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#fireworks are going off tonight and it’s loud and I’m a scared kitty
dancingthesambaa · 3 years
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The Smell of Plum Blossom Tea Ch 17
Summary: Just like a butterfly wing, a single act of kindness can change the course of the future, it certainly did for MK as a black furred monkey put out a hand towards him.
Rating: Teen and up
Chapter 17: Can You Feel The Love Tonight~
“Pass some of that Okra.”
“Here you go.”
“Why is this so spicy?!”
“Well it is the spicy plate, if you can’t handle the heat then you should have gotten the other plate.”
“No, just this one specifically is damn spicy!”
“Red made some of them.”
“It’s not my fault that your taste isn’t refined enough.”
“Come over here and say that!”
“No fighting at the table,” Macaque said as he watched Bohai try to stand up from his seat, while Red was smirking at him.
“Won’t be much of a fight,” the demon prince mocked.
“You little-” his mouth was then stuffed with green beans.
“Just eat some veggies and calm yourself,” Sheng cracked a grin as they put some green beans in their mouth.
The jellyfish demon moodily just chewed on his food in silence.
“Children, all of them,” Mei said as she set down the bowl of Okra Ahmed passed her.
“So have you heard about the rumors about Yakimoto,” Yanyu leaned into MK.
“Yakimoto? The head of the Neurology department?”
“That’s the one.”
“What about her?”
“Well recently I have heard from a friend of mine, who heard from the janitor, who had heard from a physician of that department, that he had heard that she had been having little outings with her lovely secretary of hers,” she whispered loudly.
“Wait, doesn't she have a husband?” His eyes widened.
“Yes she does, but she’s always complaining about the whole ordeal being set up as an arranged marriage by both of their parents-”
“That’s still a thing?”
“Apparently, the two see each other as siblings.”
“Really?!”
“Totally, in fact, there have been whispers that her husband also has a special man as well.”
“Shut up, tell me more,” he stuffed the Tofu in his mouth as Yanyu began to talk all about the man at the flower shop a couple of blocks down from Pigsy noodles.
“Is it always this loud,” Wukong smiled as he watched the table filled with little chaos.
“Like you wouldn’t believe it,” he said as he ate. “Just be glad this isn’t a holiday dinner then it really would be chaotic. Especially with everyone else that would join in,” he remembered last new year when they finally dragged Pigsy to close down the shop for one night to enjoy the holiday. It was a mad scene of chaos and energy as all of them were raving like mad lunatics even before the food came out, Ahmed and Sandy were barely able to stop Sheng, Daiyu, Tang, and Mei from setting off fireworks right next to some containers of peanut oil. And that was after MK and Mei had already demolished the kitchen with Yanyu siblings looking for the moon cakes.
“Everyone else?” He questioned as he noticed the slight smile on his friend's face.
“Oh don’t worry, stick around long enough and you’ll meet them face to face rather than watching them creepily from the distance” he shook himself out of memories.
The Monkey Sage paused, then he smiled widely, “I can’t wait then.”
“Okay, now can we learn how the hell you met Shun!” Mei exclaimed as everyone settled down in the living room. “Cause, I’m surprised you didn’t smell the crazy off of him at first sight.”
“It’s always the quiet ones that get you,” Daiyu muttered. “He seemed alright, but he was just hiding his batshit craziness.
“Right, I mean that just goes to show doc always had terrible taste in partners,” Yanyu nodded.
“Partners” Monkey King emphasized, “as in more than one.”
“Oh yeah, he has quite the number of people after his plump ass,” Minsheng smirked as they tried to smack Mac on the ass when he passed by him, but he winced when a black tail wrapped around his hand and flipped him over.
“No,” the simian deadpanned and was about to sit down next to Ahmed when Wukong pulled him over and sat him down beside him.
“Seems like you're quite popular then,” he joked and wrapped his arm around him.
“Not really popularity wise, but more of him simply having bad taste,” Sheng teased.
“I mean you're not wrong,” he shrugged as he sank into Wukong’s side.
“But how?!” Mei whined once more.
“Tell us!” MK soon joined her as he laid on Red lap.
“I’m quite interested to hear this as well,” the prince asked as well.
“Pleasseee,” Wukong batted his eyes
“Fine, fine, I’ll bite,” he rolled his eyes. “It’s not that interesting how we met, in fact, it was pretty normal.”
“What was it?”
“Amid a territory brawl over a section of land out in the Azurite Forest.”
“…okay I think we have two very different definitions
of normal,” Mei deadpanned.
“Probably, anyways I was sitting high in the tree watching these assholes argue-”
“I told you that past the Vivion Treeline was our territory and yet you dare go past that line and defy us!”
“Well, maybe you should have thought of that before you send your minions down and scavenge in our territory first!”
“You have no proof of any trespassing that happened!”
“Are you saying my own lies to my face?! HA! Now that’s a laugh to even think about, no I trust them long before I will even think about breathing in your direction!”
“I suppose it’s best you lay down and suffocate cause there is no way in hell that my boys lied to me!”
“Now ain’t that a lie!”
“That’s rich coming from you!”
“Sheesh, of course I would happen to stumble upon this right when I have to get some Fuchsia berries,” Macaque grumbled as he watched the argument from above. “Damn idiots.”
“I happen to agree,” Mac barely flinched when a calm voice called out and saw from the tree to the right of him was a gray lemur with a black and white striped tail. “I too have some important items that I need to procure, but these heathens happen to be in my way.”
“Only found in this forest,” the simian said.
“Unfortunately yes the Inada spiritual root is only grown here, if it was elsewhere I would have already turned back and away from this nonsense,” he scrunched his nose in distaste.
“I feel ya on that, the berries that I need happen to be for an elixir for the spiritual development of the 8th degree. One of my clients needs it after her body is close to breaking down due to her organs inability to support her fire breath,” he sighed as he looked down at the argument once more and noted that it would soon turn into an all out brawl.
“You're talking about the Firaga Restoration Elixir,” the lemur had a glint in his eyes. “Not many physicians know of that and even less have the ability to make it.”
“Made it a few times before…how about we help each other out?” He tapped his chin as an idea came to him.
“Go on.”
“Our items are pretty much in the same area, if we can sneak around and past the tree line then it would be homestretch from then on cause I am quickly picking up that most of the demons from each tribe are here.”
“Hmm, sounds adequate though do you believe to be capable enough to pass them undetected,” he turned to look at the monkey only to blink when he saw he wasn’t there anymore.
“Now where did he-”
“Is this good enough for you,” the lemur’s tail quickly shot towards the voice, but it was stopped by a hand. “Sorry, did I scare ya,” Macaque grinned as he held onto the furry tail.
The lemur blinked a few times before a smile grew, “It would appear that you have.”
“Well let’s get moving and the name is Macaque,” he let go of the tail, but the tail didn’t let go as it instead kept almost a loose grip around Mac's hand.
“I’m Shun,” the lemur purred as he stepped forward until their bodies were pressed together and he leaned down until they were nose to nose. “It will be a pleasure working with you.” And like he wasn’t even there, he quickly stepped back and began to move above the treetops of where the fight had commenced.
Macaque stood still for a brief moment before a fierce blush took over his face and he silently followed Shun. If both tree climbers happened to take glances at one another throughout the trip, no one would affirm anything.
“Like I said, horrible taste in partners,” Yanyu stated once more.
“Yeah, like you let him all up in your space and didn’t say a word, clearly bad,” Mei nodded.
“Like seriously, who would just go up and invade someone's personal bubble like that, totally rude,” MK joined in.
“You should have kicked his ass when he did that Mango, you have done it before,” Wukong said as he nonchalantly dragged him to his lap and rested his chin on Mac’s shoulder. “Don’t let anyone near you unless you want to.”
Everyone, barring Macaque and Wukong were either subtly or straight out eyeing Wukong, who was still cuddled up next to the black simian. They can practically taste the hypocrisy going on here.
“Okay I get it,” he put his hands up in mock surrender. “Don’t need to gang up on me like that.”
“So what happened after that?” MK asked.
“Well the rest is history, he began to hang around my place a lot more and next thing I knew we were going on dates with each other,” he shrugged his shoulders.
“Here’s what I don’t get,” Daiyu perked up, “did he ever ask you out?”
“Of cou-…” he stopped mid sentence as he thought it over then he furrowed his brow, “actually, now that I think about it, no. He never did. We were just eating out one day at a restaurant and proclaimed it to be a date.”
“Pops/Doc/Mango/Dude really,” Mei, Yanyu, Wukong, and Minsheng all groaned as the rabbit demon continued, “you really should have known something was up after that.”
“I really didn’t,” he rubbed the back of his head as he remembered he was taken aback by his statement but went with it as he did have a small crush on him back then.
“Just be glad you weren’t around to see Hui,” Ahmed said, receiving a wounded look from Macaque.
“Kitty, I thought you were on my side!”
“I am…just not when it comes to your choice of partners.”
“Even Mufasa here knows that she was batshit insane,” Bohai deadpanned, “nice and hilarious, but holy shit was she insane.”
“She wasn’t that-”
“Did you forget that she was a raging alcoholic scorpion that had the desire to go up to not only to the Celestial Realm and raid their alcohol supply, but to go down under all the way to Yama realm and claim the title of all the ten kings and live in luxury,” Minsheng bluntly stated.
“Just not Yama crown, because she stated that she didn’t want to do all of that work, not because it was suicidal to try to fight him,” Daiyu continued. She loves to fight as much as her siblings, but even she knew better than to pick a fight with one of the big boys on top, or in this case, down below.
“And I’m not even gonna mention that when she was in her drunken rage, she had the tendency to poison others with her tails when they stood opposed or even just breathed near her,” Bohai finished.
“…” Macaque said nothing as he just leaned closer to the other monkey, who happily complied with his actions as he further tightened his arm around him and silently rubbed his thumb on his shoulder.
“So much bad taste in partners, so much,” the bluenette put her head in her hands.
“I’m starting to see your point,” the pigtailed adult agreed as she glanced at the scene with a curious look.
“At least we don’t have to worry about that anymore, what I’m a bit curious about is how all of you guys met MK here,” Wukong tried to subtly move on from the conversation of Macaque’s romantic relationship. If he had to hear about yet another demon he dated, he might actually lose his mind.
“Oh let me!” MK eagerly began, “well I remember that I was sleeping when I heard Daiyu yell out.”
“Because of course it was her,” the bluenette said.
“And I walk into the room and-” as MK enthusiastically told the story, Wukong had quietly taken out the red rubber band holding his hair in a ponytail and gazed at the silky black fur cascaded down his back. And before he knew it, his fingers were entangled in Mac’s fluffy fur as the other simian sighed at the soft touches.
“Been a long time since you did this,” Mac purred as he relaxed into the grooming.
“Well it’s about time we pick it back up, besides no one is better at grooming than a monkey,” he purred, but he paused as he quietly had thought and delicately asked, “speaking of monkeys, do you want to visit the ones back at Flower Fruit?”
Mac's eyes widened as he almost instantly turned his head, but was stopped by hands, “Are you serious?”
“I mean they have missed you a whole lot,” he tried to nonchalantly say, “especially since they smelt you on the kid and was practically begging me to bring your ass over.”
“They are still demanding little shits huh,” he gave a small huff.
“The one thing that hasn’t changed.”
“…yeah I would like that,” he smiled up at him.
“Cool, cool,” he couldn’t stop his tail from excitedly wagging behind him, but he instead tried to stall it by looking at the fluffy fur once more as another purr came through. It’s not his fault he couldn’t stop it from emerging from his long time crush response and his fascination with his long fur.
“You really do have such a long fur, why’d you grow it out anyways, not that I’m complaining.”
“I dunno, I just forgot to cut it short and when I finally noticed I decided to just keep it,” he shrugged.
“Well I’m glad you did, it looks amazing on you,” Wukong said as he looked down to meet Macaque’s eyes and promptly realizing what he said, he quickly averted his gaze and nervously laughed, “Or you know, it looks good.”
“Ah, umm thanks,” the doctor said as he felt the faint blush on his cheeks.
The sage monkey was about to say something else when he noticed that a few eyes were on him and he quickly went back to his grooming session. While making completely sure that his eyes didn’t even go towards anywhere in their direction.
The traffic light trio saw the scene and they all shared a glance at one another, but opted to say nothing as the story continued and the two monkeys, in everyone's eyes, began to cuddle up together.
“Where is he?” Red huffed as he sat on the opposite side of Mei at one of the arcade booths. “Usually he’s the first one here.”
“I know he was helping Pigsy out with a large Party order, but that should have been done by now,” Mei shrugged as she took another sip of her drink.
“Well he should hurry it up else I will-”
“What’s up, party dudes!” An energetic voice cried out that instantly made Mei spit out her drink.
“Oh hell no!” She stood up as she grabbed her dagger and was inwardly cursing herself about leaving her sword at home, “I’m not about to deal with you a second time! Not today Satan!”
“Should I be concerned?” Red raised an eyebrow as he looked at MK, who was for some reason wearing a pink visor, blue headphones and an atrocious cheetah print outfit. “Cause this whole look right here is very concerning.”
“No need to worry hot stuff,” MK said as he wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “Not here to do any lasting damage, unless you're into that,” he winked.
“W-w-what?!” A small burst of flame erupted from his head.
“I don’t trust that for a second,” the Dragon successor hissed as she still held her dagger up.
“I swearsies doll.”
“Wha-no stay focused,” she faltered but shook it off, “That is rich coming from the disembodied attachment of my friend who can just poof in and out without consequences of your actions.”
“Disembodied?” Red, still under the clone arm, confusedly said.
“Touché,” he pointed a finger, “but for real, I’m just here to deliver a message from the big boss himself.”
“Talk,” she demanded as she slightly lowered her weapon at that.
“BB will be late due to a crazy ass bitch on the block doin her usual bitch in and be all complainin about her food order being all wrong and demanding that they hand it over for free.”
“Oh,” Mei's eyebrow raised. “Bet that didn’t go over well.”
“No it did not my lovely Empress, cause next thing they knew the bitch was calling up the rest of her posse upon BB and Big Bad Boss and now she is yellin her ass about about some scam they be tryin to pull on them all.”
“I’m starting to see where this is head,” she sheathed her blade when she said that, though she did have a light blush of confusion over the nickname.
“Your thoughts be right as the next thing anyone knows, everyone is brawling with each other so hard that even some of the people on the street just up and joined in.”
“So MK got mixed up in that, but why didn’t he just text us that,” the Bull successor asked as he finally recognized that this was a clone and not the real MK.
“Cause Triple B ordered Double B to not get the food ruined under any circumstances my sweet King so now BB is hauling ass all around the town as the Karen Gang chase after his ass,” Portay MK smirked as he saw the prince blush.
“Karen Gang,” she snorted at the nickname, “Does he need any help, cause I will be more than happy to bust a few heads for him.”
“I as well.”
“Aww ain’t the both of you just a bundle of sweetness, makes me want to give you both a big ol kiss,” he flirted once more.
“Just show us!” At this point both teenagers had either a small or large flush on their faces.
“Alright Alright, I’ll show ya,” he said as he quickly made his way out of the arcade and to the streets with them both following. “But I won’t stop~ Someone got to help Double B get the ball rollin and I guess it will have to be me. This will be so much fun,” he muttered.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing my Sugar hearts!” He smiled at their groans of embarrassment.
“Is he always like this?!”
“I met him once and that was when he had me tied up during a never ending party, which I still can’t fully remember due to all the sugar and caffeine I inhaled.”
“The WHAT?!”
“Oh yeah, that was a ride.”
“Man, it’s been a long time since I’ve been here, huh,” Macaque mused as he and MK climbed up the mountain.
“Right, you lived here before,” MK said as they climbed up the steps. “What was it like back then?”
“Honestly, at first it looks and feels the same, every time that I breathe I can still smell the crisp pine air and the heavy mineral undertones that I still smell on Monkey King,” he took a deep breath. “This place really brings back some memories.”
“Good ones?” The doctor to be said with a bit of hope as they finally reached the top.
“Yeah, good ones,” he stopped as his ears pricked up at an incoming sound. “That screech,” he whispered.
“Huh?” MK looked to his Dad, only to be bombarded with the most ear piercing noise.
SCREEEEEECCCCCCHHHHHH
Then, almost out of nowhere, a hoard of monkeys all popped out and practically flew towards the black simian.
“What the-!” MK was startled by the sudden attack and was about to step forward to his Dad only to pause at the sight of multiple monkeys, all of them screeching in delight, clinging onto him as the demon joyfully nuzzled them back.
“I missed you guys too,” he purred as he felt many cuddles underneath his chin, on his back, upon his arms, even on top of his head. He really missed these idiots.
“Awwww,” the adult cooed at the adorable sight.
“Man, that was faster than I was expecting,” the student turned and saw his mentor standing right behind him. “One moment they were playing and the next thing I know they all began to run off. I swear their smell has gotten better over these years.”
“So that’s why they could smell Dad on me that time.”
“You got it,” he finger gunned him as he walked up to the pile of monkeys. “So it seems this is one-”
“HISSSSSSS!” All the monkeys clinging onto Macaque hissed at their idiotic king.
“Yeah, I deserved that,” he deadpanned as he plopped himself onto the pile, with MK following suit. “But I promise we won’t be so stupid again.”
“Ooo oo,” a female monkey crossed her arms as she sat on the monkey doctor's head.
“King honor,” he raised his hand.
“Ooo,” she nodded and gave him a flick on the nose before snuggling back on top of the head.
“She really hasn't changed one bit,” Mac snorted at her antics.
“Nope, but she is still as bossy as ever,” he smiled and gave her a scratch on her head.
“Especially when she forced me to drink water,” MK piped up, “she literally forced it down my throat after one of the sessions. I didn’t think you could drown via water bottle, but when there's a monkey there's a way.”
“Yeah, sounds like her,” both monkeys said.
The sun was beginning to set as MK and the rest of the tribe were all playing out in the mountains in an extreme game of hide and seek. Extreme as in they all will literally yeet themself off the tallest rock just so they won’t get found, the first couple of times MK played this he had to stop his heart from trying to run out of his chest, but he slowly found himself enjoying throwing himself off like a rabid maniac. Is there something wrong with all of them? Maybe, but no one can deny that it is really fun.
“I swear, their IQ always seems to decrease when they play these games,” Mac muttered as he watched his child vault himself off of a rock just so the seeker wouldn’t catch him.
“Didn’t you think of this?” Wukong hummed as he smirked when he saw his student delicately land on one of the boulders below.
“Yep and I still don’t know if I regret it.”
“I mean you did worse,” he coyly smirked.
“You don’t want to talk about dumbass ideas with me Mr. ‘Let’s just ambush the trailing cart of a tired ass deity that would happily shank up on our sleep.’” He snarked back.
“Says the one who thought it would be a good idea to toss me in the water, forgetting that my stone ass can’t swim!” He shot back, they were playing around and Macaque had the jump of him and tossed him in the river. The black simian paused at what he just did and immediately panicked and dived down after him.
“You should really think about losing a few pounds, you were heavy,” he mocked and then got promptly tackled by the other monkey.
“I’ll show you heavy, how’d you like that mushroom brain,” he teased as he began to wrestle him.
“Says you rock for brains,” he shot back as he tried to get the upper hand. This went on for a few minutes as both monkeys playfully began to wrestle each other on the ground. It ended when Wukong managed to pin him down while holding his hands above his head and wrapping his tail firmly around the others.
“HA! I win!”
“Yeah, yeah,” he huffed after he tried to get out after a few attempts. “Don’t get such a big head about it.”
“Aww, but you know it only does good things to my ego~,” he teased as he leaned down.
“No it doesn’t, simply it’s truly terrible.”
“It does!”
“Does not!”
“Does!”
“Does not!
“Does!”
“Does not!”
“Does!”
“Does!”
“Does not! Damnit!” He cursed at the trickery.
“How do you fall for it every single time,” he openly laughed.
Wukong was about to refute when he saw just how close to each other they were and sucked in a breath. He can feel his chest against his own with each breath of air, he can see the faintest shimmer of violet deep within his golden eyes, he can feel his nose touching the soft button nose of his partner.
Macaque obviously heard the intake of breath, no super hearing necessary, and was about to ask when he too stopped short. It could be from the fact that their noses were so close to each other that he could feel his warm breath, the way he could feel the muscle very clearly against his own fur, or even how his golden eyes seem to be extra bright today that he can’t. Stop. Looking.
Neither pair noticed a pair of human eyes locking onto them with a curious expression on his face as he slowly backed up.
Either way, all of those reasons are very much valid in both of their minds as a familiar silence filled the air and it felt oh so good as they just almost blend together as one. This wasn’t the usual safe cuddles that both were adjusted to, no this was something long in the making, that this was something that was more than the friend standpoint that they anchored themselves down on and refuse to step off. This was something even more than love, but the word itself is the only thing that fits what they feel for the other, and they instinctively knew that there is something more between them, something devastatingly eternal.
There can be more if they just make that step off the cliff and into the unknown air.
But not today, no not today.
Instead, Macaque put his foot back down to that safe cliff and latched on tightly as cleared his throat. “You want to get off me anytime, I kinda want to feel my bones sometime,” he managed to say. He can’t take that step, he knows he’s a coward when it comes to admitting that he actually loves Wukong, but they just became friends once more after their stupid separation and he refuses to do anything that jeopardizes it.
“Right, my bad,” he said with a fake smile plastered on as he got off him and sat beside him. He can see the air and he can feel his feet wanting to make that leap into the foggy air and see how far the two can go, but he will push down that impulse. He wants this so badly, for centuries (no matter how hard he tries to deny it) he wants to admit that he loves Macaque, but he will keep his mouth shut. His impulsiveness has already done enough damage as it is, no need to add the emotional turmoil on top of all the other shit he did to his friend.
The two of them sat in silence once more as they sat side by side to each other, totally ignoring the small moment between.
“So…what are you doing for the Lunar New Year?” Wukong asked in an effort to get rid of the silence.
“Well this year, we’re gonna spend it in the city with the others this time around. Everyone brings some food, usually, I bring the moon cakes as I have the extra hands and you can never have too many.” Ever since he had met Yanyu, who had dragged him to his first Lunar year with her family in the city, it had become somewhat of a tradition to go to the city every two years and spend time together. “What are you doing?”
“Oh you know, just gonna chill on the mountain with good food and watch the fireworks,” he nonchalantly said.
“Just by yourself,” he questioningly asked. If there was one of the many things he knew about Wukong, it was that he hated being alone on any occasion. He knew it stemmed from his own weird beginnings and his unawareness of the societal norms at the start, but it all went downhill after he was trapped in the mountain with only the bitch ass spirits keeping guard, he could only sneak in so many times before one of the guards noticed something amiss, unfortunately. (Though he quite happily stopped by when Wukong was finally free and he had quite the playtime with them, he still can’t help but grin at the sound of their screams. It was truly music to his ears.)
“Yeah,” he shrugged. It wasn’t anything new, ever since his friends have…gone, he couldn’t quite bring himself to spend the holiday with anyone other than the tribe from time to time. It just doesn’t feel right anymore…it doesn’t feel like he has the right anymore.
“Yeah, no. Your ass is coming with me to the festival,” Mac deadpanned.
“What?!” He turned his head so hard that he could almost hear his neck snap.
“You. Are. Spending. The. Festival. With. Us.” He slowly emphasized each word as if he couldn’t understand it. “Got it.”
“But-but-”
“We’re not talking about your ass here, but you are coming.”
“I don’t want to intrude, it will probably be really weird,” he tried to rebuttal.
“The group has almost twenty people and then those people will sometimes bring their friends along, the more the merrier.”
“What about how I look, cause no offense, but I don’t want to be mowed down in a frenzy to get an autograph or a picture or something!”
“We both know you have a human disguise, hell I sometimes use my own from time to time.”
“But-”
“Wukong,” he grabbed his shoulders. “You are going to come to the Lunar Festival with us.”
The monkey opened his mouth once more, but sighed and sagged his shoulder. “When have you become so demanding.”
“I learned that from you,” he smirked.
“Pfft, nahh you have always been a demanding shit even before me,” he chuckled as he laid his head on Mac's shoulder. “Yeah, I’ll join you guys.”
“Great, but if it does get too much just come grab me and we can bail to one of the rooftops,” he shifted and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
He smiled into his shoulder, “I wouldn’t mind that buttt I wouldn’t mind trying one of the moon cakes, especially if you make some with peaches in them.”
The doctor fondly rolled his eyes, “I’ll make some peach candy mooncakes for you dumbass.”
“Yes!”
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hermionemonica · 4 years
Text
Cause I knew I was in love with you (when we sat in silence): Marichat May 2020 - Day 21
AO3 | For the @marichatmay
Collab with @lalunaoscura
DAY 1 | <-20 | 21 | 22->
Day 21 — Fireworks
[Nino]: Hey dude [Nino]: You're coming with us to the fireworks show later today, right?
[Adrien]: Actually [Adrien]: Listen Nino
[Nino]: Please don't say no
[Adrien]: You know how my dad is
[Nino]: Pardon my language but [Nino]: Someday I am going to kick his ass
[Adrien]: Haha [Adrien]: I’m sorry man
[Nino]: Nah, it's okay [Nino]: You take care, alright?
[Adrien]: Yeah [Adrien]: Have fun at the show [Adrien]: And tell the girls I'm sorry, will ya?
[Nino]: I will. Don't worry.
“He isn't coming, is he?” Alya asked as soon as Nino shut off his phone.
“Nope,” Nino said, dejectedly.
“Can he video call us at least? Like the last time?”
“No, he said he has to attend a video conference.”
“So it's gonna be the three of us again?” Marinette asked.
“Yeah.” Alya replied, but her expression changed all of a sudden. “Unless you want to invite the cat you adopted?”
“Will you drop that already?” Marinette retorted, making them all break into laughter.
It would have been nice to have him come with us though, Marinette thought.
*
“You know Chat Noir can just escape through the window right?” Plagg asked.
“I know, but I can't go until later tonight.” Adrien replied with a shrug. “I am supposed to join Father on a conference call with some magazine guy.”
“But you can get there in time for the fireworks!” Plagg protested.
Fireworks, Adrien thought. Marinette would love the fireworks.
“You know what, Plagg?” He said out loud. “You actually make a very good point.”
“Does that mean we're going to see the fireworks?” Plagg zoomed across the room over to him.
“Yes, we are.”
*
Marinette was having a pretty nice time at the show. It was a bit awkward third wheeling Alya and Nino, but over the years she had gotten used to it. At least they got cotton candy!
“The fireworks are about to begin in a few minutes!” Alya almost leaped in excitement. “Let's get ourselves a good place to watch?” Just then Marinette's phone buzzed in her pocket.
[😽]: Can you come to the Place de la Concorde Ferris wheel? [😽]: Please?
[Marinette]: Wait, are you here?
[😽]: I am.
Marinette’s heart started beating so fast. He was here.
Oh no, if she had known she would have put on more makeup!
No. He has seen me in my pajamas. I don’t need to look good for him.
“Hey guys,” Marinette called out, “I think I left my purse in the stall. You go on, I’ll be right back.” Saying so, she ran away.
"Wasn’t she wearing her purse?” Nino observed.
Alya smirked. “She is so bad at excuses.”
*
[Marinette]: I am here. [Marinette]: Where are you?
Undelivered.
He must have detransformed already, Marinette thought to herself. She began to tap her feet agitatedly, while looking around and trying to find her kitty among the crowd of people.
Just then, two hands came up behind her and covered her eyes.
“I'm here.” A voice whispered in her ear, making a tingle run down her spine.
There was no way she would mistake that voice, that cologne whose smell she had spent so many nights enveloped in.
“Chat?” She whispered back, careful so that nobody else heard.
“Yes.” He let go of her and took a few steps back. Marinette turned around.
She failed to stop the gasp that escaped from her lips.
Black leather jacket, with neon green claw scratch marks. Branded sunglasses. Chained jeans. Tousled blonde hair.
If Marinette was already nervous about seeing Chat Noir, that was nothing compared to how she felt now. The punk look made him look really... hot.
The warm smile on his face was not quite in tune with the rest of his look, but it made her weak in the knees nevertheless.
Snap out of it Marinette! This is just your dorky partner, who puns like an idiot!
Who also happened to have perfect broad shoulders.
Damn it!
“Hey Princess.”
“Ch-chat Noir?” She was failing miserably at keeping her calm. “What are you doing here?”
“To see you, of course.”
Okay, if he was gonna keep doing that, then she might as well combust into flames.
“You look good.” Really, really good.
“Thanks.” Chat nervously rubbed the back of his neck, while subtly looking her over. “That dress really looks good on you. I mean you look good in that dress! Like, it compliments you-"
“Thank you, Chaton.” Marinette blushed, as she averted her gaze from him.
They stood in silence for a few seconds. Loud cheers from the crowd finally made them look up.
The fireworks had begun.
“Quick, come with me!” Chat Noir grabbed her hand and pulled her along behind him.
Marinette had no idea where he was taking her, but she knew to trust him. He had led her into many a battle just like that and she never had a cause to regret it. So she followed him blindly as he guided her through the crowds.
“We're here.” He skid to a stop minutes later. Marinette stopped too.
They were standing in the midst of a small grassland. Marinette could see the grounds in the little distance, at a lower level than where they stood.
“What are we-”
Chat grabbed her shoulders and gently turned her around. “Look.” He whispered in her ear.
Marinette had a clear view of the fireworks from there. No crowd sounds, no blocking of the view. Just the two of them, standing in the middle of a lush green field, with the magnificent fireworks above them.
“Wow.”
“Do you wanna lie down?” Chat Noir was already sitting on the grass, legs spread out.
Marinette smiled and nodded. She slowly settled down beside him. Then they lay down together, Chat Noir cradling her head with his arm.
This felt nice.
As they lay there in silence, she could not help but notice how Chat Noir flinched every time the fireworks went off.
“Chat Noir?”
“Yes?” He replied without turning his head.
“Are you scared of fireworks?”
She watched as a light flush spread over his cheeks.
“It's just-" he hesitated, “It's a cat thing, I guess.”
Marinette could not help the smile. “It's okay, you don't need to be ashamed.” She reached over to snake her fingers with his. “Don't be scared, I'm right here.”
I'm right here.
Those three words sent a jolt of electricity through his body that was stronger than any of the fireworks. He slowly turned to look at her, to look into her big blue eyes. He could see the love clearly shining in her sky blue orbs. And her warm, radiant smile, he could do anything as long as it ensured that she would always smile like that.
She slowly turned her head back towards the sky. But he could not bring himself to do the same. Because he was looking at a far more beautiful sight.
The fireworks illuminated her face in the bright colors, so that although it was getting dark, her features were clearly visible. His gaze lingered from her eyes onto her freckles. Her adorable freckles that dotted her cheeks and the bridge of her nose like a cluster of stars. If it was up to him, he could spend eternity counting them.
And then his gaze fell onto her full pink lips, which were parted slightly in amazement. Beautiful lips that made him want to grab her face and kiss her senseless right then and right there.
Oh no.
His eyes widened as the realisation dawned on him. What the hell was he thinking?
But no matter what, he could not stop thinking about what it would feel like to hold her in his arms, knowing what it felt like to have another person to call his own.
Stop. No. I am in love with Ladybug.
But Ladybug had never made him feel the kind of warmth in his heart that he was feeling right now, lying next to Marinette.
Being around Ladybug gave him an adrenaline rush, butterflies in his stomach and a pitter-patter in his heart. When he thought about her, he wanted to shout to the world how much he loved her. He wanted to dance with her, matching his steps with hers as he held her hand.
But Marinette made him want to stop. She made him feel happy, but in a slow, subdued way. When he thought about her, he wanted to sing songs to her, write poetry to her, only to see her smile. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and keep her hidden from the world. To keep them hidden from the world.
Ladybug was a dream, but Marinette was real, lying right next to him at this moment.
He wanted her as his, and only his.
He knew it was wrong, he should not be in love with a civilian. Ladybug would kill him if she knew.
But somehow, it felt right to him. This realisation felt like a missing piece in the puzzle of his heart. And suddenly, it all fell into place. His heart felt so light that it felt like it was soaring into the sky.
A loud boom from the sky shook him back to reality. And it shattered his dreams as another thought intruded into his mind.
Marinette did not love him. She thought of him as just a friend, she had clearly mentioned that. He had missed his chance when he had it. He had not loved her when she was in love with Adrien, and now she had moved on. Luka was the one for her, he was the one she loves. And he would be a far better boyfriend than he could ever be.
While he would do anything for his Princess, it was not easy at all for him to let her go. He wanted her, he needed her. And to know that would never come true was breaking his heart into a thousand pieces.
She was so close to him, and yet so far.  
A soft sniffle from her side made Marinette turn her head. She was aghast to see tears trickling down the sides of his face. In one swift motion, she sat up and cradled Chat Noir in her arms.
“Oh no, Chat,” she murmured, running her hands up and down his back, “is it scaring you?”
It is. So, so much.
He broke down, and just held her tighter.
“Do you want to go home?” Marinette offered.
Chat Noir shook his head. “Stay,” he whispered in a raspy voice.
“Alright dear kitty, we’ll stay here.” She ran comforting circles on his back, and used the other hand to ruffle his hair. They stayed like that for a few seconds, the only sounds being Chat’s sobs and the fireworks in the distance.
Slowly, Chat calmed down. But he would not let her go. So Marinette pulled his head onto her lap, and played with his hair.
“You won’t leave me, will you?” Chat looked up at her. How she wished she could see the eyes behind the sunglasses, if only to wipe away the tears that had probably pooled in them!
“Of course I won’t!” She lightly booped his nose. “What would I do without you?”
He did not reply. Just tightened his hold on her hand.
*
“There you are!” Alya announced as she saw Marinette walking towards them. “Where have you been, girl?”
“Oh! I-uh, I got lost!” She tried.
“Of course you did!” Somehow, it didn’t seem like Alya believed her. “Did you see the fireworks?”
“I did.” She smiled, but she could not get the image out of her mind. Chat had been crying in her arms like a baby. She had made a promise to herself to never let him go near fireworks ever again.
“Let’s go home, guys.” Alya cut in. “Marinette looks tired.”
*
“You were right, Plagg. I am in love with Marinette.” He muttered, as he plopped onto his bed.
He completely expected Plagg to start lecturing him and scolding him. But the kwami simply floated over to the side of his face. “Kid, are you okay?” He asked in a little voice.
He lifted his head from his pillows to look at the little creature. The sadness in his face simply broke down the dam in his heart as he broke into tears again.
“I am not okay at all!” He muttered between sobs, as he clutched his hair in both hands. “I love her so, so much that it hurts! Why does everyone I love always leave me?”
Plagg gently patted the top of his head, trying to comfort his owner. He was trying very hard to hold back tears of his own. Why was this pure boy fated to feel all the pain in the world? Marinette had told him why she could not love him, and while he would not hesitate to cataclysm the world to see Adrien happy, he could not take the chance of him being akumatized.
So he tried to comfort him the best he could.
*
“Hey kitty,” Marinette called out as Chat Noir landed on her balcony. “Are you feeling better than before?”
“Yeah.” He walked over to her, almost in a trance. His hand seemed to move out of his own accord, towards her face, but he stopped just before he touched her.
Marinette looked on in confusion as his hand rested in the air, just an inch short of her face. After a moment, she grabbed hold of it and pressed it to her cheek. Closing her eyes, she leaned into his touch.
Chat stood stiff for a moment, before his shoulders drooped. He bit his lip, trying to hold back the tears that had gathered in his eyes and were threatening to spill.
“Hey, why the long face?” The absence of his smile was extremely disconcerting.
“I’m just tired.” He forced a smile onto his face. “Can we go to bed a little early tonight?”
“Sure.”
That night, he held onto her tighter, trying to touch most of her. He had already lost her, but he was not ready at all to let her go.
.
(Check out some awesome art of Chat Noir made by our friend and beta Tara: LINK)
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suckitsurveys · 5 years
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When was the last time someone chased you with a hose? Not since I was a kid. Do you still wear armbands or rubber rings in the pool? No. What was the last TV show you watched? Friends. Is your door open right now? The door to my office is yes. What was the last conversation you had with someone about? Work.
When was the last time you sang outloud? This morning on the way to work. What was the last parcel you received? A bill yay. How are you feeling right now? Sleepy. Would you rather go on holiday somewhere warm or somewhere cold? WARM. Do you mask being negative by calling it ‘realistic’? No. I wouldn’t call it masking it. Are you one of those people who talks to everyone when you’re out? Nope. Are you in a relationship right now? Yes. Do you collect anything? Panda trinkets. When was the last time you did a hobby of yours? I guess right now. Do you prefer rollercoasters or water rides? Water slides. Where did you go on the last trip you took? Boston. What’s the longest car journey you’ve been on? 21 hours. From Boston to Chicago. What time is it right now? 7:30am. What are your best friends initials? SAG, LRR, RRB, MAW, EML. What would be your ideal pet? My kitties are. Are there any websites you just don’t see the point in? I mean, probably. What is something that is always going to make you smile? My kitties, my nieces, my husband. What was the last chore you did? Cleaned cat boxes. Do you keep the bags you get when you go shopping? Sometimes. Do you like reality TV shows? Eh. Have you got anything you’ve had since you were a baby? Yes. Does it annoy you when people don’t understand what you’re talking about? It’s frustrating. Have you ever spoken to someone on the phone while on the toilet? Yes haha. Is there anyone you’re really jealous of? People who have money. Would you rather have a chocolate or strawberry cake for your birthday? Neither. Yellow. Do you hit electronics when they don’t work? Sure. Is your radiator on right now? I have a space heater on that looks like one haha. Do you dislike any certain group of people? Racists. Queerphobes. Sexists. Abusers. Rapists. Trump supporters. Have you ever bought anything you really wanted, only to never use it? I’ve done that with clothes. Do you like reading or playing video games more? I guess video games. I play games on my phone a lot. What’s your favourite place to go for a drink? I don’t have a favorite place. What colour are your jeans? Dark blue. Have you ever been on those vanity groups on MySpace? I wanna say yes? Which celebrity would you love to be friends with? Aubrey Plaza. What’s your favourite holiday? Christmas. Are you scared of fireworks? No. Do you hate loud people? Yes. What about people who speak really loudly on their phones in buses? I really don’t need to hear your conversation. What was the last flyer someone gave you for? I don’t recall. Do movies / books inspire you to change your life in any way? Sure. Do you read movie quotes even when you haven’t seen the movie? Sure. What are you most excited for right now? Vacation next month. Have you bought a water pistol for Summer? Nope. Do you get embarrassed when the buzzer at the airport goes off on you? I haven’t had that happen. What does your favourite bag look like? It’s a black bookbag with primary color dinos on it. Do you customize your possessions? I mean, some? What does your last received text message say? My sister asking if I’m coming over tonight. Do you like drawing all over people / their belongings? Not anymore. What’s a smell that makes you feel ill? (besides the obvious :P) The perfume the lady who cleans our office wears. It makes me want to DIE. When was the last time someone told you they loved you? This morning. Do you get lonely easily? Eh. Do you read Texts From Last Night? (you should xD) I used to. I still have them on my Facebook. What advert is showing on your screen right now? None. Do you wear baseball caps backwards? No. What was the last thing you ate? A strawberry. Is there any talent you would love to have? I’d like to play an instrument. Or be good at drawing. Have you ever deliberately tripped someone up? Yes. Do you constantly hate the majority of people? Yes and no. Do you like etch-a-sketchs? Sure. Do you have any boxsets for TV shows? I might? I can’t think of any off the top of my head. I do, however, own every season of a few TV shows. I’d get them as gifts when that was popular. Do you think it’s weird when people put ‘Bye’ at the end of their surveys? I don’t like when surveys talk to me haha
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