Cinnamon Cheese

There is very, very sparse content about the dragon boi in this fandom, so my take on his characterization will probably change as I try to hit the bullseye. now idk if it's teen solidarity or my fondness for the forgotten ones, but I have now developed a soft spot for him. move over Tripitaka/j

I've always had the impression that he just, didn't fit in with what royalty demanded of him long before the Pearl Incident. perhaps it's because the parenting style that did not leave any room for understanding, or a rebellious yet passive nature, or simply because he was not cut out for it. I would imagine under that seemingly uncaring exterior he harbors some deep-rooted securities about the idea of failure but I would imagine it would cause him to draw away from the rest of the Pilgrims not just because of failure but because well. he's really the only one whose had the closest thing to a "traditional family" (during the culture back then I assume) and he's found he's not that kind of guy.

so when it starts to shape up that way, he quietly backs away. yet, there's always been someone anchoring him.

Being around Tripitaka has always felt... predictable. Something he appreciates about him is his sincere honesty although his gullibility is painful to watch. The other pilgrims are okay, he supposes. They're weird (so is Tripitaka, being a human and all) and rowdy (except Sandy, he's a quiet guy. Ao Lie tolerates him the most), and he has made it a priority to not associate with the like. (And okay, maybe they're a tad bit intimidating, but that's not important)

As the journey progresses, there are many tribulations they face and Tripitaka is subjected to much suffering. His hands that used to be soft are now coarse, yet whenever he speaks to him it is always a soft voice (with exceptions depending on the circumstances) and he always gives the dragon horse gentle pats on the nose. No hits, no cold words, just tired but reassuring smiles. Ao Lie doesn't expect this at all, and part of him is afraid it's a ploy, a trick of the mind for him to lower his guard and- and get hurt. But when he sees Tripitaka's eyes soften and his smile, he can't help but feel guilty for doubting him in the first place.

Ao Lie feels more comfortable slipping out of his horse form to favor a humanoid one once everyone's gotten acquainted with the fact. After camp is set up and dinner is given, he'll walk up to where Tripitaka is and ask to sit down next to him. The monk gives him a warm smile (so unlike the clipped ones his father would show before turning his attention elsewhere). It takes even longer before he starts leaning against the holy monk's shoulder.

The drawing above is the first time he's done that.

That's the moment when it clicks for him.

He's safe.