Going Away Gift

Date night marathon

mk x reader

contains:fluff,smut,overstimulation,unsafe sex,cream pie,p in v,oral male and female receiving,vibrators,breeding kink,spanking,nipple play,fingering,cum swallowing,clit stimulation,etc.

masterlist

The hot water hit your body, making it relax at the water pressure.You don’t know how long you were in there, but it must have been while seeing as the mirror was fogged up; it was practically a sauna in there.

You wash your body with the body wash that you left at your boyfriend's house, since you kept spending the night there anyway.You had sighed out before you slowly turned the shower off, Mk would complain when he got home that ‘you used all the hot water’ if you stayed any longer.

You stand there relishing in the steamed up room, before grabbing a towel that was set near the shower; then wrapping it around your body.You step out wandering in front of the mirror.Wiping the mirror in one swoop to see your face.You stand there for a bit checking yourself out, before you decide to leave that bathroom letting the steam seep out.

You sit on the bed hold the towel close to your chest as you reach beside you for some lotion.Pumping the scent lotion, before rubbing it on your legs and arms.As you were reaching over to pump more; the door slammed opened a figure falling on the floor in the process with a loud groan.

Without glancing over you giggled out a “Rough day?” with a mocking hmm at the end.The figure just groaned some more rolling his body away from the door to let it slam close.The groaning just continued and it slowly turned to whining.

You headed over to the noise.You rolled your eyes at the sight.Mk was sprawled out on the floor;he looked a hot mess.Leaning over his body casting a shadow over him. “Are you going to do that all night, because I'm pretty sure you wanted to force me watch that new monkey king series that I ‘begrudgingly agreed too’.”You said in a mocking tone.

Mk’s face slowly moved to the side to glare up at you with his eyes. “Don’t patronize me!”he whined out; while also blushing.You stare at him for a moment; rolling your eyes once more.Standing straight up with your hands on hips.You shake your head as you wander back to the bed to continue what you were doing.

As you open up the dresser next to the bed to collect your clothing, Mk's arms wrap around your torso in a tight grip, and his head laying on your shoulders nuzzling into your neck.You close your eyes before taking a big breath. “Mk you need to take a shower first.You can’t fall asleep on me; you're dirty.”

Mk grumbled before heading to the bathroom, all while you side-eye his behavior.After a moment the water starts running, shaking your head at his childish behavior.You put on a shirt that you took from Mk, then put your lace underwear on.

Once satisfied with yourself you turn the tv on, so it’s waiting for Mk once he was done.You grab a bag of his desk that that was filled with snacks like popcorn,candy,and—a Monkey King peach flavored soda.You raised a brow at the things Mk waste his money on sometimes.Setting the snacks on his bedside table, you crawled under the blanket on his bed; opting to sit close to the wall.Grabbing the remote you start the series Mk wanted, then focusing your attention onto your phone to scroll on social media.

Mk walks out of the bathroom hair down and in his pajamas.“Hey you started without me!”Mk says in a very exaggerated dramatic tone.As he gets into bed next to you, while grabbing the remote beside you to rewinding the tv.

“I really didn’t start.I was hardly paying attention”You muttered as you stared at your phone; not bothering to look up.Mk looked at the side of your head with a blank stare.After some time you heavily sighed.

“Ughh fine!”

Setting you phone to the side you face the tv.Mk kisses your cheek, while makes a noise of approval.He proceeds to setting his head on the side of your shoulder facing the tv, enthralled with the movie.A subtle smile graces your face, before you shake your head in amusement.You force yourself to look away from Mk once he excitedly points, and rambles out something cool that has happened.This is going to be a long night you thought to yourself.

After awhile you had spaced out during the movie.You quickly snapped out of it, when you felt Mk’s hand wrapping around your waist, and his legs wrapped around one of your legs.All while he pushed his face deeper in your chest but he turned his head to face the tv.You make a questioning face, before moving your hand towards his messy hair to rub it; then you face the tv once more.

Your were starting to get bored.It nothing against the movie it’s just—it wasn’t original it's the same plot as all the other Monkey King series.Impulsively grabbing onto your phone to scroll through social media again.Just as you were turning on the phone, you feel Mk’s sharp teeth dug into the side of your boob.

“Ow!What the hell Mk!”

You drop your phone in shock; you pull at Mk’s hair in retaliation, with the hand that was in his hair already.You tried to pull him away,but he was latching to you very well.

“You asked for it!You’re being a brat, by not listening to me!”He said as he let go before he bit another area again.One of his hands moved to your other breast to hold you into place. “Stop moving!”He muffled out.

“Lemme go Mk!”

You tried to move away from Mk’s assault, but he got a sudden yellow glint in his eye.Without realizing it his fingers reached out, and started to pinch you your nipple. “Ahh-mmh”you whimper out as you let him go; you fell back onto the bed.He stopped biting you, but he crawled on top of you keeping you trapped under him.

“You jerk!You cheated,you know I'm sensitive!”You said with a very flushed expression, while breathing heavily. He didn't seem to be listening to your complaints though.His eyes seemed to become very glossed over.Mk leaned closer to your face. “M-Mk what are y-you doing!?W-wait what about the ser—”

He had suddenly locked you lips together slowly; it progressed from kisses to him shoveling his tongue down your throat.You felt your body heat pick up, as you frantically moved your arms and legs around him as y’all pick up speed; tongues fighting for domanice.Mk separated from you leaving a trail of spit between y’all, before pulling you shirt down.Your tits fell out; letting Mk grabbed onto them putting one in his mouth, while tweaking the other.You gasped out throwing your head back in the process.

Mk took your moaning as a good sign; he started to strip the rest of your shirt off leaving you in your underwear. “Mk-”you breathlessly panted out “Lemme help you out of your clothes,it’s not fair i’m the only one bare.”

“Y-yeah hold on.”He stuttered out.He hastily tried to take off his shirt, but got semi stuck in the process.You giggled before putting a hand on his struggling arm to make him stop.You gently pushed him back onto the bed before you got off of the bed“Umm what are yo-”

“Shush Mk lemme help you.”

You help pull his shirt off leaving him in his boxers.Leaning closer to his face you capture his lips with yours once more.One of you hands stay on his shoulder while the others travels up and down his abs,then to his stomach,and finally his bulge that twitched under your palm, once you pressed on it.

The air thickened as he whimpered.You slowly started to kiss down his body to get closer to his throbbing pelvis “Wait!”

“Huh?What…did I do something wrong?We can st-”

“No t-that’s not it!H-Here so you d-don’t have to be uncomfortable!”He frantically put a pillow down in between his legs.He then helped guide you down in between his legs.

You were face to face with his pelvis; eyes glossing over.You started to slowly rub him through boxers, and feel him throbbing.The action made you feel a pit in you stomach heat up.Lips parting as you grab his boxer, then pulling them down; exposing his length to the cool room.Mk took a sharp breath,while his eyes clenched closed.

His dick twitched at the cold air.You grabbed at the base;squeezing it.You watched as the pre-cum spilled out of the tip. “B-babe p-please—don’t tease”Mk whimpered out.

Using both hands you started to pump him.He groaned out,as you then put your mouth on the tip swirling it around with your tongue.Fondling his balls, as you pressed your tongue directly on the slit; sucking off the pre-cum that dribbled out.

“Uhhng~ More”He panted out as he grabbed a fistful of your hair; as he shoved his dick in your mouth inch by inch, till you were at the base.Mk made a loud gruntled noise, as you tried to regulate your breathing; his tip is at the back of your throat.He held you down as your saliva and. his pre-cum dribbled out the sides of your mouth.

You glanced you eyes up at Mk.He had his head thrown back and his eyes close.You could also see a bit of saliva dripping out of his opened mouth, down his chin onto his chest.You could feel your womanhood pulse at the sight; it made you subconsciously start rocking against the pillow.The stimulation makes you whimper against him, in turn making Mk moan out from the vibration.

He starts jerking up into your throat,while slamming your head down simultaneously on his dick.Your eyes started to water as you sucked, while being used in the best way possible.You hand moved down to your panties pushing it to the side; you start to rub your folds slowly collecting your juices that came out.

You pushed a finger in slowly moving it in a pumping motion.It made you moan against Mk’s twitching length that was still pounding into your mouth.You used you other hand to start fiddling with you clit in a circular motion.You eventually added more fingers once you felt the that you were ready; stimulating yourself to feel that coil tighten in your stomach.

As Mk continues buck into your mouth, as if it’s his personal flesh light you can feel his dick continuously throb. “P-please almost there ahhugh~” he gasped out as he made eye contact with you.You slowly took your hand that was pumping into you(while have the other hand focusing on on your abused clit), and put it into Mk’s mouth.He suck and swirled his tongue the taste made his hard twitch frantically.The feeling of his tongue on your fingers made the pit in your stomach to snap, causing you to moan out around his cock.

Mk proceed to shove your mouth to the base once more, as his tip hit the back of your throat.You hands frantically gripped onto to his thighs, as both of you groaned out when Mk pumped out massive loads down you throat, one after the other.You struggled to swallow each load, but it was so good you couldn’t waist it.Mk’s hold slowly lightened up as you swallowed the last load with a gulp; you sucked him from the base to the tip really focusing on the his slit, before pulling off with a big gulp.

You look up at Mk while you breathed out hard.You slowly stood up, only for Mk to suddenly grab your body pushing you down onto the bed. “W-what the hell?Don’t tell me your hard that fast?” you croaked out.

“Nah just returning the favor.Don’t worry though i’ll be in you soon enough.”he breathed out as he smiled at you with a sadistic smile.Mk was rubbing your twitching thighs, before he spread them apart.He tore off you underwear in one go letting the cool air hit your moist, and sensitive vagaina.

In that moment you just remembered he has an insatiable appetite for you.It probably doesn’t make it better that he was probably pent up when he came home from a long day with training and work.Then you also weren’t listening to him to watch the stupid series.You see it in his eyes, as he moves his fingers to rub you folds.He plans to eat you till you have nothing left to give.The thought makes you clench over nothing.

You eyes must have been wide,!because once he looked up he just gruffly laughed out “Don’t be scared…you wanted this after all.”Just as he said that he pushed one finger in “Wow you so wet and warm,got me excited to pound into your pretty flower with my dick!F-fuck your so wet ahh~”He moaned out.You head thrown back from the welcomed stretch;his fingers were always bigger than your fingers.He’s ruins you for anyone else, and he knows that.

“Ahhhgg!!”He was so deep you thought mindlessly to yourself.

He kept pushing his finger in your gummy walls, once he felt like you were ready to take another he slammed in the second one. “Ahh- mmh- M-Mk please more~ I want mor-ahh”you screamed out, as he put his thumb on your throbbing aching clit.The stimulation was making tears form in your eye crevices.

You hadn’t noticed, but Mk had lowered his head closer towards your pussy.You only noticed when you felt his thumb get removed and replaced by his mouth.A loud moan ripped from your mouth, as you gripped at the bedding.You legs impulsively clamp around his head trying to pushing him closer.His hands had removed your thighs from his head, with his bruising grip“Hey don’t do that; lemme have this I didn’t get to try out the snacks I got for the series marathon cause of you”He had mutter while still being on your lower region, causing vibrations that make shocks of pleasure go up your spine.

Next thing you know he’s barreling his thick tongue into your walls.You back arch at the intrusion only for Mk to grab you hip, and slam them back on the bed.His tongue moves in and out through your sweet velvety walls; messily but also with a persistents.He had soon started sucking on the clit hard, while he surprised you by slamming three fingers into you.Grabbing onto his hair, as you constantly purred out praise while rocking onto his face.

You walls started to clenched against his fingers and tongue as he speed up.You soon felt that coil come back tighting; by the abuse afflicted by Mk on your womanhood.Eventually that coil tighten so much it snapped making you reach your peak.Your eyes rolling into your head, back arching, while small tears drop down the side of you face; your mouth wide open with a silent cry.Mk slowly eats you out through your orgasam, as you come to an end.

Mk removes himself from your legs, with a kiss on your abused clit.You attempt to close your legs from sensitivity, only for mk to slot himself between you,preventing you from closing them.You hear the dresser that’s by the bed get opened. “What are you—y-you gotta be kidding me!?M-Mk I don’t think I'll last with that!I can’t cum no more Mk!” you had squeaked out, while tearing up from seeing that Mk had pulled out a pink bullet vibrator.

“Don’t say that.I’ve made you cum more than this.You can take it.”

Mk then opened your legs wider, and started to rub himself on your sensitive vagaina;with the occasional tip spanking clit.You feel shock waves move up your body.You unintentionally move away from his bucking, only to get pulled back towards him.“Please you have been such a good girl I just wanna make you cum,why are you denying me this”He whined

Seeing his glossy eyes you knew you couldn’t deny him.You cover your eyes with one of you arms, before whimpering out “Go a-ahead Mk.”Mk’s eye lit up.He collected your juices to lube up his penis some more, while tapping on your slit, before pushing in slowly.You moan out because of the stretching. “T-to big ahhhgg~”Mk stops for a moment, when you peek an eye open only to see him halfway in.

“It’s sooo so soft a-and warm and ugh~ w-wet too~!S-such a good girl you can take the rest!Right?W-who am I kidding you were ughh made for me!”

You noticed that yellow glint in his dark eyes again.Next thing you know he slammed all the way in, causing you to yell out in euphoria.Your body is constantly shivering from the feeling him at your cervix.Your insides keep clenching his dick in a vice grip, because he kept rolling his hips against your; to let you get used to his length.You we’re so blissed out that you didn’t notice the vibrater is set right above your clit.Until it got turned on starting on the lowest setting.Your tongue lolled out of your mouth, as you panted out, like a dog in heat.

Your mind slowly starts to catch up to you, once it felt the vibrations slowly increase.You wrap your arms around Mk’s neck while you legs wrap around his waist.He slowly thrusted into you slowly at first you, but after awhile he picked up speed.He changed the settings to the bullet vibrator to the highest setting; stimulating both of you.He was abusing your insides, with how hard he was hitting your insides.You can even see him bulge at your stomach.The with the vibrator at max setting it, caused your juices to start to squirt it but by bit.

You screamed from the stimulation with Mk panting hard by your ear.Mk eventually put one of you nipples into his mouth.He sucked with such bruising force.He sucked it as if you would provide milk.With his free hand he moved it to fondle your other breast.You would think he was an animal(technically is) by how much he’s growling, as you pulled at his hair.His thrusting didn’t deter, but instead it increases.Your cry’s filling the room.

Mk pops off of your nipple, before slowing down with his thrust, causing you to whine out from the oncoming orgasam to dissaper. “Mk noo why you stop keep going please I was so close!” you sobbed out pathetically.

Mk felt that he wasn’t going deeper inside you enough.He quickly removes himself from your warm hole; with your disapproval groans coming out.He flips you over onto your stomach, with your ass up.He it spanks (with a bruising hit)on impulse to silence your whining.You squeak out a moan from the impact.

He grabs your hands placing one on you stomach, and the other holding the vibrating, pink bullet towards your sensitive clit; you groaned at the stimulation.Once he had you in the position he wanted you in; he slammed into you without any warning.Screaming at the sudden intrusion, as he groaned out babbling about the new position.He wasn’t wrong you could feel the bulge it’s much deeper.The new position was also hitting you cervix, almost pushing into it even.

Mk grabbed your tits harshly as he fondly with them;pulling and pinching your nipples. “I know you can feel me.Push down on the bulge in you stomach I know you wanna.”He breathlessly whispered into your ear.

The motion of him going in,and out you could feel the bulge he created every time he pounded into you with his dick.You slowly pushing onto the bulge making your insides tighten up and you scream out in pleaser(though a bit raspy from his dick and your constant yelling out).Mk starts to mark you up as you struggle to formulate words anymore.Mind going official brain numb

Your tongue had rolled out of your mouth, drool falling down your face onto the bed.You had full blown started crying from the sexual pleasure.You kept babbling to Mk about ‘I-I want more,gimmi mor-ahhh!!’ or ‘H-harder please please please harder Mk ahhmmhfuuuck!!’.His dick was hitting all the right places, as he pounded away at you;like you two were both rabid animals.You could even feel your clit twitching from the bullet.The stimulation had it pushing out liquids from your body here and there.

You can feel a different kind of sensation you never felt form in the pit of your stomach.“G-Gonna gonna cum baby, Please please lemme cum, i’m a good girl please, wanna cum, gotta cum mmhhhgggg!” you chant as the coil starts to tighten inside your pussy.The tighten was making it harder for Mk to move a little bit, because of how tight it’s gotten.Mk’s dick was twitching like crazy you could feel your essence,and his pre-cum dripping out of your nether regions into you hand that was still holding the vibrator.

“W-ughh-Where you want me to cum!?”

“Inside!Inside!So good ahhhh!!!”

You grip onto the bed with one hand the other still holding the vibrator to you clit.Mk’s thrusts started to get more rough one of his hands grabs you hand that has the vibrater, and proceeds to push it directly on your clit hard.You scream and through your head back against Mk’s shoulders vision blanking, as a blood curdling screw rips from you throat.You can feel a stream of clear liquid exist your body squirting everywhere, while you body convulsed at the sensation.

Not soon after Mk slammed hard into your, gripping onto your waist.He speed up chasing his high, while also overstimulating your used vagaina.After on more slamming his dick started to spurt out thick loads into your womb.His hands kept you in place so you had no choice but take the big loads.You stomach started to bulge because of the semen that’s being forced down your cervix.He steadily pumped into your body twitching here and there from sensitivity.You soon fall limp in his hold dropping the bullet.You two eventually collapse onto the bed completely spent.

Mk is laying on top of you, with his length still inside you.He puts his hand under you stomach, and presses down forcing the cum to travel back to your plugged hole; making it seep out.He eventually pulls out slowly while spurts of y’all cum squirts out.Once he’s fully out big globs drain out of you.He looks at your spent pussy, and he sees the globs of y’all cum dribbling out.He pushes back in his cum with his fingers, while you whine out in protest.

“T-to sensitive,uuugghh~”

Mk slowly moves his face to your dribbling pussy, and start to slurp up y’all’s spend.You had grabbed a pillow pushing you face into it, and screaming from the continues assault on your lower region.After he finished cleaning you up he tilted your neck back, and smashing is cum covered mouth against yours.You both moan at the taste.It was a mixture of sweet and salty, as your tongues sucked on one another.

Once you two break up the kiss you two are breathing heavily.Mk turns of the bullet off that he noticed was still on.Looking around you realize the tv had powered off, because of y’all’s inactivity.You sigh out, as Mk had gotten up from the bed, and lifted you up to sit at his desk.You started to nodded off, while he cleaned the bedding a bit.You soon felt a warm rag wiping the excess body fluid that, he didn’t lick up from between your thighs.

Once finished he place you back into the bed, and put his t-shirt over you.You two layed down then you felt him kiss your lips.He held you in a tight grip before he tiredly yawned out “We can watch the Monkey king series some other time.For now I just want to hold you a little longer.I love you baby.Night.”Then he passed out on you.You could hear his soft snoring in the process.

Shaking your head in amusement.Your boyfriend would be the type of person to completely tail you in bed, but then talk about a Monkey King series after.Your eyes soften at his disheveled hair and his soft features.You kiss him on the lips before mumbling “Goodnight,I love you…darling boy”You soon tuck into his arms following him into a peaceful sleep.

This is my first time doing smut so constructive criticism is allowed.-nana

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show, don't tell:

anticipation - bouncing legs - darting eyes - breathing deeply - useless / mindless tasks - eyes on the clock - checking and re-checking

frustration - grumbling - heavy footsteps - hot flush - narrowed eyes - pointing fingers - pacing / stomping

sadness - eyes filling up with tears - blinking quickly - hiccuped breaths - face turned away - red / burning cheeks - short sentences with gulps

happiness - smiling / cheeks hurting - animated - chest hurts from laughing - rapid movements - eye contact - quick speaking

boredom - complaining - sighing - grumbling - pacing - leg bouncing - picking at nails

fear - quick heartbeat - shaking / clammy hands - pinching self - tuck away - closing eyes - clenched hands

disappointment - no eye contact - hard swallow - clenched hands - tears, occasionally - mhm-hmm

tiredness - spacing out - eyes closing - nodding head absently - long sighs - no eye contact - grim smile

confidence - prolonged eye contact - appreciates instead of apologizing - active listening - shoulders back - micro reactions

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ooohhh this cursed family

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Missing Flowers ( @semisolidmind Fanfic)

I wrote this because I was inspired by another bit of work. This one is sweet ans short and Mac centric. Inspired by this ask! Twice as Bad Au make brain go brrrr

Tw for some violence mentions and some allusions to intimate behaviour (it is not detailed at all - in fact you may miss it entirely - but it is alluded to thats why I mention this)

As the sweet scents of spring created on the wind, carrying blossoms and the soft buzzing bodies of bumblebees, Peaches felt a deep pang of loss. Outside in the spring air, walking along the edge of the mountains with the small attendants she was given, she looked out beyond the sparkling sea. Beyond the mountains and the sky and all that lay between. She imagined she was looking homeward. To her village.

She missed her village, missed her people who she knew as family and as friends. She missed the smell of the earth, the taste of the rain on her tongue and how the sun angled itself through her shuttered windows to cast the dust motes in startling detail as they passed through the beams. It had been over a decade now since her marriage of ‘demonic fashion’ to the rulers of Flower Fruit Mountain. The ache never would go away- it would linger like a hole in her smile, a tooth lost and never replaced.

However it wasn’t her village today that was making her homesick.

Peaches had a little patch of earth, maybe an acre large that she had dedicated to the propagation of flowers and fruits, vegetables and all manner of growing things. It had taken years of careful selection, of collecting seeds from far and wide, of dedicated research and late nights in the snow and the ice and the building of her greenhouse to gather the collection she had had.

Peaches had turned the soil, mixing it with her grass clippings, ash from the fire place, and the compost to enrich it. It had been years of careful and quiet work to build her collection of plants. The glass bits for her greenhouse had costed her years and years of hard work. She had been unable to have it as large as she wanted but it was enough. Within the wooden little wall sat her favorite flowers, the precious few she had bargained and hunted for, the seeds and clippings, were all here safe within the wooden walls.

All her work over the past few years gone in a flash of fire and a slash of violence. What had happened to her little home? Was the house standing? Rotting in its neglect of the years. Did someone take over her home if it was still standing?

The stairs would need replacing. The second one had been creaking before her kidnapping. The wood had been softening and she had her eyes on a tree just beyond her garden. She had planned to cut it free and carve a new replacement. What of her animals? She had had a small herd of goats, little bleating creatures of brown and white.

The goats had been her source of fresh milk, meat and weed control. Each had been given a name. Each had been loved.

Had they been able to get away?

Had they been burned in the fire?

Peaches knew that the flowers and fruits she had were gone. Those couldn’t have escaped the fire - or the human retribution that would follow from any survivors.

Would Wukong have left survivors ? The Sage had come home many a times from such violence. He had woken her with cold hands grasping and seeking her out. He buried them in her hair or twined them in her fingers. Wukong would pull her to him and away from her own makeshift nest within their bed. In those early days he had not learned that the smell of fire and blood would upset her.

Those nights his blood had been on fire from conquest and he wanted only to enjoy the comfort of one of his dearest prizes. Her. Wukong would touch and whisper love into her ears as he fell asleep, a peace only she could bring in the aftermath of those bloodbaths. Sometimes she would wake in the morning to find blood smeared along her cheeks and in her hair.

It had been one of the times Macaque had found her hyperventilating after such a morning covered in blood that wasn’t hers, confused to where it could be from, and the memories of the night when the drunk had invaded her home.

And her world had changed. She had been pulled to his arms, her own chest pressing to his. Instructed to follow his breathing, to listen to the air whoosh from his body. To hold. Then to fill again like the bellows of a blacksmiths forge. And then to deflate.

When her breathing did not sound like the frantic flapping of a broken birds wing, thats when Macaque had asked her what happened. What had triggered her memories. Peaches asked how he knew- and her second husband rubbed a thumb beneath her eyes and caught a tear.

“You were screaming. Telling me to stop burning the village.” The words sounded sad. Not remorseful. Never remorseful for the actions that led here here. That brought her to residency in the mountain. The sadness was instead about the scars left behind, the invisible wounds that their actions had created.

After that, Wukong never came to bed smelling of blood or fresh from a conquest.

Wukong would never leave survivors of the village. Not after what he thought was a slight to her, to his perception of what was his. An extension of his own self importance. No. That seemed wrong even as Peaches thought it. Maybe she was an extension of his grandeur. But she wasn’t just a prize to be turned and looked at. Somehow, in some way, he had fallen in love with her.

Love for Wukong- for Macaque- was not like human love. Just as two peach trees could produce different fruits. Peaches knew that love between people was more of a communication, a build up to a relationship. At least in the best situations. Demons however … it was more draconic in a sense. To claim and catch, to conquer before another could take the prize between its claws and keep for themselves. Like dogs fighting over scraps, love was something to catch and hoard and keep.

Maybe it wasn’t so different from humans. Stories and mythologies had been woven of love like this. Men had gone to war and killed thousands of others in the name of one paramour, one love.

Wukong had done that. He had taken a conceived obstacle and removed it. He had snatched her as a wolf would steal a lamb in the cold of winter, taking her back to the mountain. Devouring her freedom to secure his happiness. When his brother came to see, to wonder at why their paramour was here. It hadn’t taken much convincing. It was as natural as breathing to take in their world.

Peaches attendants, those young ladies, waited patiently. Peaches stared out across the world and wished she had the eyes of eagles to stare and devour the miles so she could see for herself.

Was her garden truly gone? Had anything wild had been left behind ?

Had the apple trees gone wild? Were green granny smiths now growing wild among the pink ladys and dorsett goldens? Were the nectarines falling from the trees to rot beautifully in a horrid flash of sweet sick decay? Did the bees still pollinate whatever roses and hydrangeas survived ?

Had the fire consumed everything?

She missed her garden. Her plants. She missed her home.

She had been so lost in thought that she didn’t notice how her Ladies in waiting called out- she didn’t notice the shadow length beneath her feet. Until suddenly the ground was not ground at all but a gaping black hole- and she fell screaming.

Right into a warm embrace and soft fur that smelled like orange blossoms and plum wine. Laughter bubbled out of Macaque bare chest. “I would think the Queen would be more aware of her surroundings by now.”

Peaches pulled away enough to hook her husband with a scowl. It was half hearted as the demonic monkey dipped downward and pressed his lips to the side of her face in soft peppered kisses. Peaches laughed at the affection, able to ease into the comfort that the six eared macaque had grown between them. The chestnut trees above them rattled like ladies whispering as casting the sunlight like dice over a game.

“Some brutes don’t walk - some slink in shadows.” Peaches teased back. She lifted a hand up and along Macaques face. Her fingers touched his ears- all six on display today instead of being glamoured and hidden. The large clawed hand tightened beneath her as she brushed her hands over them. Macaque leaned into her touch, pressing his face, and her hand, into hers.

“Slink?” The monkey teased. They were beneath a cluster of chestnut and beech trees. A whole new position upon the mountain - possibly leagues across the great kingdom.

“Slink?” Macaque nipped her ear and she yelped in surprise- cheeky like. “I do not slink.”

And then the stomach flip as the magic pulled them in. The very shadows that seemed to seep and flow through macaques black fur, the ebbing of ocean currents between the jetties of his being. The cold kissed her nose, the sun flashed. Peaches blinked as the orientation of the sky reasserted itself. They were closer to Water Curtain cave now. The mosses and lichens that grew in the soft moisture were tell tale signs.

“I merely use what I have to my advantage.”The Six Eared Macaque pulled his wife into himself as he began to walk. In her decade here she had begun to see the mountain like a second skin. Each turn of stone was becoming like a new crease in her skin. Here she understood that, even though the forest was near the palace, it was no where she had treaded recently.

Her husband was taking her somewhere. But where ?

“You left my ladies in distress.” Peaches asked. The steps against the forest floor were soothing. Would she allow herself to be soothed ? It was easier for Peaches to forget the scars that marred her when it was Macaque. With Wukong …

It would always be a sore spot. Always be cut that had healed too thin and the scar left behind would ache in the cold.

“I left them with a note that said I was taking my wife for a moment.”

How different the world would be if they had just asked her to come with them. Had the two brothers even floated the idea between each other? Thought to show her the beautiful mountain and let her fall into it and in love with it ? Peaches knew she would have come. The beauty here was unmatched - the fruits and flowers and plants and growing things would have stolen her away faster then a demons courting could ever achieve. If her boys had only asked her… only shown her….

“How are you Peaches ?” Macaques voice was soft.

“I am… far away.” She decided to be honest.

“The memories again?” Soft, gentle. Her sweet boy was still there. Still within this … sorrow. Peaches had found the little monkey bleeding among her hydrangeas and honeysuckle. The white and purple petals were turned crimson and crushed beneath the tiny body. Of course he had been a wild thing, a furious flash of teeth and claws. Any animal would be. So when the weak little monkey bit into her hand she hadn’t flinched. Instead she had waited, taking a blanket to scoop the poor creature up and into her arms- and to contain those claws. The bite was foolish- what she did was foolish- but… she was a foolish women.

The bite was deep, the pain a lance in her mind. Those teeth were large enough, sabers in gums - knives of nature that cut into the soft pad of her flesh. He didn’t let go, he didn’t release her hand until the blood on his flank was cleaned. Until the gash in his side had been sewed shut. He was too weak to worry her flesh into ruin. To take his pain and tear her apart. He could have. Though small, though at a disadvantage, the little was gifted with weapons where Peaches had been gifted none. She was soft handed, soft as a magnolia flower. No claws no teeth no strength.

Yet he did not tear her apart. The tiny monkey was left alone after he was patched up. A bowl of water, a small basket of peeled mandarins. And the window- left open to let in the wet jungle air. Her kindness had cost her her hand- the day after it was purple and swollen. It was hard to work in the soil- to work in the garden and her little farm. She had carrots to pull, goats to milk, and trees to prune. By the end of the day she could barely close the hand and it had grown yellow on top of the purple. Like a plum trampled enough to ruin the flesh but not enough to break it open.

The next morning however, when she unwrapped to tend the wound and let it breath… she found the wrappings clean. The swelling was gone. The punctures were still there. But…. They had healed over.

She had been a fool. Peaches had thought it was from her tending that the wound had healed up. She had been a fool. Who would have known that her foolish heart would lead to this future?

“Its not just the memories- its a memory.” They had stopped walking now.

“Which one?” The leaves rustled above them. The air smelled of water and earth and stone. It was … calming. So the memory coming forward now wasn’t cast in sorrow. But in calm.

“Of you.” She reached up and pressed a finger to the very tip of his nose. “Of the garden. When we first met.”

Macaque grimaced.

“Not my best introduction...” He looked down at her hand. The scar was still there, silver moons along her skin.

“Are you embarrassed?”Peaches teased. Macaque paused. He set her down onto her feet, kneeling. His hands caught her wrist- the one he had scared all those years ago- and brought it to his face.

“Truly I am. I mauled your hand.”He kissed it, rubbed a claw over the scars, worried at it with his lips and his tender forehead brushes.

“You were in pain. And you healed it.” Peaches pulled him up. Off his knees. In these moments, these tender touches, was the sweetness that had grown between them. There was the flash of that little monkey she had saved. Who had slowly begun to bring her gifts and treasures. His first gift had never been showed. Macaque had never been talked about- as it had required secrecy.

“Lao Tzi had chased me out.” The simian smiled into her face, teeth flashing like moonlight. “Heaven was in an uproar over my thievery. But … they thought I was Wukong.”

“Mac!” She beat on his shoulder in play. Roaring laughter was rewarded to her as the trickier of the two loomed over and draped his arms over her front, pressing her back to his chest.

“I couldn’t let them know it was me!” His teeth were in her hair, soft croons and gentle nips being pressed to her skin. “I was in a bit of a hurry.”

Her cheeky six eared husband then began to press her and tease her in a very flirtatious fashion that turned Peaches skin flushed and burning. It was long moments and minutes after the teasing and the stolen presses of kisses and promises for later, that Peaches decided to open her heart a bit more to him.

“I miss it all. I miss the house and the village and …. I miss the garden the most. All my plants. My animals…” Peaches rested her face in his arm, drinking in the plum wine and orange blossom smell that was so thickly wrapped in his fur.

“All the growing things… do you think they are still there ?” It was easy to think of it here, when Macaque had been kind and soft to her. When he understood what emotional wounds were still healing, still painfully sore. The rush of his heart was against her ear was nice.

“Have they gone wild and returned to the woods ? What of the roses- they are the hardest here to tend. And the magnolia trees….” A bird flitted and flew its way between the emerald leaves. A dolphin flying through a sea of emerald green.

Macaque spun her suddenly, his hand gripping hers, his tail flicking. She was pulled along, hands grasping his as they walked faster.

“Lets walk. We will go and see the orchards and you will tell me all the flowers you had and loved and never got to tend.”

“I would tell you anyway.” Peaches laughed softly. “I loved my flowers.”

The look of serious thought didn’t alleviate in the wake of her laughter.

“You will tell me in detail and what seasons they grow- and what habitats they grow in. Who the traders were that gave you the seeds and the clippings.” They rounded the corner of a stone outcropping, the path before them becoming more well trodden. The path to the orchards.

“And I want you to find a piece of the mountain- get that foolish orange orangutang of my brother to help you clear it and drain it and turn its soil rich.”

The realization was dawning on Peaches then.

“Ma-Macaque…” Was he suggesting what her heart was starting to hope?

“You get the land ready.” His fingers squeezed hers. “I will collect the seeds in my journeys. I will find the best lines and horticulturists and gather you a collection that will rival the one we foolishly took from you.”

His eyes held hers. It had the same effect that a sunrise had on a snow trapped forest. The light in them was refracted and doubled as Peaches felt her heart fill. She didn’t realize that tears were dripping until Macaque was reaching up to coo and rub them free, calling to her in comforting familial tones a monkey would use to soothe an create comfort.

“And I will be able to play within your garden and see you smile like you just did. I would bring down the lunar gardens to see you smile again… as you did when i first saw you in that garden. ”

---

Sometimes the name doesn't matter

synopsis: sometimes it matters that you are his wife. PART 2

pairings: Capitano, Kaveh, Tighnari, Zhongli x fem!reader (separately)

tw: fluff, established relationship, hurt/comfort; hybrids, unwelcomed courting, kind of female objectification (all in Tighnari's part)

word count: 6.9k+ words

a/n: part 1 can be read here!

Capitano

Fast elegant fingers of a pianist run across the keys of black and white and the violins in the hands of other musicians are there to serve together with the chorus of beautiful voices, selected by Lady Columbina personally. The music infiltrates the souls of the nobles present, filling them with the sense of grandeur and glory, touching even their harsh unfeeling hearts.

The atmosphere of the gathering is gratifying, would’ve even been endearing if not for the stately figures of the Harbingers standing on both sides of the throne, where the Tsaritsa would've been seated had she not decided to refrain from attending it altogether. She has more important matters to take care of, and nine of her most loyal servants can definitely fill in her place on that yearly event.

Sure, this year it is more important since the two Harbingers are missing and the seats stay vacant - it's been the talk of the nation. Who is going to be nominated? Can it be influenced? Will they claim the names today?

Is the mysterious Commander, whose arrival became the topic of multiple speculations, be the one? A fierce warrior many heard of, but almost none saw face to face. The man was believed to be as powerful as the 11th Harbinger or maybe even the 10th! Having an army and an establishment of his own on the farthest line of the Snezhnayan border, he still is under the command of Lord Capitano, which makes it even harder to fish any more information than what is already known to the public.

"I only heard about him. He and his troops are protecting our borders from the monster's invasion in the North."

"Ew, who would've wanted to live in the North! It's much harsher than all the Snezhnaya."

"Shush, the Commander is wealthy and respectful, you can bear some cold."

"What do you imply?"

"The Commander is unmarried, there is no way he isn't, not with a life like this. But it can always be changed, and the woman he takes as wife would be one of the luckiest ones!"

"You are right… Maybe he is actually handsome. Maybe he'd be even willing to buy a whole mansion for his promised one and not take her with him to that awful place. Maybe…"

Maybe, maybe, maybe. It travels through the crowds like a storm in its wake, eventually reaching the Harbingers, who, for the first time after appearing and greeting the already arrived, stop resembling the statues. Eyes shift among the people and each other; some gazes hold interest, some - annoyance. Only Pantalone has an ever present smile on his face, fingers clasped in front of him and sapphire rings sparkle in the ballroom light.

"Looks like Capitano's estimated soldier caught everyone's attention. My, my, how curious and nosy the people can be…"

"I understand the curiosity though," admits Childe, arms crossed to prevent laying even a finger on his blade, that is resting on his hip. "This person sounds like an interesting specimen… I've heard of his talents in both strategy and tactics, and it seems like his strength is a legend. I'd love to spar with him."

"Oh you, thinking only about fights, young man," Pulcinella disapprovingly shakes his head and raises his cane to point in the gingerhead's direction. "I highly doubt our guest will have time to spare, considering the period of time concerning the stay that was mentioned in the letter we received."

"And I believe the majority of that time would be spent with Il Capitano, isn't it right?" Columbina's soft voice must be drowning in the music, but everyone hears her loud and clear.

"..." The Harbinger stays silent and nothing can be read from his body language since he is the only one remaining still in his place, his huge looming figure resembling one of the full-set armor nobles like putting in their halls as a part of interior. Except this one isn't empty.

"So much potential to become my test subject, to be perfected... Yet lost to the lands of Northern regions," Dottore huffs in disappointment, his sharp teeth peaking when he clicks his tongue. "Say, Pierro, can't things be rearranged? I'd happily have our dear border protector as my underling."

The silence between the nine suddenly becomes thick. There is something indescribably tense in the air and only Childe can't understand why some of his colleagues seem to be more interested in how the Captain would react and not the 1st of the Harbingers..

"You know why this can't be rearranged, Dottore," the stare of an icy blue eye would pin everyone to the ground, destroying their will and order to obey, though doing little to scare the Doctor. "And it was favored by the Tsaritsa herself."

The finality of the short statement makes the scientist back down from the proposition he's been bringing up every time the topic touches the Commander, yet ending up the same way as always - with an ultimate rejection.

Three heavy thuds make everyone in the room fall silent. Many heads turn to look at the ceremonial staff hitting the floor the last time and staying still in the hand of a tall, thoroughly dressed man.

"The protector of the Northern border, the glorified and esteemed warrior of Her Majesty Tsaritsa, The Commander has arrived," the master's of ceremonies voice carries like a thunderclap, cutting off the quite leisurely music the orchestra was playing for the dances and entertainment.

The rustle of note sheets is fleeting and not a moment later the musicians straighten in their seats, taking a deep breath. Trumpets boom in a spacious room and make nobles shiver in surprise, some especially susceptible women even lean on their partners for support. The choir and the violins join the triumphant song the brass instruments sing, signaling that the time has come.

Everyone holds their breath as the tall heavy doors leading to the ballroom are being pulled open. Everyone has their gaze glued to a slowly growing gap. Everyone keeps their eyes wide open, afraid that even one blink can cost them missing the legendary sight.

Everyone gasps.

The tall figure enters, posture straight and shoulders squared, confidence evident in every step. Black satin clothes are adorned with golden chains and intricate patterns. The white military coat stayed resting on the shoulders - showing off the position, the closeness to the Harbingers. And then there is the face - a scar crossing the left brow, calm bored eyes, not sparing anyone a glance, which do not fit the other female features of your face.

Yes, the Commander happens to be a woman.

Stopping by the steps leading to the throne, you bow - not kneel, bow, - holding your open palm by the heart and respectfully closing your eyes. Music stops.

“Greetings, my lords. Let Tsaritsa bless you and your mission.”

“Let Tsaritsa bless you and your service to her,” Pierro says, raising his hand. “Lift your head,” which you do, looking him right in the eyes, yet still holding your hand by the chest. “There is time for duties and there is time for entertainment. And tonight, given your rare visits to the capital, I suggest you enjoy the latter.”

“Much obliged, Lord Pierro.”

And with a wave of the older man’s hand, the orchestra starts a new composition, waking up the ones who were in a daze, reminding others they are here for drama.

And the first one to take action is the 11th Harbinger.

“Commander, Sir- I mean, Lady?” The gingerhead is the closest to you out of all his colleagues, having only to descend a few steps to be on your level. “I’ve heard a lot about you, many admirable things. How do you look at sparring?”

“Right in the middle of a ballroom? Quite positively, young man,” your lips twist in a half-smirk, baring a sharp pearly canine. “But I believe the nobles have already had enough shock to take and rumors to create. Maybe another time. Haven’t seen you before though. Are you new?”

“Tartaglia, the Eleventh Harbinger, Lady Commander.”

“Ma’am would be enough,” you click your tongue, glancing behind and noticing how slowly, but surely some of the aristocrats are inching towards you, clearly interested in conversation, Well, you are not. “On second thought, starting a duel right now and here doesn’t sound like a bad idea…”

“I’ve always known you are quite insane,” Arlechino butts her way in the conversation, giving you only a small nod as a greeting. You simply glance at her.

“For years I’ve been hearing of my insanity, think of something new,”

“How about, ‘the one who knows no limits’?” Pantalone’s smile is as dazzling as it’s fake and sometimes your hands are itching to strangle the man. Maybe even go all the way out and bite his head off. Literally.

“The only ones who know no limits are the wind and the stupidity. I’m neither. Who I am though,” your gaze travels higher, to the steps closest to the Tsaritsa’s throne, to there Pierro and the first three Harbingers are standing, “is a wife. And I’d like to have a dance with my husband.”

Not many heard your words, but the ones who did, gasp loudly, staring at you with wide eyes. Which get even wider when Il Capitano, a seemingly motionless statue before, turns in his place and, without a pause, steadily descends to you. Now, as you are standing so closely it becomes evident how obviously your outfits match. The chains, the patterns, even the precious stones - everything. Perhaps it is terrifyingly cute. Perhaps it's cutely terrifying.

“Husband,” your smile again, offering him your hand, which he immediately envelopes in his big clawed one.

“Wife,” is the first word the big figure rumbles for the evening, the void of its helmet staring at you. And that’s all you speak to each other, hearing the beginning of another melody and turning to join the dancing pairs.

“...What was that?” Childe voices what’s been plaguing the minds of the attendees. “First the Commander appears to be a woman, and now she is married to the Lord Il Capitano?” He glances at Pulcinella, who joins his side and decides to watch the pair that caused a commotion have their fun. “Do they not use their names?”

“They find no sense in them,” the Rooster answers just the last question. “And,” he lowers his voice and the ginger has to bend down to hear the next words, “I didn’t tell you that, but the Captain really loves calling her his wife. So be quite cautious while seeking a fight with her. You might end up impaled. By either of them.”

Kaveh

With a soft smile you watch a group of children merrily leaving their classroom, interrupting each other in attempts to tell everyone how exciting the lesson was. They do not forget to grin and wave at you, passing by, and you return the sentiment, contently observing their happy faces and sparkly eyes.

Every time this happens, a strange sense of fulfillment overtakes you - supporting and sponsoring Kaveh was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. The greatest architect of nowadays is offering his guidance to the young generation, teaching them everything about beauty and practicality, helping them to develop their own creative vision, and at the same time boosting the confidence of kids of all ages. And you couldn’t be prouder of him.

Him, who meticulously prepares for every single lesson. Him, who is oh-so-gentle with his words and precise in his speech. Him, who teaches both Sumeru citizens and people coming from abroad. Him, who is as passionate about it, as he is about his designing job, telling you every single detail of how the lessons went on your way home or over the dinner. Him, who is happy and who makes you happy too with that fact alone.

When the last kid leaves, marking the ending of the final class for today, you glance at the clock. Now Mister Meticulousness will need half an hour to tidy up the classroom and put all the tools away. Tomorrow is free from classes at his (he always corrects your as in the both of you) school, so you can collect your stuff as well - after all, being the manager of this establishment and Kaveh specifically requires your presence. You can be strict and unyielding whenever he can’t and this partnership proves to be successful every day.

Just as you are writing down some financial staff, there is a soft knock on the doorframe. Immediately lifting your eyes you hum, observing a very good-looking woman and a boy, shyly holding onto her hand.

“Hello, how can I help you?” With a quill laid on top of your accounting book, you stand and round the table, offering the two to step closer.

“Ah, hello, miss…” eyes with long, pretty lashes flit to the name tag attached to your clothes, “...Y/n. This is master Kaveh’s artistic school, am I correct?”

“Yes, you are. Are you here to sign your boy up for a class?” You offer her son a sweet smile and he answers you with a small lift of his lips.

“Mhm. You see, he is a big fan of master Kaveh and his works - can study the pictures of his designs taken by Kamera day and night.”

At that, the boy lowers his gaze and blushes a little, digging a hole in the ground with the tip of his shoe.

“Oh, really?” A gasp that escapes your chest is one of excitement. “That’s marvelous! I am sure your hopefully soon-to-be-teacher will be very interested in hearing your opinion of his works, young connoisseur,” he giggles, lifting his eyes at you again, and there you see undisguised delight. “Oh, but my bad, I didn’t ask your names…”

The woman’s lips bare two rows of perfectly white teeth as she smiles at you, introducing herself and her son.

“We are from Fontaine actually. But my parents wanted to spend some indefinite period of time in Sumeru for their health and we decided to join them. So while we are here, I thought I’d make my son’s dream come true.”

“That’s so nice of you,” you can’t help but admire her a little for that. “I can tell you first a little about our school, you’ll ask all the questions you need to, and then I’ll show you around. Kaveh should be done with cleaning by then, so there’s a big chance you’ll even talk to him personally.”

“Really!?” That’s the first time throughout your entire interaction when the boy opens his mouth and actually makes a sound. “Master Kaveh is here right now?”

“He is. But can’t promise a long conversation - there are still blueprints waiting for him back at home.

“Ah, right… He is the great architect after all,” the woman hums, staring to the side as if in thought. “Between the commissions he takes and this school he must be making good money. Not to mention so handsome…”

Oh… What a familiar tone, what a familiar look in those eyes. Suddenly that ounce of respect you felt for her disappears.

“Money is irrelevant to him as long as he reaches his goal,” is your restrained response. 

“Ah, of course! Handsome, sweet, kind, good with kids and is not a snob. Sweety, you ought to charm him for me!” She pinches her son’s cheek. “Imagine Master Kaveh as your daddy!”

Oh Archons, again?

There is absolutely no doubt that the light of Kshahrewar is not only well-known and popular among kids, but is thirsted after by women. In a half of a year your school has been existing, there were numerous times when moms of little students made comments alike or some single females trying to schedule private sessions with the architect. What a sagacious decision it was to make group studying only, it saves you some drama, once the legal document is shown. Though there are exceptionally persistent examples…

But this time you pity the kid a little, because he genuinely seems to admire Kaveh. And his next words make you internally cheer for the little guy.

“Master Kaveh as my dad? But mom, I have a dad already,” the boy pouts, rubbing at the pinched cheek. You notice a red mark and two little crescent moons that her nails left on a tender skin. “I love him and don’t need another one.”

“Sweety, you just don’t understand how great it would be to have such a dad! Just trust my word-”

“Ahem, Madame, I kindly ask you to deal with your family affairs once you are out of here. As for the school - I am open for discussion.”

The displeased way she glances at you doesn’t go unnoticed, but you do not show it anyhow, calmly staring back at her, while your hand reaches up to your chest. As if finally remembering her initial reason for coming here with her son, the woman sighs and puts a palm on the boy’s shoulder.

“Of course, miss- I’m sorry I forgot your name…” And her eyes flit to the name tag again.

Momentarily the woman squints from the light reflecting on the metal, and when she blinks the bright spots away, there is a beautiful golden ring on your hand. The hand that is holding the flipped tiny plate with just two words engraved in it.

"Kaveh's wife"

With widened eyes she stares back at your sweetly polite smile. Not saying a word as if letting the notion sink in, you walk to the wall. Grabbing the backs of two chairs you drag them to your table so they could sit, and take your rightful place in front of them. 

“If you are here for something aside from or instead of signing your son up for classes, I believe my name should be irrelevant to you. My status though,” you knock a nail twice on the badge, “must. So… what are you here for, Madame?”

The boy climbs onto his chair right away, while his mother tarries a little, still shocked by the revealed fact and your suddenly changed demeanor. She needs a couple more seconds to compose herself, but eventually she too sits down.

Despite what happened earlier, your conversation proves to be fruitful and fifteen minutes later you are showing around the school, sharing some additional information and answering every single of the kid’s questions. 

When in the last room you find your husband, closing Mehrak and looking ready to leave, the boy lets out a gasp. The sound attracts the man’s attention, and he turns to the three of you with a soft smile.

“Oh, hello there, little guy!” The blond waves at him, breaking the blissful stupor of a child that immediately turns red and hides behind his mother. Surprised, Kaveh looks at you for explanation but, instead, takes notice of your name’s replacement. Oh wow, this again. What was the last time you did that? Two weeks ago?

“Ah, Master Kaveh!” The woman charmingly smiles, batting her lashes at him, which would’ve made you cringe had it never happened before. “You see, my son-”

“Pardon me, Madame, give me a moment,” the male softly interrupts her and reaches for a similar metal plate on his chest with his own name to flip it. It’s almost comical how sour the temptress’s face got in a second.

And there is what for. Now two words are proudly matching yours, engraved in an equally beautiful cursive to remind the world who the two of you become once stripped of your names.

Just his ”Y/n’s husband” to your “Kaveh’s wife”.

And like that one more kid takes part in your lovely school and one suitor less is after one of its founders.

Tighnari

With each passing day of your team’s research in the desert you found it harder and harder to control yourself. Some days you were even on the verge of clawing and biting, tail and ears twitching in annoyance and pupils turning into wild slits, making your hybrid nature more obvious.

Was it because of the research? No, it couldn’t be farther - your colleagues have been making so much progress, heeding your advice and following your lead. Was it the location perhaps? A little, but you learnt how to deal with heat and dryness. Was the process taking too much time? On the contrary, you are on your way home already, having finished the job 4 days earlier than you estimated in the beginning.

Then what on earth could possibly trigger you like this?

Well…

“Hey, forest foxy, want me to catch the Consecrated Flying Serpent for you?”

Ah yes, him.

Never again will you trust the higher ups at the Akademiya to sponsor your team with the bodyguards. Out of every possible candidate, your Herbad-titled colleague concluded that hiring five descendants of Valuka Shuna would be a marvelous idea. 

“They are the desert kind - they’ll be good guides.” “Look how much stronger they are, they’ll definitely protect all of you.” “They are of the same kind as you, Y/n. Don’t you think it’ll be easier for you, as the leader, to have someone akin with you?”

No, it absolutely would not!

Desert fennec hybrids are different from the forest ones - and it’s not even the case of your green and their sandy brown fur or their more brutal physique against your more delicate one. It’s their character and world perception. You’ll never call them barbarians, but they really developed more of the animal nature than your kind did.

And from day one it was a pain in the butt. 

One of your five new bodyguards was clearly the leader - he was bigger and broodier, with more scars littering his body, and his whole stance was screaming of a higher position. When you were introduced for the first time, something lit up in his grayish eyes, which were looking you over appreciatively. You ignored that, more focused on the discussion of the upcoming expedition and making sure the five were aware of what was required of them.

Luckily they were, and, admittedly, they did fulfill their task meticulously, proving to be great help. If only one of them wasn’t so diligent.

You lost count of how many times the leader tried to get into your personal space and you had to move away. Of the numerous invitations to hunt together. Of the endless displays of his strength and abilities. Of the many conversations you didn’t even try to eavesdrop on (they talked pretty loudly) around the topic of when will your shell be cracked and you’d accept the male’s courting attempts.

The answer was obvious, but he just never got it. Even when you called him for a serious conversation on the turning-into-an-issue matter.

“With all respect I must ask you to stop with whatever you’ve been doing to woo me. I have a husband.”

You still remember how he blinked at you dumbly, clear lack of understanding written on the sun-kissed face.

“...and?”

“The heck do you mean ‘and’?”

“Well, you don’t have a mate?”

It was your turn to stare at him speechless, ear twitching and tail curling closer to your legs. It was getting worse than just ridiculous.

“If we are speaking in such terms, then my husband is my mate. So, please-”

You nearly gasped when the male immediately leant closely, violating your personal space and practically stuffing his nose against your neck. Shocked by such lack of shame, you lost the ability to talk or move for a moment, gaping at him sniffing around and humming upon the discovery.

“You don’t wear anyone’s smell on you.”

You were not proud of yourself at that moment, but you absolutely lost it. Sharpened claws dug into his chest and with an angry snarl you pushed him back.

“Get away from me!”

You must’ve been a sight - canines bared and fingers twitching, ready to attack; fur standing on both your ears and tail, signaling your distress and eyes slitted in pure rage while directed at the man in front of you. The worst part? The idiot seemed to like it even more.

“What me and my partner do must be of no concern to you. I told you ‘no’ and I mean it.”

But bold of you was to assume he’d stop. Oh no, it’s gotten worse. Now he was actively calling you a ‘forest foxy’, absolutely abandoning your name and even trying to scent you. It was suffocating - the desert aridity was lighter in comparison to the male hybrid’s pheromones. 

Never in all your academic practice have you wanted to return home so badly.

Fortunately, your colleagues quickly caught on to what was going on and always helped you to escape the unwanted interactions. Plus they were equally as mad as you were, because his individual scent irritated their human noses - and that was the main reason why you and Tighnari, both spending a lot of time around other people, did not practice it. Partly, you are sure, this whole situation was the reason for your earlier return - and you were grateful for their understanding.

However, your stubborn suitor did not dream of giving up. Killed desert animals were still offered to you, stories of his legendary battles with monsters were told for the hundredth time (even though no one was interested in listening at that point) and attempts to lure you with the musky smell once again made. Archons, and the green-furred fennec girls from your teens used to dream of that.

Maybe Lesser Lord Kusanali would be merciful and you’ll meet your husband somewhere on your way?

“Herbad Y/n!”

…wow, that was quick. Not Tighnari, but incredibly welcome too.

“Collei!” For the first time in days there is a reason for your soft smile. Which the young girl mirrors, waving at you from not so far away. You notice a couple more of the Forest Rangers at her side, and that sight alone makes you finally exhale in relief. You are so close to being home.

“Master is here too! Want me to get him?”

Oh, Dendro Archon, thank you.

“I’d really appreciate it, dear!” With a quick nod the green-haired apprentice disappears in the bushes, and you turn back to the scholars of your group. It’s time to abuse your power a little. “We are almost at the Devadaha Pool. Since all of you live in Sumeru City I hope you’ll excuse me for staying behind. As for you five,” your gaze moves to the bodyguards and it’s so hard not to rejoice - soon they’ll be just a memory, “I ask you to accompany the rest of my team to the Akademiya. Then you can consider your job done and be free. Keep the payment for the last three days that didn’t happen - think of it as a bonus for a good job.”

All but one eagerly nod and bid you farewell with wishes of getting home safely. And frankly speaking? You couldn’t care less for that one when you spot familiar and oh so dear big pointy ears with an intricate golden earring adorning one of them.

“Tighnari!” You didn’t want to sound so desperate, you really didn’t. But when those forest-like lovely eyes look in your direction, it becomes clear to you - the yearning has gotten unbearable.

“Y/n…” His smile is dazzling and the way his body immediately pushes to walk to you almost makes the memories of the last weeks’ events go away.

The key word - almost.

Someone grabs your elbow when you want to meet him halfway. Oh right, you already forgot about him.

“Let me go, you, imbecile!” And again you have to snarl and be rude, ripping your arm out of the strong hold and quickly darting into your husband’s embrace. The natural smell of the leaves, the flowers, the sweet and bitter concoctions he makes in his home laboratory, comfort you and your whole body goes nearly limp in his hold. It’s been weeks and you are tired of fighting with the brick wall - this time you want your lover to handle it for you.

“Y/n, my lotus, are you alright?” Gentle fingers comb through your hair and scratch at the base of your ears - a whole ass adult, that you are, wants to tear up. But you can only shake your head a no. “Has this man been bothering you?” This time it’s a yes. “I got you, dear.”

“So,” the browny green eyes sharpen upon staring at the cause of your current state, when it starts speaking, “you are that ‘husband’ the foxy has been talking about? I thought you’d be stronger. Or at least taller. Now I see that I was right and you really can’t be her mate.”

“Oh but I am. Not that we have to prove anything to a stranger. Y/n,” he carefully pries your face from his shoulder, caressing your cheek with a beanie pad, “let’s go home. You must be so-so tired.”

“I am, ‘nari. I am exhaus-”

“There’s no smell of you on her and vice versa,” the desert descendent of the Valuka Shuna seems to not be planning to stop. “Her neck is not marked. You let her wander by herself for weeks? And you keep calling her by the name. Her name should've stopped mattering once she became your mate!”

The hand around your waist tenses and you can feel the claws threatening to tear through the gloves he always wears. You don’t need to look at the face of your lover to know how pissed he is. And if Tighnari decides to attack him and tear his tongue out? You will not stop him.

“I am going to say it once and only once. She is not just a mate, she is my wife, by the Sumeru law and by the blessing of the Dendro Archon. And this fact must matter to you more than the case of her name. So fuck off and leave my wife alone. And if you don’t get it in a civil way - this woman is taken. And this territory is mine.”

With that, the Forest Watcher effortlessly lifts you in his arms and, holding you as if a precious bride, turns around to leave. You haven’t looked back once.

“You can’t imagine how much I missed being called your wife,” you quietly confess, wrapping your arms around his neck. “Especially after he didn’t listen when I said that I am.”

Tighnari hums sympathetically, leaning close to rub his nose against yours.

“Will it be okay then if today I address you as my wife only? When we join the other rangers, I mean.” 

”...if you think I will be embarrassed - make it a whole week.”

With a soft chuckle your husband plants a kiss on your lips, sealing the deal and promising you tranquil days at last.

“As you wish, wife.”

Zhongli

"...and so Rex Lapis takes the form of a dragon, a majestic creature he was born as - the one of whom the fair maiden would never be scared of. Lady Guizhong's robes flutter in the tender wind traveling among the mountain peaks and caressing the earthly scales of the God's enormous body. His eyes, shiny as gold, gaze at her with an unfamiliar softness as she holds a gentle flower - a delicate gift from her lover, the one that proves that under all that armor is a stone heart capable of love. Heart that is beating for her."

To loud applause the Iron Tongue Tian bows his head, drawing the legend of the gods in love to its end. You cannot bring yourself to clap even politely, both hands on your lap, hidden under the table, twitching when a man beside you lets his gloved palms meet each other a couple of times.

It’s the second time you had to sit and endure the baloney from the very beginning to the very end, not to count all those times you overheard it in passing. From the moment you settled in the Liyue Harbor together with your husband, to live the rest of your incredibly long lives together among the humans, you've been painfully aware of their interpretation of Rex Lapis and his relationship with other immortal beings. Before that you rarely accompanied him during the walks, busy with helping Yakshas and other adepti protect the said humans to grant them a peaceful life - as immortal guardians grew fewer, every single one counted.

Never have you ever imagined that knowing so little of the citizens’ folklore would backfire so hard. It seems that people got somewhat bored listening to the stories of Liyue and Rex Lapis, no matter how many interpretations existed. Literature became more diverse in genres and romantic novels were on top of the list, so street narrators started losing their audience little by little. Before it could grow into something more drastic the new side of history was presented to the public - stories about love among immortals appeared and its freshness and uniqueness caught people’s attention immediately.

In their searches for new material, speakers dug through hundreds of volumes. The main interest was the Lord of Geo, of course. If you have a story of a presumably stone-hearted creature ever having fallen in love with someone - that’s pure gold! But who could you present as a love interest of the Archon? It must be someone very close to him and, obviously, no one is more well-known for that than the deceased Archon of Dust.

You sigh, reaching for your cup and declining Madam Ping’s offer to pour you some more tea - for an unclear reason the fellow adeptus joined you two tonight. You have thousands of years of life behind your existence, a soul hardened by constant battles, and mannerism as polished as a jade statue, yet for a moment you feel concerned that the woman would notice a pang of hurt in the smallest of your features.

Zhongli definitely noticed the first time. It was meant to be a date night - simple, but sweet, with the evening lights, delightful aroma of the finest tea and the tales pouring from skilled tongues reflecting the atmosphere of what your nation really is. However, the luck of the land of trades wasn’t on your side, as someone requested the “Guili legend” as they called it. At first you were confused. Then in disbelief, almost turning to look at your mate, with whom you were bonded long before he became allies with the ash-haired woman. In the end you felt something you thought was beyond you - bitterness.

When you left the restaurant, slowly walking back to your house, Zhongli’s fingers gently touched your elbow, asking for your attention.

“Does it bother you that much, my love?”

Bother you? Well… It does feel insulting when someone speaks of your husband having been in love with someone else, but mortals can’t possibly know the truth for many reasons.

“I can’t say it doesn’t,” you admitted calmly, stopping and turning fully to him. He did the same, gazing at you with a hint of worry in those golden eyes you loved so much. The ones, you knew, always looked only at you. “But it can’t be helped, right? There was a reason and mutual agreement why you, as Rex Lapis, made our union unknown to your people, and now, since you are “dead”? There is no one to tell our story. Don’t worry though,” you put a hand on top of his and smiled, when his other one was laid on top of yours in a gesture of comfort. “I can deal with it. I know you love going to the storyteller’s performances. I’ll just try to ignore what they say about you and Lady Guizhong.”

Sometimes Zhongli thinks he does not deserve you. Ever so patient and understanding, you always had your husband's best interest at heart. Marriage, however, in its basis is a form of a contract, and a good contract is all about both sides being equal in everything. And if you must know one thing about Rex Lapis - he never makes bad contracts.

When the audience calms down, the man decides to make his presence and intentions clear by raising a hand. From the corner of his eye he notices you slightly turning your head to glance at him, and he catches a glimpse of puzzlement in your gaze. He can't help but think how adorable you are, even if you deny it again and again, claiming that nothing can be adorable about a several millennia-old warrior. Maybe not, but his wife definitely is, and he thinks with a primordial pride igniting in his chest, that mating with you was the best decision his past self had ever made.

Reaching under the table he rests his free hand on top of yours, gently squeezing it in reassurance, offering you the warmth of himself, seeping through his glove. Just as your shoulders relax to his delight, the raised hand adorned with rings is finally noticed.

"Ah, Mr Zhongli! Such an honor to see a regular, especially someone as wise as yourself!" Iron Tongue Tian beams with a wide smile, closing his fan and focusing his full attention on the history connoisseur. "I doubt you have questions, given your vast knowledge, and I can't wait to hear what else you can add to this already heart-felt story."

You force your lips not to twitch, hiding behind the tea cup again. Suddenly it tastes bitter. But another squeeze your husband gives your hand doesn't let you dwell on it too much.

"You are correct, I do have some knowledge to offer. However, it might disappoint you, as it will completely destroy the story of the Geo Archon and the Archon of Dust."

The whispers ran through the crowd like a powerful wave, and you can see confusion written over every single face. But also, there is intrigue.

"I took it upon myself,” Zhongli however continues, “to invite Madame Ping to back up my story, as she was the witness to it," the elder woman - a well-known Adeptus that doesn't hide her existence among mortals - nods with a soft smile.

"I read this in legends a long time ago, but remembered only when the 'Guili legend' became popular. Rex Lapis indeed had a lover, however it was not Lady Guizhong," the gasps are almost deafening. Just as your quickened heartbeat.

And for the next hour the man by your side and the elderly-looking woman that joined you tonight proceed to tell the story of the adeptus, who was the first and only to ever bring the Geo Archon to his knees, to be worshiped like a goddess by his eyes, by his words, by his very heart. Of a warrior, whose fierce eyes and valiant nature made a dragon in Rex Lapis roar in delight. Of the woman, who entranced him with her beauty, caring soul and motherly attention directed to other adepti - Madame Ping adds with a laugh of how the two created a parent-like dynamic even before they became official (at that you find it so hard not to turn bashful).

They tell the legend of the silk flowers - the ones you might see everywhere in the vast lands of Liyue. How the Geo Archon personally asked the Dendro Archon for guidance to cultivate the tenderest of flowers, how he taught his people to make the delicate fabric out of it, but even then it couldn’t compare to the skin of his immortal mate.

They tell stories of how annoyed she was when the god turned into a dragon to fall asleep somewhere in the depths of the earth for years without telling her prior, and how he returned with the purest stones and metals and with his own hands forged the pair of matrimonial rings (yes, the ones wrapped around your fingers to this day).

Madame Ping fondly speaks of all those thousands of years of protection the said adeptus spent to make sure that her godly spouse’s people were safe and maybe just a tiny sliver of pride rushes through your heart at the public acknowledgement.

“But she wished not to be known,” the woman sighs and you know she glances at you reproachfully. Well-deserved, given the circumstances you are in right now. “Thus it’s not much of a surprise people made a mistake like that. Besides, you won’t find much information in written sources about her either way.”

 “But she must have a name at least!” Someone from the fairly grown crowd exclaims.

“That she does,” Zhongli nods, lacing his fingers with yours under the table, lips tugging in a calm smile, when you squeeze his hand in return. “Though I am afraid it would be pointless to try and find out now - we wouldn’t want to disturb her mourning the departure of her husband, would we? After all, they must’ve loved each other so much.”

“But how can you be so sure?”

“Because,” golden eyes are on you, catching yours, pulling you in, whispering for your soul and heart to get lost in them, “I can understand how this love was born and got to bloom. My wife showed me that.”

---

Good Memories

(a @semisolidmind Twice as Bad Au Fic)

Ok I wrote another one. This one I focused more on Wukongs perspective ! A happier memory, a happier moment- even in this twisted and messed up bad ending. Because there has to be some sweet moments … right ?

Inspired by this ask!

The noise of the stone corridor was quiet. The silence was a peaceful breath of welcome here where Peaches hardly got a moment of true peace. The roar of the waterfall drowned much conversation here so the foot traffic of the mountains subjects was lessened. Except for the patrols of troops, the top ranking officials and guards, the eyes here were light.

A chance to escape had come. Of course escape wasn’t to leave the mountain. Peaches had learned that long ago. To attempt to get down the mountain- to get to the sea that kissed the beaches below- was foolhardy. She had tired once. Once in that far away time when the trauma of abduction has been fresh, when the desire to be anywhere but here drover her to staying awake at night and planning.

Now, years later, the escape was not to leave Flower Fruit Mountain. Though she desperately longed to do such a thing. Hope though was a hard bird to kill even when caged and clipped. So, to circumvent the need to escape- to release some of the pent up agitation- she had found another way to escape.

The patrol passed the alcove Peaches had huddled herself into without a look. She waited. One. Two. Three. Once they rounded the bend she made her move. Peaches snuck out of one of the many side entrances of Water Curtain Cave. She slunked from shadow to tree, avoiding the eyes as best she could. Once beyond the courtyard, beyond the orchards she felt her spirit take wing. It was the bubble of freedom that she had to take as medicine for the true longing she couldn’t - wouldn’t- ever feel.

Not as long as she had her husbands about.

Like a horse turned to pasture, Peaches kicked up her own heels and ran. She ran for the joy of it and for the enjoyment of it. She let herself believe that she was back in the village. That she was back in her home, beneath its peach trees and with its terribly creaking timbers. That this was only a jaunt out to the woods to enjoy the day foraging and finding morsels.

It was a delusion but it was like a balm to her soul. Too much time inside the mountain and among the talks of conquests and bloodshed dampened her. Her husbands never demanded that she attend councils between other Immortals or Demons but Peaches knew when she attended there was far less work for the servants to do. For one, there was less blood to be cleaned from the stone floors. Of course it would take some of her own energy to be apart of these conversations.

Peaches would dress in the courtly and lordly garments bestowed upon her by The Monkey King and The Six Eared Macaque. Gifts they called them. Blood gifts, Peaches knew. Dressing the part as Queen always put the two demonic monkeys into better moods. Of course, whenever she was present it also became a game of keeping.

This game all depended upon the placement of the two heads of Flower Fruit Mountain. They always were placed in strategic spots- to better intimidate or to better please whatever guest they were entertaining. If there was a demon of hungry standing there was always roasted meat and wine a plenty to drink upon. These times, Sun Wukong would be seated closest to the doors. If she entered the room he would catch her wrists, her hand, her waist. Those claws would grip and tug, and she would be in his lap. Wukong would keep her there. If the King was in the middle of a conversation he would simply stop and lavish compliments upon her. Wukong was more of a earnest love then his darker counterpart. She would be forced to stay in his lap, feeling his hands and the soft admonishments if she tried to move, as the conversation continued.

Peaches wished she could have said it was always unpleasant. In the years of captivity, in the moments of stuck between hope and despair, she had come to find a balance of some sort. After so long being molded and worn down by their attentions, Peaches had begun to tolerate the attention. Wukongs attentions helped establish her as something of importance and a person not to be touched. It helped when those demons had an inclination for human flesh.

Too many times she had been told not to touch the food, the meat, when it was presented on the council table.

If the sworn brothers were entertaining an immortal being with no bloodlust for humans the positioning was different. More lax in some ways but no less imposing. Sometimes Peaches would be able to actually sit in a seat beside or between the monkeys. Other times, Wukong would claim her to his lap and tug and tease at her, a game to turn her to blushing of what things he would whisper into her ear. And, in those moments when Wukong did not claim her it was Macaque who stole her into his seat. He was more touching, less outwardly loud praise. But still enough to burn her cheeks, to make her wish to dissolve.

Water Curtain Cave fell behind her as Peaches rushed forward into the woods and away from her husbands. Macaque was away, on some errand or other again. Wukong would be occupied until late into the evening. A conglomerate of would be allies wished to pledge themselves to the King today, and it would take much of her rowdy husbands time and energy to entertain. It would also boost his ego and, with no worry of bloodshed (unless someone was foolish enough to insult) Peaches had taken her leave.

She rarely got moments alone and she laughed, some of the tension sloughing off like snow in a spring melt.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sun Wukong rarely had patience with beings that held incompetence. He was seated in his spot in the council room, upon his golden gilded throne. The warlord was in full regalia, armour polished to a blinding sheen and staff set beside him. However all the splendour about Wukong couldn’t distract from the loathsome thing huddled at the foot of his dais, blubbering and sniffling like a slug.

The demonic monkey felt his teeth grind and clip in his mouth as the weakling worm of a dragon sniffled and bowed its head in a kowtow. Disgusting. This beast had come asking him to slay his brothers and sisters in the western sea so he could be appointed heir. Wukong raked his eyes over the diminutive fellow, taking stock.

Scales as thin as moonbeams. Teeth as square as a cows. Mane bedraggled and unclean. How filthy. This little worm couldn’t even clean himself before grovelling for my help.

A poor ally if he choose to anger dragons in an ocean a world away. Weak of claw and fang.

“It’s obvious you cannot even keep yourself fit let alone keep a kingdom if I gave it to you.”Wukong waved his hand, bored. “Leave my sight. Maybe once you’ve actually wet your muzzle and had a scrap or two I’ll consider. Get out.”

“But -“

Was this Dragon also weak of hearing? Was it slow of wit? He had dismissed the stupid beast. His eyes flashed.

“Get. Out.”

The thing moved now, scattering loose scales in its speed to escape. They fell like toenail clippings and Wukong hissed in disgust. He rubbed at the bridge of his nose and felt the patience in his body diminish. The king raised a bell and gave it a ring, summoning several servants - not monkeys these creatures were those foolish demons that had imposed themselves in the paths of Flower Fruit Mountains conquests- to clean up the mess of scales.

Wukong had a full itinerary for the day. He had already met with his southern vassals and those positioned in the East. They were reporting movement from a would be upstart exorcist, one that deemed himself a demon slayer. A blood hungry pup. If it was blood he craved then Wukong would deliver it to him. He had set Macaque to the East, tasking him with bringing the man to heel. He had given his brother free reign. If the six eared demon wanted, Wukong wouldn’t stop him from making the exorcist into a gift - of flesh. Maybe I should have sent this whining worm to the East. Macaque would have shown him the ropes of turning an enemy into a boon.

“Foolish idiots.” Wukong grumbled, irritated. The other appointments had been his people which he took gladly. His own residents of the mountain were precious to him. They only asked for the numbers to help in the forest grove harvest. It was apple harvesting time and some of the trees were showing signs of damage from the deer and other beasts. The other group had been some now turned immortals begging for teaching in the east of shape changing. Wukong had dispatched them with ease, tossing their heads to the sea. He would send their corpses off to the visiting Swallow Heart- an upstart creature with a good three hundred beastly birds- as a peace offering.

His mood would have been better if his Wife had attended his talks. Wukong had kept glancing to the side, looking to the opulent doors and hoping they would open. Or her scent would waft in from the corridor, announcing her approach. Wukong felt his mouth salivate a bit at the thought of her. Oh he was lucky. His little Peach. Wukong and Macaques of course. Not just his morsel. Though today… with Macaque away. ..

She was all his to adore and hold and to make squirm with his praises and his demands.

“Trouble my King?”

An attendant asked of him, waking him from his daydreams. The monkey was by his side, face curled in worry. Wukong let the thinly held patience fall away as he gave into rubbing his head. Too much courtly affairs. He usually didn’t mind the task. In fact, he enjoyed pitting his mind against that of the estate he ran, the duty he held. Wukong had an iron will for ruling. He enjoyed the fruits of that labour, the rewards of conquest. One of the best rewards was here in the caves, walking the halls all alone …

“Trouble that can be easily cast off.”

Thoughts of his Peaches, and the irritation of his last meeting, decided it for him. Wukong rose out of his throne and stretched. Though he was a monkey originally of stone it didn’t mean he didn’t get sore in his throne. Popping his back, Wukong motioned to the door. “Walk with me.”

“Yes my King.” The servant walked beside Wukong as he stalked down the Halls. His people dipped and bowed. The servants who had been brought to the mountain and had been forced to serve kept their eyes downcast. Wukong paid them no heed. He had one goal.

“Peaches!” Wukong sang through the palace. He looked in her usual haunts. She had a tendency to stick to habit and Wukong made it his goal to know all of his little sweets habits and places of hiding. The kitchens, the scroll rooms, the bedroom and other such places deep beneath the mountains stone.

“Peaches?” Wukong now questioned. Usually she was so near he could hear and track her just from knowledge of her habitual motions. But there was a lack of her today in Water Curtain Cave.

“Where has my wife gotten to?” He mused aloud. Wukong would have been more worried in the early days of her life on the mountain. Peaches had a tendency back then to plot and scheme and attempt every sort of trickery to escape the brothers. She had tried tricking (Macaque had been present for that one where he had kept her trapped in a riddle game for hours), sneaking (again a foolish thing due to the number of ears between her husbands numbered eight), drugging (Wukong had thought it cute to see her try and ply him with so much wine he became inebriated. That had led to … other things however.) and finally just running.

Running had led to chasing. Wukong had tried to terrorize her just a small bit to discourage the action. Having her run off while he was in the middle of meeting and for him to rise and say “Excuse me gentlemen” and then rush off had first been an inconvenience. He would never punish his Peaches. No, never. When he talked of the terror it had been more to scare her of what could snatch her up. Tigers, leopards, wolves and their ilk. Taking her back to their rooms and tucking her in and locking the door was the most he did. If he had time, if he could ignore the work of the day he would wear her out in other ways. It would either be both or one and the other who would keep her attention. Wukong was a King but he wasn’t a tyrant.

This didn’t deter his little wife. She seemed … more determined, however, to attempt it. Peaches had learned over the years that running away was useless but that didn’t stop her from taking to flights of fancy. Which lead to a different kind of chasing. A pursuit that called to the raging hunger inside him, to that predator. Peaches had given him and Macaque a new game- a game he craved almost as much as he craved her scent in his nose and her body in his arms.

After opening their closet and seeing the small little nest she kept in there empty as well, Wukong felt his tail give an excited lash. The fur on his spine began to rise up in anticipation. It practically shook through his blood. Made his mouth grin and his body begin to buzz as if drunk upon fruit wine.

“A game is afoot. A game all for myself~” Usually these games of hide and seek with their wife became a race between him and his sworn brother. Macaque would enjoy the competition as he had a unfair disadvantage. His keen hearing compounded on his shadow ability let him take a lead that Wukong wouldn’t be able to close normally. But with his brother away from the mountain… Wukong laughed to himself, beginning to shed his courtly attire.

“Do you require anything, my king?” The servant asked from his shoulder. Wukong passed the servant his crown and those few glittery vestments he bore to impress the lesser demons who came to grovel for his power.

“Clear the rest of my meetings for the evening.” Wukong commanded. Where could my sweet have gone off to? To the grove? The stream? Did she perchance head to the woods? The thought of the hunt was already consuming his mind.

“My King that would mean dismissing the Swallow Heart Demon and his Entourage.” The servant set the items delicately on Peaches armoire, being careful to not tip any of the bottles, brushes or powders there. Macaque had sent for that armoire for their Wife. It had cost a pretty penny to have it brought in with the paints and brushes.

It was a warm memory in Wukongs mind, seeing the pure delight in her eyes. That night had been filled with the boys teaching her how to use the more expensive bits of makeup and had led to her learning to paint war paint upon their faces. The warm memory set a second shiver up his spine. When he caught Peaches he wouldn’t let her go- he would let her know how much he cherished her. The happy memories of her face were becoming more numerous now. It set his tail to swaying like a cat who had caught a canary.

“They are birds yes? Tell them to find another place to roost for the evening.” Wukong stretched his legs one at a time. He waved one hand to the servant, trying to rush the discussion along. He had a wife to find.

“I will meet them in the morning when my mood returns to better and more … harmonious thoughts.” All he could see in his head was her. Her skin shining in the light, her hair in his hands so soft. The rush of feeling hit him low in the gut. Was it love ? Was it possessiveness ? Was it possession? He didn’t know but it had his heart thundering. To think a mortal women could bring such a change through him so rapidly…

“I will see it done sir.” The servant bowed.

“Good.” Wukong stretched his arms, pulled his back straight. He had removed all but the trousers he wore. The glory of Sun Wukong had been set aside. Armour wouldn’t slow him- he was the Sage that had rebelled against Heaven. Had almost won. Armour was little hinderance in his silence or his ability to move. It would however limit him to capturing his intended target. Peaches was soft, pliable and would not like a tackle from her husband if he was wrapped all in his battle regalia.

He bounced on his heels. The excited energy wanted to be unleashed, to be set free. Wukong left the servant in their rooms, swiftly walking to the entrance of Water Curtain Cave. His generals saw him and bowed, continuing their rounds. Smaller monkeys, the children of his people came and clambered for his attention. He smiled at them and turned them back to their mothers promising attention later.

The waterfall came into sight and Wukong grinned. Just like he had when he first had been crowned King, the monkey lord bent low a palm pressed to the floor and launched himself through the torrent of water. He was out on the other side in a spray of water. Once on the ground again he looked, listened, smelled.

Wukong was an expert tracker. He could read the signs of his mountainous home. He knew every blade of grass every bend of the leaf in the trees above. Wukong looked for the signs, the telltale notes his wife would leave so lovingly in nature for him to find. There ,beneath the shadow of a tree. Wukong moved swiftly and lightly, faster then the long spotted cats to the far west. The press of foot too large to be a monkey, to heavy to be a cat.

I got you~

Wukong followed her path, enjoying the exertion and the feel of the sun on his fur.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Peaches had found herself a nice little patch in the wood, a small trickle of a stream ran through a copse of tightly packed willows. It had a few gooseberry bushes in its shade and she plucked them eagerly.

She had brought her small bit of knitting, a book, and a change of clothing if she wanted to take a dip in the water. The gooseberry’s were a plus, having been ripened and their red flesh sweet. Peaches didn’t have a snack- running into the kitchens would have alerted the staff she was going out and she did not want a retinue of guards on her tail. It was nice and pleasant to be alone. Hearing the soft babble of the water over the stones, the wind sighing in the leaves. It was peaceful. She could fall asleep. In fact a nap didn’t sound bad—

Snap.

Her head snapped up, eyes widening. That had been too loud to be a simple little bird or just the sound of a branch falling from the wind. She felt her calm wash away in a rush of icy fear. Though Flower Fruit Mountain was possibly the safest place in the world, it did still have the occasional predator. Bear or tiger were the largest creatures to have been spotted on the mountain. Wukong and Macaque assured that the worst of those beasts kept to the lower plains of the mountain.

But what if— what if I went too low?

Her ears strained, her eyes blown wide to see. Nothing revealed itself from the emerald green foliage or the berry bushes. Her hair stood on end as something shuffled in the undergrowth. Behind her. Peaches spun, holding a knitting needle out—

To air.

Another brushing sound, like that of claws across wood. Peaches took a step back, away from the sound. Her heart was in her throat and all the peace of the day was gone in the rush of animal instinct that screamed in her mind.

Freeze of Fly?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sun Wukong followed her trail easily to the copse of trees. His Peaches had much to learn if she wished to our pace him in his tracking ability. The path she took was such a massive trail he could see it from miles away. The demonic monkey crouched low, keeping close to the earth.

She was sitting next to the little stream at the foot of a great willow. His Peaches. Her fingers were red with gooseberry juice, her hair down in the heat. She was the picture of peaceful, the very image of serenity. Wukong felt a desire to grab her to hold her close, to take the juice of the berries off her fingers and hear her laughter and voice.

Gods he craved her.

He held off leaping, held off and observed. Magic would make it easier to drop in on her but he liked the challenge of keeping his current shape. So Wukong lay low, watching. The brothers had a practice of watching their Peaches when she thought she was alone. It was in those moments they learned the most about their mortal heart. How she would sigh, how she always got itchy if she wore too much of the powder upon her face. It was how Wukong learned Peaches preferred bangles over rings. How Macaque gleaned that her favourite foods involved a doughy treat called cinnamon rolls. Little things. Silly things. Treasured things that the brothers would go over and strategize on how to make their precious fruit the most comfortable. To win her favour. Her love. Her attention.

Sometimes she would cry in these moments and the game would have to be put on hold as they made themselves known beyond her field of vision. Wukong hated when she was upset. He knew, somewhere in his twisted heart, that he had caused these tears. That he was to blame for the sorrow that weighed heavy on her.

I can make her happy. No one else saw her sparkle like we did. She’s ours. Forever if I have my way.

But right now he had a game he was in the middle of. The immortal peach he was keeping for her would have to wait. Wukong stalked forward, through the brush. Peaches had laid herself back, body flat to earth and completely relaxed.

Wukong took a branch in his hands and snapped it.

His Peaches lifted herself up and whipped her head in the direction. Wukong had already moved, speed on his side as he circled beyond and behind her. The terror on her face made something stir in him, a protective urge. He would sooth her worry when he caught her. He would pet her hair, hold her close and tell her how foolish she was to leave his safe embrace. She had nothing to fear from him. Only his little sweet fruit didn’t know it was him. Not yet at least.

Wukong let his tail tussle the dead leaves beside him then darted off. He raked his claws over a bit of bark and then zagged back to a new hiding spot. Peaches turned like a doe, alert and eyes wide. Her face was full of fear, full of such open prey-like terror that Wukong couldn’t resist anymore. He rumbled, mimicking the sound of a big cat. Sweet Peaches stared right at the spot he was hiding.

Run little wife, he urged. Come on. Run for me.

At his second snarl, she obliged him. She spun her back to him and took several vain attempts to run. Wukong smirked. And leapt.

He caught her in several bounds barreling full into her body and taking her off her feet. His hand had her by the back of the neck, the other about her middle. They rolled in the air but Wukong angled himself, curling her into him and taking most of the fall. Peaches cry rang in the trees and sent the birds flying. Wukongs laughter was loud and shook through his body as he landed with her. The demon caged her in, setting her hips between his legs so he straddled her. One hand had both her wrists held above her head. The other angled her face to him, the eyes firmly shut.

“Caught you~” He purred.

“WUKONG!” Peaches gasped, opening her eyes to stare right into his face. Wukong felt his heart give a squeeze as the fear melted into ease. Ease with him. It sent a trill of joy up his spine. “You gave me a heart attack. I thought you were some tiger.”

“No love.” Wukong mentally took note of her. No scrapes from their tumble, no bruises. A perfect capture. “A tiger wouldn’t have toyed with you like I did.” Here he stretched his free hand, claws on display.

Peaches laughed. A laugh for him. His tail was swaying, his face inching closer to hers. “I’m glad I’m not getting devoured then.” She said, breath still catching up with her shock.

“Oh my Peaches, I may not be a tiger but I’m going to devour you all the same~” he let the words sink into her, enjoying the blush that coloured her face before he bent down and kissed her. She tasted of gooseberries, of laughter and the earth and ever of peaches. Her lips were soft against his. Wukong moved away from her mouth, wanting to taste her throat, her cheeks, her nose. Kisses he planted along her most ticklish spot on her neck, eliciting giggles and cries of mercy.

The Monkey King felt like he was drinking wine, head getting lighter and lighter while his body relaxed over hers. Only with Peaches had he felt so at peace, so blissful. It’s why he could never let her go. To rob himself of this? Never. She was his and he was hers and that was it.

Peaches pressed a kiss to his nose and he swooped back down to capture her lips. How could someone so soft and small consume me so? He felt starved. He felt parched. Here Peaches was, a bountiful feast and and overflowing cup. He couldn’t get enough of her.

Wukong nipped her neck, tugging her into his teeth to elicit a squeal. She laughed and tried to worm her way out of his grip. “Wukong please! Let me up, let me up!”

“Only when you tell me how well I caught you. Lavish praises on me.” He grumbled. He didn’t want to let her out of his arms. If he could he would keep her here and live in this bubble of joy forever. Peaches blew hair out of her face.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…”

“I assure you I’m not. So tell me.”

“Wukong your pride is insufferable.”

“And your beauty is unconquerable.” He countered and was rewarded with a scarlet Peach. “Now tell me.”

“Ugh. You caught me. You startled me so badly I thought I had gone too low on the mountain.” That had Wukong grinning wide as he now rolled over taking her onto his chest.

“Go on~”

A snort. Peaches was open in only the brief times when his and Macaques earnest attentions had worn down her barriers and aversions to nothing. Here was his adoring and adorable wife. One he wanted to bring treasures and conquer worlds for. I would burn this whole place to the ground to please you.

They spent a time there, the two of them in that grove of trees. Wukong kissed the gooseberry juice from her fingers and Peaches tried to see the good in this moment. Wukong was, a murderer. He was a monster who had taken her from her village. He had killed the villagers. Laying on his arm, feeling his voice and laughter in her body, seeing the tender way he held and touched her…

His love was hard to deny. To match up to the truth she knew so well. He was a murder. The soft glow as his eyes alighted when a butterfly landed on his hand. Wukong would kill again. He set the butterfly on her hand and they both marveled at the changing colors.

Peaches felt a bit more of her resolve break. Wukong and Macaques love was an ocean slamming into her. It was eroding the coastal cliffs she had within her. It had been a constant, driving force these years. She didn’t … she couldn’t remain so indifferent in the wake of such attention. Of such open love. She would never fully be at peace here. However … she was finding a balance.

Maybe that was the closest she would be to the love she originally had showered them both in. Or maybe she would fall head first into that roaring surface and loose herself in their love.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Wukong tugged the brush through Peaches hair, listening to her sing softly in the night air of their bedroom.

Suddenly- the ground became black and Peaches squealed as she disappeared into the earth—

—and popped up in Macaques arms.

“Save some of her for me, Wukong.” Macaque drawled, hands wrapped around her middle in a possessive gesture. They were back in their room, the night air wafting cool tonight. Wukong and Peaches had spent the rest of the day in that copse of trees and upon the mountain. They had walked hand in hand, visited the monkeys and the new babies that had been born to the family’s farthest from the caves.

It had been a day of sweet gestures and, whenever Peaches had turned eyes inward or far off, he had pressed her with tender affection. Drawing her back to the present. If Wukong had learned anything over the decade it was to keep his Peaches in the present, to keep her away from the drifting worry of the past.

They had returned home only when the first stars had begun to spark in the dark sky. Wukong had carried his tired wife all the way back to Water Curtain Cave. He whispered how he would make a necklace of the stars and give them to her and teased out of her sleepy laughs.

Maybe tomorrow will be full of hardships. Maybe she will hate me for what I did. This though- I would kill a thousand villages if I could get a single day of joy like this.

Macaque had returned shortly after dinner, coming into their room to Wukong holding Peaches in his arms and biting more of her neck between brushes. Of course Mac had wanted a bit of her to himself after being gone for a day. Wukong obliged, not bothered one bit.

His brother in arms was still dressed in armour meaning he had probably just arrived back from the East. Not a speck of blood was on his clothing. Wukong would ask him later about how the trip went, when Peaches was asleep. This moment was meant to be a memory of joy. He would not drag kingly duties into this moment.

“I caught her fair and square.” Wukong sniffed, growing a bit jealous at Macaque. He had stolen his prize from beneath his nose- right when he was getting to Peaches too, in her sleepy state. Macaque blinked then stared between the two, his purple eyes flashing.

“You played the game without me?” Wukong heard the bit of hurt and, though he was sure part of it was drummed up for sympathy, felt a bit of guilt. Only a splinter of it. He didn’t regret acting on his own. The game was his to play when he was away. However it had the desired effect on their Wife.

“Oh Mac- no I didn’t know Wukong would be coming after me.” Peaches was so easily guilt tripped. She kissed the darker demons cheek. The sudden flash of confusion and delight passed over Macaque features. His eyes stole towards Wukong, questioning.

Is she happy? Is she giving without teasing? Wukong nodded, the smile on his face like the soft warm dawn. Peaches was happy and that’s all that mattered. She was happy and would give to them.

“He did have a full schedule of meetings.” She bemused. “What.. happened to them?”

“I cleared my evening.”

“Of course you did.” Macaque snorted, half heartedly irritated. His fingers were already brushing through Peaches hair, grooming.

“Nothing was getting done beyond my latest meeting.” At the raised eyebrow of his six eared brother, Wukong waved a hand. “I’ll tell you later but for now- why don’t we have another game of tag.”

“A-another one?” Peaches sat up a bit, looking outside to the dark and moonlight beyond.

“Well you owe Macaque a chance to catch you. And I want to compete again. We will give you … thirty minutes.” Wukong grinned. “No going outside. Just find one of your hidey holes in the Palace, Love.”

“What if I’m too tired for this game?” She pouted and Wukong smirked. Seeing her pout brought the urge to tug her close and erase that pout from her lips all the stronger. He had been hoping she would say it. It’s why he had one of his chefs cooking a very special sweet treat.

“If you play you’ll get a reward~” Wukong crooned.

“That sounds ominous.”

“It’s innocent. I have some delicious sweets being made as a treat. Just a few short rounds and all of them can be yours.”

“Are they …. Cinnamon rolls?”

The Monkey King felt like he had caught her all over again. “Yes”

“… two games. Then no more. I’m tired..”

Macaque kissed her temple and set her free. “Go on darling. When I find you first I will tell you of the sights I saw.”

“You have to get to her first brother.” Wukong challenged. When he got to Peaches he would make her laugh again, demand kisses and more.

“And I will!” The six eared demon grinned eyes flashing. Peaches stood a bit uncertainly until Macaque leaned forward and gave a kiss to her temple.

“Go Peaches. And don’t stop running till you are in one or both of our arms.”

Peaches ran.

---

Smau: "Sorry sweetie, he's busy rn. 😘"

- the guys pranking you by sending you "he's busy"

(geto, choso, nanami, sukuna, gojo, shiu, and toji)

contains: crack, fluff, some suggestiveness

a/n: my take on the famous "he's busy rn" prank i see on so many smaus in so many fandoms! this one was so fun to make lol.

---

OKEY wooloo I love you/p and my brain was so big 5 minutes ago. I was watching a old Philza stream and realized how much that man love axolotls. And so I give you axolotl Reader living in the pond under the bridge between technos and his house. Like they left their old home and wandered around in the snow before just deciding they wanted to life under this cool bridge. And one day Phil and Techno leave their home and there is a person in their pond. Their just chilling. Maybe they have like healing powers and heal Phil’s wing?! I JUST Phil and techno being wholesome with an axolotl reader. And they braid technos hair because their hair is also long and pink so they know all kinds of cool braids. I’m rambling.

-🧇

gills for axolotls are those red/pink whiskers and a dorsal fin is the tail

. . . 

Despite the chill running down your back, you continue to walk. Snow falls gently from above, collecting in piles on the ground below. You huddle into your clothing a bit more, gills tucking in. You left your old house a bit ago to search for supplies but you didn’t expect to get lost so easily. Now, you’re stuck traveling in a snow biome that seems to go on for miles. 

You scoff when you pass by the same tree again, clearly having gone in circles. A shiver racks through your body as it gets darker, night approaching quickly. Your throat feels dry, since you haven’t been in water for a couple hours at this point. You can't even lay in the snow, even if it is essentially frozen water, because that’ll just make you more dehydrated. You’re about to give up, and turn into a different direction when a light from afar catches your attention. It’s faint and flickers in the distance but light could be a sign of life. 

You rush over to the area, nearly tripping when your shoes get caught in the snow. It takes only minutes to find the source, a dim lantern hanging from a fence post. You can spot another lantern in the distance, trailing alongside a partially covered path. You gulp, continuing to follow the trail, hoping that there will be a pool of water nearby. Or, that it’ll lead to a house with someone nice enough inside. Monsters can be heard, gathering around, the dead rising as night nears. You move a little faster, not wanting to fight when you’re this weak. 

A gasp of relief falls from your tongue when you spot houses in the distance. They’re blocked off by a spruce fence, a wooden bridge linking the two together. You push yourself over the fence, grunting when you collapse on the other side. You shiver again and cough lightly. Pushing yourself off of the ground, you run over to the houses. Thoughts rush through your mind, questions and ideas on how to talk to the owners about staying the night. But, the pond underneath the bridge has your excitement flooring. Without a care in the word, you jump into the pond. A tiny squeal lifts from your throat, gills twitching with happiness. Even if the tundra is cold, the water is quite warm in comparison. 

You sink under the surface, tail thumping behind you. You blink a few times to regain your vision, a wide smile forming as you take in the view. This pond is much nicer than the one you live in at home. It’s full of bright colorful coral and tropical fish. You swim around in the water, tail swishing to help you move faster. You greet the fish, waving to them kindly. They simply swim away, only the brave ones approaching. After all, axolotls kill tropical fish for food and fun. But, you never felt the need to follow through with that instinct so they’re safe. 

You dive to the deepest part of the pond, wondering how far it will go. It’s obviously man made, although it is quite wonderful. Feeling drowsy, you lay down on the bottom, near the seagrass. Your large tail curls around your body as you close your eyes. 

.

You continue to stay in the pond for a couple more days, unable to find the will to leave the warm waters. Your home in the swamps couldn’t compare to this place and you really don’t want to attempt traveling home in the snow. You’ve heard the homeowners mingling around, but their voices were always wobbly through the water. They haven’t spotted you yet, since you rarely came up for air. With a large yawn, you swim lazily around the pond. If you decide to stay here, you’ll have to make a house again. Not that you mind, but you don’t have any materials on you. It’s risky to leave the pond to gather wood. 

Your stomach rumbles, the noise sending fish scurrying away. Although the fish have started accepting your presence, they still fear the option of being eaten. You chew on the inside of your cheek, wondering if you could get away with stealing from the homeowners. Would they even notice some food missing? Another grumble and twist in your stomach, makes your whiskers twitch anxiously. You’ll need to get food soon. With that though in mind, you swim to the surface, head barely peeking out of the water. You spin around, gills twisting and turning at the cold wind against your face. 

“Oh, hello there!” A kind voice surprises you from behind. You spin around slowly, scared to see who it is. A tall ghost stands near the pond, his yellow sweater sticking out against the white environment. He smiles, waving gently. A blue sheep bleats softly behind him, moving to approach the edge of the pond. 

“Hello.” You mumble, water ripping from your movements. Maybe if you play dead, he will forget you exist. You don’t have too much time to process that thought, the ghost already sinking to his knees by the water’s edge.

“I’m Ghostbur! Are you a friend of Phil and Techno?” You tilt your head in confusion, mouth opening slightly once you realize they must be the owners of the house. 

“No, uh I just live in this pond.” 

“Oh.” The ghost trails off, unsure of what else to say. “Well, Friend likes you so I think you must be a nice person!” The sheep cries in response, moving forward to sniff in your direction. You’re not sure whether to take that as a compliment or not, either way you give a small note of appreciation. The ghost smiles again. You swim closer, not fearing his presence. 

“Ghostbur, do you have any food on you?” The ghost hums in thought before giving a small ‘nope’. You scrunch up your nose in slight annoyance. Looks like you’ll have to leave to grab something to eat. You lift yourself from the pond, shivering when you touch the snow. 

“Are you leaving so soon?” He seems sad, his eyebrows furrowing. You shake some of the water off of your skin, feeling cold already. 

“Kinda? I need to get food and some supplies so I can make a house in the pond.” You warily glance at the ghost before moving to one of the houses. The first door is locked tight but the second door gives way. Ghostbur follows you inside, his sheep joining along casually. 

You grin, spotting some chests farther inside the house. Moving forward, you quickly search through each of the chests, trying to find some food. Sadly, almost all of the chests contain building materials. You still put some stone and spruce wood into your inventory, saving them for later. 

“Wait, please don’t steal from my friends.” Ghostbur mutters quietly next to you, his hand phasing through your shoulder in an attempt to stop you. For a second, you almost falter not wanting to upset the ghost. 

“I’m not really stealing. I’m just borrowing?” You don’t sound too sure, the excuse is rather pathetic. But, he accepts it, nodding along. You shuffle through the chest, head stuffed into the object. “Do you know where they keep the food?” 

“It’s in the second chest on the left.” A deeper voice catches you off guard, the sudden sound makes you spin. Two other males stand near the doorway, appearing tense. They both hold swords in their hands, glaring at your form. “Get away from them, Ghostbur.” The blond speaks again, motioning for the spirit to move. He doesn’t, however, instead sticking closer to your side. 

“But I don’t want to. They’re a nice person, I can tell.” The ghost frowns, his sheep nearing closer to rub against his side for comfort. 

“That person is stealing our stuff.” The piglin hybrid snorts, his grip on the sword tightening. 

“Technically borrowing.” You intervene meekly. Two glares are sent your way, the action making you flinch. You apologize, gills flicking back. The movement catches the blond’s attention, his eyes widening slightly. 

“You’re an axolotl hybrid?” You look over at the man, deadpanning. Like it wasn’t completely obvious what your hybrid features were. Your response is miffed, snide. 

“Yeah, I guess so.”

The piglin hybrid snorts, turning to look at his companion with a false glare. “Phil, why does that matter?” He turns back to you, drawing his sword. “Look, get out of our house and we won’t kill you.” 

You stare them down, fingers twitching numbly. You can’t take shelter in the pond, that’ll give away your hiding spot. But, there’s no water sources nearby. Perhaps, you can wait them out. With slow movements, you cautiously brush past the pair. Your gaze doesn’t leave their weapons, prepared to draw your own in case they decide to strike. But, neither do. Instead they watch as you walk into the distance, figure disappearing in the brooks of the forest. 

Your scales are shaking with your shivers, as you crouch in the snow. Your tail slowly swishes side to side in the snow, pushing aside the material. You struggle to stay warm, teeth on the verge of chattering. Thankfully, Ghostbur followed you not long after he left. He brought along his sheep, the wool providing a small sense of warmth to your frigid body. You wait, until the lights in the houses go out and for the smoke to halt in the chimneys. Then, you rush towards the buildings. You’re quiet when you divide into the water, sighing as the warm waters embrace your form. Fish swarm around you, surprised to see you back so late. You simply ignore the flicking of their fins and questions, choosing to lay back against the coral for a nap. 

.

You munch weakly on some food, savoring the taste in your mouth. You couldn’t leave the pond too often, not with the others around. You didn’t want to risk getting caught anyways. It didn’t take long to start creating a house in the pond, by tunneling through a wall. The entrance wasn’t noticeable from the surface either, covered by blue and red coral fans. 

A rock lands in the pond, breaking the surface and sinking to the bottom. You watch it sink, before swimming up. For the past couple of weeks that has been your signal that Ghostbur was here to visit. He would try to visit often, but would forget easily. When he stopped by, the ghost would bring food and his pet. Your head breaks the surface, a wide smile on your face. But, the expression drops when you spot Philza at the edge of the waters. You’re about to duck back down but he shouts for you to stop. 

Cautiously, you watch the blonde approach, gaze landing on a wrapped package in his hands. He holds it out towards you, eyes kind. Carefully, you rise out of the water, taking the object. Unwrapping it reveals a loaf of fresh bread, the surface still steaming. You bite into the food, not waiting for his response. It’s quiet, just the sounds of you eating and nearby ambience. The man doesn’t say anything yet, watching your figure. You finish the bread off soon enough, feeling somewhat full. 

“Thank you.” You speak after a split second, whisker-like gills turning back in embarrassment. He doesn’t mock you or shout, like one would expect. Instead he offers a kind grin. 

“It’s no problem. Here, take these too.” He reaches through his inventory, pulling out a small cloth bag. He tosses it in your direction, letting you catch it before it hits the water. You twist it open, gasping when you spot the numerous seeds inside the pouch. You could create a farm with these! 

You shut the bag tightly, looking up quickly with shock stuck on your face. Philza can’t get another word out, your figure already disappearing under the water. The water splashes loudly as you dive, hurrying to place the seeds somewhere safe. 

Philza returns for the next couple of weeks, continuing to bring food with him. At first, you were silent, unsure of trusting this man. Sure, he’s been bringing you food but his friend did threaten to kill you. Maybe this was his way of luring you out. But, that thought fades away with time. The blond is actually quite nice, and you find yourself being good friends with Phil. Most days are spent chatting about his adventures or the places you’ve seen before. He sometimes visits with Ghostbur but never with Technoblade. 

You sigh contently, floating around the pond lazily. Philza recently brought some magma blocks, the material making the waters much water. He seats near the edge, his feet resting in the waters. He leans back against his palms, just as relaxed. You look over at him, upon seeing movement out of the corner of your eye. His cloak falls to his side, large black wings spreading out behind him. The scene has you in awe, the hybrid features surprising you. One wouldn’t know the man has wings underneath that heavy cape of his. You spin around, turning to get a better look at his wings. One of them doesn’t rise as high as the other, feathers noticeably weaker on that side. The limb is injured, weak from long ago. 

“Your wing is broken.” You swim closer, not stopping even when he peaks an eye open. 

“Yeah, that’s why I usually wear a cloak.” He closes his eyes again, wings tucking into his frame in an attempt to hide them. You leave the pool, even though the snow nips at your skin. 

“How did that happen?” You pause, sitting by his side. Not too close, but enough to see him inch away at the question. 

“It’s a long story.” That’s more than enough to know he doesn’t want to speak about the subject. You don’t push another question towards him, since that could make things worse. A breeze passes by, pushing hair back gently. It’s a break, one offered before you spout the next question: “Can I see your wings?” 

He turns to look at you, eyebrow lifting with confusion. “I suppose.” He mumbles somewhat uncomfortably, stretching his injured wing out once more. The details of the wound sticks out more up close, burns littering his skin. You reach out to touch his wing, fingers barely grazing the feathers before his wings tuck back in. 

“What are you doing?” He’s flustered, obviously. He looks at you, wide-eyed and unsure. A sincere smile meets his gaze. 

“Just trust me, please.” With those words, his wings stretch out again. He looks away, eyes closed to avoid your face. He doesn’t want to see the expression you could offer, ones he’s seen so often; disgust, fear, pity and more. But, that doesn’t happen. Your fingers trail over his wounded wing, being careful of any weak spots. 

With a deep breath, your hand begins to glow a faint color, the same shade as the scales on your dorsal fin. Slowly you reach out again, tracing across his wing. Feathers start to grow back slowly, the process steady. Burns disappear and scarred flesh fades to normal skin. You can feel the muscle tense under your palm, but Philza doesn’t move away. When done, you retreat your hand back. Small pants fall from your mouth, proof of your exhaustion and hard work. Axolotls have the gift of regeneration, being able to heal and grow back their own limbs. However, healing another is something you’ve only seen the elders back at home accomplish. Healing Phil took more energy than you expected. 

Said man tests his wing, shifting around the limb with ease. His mouth falls open, the older man speechless. His wing feels like new, maybe even stronger before the fall of L’manburg. He drags you into a tight hug suddenly, numerous words rushing from his mouth in gratitude. As much as you want to return the gesture, the feeling of nausea rising in your gut has you reeling. You go slack from the exhaustion, collapsing into his shoulder. Phil yells in shock but you miss the words he shouts, ears ringing. You can feel him lift you up from the ground, but nothing else. 

Philza rushes you inside, practically knocking down the door in a hurry. The commotion has Techno running over, the hybrid tensing up when he spots you in the older man’s arm. He wants to shout, even curse out Phil for bringing the stranger back, but the look in the avain’s eyes makes any protests die on his tongue. Instead he runs to the basement, pulling out any potions that could help. 

.

Waking up in an unknown location is no fun and neither when the spot gives you a crick in your back. Your eyes peel open, weakly looking around the room. You’re placed in a bathtub, the water running cold. Your tail overhangs the edge, the tub too small to hold you entirely. You sink against the edge, a soft sigh leaving your lungs. You’re still weak, limbs too tired to move. Not eating well enough and the stress of regeneration made you pass out, you knew that much. 

Techno enters the room, the door squealing when he opens it. You flinch at seeing the tall man and struggle to back away. Water splashes frantically with your movements, spilling out of the tub. 

“Stop struggling, I’m not going to hurt you.” He speaks monotonously, still standing in the doorway. He doesn’t approach even after you stop moving. 

“Where’s Philza?” You murmur warily, keeping your eyes on the taller man. You don’t trust him and he doesn’t trust you. If Phil was here, maybe you’d feel a little better about this situation. Technoblade rolls his eyes, crossing his arms stiffly. 

“He left to get potion ingredients since you used up half our stock.” You turn away at his harsh tone, feeling slightly ashamed. He seems to notice that and sighs. Techno leaves for a moment then returns with some food. It’s nothing generous, rather a chunk of bread and a steamed potato. But, with how hungry you are, you gladly take it. 

“Thank you.” Your words are quiet, almost undetected by Techno. But, the flick of his ear proves that he heard you. He simply nods, not saying anything. Then, he leaves. You end up staying in, what turns out to be, Techno’s house for a few more days. You’ve tried to reason with the pair that you’re fine going back to the pond but neither accept the excuse. Philza tosses glares in your direction along with some soft scolding while Techno merely brushes them off. At first, your encounters with the piglin hybrid were awkward. Often he would just stop by with food or bandages, per Phil’s request. He seems to warm up a bit only really because of the forced proximity and of course, because you helped his friend. 

In no time, you end up back in your pond. The two invite you over for meals sometimes, well mainly Philza invites you over. It doesn’t take long for you to meet Ranboo, the mix hybrid proving to be a sweet friend too. While he doesn’t seem as enthusiastic about water as you are, he still is kind enough to listen to you ramble. Sometimes the teen brings around items from around the area for you to decorate your house with, it’s a nice occurrence. 

. 

“Do you need something?” You’re floating casually in the pond, staring up at Techno. He rarely approaches you, still apprehensive. You don’t blame him though, Phil and Ranboo have explained how he has trust issues with almost everyone. The older man grunts, clearly not happy with the predicament. A stray hand reaches up to scratch at the back of his neck awkwardly. 

“I’m going to an ocean monument for prismarine crystals.” 

“Okay, and…?” 

“Philza doesn’t like going in water because of his wings. And, I need someone to watch my back while I fight guardians or mine.” He looks annoyed by the situation, still facing away. His ears flick back at your giggles. 

“I’ll get some supplies just give me a minute.” You duck under the water, returning to your house momentarily. It takes seconds to grab some light armor and weapons. When you break the surface, Techno is still in the same spot looking just as bored as before. He does seem glad that you didn’t take too long, turning around and walking towards the portal. 

The journey to the monument doesn’t take nearly as long as you would have expected. It was a little uncomfortable traveling through the Nether to reach the ocean, but you brought enough water bottles for the trip. You practically dive into the water when you see it, the action making your companion chuckle quietly. 

You swim around happily, not having been in such a large body of water in so long. The water splashes loudly as you swim around with ease. You chirp lightly when you spot other axolotls in the waters, diving in their direction. The adults chirp back while the younger axolotls playfully swim around you. Techno ignores your distracted state, choosing to let you continue having fun as he nears the monument. He’s already chugged a few water breathing potions and his enchanted armor will help him survive the ocean. 

He starts at the top of the structure, already mining away at the exposed sea lanterns. Occasionally, he glances over in your direction to make sure you are staying safe. So lost in the process he doesn’t notice the guardians swimming nearby. It isn’t until he hears their screech that he finally spins around, narrowly avoiding one of their lasers. He draws his sword, slicing through two of the creatures before they can attack again. The third one though, has had enough time to charge its attack, eye aimed on Technoblade. The hybrid braces himself for the impact, knowing he can’t move fast enough. 

In seconds, the guardian goes from offense to defense. It squeaks loudly as you slam into its side and causes them to lose its focus. Your tail swishes angrily behind you, prepared to attack again. The guardian returns your glare, eye narrowing. It squeaks again before fleeing. With excitement rivaling that of a dog, you spin around to see Techno. Your grin is wide, cheeks full of pride. 

“Did you see that? The guardian was like woosh, and I went pow and now they’re gone!” You move your hands around dramatically while talking, emphasizing the sound effects as needed. You pause for a second, eyesight training behind Techno. He looks over his shoulder to spot another guardian, however this one isn’t preparing to attack. Instead, it lets out a pathetic squeal and tries to swim away while you dart after it with a group of axolotls. With an exasperated sigh, Techno goes back to collecting crystals. 

When done, he shouts for you. It takes a couple minutes for you to exit the ocean monument, apparently having gone out of your way to hunt other guardians. The smile on your face is priceless and has him faltering for a second, he doesn’t see you this happy often. The trip back isn’t quiet for once, Techno actually engaging slightly in conversation. The snow greets you both warmly, although it certainly isn’t pleasant for you. Feeling dehydrated, mainly from The Nether, you begin to ruffle through your pockets for a water bottle. 

A hand moves in front of your face, holding out a potion bottle of water. You look back at the owner, shock settling into your features. Technoblade doesn’t say anything, pushing the drink to you in motion to take it. With the slowness of a stray, you grasp onto the bottle. You sip at the water, feeling your gills perk up. 

“Thank you.” 

“It’s no problem.” He keeps walking, facing ahead. You catch up with his long strides with some difficulty, almost brushing against his shoulder. 

“So, you carry water for me?” Your tone is teasing, tail flicking with playfulness. He snorts, cheeks flushing lightly from embarrassment. 

“Don’t overthink it. I’d never hear the end of it if you died on my watch.” 

“Oh, sure.” You draw out the word, obviously not believing his words. He grumbles, walking away faster. With a laugh, you trail behind him, knowing that he isn’t actually angry. You follow him into the house, not just yet retreating to your home. Philza waves from the kitchen, the man already having started on dinner. You smile fondly, remembering how surprised the hybrid was when he found out you lived in the pond. But, he took it as a compliment, considering he made the space. 

You flop down on the couch, limbs sprawling out as you get comfortable. Techno eventually joins you on the other side, after removing his armor and cape. It’s a peaceful silence, almost nice enough to fall asleep in. Technoblade is reading a potions book, flicking the pages over every couple of minutes. He sniffs, a hand raising to move some hair out of his face. But, the strand falls again leading him to tuck it behind his ear a few more times, agitation increasing. 

With a groan, you scoot over to his side of the couch. You face his side, sitting with your legs crossed. He lifts an eyebrow, as a silent question, urging you to speak. 

“Turn around.” 

“Why?” 

“I want to braid your hair. It’ll stop falling in your face.” You lean forward in excitement, practically bouncing in your seat. He sighs loudly but agrees, shifting so his back is to you. You run your hands through his hair briefly, amazed by how soft it is. Once done admiring, you split his hair into three sections and start braiding it. It’s a simple braid, although a little messy, but gets the job done. When finished, you scoot back to look over his hair. He turns back around, a finger lifting to run alongside a small braid near the crown of his head. Techno turns to look at you, mumbling a thank you. 

You fall back clumsy, sprawling out on the couch again. Your feet land in his lap, but Techno doesn’t say anything about it. Instead, he goes back to reading. 

“Are you guys ready for dinner?” Philza calls out from the kitchen, and eventually walks into the living room after not getting a response. He blinks owlishly upon spotting Techno with braided hair and you lying out lazily. “Uh, guys?” He pauses, a knowing smirk forming. “The salmon is ready.” 

The food, a favorite of axolotls, has you springing forward with brilliant energy. You stumble over your feet, rushing to the kitchen. The two chuckle and follow you. The sight of your tail wagging quickly and piling up a plate sends them into a laughing fit. They’re certainly glad to have you around. You’ve made life more interesting and brighten their days with the simplest of actions. Not waiting another second, the pair join their friend at the table for a night full of joy and lively conversation. 

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Resources For Writing Sketchy Topics

Medicine

A Study In Physical Injury

Comas

Medical Facts And Tips For Your Writing Needs

Broken Bones

Burns

Unconsciousness & Head Trauma

Blood Loss

Stab Wounds

Pain & Shock

All About Mechanical Injuries (Injuries Caused By Violence)

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Portraying a kleptomaniac.

Playing a character with cancer.

How to portray a power driven character.

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Portraying a character with borderline personality disorder.

Playing a character with Orthorexia Nervosa.

Writing a character who lost someone important.

Playing the bullies.

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How to portray a sociopath.

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Portraying a character with severe depression.

How to play a serial killer.

Writing insane characters.

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Tips on writing a drug addict.

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How to play the stalker.

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Playing a character with ADHD.

How to play a sexual assault victim.

Writing a compulsive gambler.

Playing a character who is faking a disorder.

Playing a prisoner.

Portraying an emotionally detached character.

How to play a character with social anxiety.

Portraying a character who is high.

Portraying characters who have secrets.

Portraying a recovering alcoholic.

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How to play someone creepy.

Portraying sexually/emotionally abused characters.

Playing a character under the influence of drugs.

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