"Good. It would be a shame if you started now." Macaque speaks with an air of something like approval behind the flirtation. He hasn't known Yuzuki for more than a handful of minutes, but he feels like he knows him nevertheless. It's reminiscent of when he met Wukong. Or Miyuni. That feeling of instant comfort that is so rare and is to be relished when it happens.
"I'm sure we will. And I'm sure that I'll have a fantastic time showing you to a few shops that should be worthy and helping you find a few things that complement you appropriately." He could hardly imagine a better time, unless there was singing involved.
--Or sex. He hasn't ruled the latter out whatsoever. In fact, everything in him wants to jump Yuzuki has soon as possible... but he does so love anticipation games, so he's going to wait before offering that. Patiently. Savoring every moment. And looking forward to seeing what else besides those pretty ears Macaque can make flush.
"I, too, pride myself on being anything but disappointing." He smiles as his magic curls toward Yuzuki's hand to make contact.
Macaque's magic is similar to Yuzuki's in many ways: sharp and serious as a blade, coiled like a serpent that could strike the moment it's needed, fiercely protective of its master. Deep and dark and indolent, full of potential to kill or tease in equal measure. It seems to luxuriate in contact with Yuzuki and even more with his shadow, asking without words if it has found a spirit like its own, moving past curious and into a soft, lazy beckoning. And, above all, it's crystal clear how very much Macaque adores and respects his shadows. They are not tools to him, but old friends. He'd die before he'd let anyone mistreat them.
His shadows are his first great love, and Yuzuki having announced himself as a shadow means that a part of Macaque cares for him instantly. Means that he's intrigued, bordering on fascinated. Means that Yuzuki is important, respected, and wanted.
I'm looking forward to it. [ Yuzuki laughs, soft and low and somehow, bizarrely, incredibly … real. There's honest to stars genuine warmth in the sound, in his chest. Fortunately for Yuzuki's pride, he does not visibly — or audibly! — startle at the revelation like an idiot cat faced with a surprise cucumber. ] Curious to see what you'll choose for me.
And, [ he adds, with a twinkling, dark-eyed smile, ] keen to show it off for you. [ … To spend more time in the company of this enchanting stranger. ]
[ Yuzuki isn't sure what he'd been expecting from Macaque's magic. He'd been curious, sure. Intrigued — downright fascinated, and eager in his own, understated way. He's never connected with anyone like this before. If you'd asked him ten minutes ago if he ever would, or wanted to, he'd have laughed you out of the room. ]
[ He and his shadow close the gap, and
Oh.
.. Oh, fuck.
He hadn't expected, couldn't in a million years have ever expected it to feel like dancing across a freshly frozen lake, and feeling the ice shatter into glorious incandescence beneath his blades; like falling and flying, spiralling into equilibrium; like — like … two notes coming together in unexpected harmony, sending shivers racing along his spine. His ears perk, quiver, straining to hear more; to feel more.
… Like … coming home—?
And while Yuzuki himself doesn't quite realise it, there's a spark of … something, somewhere in his magic. A ripple and an echo that catches and kindles, adding a touch of shimmering musicality to his gasp. His shadows bloom and deepen, and for one brief, blink-and-you-miss-it moment, every point of contact, physical or otherwise, almost seems to tingle. ]
[ There's no 'almost' to the rush of warmth to Yuzuki's cheeks and ears, though. Oh, no. He's well and truly blushing, and his pupils blow to the size of dinner plates. He opens his mouth. Closes it. Swallows thickly, and says, ]
Macaque listens to that laugh and the words that surround it, his ears dancing with the knowledge that Yuzuki is interested in seeing what they, together can do with a shop full of garments. It makes Macaque all the more determined to put Yuzuki in something that brings out all his best features: his eyes, his fur, and those pretty ears.
(Hm, so this is why people keep calling Macaque's own ears pretty. It has confused him for forever.)
"I feel certain that we'll have great fun together, making a ten course feast out of the perfect set of clothes." And how is it that Yuzuki draws him in so while he's wearing this white catastrophe?
Macaque sighs as Yuzuki explores his magic, not at all surprised at how intimate it feels and only mildly surprised at how frightening it isn't to be this open with a virtual stranger. Former stranger. A spark that starts what will hopefully be a hot and blinding spica of a relationship. The flush on Yuzuki's face and ears might be that. Or...
Macaque makes just one step closer at first, and then another quickly followed by a third, as if he's a magnet being called home by its perfect equal. His smile quirks into a lopsided smirk and then flips back into a smile like a bit of rubber set on its natural shape. Listening to that musical gasp, thinking of--
Of something indescribable. Something shaped just so, like it was made for his ears, which flare toward Yuzuki, seeking more of it. Something that he instantly yearns for, something that he could go his whole life seeking out and never feel that a moment was wasted.
Macaque's hand lifts as if his fingertips were going to brush Yuzuki's cheek, but he pauses in midair. Wanting permission before he does what he desperately wants and needs to try.
"I want you to kiss me," he says, his voice nearly a whisper. He speaks as if he had no choice but to say it, with a calm certainty that even if Yuzuki declines, he'll be glad for having asked. He wants to see if they fit together in this way, too.
[ Yuzuki finds himself drawn in, moving closer, following the steps to this brand new dance as easily as water follows the pull of gravity. It's a shocking lapse in his ironclad self-control, and yet he can't bring himself to stop. He should. Part of him wants to — the sensible part, probably; the part that knows better than to risk getting close. And yet. ]
[ And yet. ]
[ He doesn't want to. He can't bring himself to. He doesn't know what's happening, what this is or could be, and he doesn't want it to end. ]
[ Another step. His tail twitches and flicks, and it's all Yuzuki can do to keep his breath from hitching when Macaque lifts his hand, when he waits, when he puts words to the dizzyingly intense, achingly new and unfamiliar kaleidoscope of Feelings in Yuzuki's chest. I want you to kiss me. ]
[ Another step. Yuzuki closes the distance, gently catching Macaque's hand to brush a kiss against his knuckles. He meets Macaque's eyes, his own dark, lidded, and glittering gold. ]
Well. [ ... How can one simple, four letter word, barely louder than a whisper, sound like the beginnings of a chord, almost but not quite musical? ] You took the words right out of my mouth.
[ Closer still. So close now that Macaque can catch a hint of Yuzuki's scent … and Yuzuki's stupid tail can, apparently, curl loose and feather-light around Macaque's ankle. Yuzuki leans in … and pauses, their lips almost, almost brushing. ]
… I want to see where this takes us.
[ And with that, he cups Macaque's cheek with his free hand and kisses him. Light and gentle, as exploratory as the mingling of their magics. ]
Watching Yuzuki match him step for step is delightful, giving Macaque a flash of them dancing together sometime, both dressed up all sharp and perfect. And maybe singing together. Something about Yuzuki smells and feels like music, so it would only be right.
But for now, Macaque focuses on the present. On watching Yuzuki react to his request. Noting that Yuzuki seems both very interested and... slightly unsure? He's not getting many mixed feelings, just a flicker of something. A something that grows smaller the closer they draw to one another. And then--
Macaque's smile widens, knowing now that they were thinking the same thing. Wanting each other in more ways than mingling magics. But that too... Macaque's shadow moves closer to Yuzuki's, holding up a hand for it to take much the same as Macaque offered his.
His hand is kissed and warmth blooms all over Macaque's body, making his next inhale just barely sharper. Chemistry like this is nothing new in his life, but this is different. Substantial in a way that he can't quite put words to. A storybook perfect love, or at least infatuation, at first sight piece of absolute nonsense that he'd laugh at if it wasn't happening to him right now.
He can only nod shallowly when Yuzuki says that he wants to see where this takes them, he would have expressed a more obvious agreement but then Yuzuki's mouth is on his and he can think of better ways to show it.
Macaque is a great kisser, because if he's going to do something he's not going to half-ass it. But even if he didn't have lofty standards for a kiss, he would know that Yuzuki deserves a great one. His fingers brush over Yuzuki's shoulder to the nape of his neck, claws parting the fur gently as he returns the kiss, slow and sensual. Parting his lips to get a better taste of this fascinating monkey. His eyes fall shut so that his entire being is focused on this moment, this kiss, showing his abundant interest in how very well they connect. This spark that he feels flare into a wildfire and which sends an ironic shiver down his back.
His other hand drifts without him knowing it, to the small of Yuzuki's back. Beckoning the other monkey forward as much as he cares to come. All the while the kiss deepens with slow decadence that is less deliberate than it would normally be. Macaque isn't playing at anything, he's only reacting to the spell that's been cast on him. On them. A spell that he hopes never to break.
[ What Yuzuki lacks in practical experience, he more than makes up for with patient, dedicated enthusiasm and the will to learn. He's already learning, and quickly — as fast as the kiss is slow. Testing and tasting, tasting and testing. Savouring … everything. ]
[ Yuzuki sinks slowly, indulgently, into the moment. Into the rising warmth and simmering heat of the kiss, and the lean, elegant lines of Macaque's body; he sways in close, an easy answer to Macaque's invitation, and his hum of appreciation is very nearly a purr. ]
[ His shadow, too, closes the distance, taking its counterpart's hand with a smile and a slow swish of its tail … and an unmistakable invitation to dance. ]
Macaque notices something during those first few moments. He can't believe it's hesitation; so, inexperience then. But Yuzuki picks it up extremely quickly, leaving Macaque purring softly and wondering what else he could learn so fast. Minor mystery presumably solved, Macaque focuses fully on kissing Yuzuki and not a damn thing else. The rest of the world could fall apart around them and he'd be hard pressed to pay it any mind.
Humming in approval when Yuzuki veers closer and sends his mind in a few very fun directions, Macaque keeps gently moving his claws through the fur at the nape of Yuzuki's neck. His other hand drifts a little, wanting to head for the base of Yuzuki's tail to see what lovely responses that might dredge up, but no. Not yet. Only the thought of dressing Yuzuki up all sharp and pretty makes Macaque want to limit this to just a kiss, for now. An entrancing kiss, granted. His tail finds itself wandering, swaying lazily back and forth until the tip finds Yuzuki's tail around his ankle and traces along it for a few inches before reversing and going back the way it came, only to repeat the same again.
Macaque's shadow curls close to Yuzuki's, smiling at their joined hands. It's other hand it moves to the shoulder of its counterpart, hoping that it'll take the invitation to move closer. It's shy in a way its master isn't, having never been beckoned in quite this way.
[ How the fuck is Macaque real, Yuzuki wonders. And then he kinda stops thinking of anything much at all, because the kiss is meltingly warm, heady like the finest of wines; Macaque is purring and there's his tail and the unexpectedly delightful tickle of claws through his fur at the nape of his neck. Yuzuki shivers all the way from the delicate petals of his ears to the tip of his twitching tail. ]
[ Yuzuki melds closer still, humming low in his throat. His fingers trail down Macaque's cheeks, tracing his jaw and down his throat with carefully gentle claws, then up along the back to wind into his hair. He's content to let Macaque lead, to learn him and from him, but he's far from passive. He's curious, indulgent and experimental in equal measure, and determined to give as good as he gets. ]
[ … And if he's (more than) a little weak-kneed, he's doing a fantastic job hiding it, thank you very much. ]
[ His shadow doesn't really know what it's doing, just that it wants to try. And, well. If there's one thing it's good at other than the art of violence and murder, it's dance. It draws Macaque's shadow in close and sways in to meet it, free hand coming to rest on its waist. Smiling, starlight eyes lidded, it dips its head to touch their foreheads together, and leads them into the first steps of a dance. ]
Macaque may not know that Yuzuki is a little weak in the knees, but he certainly kisses both like it's his aim, and like he already knows it, like he can feel every inch of that shiver. He hitches the temperature of the kiss up from warm to hot, then hotter, parting his lips and teasing Yuzuki with the tip of his tongue. His claws score the skin on the back of Yuzuki's neck, trailing down until they meet that white shirt that Macaque would just love to rip off for more reasons than bad fashion.
His tail hooks with Yuzuki's and coils around it in a way that's more affectionate than a single kiss can account for, and he uses the hand at the small of Yuzuki's back to press them closer still. While Macaque is thoroughly and happily distracted (he notices anyway but doesn't mind), his shadow pulls his phone from his pocket and selects an upbeat waltz for it and its counterpart to dance to. A proper dance has music. It decides to let Yuzuki's shadow continue to lead.
Just as Macaque is inching this kiss from heated to searing, he eases it to a pause enough to pull back half an inch and say, "Hmm. A shame that if I'm going to undress someone, I'd prefer to be peeling off decent clothes." He smiles like he got away with something, an impish grin if ever there was one.
[ An excellent decision on the part of Macaque's shadow, because Yuzuki — and by extension, his shadow — is a fucking phenomenal dancer. They move like they were born for it, with music in their blood and a soul woven from symphonies. It flows into step without missing a beat, happy to lead, happy to share, happy to be ... together, for however long it lasts. ]
[ Light stirs as the shadows dance, subtly brighter here, warmer there. It seems to dance in harmony with them, and only ever serves to strengthen and accentuate, helping to turn this bland apartment living room into a setting more fit for two shadows to get acquainted. ]
[ By the time Macaque eases the kiss to a hopefully temporary pause, Yuzuki is buzzing in the best way, slightly breathless, and not unconvinced that he has ooey gooey molten pudding where his brain is supposed to be. The hand not combing through Macaque's hair is at his waist, fingers kneading, and — ]
[ … tightening sharply, fortunately not literally given his claws (though it's a very near thing) at what Macaque says, and the delightfully, devilishly handsome grin he wears while saying it. Yuzuki's lips twitch and he finds himself grinning back, bright as a candle-flame blooming in the cold, dark depths of a winter night, and his breath of laughter, while quiet, is warm and open. ]
A pretty present to unwrap, hm? Nice and slow, anticipation building ... [ Yuzuki strokes his thumb lightly over Macaque's waist where he'd gripped so tightly. ] It'll be worth the wait.
[ He pauses just long enough to glance at their shadows, smiling. ]
While they conclude my shadow's first dance, I'd like to give you my second kiss.
The shadows dancing makes the light strobe softly in a way that reminds Macaque of when he's weaving with shadows and light, creating perfect shadow plays on the walls. Macaque's shadow leans in and nuzzles Yuzuki's shadow with its nose, inky purple eyes squinted as a result of its wide smile. It has a sense of rhythm like its master and hums along with the music, creating an alloy of song to go with the way that, when they spin just so, they look like one shadow instead of two.
Macaque notes the little tells that say he's had quite the effect on Yuzuki; his slightly dilated eyes, the hitch to his breathing, the tight kneading of his hand and how Macaque's clothes being punctured by claws is a near thing. Macaque responds by sliding the hand that was sitting low on Yuzuki's back down, drifting to the base of his tail, which Macaque brushes against with a quirk of his smile.
"Anticipation games are my favorite games," he admits. And besides, if he's going to take this one apart, he's going to savor it. Turn sex into an art form. Yuzuki deserves that especially since, based on his admission that his first kiss was just now, he probably is a virgin. And yet he picked up kissing well enough to make Macaque desperately want more of it. "I'll show you one hell of a time."
"...When the time is right, that is." He hopes and believes that time will be fairly soon. After Yuzuki has pretty wrapping to go with his pretty everything. But first he's going to take Yuzuki to try on clothes and make it an extended lesson on anticipation.
Macaque grins widely enough to flash his fangs. "By all means." Yuzuki's kisses will only grow more enjoyable as he practices, and Macaque is all too eager to watch his progress.
[ He is smooth he is cool he is not swallowing his tongue like a goddamn moron when Macaque's fingers brush against the apparently! stunningly sensitive! base of Yuzuki's tail. His hold on Macaque's waist pulses tighter, and so does the coil of his (thoroughly fluffed) tail around Macaque's ankle. ]
[ Oh. Oh, hello. Yuzuki's ears perk. ]
Anticipation games, hm … [ Yuzuki speaks as if he's tasting the words, savouring them like a sip of a familiar-unfamiliar wine. ] Well, now. [ He hums low, thoughtful, considering Macaque for a moment. What was that he'd said earlier? An exception for the exceptional? ] I'm familiar with the concept, albeit in a very different context.
[ Maybe Macaque can guess what he's oh so vaguely alluding to, maybe he can't. Yuzuki thinks that maybe he wouldn't mind offering a straight answer, if Macaque asks. Maybe. Either way, he quirks his lips in a grin and adds, ]
Sounds like fun. I'd love to explore it with you. [ There's a subtle emphasis. With you. ] When the time is right, of course. [ Sooner rather than later, he hopes, but he isn't inclined to rush this. And it's with that in mind that he kisses Macaque again: patient yet eager, eager yet patient, and slowly, meltingly thorough. He's determined to give as good as he gets, to learn Macaque and everything that makes him tick. ]
[ His shadow almost seems to blush, a subtle brushstroke of moonlight reflected over water along the tips of its (gently wiggling) ears. It nuzzles back, a little shy but willing, wanting to try, and brushes the softest of butterfly kisses to the corner of its counterpart's lips.
It hums as well. Steps in closer, slow and easy and without losing the rhythm of their dance, and kisses a gentle trail until its lips are close to but not touching the others' ears. And then, so, so softly, smooth as silk and infinitely more gentle, it sings: ]
Let the bough break let it come down crashing let the sun fade out to a dark sky I can't say I'd even notice it was absent 'Cause I could live by the light in your eyes...
Macaque knows damn well that the base of one's tail is usually sensitive, which is why he chose to tease that spot with his fingertips. Yuzuki handles it as well as anyone could if they're not accustomed to touch, particularly intimate touch. He looks forward to seeing what other reactions, large and small, he can wring from this lovely monkey.
"There are all sorts of fun contexts for anticipation," Macaque says with a knowing smirk. "I've often enjoyed games where the other party doesn't realize that they're playing." Is that what Yuzuki meant? Possibly. But it's true, in any case. And he doesn't mind admitting it, even so casually.
It's part of his history, and at the moment, he finds no shame in it.
Noting the subtle undertone to with you in Yuzuki's statement, Macaque smiles in a fun mix of sweetness and promise. And that's all he has time to convey before Yuzuki kisses him again, more sure of himself than before, and oh so delightfully slow. Macaque returns it, not pushing the pace but clearly notching up the heat in casual little ways that would seem unintentional but for how they line up all pretty. Letting the interest between them percolate until it flares into need.
Macaque's shadow leans ever forward with every note of the singing, soon finding itself humming along in counterpoint. Creating their own little harmony. It doesn't return that little kiss immediately, waiting until there's a natural break in the lyrics before gently brushing their lips together, never missing a step of the dance.
You really are fascinating, [ Yuzuki murmurs between kisses. Somehow it feels all the more indulgent — all the more intimate, warmth weaving alongside simmering heat. ] I wonder if we're talking about the same thing. And … [ He dips into another kiss, deeper, lingering just long enough to tease ] I find myself wanting to know more, to listen more … to share more.
In ways I usually wouldn't. [ He chuckles softly, and runs his fingers down through Macaque's hair to cup his cheek. The hand on his waist drifts lower, curling warm against Macaque's hip. ] In ways I never have before.
[ As the two shadows dance, weaving a song of their own alongside the music playing from Macaque's phone, magic stirs. It's subtle, little more than ripples along the surface of calm water, and it carries with it that same shimmering, tip-of-the-tongue musicality as before. It's almost, almost tangible, and that possibility, the potential alone, tingles.
Yuzuki's shadow smiles into the kiss, eyes crinkling and tail swishing. For a while it lingers, trading sweet kisses here and there between lyrics, but slowly those kisses drift, brushing its cheek, charting a path along its jaw, until its lips are barely a breath away from its counterpart's ear.
Softer still, it sings, ]
There was a time when I would have believed them If they told me, you could not come true Just love's illusion But then you found me and everything changed And I believe in something again
Normally, Macaque would be inclined to either talk or kiss, since he hates half-assing something, but he finds with a glimmer of approval that they can manage both at once quite well. Not sacrificing either as they trade small words and lingering kisses, both of which send little twinges clear to his knees.
"I do my level best," he quips as their lips barely brush together. And then he gives a fuller kiss before saying, "I'll be an attentive audience to anything that you care to share. Especially with such responses." And then another kiss, deeper by scant degrees in a way that mimics the conversation and makes Macaque's mind buzz nicely with the symmetry.
It takes a few long moments for it to register that this is more than a passing compliment. It's the compliment. A level of comfort that is a challenge for some to reach in their lifetime, let alone a bare handful of moments. It's like--
Like how flowing water carves a rock to its purpose. The rock is only suited to one particular stretch of river, one particular current.
"I'd be interested to see if we're alike in this way." Wouldn't surprise him in the least, especially with the announcement that Yuzuki hasn't shared openly with people before, not in this way. "And in others."
Macaque glances at the dancing shadows out of the corner of his eye when their movements make the light shimmy. "They certainly seem to be getting the most out of each other." He can't help but smile into the next kiss, glad that his shadow is happy with its partner.
Macaque's shadow shivers at the tickle of magic, at the kiss, and harder when Yuzuki's shadow nears its ears -- but not drawing away or discouraging in the slightest. It's curious, and it wants in a way that it hasn't ever before. The lyrics only enhance the feeling, making its harmony pause for a moment as it waits to see what its dance partner will do next.
[ Audience, Macaque says, and Yuzuki grins. ] Now, I have to ask … [ after another kiss, and while Yuzuki's claws gently, very gently brush a strand of hair back behind one of Macaque's ears. He's as mindful as he'd demand anyone would be for his own ears, if he ever lost his mind enough to allow it.
… He's probably going to lose his mind and allow it, isn't he? Allow Macaque, who he has known for a lifetime contained within less than half an hour. Allow Macaque, who isn't just anyone. ]
How do you feel about theatre, musical or otherwise? I have a feeling I'd enjoy watching with you as much as offering you a show myself.
[ His tail swishes in time with the music, the one and only physical tell that Yuzuki is achingly tempted to draw Macaque into a dance alongside their shadows. Later, perhaps. Later, he hopes. There's not enough space here, and he'd hate to interrupt the shadows. Yuzuki's eyes soften as he follows Macaque's glance. ]
[ Yuzuki's shadow catches wisps of that rising magic, spins them into threads, and begins to weave those threads into a glorious tapestry — part shadow, part glamourie, transforming the drab living room into something more suiting. The imagery ripples out in the wake of their dance, spreading like shimmering ink through water.
What really takes Yuzuki's breath away, however, is the way his shadow goes out of its way not to just leave space for Macaque's to join in. That would have been surprising enough. But, no — Yuzuki's shadow uses the lingering magical connection to wordlessly offer collaboration. Partners, equals, working in concert to create something beautiful. ]
They really do ... [ Soft. Dangerously soft. But if anyone could understand how rare and precious this is … maybe, surely, Macaque could. Yuzuki pulls away just enough to meet Macaque's eyes, smiling faint but honest as he murmurs, ]
I'm an assassin. Trust and connection, they don't come easily. Gentleness. This … [ His lips quirk. ] it's all new.
Macaque not only allows the soft touch near his ears, it makes him smile even more than he was already. His face is going to break from smiling, crack right in half and fall to the floor. (It's not so wide a smile, really. Just more than he's used to.) He's tempted to return the gesture, but then very pleasantly distracted instead.
"It's one of my favorite things. Watching, singing, dancing, performing. I have season tickets to one of the venues here." He stops just shy of inviting Yuzuki for a flash of a moment, and then decides: fuck it. "I'd love to have your company during one of the shows. And to watch your own."
"Actually, I have a theater here. I haven't gotten myself together enough to finish writing anything yet, but it's lovely." He raises his eyebrows in silent invitation: want to see it?
As Macaque discovered with Lucifer, the theater is a perfect place to dance. Pitch-perfect acoustics and a vast area of space on the stage, even lighting to suit the mood. Not that Macaque knows what this mood is, especially. He only knows that he's a big fan.
Before he can ask all proper-like, Macaque too is drawn to the shadows and their dance, watching Yuzuki's shadow transform the room. His own shadow takes the ball and runs with it, spinning a piece of magic with a swirl of its finger and launching it to the center of the ceiling, where it bursts like a firework and takes the form of an elegant chandelier. It used light magic in that cocktail, Macaque notes, as flickers of light bounce from the chandelier and around the room like dangling prisms making rainbows. The rest of Yuzuki's shadow's efforts it leaves, though now and then adding a small accent, making it theirs.
Macaque's attention is pulled back to Yuzuki, not that it had very far to go, at the declaration that he was an--
Macaque laughs softly, and cups Yuzuki's cheek. "We have much in common, I see. Though I haven't been on the job in centuries, I was one too. For a long time. And then switched to regular old knocking the shit out of things." He smiles ruefully. His and Wukong's rampages were misguided in a very different way than killing people for money. At least that was upfront.
This is where he should mention Wukong to Yuzuki. But not yet. He doesn't want to break this marvelous spell that they're under.
"You take to it like a bird to the air," Macaque says instead, and kisses Yuzuki again.
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"I'm sure we will. And I'm sure that I'll have a fantastic time showing you to a few shops that should be worthy and helping you find a few things that complement you appropriately." He could hardly imagine a better time, unless there was singing involved.
--Or sex. He hasn't ruled the latter out whatsoever. In fact, everything in him wants to jump Yuzuki has soon as possible... but he does so love anticipation games, so he's going to wait before offering that. Patiently. Savoring every moment. And looking forward to seeing what else besides those pretty ears Macaque can make flush.
"I, too, pride myself on being anything but disappointing." He smiles as his magic curls toward Yuzuki's hand to make contact.
Macaque's magic is similar to Yuzuki's in many ways: sharp and serious as a blade, coiled like a serpent that could strike the moment it's needed, fiercely protective of its master. Deep and dark and indolent, full of potential to kill or tease in equal measure. It seems to luxuriate in contact with Yuzuki and even more with his shadow, asking without words if it has found a spirit like its own, moving past curious and into a soft, lazy beckoning. And, above all, it's crystal clear how very much Macaque adores and respects his shadows. They are not tools to him, but old friends. He'd die before he'd let anyone mistreat them.
His shadows are his first great love, and Yuzuki having announced himself as a shadow means that a part of Macaque cares for him instantly. Means that he's intrigued, bordering on fascinated. Means that Yuzuki is important, respected, and wanted.
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And, [ he adds, with a twinkling, dark-eyed smile, ] keen to show it off for you. [ … To spend more time in the company of this enchanting stranger. ]
[ Yuzuki isn't sure what he'd been expecting from Macaque's magic. He'd been curious, sure. Intrigued — downright fascinated, and eager in his own, understated way. He's never connected with anyone like this before. If you'd asked him ten minutes ago if he ever would, or wanted to, he'd have laughed you out of the room. ]
[ He and his shadow close the gap, and
Oh.
.. Oh, fuck.
He hadn't expected, couldn't in a million years have ever expected it to feel like dancing across a freshly frozen lake, and feeling the ice shatter into glorious incandescence beneath his blades; like falling and flying, spiralling into equilibrium; like — like … two notes coming together in unexpected harmony, sending shivers racing along his spine. His ears perk, quiver, straining to hear more; to feel more.
… Like … coming home—?
And while Yuzuki himself doesn't quite realise it, there's a spark of … something, somewhere in his magic. A ripple and an echo that catches and kindles, adding a touch of shimmering musicality to his gasp. His shadows bloom and deepen, and for one brief, blink-and-you-miss-it moment, every point of contact, physical or otherwise, almost seems to tingle. ]
[ There's no 'almost' to the rush of warmth to Yuzuki's cheeks and ears, though. Oh, no. He's well and truly blushing, and his pupils blow to the size of dinner plates. He opens his mouth. Closes it. Swallows thickly, and says, ]
Oh.
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(Hm, so this is why people keep calling Macaque's own ears pretty. It has confused him for forever.)
"I feel certain that we'll have great fun together, making a ten course feast out of the perfect set of clothes." And how is it that Yuzuki draws him in so while he's wearing this white catastrophe?
Macaque sighs as Yuzuki explores his magic, not at all surprised at how intimate it feels and only mildly surprised at how frightening it isn't to be this open with a virtual stranger. Former stranger. A spark that starts what will hopefully be a hot and blinding spica of a relationship. The flush on Yuzuki's face and ears might be that. Or...
Macaque makes just one step closer at first, and then another quickly followed by a third, as if he's a magnet being called home by its perfect equal. His smile quirks into a lopsided smirk and then flips back into a smile like a bit of rubber set on its natural shape. Listening to that musical gasp, thinking of--
Of something indescribable. Something shaped just so, like it was made for his ears, which flare toward Yuzuki, seeking more of it. Something that he instantly yearns for, something that he could go his whole life seeking out and never feel that a moment was wasted.
Macaque's hand lifts as if his fingertips were going to brush Yuzuki's cheek, but he pauses in midair. Wanting permission before he does what he desperately wants and needs to try.
"I want you to kiss me," he says, his voice nearly a whisper. He speaks as if he had no choice but to say it, with a calm certainty that even if Yuzuki declines, he'll be glad for having asked. He wants to see if they fit together in this way, too.
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[ And yet. ]
[ He doesn't want to. He can't bring himself to. He doesn't know what's happening, what this is or could be, and he doesn't want it to end. ]
[ Another step. His tail twitches and flicks, and it's all Yuzuki can do to keep his breath from hitching when Macaque lifts his hand, when he waits, when he puts words to the dizzyingly intense, achingly new and unfamiliar kaleidoscope of Feelings in Yuzuki's chest. I want you to kiss me. ]
[ Another step. Yuzuki closes the distance, gently catching Macaque's hand to brush a kiss against his knuckles. He meets Macaque's eyes, his own dark, lidded, and glittering gold. ]
Well. [ ... How can one simple, four letter word, barely louder than a whisper, sound like the beginnings of a chord, almost but not quite musical? ] You took the words right out of my mouth.
[ Closer still. So close now that Macaque can catch a hint of Yuzuki's scent … and Yuzuki's stupid tail can, apparently, curl loose and feather-light around Macaque's ankle. Yuzuki leans in … and pauses, their lips almost, almost brushing. ]
… I want to see where this takes us.
[ And with that, he cups Macaque's cheek with his free hand and kisses him. Light and gentle, as exploratory as the mingling of their magics. ]
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But for now, Macaque focuses on the present. On watching Yuzuki react to his request. Noting that Yuzuki seems both very interested and... slightly unsure? He's not getting many mixed feelings, just a flicker of something. A something that grows smaller the closer they draw to one another. And then--
Macaque's smile widens, knowing now that they were thinking the same thing. Wanting each other in more ways than mingling magics. But that too... Macaque's shadow moves closer to Yuzuki's, holding up a hand for it to take much the same as Macaque offered his.
His hand is kissed and warmth blooms all over Macaque's body, making his next inhale just barely sharper. Chemistry like this is nothing new in his life, but this is different. Substantial in a way that he can't quite put words to. A storybook perfect love, or at least infatuation, at first sight piece of absolute nonsense that he'd laugh at if it wasn't happening to him right now.
He can only nod shallowly when Yuzuki says that he wants to see where this takes them, he would have expressed a more obvious agreement but then Yuzuki's mouth is on his and he can think of better ways to show it.
Macaque is a great kisser, because if he's going to do something he's not going to half-ass it. But even if he didn't have lofty standards for a kiss, he would know that Yuzuki deserves a great one. His fingers brush over Yuzuki's shoulder to the nape of his neck, claws parting the fur gently as he returns the kiss, slow and sensual. Parting his lips to get a better taste of this fascinating monkey. His eyes fall shut so that his entire being is focused on this moment, this kiss, showing his abundant interest in how very well they connect. This spark that he feels flare into a wildfire and which sends an ironic shiver down his back.
His other hand drifts without him knowing it, to the small of Yuzuki's back. Beckoning the other monkey forward as much as he cares to come. All the while the kiss deepens with slow decadence that is less deliberate than it would normally be. Macaque isn't playing at anything, he's only reacting to the spell that's been cast on him. On them. A spell that he hopes never to break.
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[ Yuzuki sinks slowly, indulgently, into the moment. Into the rising warmth and simmering heat of the kiss, and the lean, elegant lines of Macaque's body; he sways in close, an easy answer to Macaque's invitation, and his hum of appreciation is very nearly a purr. ]
[ His shadow, too, closes the distance, taking its counterpart's hand with a smile and a slow swish of its tail … and an unmistakable invitation to dance. ]
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Humming in approval when Yuzuki veers closer and sends his mind in a few very fun directions, Macaque keeps gently moving his claws through the fur at the nape of Yuzuki's neck. His other hand drifts a little, wanting to head for the base of Yuzuki's tail to see what lovely responses that might dredge up, but no. Not yet. Only the thought of dressing Yuzuki up all sharp and pretty makes Macaque want to limit this to just a kiss, for now. An entrancing kiss, granted. His tail finds itself wandering, swaying lazily back and forth until the tip finds Yuzuki's tail around his ankle and traces along it for a few inches before reversing and going back the way it came, only to repeat the same again.
Macaque's shadow curls close to Yuzuki's, smiling at their joined hands. It's other hand it moves to the shoulder of its counterpart, hoping that it'll take the invitation to move closer. It's shy in a way its master isn't, having never been beckoned in quite this way.
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[ Yuzuki melds closer still, humming low in his throat. His fingers trail down Macaque's cheeks, tracing his jaw and down his throat with carefully gentle claws, then up along the back to wind into his hair. He's content to let Macaque lead, to learn him and from him, but he's far from passive. He's curious, indulgent and experimental in equal measure, and determined to give as good as he gets. ]
[ … And if he's (more than) a little weak-kneed, he's doing a fantastic job hiding it, thank you very much. ]
[ His shadow doesn't really know what it's doing, just that it wants to try. And, well. If there's one thing it's good at other than the art of violence and murder, it's dance. It draws Macaque's shadow in close and sways in to meet it, free hand coming to rest on its waist. Smiling, starlight eyes lidded, it dips its head to touch their foreheads together, and leads them into the first steps of a dance. ]
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His tail hooks with Yuzuki's and coils around it in a way that's more affectionate than a single kiss can account for, and he uses the hand at the small of Yuzuki's back to press them closer still. While Macaque is thoroughly and happily distracted (he notices anyway but doesn't mind), his shadow pulls his phone from his pocket and selects an upbeat waltz for it and its counterpart to dance to. A proper dance has music. It decides to let Yuzuki's shadow continue to lead.
Just as Macaque is inching this kiss from heated to searing, he eases it to a pause enough to pull back half an inch and say, "Hmm. A shame that if I'm going to undress someone, I'd prefer to be peeling off decent clothes." He smiles like he got away with something, an impish grin if ever there was one.
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[ Light stirs as the shadows dance, subtly brighter here, warmer there. It seems to dance in harmony with them, and only ever serves to strengthen and accentuate, helping to turn this bland apartment living room into a setting more fit for two shadows to get acquainted. ]
[ By the time Macaque eases the kiss to a hopefully temporary pause, Yuzuki is buzzing in the best way, slightly breathless, and not unconvinced that he has ooey gooey molten pudding where his brain is supposed to be. The hand not combing through Macaque's hair is at his waist, fingers kneading, and — ]
[ … tightening sharply, fortunately not literally given his claws (though it's a very near thing) at what Macaque says, and the delightfully, devilishly handsome grin he wears while saying it. Yuzuki's lips twitch and he finds himself grinning back, bright as a candle-flame blooming in the cold, dark depths of a winter night, and his breath of laughter, while quiet, is warm and open. ]
A pretty present to unwrap, hm? Nice and slow, anticipation building ... [ Yuzuki strokes his thumb lightly over Macaque's waist where he'd gripped so tightly. ] It'll be worth the wait.
[ He pauses just long enough to glance at their shadows, smiling. ]
While they conclude my shadow's first dance, I'd like to give you my second kiss.
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Macaque notes the little tells that say he's had quite the effect on Yuzuki; his slightly dilated eyes, the hitch to his breathing, the tight kneading of his hand and how Macaque's clothes being punctured by claws is a near thing. Macaque responds by sliding the hand that was sitting low on Yuzuki's back down, drifting to the base of his tail, which Macaque brushes against with a quirk of his smile.
"Anticipation games are my favorite games," he admits. And besides, if he's going to take this one apart, he's going to savor it. Turn sex into an art form. Yuzuki deserves that especially since, based on his admission that his first kiss was just now, he probably is a virgin. And yet he picked up kissing well enough to make Macaque desperately want more of it. "I'll show you one hell of a time."
"...When the time is right, that is." He hopes and believes that time will be fairly soon. After Yuzuki has pretty wrapping to go with his pretty everything. But first he's going to take Yuzuki to try on clothes and make it an extended lesson on anticipation.
Macaque grins widely enough to flash his fangs. "By all means." Yuzuki's kisses will only grow more enjoyable as he practices, and Macaque is all too eager to watch his progress.
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[ Oh. Oh, hello. Yuzuki's ears perk. ]
Anticipation games, hm … [ Yuzuki speaks as if he's tasting the words, savouring them like a sip of a familiar-unfamiliar wine. ] Well, now. [ He hums low, thoughtful, considering Macaque for a moment. What was that he'd said earlier? An exception for the exceptional? ] I'm familiar with the concept, albeit in a very different context.
[ Maybe Macaque can guess what he's oh so vaguely alluding to, maybe he can't. Yuzuki thinks that maybe he wouldn't mind offering a straight answer, if Macaque asks. Maybe. Either way, he quirks his lips in a grin and adds, ]
Sounds like fun. I'd love to explore it with you. [ There's a subtle emphasis. With you. ] When the time is right, of course. [ Sooner rather than later, he hopes, but he isn't inclined to rush this. And it's with that in mind that he kisses Macaque again: patient yet eager, eager yet patient, and slowly, meltingly thorough. He's determined to give as good as he gets, to learn Macaque and everything that makes him tick. ]
[ His shadow almost seems to blush, a subtle brushstroke of moonlight reflected over water along the tips of its (gently wiggling) ears. It nuzzles back, a little shy but willing, wanting to try, and brushes the softest of butterfly kisses to the corner of its counterpart's lips.
It hums as well. Steps in closer, slow and easy and without losing the rhythm of their dance, and kisses a gentle trail until its lips are close to but not touching the others' ears. And then, so, so softly, smooth as silk and infinitely more gentle, it sings: ]
Let the bough break
let it come down crashing
let the sun fade out to a dark sky
I can't say I'd even notice it was absent
'Cause I could live by the light in your eyes...
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"There are all sorts of fun contexts for anticipation," Macaque says with a knowing smirk. "I've often enjoyed games where the other party doesn't realize that they're playing." Is that what Yuzuki meant? Possibly. But it's true, in any case. And he doesn't mind admitting it, even so casually.
It's part of his history, and at the moment, he finds no shame in it.
Noting the subtle undertone to with you in Yuzuki's statement, Macaque smiles in a fun mix of sweetness and promise. And that's all he has time to convey before Yuzuki kisses him again, more sure of himself than before, and oh so delightfully slow. Macaque returns it, not pushing the pace but clearly notching up the heat in casual little ways that would seem unintentional but for how they line up all pretty. Letting the interest between them percolate until it flares into need.
Macaque's shadow leans ever forward with every note of the singing, soon finding itself humming along in counterpoint. Creating their own little harmony. It doesn't return that little kiss immediately, waiting until there's a natural break in the lyrics before gently brushing their lips together, never missing a step of the dance.
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You really are fascinating, [ Yuzuki murmurs between kisses. Somehow it feels all the more indulgent — all the more intimate, warmth weaving alongside simmering heat. ] I wonder if we're talking about the same thing. And … [ He dips into another kiss, deeper, lingering just long enough to tease ] I find myself wanting to know more, to listen more … to share more.
In ways I usually wouldn't. [ He chuckles softly, and runs his fingers down through Macaque's hair to cup his cheek. The hand on his waist drifts lower, curling warm against Macaque's hip. ] In ways I never have before.
[ As the two shadows dance, weaving a song of their own alongside the music playing from Macaque's phone, magic stirs. It's subtle, little more than ripples along the surface of calm water, and it carries with it that same shimmering, tip-of-the-tongue musicality as before. It's almost, almost tangible, and that possibility, the potential alone, tingles.
Yuzuki's shadow smiles into the kiss, eyes crinkling and tail swishing. For a while it lingers, trading sweet kisses here and there between lyrics, but slowly those kisses drift, brushing its cheek, charting a path along its jaw, until its lips are barely a breath away from its counterpart's ear.
Softer still, it sings, ]
There was a time when I would have believed them
If they told me, you could not come true
Just love's illusion
But then you found me and everything changed
And I believe in something again
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"I do my level best," he quips as their lips barely brush together. And then he gives a fuller kiss before saying, "I'll be an attentive audience to anything that you care to share. Especially with such responses." And then another kiss, deeper by scant degrees in a way that mimics the conversation and makes Macaque's mind buzz nicely with the symmetry.
It takes a few long moments for it to register that this is more than a passing compliment. It's the compliment. A level of comfort that is a challenge for some to reach in their lifetime, let alone a bare handful of moments. It's like--
Like how flowing water carves a rock to its purpose. The rock is only suited to one particular stretch of river, one particular current.
"I'd be interested to see if we're alike in this way." Wouldn't surprise him in the least, especially with the announcement that Yuzuki hasn't shared openly with people before, not in this way. "And in others."
Macaque glances at the dancing shadows out of the corner of his eye when their movements make the light shimmy. "They certainly seem to be getting the most out of each other." He can't help but smile into the next kiss, glad that his shadow is happy with its partner.
Macaque's shadow shivers at the tickle of magic, at the kiss, and harder when Yuzuki's shadow nears its ears -- but not drawing away or discouraging in the slightest. It's curious, and it wants in a way that it hasn't ever before. The lyrics only enhance the feeling, making its harmony pause for a moment as it waits to see what its dance partner will do next.
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… He's probably going to lose his mind and allow it, isn't he? Allow Macaque, who he has known for a lifetime contained within less than half an hour. Allow Macaque, who isn't just anyone. ]
How do you feel about theatre, musical or otherwise? I have a feeling I'd enjoy watching with you as much as offering you a show myself.
[ His tail swishes in time with the music, the one and only physical tell that Yuzuki is achingly tempted to draw Macaque into a dance alongside their shadows. Later, perhaps. Later, he hopes. There's not enough space here, and he'd hate to interrupt the shadows. Yuzuki's eyes soften as he follows Macaque's glance. ]
[ Yuzuki's shadow catches wisps of that rising magic, spins them into threads, and begins to weave those threads into a glorious tapestry — part shadow, part glamourie, transforming the drab living room into something more suiting. The imagery ripples out in the wake of their dance, spreading like shimmering ink through water.
What really takes Yuzuki's breath away, however, is the way his shadow goes out of its way not to just leave space for Macaque's to join in. That would have been surprising enough. But, no — Yuzuki's shadow uses the lingering magical connection to wordlessly offer collaboration. Partners, equals, working in concert to create something beautiful. ]
They really do ... [ Soft. Dangerously soft. But if anyone could understand how rare and precious this is … maybe, surely, Macaque could. Yuzuki pulls away just enough to meet Macaque's eyes, smiling faint but honest as he murmurs, ]
I'm an assassin. Trust and connection, they don't come easily. Gentleness. This … [ His lips quirk. ] it's all new.
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"It's one of my favorite things. Watching, singing, dancing, performing. I have season tickets to one of the venues here." He stops just shy of inviting Yuzuki for a flash of a moment, and then decides: fuck it. "I'd love to have your company during one of the shows. And to watch your own."
"Actually, I have a theater here. I haven't gotten myself together enough to finish writing anything yet, but it's lovely." He raises his eyebrows in silent invitation: want to see it?
As Macaque discovered with Lucifer, the theater is a perfect place to dance. Pitch-perfect acoustics and a vast area of space on the stage, even lighting to suit the mood. Not that Macaque knows what this mood is, especially. He only knows that he's a big fan.
Before he can ask all proper-like, Macaque too is drawn to the shadows and their dance, watching Yuzuki's shadow transform the room. His own shadow takes the ball and runs with it, spinning a piece of magic with a swirl of its finger and launching it to the center of the ceiling, where it bursts like a firework and takes the form of an elegant chandelier. It used light magic in that cocktail, Macaque notes, as flickers of light bounce from the chandelier and around the room like dangling prisms making rainbows. The rest of Yuzuki's shadow's efforts it leaves, though now and then adding a small accent, making it theirs.
Macaque's attention is pulled back to Yuzuki, not that it had very far to go, at the declaration that he was an--
Macaque laughs softly, and cups Yuzuki's cheek. "We have much in common, I see. Though I haven't been on the job in centuries, I was one too. For a long time. And then switched to regular old knocking the shit out of things." He smiles ruefully. His and Wukong's rampages were misguided in a very different way than killing people for money. At least that was upfront.
This is where he should mention Wukong to Yuzuki. But not yet. He doesn't want to break this marvelous spell that they're under.
"You take to it like a bird to the air," Macaque says instead, and kisses Yuzuki again.