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Azure and Wukong sit on one of the many ledges scattered throughout Mount Huaguo, silence laying over them like a comfortable blanket as they stare up at the starry night sky. This was a ritual of theirs for a long time before this, and not many words were exchanged during it. Azure never minded this, and neither did Wukong. Sworn into eternal companionship, the two never felt uncomfortable or awkward when conversations died out. They could bask in each other's silence for hours.
These days, however, Azure found himself restless. His tail swings in small, anxious arches as he shifts quietly in the lush grass. Wukong, ever observant, doesn't hesitate to inquire about his friends antsy behavior.
"Somethin' wrong bud?" He had a way of keeping an ever present tone of lightness in his tone, even when his words were anything but lighthearted. Azure doesn't turn to face him, but he does still for a moment. He's always worn his heart on his sleeve when he's around Wukong.
"Nothing, brother," the lionine celestial assures softly, his voice heavy with confliction. That was beginning to become common, Wukong couldn't help but note.
Another silence falls over them as the self proclaimed Great Sage shifted ever so closer to his companion, resting his head on the lions muscular arm. His fluffy tail moves to lazily intertwine with Azure's, stilling the restless appendage.
"You're really bad at pretending you're not nervous." His voice rings out as casual, but Azure can sense the playful undertones laced throughout. He lets out a faintly amused huff, his throat tightening almost painfully. He can hide that a little better than he can his anxiety.
"I suppose something has been weighing my mind lately," Azure concedes, looking from the sky to his sworn brother. He almost can't tell the difference between the shimmering stars he just tore his eyes from and Wukong's glimmering irises. Said simian doesn't respond, instead coiling his tail around Azure's a little tighter to encourage him to continue.
"...How do you suppose you would react if I forgot who you were? The bond we've formed?" His eyes hold a bit more intensity than they did a moment before, thick eyebrows knitting together almost anxiously as he awaits a response.
Wukong seems taken aback by the question, but is quick to take it into consideration. His soft expression morphs into one of contemplation as his hand comes up to cup his chin, a clawed finger tapping at his bottom lip thoughtfully. Azure almost chuckles at the sight. The cheeky monkey just couldn't help but act a bit silly at times, it seems.
"Well," he begins once he's finally collected his thoughts, the hand cupping his cheek moving to support him as he leans back a bit, "I'd just have to make you remember. We'd become best buds all over again in no time!" A laugh slips past his lips, a sound strangely reminiscent of rushing waters on a hot summers day, and he nudges his much bigger friend. "Can't slip away from me that easily big guy."
The celestial chuckles, the wind seeming to pick up at the deep and rich sound. It tousles his thick mane, leaving the orange strands curled and out of place. Wukong can't help but think the look suits him.
"It was worth a try," he jests, his chuckles turning into giggles, and then a content sigh.
The anxiety painted on his features has dispersed, making way for a softer, more fond expression as he looks down at his comrade. For a split second he thinks about telling the simian. Telling him how much he yearns for his touch, for his affections, for him. The thought slips away just as quickly as it was conceived, and instead he cranes his neck to look at the stars once more.
When his blossoming love takes him in the form of petals, straining his lungs and his throat till he can breathe no more, he'll reminisce on these nights. He'll slip away happily, with the memory of Wukong's soft and warm body pressed against his as they sat under the starry sky.