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Taking a stroll through the Celestial Realm, Azure, and Erlang soon find themselves passing by the Jade Palace. As they do so, Azure turns and stares at it, becoming fixated on it. So, fixated, in fact, he stops completely in his tracks, Erlang noticing almost immediately.
"Azure?" Erlang asks.
"Huh?"
Azure looks away from the palace, shifting his attention to Erlang.
"Ah, yes, Erlang?"
"What were you doing there just a second ago?"
"Oh, um...simply admiring the Jade Palace's stunning architecture."
The water god crosses his arms.
"You were admiring its architecture?"
"Yes. That I was." The lion confirms with a swift nod.
"Admiring the architecture of a building you've seen over a dozen times throughout literal centuries?"
"Well, uh..."
Erlang gives Azure a suspicious look, glaring at Azure with all three of his eyes.
"Okay, okay! I was staring at the palace because I had suddenly become highly aware of the Jade Emperor being just beyond those doors."
"And?"
"And what do you believe he'd think if he knew we were together?"
Erlang sighs.
Azzy..."
In the time since Azure and Erlang had made their relationship official, Azure had grown increasingly insecure. Going as far as to ask nearly every member of the Celestial Court their opinion on their relationship. Responses varying from almost complete disinterest to congratulations. Erlang had chalked this behavior up to him believing the two were an odd pair.
Even if this was far from the case. The immortal takes Azure's hands in his and says, "Believe me, he wouldn't care. I can't imagine him making a fuss over two well-respected members of the court getting together. It's not as if you were a common demon or, Buddha forbid, a mortal!"
He scoffs, taking a breath.
"Look, all I'm trying to say, is there's nothing you have to worry about, understand?"
Erlang stares hopeful into Azure's big pink eyes, then watches disheartenedly as those same eyes dart away from him.
"Right..."
"Hm, alright then, I suppose a more direct approach is the answer. However..."
Erlang lets go of Azure's other hand and starts pulling him towards the Jade Palace.
"Huh, wait, Erlang I-"
Erlang cuts him off.
"Oh, calm yourself, you big scaredy cat! We're not going inside the palace."
"What? Then why are we heading TOWARDS the palace?!
The god doesn't answer him; he just continues forward, reaching the stairs, climbing up them, and...
"Erlang!" Azure shouts worriedly, in a whisper.
He turns back to Azure calmly and replies, "Sit."
Erlang takes a seat on one of the palace's steps and pats the empty space beside him. Observing this, the leonine's nervousness is quickly replaced with curiosity. So, without further protest, he does as he is asked. Ascending the stairs, Azure meets Erlang at the step he's sat upon and takes his place beside him.
Once seated, Erlang looks up at Azure and says, "Azure, please just tell me what's wrong. I know you've been lying about wanting to know everyone's opinion on us. Well, at least partly...? All I can really gather from my heavenly eye is what you've been asking everyone, isn't actually what you seek to know..."
He gently grasps Azure's face with his palm.
"So, tell me what it is? I'm many things, but, heh, I'm by no mind reader by any means."
His last comment manages to make Azure crack a smile for only a brief moment before it falls. He pulls away from Erlang, looking on ahead at the rest of the realm in front of him.
"Do you... see us as equals?"
"What?!"
"Do you see me as your equal?"
Erlang stared at him dumbfounded. How could Azure think such a thing? Of course they were. There was no doubt in his mind otherwise. But he doesn't say so just yet, as Azure had more to say:
"I know it must sound absurd, but... the moment we started being more than just companions, I've felt out place..."
Azure turns his head towards the sky and huffs.
"Heh, I mean, it only makes sense, doesn't it? To be friends with the Great Erlang Shen means almost nothing. You're a god, a hero; everyone adores you! Someone like you has all manners of friends. But to be the one who holds your heart, your lover, that's different! You'd need someone worthy of you, and I'm afraid you deserve far better."
"Azure..."
Erlang gets up on his knees and takes Azure's face in his hands. Turning his head towards him so they're face to face.
"Azure, that's... the most ridiculous thing I've heard! Of course we're equals, and of course you're worthy of me. And anyone be just as worthy to be yours."
He lets's go of him and looks him straight in the eyes.
"I don't know where you got it in your head that we of all people weren't equals, but it couldn't be farther from the truth! I mean the celestial steed of THE Buddhavista of Wisdom, Manjushri and me, the Mighty Erlang Shen?! We're a match made in, well, Heaven."
The immortal chuckles, loud and jovial. Azure laughs too—a faint thing. Nearly unaddible over Erlang's own.
"Now have you finally received the answer you've been looking for?"
"Yes." Azure responds honestly.
Erlang beams for a moment, believing he's rid his partner of his self doubt, when Azure adds, "and no..."
"Huh?"
"Yes, you've answered my question, but I don't accept it.
"Azure..."
"Ack, this is exactly why I had avoided telling you in the place! I knew there was a chance that no matter what you'd say, it wouldn't change my mind! If nearly the WHOLE court couldn't, if even...you couldn't..."
The Celestial steed sighs.
"Then it truly is hopeless..."
Erlang slumps back onto his legs, defeat daring to overtake him, when a smile creeps on to his face.
"Hm, sounds like a challenge to me, honestly."
Azure turns back around to Erlang.
"What?"
The water god springs up from his seat, pressing his head against Azure's and laying his arms along Azure's shoulders.
"You said I couldn't change your mind, but that's only now. Who's to say I couldn't manage to change it tomorrow, a year from now, a century? I don't care how long it will take. Just so long as I never have to see you so miserable ever again!"
Azure smiles wide, Erlang's words making him feel just a bit more hopeful.
"Heh, I really don't deserve you..."
"Azzyyy!"
"I love you, Erlang."
Erlang sighs lovingly, embracing Azure.
"And I you, Azure..."