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[bringingdowndisaster]

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[zichen]

She hopefully escaped. Zichen would have looked for her if he hadn't been blind and in tremendous pain. He does, however, notice Xue Yang's concern and, yes, that is a good sign.

"Did you?" he smiles a little. The Xue Yang he had met during the Breach would have done just that too.

"Animals never forget an act of kindness."

Leading them deeper into the Barge, he looks around curiously. Maybe there is a sign...? Or no. He hears something better.

Barks. Hurrying his steps, he tugs Xue Yang along.

[bringingdowndisaster]

"Mhm. She was trying to protect her kittens, so I threw stones at the dogs so they ran off." He'd become very fond of cats after that, determining that they were far better than humans. Animals in general, really. Even the dogs had just acted on their instincts. Killing so they won't starve. Xue Yang knows what that's like.

He chuckles a little and follows along when they hear the sounds of the dogs, lightly squeezing Song Lan's hand.

[zichen]

"That was very brave of you." Zichen glances back and pulls Xue Yang a little closer, "Did you help her with her kittens or did you become one of her kittens?" the latter seems more likely if the mother tried to feed him!

Finally... He finds the right door and takes a breath. He pushes it open and softens at the friendly furry faces that greet them. They are kenneled with a space between for them to wander and sniff in turns.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang laughs a little. "Aish, I don't know. Maybe both." They had certainly taken care of each other...

His expression and whole demeanor immediately softens at the sight of the sweet animals. One brave cat immediately makes their way up to them and winds around Xue Yang's legs. He leans down to pet the cat, grinning all the while. "I think this one is volunteering," he jokes.

[zichen]

"Mothers knows how to care for lost children." Zichen can't stop himself from smiling at the animals, glancing down in happy surprise when a cat greets them. Well, well. Aren't they pretty?

"Come here." he murmurs and gently scoops the cat into his arms, "This one is a little male. Do you like him, Xue Yang?"

The cat purrs and makes little biscuits on Zichen's robe, his tail waving lazily.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang immediately goes to pet and scratch the cat when Song Lan picks him up. "Zichen, I like all cats," he says with a laugh as he gives scritches to the underside of the cat's chin. "What a handsome boy!" he coos.

[zichen]

The kitty tips his head back, his green eyes closing blissfully. Oh those are good scratches!

Zichen chuckles and nods. "He has a good demeanor. Since he is so friendly, I wonder if he should have a companion? Then we can be certain they are never feeling lonely."

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang smiles and nods. "He's so sweet..." The cat seems to absolutely love the attention too, soaking it right up from the both of them. "They probably have to stay here anyway, so he can be with his friends."

[zichen]

"We should bring him here, daily, to visit. But I think he should visit with us too." Zichen smiles at Xue Yang, "When you feel unwell, he would give you a warm embrace."

Something that, sadly, Zichen can't do anymore. Not as he is anyway.

[bringingdowndisaster]

"Okay, we'll have to be sneaky about it," Xue Yang says with a laugh as he scratches the cat's head. He likes Song Lan's embraces though! He can be warm for the both of them.

[zichen]

"Why?" Zichen questions, snuggling the precious tom under his chin, "I am a Warden and if you are with me, why shouldn't you be able to see my cat?"

He might be a little more sneaky than Xue Yang planned.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang lets out a mock-scandalized gasp and grins, eyes bright. "You're pretty sneaky yourself, Song-daozhang." And he happens to find that very attractive.

[zichen]

Seeing Xue Yang happy...genuinely happy...makes it all worthwhile. He holds out the tom for Xue Yang to hold while he gathers the supplies they will need. Litter-boxes are truly very clever ideas!

Of course as he walks around, a kitten crawls on his foot and gives a mighty mew.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang holds the cat to his chest and scratches him behind the ears. "He's gonna need a name if he doesn't have one already. What do you think?"

He grins at the sight of the kitten. "Uh-oh. Looks like someone's jealous of the attention."

[zichen]

"I think you should name him." Zichen murmurs, smiling helplessly at the little ball of fuzz on his foot. He scoops the baby up and holds them against his chest.

"Is he your friend, little one?" he brings the kitten closer to the tom and the tom turns his head, kissing the kitten's forehead.

Oh yes. Clearly this is his baby.

[bringingdowndisaster]

"I'll have to think about it then," he says as the cat starts to rub its face against his cheek.

Xue Yang laughs a little. "He's adopted a baby too." He reaches out to gently scritch the kitten behind its little ear.

[zichen]

"He can wait for you to decide." Zichen kisses between the baby's too-big ears, "Who can resist a lonely kitten?"

No one, that's who.

Gathering what they need for two, he tucks the kitten into his robes. It's nice and warm there and the baby immediately calms.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang giggles a little as he hides the tomcat in his robes. "I can't believe we're stealing cats." Nor can he believe that it was Song Lan's idea!

[zichen]

"We're not stealing. We are borrowing." Zichen kisses the tip of Xue Yang's nose and pushes open the door, "Besides, this way they get more human contact. They will be safe with us."

[bringingdowndisaster]

"Still! You better take responsibility if we're caught!" he says cheerfully as they exit together. This whole thing has definitely put him in a great mood.

[zichen]

"I will." that he can promise because, truly, he doesn't feel guilty doing this. It's good for the cats and Xue Yang.

...and maybe him too. The warm rumbling of a happy cat brightens his mood.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang keeps a pleased grin on his face the whole way back to their cabin, all the while petting the cat-shaped bundle in his robes. What a heist!

Once they're back at the cabin, Xue Yang lets the cat out so he can explore.

[zichen]

Once in his cabin, Zichen sets the kitten down too. She gives another mighty mew and toddles over to climb on Xue Yang's foot. Clearly she is a hunter of feet!

The tom explores the new rooms and paws at the bed Zichen makes him.

"Tell me how you like it..." he strokes over the cat's back, amused.

[bringingdowndisaster]

Xue Yang giggles a little and picks the kitten up to pet her. So soft! She mews and tries to climb on his shoulder, so he lets her perch there. "I must be like a mountain for her to climb," he says.

[zichen]

The tom pat pats the bedding until he is satisfied. Then he drinks the water Zichen pours for him, fresh!

"She's learning her limits." he looks up, features gentling at the sight, "I wouldn't be surprised if she floated away like dandelion fluff with that coat of hers."