Chapter Text
After the hectic whirlwind that dealing with Azure and the rest of the ridge crew was, things were settling into a new normal again, just like they had after the defeat of the Lady Bone Demon. Macaque and Wukong had a lot of old wounds picked at and reopened when they’d gone through the scroll and their therapy sessions, which at one point had been cut down to once a week was back up to twice a week from the need to address and readdress some of the pain and miscommunication of the past. As painful as it was, it was nice to have the love and support from all their friends and they would always be grateful of that fact.
After the battle, Macaque had grown closer to Mei and the two of them had spent more time doing one-on-one activities together. Macaque felt more comfortable talking with her after seeing how ready she was to kick Peng’s ass and he respected the hell out of her ride or die energy and she gained a newfound respect for him when they fought side by side. Wukong was happy for him and the king himself was getting closer to DBK and his family again, if the beach party was anything to go by, and he had hopes to be present in his nephew's life now that everything has settled again.
Of course a lot of Wukong’s free time was being spent on rebuilding his old home on the mountain since it was destroyed in the battle, much to his and Macaque’s dismay as they were slowly building a life together there and they mourned the destruction of the home together along with any of the items that were lost in the fall out. Occasionally Macaque would help him out wherever he could, but Wukong insisted on taking the majority of the work. Macaque suspected that he was still hung up on some of the old memories that had been dredged up and that a part of him felt guilty for bunking with Macaque while he rebuilt his own home, as crazy as that sounded to Macaque. He could tell that Wukong was spending more time on the mountain away from him and sometimes when he looked at him, he could see the hurt and regret in his eyes and it hurt him to see him going through that and not talking to him about it. He had a good idea of what it was about and gosh darn it he was gonna do something for his caring monkey man!
Currently Macaque was out with Mei on a shopping trip as he was hoping to replace some personal items and effects that he’d kept at Wukong’s and trying to figure out a way to put Wukong’s mind at ease. Mei had graciously offered to pay for anything he bought on the trip, and they negotiated it down to splitting costs 50,50 instead.
They got to talking about Wukong, Red Son, and the Monkie Kid himself, sharing anecdotes and their own worries over them. Both parties were surprised to see the more vulnerable sides of themselves that weren’t all power, charisma, and performance. Macaque shared the insecurities that being with the brotherhood brought and what had resurfaced when he was confronted with them again while Mei shared how she felt inadequate herself sometimes, not just when it came to wanting to protect her friends, but with her own family at times. They’d been upset over their ancestral sword getting destroyed at first but were proud of her and relieved to see she was safe almost immediately after. It was still jarring to her that her family accepted her and were proud of her for who she was, and it would take her a while to get used to even after all this time.
It’s things like that that make me especially glad that you chose to befriend Red Son. He and Mk are really lucky to have you.
Macaque had told her as they were perusing a store that was filled to the brim with cute, soft, and silky-smooth things both they and their loved ones were sure to enjoy.
Oh yeah? Why?
Where do I begin? You’re supportive and unflinching in the face of danger even if a foe is stronger than you, but you still have the sense not to endanger any of your friends further. You’re not reckless and even if you’ve got a temper, you’re not completely hotheaded so you’re still capable of being levelheaded. You’ll keep them safe and on the straight and narrow. Plus, Red Son never really got to have any friends before. He always busied himself with trying to impress his mom and free his dad or tinkering with other things. I’m glad he’s letting himself relax and that you’re hanging around him. You two are a good influence on him.
He spoke with such complete sincerity that it almost made Mei uncomfortable.
Are you sure you’re not one of his parents?
She brushed it off to sidestep how happy it actually made her to hear though it wouldn’t have gone unnoticed to Macaque either way.
I’m serious, you two are really good for him and I’m thankful for that.
He praised again, and she scratched the back of her head and playfully punched him in the arm hard enough that he rubbed the spot after.
Dawwww, stop it, you're gonna make blush!
She still joked around, and Macaque decided to drop it and refocus on something else, like the impossible plush pillow the size of a truck tire and with the face of a cheeky monkey with a tiny crown on top. How cute, he thought.
Alright, alright, hey do you think Wukong would like this?
He flipped the pillow around to show her and she snickered at his face.
I think you should get the one that looks more villainous.
She picked up a pillow of a similar make that had a smile that made you think they were gonna stab you in an alley for fun. “It looks more like you.” She grinned and he rolled his eyes at her.
How rude, that bastard is way fatter than I am.
She burst out laughing at that, getting some second long glances from other shop goers that neither of them paid any mind to.
Are you fat shaming this evil little guy?
She was still snickering, and Macaque gasped dramatically.
Are you profiling this upstanding gentleman?
He accused, and Mei gasped just as dramatically.
Are you assuming their gender?
She whispered conspiratorially.
Are you?
He mimicked her, and they snickered together. I think you’re right, he’s gonna love this fiend.
That doesn’t mean he wasn’t also getting the original one he’d picked up. As soon as he’d made that choice, Mei let out a real gasp of excited surprise and dragged him over to another item on display.
Oh my gosh look at these, they're perfect!
She shook him and pointed at a collection of all kinds of animal onesies that looked incredibly cute and cozy. Macaque was immediately just as intrigued by them as Mei and an idea was forming in his mind for the perfect way to put Wukong at ease.
...We have to get these for everyone.
Yeeessssss.
Three days later, Macaque had gathered up all his supplies for his plan and put them into action before Wukong got home from working on his new shack. It would occur in steps in order to preserve the surprise he wanted to give him and would start when Wukong stepped through the entrance to his living space. It was about midday, and he could already hear Wukong coming up the stairs to the space. He waited by the door with his tail wagging in barely contained excitement.
Hey Macaque, I’m just stepping in for a bit then I’m gonna head back out to the, Woah!
Macaque practically tackled him into a big hug, purring affectionately as he clung to him. Macaque I’m gonna get your clothes all dirty!
He chuckled with confused amusement and hugged him back anyways. He’d only said it since he knew how Macaque could get depending on what he was wearing.
It’s okay, I’m planning on changing out of this anyways. Do you think maybe you stick around for a bit though? You’ve been going to the mountain a bunch lately and I’ve been missing you.
He whined, squeezing him tighter. He could hear the way Wukong’s heart skipped a beat before holding him closer. So far so good, Macaque thought.
I mean I’ve still got a lot of work to do.
He could already feel his resolve to leave, rapidly exiting his body.
Pretty please?
Macaque whispered directly into his ear in the low voice he knew drove him crazy, being sure to gently stroke at the sensitive base of his neck and sending shivers down his spine.
I guess I can spare a little time.
He was already fully convinced, and Macaque could see Wukong’s tail wagging enthusiastically behind him. He found it incredibly cute.
Great! Get washed up first though, okay?
He pulled back from the embrace just enough for their hands to comfortably rest on Wukong’s shoulders.
Okay.
Wukong pouted at the new, barely there, distance between them and Macaque booped their snouts together.
Perfect. I’ll be waiting.
Once Wukong was in the shower Macaque got to work clearing a big enough spot on the floor for his planned setup. He had his clones help him to speed up the process and he changed quickly when they were close to being finished, taking off his usual attire and putting on a different pair of underwear to be completely fresh when he put on his new cozy get up. He grabbed the outfit he’d gotten for Wukong and waited for him outside his bathroom.
When Wukong exited the bathroom in a loose t-shirt and comfy pants he was greeted with the sight of a very giddy Macaque in a purple monkey onesie and holding a pink version in a still sealed bag. Not only that, but he could clearly see a large pillow fort set up in the spacious living room behind them. An amused smile cracked its way onto Wukong’s face when he asked.
What’s all this?
There was a bit of a chuckle in his voice.
Well you’ve been pretty distant lately and after everything with the scroll and Azure and even rebuilding your home now, I thought you could use a nice relaxing break. So I bought us both onesies, lowered the temperature in here so it would still be comfortable for us in them and under a mountain of pillows and blankets, you can have whatever snacks or drinks you want and you can pick what we watch, but just so you know there is a Monkey Cop movie marathon starting soon if you’d like.
As he listed off all that he’d prepared, Wukong’s heart melted and his smile softened more and more, reaching his eyes that gazed at the sweet monkey like they were the most wonderful being to exist.
Are you sure?
He still asked anyways, breathless. It stopped Macaque in their tracks, and they stared at him for a split second, confused, before a soft smile graced his face. He stepped closer to Wukong to gently caress his cheek and lovingly hold his gaze.
Of course. I know having everything we’ve gone through get forcibly dragged back up has been harsh on both of us, but I know you’ve been taking it much harder. I want you to know that I love you, very very much and we’ve both made so much progress together. We’ve forgiven each other again and again and I promise that I’m going to be here for you, and I know you’ll be there for me. We’re different now and come what may, we’ll get through it, one day at a time, right?
Their voice was quiet and soft, barely above a whispered as he spoke to Wukong with fondness, love, and sincerity that shook him to his core.
Oh.
Came his shakily replied. He felt almost overwhelmed by their unflinching love and support and his voice was caught in his throat. Macaque tenderly wiped away the few tears that had managed to escape Wukong’s watery eyes and pulled him into a warm hug. Wukong’s head rested on their shoulder and his face was pressed against their neck.
It’s okay Peaches, there, there.
Macaque rubbed soothing circles into his back with his free hand and pressed sweet kisses to wherever he could reach.
I love you so much.
He whined, and Macaque cooed to him.
I love you too Wukong.
When they’d parted Wukong had wasted no time in taking off his first layer of clothing to replace it with the cute onesie and getting into the warm cozy nest that resided within the pillow fort’s safety. He was even quicker to cuddle up to Macaque’s body, resting his head on their chest and purring contently. When he saw the two massive monkey pillows in the nest, he cooed loudly about how adorable they were. Just like Mei had suggested, the fiendish looking one was his favorite. They ended up not watching anything at all with Wukong preferring to focus on the time he was spending with Macaque which touched their heart.
Thank you for this.
Wukong had sighed in relaxed contentment and Macaque kissed his cheek.
Anytime.
Their purrs were the main backdrop to their intimate moment together and the sound was music to both their ears. Knowing that their lover was relaxed and at peace helped to soothe their own worries and put them at ease. Would you like me to feed you?
Wukong’s tail thumped loudly against the pillows.
Yes!
His eagerness made Macaque laugh and he kissed his snout before carefully portaling in a tray that he’d prepared and hid beforehand for his lover. He’d prepared all kinds of fruits and pastries and junk food for the other that he knew he’d love to gorge himself on and today Macaque was willing to indulge him. They’d shifted so Macaque was sitting up and Wukong rested his head in their lap so he could more easily feed him.
Right away, my king.
A blush made itself apparent on Wukong’s face at the title. He’d been a bit conflicted over it after recent events since the title alone could bring up all kinds of issues but hearing it from Macaque now didn’t make him uncomfortable or sad like he thought it would. Instead, it reminded him of how even after everything, Macaque was still willing to follow him through hell and back and it made him fall for him that much more. Having them feed him sweet peach cream puffs by hand also helped a lot.
As he was fed, he would lick clean any cream or crumbs left on Macaque’s hand, occasionally taking their fingers into his mouth, and sucking on them, which was slowly flustering the six eared monkey, but he kept himself in check. He wanted to have a nice, sweet evening with him without it devolving into sex. Though Wukong was making it difficult for him with the sighs and moans that he would softly let out as he filthily tongued his hand.
You’re beautiful, you know that?
Macaque said both to distract his brain and to add in his pampering of Wukong.
Hm?
He questioned with his cheeks full of food and corners of his mouth ripe with crumbs.
Long pretty lashes, vibrant crimson eyes, soft kissable lips, adorable cheeks, gorgeous pink mask, and that luxurious fur of yours. You’re beautiful.
Wukong’s blush worsened considerably, and he swallowed so hard he nearly choked. You look perfect in anything you wear and have such a presence wherever you go. People flock to you and adore you for the man you are, not just your title. I’m lucky to have someone as loving and caring as you are in my life and by my side. I love you, you beautiful man.
He could hear Wukong’s heart hammering in his chest and found the wide-eyed look he was receiving adorable to the point where he just had to give him an upside-down peck on the lips. It caused Wukong to whine, kicking his legs and flapping his arms from the overwhelming energy that emanated through his whole body from how happy and flustered Macaque’s affection made him.
Macaque barely had time to set aside the food he was holding before Wukong sat up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, turning around, and pushing Macaque down into the pillows so he could attack him with a flurry of kisses filled with all his love. His sudden attack sent Macaque into a giggle fit that was furthered from the way that Wukong’s fur tickled his skin and his own legs kicked giddily at the attention.
How dare you, make me feel all pretty and special when I look like this.
He ‘complained’ which only made Macaque laugh harder.
You’re beautiful!
He argued through his giggles and turned his head to give Wukong more access to his neck. He gladly took full advantage of that.
I’m a bum!
He argued back, and Macaque would never let a comment like that stand.
You’re a cute, sweet monkey with my whole heart.
He grabbed Wukong’s face in his hands and kissed him right on the lips with an exaggerated ‘MWAH’ that had Wukong giggling alongside him. They quickly devolved into a competition of giving the other more kisses and making the other giggle harder.
The two ended up clinging to the other on their sides and lazily making out with each other in the comfort of the pillow fort’s nest with warmth set deep in their chests from all the love they held for their partner. Their bodies were completely relaxed and their minds at ease. Macaque’s plan had been a success and he silently promised himself to surprise Wukong with things like this as often as he could, so he never forgot what he meant to him and he idly wondered if Mei’s own plan had been as successful, if not more so with the onesies she’d bought. He would have to ask her another time. For now, he still had a handsome monkey to tend to.