(first fanfic of the season i lowk had fun writing this
also shoutout to the anonymous user who suggested this !! ur awesome)
“You really think we should be doing this, now?” Macaque shifted his weight between his heels, tail swaying behind him.
Wukong tilted Macaque’s chin with his thumb, cradling the back of his head in his hand. “I think this moment is long overdue,” he murmured. His teeth grazed gently along Macaque’s neck, and memories of a similar scene flickered in his mind—a haunting replay Wukong wished he could forget. He closed his eyes, a soft crease forming between his brows as tried to focus on being in the moment.
A quiet groan escaped Macaque as his hands slid to Wukong's waist, pulling him close until their chests touched.
His ears twitched as he spoke softly. “I'm sorry.” Wukong's words came slowly, each one punctuated by light, tender kisses along Macaque’s neck, trailing up to his cheek. “I truly am.”
Their tails entwined, curling and wrapping around one another. Macaque’s breathing grew heavier.
“Tell me what you're sorry for.”
“You already know,” Wukong's voice was a low, warm rumble against Macaque’s ear. “I’m sorry for putting you through everything that I have.”
He moved his idle hand to the small of Macaque’s back, pulling him in even closer, as though mere closeness might dissolve the distance of the past. In response, Macaque leaned in, taking his turn to find Wukong’s bare skin. His mouth favored Wukong’s collarbone and he sunk his teeth in, marking him possessively.
Wukong winced, a shiver running through him as he gripped Macaque’s hair, a soft warning on his lips. “Careful with the teeth,” he mumbled, a low purr escaping his throat.
“Why wait this long to deliver me your apology?” Macaque questioned him. He continued to mark around his chosen territory, moving the neck of his cape out his way to bite more of his untouched skin, lighter this time.
Wukong didn’t answer. His mind drifted back to the fear he’d once seen in Macaque’s eyes—during that fateful day and many times since. His gaze softened, brows knitting together.
“Because…” Wukong hesitated, letting out a sharp gasp as Macaque delivered another bite.
“I didn’t know how you’d take it—if you even were ready for one,” he finally admitted, and his body tensed as Macaque bit him hard again, the sharp nip sparking a sweet ache.
Wukong gripped Macaque’s hair more firmly and pressed him deeper into the base of his neck, the stinging sensation stirring longing and frustration within him, something he wanted more of.
Macaque’s own purr emerged from deep in his chest. “It’s been forever since you’ve held me like this.”
“There’s only been one other time that I have.”
“...Mmm.” Macaque's response was little more than a murmur.
“So?” Wukong asked, a faint, vulnerable smile breaking through his usual bravado. “Do you accept my apology?”
Macaque’s gaze hardened. “No, I don’t.”
Wukong’s expression fell. “Why not? I’m bein’ sincere here.”
Macaque’s tail slipped from Wukong’s grasp and lashed back and forth, signaling his irritation. Wukong watched, his frown deepening.
“You don’t get to just apologize and expect everything to be fine,” Macaque said with a scowl. “It’s not something I can just forgive, Wukong. Not easily.” His features softened, but only slightly. “It’s… it’s not that simple.”
A heavy silence settled between them. Wukong took a steadying breath before gently taking Macaque’s face in his hands. When their eyes met, Macaque saw something rare—a glimpse of the real Wukong, unguarded, vulnerable—the side he shared with no one else.
“Then let me make it up to you, step by step.”
Macaque stared at him, uncertainty flickering in his gaze.
“Please, Mac’,” Wukong’s voice dropped to a pleading whisper. “Don’t push me away this time.”
A few moments passed before Macaque sighed defeatedly. He closed his eyes, took Wukong’s face in his own hands and connected their lips.
The kiss lasted long—Wukong pushed his lips further into his, deepening it. Macaque’s tail reached for Wukong’s, and they recoiled.
Wukong parted Macaque’s lips with his tongue, drawing a muffled moan from the dark furred simian. Wukong perked his ears to get a clearer listen to Macaque’s voice. His sounds were an ecstasy to him, giving him a drive for his primal urge.
Protect him, give him everything you owe.
He moaned back into mouth, and broke contact to allow Macaque to breathe.
As their lips disconnected, Macaque gasped softly. His ears and cheeks were as flushed as his markings, and his hair was tousled from Wukong’s touch.
Wukong’s gaze softened, but his eyes widened as he saw tears welling up in Macaque’s eyes.
His heart dropped. “Macaque, did I—”
“I love you, Wukong,” Macaque choked out. “I do.”
The sight of tears slipping down Macaque’s cheeks stung Wukong’s eyes, and he squeezed them shut briefly, hoping to stop his own tears. But as he reopened them, his vision blurred again, and the tears began to fall.
“I love you too,” he managed, his voice breaking as his nose crinkled with emotion. “I’m so tired of pretending I don’t.”
Wukong brought their mouths together this time, each kiss more fervent than the last. They made their way to Macaque’s couch, and as they reached it, the armrest pressed against the back of Macaque’s knees, causing him to fall gently onto the cushions. Wukong followed, protecting Macaque’s head with his hand and settling over him, straddling his hips.
Memories of their past washed over Wukong, fueling a growing warmth in his chest. He leaned down, kissing Macaque with a fierce tenderness, his brows furrowed.
“I should have never let you go,” he whispered against his lips.
Macaque’s lower lip quivered against his, and Wukong’s heart clenched.
“Don’t let go of me tonight,” Macaque pleaded, his voice shaking.
He brushed his tears away with his thumb. “I won’t ever will,” Wukong vowed. “I’ve hurt you more by forcing you to bury your feelings for me—when I’ve known how you felt, all along.”
Macaque’s arms wrapped around him, pulling him close as if he’d disappear.
“Tell me you love me,” Macaque whispered, almost afraid.
“I love you,” Wukong promised. He kissed him passionately on his lips.
“I love you, Mac’,” Wukong kissed him again. “I always have.”
