#this is NOT tripitaka slander btw like not even in the slightest

[fanged-fanfics]

on my hands and KNEES for a fic involving the circlet. i feel like it could be used so EFFECTIVELY for x reader angst but i never see it (wukong x reader hurt/comfort but HES getting comforted real not fake)

🧡👑 Heavy is the Crown That Crushes the Head — Wukong x GN! Reader Drabble👑🧡

Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort || they/them pronouns for reader || Warning for descriptions of circlet-induced pain/implied trauma

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Li Jing's brash and cruel actions against the King affected him more than he was letting on. He was keeping up a brave and happy face, making it seem outwardly that it hadn't been bothering him too badly. That's what he'd always done, especially since his retirement. Especially for MK's sake. The kid was already going through so much, he didn't need to be worrying about Wukong on top of that. So he kept up a steel tight mask of a casual attitude, trying his best to not let any crack show through.

You, however, weren't so easily brushed away. You knew him better than Wukong sometimes knew himself, and that fact did often make Wukong just a bit nervous around you. There was a very brief pause in all the running and fighting, one where Wukong had distanced himself from MK and Macaque. He sure as hell didn't want Macaque making any snide comments right now.

You'd found him not long after he'd hidden, gently and carefully approaching him. "Wukong?" You began, sitting a few feet from him. Wukong gave you his default disarming grin "Yeah, peach? What's up?". "Are... are you okay?" You began, getting straight to the point "And I mean.. really okay. Not just 'surviving' or 'making it'". Wukong's grin faltered, and he looked down at the ground with a frown. "I... I'll be alright, hun. This isn't the first time I've had the world's worst crown on my head" he said. Though there was possibly a small attempt of humor in there, you could sense the genuine vulnerability in his tone.

You hesitated for a second, before reaching a hand out to him. He took it, and his breath faltered at feeling your thumb pet the back of his hand. He exhaled shakily, a hand going to the circlet. "There's really nothing we can do?" You asked, and Wukong shook his head. "No, I've tried. Practically takes a Buddah to do anything to this". You frowned sympathetically, putting your head on his shoulder. You could see his brow furrow, rubbing the circlet on his head. He remembered exactly how it felt. Being treated like a feral beast, like something to be caged and confined, to effectively declaw of his instincts. The first time it happened, at least he could admittedly understand it. He was quite literally a mass murderer back then, back when he needed the guidance of the Journey to end his borderline bloodlust.

But this was far different. This was blatant control. This was Li Jing trying to keep Wukong chained, because he knew the King was itching to settle a score with the man, especially after he got to talking to Nezha about how Li Jing acted. This was an act of malice, not protection. He could feel the familiar feelings from back then swirling in a sickly coil in his chest. Was he still dangerous? He did his best to learn, the Journey was proof of that. Maybe.. maybe all the trouble he was bringing was more than just coincidence. Maybe all these enemies coming back was a sign. He was dangerous. He was still that rough and undisciplined monkey who gnashed his teeth at any who came too close. What was he thinking, bringing this to MK and the others? To you? What kind of a partner was he, to let you fall in the way with his enemies? Maybe removing himself from the team would be better. Maybe-

"Wukong!"

The King was brought out of his spiral by your voice, cutting into his thoughts and adding a jolt of alarm to the mass of doubt he was feeling. He blinked, getting his bearings back as he turned to you. Your concerned frown hit him right in his heart. "I've been calling your name for like 30 seconds- where'd you go?" You asked. Wukong rubbed the back of his neck. "Don't worry about it, bud, I-"

"Please," You cut in imploringly "I know this is hard for you. I know that bastard has you backed into a corner, I... I'd be terrified if I were you. But you're not alone, love. I'm right here. I know I can't begin to imagine all the burdens on your shoulders, but don't be afraid to ask me to help lighten the load". Wukong took in your words, biting his lip to stop it from possibly trembling. He pulled you into a tight hug, burying his face in your shoulder and wrapping his tail tight around your waist. You held him in return, rubbing up and down his back in an attempt to comfort.

Wukong pressed his face more into your warmth, clearing his throat to make sure his voice was steady before talking "It hurts" he admitted "Worse than anything I've ever felt. Gods, it's terrible. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, I can't- I can barely deal with it. I just don't want the kid to worry. He has enough happening, I- I should be strong enough for us both". As the Sage vented, you brought a hand up to his head, gently petting through the fur there. "You are strong, honey" you said to him "But being strong isn't just bottling all this up. You'll always be his hero, Wu. But you're allowed to be human, too".

That last line struck a deep cord. Wukong had lived among humans for years, finding comfort in their creativity and vibrance. He wanted to blend in with them for ages, to have the peace a human life away from the celestials and demons provided. He nuzzled into you, holding you closer "I'll... try. It's not that easy, but.. please, please stick with me. You're my own little sun, you know that?". You nodded, kissing his temple "I will, I promise. You'll be okay. We'll get that thing off of you soon. We're here for you, I've got you"

Finding comfort in your promise, Wukong calmed his breathing, holding you a little less tightly. He finally found himself relaxing, wiping his eyes as he let out a relaxing sigh. "Thank you, really" he said "We.. should probably head back now, huh?". You gave him a reassuring smile, standing and extending a hand to him. He took it, standing with you and keeping his tail wrapped tightly around you. As you two began walking back to MK, you kissed his cheek "Come to me whenever, okay? I'll never turn you away" you reminded softly. Wukong smiled, returning the gesture of affection "I promise, sunbeam"