Chapter Text
The Night that Azure Lion and Macaque shared that bed was cold. Not in the atmosphere, quite the opposite actually, but just in temperature. Winter was still clutching onto its life, and when the Sun went down and the Moon came up, bringing with it gusts of cold wind that sent the animals scurrying back to their dens. Macaque and Azure had barely moved from their positions, only adjusting to hold each other closer for warmth.
The two slept soundly, Macaque curled up at Azures chest, who had an arm wrapped around the smaller Simian to hold him close. Macaques head was practically buried under blankets and warm arms, and his hearing was muffled by the sound of purring.
The larger Lion on the other hand had no such reprieve from the noise, and so when a sudden burst of wind sent a rickety shop sign (that was days away from crumbling at this point), it flew into the wall of the Inn with a loud ‘Bang!’
Azure Jolted awake with a soft noise, and almost flung himself up, probably knocking Macaque off the bed, but he managed to have some sense to first look down and inspect the warm body huddled up to him.
The memories of last night came rushing back to him in a blur, and he gingerly sat up, arm still curled around Macaque. His upper body shivered at the cold, and he didn’t misd how Macaques claws clung to his side at the movement. He still seemed passed out, but his body clearly was displeased with the lack of warmth.
Azure barely restrained a small coo at him, not wanting to take any risks at having him awaken, and looked around to investigate the sound. The moon was still up, casting dark shadows across the room however this didn’t bother Azure who, thanks to his eyes, could see around just fine. Upon not finding an intruder, and then realizing it was just a gust of wind that woke him up, he settled down back to Macaque who eagerly accepted the warmth again and curled his arms around him.
Azure couldn’t help the small smile that rose on his face at that. He remembers when Macaque first joined.
He was flighty and barely spoke; he hid in trees when they slept and for many days Azure believed that he hated them. How else would he excuse his behavior, the way he slinked away from his Sworn Brothers but stuck to Sun Wukong?
It was only when Yellow Tusk had made the first move that Azure was able to understand; No, Macaque did not hate them. But he was not as social as them. He needs space, and time in order to become comfortable. And for very long that was Azures only impression of him.
He also couldn’t deny the jealousy he felt. As much as he hated to admit, a small part of him wanted to be Macaque. He was always so close to Wukong, who was always clinging back onto Macaque in return. Sure Wukong was social and active with the rest of the Brotherhood but with Macaque it was something… different.
That Jealousy was gone now, replaced with a much deeper understanding of Macaque. He feels disappointed with himself now, for thinking so little of Macaque and almost thinking of him as nothing more than Wukongs shy best friend who could wield shadows like a weapon or a paintbrush.
Azure looked down at Macaque again. What made him think of Macaque this way? He regrets not talking to him sooner now. When he spoke it demanded attention, but when he listened he did so intently. He asked in depth questions that sparked more conversation, he made sure the speaker felt listened to and understood. He was just… wonderful. He was more than he ever amounted him to.
His inky black hair was a bit of a mess from being under the blankets, and just sleep in general. It fell into random directions and tangles that would be a pain to remove in the morning. Even so, when Azure moved the hand that was over Macaque to gently come his fingers through some looser strands, his hair felt like silk. Well taken care of and clean, despite the knots.
He felt a rumbling in his chest grow and tucked Macaque closer to him. He can’t remember the last time he felt like this and it confused him. He had known of Macaques beauty since he knew him, so why was it only affecting him now?
He felt Macaques tail curl around his leg, and he felt a knot in his throat. It felt.. weird. But nice.
He felt his eyes grow dreary and let his head rest on Macaques, dozing off into a slumber. Clutching Macaque close to him.
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Macaque heard the birds before he saw them; sudden high pitched chirps that made him groan. He felt warm, smothered by his large sleeping-buddy next to him, who was still passed out. Slowly trying to shimmy his way out, Macaque felt Azures arm grip on tighter and he realized he wouldn’t be getting out like this. He barely managed to move an inch away before Azure pulled him back.
Instead he opted for his shadows, feeling around for the ones under the blankets before slinking down into them. He emerged from the shadows at the end of the bed and saw how Azure clutched nothing now. ‘Guess he was more cuddly than I thought’, Macaque uttered with a small smile, and went to put his armor back on. By the time he did, stretching out his back with a satisfying ‘pop!’, he heard Azure wake up, the bed creaking in opposition.
”Sleep well?” He questioned, but didn’t get a response until Azure slipped off the side of the bed and rubbed his eyes. “Very well. How about You?”
”Best in ages. If I knew you were such a cuddler I would’ve been bunking with you ages ago.” Macaque snickered, not noticing the flush on Azures face. “Wukongs not the best sleeping pal when it comes to being comfortable. He’s as active at night as he is during the day.”
That brought a sleepy snort from Azure. “That makes sense.” He said with a yawn, before getting up and stretching as well.
Macaque headed for the exit to the room. “I’ll go get some food for breakfast. You like rabbit?” Azure nodded, and Macaque gave a small thumbs up in return before leaving. Azure sighed and watched him leave before getting dressed as well. He has to find Yellow Tusk.
When Azure left the room, it wasn’t hard to find Yellow Tusk. Unlike the rest of his brothers, Yellow Tusk was an early riser and was already up and outside with a map trying to plot out where they would go next. Azure quickly made his way over “Brother, may I speak with you for a second?”
Yellow Tusk looked over to him. “Of course, something the matter?” Azure looked confused, an expression that Yellow Tusk knew was rare to see Azure express.
”It’s about Macaque. You see, last night we were speaking and-“ the second he heard Macaques name, Yellow Tusk felt a stab of fear but smothered it. No, he shouldn’t jump to conclusions, it could be anything..
”We never really get to speak often so I was excited. I saw this as my opportunity to finally learn more about him.” Azure’s confusion was covered now, instead clear joy was on his face which made Yellow Tusk smile as well.
“I take it from your smile that you did?”
“Yes, we did! We spoke for hours. I should have began talking with him ages ago. He has such a way with words, I was mesmerized. He even gave me a story he wrote- oh, and he listens so well! We only stopped when Macaque was about to pass out.” He laughed out the last part before continuing. Now the nervousness was back.
”But even though I feel so happy to talk to him it feels different.. I don’t know how I can describe it. It’s like I never want to hear him stop. It’s the most amazing feeling ever.” His tone took on that of pure adoration.
Yellow Tusk could feel that fear creeping back again. “And- and what do you think this means Azure?” He asked, praying that he would say what he knew he felt.
Azure paused. “I don’t know..” he mumbled. “I.. I want to be his friend? I don’t know Yellow Tusk. But I needed to tell someone this. I want to spend as much time with Macaque as I can, so I can figure this out.” He trailed off several times, face flushing red slightly and it was clear he had no idea he was feeling.
Somehow this fact made Yellow Tusks stomach plummet even further.
Azure saw Peng and DBK exit their rooms and begin to head over. “Thank you for listening brother. I would really appreciate if you.. please don’t tell the others. I don’t want to keep a secret, but you know how Peng and Wukong get!” He let out a loud chuckle at that last part which Yellow Tusk forced himself to laugh along to as well to try and make himself believe that this wasn’t happening.
Peng and DBK made their way over as well, and the three of them made pleasant discussion. Azure told them that Macaque was getting food, and Peng joked that he hoped he picked good food.
Yellow Tusk just prayed that for once, he was wrong.
Because the only thing worse than dealing with an Overprotective King pinning for an Oblivious Macaque, is when the Bragging Eagle falls for the Oblivious Macaque. The only thing worse than those two combined, is having to deal with the Oblivious Lion pinning for the Oblivious Macaque
And he might have to deal with all Three at once.
…..Gods he hopes Macaque realizes before something goes wrong.