It was a lazy day, a long one at that. The sun was shining, and it was hot outside, but just a few days ago it was raining heavily. Well Attum was a rather crazy season. MK was hanging out at Wukong's hut. They were watching Monkey Cop together but the boy wasn't really paying attention for the past hour.

"Monkey King?" he finally gathered his thoughts.

"Yeah? What is it, Bud?" he asked, turning to his successor, slightly alerted by the weak and unsure tone.

"So, I noticed that Macaque hadn't shown up for the past week?" MK asked, fidgeting with his fingers.

"And?" Wukong raised an eyebrow, but the tip of his tail twitched and his ears perked up slightly.

"Do you think he's alright?" MK pressed.

"Honestly, why would I care?" he rolled his eyes but seeing the boy's frown he sighed "I'm sure he's fine." Wukong patted his successor on the shoulder "He's probably scheming something or just doing stuff and forgot the time exists." he assured, plastering a fake smile on his lips

"Okay... but, could you still check up on him? Even in a few days? It doesn't have to be today. I'm just worried." he looked at his mentor with huge puppy eyes.

"Eh..." Wukogn sighed in displeasure "I will, and I sure will scold him for making you so worried for no reason." he said, and ruffled boys hair.

''*★☽☼☾★*''

Wukong was at Macaque's door the same day actually. As much as he wanted to tell himself it was only for the kid, he was a bit worried. Well, maybe, actually, a lot worried- but he wouldn't ever admit it.

He didn't even knock, and just walked inside as if he owned the place, looking around with furrowed brows. Well the apartment was actually pretty clean, but more in a "no one uses it" kinda way. It only added to Wukong's concerns, as he walked around in the dark.

"Macaque?" he called, not really loud, knowing the ebony monkey would hear him anyway.

Yet there was no answer.

So he went inside further, trying to remember where the bedroom was. He was here once before, maybe twice. And so he somehow decided on one of the doors. Those ones he opened more gently and slowly.

"You there, bud?" he asked as he looked inside.

It was dark inside. More than in the other rooms, in a heavy and crowded way, which made him sure Macaque was in the room, and definitely was sick or in a really bad mood.

Wukong remembered from the times the two of them were young and close, that the ebony monkey tended to seek shelter in the darkness and comfort in need. But he also remembered his presence used to help too...

He hopes it will still work this way...

"Mac..." he slowly walked inside, searching for his past best friend with his Gold Vision.

His ears perked up when he heard a low grunt from behind the bed. He slowly walked up there just to see Macaque, curled up in the corner, glaring at him weakly from beneath all the covers and pillows.

"I got you some bananas." Wukong said, showing him a bag he was carrying.

Macaque for a few more moments just glared at him, his ears alert, standing without glamor. He looked like a mess, all sweaty, tired and weak. The stone monkey knew the ebony one was a mess while sick, and a nostalgia hit him slightly.

A small smile crawled on Wukong's lips when Macaque slowly and very clumsily moved a bit to make Wukong some space next to him. The King wouldn't let him wait for too long, and sat beside him, placing the bag next to them. The rusty tail slowly tangled round the black one, and was squeezed weakly in return.

"How about I'll cuddle you first and later I'll make you something warm to drink." Wukong offered softly as he waited for Macaque to decide if he's still comfortable with his touch.

Six Eared slowly moved closer to him, nodding a bit. A light blush spread on his cheeks and ears as Wukong gently wrapped his arms around him, cuddling him soothingly. Macaque closed his eyes, slowly letting his body relax in the hug.

Wukong's heart softened and broke into million pieces at the sight of Macaque snuggling into his side so full of trust and still finding comfort in his arms. He hugged him more confidently and ran fingers through his mane in a soothing manner.

"It'll be alright Moonlight." he whispered soothingly, watching six ears tremble gently under his words "I'll take care of you." he added and pressed a light kiss to the other's heated forehead.

''*★☽☼☾★*''

FICTOBER 2023 DAY 26

Prompt for today: "Honestly, why would I care?"

FH:

dang, i am so tired and hyped at the same time- mi mind isi't minding

See ya tomorrow!

=)