Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Ever since the defeat of the Lady Bone Demon, the city of Megapolis has found some relative peace. Most of the typical Monkie Kid enemies have been keeping to themselves and enjoying their lives, unconcerned with revenge or mayhem, for the time being at least. Maybe they’ve all had enough of the constant anger and resentment consuming their entire lives or maybe that’s just me.

It’s been several weeks, and the kid has been delivering noodles to my dojo at least twice a week with a new drawing attached each time. Sometimes there’d be a second drawing attached with a slightly worse, but just as sweet drawing signed with the name Bai He. She doesn’t need to keep signing it, and I told her as much when she first started visiting me at the theater, but she insists it’s important for whatever reason. It doesn’t matter, she’s a good kid and enjoys my shows so I didn’t question it again. Her visits are usually pleasant but are accompanied by a boat load of questions like.

Why do you disguise yourself for your shows?

It’s just easier than having people mistake me for the Monkey King and stops people from asking any follow ups about it.

I heard your full name is the Six-Eared Macaque. Do you really have six ears?

Yeah, but I don’t really like them.

Why do you work at a theater? I don't want to be rude or anything! I really like hearing your stories, but do you even have to work as an immortal being? Don't you have like, I don't know, riches or some kind of mansion in the middle of nowhere?

Psh no, and not all immortals live like royalty and the ones that do usually are in name at least. I mean have you seen Jin and Yin? Those two are a real mess, but uh to answer the rest of your question, no I don't have to do this job. I do like it though. It's kind of like a hobby to me I guess.

It’s usually pretty harmless stuff, but some questions could get more…complicated.

So did you and the Monkey King used to be a couple?

I’m not gonna answer that.

Do you ever think you’ll ever hang out with everyone again? Without all the fighting.

I don’t have an answer for that, not yet at least.

Then there were times like now where she’d ask me something painful. She already looked down and drained. They didn’t even look at me when they asked as if they were scared of seeing how I’d react.

Why aren’t you afraid of me?

Huh?

Why aren’t you afraid of me? After everything that I did while I was-

Woah, you didn’t do anything. You were possessed for months and had to bear witness to a lot of horrible things, but you’re not responsible for any of it. You’re a good kid, there’s no way I’d be afraid of you. She hiccupped and before I could react, she hugged me, burying her face in my chest as she wept. I awkwardly held her back, patting her head. This…was not what I was expecting from today. Poor kid. There, there? It’s alright, it’s okay. Her hold on me tightened for a moment before she went slack.

I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I-I didn’t mean to cry like that. It’s just, things have been a lot now that I’m me again. Sometimes I still feel so dissociated. It doesn’t help that there’s still people who are actually scared of me. Even I’m scared of me. She curls in on herself, taking her arms away from me to wrap them around herself. I had no idea how to unpack any of that. What exactly am I supposed to do about this?

Listen kid, are you sure I’m the best person to tell about this? I’m sure MK and the others would be better at this. Bai He groans, frustrated.

They’re all great, but their care is, um, overwhelming, I guess. I hurt them all so much, and they’re all so supportive. It just makes me feel so guilty. I know I hurt you too, but I don’t know, talking to you feels different somehow. You’re more um, what's the word? Her face scrunches up and she puts a hand to her chin as she searches her brain for the word. Somber? Subdued? Is that the word? She shrugs, moving on from the thought. You just seem a lot calmer compared to them. She turns fully toward me, lifting her hands almost defensively. Don’t get me wrong, I love their energy, it’s just- She lets her hands slowly fall into her lap. She sighs before mumbling out the rest. Sometimes I need something quieter. I can’t help the short chuckle that slips out at that. Don’t laugh! She’s flustered, embarrassed. I laugh louder and stand.

Don’t worry I’m not laughing at you kid. I just think it’s funny. I offer Bai He my hand. Though she’s pouting, she takes it and I help her up. She doesn’t let go. Come on, the people using this room next are gonna be here soon. I know this place nearby that’s pretty quiet where we can talk, and you can tell me what you’re actually hiding from them. Her hand tenses around mine. Without looking at me she asks.

How did you?

I’m the Six-Eared Macaque, Bai He, I’m a great listener. Despite herself she scoffs, looks up at me with a weak smile and squeezes my hand once.

Mr. Macaque, you’re silly.

I’m hilarious. This time she laughs more fully.

Okay I’m ready, let's go.

The Midnight Roast was a quiet dessert shop that was open from noon to three in the morning. They serve the most delectable desserts and pastries, near overpowering drinks, and the most soothing of atmospheres. Plus, the guy who owns the place is a demon who doesn’t ask questions, so I didn’t have to disguise myself. The building itself was small, but cozy, despite how cold it could get inside. There were only 4 tables by the full-length windows and 4 stools at the counter for people to sit at. They had a chalkboard menu above the counter that had cute drawings of some of their best or recommended items. The drawings usually only change when the seasons do, from what I’ve noticed since coming here. Something that never changes is the sweet aroma of freshly made chocolate and caramel.

As soon as I took Bai He inside I could hear her stomach growl as she salivated. I glance down at her. Her eyes were practically shining, darting from one option to the next in the display cases. I smirk at it.

Hungry? Her head snaps up to look at me.

Very. How much can I have? I hum in fake consideration. I tilt my head up, close my eyes, and rub my chin to really sell it. When I think she’s had enough I smile at her, getting down closer to her level.

As much as you think you’ll need for this conversation. Just don’t make yourself sick. She audibly gasped before hugging my side tightly.

Thank you! Without another word she practically runs up to the counter to consider all her options. She orders a number of sweet breads, a tray of fruit tarts, two servings of rice pudding, two green teas, and a chocolate five spice cake to share. The demon baker looks at me, then to the excited Bai He and shrugs with a soft smile, laughing out the side of his mouth. I’m glad he’s amused about all this.

Do you still want your usual on top of that?

Yeah but give me two of them please. He nods and gets to work making what hasn’t already been made while we take a seat at one of the booths far from the door.

Okay. Bai He takes a slow steadying breath. What do you already know? Her frown is deep, and her eyes are tired.

I know that you haven’t gone home in a while. I could get that from how dirty your clothes have gotten. I know you’ve been staying over at everyone’s houses, but they’re starting to get suspicious, aren’t they? I’ve heard them offer to walk you home, but you were always so quick to decline or change the subject. She progressively curls in on herself as I go on. She looks embarrassed and angry more than anything else at this point. I know I’m not here to tell you what to do, but I must admit I do care enough about you to worry. The owner calls my name and I get up to grab and pay for our order. Bai He watches as I set everything down in front of her. She fixates on the hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, with a cinnamon stick and small spoon in it. She takes a generous amount of it in the spoon and shoves that into her mouth before taking a too big gulp from it. As she fans her now lightly burned tongue, I add in. I’m also pretty sure you’ve only been eating noodles for that past month, and it shows. She gives me a look as sticks her tongue out further at me. I boop her nose with my finger, startling her.

Hey! She pouts for a few seconds before deflating a bit. She takes a more reasonable sip from her hot chocolate.Okay, you’re right, but do you know why? If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have asked her here.

Yes. Her eyes widened.

For how long?

The whole time. I try my best to remain as neutral as possible.

Why didn’t you say anything?She sounds defeated.

I just assumed you’d tell the kid and the others, but since you didn’t, I figured there was a reason for that. I take a sip of one of the green teas. Bai He picks at one of the tarts, sighing.

I think I’m, I don’t know, embarrassed? Maybe ashamed? I used to live in a foster home, but when I came back everyone was so, mean. Even my foster mother was terrified. She didn’t stop the other kids from shunning or bullying me. I couldn’t take it anymore so I just…left. She takes a bite of one of the mango tarts. Her face lifts for a second, surprised by how good it was. They haven’t looked for me. I don’t blame them. I still see her when I look at myself sometimes. I can only imagine how they feel. She eats the rest of her first tart, then reaches for the plum one.

So what’s your plan now? Keep living off your friends until they find out? I take a sip of my own hot chocolate. Bai He eats the tarts more aggressively.

I don’t know. I just need some time to think or at least process everything. I take a moment to look her over. She’s lost weight since we first met. Her skin is paler, eyes more sunken, hair more frayed. I know she hasn’t slept over at any of the other’s houses for a while since I haven’t heard them talk about it in a few days. She definitely hasn’t been eating or sleeping enough. She could use a break. I’m probably going to regret this.

I know another quiet place. Somewhere safe you could rest for as long as it takes you to figure things out. I could take you there if you want. After you finish eating of course. She eyes me, suspicious.

You’re not, you’re not going to tell the others are you? She puts another mango tart to her mouth, not actually taking a bite yet.

Psh, nah I’m not gonna try to ‘solve’ your problems for you. Not really my style. Her eyes sparkle with something akin to hope.

You promise? She presses the tarts harder into her face. That’s gonna snap if she keeps doing that.

I promise. She smiles around her tart.

Okay! Once she knows her secret is safe, she eagerly digs into the rest of the treats she ordered. I enjoy everything at my own leisure and make sure she doesn’t choke on anything in her haste. I’m definitely going to regret this.

I take Bai He a few blocks away to a three-story apartment complex. It’s small, but decent and it’s in a safe enough area. Not that I’d really need to worry about being jumped or anything like that. Usually I’d just take the stairs, but I got the sense that Bai He was already exhausted from today, so we took the elevator to the third floor. She was leaning heavily on me, barely able to hold my hand. Once we’re inside I drop my human disguise.

My apartment isn’t big, I didn't think I’d need it since I had no intent on having anyone over, but it’ll do for this. It was one bedroom, one bath, had a decent enough sized kitchen and the living room doubled as the dining room. The building had a laundry room downstairs for communal use. My favorite feature, and main reason I moved here, was the soundproof walls. Even though I can still hear through them, it makes everything muffled enough for me to get some sleep at night.

I lead the now semi-conscious Bai He to the couch, telling her I need to tidy up my room for her first. I pat her head after watching her flop onto the couch face first and slip into my room, closing the door behind me. It was the second biggest room in the apartment. I had a queen-sized bed, a desk, a dresser fit in snugly, a bedside dresser, and a closet with a sliding door. Everything was already made and pristine. The only thing that needed ‘tidying’ was the back wall littered with all of the drawings I’ve saved. I stared at it for a solid minute wondering what to do with them before deciding to pin one of my spare black sheets over that part of the wall. When I come out of the room Bai He is fully awake having a staring contest with two red masked black monkeys that were sitting on the kitchen counter.

Ah, I see you’ve met Pollux and Castor. Pollux, Castor, this is Bai He, say hi. Pollux hesitantly raises a hand to wave while Castor moves to hide behind them. Bai He waves back. I gestured for the little monkeys to come, and they quickly made their way to me. They climb up my body until they settle themselves in their usual spots. Pollux on my head and Castor on my right shoulder. Bai He giggles at the unusual sight. They’re not used to other company so they’re a little shy. I scratch Castor’s chin.

Nice to meet you both. Which one is which? I sit down beside her on the couch, careful not to jostle the monkeys.

This little guy is Castor, and this is Pollux. I point to them both respectively. Castor has pale blue eyes and Pollux has golden eyes if you ever need to tell them apart. She tilts her head at us.

So are they like your babies? I chuckle.

No, well maybe. I do take care of them and feed them. I haven’t thought too deeply about it. The two-start grooming my fur.

They’re very cute. Pollux coos at the compliment.

I do my best to keep them clean and fluffy. Speaking of, the bathroom is over there if you want to shower before you sleep. There’s a cabinet in there with other towels and the toiletries are in a basket by the side of the shower. I can grab an extra shirt or robe you can sleep in. They’ll probably fit you as well as a nightgown would since you’re so small. She huffs at my comment.

I’m not small, you’re just really big. She crosses her arms, furrows her brow, and succeeds in being the least intimidating creature I’ve ever seen. I hum in contemplation.

You know what you’re right, you’re not small.

Thank you.

You’re tiny. I ruffle her hair again to emphasize my point. She swats at my arm.

Hey! The three of us laugh at her pouty face.

Teeny. Tiny. Baby. Bai He. I pat her head after every word.

Hmph, I’m going to the bathroom! She storms off and slams the bathroom door. I reflexively cover my ears from the noise. That’s smarts.

In the meantime I head back into my room to find something she could wear. I sift through my dresser for about 5 minutes before setting on a soft black long sleeve t-shirt. I neatly fold it up while heading out of the room. I heard the shower turn on while I was searching, but it’s for the best that I knock instead of assuming she’s in there.

Bai He, do you want me to leave the clothes inside or outside? There’s a pause. I knock again. Bai He? There’s a small sound that could go completely unnoticed from anyone else, but never from me. No sound, however small, could escape my notice, not from this range at least. Her hiccups and weeping could be heard clearly through the shower. I hang the shirt on the door handle and go back to my room. I’ll only knock again if she’s still in there after an hour.

There were still a number of other things I had to move so she hopefully wouldn’t find them. Prime example, almost everything in my bedside dresser’s bottom drawer had to go. I already had everything in a black box, so I just decided to portal it away to the storage room at my dojo. It’s not like anyone else goes there so it should be fine. My shadow lantern was a conundrum. Would she recognize it as one of the relics used for the mech? Even if she does, what does that matter? I doubt she can reach it while it’s hanging from the ceiling. Even if she could, I don't think she knows how to use it. I could put it in a cupboard somewhere, but she’d probably find it eventually. Maybe hiding it in plain sight like this is for the best? I haven’t heard her do anything suspicious since the Lady Bone Demon was defeated so it’ll probably be fine.

I walk back out of the room to set up the pullout couch. I had gotten it for Pollux and Castor to sleep in, but they almost always end up climbing in my bed with me after the first week of living here. Even so, in that short time they learned enough to help me with the set up. Pollux took off cushions with me, while Castor got a spare blanket from my closet. When I pull out the mattress part Castor and Pollux work on spreading the blanket across it while I grab some spare pillows for us. I hear the water shut off right as we finish. There’s wet footsteps, ruffling, rummaging and more importantly no crying.

Mr. Macaque? She calls out as Pollux and Castor climb back onto me.

Yes?

Do you have any bandages? Concern flashes through me for half a second before recalling the bandage she always wears over her cheek.

They’re under the sink in a first aid kit. Be careful the clips are dangerously tight and springy. Oh, and there’s a shirt on the doorknob. Even though my back was to the door I still closed my eyes when I heard her approach it. She opens and closes it quickly, then opens it again for a few seconds before closing it again. Weird, but whatever.

Thank you. I only hum in response. She rummages around under the sink for decidedly too long. By the time I think to ask if she needs help, I hear her exclaim a quiet ‘aha’ and I snort at how cute it is. While she’s finishing up, I get some pajamas together to take a shower after her. Usually, I would sleep in my underwear or nothing, but that doesn’t seem appropriate right now.

You have a lot of shampoo and conditioner under your sink. Is the first thing Bai He chooses to say when she steps out. I huff.

Of course, you think fur this luxurious just happens? I run a hand through my fur dramatically. She giggles so it’s worth it.

You really are silly Mr. Macaque. Her smile is soft, shaken only by the long yawn that seems to drain her of the rest of her energy.

Sleepy? She nods, rubbing her eyes. I stand and gesture for her to follow me, which confuses her.

Where are we going? She comes up to me anyway.

You’re sleeping in my room tonight. She looks at me surprised.

I’m not sleeping out here? I don’t want to impose more than I already have. She still follows me into the room.

Oh please, you looked exhausted back at the theater, you should see your face now.

Hey! I pick her up, causing her to squeak in surprise, and place her on the bed. I could see her eyes dilate when she felt how soft the blanket was. She brings a corner up to her face to marvel at it. I suppress a chuckle, but not my grin.

The bed is way more comfortable, and you could use a good night’s rest. You know one without having to worry about your little secret. I move to leave, but she grabs my robes.

Wait! Um, I- She let go and curled into herself.

What’s wrong?

Nothing it’s just… She fiddled with the collar of her shirt.

Yeah?

Would you tuck me in?

Wha-

Forget it, it was dumb I- I gently pat her head, effectively quieting her. I internalize a sigh.

Lay down. I purposely make myself sound exasperated to hide how mushy it made me really feel. Bai He quickly settles in under the covers. I pull the blanket up over her shoulders and tuck them in under her. She openly stares at me the whole time. When I’m done, she points to her forehead, hopeful.

Seriously? She gives me a determined nod. As I lean down to kiss her forehead, I feel Pollux and Castor climb off of me. When I lean back, I see they’ve both climbed under the covers next to Bai He. They stare at me expectantly. I groan, more genuine in this annoyance.

Look at what you’ve started. She sleepily giggles. I begrudgingly give the two small monkeys the same treatment. They coo under the attention and burrow themselves deeper into the covers. I hate what the sight does to my heart.

Goodnight Mr. Macaque.

Goodnight Bai He. I turn off the lights to the room and only then do I remember the night light in the corner. I could hear her confusion, but she thankfully doesn’t say anything about it. For now, at least. I close the door behind me and head straight for the shower.

I drop my glamour as soon as I enter the shower. The day's events flash through my brain. Even replaying them in my mind I can’t figure out how I got here. I’ve never had any guests in my house and now I’ve invited some kid to live here for an unknown amount of time and I’m the one sleeping on the couch. I can’t even drop my glamour in my own home now! Keeping it up in my sleep would be exhausting, but I’m not as light of a sleeper as I used to be so even if I chance it, I might not wake up at her movement. I should be able to get away with it tonight at least since she seems dead tired, so I’ll probably wake up before her. I’ll sleep with the blanket over my head as a buffer too. With that half-baked plan in mind, I actually start washing up. If anything goes wrong, it’s future Macaque’s problem.