#betrothal au

[a-whispering-echo]

still sort of a sketchy WIP in my head, but ive had him pictures and bouncing around my mind for he past few days, and i had to get him down on... pa...per? screen? digital drawing...

anyway, yeah, hes fucking gorgeous and hella depressed lololol

wanna give him a big kiss on his ice cold bony cheeks <3

[spookysshadow]

Following my small tobiizu meet as tiny tots au - imagine the Uchiha clan has a tradition of giving their beloveds betrothal necklaces (think ATLA) and after a few times of meeting his new friend Bira and being gifted all these cool rocks and shells, Izuna decides he wants to give Bira something

And the entire Uchiha clan watches as this 5-6year old goes about making a betrothal necklace for this Bira person, who everyone is convinced is this little guy's imaginary friend. After all, Izuna is the youngest and all his brother's are sparring together, it's only natural the poor guy make up a friend to keep him company. (Not that there are a lack of small Uchihas he could go around and play with, but Tajima figures his son is just that dramatic).

And Izuna really, really, works hard on his necklace okay, it has to be perfect. He's got a nice blue velvety choker and he's been adding some of the smaller shells Bira gave him and some tiny glass figurines of rabbits and fish his uncle helped make. It's going to be the best, most awesome gift ever!

None of the older Uchihas want to ruin his day, so of course they help. Meanwhile Tajima and his wife have been gently, ever so gently with Izuna, hinting that maybe Bira (who they fully believe does not exist) might not like jewelry and what will he do if Bira rejects it?

Izuna just shakes his head - "Bira will love it! I just know it."

Tajima figures Izuna will realize once he returns with his necklace that imaginary friends cannot accept gifts.

So, when Izuna comes back one day, without the necklace in hand and a huge wide smile on his face, Tajima sighs.

"Please tell me you didn't leave that beautiful necklace somewhere in the woods?"

Izuna shakes his head, exasperated. "No, I gave it to Bira. Like I've been telling everyone. He said he really liked it, by the way, and that he'll always wear it!"

"Izuna," Tajima starts slowly, because maybe, just maybe, this Bira might just be a real person, "where have you been meeting Bira?"

His child sighs, like he has no time for this in his busy, child schedule. "Near the edge of the Naka River. With the trees and the little streams."

Tajima nods and when his son goes back inside to do his chores, the Uchiha clan head decides to take a trip to see where his son might be disappearing to.

Not only does he realize his 6 year old has been straying very far away from home, but that there is in fact a second, tiny chakra signature floating around.

Which means his tiny son proposed to some stranger he met in the woods and they accepted. His 6 year old is engaged. To some random child.

He has no idea how he's going to break the news to his wife.

[razzle-zazzle]

betrothal au is so funny actually. jay & cole are still beefing because of the love triangle, except cole has been engaged to skylor the whole time. chen made sure that cole and skylor's rooms are next to each other so kai has to look to the balcony on the other side of cole's to make googoo eyes at skylor. skylor unintentionally cracks kai's egg. kai sees cole and skylor doing a lil waltz in the courtyard one night and immediately joins jay in giving cole the stinkeye over lunch. chen sees cole and skylor sneaking off and gets one of his underlings to play romantic music in whatever room they go to. clouse suggests just using a love potion to ensure cole turns against the ninja but chen wants that to happen organically because he thinks it's funny/more satisfying. cole and skylor make up stupid pet names that make no sense. soap opera level drama. chen going all bridezilla for what should be his daughter's special day, bc he's chen.

it's all so funny. to me <3

[millylotus]

MEMES!!!

WRITTEN IN THE STARS, BEFORE WE WERE EVEN BORN - betrothal au :

Light and Time met at the beginning of existence and made a deal. To make sure the other wouldn't back out and take everything, they invested in a collateral. Two of their kin to be born, will be wed. Betrothal contracts were not what Duke or Danny wanted for breakfast.

DEADLIGHTS MASTERPOST, GENERAL NOTES, AO3

[wolfsonic]

Growly monkies

I got more snippets of the monkeys cause @journey-to-the-au has given me monkey brain rot again with them, and I had to write about it.

Sorry if the snippets are not beta read, I started feeling iky around the last two stories and I just wanted to get them out of my head before I forgot XD

The WuKong and Willow snippet was inspired by this beautiful art they made!

Hope you like them!

---

Beng carefully adjusted forearm guards, Ma and him were due for a meeting with the others, and Ma had left a bit a go so she could get her adjusted armor. His mate's pregnancy was starting to show, and she, with Beng by her side, asked WuKong for the armor around the beginning of it so it would be ready by the time she would need it. WuKong had agreed easily with a smile.

The General frowned in thought, and he suspected a few monkeys on the island had expressed their distaste of Ma continuing her Marshal duties while pregnant. They have been smart enough to know not to have said anything in front of Beng himself, but he's seen Ma's mood has been lower than normal.

It was the reason Ma had been worried about asking for the new armor, WuKong, as well as Beng reassured her she could still be a Marshal.

Beng grabbed his polearm before he turned and followed where Ma had gone. He didn't walk very far before he heard a voice. Ma's voice which confused him since she should have so much farther ahead than he was.

He wasn't close enough to hear what she had said, but a second voice spoke up talking over the Marshal. Just that alone made his fur puff up slightly in irritation, and when Beng finally turned the corner to see them, did the words finally register.

"You shouldn't be over exerting yourself." The stupid monkey said sharply to Ma. The monkey back was towards Beng, with Ma facing towards him, her own features trying not to convey the annoyance radiating off her. "You should think about your child, not your own self interests."

Beng, despite his big size, crept up silently behind the unsuspecting monkey, and once he was right behind her, he let out a smallest of growls, his voice low as he stared down of the monkey. "Are you the doctor of this mountian?" A loud squeak of fear came from the monkey as she jumped. She slowly turned around to see the big general standing over her. Her mouth opened and closing but no words came out of her mouth as Beng continued.

The monkey just cowered under Beng's intense stare before finally scurring away. He huffed angrily as he watched her run before turning to Ma. She was looking down as her feet. The General reached forward and cups her cheek, making her look at him. "I do not want you letting this slide anymore, I have been watching your mood lower because of it. I am here, talk to me."

Ma huffed less in anger before leaning forwards and resting her face into his shoulder. "I'm sorry... I thought I could handle it.."

Beng wrapped his arms around Ma in a hug, letting his other half cling to him. Soft reassurances whispered softly in her ear. The two didn't move for a little, and Beng wasn't surprised to see Liu after a while. Probably looking for them, but the Marshal instantly halted at the sight of the two before turning and walking away.

Wanting to give the two privacy, but Beng did not miss the frown settled on his lips. Beng knew they'd probably have to explain to the others, but for now, his focuse was on his mate.

~~~

Liu sat with his back towards Rin Rin as her fingers groomed him, working out burrs that were snagged in his fur. A small pout rested on his face as he stared grumply at the dirt, and Rin Rin could only giggle softly when she noticed his face. "You put yourself here, mister. It was just a small bird dropping a seed, and you're the one that tripped on a root and into a bush to investigate it."

Liu relaxed under her touch before speaking up, "it could have been something that could hurt you and the baby!" He said, trying to reason why he did it.

Rin Rin just shook her head with a smile. "Even an infant could have recognized that sound."

Liu only just seemed to pout more, making Rin Rin giggle even more. The Marshal couldn't hold back his own content smile at Rin Rin's giggles. A loud snap of a twig made Liu stand ramrod straight, his eyes narrowed and immediately growling in the direction of the sound. It turned into a sharp glare when a monkey that was the culprit of the sound scrambled away.

Rin Rin rolled her eyes before gently taking Liu's hand and placing it on her stomach. The change was immediate as his gaze softened and grew considerably less tense. He turned to look at Rin Rin as he felt a strong kick against his palm. He then nuzzled Rin Rin's stomach, where he felt another one against his cheek. "Hello, little one."

Liu wrapped his arms around Rin Rin's waist, in turn hold her and their child. "WuKong let you off your duties today so you can take a break." Rin Rin emphasized the word break as she leaned down to kiss his forehead.

Liu just sighed before nodding. This time, he relaxed fully as Rin Rin went back to grooming him. They remained like that as she worked, Liu talking softly to the infant still in Rin Rin.

Rin Rin finished grooming him, and she moved to just threaded her fingers through his fur on his head before he stood. Rin Rin tilted her head to the side in confusion for a second before he held out his hand. "Come on, let's get some food. You're probably hungry." Liu said as he held his hand out for her to take.

Rin Rin smiled and took it, letting her mate pull her up as she nodded. "I could eat." Rin Rin said as they walked away towards the orchards.

~~~

WuKong was laying flat on his stomach as he watched over a sleeping Willow, who was lying on her side facing WuKong. Earlier that day, the one time WuKong was pulled away from her, she had a fainting spell, putting the already tense simian on even more edge. Thankfully, Liu had been nearby to keep Willow from hurting herself, and she came too pretty quickly. Beng checked on her and the babies, finding nothing wrong, but he still told her to rest for the remainder of the day.

And now here Wukong was up in the early hours of the morning watching over Willow. He hadn't got a wink of sleep, and even a part of him agreed this could possibly be seen as a little creepy, but he couldn't help it. He needed to make sure all of them were safe. The soft sounds of the forest waking reached his ears as the king rested his head on to his forearm.

The small sense of tranquility was broken as a shift of magic touched the air, making WuKong shoot up from his laying position. The king looked wildly around, assessing the room for any threats, a soft snarl coming from his lips. It was then he had to bite back said snarl as he realized the magic had come from Willow, her transformation magic unconsciously activating as it shifted over her.

It wasn't long before a monkey form took the place of Willow's human one. The celestial didn't even awaken from the sudden change as she continued to sleep peacefully. The king let out a breath he was holding as he resumed his position.

It wasn't long later that Willow's eyes slowly opened as she woke from sleep. Her tired eyes turned confused as she spotted WuKong wide awake. "What are you doing up?" She asked softly, not even surprised she was in monkey form again. WuKong diverted his eyes at the question, Willow eyes widened at the realization that he didn't even sleep, made her cross her arms, and stared at him with disapproval. "You stayed up all night." She said, not even questioning it to know it was true.

WuKong has no defense for that, and Willow opened her arms, silently asking for cuddles. The king obliged instantly, though she had moved him to rest his head against her stomach. Willow spoke again "Your going to fall asleep during your buddhistic duties today."

"Maybe you don't know that." WuKong said as he relaxed under her voice and the small heartbeats and kicks of his children as she began to play with the hair on his head. Making him relax even more, his eyes drooping slightly.

"You're falling asleep right now." Willow said with a soft laugh.

WuKong shoke his head, trying to deny it. "No, I'm just blinking." He mumbled softly.

"Sleep, WuKong. I'll wake you in a few hours."

The king tried to deny it, but he couldn't stop himself, finally being pulled into sleep.

[renegade-diamonds]

The idea of Alpha!Nancy slowly becoming physically affectionate in public with Omega!Robin once they start dating/courting is rotting in my brain right now.

I have a AU in my head where arranged marriages are considered the norm in ABO culture, but it's encouraged for alpha and beta youth to explore themselves after presenting in order to gain some real-life experience.

Omegas, however, tend to be treated different depending on the religious views of their families and culture.

Robin comes from a poor family in Hawkins, although their family history goes far back to the town's founding. Her parents have the wonderful idea of arranging a betrothal for her during her Sophomore year, and Robin's scared as hell about what that means. She tries to run away several times, only to return later because she has no way of driving or supporting herself at this point.

Her friends don't see the big deal; it's normal for betrothals to be formed in order to foster community relations, and because parents are typically viewed as 'knowing what's best' for their offspring. She barely gets along with her group anymore, and her parents don't actually seem to see her when it comes to what she wants.

Eventually she gets the nerve to tell her parents that, at the very least, she cannot be paired with a male. They seem to get it, although that severely limits her options. There aren't many female alphas around her age group, and those that are there tend to migrate towards male omegas in order to keep up the "Adam and Eve" religious theme that dominates Christian culture.

Everything happens the same in the show, and following the Battle of Starcourt, after she has her first heat (besides her presentation), her parents inform Robin that they've found her a match that should please her. It's customary for the courting alpha to first make their intentions known by offering a gift picked out by the omega's parents before the omega is told of their identity, and Robin is left with little information on which family her parents organized her betrothal with.

To make matters worse, the whole Upside-Down group is currently being rocked by the Byers (and El) moving away, Jonathan and Nancy's unexpected break up, Max's slow distancing of herself, and Robin's new spot in the group.

By the time the Summer is over, Robin's ready to get back into the swing of school. She doesn't think of her loaming betrothal, or her mysterious future-mate. Robin figures she'll probably run away before things get serious anyway- Operation Croissant is still a possibility after all.

Steve is a good friend and listens to her worries, but he's got a weird gleam in his eye- like there's something he knows but can't say. He's shifty when confronted, and Robin eventually just excuses his behavior as him being distract or busy with his complicated love-life (she's so envious of the freedom his parents give him to date who he wants, even if it's only because they never have time for this son anymore).

The remaining kids seem oddly interested in her life as well. Mike's constantly asking her questions, wanting advice, trying to learn everything he can about her. Robin's not too weirded out by it, she knows he's probably trying to make up for El and Will's absence. Dustin and Lucas are a bit more reserved, but no less friendly, while Max unofficially adopts her as a big sister in a surprising turn of events.

She never sees Nancy, although she hears through the grapevine that the girl's been fighting with her parents lately- something that's gotten worse ever since the alpha's breakup with Jonathan. Robin doesn't push it there, since Nancy hasn't really given her any real reason to consider themselves' friends.

Her parents stay up late the night before the first day of Senior Year. She hears them on the phone, softly talking with someone else about whether or not their daughter has the 'gift' ready, and if everything was still good to go. She knows right away that they're talking about the betrothal gift, and Robin's terrified to realize that the courtship process was going to start soon.

She's completely unprepared to be greeted first thing in the morning by a frowning Nancy Wheeler, who arrives at her house instead of Steve to take her to school. Her parents are giddy the whole time, and Robin has a gnawing feeling in her gut that won't go away. Nancy drives in silence, hands tightly gripping the steering wheel. She's obviously upset, but at least had the consideration to wear scent suppressers so it didn't overwhelm the omega. Robin barely reacts when they pull into the parking lot, find a spot, and sit in the car blankly for a few minutes- watching the other students go by.

Nancy finally asks her if she knows what's going on, and Robin swallows uneasily but replies that she has a pretty good idea. Nancy sighs in response and pulls out a small bracelet box- a rather expensive one too. She gently opens it to show the omega the beautiful piece of jewelry within, and Robin feels her heart shudder in her chest. It's a silver piece, with dark gems cut into leaf-life shapes decorating it. It's not something she'd usually wear, but it goes well with her colors and style. Robin hates how much she actually likes it. Nancy reaches over and fastens the bracelet around her wrist, something tight and unhappy in her expression.

Robin realizes with a sinking heart that this must be what caused her breakup with Jonathan. Nancy looks at her so intently- there's anger, but it's not directed at her. Still, she understands the hesitation in the alpha's gaze. Despite the craziness of the last summer, they barely know each other, and Nancy's just lost the person who many thought was her soulmate.

Robin knows without thinking that she can't possibly compete with that.

Still, Nancy is oddly pensive. More students start to arrive, and Robin knows they're going to get a lot of rumors flying around now that this seems to be official. She doesn't know how she's going to handle it- she doesn't know how she's going to handle Nancy. This whole situation is properly fucked.

Finally, the alpha talks and Robin tries to listen without letting her own nerves show. She knows what's expected of her now, she doesn't want to give Nancy any more reason to hate this. Not when they're still not exactly sure what this is. (beyond the whole betrothal aspect of their, still very new, relationship).

However, she doesn't expect Nancy to tell her to get out of the car, because they're going to be late. She doesn't expect to be so hurt by the way Nancy disappears into the crowds as soon as she's able to. She doesn't expect the ache in her chest to form so easily, but Robin knows it was going to show up sooner or later either way.

[hcdragonwrites]

A Nightmare (a @journey-to-the-au drabble)

Another one! I split this one into two- so that way the people who enjoy fluff and are sensitive to the triggers can pick one or the others. Warning: this is about the Six Eared Macaque and what happens in the Betrothal AU

Trigger warning: Gore, Violence, Cannibalism and Descriptions of the Like. Allusions of SA (nothing happens but if this is a trigger don’t read!)

Did Heaven know of nightmares?

Earth Reaching Willow couldn’t answer that. In all her endless days within the Polestar Palace, among the Orchards of Immortal Peaches, and across the wide clouded bridges and celestial marvels, she had never known anything but tranquility and Peace.

Willow felt the other Monkeys of the troop swirling about her. Mothers bared fangs in fierce smiles while fathers and brothers teetered on grabbing weapons or jumping into the fray. However the being before them, the being that had been living among them, wore a familiar face, spoke in a voice that was warm in tenor.

It was a trusted person, a king of kindness, that had sat before them with grisly gore smeared over his teeth.

This wasn’t Wukong.

The Monkey King slouched, relaxed on the floor of Water- Curtain Cave. The gray stone beneath was dark with the scattered remnants of …

Willow couldn’t. She couldn’t - who had it been? Who had they been ? Willow had spent decades among the troop of Flower Fruit Mountain, years watching her new family grow and flourish. She had welcomed new members, helping mothers tend and care in turn for the babies and teach. She had brought flower petals to scatter upon the bodies of old and fallen friends and family, returning their vessels to the earth and praying for their next reincarnation. Death was not impossible for the Monkeys of the mountain even if age was not a factor now.

Her stomach curled at the scattered red and pink and purple flecks against the gray stone.

Willow had tended and cared for her family. Liu, Rin Rin, Ma, Ba, Beng, Mama Courage, Mama Wisdom, Chestnut- and so many more. She had cared for them because they loved her and she loved them.

Willow cared for them in all the years Wukong had been away. She, wife and friend to king of Flower Fruit Mountain, understood the importance of her position.

This creature that had once been alive was now twitching as it’s body bled out.

Another rending, echoed in the cave. The teeth of this Wukong hooked into the rib cage of the fallen little monkey beneath his foot. The red flesh pulled free of the white bone with a shlap sound. This mimicry of Wukong slurped the flesh and smacked his lips as if in ecstasy.

“Exquisite taste as always.” The voice was so familiar in its sound. Wrong wrong, Willows mind warned, her stomach becoming stone. This isn’t him!

The corpse of the monkey lay near the entrance of the cavern, splayed out in the pose of a running animal having been taken down by a lion. Upon that corpse, casual foot set against its shoulders, was the monarch of the mountain.

Mama Courage was bristled, fangs flashing and eyes full of fury. For all the rage behind him, the creature that wore the skin of their friend, was unperturbed. Instead he dug his claws into the skin and pulled. The sound set her teeth on edge and her stomach to flipping. Something pink and soft was between his claws- and then down his gullet.

The mothers and the distant warriors around the cave watched in horror. Most of the troop was outside, enjoying the everlasting summer of the mountain. Willow wished she had been just a bit faster, just a bit sooner and she could have been among them.

Instead she was stuck inside a living nightmare.

The Wukong turned his head, eyes alighting on one little of the troop adolescents who came too close. Faster than any of them could react, the Wukong had seized the youngster by his tail and dragged him over. The mothers started forward but froze at the pained screams of the little monkey.

“Curious one are you not?” The Wukong grinned, all threat within that smile. He sat the youngster beside him, petting his fur and pulling it close. “Come! Take a bite! This foolish subject shouldn’t have brushed me in his haste to get by. Now he will serve me in the only remaining way he can~”

“Eat! Eat!” With his free paw he gestured to the slaughtered monkey at his feet. The individual had had his throat cut, the blood pooling beneath his dun fur. The great wound on his side had been inflicted while they had been alive, it had happened right before Willows eyes.

Willow didn’t remember what the conversation had been about before. She had been walking out of one of the stone huts, signing to Wisdom beside her. It was the season for apple picking and they were both in a deep conversation about what foods to make with the apples they harvested.

‘Pies?’ Wisdom had puzzled.

‘And jams’ Willow signed back. ‘Tarts and sauces.’

‘You want to make these?’ Wisdom signed as they turned past a curve in the cave.

‘I want to teach others how to cook them’ Willow explained. She had been baking for years now, testing and trying new creations. With so many different types of fruit orchards and with an ever abundance of rotating bloomings and ripenings, Willow couldn’t resist. Apple pies, peach cobblers, plum puddings, candied pears, and strawberry tarts. So many things Willow could make- so many treats she could spoil her family with.

When Earth Reaching Willow had started making her first treats, the smell had begun to attract some of the denizens of the mountain. Little round faces poked through the kitchen windows, eyes wide and noses inhaling. Willow had passed each little one a bit of whatever she had been making- breads full of almonds, ripe watermelons dipped into sugar, orange juice freshly pressed for the porridge she would make- and they had scurried away, excited.

It had only taken three days for the rest of the mountain to be waiting outside her door, eyes eager and arms full of the fruits they wanted made into treats.

‘Teaching will be difficult.’ Courage signed.

‘How so? I like to teach and I think most will have the patience to learn.” Willow countered gently. Then she suddenly had a thought and amended, ‘Maybe not Ba though. I think he will be the one that will possibly try to sabotage me for a prank or steal whatever I make’

Courage laughed her silent laugh. Her eyes twinkled with mirth. ‘If he switches your fruits I will make sure he gets a thorough fruit thrashing. But no- I have no concern of your ability. Only about how much space we may have in the kitchen.’

It was Willows turn to laugh.

The morning had been going so well.

And then.

The two rounded the last curve of the tunnel, coming up to the roaring waterfall that blocked the main entrance to Water Curtain Cave. It’s soft, silver light soothing to see. It was like the mountains voice, forever roaring by them all. Courage paused, grabbing at Willows sleeve.

Willow looked up.

At the great wide flat stone before the waterfall, stood Wukong. A chill crept up Willows spine.

The Wukongs eyes alighted on the two and he smiled broadly, waving.

“Mother! Willow!” He called in friendly tones. “My beautiful wife is just the person I wanted to see !”

Willow felt that chill touch her veins.

He skipped closer eyes dancing brightly. But something was off. There was a shine to his eyes that looked feverish.

Wukong grasped the limp hand of Willows and kissed it. The press of that mouth over her skin felt hungrier, the eyes of his looking upward into her own with … with an expression of love meant for …

For the bedroom.

Willow took her hand from his palm, plastering a small smile onto her face. A wolf was before her. Wearing sheep’s clothing. Willow knew a wolf when she saw one however.

Wukong and her may be husband and wife but he never hinted or tried at more romantic inclinations when they were away from the cloudy courts of Heaven.

As she pulled the hands from his there was another flash, some sort of color burning in his eyes. What was that?

“Hello Wukong.”

“My Love~” His voice was syrupy sweet. “I have missed your company these few nights. Will you indulge me? I have the perfect place picked out! There’s a pond just south of here- and when the moon is out and the water is still, it turns silver and it’s beautiful.”

“It reminds me of your beauty.”

“I would love to,” Willow felt the repulsion rise. She had to fight the urge to pull back. Courtly edicate. She had dissuaded similar trysts and attempts from far more skilled men than this Wukong. But none of them looked like her best friend. “However I’ve promised to bake an apple pie and show your Mother how to make one.”

Courage nodded, signing ‘We must be off, son. The light will soon be behind the mountain and it will be too dark to see.’

Courage grasped her hand, tugging her away.

Wukongs face fell. Another flash in those eyes.

What happened next was all too quick, all too brutal.

Wukong- the wolf in Wukongs skin- moved to catch her hand-

And Willow had retreated, barely escaping his grasping hand.

One moment, Wukong had been trying to grab her attention. Courage had caught her hand, tugging her. Willow had bowed and given her excuses, her apologies. She retreated in relief. And she saw the eyes, finally, change to an ice blue.

The next moment, as one of the many monkeys walked by -was his name Radish or Cloud?- Wukongs eyes flashed.

Wrong-they are blue with red chips within them. Why are they blue ?

It was like the striking of lightning. One minute Wukong had stood, gaze open and full of such a light as to give a dragon nightmares, and the next the world was turned end over end. The monkey had at one moment been brushing past the king and the next he had been pinned to the stone floor. The savage strike had split the side of the little monkey's flank, opening up fur and skin and flesh. Exposing the inner workings of the poor creature in a spray of red so dark as to be black. The Wukong with those painfully bright blue eyes had cleaved the bone of the rib cage as easily as a knife slicing through butter.

The monkey gasped, eyes blinking in confusion. The pain hadn’t registered yet. Only shock. Wukong tugged a bit of pink intestine out of the still writhing monkey and ripped it to shreds.

Blood.

Screaming.

Willow felt her stomach heave.

“I have your attention now ?” Wukong had said.

Not Wukong.

This creature, whoever and whatever it was, was not Sun Wukong.

It couldn’t be.

This Wukong shook the adolescent monkey it had hostage again, yanking at the corpse before him. The noise of the screams had brought the few monkeys still in the caves running, some dragging weapons. Upon seeing however, that the threat was no tiger or jackal or leopard but their own king tearing away at one of his own, had driven all the fight from them. It had left only horror.

The poor monkey face was contorted in a frozen scream. Its eyes were staring sightless. Vacant and grayed over. Gone.

“Come have a taste. I only share the best of meals with the ones I love.” The wrong Wukong spoke, tugging the poor creature forward. He held the flesh closer, eyes blazing blue. The tiny monkey squirmed in his grasp, eyes wild.

“Stop!”

The Wukong froze. The world froze as Willow called out. Her heart raced. Only her heart and the roar of the waterfall dared to make a sound.

She saw the tiny monkey squirming and clawing at the hand that was still about its scruff, whimpering. His eyes, that unusual shade of blue, slanted her way. They burned coldly, wildly, full of one such emotion that Willow couldn’t mistake.

Hunger.

“Oh?”

The Wukong set the monkey back down. He didn’t let go of the poor thing. His eyes were only for her, his attention peaked. Earth Reaching Willow, Eldest princess of the Jade Emperor, threw herself into that woman she had been before her monkey, before Wukong had come into Heaven and offered her the world. She was an actress.

As still as a pond with no ripples. He may be full of a burning ice but I must be colder- I must be that calm within the eye of a hurricane.

Willow pressed her forehead to the floor, bowing. She felt the hands of Courage tugging at her. She kept her head flat to the floor.

I must play this game. Protect my family-

Even from the one who I looks like my friend. For my friend. Wherever he is—

“Has my Wife finally decided to give me attention?” Willow heard the heavy and terrible sound of bone snapping and muscles rending. She didn’t look up. “It has been so long, my love. You’ve left your king….” A harsh crunch of bones, of noise that is the sound of teeth digging into something soft. Snapping it like a twig. “….hungry.”

“Please, let the little one go.” Willow pleaded. She felt the brush of Mamma Courage along her side, Wisdom along the other.

“Lift your head.”

Dread.

She did as she was told, composing her face to serenity. The serenity cannot withstand the horror before her. It cracked.

This Wukongs face is smiling cynically, eyes glacier blue and glowing. In his free hand, the dismembered paw of the poor deceased monkey, cut clean from mid forearm down. The bone had been cracked, the marrow dripping.

“What will you do my Willow?” He asked, shaking the still struggling babe. One of the mother monkeys barked in rage, taking a half step forward. Another stopped her. Willow felt like a mouse caught between a wolf's paws.

“Your husband is very upset at you for ignoring his … advances.”

Nothing. I won’t do anything. I will turn into the smallest speck of sand and let the wind blow me away.

Willow let her fear spin just for a moment. Then she grasped it in her mind and pressed it behind that cold veneer of courtly teachings. She had acted much of her life. She had acted to fool her father, her advisors, the very suitors that saw her as a chess piece to improve their standing within the Polestar Palace Court.

And I will act now- I will hold my horror to best give everyone a chance— a chance to get away. To prevent more deaths.

“I have neglected you husband.” The words smoothly emptied themselves from Willows lips, even as she wanted to snatch them back. Be brave. “It was not my intent to do so. I have been busy helping our family. Forgive me.”

I don't want forgiveness from you. You aren’t my Wukong. He wouldn’t demand attention from me. He wouldn’t ask me for this.

“I’ll forgive you. I’ll be pacified by you.” The imposter sounds almost relieved, as if her words had soothed a burn upon his skin. He shakes the poor baby again, eliciting a squeak and an angry chorus from the other mothers here. Willow is still surprised it is just them in Water Curtain Cave.

A miniature horror show just for them.

“I will even let this little one go, since I am such a benevolent king. No one should say that I, Sun Wukong, didn’t listen to my beloved wife.” He smiled again, staring straight into her soul. “But I want a Kiss.”

“A kiss?”

The Wukong nodded, eyes flickering. A ripple of black and then gone again. “One single kiss. To reaffirm our union. Maybe more … later.”

The ‘later’ sent chills down her spine. But Willow nodded.

“Good! An obedient wife makes a happy life!” He laughed with Wukongs voice, but none of the joy of her Wukong was reflected there. It was twisted, spun into something bent and hideous. A mimicry of joy. A sound to match the horror.

Tears streamed down her face, the only break in the smooth surface of her cool demeanor. Willow leaned forward, about to stand.

“Oh but I am not prepared.” He said. She froze. Something malicious crawled over his face. The imitation Wukong- I refuse to believe this is Wukong- took up the bloody wrist and pressed the still bloody end across his face. Willow felt her horror rise, the gorge in her throat threaten to upheave. He smeared the bloody stump across his teeth, over his lips, across his chin. Like a monsterous paintbrush, this Wukong painted his lips in the blood.

Finally the Wukong drops his captive, the little monkey scurrying up to the group seated before their King. It’s mother scooped them up, pressing them to the soft underside and trying to hide his face from the nightmare. Willow couldn’t look away. Her courtly armor, the thing she had pulled up to cover herself in, shattered into a million pieces as those blue burning eyes fluttered and locked onto her lips.

“What’s the matter darling?” The Wukong holds the arm in one hand, the free one pressed to his face, almost as if he were resting it there. The thing before her must read Willow's repulsion. His smile turns softly, a predator's smile curving away from those gore filled teeth. “Don’t you want to Kiss me?”

[sentient-stove]

“Absolutely not on the snake.”

“He’s harmless!”

“That is a boomslang Annabeth, which I would argue is the exact opposite of harmless.” And Leo had almost been eaten by five hundred pounds of imitation basilisk, so he was all snaked out for the rest of his life. Annabeth however, was undeterred, holding up the snake like Simba.

“His name is Lawrence Montgomery!”

“No.” Leo repeated, and Zia lolled her head to the side, staring at the boomslang still being held aloft.

“He’s just a babyyyyyy.” She agreed, voice slightly slurred from her own viper bite and not enough antivenin. “Cmon queenling, let her keep the baby.”

Curse his resolve for weakening! But no- Leo could remain steadfast in his decision, he would not fall victim to a boomslang giving him puppy eyes. “Annabeth, as the highest ranked person here, I vote no.”

“Oh so now we’re using our position as betrothed to the Pharaoh for kicking Lawrence Montgomery out of the quest group. I want Marc’s opinion on this instead, he’s the oldest and highest ranked here since he actually married his Pharaoh.”

Godsdamnit.

“Marc’s opinion is actually irrelevant because he’s dead. The dead don’t get votes on if the snake’s coming with.”

[amadholes-lostre]

Even though I'm already at chapter 4, I really want to write where Chani, Shishakli, and her family go to Caladan, especially where they visited Kallísea (replacement name for Cala city). I just want to see their reaction how wasteful Kalidanes (their proper name) are with their water lol.

Funniest part where transfem! Paul goes to a café and asks for a cup of water (which is free), and Chani is just losing her goddamn mind.

[sea-owl]

You have created so many fabulous Bridgerton AUs but can you imagine all your Colin’s, book Colin, and TV Colin meeting each other via into the Spiderverse style? Younger Colin who loves his brothers best friend is very jealous of how ShowColin clearly had Pens affection and messed it up! Meanwhile, book Colin feels pretty smug about the fact that he’s married to Penelope and didn’t insult his Penelope as badly compared to the other guy. The Colin dating Gothic Penelope is bonding with Hades Colin over their deadly wives and children.

BookColin: You mean to tell me that in this universe, your close friends with Penelope and she writes you lovely letters?! If that had been the case with me and my Penelope, we would have married much sooner!

ShowColin: Wait, your married to Penelope?! Penelope Featherington?! But she’s MY dearest friend!

OtherColins: Oh honey…

All my Colins plus book and tv Colins? In one room? Oh my.

In all seriousness it would probably be funny as hell to see all those simps in one place. They're gonna have two thoughts on their minds, food and Penelope. One hand is holding a picture of their wife, and the other is holding an eclair.

Book Colin is sitting back and enjoying the chaos, TV Colin is confused because how have so many versions of him end up married to his dear friend Penelope?

Older Pen Colin is jealous of TV Colin for effortlessly gaining the affections of his sibling's best friend, but then declaring he never court her in front of other members of the ton. Meanwhile Older Pen Colin and Engagement of Convivence Colin is also asking Book Colin for advice to seduce Penelope.

Gothic Featheringtons Colin, Yandere Colin and Hades Colin are comparing some of the scary yet sexy things their Penelopes have done. Though Hades Colin is very much judging Gothic Featheringtons Colin's pastel blue coat. Hades Colin is trying to convince Gothic Featheringtons Colin to give jewel tones a try. Don't you wanna match your Penelope?

Childhood Friends Phillip and Penelope Colin is discussing with Featherington-Crane Stepfamily Colin about how their Phillips and Penelopes have absolutely no boundaries. True Mates Colin says his omega Penelope isn't quite that close with Phillip,ya but he is her pack alpha despite not being blood related, which puts them a lot closer than what is considered normal. Book and TV Colins are confused because since when was Penelope that close with Elosie's/Marina's husband? Swan Princess Colin says at least it's just Phillip and not Michael too. Then Spouses Friend Group Colin jumps in saying at least it's just Phillip and not all his siblings' spouses. Hades Colin agrees and says at least they don't randomly break into your house.

All the Colins pause when an 8-year-old Colin appears, a picture of a baby girl with red hair in his hand. Book Colin goes over to make sure the kid doesn't freak out. Kid Colin is confused but he's soon distracted when Book Colin asked him who the girl in the picture was. Kid Colin proudly tells him that the girl in the picture is his Pen, his future wife!

[a-whispering-echo]

Betrothal - The Start of Obligation

Dream cast a nervous glance at his brother, fiddling with one of the pearls adorning his sleeves as the finishing touches were applied. His voice was light but tinged with uncertainty, struggling to sound casual as he broke the silence between them. “This is to be quite the night,” Dream murmured, his smile soft though his fingers twisted around one another. “Mother has gone all out, hasn’t she? Every lord and lady in the kingdoms, all here for… for your betrothal.” He swallowed, glancing at Nightmare’s face for some hint of a shared excitement, a thread of sympathy. Nightmare’s one good eye shifted to his twin, its indigo gleam patient but not particularly interested. He let out a low hum, barely acknowledging the bustling staff adjusting the length of his coat, making sure each fold lay perfectly. The inky shadows dripping from his brow and hands stirred with some unknown agitation, despite his calm demeanour. “Hm. It’s what’s expected,” Nightmare replied, his voice deep and distant, as though he were speaking more to the shadows pooling at his feet than to his brother. “Mother wouldn’t have it any other way. A display of wealth, a testament to our standing, and…” He trailed off, a hint of something inscrutable crossing his face. “My betrothal, as you say.” Dream let out a breath, attempting to keep his voice bright, his usual optimism tempered with the reality of what lay before them. “Yes… but it is something of a celebration too, isn’t it?” He smiled, though it looked strained, casting his gaze to the mirror, where Nightmare’s attire stood out like a shadow against his own lightness. “A new chapter, perhaps. A sign of unity, of…” “Obligation,” Nightmare interrupted, his eye narrowing as he glanced at Dream’s reflection. The tendrils at his back coiled a little tighter. “I am to be a ruler, not a poet. And this ball? It’s a pageantry for others’ sake, not mine.” His voice softened slightly, almost lost amid the rustling fabrics and faint murmurs of the hand staff. “That is what is expected.”

am i gonna write a whole fic on this? no. am i enjoying writing the odd scene here and there as i imagine it? yep. So, little drabbles i spend small amount of times on, where i scrabble for words that fit lol

[spookysshadow]

*sighs*

I have other fics I need to write, bit ~imagine~ bby Izuna, like 5-6yr, is bumbling about the woods because he was trying to follow his older brother, but then he got lost. And then his hairtie/ribbon got caught and tore and now he's got hair everywhere and he's upset! Okay, he's upset because he's lost! And where is Aniki? Where is he?

But then he stumbles upon this tiny kid, tinier than even him by this little stream. And the kid is weird looking okay, his eyes are so red and he's got really pretty white hair and for a moment Izuna forgets he's lost and instead hangs out with the new kid - who's super excited to show Izuna all these river shells he's found and is collecting.

And when Izuna starts to complain about his hair again, the kid pulls out a red little ribbon and helps tie his hair up and out of his face. Even gives Izuna a cute smile, with his chubby cheeks and little dimple.

Eventually they part ways, and Izuna watches the kid run away and waves goodbye, before he hears his nii-san calling him.

"Izuna! Where have you been?"

"With Bira! He gave me this ribbon! See!" And maybe he spends the rest of the walk back to their compound gloating to his brother about his new, pretty friend Bira who gives him amazing gifts like ribbons and pretty river shells.

aaaaannd that's all I got for now...maybe...

[cain-speaks]

morning flowers || WMAU fanart

"We could name them Mango? Those are your favorites, after all. Or maybe something beautiful and bright, like Butterfly! Or maybe Sunshine... oh, Liu'er! If they have your ears, we should..."

For her sake, he hopes they came out nothing like him.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────•

this is a repost so i don't wanna retag but characters/AU belong to @/journey-to-the-au!! chén (morning) and liù'ěr make me EMO ASF. i still have a bigger project w chén in the making but it's kind of hideous so. we'll see how it goes LMAOO

for now i'll just write stuff 😻

[razzle-zazzle]

whaddya MEAN cole wins his fight against jay?!?!?!

Okay so. Imagine you're Skylor. All your life, your father has been the pure pinnacle of power and control, even as you grow more and more discontent with him. He always gets what he wants, and him winning seems like an inevitability.

Now imagine your fiance just got outed as a spy for Chen despite not being a spy. And now your father is playing into that drama by pitting your fiance against the ninja he had the most animosity with. And because you're trying to stay under the radar as the true spy like a good daughter you can only watch as the drama unfolds.

And now imagine that, during the fight, to your father's utter delight (and your own silent discomfort) that the drama and animosity is high. Until suddenly it's not, and the black and blue ninja aren't fighting anymore, and it's clear that whatever came between them is being reconciled. And you glance over to your father and see he's realizing the same things you have. You're Skylor, and your father is Master Chen, and he always gets what he wants. And you just know that if your fiance ducks out of the tournament, all the drama your father's worked for will dissipate—and worse, if the competitors realize there's still a spy in their midst, your job will get so much harder.

You're Skylor. Your father is Master Chen, and he always gets what he wants—and this time is no different, as you put your hand on the railing and call upon the copied power of your fiance and pull up a rock to sock his opponent in the face.

You're Skylor, and your hands are shaking as your father declares your fiance the winner because the jade blade fell on his head even though that's not how the rules work—

You're Skylor, and you wonder if you just made a big mistake. But there's nothing you can do to take it back—you have to move forwards, even as your fiance angrily confronts you afterwards, and during the argument you hear approaching voices, panic at the thought of your father or his men catching you arguing with the fiance you're supposed to be madly in love with—and pull him into a fake kiss just in time to see the other ninja enter the room.

You're Skylor, and you want to bury your face in your pillow and scream. But big girls don't do that, because big girls are polite and cultured and have a handle on their emotions and they are quiet and unobtrusive and exactly what their fathers need them to be—

You're Skylor, and you are doing your masterdamn best, even if it hurts.

[millylotus]

Written Together In The Stars, Before We Were Even Born

Betrothal AU

A long long time ago Time and Light met on the third hour of existence as they know it, and made a deal. They each wanted something from the other, the few sparks greed that Reality had. They could have traded these wants but they both know that the other would try and take the traded things back. So they decided to meet in the middle, Time for saw a few decades when two beings of their own would be the same age and most compatible and they both decided the two would be wed. That way neither would do anything to each other without the risk of endangering their kin. So Time now has infinite knowledge of the past and Light now has infinite knowledge of all future possibilities. Supereons into the future the time had come.

Duke and Danny wake up one morning, just turned 17, to find out they apparently have a fiance who they've never met or heard of before.

Gnomon shows up at Wayne manor during breakfast with the written contract to tell Duke about the betrothal. Duke, who hasn’t seen his bio-dad for almost a year now, is understandably suspicious. But after Gnomon thoroughly explains what’s going on and shows the very old contract, Duke can’t really deny it anymore.

Danny on the other hand was woken up by the contract falling on his head via Clockwork bullshit. His first reaction was to burst into Jazz’s room and scream about it, then Jazz called Sam and Tucker. They all went over the contract multiple times before they decided that Danny at least needed to find his betrothed.

The contract came with only a first name, with a home city written as well, just to make it a little easier for everyone

Danny’s the one who goes out to find Duke

The Batfam end up searching for Danny like the stalkers they are

It gets kinda ridiculous with all the things they find, [does anyone else know about the purple back gorillas Danny saved from extinction?] what with him being Vlad Masters’ godson and apparently almost died when he was fourteen

None of Danny’s pictures look right because of the whole ghostly thing, the ones with him younger are kinda visible if a bit blurry [Jazz & Danny being mildly liminal since birth is a little headcanon of mine]

BUt because they were before puberty and before he started taking testosterone [all i can hear is past pronunciation], those old pics look wildly different from what Danny looks like now

Duke decides to take a break and just go to his favorite bookstore/cafe, he mainly goes there for peace and quiet and to write his stories and poems

The Eclipse is a bookstore/library/lounge combo, with a warm tone dark academia jazz/painter aesthetic

The Eclipse is probs gonna become recurring now that I think about it [Add On: Just finished building it in the Sims this place is staying]

The three floors above ground are the library got little reading nooks, and study areas

The basement is the lounge area with a corner where the owners keep their own things/activities and drink bar on a wall

The owners are twins, Sarah and Edward Sulaiman, Sarah plays string instruments, jazz mainly, Edward paints people, still, and landscapes

It was midday but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the water heavy clouds and smog covering the Gotham sky like a blanket on top of a pillow fort.

A teenage boy walks the streets of Gotham, there’s nothing awfully unusual about that. He’s Filipino, average height a bit on the taller side, muscle hidden under his clothes loose with a visible silhouette. His fluffy black hair bounces with each step and his eyes, they’re a… wrong shade of blue, let's say that. His eyes scan the streets looking for someone he’d never seen before, never even heard of before this morning. He’d been doing so for hours now.

A heavy drop of rain hit the boy square on the top of his head, the boy recoiled into himself like a cat, clutching his wooden staff in surprise. He looks up to the sky, eyes wide as the sky seems to dump an ocean onto the earth.

The boy runs, looking up and down the street for cover, until he sees a store front with a covered porch. Ducking underneath the roof he stares out into the street where the pouring rain curtains everything.

Sighing, the boy turned to the door of the store, looking at the sign all it said was The Eclipse. The water drops from his body like he was never drenched.

Pushing the double door open a soft jingle sounded through the building, he looked around a checkout desk was to his right another kid behind the counter. The two stared at each other before the kid behind the counter set down their book.

“Welcome to The Eclipse bookstore and lounge, the lounge is in the basement, this floor is the bookstore, the two upper floors are a library. Need anything else?”

The boy shook his head, “Nah, I’m good.”

The kid nodded and went back to their book.

The boy decided to just go to the third floor, see what they had. The soft murmurs he could hear coming from the basement gave him enough reason to avoid all the people.

There weren’t many people on the upper floors, just more books and a couple lounge chairs. On the top floor he saw a curtain over an open entrance in the back.

Danny sighed in relief, a small cubby to relax in would be nice. Gliding over feet barely touching the ground as he mimed walking.

He moved aside the yellow curtain with his staff, and came face to face with another boy who had taken over the desk on the opposite wall.

The boy looked up from his papers and turned to Danny. The ghost was taken aback by how pretty the other boy was.

“Oh hey, you can sit here if you want,” The boy said, motioning to the small couch on the far wall.

Danny nodded, and went over to the couch, plopping down, his eyes glanced over to the other boy.

“So um, my names Danny by the way,”

Duke looked over to the cute boy on the couch. He’d come to The Eclipse to escape all the talk about his betrothed, it didn't hurt to talk to someone new, who might share a name with his fiance.

“I’m Duke, are you new to The Eclipse? I’ve never seen you around before.”

Danny nodded, “Just recently got to the city, I’m looking for a- a friend.”

Duke raised an eyebrow, “You don’t sound so sure about that.”

“Well I haven’t met them yet – Danny rubbed the back of his neck – All I got is a name.”

Danny blinked then looked at Duke with eyes wide, “You two actually have the same name.”

The two starred, and Duke got a sinking feeling that they were looking for each other.

Duke groaned, leaning back in his chair, “Daniel right?”

Danny nodded, still staring wide eyed, “Daniel Fenton-Phantom.”

He stood up walking over to Danny and sitting down next to him, the other pulled in his legs staring at Duke.

“Duke Thomas-Wayne,” He offered up his hand, Danny shook it.

“So we’re betrothed,” Danny said kinda breathless.

“Yeah, it seems so,” Duke said, looking to the ceiling.

They sat there, almost shoulder to shoulder.

“Twenty questions?” Danny asked.

Duke looked at him again, “Yeah sure why not.”

They chat for a bit, just talking getting to know each other

They get along swimmingly, and Duke says Danny could come with him to Wayne Manor latter to meet his family

Danny invites Duke to come over to Amity and met his sister and friends

The small room on top of The Eclipse, Bookstore and Lounge, has a few tall bookshelves, a couch on the far wall and a desk opposite to the entrance.

Today its giant bay window, by the couch, is being hit by heavy drops or rain, the room lit by a soft yellow light from a simple chandelier on the ceiling. A couple paintings made by one of the owners.

Blankets kept under the couch that had been pulled out and draped over the sleeping boy. Books pulled off the shelves and opened on the desk presented to the boy writing in his many notebooks and papers.

It was quiet with only white noise, it was nice, familiar even.

Two being too big to be perceived by the mortal mind, watched with fond emotions as their plans fell into perfect place.

Gnomon and Bruce end up going out to look for Duke at The Eclipse

I don’t know these two relationship but I’m getting reluctant co-parents with benefits, so ya know

Anyway they end up finding Duke, who’s fallen asleep

Danny had woken up at some point and moved Duke to the couch and gave him a blanket, Danny himself is on the floor asleep leaning on the couch

The dads coo over their boy a bit cause this is adorable

When Gnomon gets closer Danny’s ghost sense goes off and is immediately on his feet and guarding Duke, who’s starting to wake up

Bruce and Gnomon blinked at the teenage boy brandishing his staff at them, standing protectively in front of their son.

Bruce takes a tentative step forward, the boy immediately turns his staff to the man.

“Stay back,” He growled.

Gnomon raised an eyebrow, and Bruce frowned at the kid. But neither moved

Duke groaned, waking up slowly taking in the scene around him, before quickly sitting up, “B, Uba? What are you doing here?”

The boy looked between the fathers and their son.

“You know them?” He asked.

Duke stood up, “Yeah they’re my dads.”

Both men would deny that they preened from the title their child had given them.

“Oh – The boy’s face fell and he immediately pulled into himself, awkwardly shuffled to Duke’s side – Sorry about that Sirs.”

“No need to worry, your worry for Duke is understandable,” Bruce said, smiling softly.

Gnomon nodded, “But we must ask, who are you child?”

Duke and the boy shared a glance.

The boy stepped forward, reaching out a hand, “Daniel Fenton-Phantom, Duke’s betrothed.”

DEADLIGHTS MASTERPOST, GENERAL NOTES, MEMES, AO3

[wolfsonic]

Snippets of the Monkey couples ( @journey-to-the-au )

So I come baring this fluff as an apology for the angst I had written before. I would have done it sooner, but irl responsibilities got in the way, unfortunately. Just basically three short stories of our lovely monkey couples!

Chestnut looked up at the tree from where she stood under it. A basket in hand as she watched Ba pick fruits, she had asked if she could help him. But he turned her down, stating he could get them himself.

So now Chestnut watched, holding the already gathered fruits he obtained. She didn't say much, but every unbalanced wobble he tried to hide had her watching him like a hawk.

"Last one." Ba said as one hand held onto a branch above his head. As he walked along another, his prize was a peach just barely out of his reach.

Chestnut bit her lip nervously before finally speaking up, eyeing the branch he just stepped onto. "Ba, be careful, I think that branch is a little unstable."

"I'll be down in a second." Ba smiled as he grabbed the peach, leaning forward too much. "It's fine, see." He said while turning back around on the branch. Not even a second later, a loud snap of said branch rang through the forest. A screech of suprise came from Ba, the shock of suddenly not having something under his feet made his hand slip.

Thankfully, a bush under him caught his dissent, saving him from colliding with the solid ground. "Ba! Are you ok!" Chestnut called immediately, running to his side. The monkey looked over the other, sighing in relief when she noticed nothing broken or out of place.

After the initial shock, he turned to look at her before replying, holding the peach out to her as he spoke. "Peachy."

All Chestnut could do was just facepalm, hiding her own little smile as he snickered at his own pun. She took the peach before gently pulling him up to sit right. "Anything hurts?"

"Just my pride." Ba said, allowing Chestnut to help pull him up to a sitting position, as he winced, and a soft curse came from his lips. "And maybe my tail a little, dang it, it was a good day too."

Ba lowered his head as Chestnut began to pick out the twigs and the leaves. "Maybe we should talk to Beng?"

"No," Ba said with a shake of his head. "He and Liu are on the other side of the mountain patrolling."

Chestnut just frowned before speaking again. "Ok, how about we hang out in the hot springs and eat our fruit there, then?"

Ba thought for a moment before nodding a small smile and a blush at her words. She had remembered the off handed comment he made about the heat helping the pains. "Yea, that could work."

Chestnut nodded with a smile before turning to see the basket holding their fruit tipped over. It didn't take long for them to gather up the fruit and make their way to the hot springs. A few monkeys called out to the pair in greeting when they arrived.

Chestnut and Ba soon cuddled up halfway in the water, feeding the other fruit as contentedness washed over them.

~~~

Ma made her way to a small cave hidden and off to the side in Waterfall Curtain Cave. It was way past midnight, and Beng still hadn't returned to their nest. The monkey could only assume he was focused on his herbs. Her hand traced the line of the cave as she walked, following the familiar path.

"Hey Beng, are you -" her voice immediately cut off at the sight before her. Shock slowly turned into a soft giggle as she approached Beng. Who was currently sleeping, a few bottles and containers holding herbs were strung about him.

As Ma got closer, she reached forward and started to caress the side of his cheek that wasn't smushed into the rock he was using as a table. He hummed and shifted to hid his face more into his arms, causing Ma to continue to scratch his scalp gently with her fingers

"Beng, you have to get up. I can't move you if you're still sleeping," Ma said into his ear as she took her other hand to shake him. All she got in reply was a small mumble of five more minutes from him. She chuckled before adding a little louder this time. "Also, you'll probably not be too happy if I put away your herbs, I know you have a system, and I don't want to touch anything without you knowing"

Beng just snorted softly as he slowly woke up, opening his eyes, tired blue irises came into focus on Ma's face. "Hey there, sleepy head." Ma said with a soft smile on her face.

"Hi." He mumbled softly as he sat up, rubbing his eyes in the process. "What time...?" He asked as he fully turned to Ma, too tired to finish his sentence.

Said Marshal had to stop the laugh that came to her lips, the sight of a few leaves of herbs stuck to the side of his face. The other just looked at her in confusion before reaching up to feel them. His confusion turned deadpan, and Beng just rolled his eyes as he flicked them off his face.

Ma then calmed herself down enough to speak again. "Let me help put these away because you look like you're about to fall asleep again. Just tell me where to put them. You can always fix it later, "

Beng looked at what he had out before nodding slowly, Ma following his tired instructions as he also worked to put stuff away. After everything was put away, Ma gently took his hand and tugged him out of the herb cave. "Come on, big guy, sleep time."

Beng followed Ma, leaning on her gently as they walked. The pace was slow as they made their way back to their nest, and when they finally reached it, Beng all but collapsed into it. Ma just shook her head before fixing the nest up around him as it was a little displaced.

She was halted in her ministrations as Beng grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the nest with him. "Ok ok I'm coming." She said with a soft laugh. He said nothing as he pulled her under him and laid back down, effectively trapping her. Ma just laughed as she ran her fingers through his hair. Not really grooming but, just playing with his fur.

It wasn't long he fell asleep again, soft mumbled words past his lips almost sounding like a thank you, it wasn't long Ma soon followed him into sleep.

~~~

Rin Rin hand was held tight in Liu's as he led the way, her eyes were closed shut, keeping where they were going a secret. The trek wasn't long and finally came to a stop. "You can open your eyes now." Liu said, letting go of her hand.

She slowly opened her eyes before her eyes widened at the sight. A small flower field spead acrossed a clearing, one she lost to flooding a few months ago and one she maintained since she was little. She turned to him, small tears prick her eyes. "How?"

Liu smiled and rubbed the back of his neck, "I had to ask some help from Willow, since she remembered most of the flowers you used to have in your field and she taught me a little more on how to take care of them. And WuKong helped in making sure it doesn't flood again." Liu explained a soft blush on his cheeks.

He remembered the day the mountain experienced a heavy rainfall, and most of the monkeys had taken shelter inside Watefall Curtain Cave or under cover around the mountain. When it finally subsided, Liu heart broke at the sight of barely concealed tears Rin Rin had not even a few hours later.

The once beautiful field now was reduced to a mini lake, and Liu just knew he had to bring it back. He worked in small intervals after his patrols and outpost shifts, so he didn't tip off anyone, especially Rin Rin, but it proved fruitless after just a week. WuKong had grown curious to where his Marshal was going and followed him to see him elbow deep in dirt, trying to level out the clearing.

The king said nothing and joined the other. With his help, it was easier to get the dirt where it needed to be. It wasn't long after Liu asked Willow for help in getting the correct flowers needed to remake the field. The celestial was overjoyed to help, teaching him how to plant them as well as care for them.

Liu was jolted from the memeory as Rin Rin collided with him for a hug. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, my brave love!" Her voice was loud and excited.

Liu just smiled as he returned the hug gently pressed and gentle kiss to her forehead. "Anything for you, my moonlight."

A soft blush appeared on her face at the nickname, but her eyes sparkled in pure joy. She backed away from the hug and tugged him forward with a squeal. Liu smiled as she dragged him to each flower, knowing he'd do anything to keep that smile on her face.