadness coming from him. He got up and started rubbing and purring to give comfort. “I am sorry for your loss.”

“Her life was… unhappy. Death was a release… and relief,” Lan Wangji said, still blinking with wet lashes but he gently pet Jiang Cheng in gratitude. “I will see her again, one day.”

“You will and once your bonded perhaps see her in our realm. She reached out to me. Your familiar should be able to reach back out if you want.” Jiang Cheng purred, rubbing a bit more then moved on his hind legs to put his front paws on the man’s chest. He bunted his head a few times to get him to lay back.

Amused, Lan Wangji did so, legs bent up so he didn’t hit his qin. “She reached out to you,” he murmured, “to show that you are safe.”

“I know that now .” Jiang Cheng stated, as if leaving off the silly witch part. He slowly walked up Lan Wangji’s chest then kneaded a good spot. Now, this would be scandalous to him any other time but right now he was trying to give comfort. So he did the one thing he liked doing which was to loaf right down on the witch’s chest. His low purring coming out. 

Lan Wangji chuckled softly and pet him. “Am not looking for a familiar,” he murmured, thinking of Jiang Cheng’s earlier words. “Will consider if one asks, but am not actively searching. But thank you,” he added and rubbed behind one of Jiang Cheng’s ears. 

“Have you not had others offer before?” Jiang Cheng blinked, wondering even more why the witch didn’t have one. “Or did you believe it was fated? So didn’t ask?”

“No offers,” Lan Wangji hummed and poked Jiang Cheng’s nose. “Breaking Bonds is… not seen well. Assumed none would want to ask me. Don’t mind,” he added before the cat could get too up at arms on his behalf. “What will be, will be.”

“Anyone would be lucky to have you if they do. You do so much for those you don’t know. It speaks to what kind of bondmate you’ll be.” Jiang Cheng stated, offering a small smile the best he could before his nose was booped. 

“Your witch will be lucky too,” Lan Wangji told him, confident in that, and smoothed back Jiang Cheng’s ears. He wondered if the cat meant to keep him like this awhile. He wasn’t complaining and shifted a little to get comfortable, lazily rubbing Jiang Cheng’s scruff. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Jiang Cheng stated, swishing his tail and wiggling a bit to get resettled. It was so nice to be here with Lan Wangji and safe. “Stay.” Not like a pet but the age old, when a cat sits on you there is nowhere you can go till he moves. Jiang Cheng hoped the other knew about it since he’d taken care of cats before.

Lan Wangji just nodded seriously, petting him and letting Jiang Cheng have him as a seat. There were definitely worse fates to be found. “Mn.” Jiang Cheng snorted and couldn’t help but think of how rabbits really did suit Lan Wangji. And he was grateful that Lan Wangji was this calm and didn’t mind him loafing on him. 

Chapter Text

It was actually sunny today but it was just bitter cold. There had been a calling for snow but it hadn’t come. The cold air had though. So when Lan Wangji said he was going on his errands, Jiang Cheng opted to stay in. He waited a good hour before he’d left before Jiang Cheng decided that he was going to take a shower. 

The bathroom was nice and pristine white with a large shower in the corner. Lush ferns and succulents were in the room giving the room some color. But there along the wall under the window was a large clawfoot tub. Unable to resist, Jiang Cheng shifted into his human form. He’d been in his training robes. So they were thin and obviously needed to be washed. Good thing that he’d seen his sister and Jin Zixuan washing clothes. He’d use the washer to get them clean again before Lan Wangji gets back.

He thought about what he would wear while the robes dried and the memory of the powder pink oversized cable sweater came to mind. Jiang Cheng grinned then went to start his bath. There were some oils in glass decanters around the bath. He opened one and smelled the patchouli.

“So it must be in something else.” Jiang Cheng murmured pouring some in the bath and watching the bubbles form. He tossed the robes in the washer on the delicate setting. It was nice to be able to bath again and wash his hair. Not that he minded grooming as a cat; it'd just been two weeks since he’d felt comfortable enough to transform with Lan Wangji not in the house. 

Jiang Cheng stayed in the bath till the washer was done. At that he let the water drain and flicked the button to make the automatic clothes line drop. There he hung his robes to dry while he padded out of the bathroom into Lan Wangji’s bedroom. His hair dropping a little from a towel that wasn’t quite long enough. It was easy to find the cable sweater but he also pilfered Lan Wangji’s smallest pair of boxers and cotton drawstring sweats. Thankfully Jiang Cheng could find a brush and hair tie. 

After that he roamed around the house and lounged in Lan Wangji’s armchair in his study. He curled up with one of the books he’d found about a magical girl that was destined to save the world through going into the ghost plan. He was just getting into it when he heard the door opening downstairs. 

Almost immediately, the house went silent, for one of the cores that crossed the threshold was in unbelievable pain. The heaters kicked on, as though the house was desperate to make a calm warm space, and when the door shut again, the downstairs fireplace clicked on too.

Lan Wangji never ran, never hurried, but his heavy footsteps moved with great swiftness towards the living room. Something was wrong. 

Jiang Cheng could sense the pain immediately. It was like all the joy had been momentarily seized as the house tried to ease the suffering. Jiang Cheng sat the book down and got up. He quickly dashed across the hall to stuff his clothes in his strawberry before he shifted into his cat form to go check on Lan Wangji and the poor soul. 

He came down just as Lan Wangji hand turned his qin to face the daybed couch. A twitching, black otter rex rabbit was laying there in obvious pain, its eyes squeezed shut but making no sound. Lan Wangji looked up hearing Jiang Cheng come running, that little bell swinging, and though his face was serious, his eyes were relieved to see him.

“Wanyin,” he said, tuning his instrument quickly. “Keep him warm, please. Purr as loud as you can.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t need the instruction. He could smell the pain was coming from the bunny and not Lan Wangji. He ignored the acrid smell of fear and shame. One that a familiar shouldn’t have to bear. Slowly he approached the bunny. 

“I want to help. I will be here and if you want you can come lay with me.” Jiang Cheng offered, loafing a bit from the bunny. He allowed himself to purr along with the sweep of his bell. He wanted to give the bunny the choice not force it upon them even though they probably needed it. 

Of all things to come out of the sweet rabbit’s face, it was a gruff, hoarse voice, rough and low. “I can’t move,” he said, though he tried and ended up only turning more on his side, his back legs starting to kick like there was an electric current going through him. He finally whimpered, feeling the tearing of his core, and managed to shove himself with the last of his strength at the purring cat. It didn’t help much, but it felt good to not be alone. At least if he died, he’d have someone.

Lan Wangji wasted no time, knowing Jiang Cheng would brace the rabbit as best he could. He dove into his deepest power, which filled the room like a waft of rain and stars. His fingers twirled a circle over the strings, starting large, then narrowing, and his power focused down too, fixating on the rabbit. 

It was only about a five minute spell given the strength of Lan Wangji’s core, but it seemed to drag on for a small eternity. Eventually, the magic tether between the familiar and his witch snapped apart and the rabbit went utterly still, his panting the only sign he was alive.

“Stay with us, Xiu Jingtao,” Lan Wangji said, watching the cat cuddle close, that purring overtaking the sudden silence. He grabbed a blanket from his recliner and wrapped the rabbit and Jiang Cheng both in it, then knelt with his hand around the rabbit’s paw, channeling in a slow, healing current to calm him down.

Jiang Cheng purred heavily. He’d stay with the bunny for the night. When Lan Wangji slept he would do more for him. In his human form he had the gift of song that also encouraged healing. He hoped that the bunny would be alright with that. He peered over at Lan Wangji. 

“Thank you, Wanyin,” Lan Wangji said, using his free hand to gently rub between his ears, though his eyes were quickly back to Xiu Jingtao, who was shivering. Rabbits were tricky, as were birds, because the animal part could die from too much stress. And in breaking a Bond, the familiar lost the ability to shift until the core was healed again, so that meant if the body died, so did the familiar.

He rubbed his thumb over the paw. “Xiu Jingtao?”

“I’m here,” the low voice said, pained, but also in a sort of daze. This part was hard for a different reason. The pain was gone, but so was the connection, and some familiars didn’t take it well, even though it’d been their idea. Thankfully, Xiu Jingtao seemed more relieved than heartbroken. “...he’s gone.”

“He’s gone,” Lan Wangji assured and smoothed back the rabbit’s ears, content to stay with him as Xiu Jingtao huffed lightly, snuggling down deeper into the couch, before he finally passed out from sheer exhaustion.

Once he was out, Lan Wangji sat back on his heels, expression pained as he met Jiang Cheng’s eye. “His was a forced bond,” he murmured, and though he was glad to have freed Xiu Jingtao, it hurt his heart. His own mother had been… He shook his head softly and stood, pushing that sadness away. “Come, we’ll let him sleep. Tea?”

“Yes, please.” Jiang Cheng answered, carefully extracting himself and followed after Lan Wangji. He waited till they were in the kitchen to speak. “Are you alright?”

Lan Wangji’s expression smoothed in gentle fondness. It’d only been two weeks, but already Jiang Cheng had started to pick up on his moods. “Mn,” he promised and bent dont to pluck up the cat and set him on the counter. He readied the kettle to give himself time to collect his thoughts. “Forced Bonds are… harder. For me,” he said once he found the words. “Emotionally. My… mother was forced. Died because of it… I wasn’t strong enough to free or save her.”

“And this is why you do this. In her honor. I am sure she is quite proud of you.” Jiang Cheng responded, moving to sit at the edge of the counter closest to him.  It also made sense as to why she hadn’t spoken. She’d probably taken a vow of silence to not answer her owner verbally since he would most likely have called her for his leisure.

“Mn. hope so,” Lan Wangji said, eased further by the words, and smoothed back Jiang Cheng’s ears, then scratched under his chin. “Thank you for helping,” he said, pride in his own voice for the familiar. “Made a good team.”

“Yes we do and you’re welcome.” Jiang Cheng responded, preening a bit under the praise. He peered up at him shly though a moment later. It made Lan Wangji happy that they’d worked together. He decided on being open. “Speaking of helping. I might come down and stay with him.”

Lan Wangji nodded. It was a sound idea. As a witch, Lan Wangji could only comfort so much. As a familiar, Jiang Cheng had a far different perspective. “Good idea,” he praised again and gave Jiang Cheng’s chin another good scratch before the kettle started to steam. He pulled it off the burner before it could make a noise and potentially wake up Xiu Jingtao.

He took down a cup and cat dish, so Jiang Cheng’s whiskers wouldn’t be bent back while drinking, and opened his tea cabinet. “What kind would you like, Wanyin?”

“Just a simple lemon tea.” Jiang Cheng answered after a few moments. He’d about done the green tea with coconut but decided against it. “Unless you don’t mind sharing the one you have.” 

“I will do lemon as well,” Lan Wangji decided, since it was a crisp flavor that would help with the tiredness he felt. He set in the bags to let them stew, then went for his jar of honey to add in, as well as two spoons. “Honey?”

“Yes.” Jiang Cheng smiled, moving more to loaf as he watched him move around the kitchen to make their tea. He liked how Lan Wangji kept his honey in an actual glass honey jar. It was like most of the house where the little decoration that the witch had was special.  “A splash of milk.” It was strange and Wei Wuxian commented on it every time. It made him snort to remember the face his brother had made the last time his sister had indulged him in making it.

If Lan Wangji thought it was strange, he didn't show it, or hesitate to grab his milk decanter and pour in a splash as directed. Then he set in a spoonful of honey to gently twirl in the hot tea. Most of it dispersed through, but some remained on the spoon, a treat that Jiang Cheng could lick up once he drank down far enough.

Swirling his own honey in, Lan Wangji was quiet, an ear on the living room for their new guest, though he smiled once Jiang Cheng got up to sniff the tea. “More milk?”

“No this is perfect. Thanks.” Jiang Cheng responded, easily between licks. His own ears focused half on the bunny in the living room. “Not that it matters but your note didn’t mention Xiu Jingtao. What happened? Does his witch know? Should I put up my own wards around the house?” 

“The witch knows,” Lan Wangji murmured, frowning. “They were forced by their grandmaster. This was a mutual decision between them to break it. The witch is with his new companions and Xiu Jingtao came to find me through the Network.” 

It was frowned upon in the magic community for a Grandmaster to force a student and familiar together based solely on strength compatibility, but not unheard of. Two other familiars Lan Wangji had helped had a similar issue. “He had a good witch, but they both wanted the choice denied them. The witch found their true familiar. Xiu Jingtao wants the same opportunity.”

“He will.” Jiang Cheng stated, with confidence. Xiu Jingtao was fighting for himself and that was the hardest part. “And we will be here for the start. The rest will be his choice.” 

His words warmed Lan Wangji up and he rubbed at the back of Jiang Cheng’s scruff in gratitude. “Mn. We will,” he agreed, liking the two of them being paired in Jiang Cheng’s mind. It felt good to have a friend and partner in this. Which had him thinking.

“Wanyin?” he murmured around a sip of tea. “Need to ask you something.”

“You can ask me anything that you like when you pet like that.” Jiang Cheng purred into Lan Wangji’s hand. 

That got him a smile, small and relaxed. “Mn. Noted,” he said seriously, mostly to amuse the familiar, before sipping his tea again. “You can turn human.” It wasn’t the question, more a statement, and when Jiang Cheng nodded it gave him confidence to ask, “May I buy you a phone?”

Jiang Cheng tilted his head at him. Why would he need to buy him a phone? Couldn’t he call Alexa? The things that glowed blue around the house when he answered. “Yes? But can’t Alexa do it?” 

Lan Wangji shook his head. “Alexa only works when my phone is here,” he explained then his eyes flickered to the living room, a sadness pinching the corners of his mouth. “Today did not… go to plan. Would like to be able to tell you in advance when this happens. You live here too. Don’t want to surprise you.”

“Oh.” Jiang Cheng said, softly. He blinked as he thought about it some more. Jiang Cheng hadn’t been thinking about leaving in  a while and today he’d even shifted. So this was his progress and he didn’t feel the need to leave? Maybe this is where he needed to be. Lan Wangji was good to him. He swished his tail looking up at Lan Wangji. 

“....do paws work too?” Jiang Cheng wondered? There was this one fish game Wei Wuxian got for him on his tablet but he didn’t know if the phone worked the same way too. 

In answer, Lan Wangji pulled his phone out and typed in his code, then set it on the counter. “Try to open the album,” he said, since the album button was right there. “Pads, not claws.”

Jiang Cheng let out a happy trill as his paw worked the second time he’d tapped it. It opened up an album of pictures. He chuckled seeing bunnies and family members. He saw Nie Minjgue and trilled again. “That’s Jiu-ge!” His tail swishing happily as he flicked around the pictures.

“Blue album is he and xiongzhang,” Lan Wangji told him, watching him with a small smile as he sipped his tea. “Red is Wei Ying.”

“Are you in them?” Jiang Cheng asked, pausing his hand before opening the one with his brother. 

“Mn,” Lan Wangji said and helped him scroll to the bottom, which was the start of the album. They were older pictures, back when Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had been at school together in the white Cloud Recesses robes. Lan Wangji’s hair had been longer back then, in a tight, pristine braid with a white ribbon woven in. The same ribbon was braided around his wrist now. He’d been lanky and awkward, especially next to the sunny smile Wei Wuxian had always had on. 

“My fuddy-duddy years,” Lan Wangji explained with a soft chuckle. “Dried prune face days.”

“Handsome.” Jiang Cheng responded, a fond smile on his face. Just by being around Lan Wangji for the last two weeks that he can tell that Lan Wangji was smiling on the inside. It must have been a good day for him. He lingered on Lan Wangji for a few more minutes before looking at his brother. There was black ink on the tips of his fingers. Which meant this was taken during a day off. During his time at the Cloud of Recesses, Wei Wuxian had dabbled in the arts using charcoal. 

“Mn. if Wanyin says so,” Lan Wangji gave him, then left him a moment to check on Xiu Jingtao, who was still passed out on the daybed. Thankfully, his breathing was not labored or faster than a usual rabbit’s, a good sign. Lan Wangji tucked the blanket around him then returned to the kitchen. He huffed at the picture the cat was ogling.

“My old barrow,” he explained, given the picture was of himself and Wei Wuxian absolutely covered in rabbits. 

“I like your hair down and do you still have Pudding?” Jiang Cheng asked, looking up at Lan Wangji. When the man looked confused. Jiang Cheng snorted as he  shook his head. Wei Wuxian had asked him what he thought the best name for a black bunny that he would gift Lan Wangji was and of course Jiang Cheng offered the first thing that came to mind. Mostly because he was eating chocolate pudding at the time. “Of course, he didn’t keep that name? How about Xianxian?” It was their sister's name for him.

“...mn. And no, I don’t. They belong to the school,” Lan Wangji said, looking down at the picture of the rabbits. He tilted his head. “That one is Xianxian,” he said, pointing to the big, all black rabbit, before he swiped a few photos in. It was a picture of Lan Wangji holding a newborn baby bunny, another black one with white feet and a white nose. “Pudding.”

“ Oh .” Jiang Cheng hummed, leaning down to take in the adorable baby rabbit. He couldn’t help but notice how similar it looked to when Xianxian had been a baby. “Xianxian’s?” His ears flicked in anticipation for the answer. “Did you name it?”

Lan Wangji nodded to the first part, but shook his head at the second. “Wei Ying,” he said. “Don’t know why. She still comes to it.”

“Of course he did and because it’s a great name.” Jiang Cheng said, a little defensive. Though there was no heat to his words. He was used to his naming of things being poked at. Between Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian never let him forget.  “Why do you not have any here?”

“Need the space to help others,” Lan Wangji explained and tapped out of the album to one in baby pink. It was his most treasured set of pictures, and it became clear quickly why.

These were the oldest he owned, digital uploads of old polaroids and other scans. A beautiful, smiling woman with a braid had a tiny Lan Wangji on her lap, helping him hold a tawny rabbit with a pink nose and yellowish feet.

“Pudding is a good name,” Lan Wangji murmured, eyes soft and full of emotion as they looked at the picture together. He pointed to the rabbit. “Named her Duck.”

“Your mother is beautiful and Duck is a great name. I once got to take care of three pups named Love, Jasmine, and Princess.” Jiang Cheng shared. Though they’d been quickly ushered away after Wei Wuxian’s arrival. Not that it mattered because he couldn’t keep them since he was a familiar. That memory didn’t sting at all like it used to and he was glad for the growth. It made him sad though for Lan Wangji because he clearly loved them. “Are her little ones still with your school?”

Lan Wangji nodded. “Granddaughter is Xianxian,” he said and smiled softly. “I foster real animals. Most recent was a rabbit named Jade. Gave her to one of my students. She is… like you,” he admitted, petting Jiang Cheng between the ears. “Steal laps and listen to qin.”’

“You make it easy though.” Jiang Cheng chided playfully. He leaned into the petting and purred. He opened his eyes, then turned his head so that Lan Wangji’s touch.  “You play beautifully.” Which made him think about the students. That would start coming tomorrow. “Your students?”

“Mn. Tomorrow. Four,” Lan Wangji said and looked towards the living room again. “May move him to the cat room. It is meant for both rabbits and cats… if that is alright?” he asked Jiang Cheng, not wanting to crowd his space. He could easily make space for Xiu Jingtao in his own room if need be, well out of the way of the students and loud noises, or move Jiang Cheng into his room if the two didn’t get along.

“It’s not like he can’t get to the strawberry even at full health.” Jiang Cheng stated, brushing that worry off. He didn’t mind. If Xiu Jingtao got on his nerves there was a whole house. Though he was sure that the bunny would be seeing his human form more than Lan Wangji. Also helped him in keeping Lan Wangji from seeing him if they were in the same room.

Lan Wangji patted his head in thanks, just in time for a thump to come from the living room. Slowly, Xiu Jingtao made his way to them, nose twitching and looking tired, but no longer in obvious pain.

“You can talk to me face to face, you know,” he grumped, but there was no heat in it. He looked up at Lan Wangji with a look in his eyes he’d seen many times. “...thank you, Hanguang-jun. ”

Lan Wangji offered him a bow, then went to his refrigerator without prompting, grabbing out a salad. He set it in a small bowl and offered it to Xiu Jingtao, who looked a little dubious, but ended up eating anyway. That was also nothing new. The body felt more than strange after a Bond was severed. It took time to reconnect to the self.

Lan Wangji was just glad Xiu Jingtao was moving, talking, and eating. “There is a room upstairs you may stay in. You need rest,” he said, getting a nod, though not much else. He didn’t mind. Not all familiars were talkative. The gratitude was obvious and he seemed willing to move to the sunny space, so that’s all that mattered.

He turned his attention back to Jiang Cheng and held up the spoon from his tea dish. There was still honey on it and he didn’t want Jiang Cheng to forget his treat.

“But if you want to stay downstairs then that’s fine too. And no, it’s not me telling you I can’t share. You’ve got to be sore.” Jiang Cheng said, feeling the bunny was more his vibe versus his brother. He then went in and finished his tea happily. His tail swished as he moved into a loaf near Lan Wangji’s hand that was resting on the table. By near, Jiang Cheng meant on the said hand.

Lan Wangji didn’t mind, just let himself be trapped there. “Mn. Stay where you wish,” he agreed.

Xiu Jingtao looked between them with full cheeks, swallowed, and flicked his ears. “Word in the Network is that Hanguang-jun doesn’t have a familiar…?” He looked Jiang Cheng up and down, puzzled a second, before deciding he obviously didn’t care enough. “Glad you got one finally.”

“Mn,” was all Lan Wangji said to that, neither confirming nor denying, and used his free hand to rub between Jiang Cheng’s shoulders.

Jiang Cheng was confused as to what Xiu Jingtao had meant about Lan Wangji having a familiar? The witch hadn’t mentioned anyone and he was confident that the witch would have told him. Lan Wangji leaves him notes all the time. So he decided to let it go. “Do you need to go to the market early? I can stay.”

“Need a few things,” Lan Wangji admitted and smiled at Jiang Cheng gratefully. He looked down at the rabbit. “Will you be alright?”

“I feel weird as shit but I suppose I’m not dying,” Xiu Jingtao said bluntly, waving a paw. “Don’t let me hold you up more than I already did. I know you were trying to shop already.”

Lan Wangji nodded and patted Jiang Cheng before moving to get ready to go. “Will be back soon,” he promised them both. Then he was gone and the clockwork locks bolted into place behind him.

There was a bit of quiet for a moment, just the crunch of romaine lettuce disappearing into a bunny mouth, before Xiu Jingtao looked up at the cat. “So... you’re Hanguang-jun’s familiar? What is that even like?”

“What is what’s like?” Jiang Cheng blinked, then peered down at the still left dishes. “Hold that thought.” Jiang Cheng didn’t even wait. He leaped off the table and went back upstairs to get dressed so that he could get the clothes back on. Jiang Cheng was tossing his hair up in a ponytail. The hair like waterfall down to his waist and curling at the end. His overgrown bangs were off to the side tucked behind and ear. 

“Lan Wangji doesn’t have a familiar.” Jiang Cheng said, starting to clean up the mess wearing the powder pink sweater and the white and blue cotton drawstring sweats.

Xiu Jingtao’s nose twitched, but he didn’t argue. “So, you’re his… lover?” he guessed, curious, though not judging. Hell, if he could be some hot guy’s lover without being tied to him with a Bond, he’d do it too. 

“He calls me his roommate? Friend?” Jiang Cheng flushed. He’d not been anyone's lover. His whole life had been forced into dedicating it to his brother and what was left over was his immediate family. It was surprising he’d even been allowed friends. 

“Ah. That's valid,” Xiu Jingtao said, though still gave Jiang Cheng a considering look. “Just strange. He’s always been alone. I’ll stand by what I said earlier, I’m glad he’s got someone.” 

His tail fluttered at his back as Xiu Jingtao stretched out over the cold tiles of the kitchen. It felt divine on his swirling stomach. “Did he save you from a Bond?”

“No, I’d run away but I was also kicked out when the witch that I’d been arranged with rejected me.” Jiang Cheng shared, get a small dish of water for Xiu Jingtao to drink from if he wanted. While he got himself one of the bottles of water from the fridge then he too sat on the ground with his back against the cabinets. 

“That sucks,” Xiu Jingtao said, empathetic as only a familiar could be, and looked around the place. “I wonder if Hanguang-jun would let me stay?” he wondered aloud. “Not like I got anywhere to go back to. No one would be dumb enough to take me.”

“There is. Keep the faith you had to leave the bond you had and of course you can stay with us. We have the room.” Jiang Cheng stated, with confidence in both himself and Lan Wangji. He knew the witch wouldn’t make him leave. “Don’t strain yourself. You’re healing.”

Xiu Jingtao just huffed, but didn’t move, eyes closing in contentment. “I don’t know… may not be able to stomach the pining or being a third wheel,” he teased, but not really, and finally flopped over to stretch his legs out fully. It felt odd without the Bond as a constant presence in his core, and he could feel the tears in it, like a plant had taken root and been forcibly ripped out. It had definitely felt like that. “My name is Xiu Jingtao. What’s yours?”

“Jiang Wanyin.” Jiang Cheng answered, confused by the statement but went with it. He noticed how the bunny seemed to still be in a bit of pain. “May I do something? To help with the pain?” 

“I won’t say no,” Xiu Jingtao told him, sighing. “It’s a wound of the core. Those always fuck up everything else, so have at it.”

“Yes, but this is for us.” Jiang Cheng responded. He wondered if Xiu Jingtao had known these types of techniques? Not all familiars go to Lotus Pier because the familiar realm was vast. He pushed that thought away and tapped into his own familiar core. It was in Lotus Pier he was taught to use songs as a way to help his witch and other familiars with healing.

“ Where the north wind meets the sea. There’s a river full of memory. ” Jiang Cheng sang and as he did there was a violet and icy blue tint to his essence as it flowed to Xiu Jingtao. “ For in this river all is found. In her waters, deep and true, lie the answer and a path for you. ”

Xiu Jingtao grunted a bit, but gradually relaxed as some of his core started to heal. He closed his eyes to savor the feeling of the pain starting to go, nose twitching. “Not too much,” he warned. “Save that power reserve for your witch. Breaking a Bond makes our cores like black pits. I don’t want to drain you dry. That wouldn’t help either of us.”

“No it wouldn’t.” Jiang Cheng agreed with the rabbit. But he could do this for a little longer though. When he finished he was glad to see the other not twitching in pain too much. “That should help enough for you to get around the house better. Our room is on the second floor.” Jiang Cheng explained.

“Hopefully more comfortable than that daybed couch,” Xiu Jingtao huffed, though it was half hearted. In all honesty, it was perfectly plush, but he was a bunny of… far softer tastes. He started hopping towards the stairs, following the trail of cat smell and hopped up each step carefully.

He was worn out by the time he made it up there, but thankfully the cat room had huge fluffy pet beds to flop on. Which he did with great enthusiasm. “Oh yes, this is the life,” he said, snuggled down on his back, feet twitching in the air.

“Oh, yes.” Jiang Cheng chuckled, pointing up the strawberry designed bed box. “That is my bed and my portal is in there too. So if there was ever a need. We can go in there.” Letting the bunny know that he had another safe place to go. “You’re free to the rest of the room though I doubt you need my litterbox.”

“There’s another one i can use,” Xiu Jingtao agreed, not getting up. “I’ll respect your space, Jiang Wanyin. Not like I want to climb up there anyway. Never been much for heights.”

“I love them.” Jiang Cheng teased, grinning at the huff he got in return. Jiang Cheng turned his head hearing the locks unlatching. Quickly and uncaring, Jiang Cheng shimmed out of his clothes to put them in his strawberry before shifting back into his cat form. His bell that’d been on a necklace around his neck as a human was on his collar once more. “He’s home.”

“Don’t let me hold you back. I’ll probably be sleeping for the next hundred years, so if you need me, I should be easy to find,” Xiu Jingtao gruffed, amused, but unwilling to move. He just let his body further sink into the gloriously soft bed and lull him to sleep.

“Alright, I will let him know.” Jiang Cheng huffed in amusement. He then quickly padded down to the kitchen where he shyly poked his head in. Lan Wangji was standing in the kitchen at the fact it was clean. He was sure that Lan Wangji remembered leaving the dishes on the table and in the sink. A new bowl added with his own for the rabbit ready with water. 

Lan Wangji turned, hearing his bell and sensing him, a small smile on his face. “You?” he asked, looking around, and at the little nod he got knelt down with his hand out for Jiang Cheng to run over. “Thank you. Very much.”

“You’re welcome.” Jiang Cheng rubbed his face into the witch’s hand. His eyes fluttering closed as he purred. “Xiu Jingtao is resting upstairs. He found the energy.” He didn’t want Lan Wangji to know he’d used his core like that. He felt strange to be thinking that. Why would it matter? He blinked not really sure how he felt about it. “Perhaps he should have dinner there instead of down here? Did you get everything you wanted?”

“Mn. something for you as well.” Lan Wangji reached into his back pocket and pulled out a phone. Unlike his own which had a light blue case, this one had a purple case with a tiny bell charm hanging from it. He offered it to Jiang Cheng to look at. “Swipe to open.”

Jiang Cheng got closer and went to swipe with his paw; when it unlocked he purred a soft trill. “For me? For us?” His eyes refocusing on the bell. It wasn’t quite like the one on his neck meant for his witch but it made him reach over to flick it with his paw. 

“Mn.” Lan Wangji smoothed back his ears and gave his scruff a little scratch. “Dial 2 is my number,” he said, demonstrating how to do it. “If you have need of me, call. Or text,” he added, given Jiang Cheng had been turning human when alone. That meant it was a good chance that when they talked on the phones it would be with Jiang Cheng in human form anyway. His heart warmed at the thought that Jiang Cheng felt comfortable enough to do so. 

“I can call but text I don’t know.” Jiang Cheng responded, but looked up at Lan Wangji. “Thank you.” He leaned into the touch and purred again. Then promptly took off with his phone hanging from his charm string up to his shared room. Where Xiu Jingtao had rolled over. He sat the phone down and was messing with the different options on the phone. He’d seen something similar to Wei Wuxian’s phone. He’d only played with his brother’s phone a handful of times. 

He opened an app that turned the whole screen into a picture of him peering down at himself. “I...how do I get out of this?” he murmured.

There was a soft thump, then Xiu Jingtao was peeking over opposite him. “You’re in the camera,” he told him, recognizing Jiang Cheng had no idea what he was doing. He understood. It’d taken him a while to get used to a phone too. “If you tap that white circle, you take a picture of what you see on the screen. To get out, hit that arrow button below the screen, the glowing one.”

“Oh. Thanks.” Jiang Cheng said, leaning his head close as he went to press the white circle.There was a snapping sound and he stopped. But then he noticed the screen was back to him moving. He pressed the button then snapping happened again. So it was the phone making that sound. 

“Lan Wangji said I could text him? I know how to call.” Jiang Cheng said, tapping the glowing button to back out.

“Ooh, send him that picture,” Xiu Jingtao suggested and showed him how to open the messaging app, then how to paste a picture there and send it. “I’ll show you a trick Su Ran taught me,” he said, poking an icon on the text box with a microphone. It gave a soft chirp when it connected. “Say something to it. It’ll write what you say. No typing required. That’s best saved for when you have thumbs.”

“Uh, Hi.” Jiang Cheng blanked. When he didn’t say anything else it loaded the words for him. “Oh! I like that.” He sent the message as well as the picture to Lan Wangji. He’d noticed how Lan Wangji had programmed his brother’s number into the phone as well as Nie Mingjue’s. He looked over at Xiu Jingtao. For some silly reason it felt weird that Lan Wangji was second, especially when he had no use to call his brother anytime soon. “How do I make him the first one not the second?”

Xiu Jingtao showed him, then they both jumped when a message came in. “He answered you,” he said, delighted, and showed Jiang Cheng how to open the message.

It was simple, because it was Lan Wangji. Hello. Very cute.

Jiang Cheng wrinkled his nose and wiggled, flustered at the words. He tapped the talk to text icon. “Not cute.” He hit send and looked over when the rabbit snorted. “What?” He wasn’t cute. It was just his nose? 

“You two have a weird way of flirting,” was all Xiu Jingtao said before another message came through.

Handsome.

“I’m not flirting.” Jiang Cheng looked at him incredulously then stopped to scoff at the text. He tried with his toe beans this time. He was happy that he was good at this. Nope. Don’t forget tonight is carrot dumplings . He typed out flustered at the compliment. He’d reminded him of dinner because carrot dumplings meant prep. 

“Your smell says otherwise,” Xiu Jingtao said, amused, and hopped back to the bed to flop.

Mn. Won’t forget. Bought whipped cream, too.

Jiang Cheng typed back a strawberry emoji. Then glanced over at Xiu Jintao. “No it doesn’t. I just...you…” He sputtered peering up at the pink sweater in his strawberry. His tail swishing at how happy he’d been in his human form just walking around the house in Lan Wangji’s clothes. It felt alright because Lan Wangji made him feel safe and if he let the smallest part of him tell the truth. He did like Lan Wangji.

“If it’s nothing, then why hide the clothes?” Xiu Jingtao asked, chuckling now, though there was something bitter in his low voice. Resignation. Loss. “You’re not the only one around here with his heart lost on a witch, Jiang Wanyin. I stole clothes too. I know this game.”

“I am not hiding anything.” Jiang Cheng instantly responded, obviously more flustered now than by the texts. 

“Right.” Xiu Jingtao huffed, before his ears flickered hearing what sounded like a crinkle ball and bell rolling around downstairs as Lan Wangji walked. He remembered a gleam of the silver crinkle ball under the couch, which meant the witch had probably toed it out so Jiang Cheng could play. He snorted and put his chin on his paws, sighing, ears going flat against his back. “Do as you like. Just… listen to what your heart says. Because if you’re an idiot like I am, you’ll miss your chance and never get it back.”

He was just about to deny again but then Xiu Jingtao had said that last part. The truth was that he could remain a cat forever or he could take a chance. Lan Wangji wasn’t looking for a familiar but he’d let him come into his home to be a roommate. Could he be the second jade’s familiar? His heart skipped a beat and he tried to push the thought away. With a sigh he abandoned his phone to go up to his strawberry to knock his clothes out to get dressed before heading downstairs to see if his heart was playing a trick on him or he was reading too much into the bunny’s words. 

Hearing footsteps was not what Lan Wangji had been expecting. His knife paused where it was cutting the carrots and he blinked, feeling Jiang Cheng’s familiar presence and hearing his little bell. But it came with heavy steps this time, in a beat of two, and he did his best not to stare as the man shyly walked in. 

He was… more than handsome. Sharp featured and dark eyed, with long hair that curled down his back in the ponytail Jiang Cheng had thrown it into. Lan Wangji felt his breath catch, though some amusement managed to cut through the shock, because Jiang Cheng happened to be wearing a large pink sweater and shorts that looked rather familiar.

“...mn,” was all he managed for a moment, looking over Jiang Cheng’s general everything. “Wondered where that shirt went.”

He did his best to stay calm and collected, knowing this was a big step for Jiang Cheng and not wanting to ruin it by gaping like a fish for any longer. Ears bright red, he resumed his chopping. “Xiu Jingtao settled in?” he asked, figuring it would be safe enough to talk of business. He just wished his wild and migrating blush wasn’t so obviously not business. 

“I took it...and the star one.” Jiang Cheng flushed, heart pounding as he stepped forward. It was like there was a string pulling him towards Lan Wangji. The urge to be closer. Jiang Cheng settled for standing behind the man. It wasn’t missed how the other stiffened while the redness of Lan Wangji’s ears slipped down to his neck. He smiled softly as reached up to touch the others flushed ears. The heat from them and the slight jump from Lan Wangji made him chuckle. 

“He is and you're blushing. Am I...does Lan Wangji like this form of mine too?” Jiang Cheng asked, trying to be brave and actually flirt. Because he’d rather try and be wrong than not to try and carry the misery that Xiu Jingtao did.

“I… yes,” Lan Wangji said, swallowing at the sudden boldness. His heartbeat kicked up a notch and he shivered, feeling Jiang Cheng so close to molding into his back. “I find Wanyin to be very beautiful,” he admitted, hoping that wasn’t a foolish thing to say. “Both forms.”

“Good, you're not too bad yourself.” Jiang Cheng quickly said, before noticing Lan Wangji shivering. Immediately, he hugged him from behind. The sweater he’d pilfered was more warm than the thin cardigan that Lan Wangji wore. He kept his arms loose and tried to rest his chin on Lan Wangji’s shoulder but was short. So he leaned his head against his shoulder blade instead. “So you can get cold.”

Lan Wangji shivered again, but was very much not cold. “Mn,” he went with, not sure how to explain otherwise. Besides, why bother? The feeling of being hugged was nice. The fact it was Jiang Cheng doing it made his eyes close in delight and comfort. He gently covered Jiang Cheng’s wrist with his hand. “Not too cold now. Thank you.”

Jiang Cheng smiled while pressing his face into the taller man’s back. “You’re welcome and you don’t have to make dinner alone. I can help make the carrot dumplings.” Jiang Cheng's stomach growled and he flushed but from this angle Lan Wangji couldn’t see it. Just the way he liked it because in cat form the witch couldn’t see him all tomato face and speaking of tomatoes. There conveniently was a bowl of cherry tomatoes. 

“Mn.” Lan Wangji slowly cut the carrots into slivers, though paused as he felt Jiang Cheng move away. He looked over his shoulder to see the man happily popping tomatoes into his mouth. He huffed a soft laugh. “Save for dinner,” he chided lightly and scooped his cut carrots into a bowl. “Some for Xiu Jingtao.”

“Mn-kay.” Jiang Cheng said around a cherry tomato. Then he shuffled back over. He licked his lips and peered up at Lan Wangji. “What can I do to help? My sister used to let me help around the kitchen so I am not so useless here.” He beamed remembering the last time he’d helped her make her lotus soup.

“Dumpling sheets in the fridge,” Lan Wangji said and moved to a drawer to pull out a round cookie cutter for Jiang Cheng to take the dough sheets and start cutting out the rounds for them to fold. “Know how to fold dumplings?”

“Yes, I do. Jiejie has one that is on a roller.” Jiang Cheng explained by holding up the cookie cutter. “You like more what Wei Wuxian calls simple..no easy living.” There was only approval in his voice and went to get started on the sheets. “Is there an amount you want?”

Lan Wangji considered how many carrots he’d made, then gave him an estimated amount to cut out. He watched Jiang Cheng pull out the premade dough sheets with red ears. “Like self-cutters,” he admitted sofly. “Can waste less dough.” Which reminded him. “Keep the pieces. Will fry those.”

“And resourceful.” Jiang Cheng tagged on, enjoying how Lan Wangji’s ears turned even more red. Ah, so this witch was just like him in regards to praise. He continued to follow the witch’s instruction and hummed as he did it. A song that he’d heard Wei Wuxian play when he’d visited during the summer. He glanced up to find Lan Wangji looking at him. 

“What? Did I do them wrong? Keep in mind you chose this cutter.”

“No.” Lan Wangji blinked himself out of his stupor. “I… that song. Wei Ying taught it to you?”

“Yes. He specifically told me this was for cats not bunnies.” Jiang Cheng explained, the memory came to him fondly. Wei Wuxian had been insistent that he didn’t play it for anyone but him because it wasn’t meant for bunnies. 

That was true enough, though it didn’t help his ears not burn. Lan Wangji sighed a bit as he brought over the bowl to start filling and folding the dumplings. “Mn. Wrote it for you,” he admitted. “Wei Ying asked me to.”

“You wrote this for me?” Jiang Cheng said, voice low and heart pounding in his chest and he was glad that Lan Wangji didn’t have enhanced hearing. He swallowed hard before ducking his head low. Of course his brother would do something like that. He probably asked him to write it because he wanted to test Lan Wangji. But it was his favorite song to sing.  So he wouldn’t let him take all the fun from it. The bravery coming back a little though his cheeks were “It's beautiful and perhaps cats suit you better than bunnies.”

Lan Wangji was hard pressed to disagree with that sentiment. As it stood, Jiang Cheng was a familiar that he got along with scarily well, and they were complementary and compatible. Not just in magic, but as housemates. He smiled. “May be right,” he murmured and took one of the dough circles to start folding in the carrot filling.

Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but circle the island to be able to be at Lan Wangji’s side. He followed along with him to make the dumplings. “I think I might be.” Jiang Cheng leaned into Lan Wangji and brushing against him like he would as a cat. Yes it was forward but he also wanted to be sure. If Lan Wangji asked him to stop then he would. 

“Suited to me?” Lan Wangji asked, blushing as he worked. There was a confused hope growing in him at this sudden show of boldness. But he wasn’t about to tell Jiang Cheng to stop, even if he wasn’t sure just where Jiang Cheng was angling towards.

“Right and yes. Would you want to be? And you didn’t put enough in this one.” Jiang Cheng responded, filling up a dumpling that Lan Wangji was still working on. Their hands brushing and Jiang Cheng grinned at the deeper flush. Oh so this is what Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang were talking about. Well more Nie Huaisang because he found his dancing witch first. 

“...want to be suited?” Lan Wangji asked, not sure what Jiang Cheng was asking, but he knew his own hope in his heart, so went for broke. “..to… date?”

Jiang Cheng smirked at that. A flustered Lan Wangji was adorable and now he saw the appeal of what Xiu Jingtao was talking about. “To date and to be bonded...maybe if you think I am suitable.”

The yes was immediate in Lan Wangji’s mind, but he forced himself to pause and think. It was not a simple decision, and he would not dishonor Jiang Cheng by acting rashly. Of course, there was worry, because so much could go wrong, but… so much could go right as well. The question was, was it worth the risk?

He could see his silence was worrying Jiang Cheng and he smiled to soothe him, liking that he had that effect. These past two weeks had been blissful and the ease in which Jiang Cheng had molded into his routine and into his life were stunning. Did he dare? His heart jumped in his chest.

“I’ve never had a familiar,” Lan Wangji murmured and reached out to gently pull on a twist of hair that had fallen over Jiang Cheng’s cheek. “Nor a boyfriend. You are suitable. More than. It is a yes from me, as long as it is what you want.”

Jiang Cheng turned to face Lan Wangji. An easy smile for him. “You don’t think about me Lan Wangji but I don’t just say words like my brother. We don’t have to worry about bonding right now but I would like to very much date you. Though I don’t have any experience in that department. I’d rather try with you when I feel like this.” Jiang Cheng brought Lan Wangji’s hand over his familiar core. He wonder if the witch could feel how unsteady his core was with anticipation and joy.

“Mn. Figure it out together,” Lan Wangji said, liking the prospect of that, and indulged in a soft kiss to the top of Jiang Cheng’s forehead, an urge he’d had for a long while, even before seeing Jiang Cheng’s human form. Hearing the purr he got made him smile.

There was the barest thump on the stairs then that got his attention, but Xiu Jingtao did not come into the kitchen. Eventually, another soft thump could be heard on the couch. Lan Wangji refocused on Jiang Cheng, eyes flickering to the bell around his neck, and huffed.

“Need to get used to it again,” he murmured, shaking his head fondly and going back to the dumplings. “Too used to hearing your bell. Not just silent feet.”

Jiang Cheng was still a little dazed from the forehead kiss. Oh he’d want plenty of those because it’d made him shiver. He was sure if he’d tad his tail it would be swishing like crazy. “Yes, you will and share more clothes.” Jiang Cheng tugged a little at Lan Wangji’s cardigan draping down his side. Jiang Cheng inwardly snickered. If Lan Wangji thought he was gong to get the star sweater back he was mistaken. It was already in his familiar portal within….

Hear his bell? Jiang Cheng looked up with wide surprised eyes. 

“You can hear this?” Jiang Cheng asked, pointedly lifting the chain up to jingle the bell.

Lan Wangji blinked, head tilted, and considered the chime it gave off. “Mn,” he nodded, frowning as Jiang Cheng’s surprise only grew. Worry dripped into his heart. Was something wrong? “...not supposed to?”

At that Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but laugh hard . It wasn’t something that he did often but when he did it was like it lifted his body and soul up. He only stopped when we noticed Lan Wangji’s look was even more confused, He’d made a wish on his bell before Wei Wuxian came into his life that only his true witch could hear his bell. Something that was a form of pain in relation to his adoptive brother wasn’t here with Lan Wangji. Maybe the powers that be didn’t hate him?

“No, nothing is wrong and you’ll officially see Wei Wuxian absolutely speechless when he finds out.”

That didn’t explain anything, but Jiang Cheng seemed to be enjoying his moment, so Lan Wangji just let him have it. “...mn,” he agreed, not sure what to think, and felt his ears flush as another thump sounded just as he went back to the dumplings yet again.

“...I take it back. This is worse than the pining,” Xiu Jingtao mused, loafing in the archway to the kitchen. Though his words were gruff and a tad bitter, his golden eyes shone with amusement. “You two are going to be terrible roommates to live with, I can tell.”

“Best of roommates is what you mean.” Jiang Cheng couldn’t keep the grin off his face. He was so lucky. Oh, Lan Wangji had no idea how fortunate he was to have met Wei Wuxian first. If Wei Wuxian was a barnacle it surely made Jiang Cheng parasite. An affectionate bully is the term that Nie Huaisang would say before all but throwing himself at his witch. He immediately, after giving Xiu Jingtao a cherry tomato, went over to help Lan Wangji with his dumplings.

Lan Wangji stayed quiet, just enjoying Jiang Cheng’s happiness and the knowledge that he had made him feel so good. It was a blessed feeling, one he pulled to his heart to savor, and he did so all through the rest of their meal prep, and the cooking. He put the fried bits of dough onto Xiu Jingtao’s salad and, at the rabbit’s request, carried him back upstairs to eat and rest after a round of soothing, healing qi.

Coming back downstairs to Jiang Cheng human was still a shock to his system. His ears were red as he moved in close, this time the one behind, and molded into Jiang Cheng’s back, chin on his shoulder. It afforded him a view of the bell and he smiled at it, still not understanding, but figured it had played a part in Jiang Cheng’s happiness too.

“You like it?” Jiang Cheng asked, peering down at the bell as he nestled back into Lan Wangji. His mind  flicking back to where the witch was confused about him being happy could hear it. “I put a wish on it when I was six.”

Lan Wangji nodded at that, even if it still didn’t map fully. He nuzzled lightly into Jiang Cheng’s neck. “Like its note,” he praised the bell, for it did ring very clear and sweet. “Inspired your song.”

“You’ve heard my bell before you found me?” Jiang Cheng blinked, peer up at him before nuzzling his face into Lan Wangji’s jaw and cheek. He took a deep breath smelling the sandalwood and patchouli. 

‘Wei Ying showed me a video of you,” Lan Wangji explained. “To inspire me on how to write for cats, not bunnies. His words,” he added, closing his eyes at the nuzzling. “You were small and had your bell. I heard it.”

He hummed then, the first note of the song, and indeed, it matched the same note the bell made. “See?”

“I do.” Jiang Cheng smiled fondly. He’d send his brother a bouquet of blown candied animals that the witch loved so much. So it really hadn’t just been testing Lan Wangji but about him. That’s why he’d never chosen him. He’d known that Lan Wangji could hear his bell and about the wish he’d made. The one true secret between him and Wei Wuxian. 

He tilted his head enough to press the softest kiss to mostly Lan Wangji’s jaw. “And it’s beautiful.” 

Lan Wangji’s lashes fluttered at the kiss. “You alright?” he asked, sensing the man’s core was tumbling and shivering a little. He wrapped his own core around it for warmth and comfort.

“I am. I just want…” more of what’s mine . He though greedily. The man holding him and sharing his core right now was his witch. Someone that cared for him when others didn’t. “...the rice is burning.” 

Lan Wangji moved to save it, then set it in their bowls. The dumplings went on top, still steaming. He handed Jiang Cheng his extra pair of chopsticks, glad he had them, though he made a mental note to take Jiang Cheng out shopping for his own set.

“Good?” he asked, seeing Jiang Cheng bite into one of the dumplings.

“Delicious.” Jiang Cheng praised their cooking. Though in reality it was mostly Lan Wangji. He’d masterfully cut up the vegetables and spices inside. He licked his lips before stealing one off Lan Wangji’s plate after noticing the witch eating slowly. Though if he was perfectly honest with himself it was probably due to the fact that he was glued to Lan Wangji’s side. Now he knew how Wei Wuxian felt when doing this affectionate bullying. It was nice especially with Lan Wangji’s flushed ears.

“Behave,” Lan Wangji said, though it was with a smile and no heat in his words. Still, he let Jiang Cheng thieve another dumpling without complaint and ate in his usual quiet manner.

When his phone went off with that annoying flute music, he sighed. “Do we tell him?” he asked Jiang Cheng, honestly curious about what the man wished to do about his brother as he pulled up the message to read.

Wei Ying: Heard you took in a hurt familiar. Cat? D:

To Wei Ying: No. Bunny.

“With soft red ears.” Jiang Cheng teased, taking his free hand to mess with Lan Wangji’s ear and a few strands of his loose shoulder length black hair. “ Black hair.” His mischievous side coming out. He moved behind Lan Wangji and took off his bell. It was the witch’s anyway besides it would do his heart good to see it on him. 

Lan Wangji blushed, but it was with a smile he lightly touched the bell. This close to it, he fancied he could feel that wish Jiang Cheng had made and turned to press a kiss on Jiang Cheng’s forehead.

Then, he reached down to his wrist to undo his ribbon, which had once been his forehead piece and symbolized his very heart. He tied it around Jiang Cheng’s wrist, feeling like he was binding them together without even forming the Bond. He pressed another kiss to the man’s forehead once it was on, this time ignoring when his phone chimed with a text.

“This was my mother’s,” he murmured, cradling the tied ribbon between his hands. “Take care of it.”

He could feel the essence of Lan Wangji’s late mother on the ribbon mixed with the one that he knew to be his witch. Yes , his witch. Something that he thought he’d never have. Jiang Cheng turned the larger hand around so that he could kiss the inside of the wrist that used to be covered. “I will just as you better take care of my bell. It’s special.”

“I will,” Lan Wangji promised, eyes soft and slightly glowing gold. He pressed their foreheads together and just breathed in the moment, feeling his heart swell so painfully full he feared it would burst with all he felt. He had no words to give it an exit, so simply started to hum Jiang Cheng’s song in the space between them, and guided Jiang Cheng’s hands onto his shoulders so they could sway together in a sort of dance to the beat of it.

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng had kept quiet the whole way home. But now that they were home it was unavoidable. He’d woken up early enough with Lan Wangji that they could have breakfast then go shopping. Apparently, one shouldn’t roam around in oversized sweaters. Also Lan Wangji stated he should always wear pants. Jiang Cheng didn’t get that one but Lan Wangji was focused on them when they went shopping. 

He’d gotten a rather tasty boba tea and there was this rather yummy carrot cake that had been on Lan Wangji’s plate. The only weird thing was the random pictures taken from others after Lan Wangji bought him some well fit jeans and sweaters of his own. Of which neither was on him now. He was in the oversized dark navy sweater that had silver stars on it with some biker shorts. He shuffled into the kitchen. He leaned against the door frame. 

“Lan Zhan?” Jiang Cheng called him as the witch was making some tea. He wrinkled his nose smelling something underneath his witch’s sandalwood and patchouli. A smell he’d breathed in more than once. His eyes flicked to their table where the bags from their shopping spree were still there. 

Lan Wangji turned to look at him and paused, seeing Jiang Cheng bck in his clothes and still looking utterly handsome… and hello legs for days. He blushed and looked quickly back down at the tea. “Mn?” 

“Are you alright? You seem...upset? Did I do something?” Jiang Cheng asked, pushing himself off the wall to come into the room. He noticed the redness to Lan Wangji’s ears. He blinked for a moment then a small smirk formed on his lips. Instead of going to hug Lan Wangji, he went to the table messing with the clothes. Perhaps he’d misunderstood what he was smelling? Jiang Cheng had been sure that Lan Wangji had been jealous of the eccentric retail associate that’d been helping them. But now...he was sure it was something else. The something else that made him glad that Xiu Jingtao was upstairs. Because the poor bunny might figuratively die from being the third wheel. His words, not Jiang Cheng’s. 

“Not upset. You did nothing wrong,” Lan Wangji was quick to assure him and poured out the tea. His ears were still red, but his face was worried, frowning at the idea he could have upset Jiang Cheng unintentionally. Seeing the smile helped him relax. “Am alright,” he murmured and offered him the steaming cup.

“But you don’t seem alright.” Jiang Cheng stated, finding the bag that had the hidden outfit inside. Lan Wangji had stepped out to take a rather long call with his older brother. Jiang Cheng had gotten a special outfit that reminded him of his own robes. But if you are sure. I have something that I wanted to show you. A-Fei said that you might like it just as much I do.”

Lan Wangji blinked at him, curious. “A-Fei?” he asked, not sure who that was and why they would have any say on what Lan Wangji liked or didn’t like.

“The young man that helped us in the shop today. He said you’d like the color based on the other choices we made.” Jiang Cheng shared as he lifted said bag. “I don’t think that he was wrong though. You do like blue.” 

Lan Wangji eyed the bag and flushed. “...Wanyin is a tease,” he accused and sipped his own tea so he could pointedly not look at Jiang Cheng’s smug face.

“Yes, but you like me that way.” Jiang Cheng chuckled before padding towards the half bath. Because honestly, Jiang Cheng had no issue changing in front of the other but they were in the kitchen. Poor Xiu Jingtao would probably lose his last carrot if he saw that. 

“Let me show you.”

Lan Wangji’s blush managed a wild red color before his house gave a shiver. A knock sounded on his door immediately afterwards, making him frown. He was not expecting guests, or students, and took a moment to feel outside for the two cores he felt.

“Wanyin, Wei Ying is outside,” Lan Wangji warned before slowly moving towards the door. It was rude to keep the other witch waiting, though he hoped Wei Wuxian would at least behave himself.

As it was, Wei Wuxian was practically vibrating next to a younger witch with a warm smile on his face, but amazingly let the man speak first. “ Hanguang-jun ?” the stranger asked, and it was starting to be addressed as such by a witch. It was a title given to him by the familiar realm. “Sorry to disturb you, but I’m looking for a rabbit familiar named Xiu Jingtao…?”

Lan Wangji blinked at him and slapped a silencing spell over Wei Wuxian’s mouth before he could giddily stick his nose in. Naturally, Wei Wuxian pouted a mighty pout, but without his mouth working, what could he really do?

“Are you Su Ran?” Lan Wangji guessed, hoping that was the case. Over the week that Xiu Jingtao had been with them, Jiang Cheng had managed to get him to open up about his past. Su Ran was actually the half brother of the witch Xiu Jingtao had been forced to Bond with, and had been instrumental in freeing them both from the Grandmaster.

He was also the witch that Xiu Jingtao admitted he loved, but had held no hope in seeing ever again.

“Yes!” Su Ran said and Lan Wangji smiled just slightly at his relief and the instant tears in his eyes. “Please, is he alright? Is he healing? After gege’s Bond snapped we didn’t know if he made it through…”

“Mn. Alive and well,” Lan Wangji promised, standing aside for the witch to come through before he broke down on his front steps. He very nearly shut the door on Wei Wuxian’s puppy eyes. “Behave,” he murmured to Wei Wuxian and released the silencing spell, the warning clear.

“So cruel, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian whined, making comical faces to stretch out his abused lips. He stuck his tongue out for good measure but amazingly behaved, sensing the seriousness of this oncoming reunion.

“Lan Zhan I think we are out of A-Tao’s tea…” Jiang Cheng said, stepping out of the kitchen with the bag no longer on his arm but a colorful metal tin can. He’d gone into the pantry to make Jingtao his afternoon tea that promoted healing. 

“..what are you doing here!” He said seeing his brother then gave Lan Wangji a look. 

Lan Wangji sighed, chided, even though he had warned him. “Mn.”

“A-Cheng?” Wei Wuxian gasped, and suddenly there were two very teary witches standing in Lan Wangji’s hallway. “ A-Cheng!”

“Su Ran, please come this way,” Lan Wangji murmured and escorted the short man with him towards the upstairs. “If you need, call,” he paused just long enough to say to Jiang Cheng, then helped Su Ran towards the cat room, where Xiu Jingtao was loafing on the large pet bed he’d claimed.

Wei Wuxian sniffled, hurt, but also very relieved to see him. “Are you… you’re okay, right?” he asked, looking like he wanted nothing more than to run over and pat Jiang Cheng down, though looking him over had him laughing a wet laugh. “And why are you in Lan Zhan’s clothes? Did you run away naked again?”

“No, I just prefer his clothes. He bought me some though.” Jiang Cheng said, feeling more confident then he thought he would seeing his brother again. He lifted his hand up to rub his head. When he did, the sleeve slipped down exposing his ribbon bound wrist. “I’m alright, really.”

Wei Wuxian made a choking noise. “Holy shit,” he breathed, staring hard at that ribbon. He gaped at Jiang Cheng, his tears momentarily forgotten. “Jiang Cheng… are you Bonded now?” he asked, hopeful and took a careful step forward, sniffing again. “That ribbon… he told me it was for his fated partner only…”

“No...we’re dating.” Jiang Cheng answered, truthfully. They hadn’t talked about it more since that initial conversation about the bell and the ribbon.  Jiang Cheng didn’t want to push any further because he knew that Lan Wangji was his witch. So dating before bonding fully didn’t bother him. 

Wei Wuxian wiped his eyes. “That’s… that’s amazing,” he assured and made a soft noise when the tears wouldn’t stop. “Can I… hug you?” he pleaded, opening his arms.

“What’s with all the tears? And since when do you ask?” Jiang Cheng asked, looking at him incredulously. Because his brother had always done exactly what he’d want. It surprised him that he’d ask. “Maybe I should ask if you're alright.”

Wei Wuxian crushed him into a hug, holding him and sobbing. “You brat,” he said through his tears, his body shaking. “Do you think I’ve just been sitting around twiddling my thumbs while you’ve been missing?” he demanded, pulling back and grabbing Jiang Cheng’s face. “You absolute brat. I’ve been out of my mind looking for you and I know I hurt you, and I was so damn afraid that you’d never forgive me and I’d lose you forever, and… and…”

He hiccuped and just crushed Jiang Cheng in again, a relieved laugh slowly starting to bubble through. “ B-brat… ”

“I figured that you and Wen Ning were settling.” Jiang Cheng decided to be generous with his hugs and not just save them for Lan Wangji. Of whom was going to be cuddled profusely tonight. He  patted Wei Wuxian’s back then swatted him when he felt Wei Wuxian rubbing his face on his sweater. “No! Not this sweater use your own and could you not have said, Hey, Jiang Cheng I know who your witch is!”

“Hey, Jiang Cheng, I know who your witch is,” Wei Wuxian giggled, wiping his face on his sleeves. “Only you are too stubborn to take my word for it and I had no idea how to let you figure it out on your own. Thankfully, you’re a cat through and through and you found your own way here…”

He stepped back to breathe and control himself, eyes puffy from all the rubbing. “Also, you missed it. I told Fengmian he was a fuck,” he said, proud of himself. “And jiejie called him a bastard.”

“Right.” Jiang Cheng didn’t believe him. But if it made Wei Wuxian feel better then he’d let it slide. It’d taken him a long time to come to terms that Wei Wuxian wasn’t the problem or even himself.  It was his father but it didn’t stop the pain of how everyone failed to see what was being done to him. Thankfully he’d never have that with Lan Wangji.

“See? You don’t take my word for it,” Wei Wuxian pointed out, but shook his head when it looked like Jiang Cheng might argue. “I’m just… so glad you’re safe,” he whispered, smiling tearily at Jiang Cheng. “And I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. You deserve happiness and Wen Ning brings that to you.” Jiang Cheng responded, letting go of the hurt. Why keep it? He had Lan Wangji now as his boyfriend and possibly his bonded witch. “I am safe. Lan Wangji is good to me.”

“Good,” Wei Wuxian said, relieved, and hurriedly scrubbed his face clean as steps came down the stairs. 

And there was Xiu Jingtao, preening in Su Ran’s arms. He was even making a purring sound that neither Lan Wangji or Jiang Cheng had heard him make. “Thanks again,” Su Ran said, smiling as bright as sunlight even through tears that Xiu Jingtao hurriedly patted away with a paw. He was kissed between his ears for it and that purring sound got louder.

“Thanks,” Xiu Jingtao said too, eyes squinted in happiness. “Even if you two are horrid lovebirds.”

“A pleasure,” Lan Wangji said, looking relieved and content at the pair, though his eyes were worried when he looked between Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng. It was a bit of a torture to leave them the few moments it took to escort Su Ran to the door, 

When he came back, Wei Wuxian immediately punched him in the shoulder, though it only hurt Wei Wuxian. “Lan Zhan!” he said, swatting at him instead to spare his knuckles. “You actually lied to me?”

Lan Wangji sighed, looking contrite as Wei Wuxian kept smacking him. “Mn. Keep Wanyin safe.”

“It’s not lying when you say nothing and get your hands off my boyfriend you barnacle.” Jiang Cheng huffed, shoving his brother with his elbow. Jiang Cheng moved quickly into Lan Wangji’s side. His hand rubbing a soothing circle on Lan Wangji’s lower back. A small smile on his lips as he peered up at Lan Wangji. 

“I’m not mad, for the record. I’m impressed,” Wei Wuxian huffed, shaking his head at the two of them with a smile; a smile that graduated to a full on smirk seeing the bell around Lan Wangji’s neck. “Didn’t think you had it in you, ya ol’ fuddy duddy.”

“He’s not a fuddy duddy.” Jiang Cheng responded, giving his brother a look. “Lan Wangji just doesn’t need to express himself.” His voice tinged with pride of Lan Wangji. He reached up moving a few strands of Lan Wangji’s hair. The urge to kiss him was strong despite his brother standing there. More and more he found his heart fluttering around him. 

“Ugh, i know that look,” Wei Wuxian made a disgusted face and went as though to turn heel, but instead hugged them both. “Take care of him,” he murmured to Lan Wangji.

“Mn.” It was an easy promise, and one he’d keep as long as Jiang Cheng wanted him to. Wei Wuxian smiled and excused himself loudly, obviously pulling on his usual bravado to hide his true feelings. Lan Wangji allowed it, if only because he knew in his heart Wei Wuxian would be okay and had Wen Ning and Wen Qing waiting for him.

So, he refocused on Jiang Cheng once the door closed. “You okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Jiang Cheng responded, then tilted his head. “...Well not completely.” He licked his lips then his gaze dropped to the others. He knew that he should probably think more about his confrontation with Wei Wuxian and how he still wasn’t answering his sister but he was happy. Here with Lan Wangji and with that adorable worried expression on his face. 

“What is it?” Lan Wangji asked immediately, brow furrowed in concern.

Jiang Cheng moved closer, hand slipping up to cup the back of Lan Wangji’s nape. He pulled him down, their lips almost touching. “I’d be better if you’d let me kiss you.” Jiang Cheng said, voice calm and true. It’s what he'd been wanting. 

A soft chuckle opened Lan Wangji’s face with a rosy hue. “Yes,” he said immediately, leaning in to close the distance. It was brief, soft, and tender, but he didn’t pull away far. “Kiss me always.”

“You’re going to regret that.” Jiang Cheng said before kissing him again. This one was far more daring as his hand slipped up into Lan Wangji’s hair. His other arm wrapped around the witch pulling him close. His eyes fluttered shut for moment as he felt his core reaching out for Lan Wangji’s. 

Lan Wangji moaned softly and pulled him in, tilted his head more to better slot their lips together. His core happily took hold of Jiang Cheng’s and cradled it, warm and happy. “Wanyin…”

“Lan Zhan.” Jiang Cheng responded, eyes opening again. That spark of greediness for more of Lan Wangji lit inside him. “More?”

The answer was a soft growl before strong hands got under Jiang Cheng’s thighs, bodily lifting him up onto the kitchen counter. Lan Wangji used the startled gasp Jiang Cheng made to sweep his tongue inside boldly, his body thrilling with it. The shopping day had been like a three hour teasing session, and now that he had an outlet, he was going for broke.

His hands gripped Jiang Cheng’s hips as he stepped in between the vee of Jiang Cheng’s legs, his head tilting back to nip at that lower lip.

Jiang Cheng had chuckled and loved having Lan Wangji man handle him. A side that he hadn’t seen from Lan Wangji. It made him curious of what else he would discover about the beautiful man kissing him.  

“More?” He teased, seeing the darkness in Lan Wangji’s faze. It should probably be a warning of just how passionate Lan Wangji was underneath his shyness but he found that he couldn’t care as Lan Wangji kissed him again.

And more Lan Wangji gave him. He kissed him with passion, and reverence, and joy. Finally, when needed air, he let his head all against Jiang Cheng’s chest and nuzzled there, not sure how he’d gotten lucky enough to have this, that he could and did have this, and found himself focusing on the bell around his neck. Perhaps, it would accept a wish from him too?

He wished for Jiang Cheng’s happiness, and prayed he would be the one to give it to him. He wasn’t sure the bell answered, but it did chime, making him smile. Wishes were, after all, only part of the deal. The rest was work, and devotion, and trying.

Gods willing, he had the rest of their lives to make Jiang Cheng understand just how precious he was. Starting now.