Chapter Text
“Hey, Uncle Macaque?” Bai He inquired sleepily.
“Yeah, kiddo?” Macaque’s tail flitted lazily as he gave the kid a half smile. Hmm... she looks exhausted. I guess it is past her bedtime… “You look like you need some sleep, ki-”
“What’s the difference… between a bicep and a tricep?”
Macaque paused before snorting in amusement. Really? The distracting questions tactic? I practically invented that tactic. He chuckled. Fine, kiddo. I’ll play your little game. “One is located on the front of your upper arm, the other is on the back. Any other life-altering questions you need to know before you go to bed?” He snickered playfully.
“Ummm… yeah. What is… your favorite TV show?” She asked, absentmindedly spinning the TV remote in her hands.
“Hmm…” Macaque grinned. “None. I’m too cool for TV ~” he purred nonchalantly.
“Liar!” Bai He squeaked. “I saw you watching Bluey yesterday.”
Macaque instantly sputtered. “I wasn’t watching it. You just left it on!”
Bai He shook her head. “Nuh-uh! You were watching it. It made you cry, I saw.”
“I didn’t cry. I was just slightly emotionally invested-“ he paused as Bai He broke out into giggles. “Hey! No laughing! I was just-“ Bai He’s laughter grew louder. “Ughh fine.” He grinned, grabbing Bai He and pulling her into a hug. “Maybe the show was okay. Now, no more laughing at my expense!”
Bai He grinned smugly at him. “I knew you liked it. Who’s your favorite character?”
“I didn’t say I liked it-“
“Who’s your favorite?” She pressed.
“I don’t-“ He stopped at Bai He’s glare. Macaque sighed. “Fiiiine. My favorites are Rusty and Bingo.” Bai He opened her mouth to speak “And!! Before you ask, my least favorite is Judo.”
“Really? I kinda thought that you wouldn’t like Muffin…”
“What?! No way! Muffin’s a hoot.” Macaque snickered. “Now,” Macaque interjected before Bai He could open her mouth again, “before you ask any more questions, it’s my turn.” He twisted Bai He around in his lap to face him. “Why are you avoiding going to sleep? It’s past your bedtime, and you’re clearly exhausted.”
“I’m not tired.” Bai He said around a yawn. Macaque cocked an eyebrow, looking thoroughly unimpressed. Bai He shrunk slightly, “Well, maybe I am a little tired… but I don’t want to sleep!”
“Can you tell me why?” Macaque inquired.
Bai He paused, “I’m… afraid I’ll have a nightmare… Also, the dark is scary. I used to not be afraid of the dark, I was very brave! But… ever since the Lady Bo…” she trailed off with a shiver, her eyes full of fear.
Macaque pulled her into a gentle hug. “Hey, kiddo, I get it. Don’t tell anyone… but I get nightmares too.” He said with a light-hearted lilt before softening. “If you ever have a nightmare, you can talk to me. Okay? And you don’t have to be afraid of the dark.” He shifted back so he could look her in the eyes, “I’m most powerful in the dark. Shadow powers, remember?” He made his eyes glow purple for effect, earning a small giggle from Bai He. “So… if you think about it. You’re actually safest in the dark because it’s easier for me to protect you there. I’ll make sure no harm comes to you in the dark, Bai He. Promise.”
Bai He smiled, the fear that had previously lined her face now gone. “Thanks, Uncle Macaque. You really are the best!”
Macaque smiled and patted her on the head. “Course, kiddo! You ready to go to sleep now?
“Yeah… but can we watch one episode of Bluey first? Just one?”
“Mmm… fine! But only because you like it! And… I get to pick the episode!” Macaque grinned, taking the remote from her hands with a flourish.
“Hey!” Bai He protested. “Mmm, fine! But next time I get to pick.”
“Sure, sure. Oohh let’s do the one where Muffin swindles that old lady.” Macaque cackled. “Classic Muffin.”