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Being isolated from people can do something to a person. In the many years that Wukong had spent with little to no outside contact with the world, he had grown to discover that many things he had thought normal were not so normal. Integrating himself back into society was no easy task either. Interacting was… more difficult than he remembered. But he supposed that was to be expected. He had only been interacting with the monkeys for the past… however long he had been away. Even when he met his successor, he found it difficult to force words out of his mouth. He had covered it up with a charismatic, laid back attitude (which seemed to work). But it wasn’t so easy to keep that up all the time.
When he had first met MK, he hadn’t thought much of him. But he was the one who could pick up the staff, so he supposed he had… some potential. He had proven himself in the long run, too. He was a fast learner, and he wasn’t full of himself. But he didn’t exactly have the best self-esteem either. Wukong had noticed several times, though he hadn’t made a move to address it. The kid would start to believe in himself soon enough, and that was all he cared about. He was great at handling the staff, and Wukong personally admired the thought of giving up immortality until he was ready for that kind of power. He had to admit, however. He had been hesitant at first.
But now he believed in MK. The other was smarter, faster, and stronger. He had grown able to spar with Wukong for longer than he originally could. He could stand his own for a bit before Wukong’s speed and duration evidently overtook him, leaving him on the floor with a dazed expression. But every time he got knocked down, he leapt back to his feet with an eager grin and demanded a rematch. It was… fun. He struggled with the other, however. MK was almost never not there when he was free, showing up at essentially any time he could. It caught Wukong off guard multiple times, but he made no request for the other to stop. If he wanted to train, so be it.
It was fine, really. Wukong didn’t mind the sparring matches. It let him wake up more. Not to mention that it helped prepare MK for future battles. With that being said, however, he wasn’t truly trying to fight MK. He was holding back. Every punch, kick, or tail slap he sent at the other was pulled back. He never ever tried to actually hurt the kid. And no matter how many times MK tried and tried to get him to ramp up the matches, he refused. It wasn’t that he knew Wukong was pulling his punches. It was rather the fact that he was starting to grow accustomed to the other’s fighting style and had been able to read him. Most of his attacks during the matches were often blocked or parried aside from a few lucky kicks here and there. It did get him thinking, however.
“Hey kid,” Wukong ducked as MK swung the staff overhead, rotating on the heel of one foot to roll to the left. He straightened up, teetering on his heels. MK halted, setting the staff on the ground with a curious look. “You’ve been asking me to push you harder during these matches… So from now on, I’ll do that.” He nodded firmly, and MK’s eyes lit up. “Does that mean you’ll be using all your strength against me?!” He gushed in a disturbingly excited way. Wukong shook his head, waving his hands frantically. “No, no! I’m not trying to kill you kid! I’m just gonna start attacking you like I’m actually trying to win rather than attacking you to give you a chance to learn.”
MK blinked a few times before nodding. He picked the staff up, twirling it in his hands as he fixed Wukong with a challenging gaze. “I’m ready when you are.” He murmured, and Wukong set off. His feet shoved off the ground and he shot forward at MK, sending his shoulder into the other’s shoulder. He heard a grunt and a gasp of shock as he landed a few yards behind MK, who had been whipped around from the force of the impact. His eyes were blown wide, a look between shock and excitement glazing them over. “That… was… awesome!” He leapt into the air, pumping two fists. “Again! I’ll dodge this t-”
Wukong moved again. MK wanted Wukong to push him over his limits, so he was doing exactly that. He landed next to MK, his tail lashing out at lightning speed. The limb wrapped itself around MK’s ankle and pulled, sending him a yard into the air. Wukong pushed himself off the ground with a grunt, pulling his legs close to himself before launching them outwards. One foot collided harshly into MK’s chest, sending him spiraling into the ground. “Stay alert!” Wukong warned, allowing himself to float there with folded arms. The dust from the impact hadn’t yet cleared, but he could hear MK struggling. He sighed, slowly lowering himself to the ground. “Alright, up and at… ‘em…”
The kid wasn’t moving.
Panic flared in his chest so violently that it hurt. He scrambled forward, dropping the act almost immediately. “Kid!” He gasped out, falling to his knees next to the other. Sparks of pain burst through his knees as they hit the uneven ground, but he ignored it. His hands immediately went for MK’s throat, checking for a pulse. He hadn’t hit him that hard, had he? Thump thump. Thump thump. Thump thump. He breathed a shaky sigh of relief, pulling his trembling hand away. “Get up, kid… Don’t make me-” He broke off as MK lurched upright, his staff swinging right towards Wukong.
“You sneaky little-” The staff cut him off, shoving into his stomach. He was sent skidding across the ground, tearing up loose dirt and plants as he rolled. It didn’t hurt, however. His hand lashed out, just barely hooking onto a rock that allowed him to slow his roll and stand upright. He skidded on his heels, wavering unsteadily as he jerked to a stop. He exhaled a raspy breath, looking at his clothes. They had a few holes in them, but nothing he couldn’t fix up. But he wasn’t focused on that. He hadn’t felt this alive in forever. He swallowed, clearing his throat as he laughed, stumbling unevenly to his left. The roll had made him dizzy, but otherwise fine. “Wow! You… you’re getting good!” He laughed, brushing some dirt off his clothes.
No response met his ears. He sniffed a little, exhaling a wheezy laugh. “You made me worried there for a second… Was that how it felt when I got sick?” He tilted his head, twitching his ears. Once again, no response. He frowned, pausing for a moment, before shaking his head. “I’m not falling for that this time, MK.” He snickered, awkwardly hobbling up towards the little crater that had been created by MK’s body. He stopped at the top, wiping a tear from his eye. “I honestly thought you- …MK?”
He wasn’t moving again. This time, however, the position he was in was more unnatural. As if he had tried to right himself before collapsing. For a second, he stared mutely at the unmoving body. If he hadn’t known any better, MK could pass as a corpse… was he a corpse? He launched himself forward. Any sneak attacks this time would be expected. He wouldn’t fall for the same trick twice. “Hey, MK? Buddy?” He crouched besides the other, hesitantly grabbing his shoulders to roll him onto his back. The movement jarred his body, leaving his head to loll lifelessly to one side.
“...Kid?” He whispered hesitantly. Dread pooled up in his stomach. He was breathing. He could see that. “Kid- get up. You– what- kid?” Words didn’t process properly in his mind. He blinked a few times, shaking his head. “You gotta get up, bud.” He placed a hand on MK’s shoulder, shaking his frame weakly. When nothing happened, his heart jumped into his throat. “Kid? Kid!” He scrabbled at the other’s clothes, pulling him upright. No no no no no- He hadn’t done anything wrong. He hadn’t.. He… he didn’t do this. He didn’t mean to. “C’mon, buddy…” He pleaded in a shaky whisper, patting MK’s cheek a few times.
Why isn’t this working? His mind raced as he moved to jostling MK again. No matter what he did, however, the boy seemed to refuse to stir. Panic began to overflow. He inhaled sharply, exhaling a stuttering breath as he moved back to patting his cheek in an attempt to wake him. “MK, buddy… c’mon. Get up. Open your eyes.” He wasn’t dead. He knew that. He could see and hear him breathing. Why am I panicking so much? Was this the appropriate reaction? He trembled, cupping MK’s face with one hand. “Kid… Open your eyes?” The last demand came out as more of a question as he slouched.
And then he coughed.
Wukong startled, pulling his hand back as if he had been burned. MK’s body spasmed as he coughed, his face scrunching up in a grimace. Wukong didn’t move for a moment before he grabbed onto a loose part of MK’s shirt, heaving him upright into a sitting position. “That’s it, buddy… just breathe.” He whispered, although he wasn’t sure if he was saying that to MK or himself. He let go of the other’s shirt once he seemed to regain some function, inching back from him with a hesitant look.
“What… ‘appened?” MK rasped, blinking one of his eyes rapidly. He probably had dirt in it. Wukong breathed out sharply, laughing as his gaze darted around feverishly, landing anywhere but on MK. “Well, yeah… you uh- you see… about that… remember- I hit you. Hard. Knocked you out.” After the first few attempts dissolved in his mouth, he spat out the truth. It was easier that way, as much as it made him grimace. MK paused for a second, looking back at him with a confused expression. “From what Wukong can see in his eyes, he doesn’t seem upset. His fur remained bristling with unease as MK began to stand up. He did the same, his tail twitching nervously.
“I’m fine, Monkey King.” MK finally said, grimacing. “You’re looking at me like I’m a ghost.” He laughed breathlessly, rubbing his back with a wince. Wukong blinked a few times. “Yeah, no. I know that, kid! You just… had me worried for a second.” His words died in his throat at the end as he carefully reached a hand behind his neck, rubbing awkwardly at the back of his head. It was… eerie. He saw people get hurt all the time, but seeing MK on the ground unmoving and unresponsive had put him on edge. His ears flattened at the image, but he quickly shook it aside. “You… sure you’re okay?” Stop being so hesitant. You’re freaking him out.
MK laughed, nodding as he waved a hand lazily at Wukong. “Yeah! Maybe I’ll have a… bruise? That- yeah that’s the word… uh, a bruise or two, but I think I’ll be fine.” He nodded with a smile. Wukong frowned, unconvinced. “To be safe, I want you to go home and get checked up on. I don’t want you coming to train if you dislocated something or… something.” Wukong shrugged at the end, resting his hands on his hips. “Aw, what? No! I’m fine! Really!” MK whined, clasping his hands together. “I can stay! Please?”
“Sorry, kid.” Wukong shook his head firmly. “I can’t have my successor coming to training when he’s hurt. Wouldn’t be very responsible around me.” His lips tightened into a line. What I did now wasn’t responsible either. For all he knew, MK had a fractured rib and the adrenaline was keeping him from feeling the pain. He waved the other off, nodding his head towards the exit. “Go on now, kid. Rest up and come back tomorrow. Unless you’re injured.”
“Fine…”
___
Pigsy called in the next morning to inform Wukong that MK had a sprained wrist and some bruised ribs. “How did you let the kid slip up and sprain his wrist? Doesn’t he know how to fall safely?” He had asked, and Wukong had grimaced. Because the kid didn’t slip. I did that. He had laughed it off over the phone, telling the other to make sure MK didn’t show up to train later. He must’ve been successful, because MK didn’t show up once that day. He couldn’t shake the guilt, however.
It was odd. Whenever he closed his eyes, an image would flash through his mind; MK sprawled out lifelessly, or MK pleading for him to not hurt him, or MK- no. He had to stop thinking about that. It had been five days since the incident, and he hadn’t slept a wink. Normally it wouldn’t be much of an issue, but he found himself stumbling over words and his own feet. He wavered unsteadily more often than he would like to admit, and his coordination was off. He chalked it down to insomnia despite the glaring red flags.
He hadn’t spoken to or talked to MK or any of his friend’s since Pigsy had called. Eventually, however, MK called up, insisting that he came to Sandy’s boat for a movie night. He hesitated at first, laughing nervously over the phone as he ran a hand through his messy fur. His tail lashed behind him with unease as MK continued to insist over the phone. Eventually, he gave in and accepted the invite. Even then, however, he wasn’t sure if showing up was a good idea.
The kid’s gonna hate me. He grimaced as he grabbed a spare hoodie, brushing it off a little before sliding it on. Pigsy is gonna kill me. The thought came shortly after the first, followed by a weak laugh. He hoped he didn’t look too guilty… or tired, for that matter. MK could sniff out a lie a mile away, and he didn’t really plan on telling the others how his sleep schedule had been as of late. Even as he used his cloud to glide over to the boat, he couldn’t help but worry. If he saw the kid standing there wrapped in bandages, he’d probably lose it on the spot.
Eventually, he let himself land down on the ship. No one seemed to be there, however. His tail flicked around with unease as his head swiveled around owlishly, looking for any sign of the others. His gaze landed on a door slightly ajar, where he could just faintly hear the murmur of words. His lips tightened into a line as he crept forward. Had he shown up too late? Or too early? He shook his head, grabbing the door to pull it open. He was on time. He had to be-
“Monkey King!” MK’s voice met his ears first. He looked up from his feet just in time to watch MK come barreling towards him, arms outstretched. Instinctively, he reeled away from the other, using his tail to boost himself into the air. MK skidded to a halt, faltering before the door with an amused, yet confused, look. “What’re you doing? Come in!” He waved a hand, smiling encouragingly at Wukong. Wukong cleared his throat, nodding as he set his feet down on the deck. “Yeah, yeah sure…”
Once inside the room, his tail tugged the door shut behind them. MK made his way back over to the couch where Pigsy, Sandy, and Mei were sitting. Tang was off to the left leaning against the wall, holding a cup of what Wukong assumed to be tea or coffee. He cleared his throat, cautiously walking over towards the couch. Mei glanced back at him at the sound of footsteps, waving a hand at him with a smile. He returned the wave after a moment of hesitation, glancing at the couch to the tv that was across from it.
“Glad you finally showed up.” Pigsy snorted, shooting Wukong a lopsided look. The other laughed nervously, shrugging. “Sorry about that… I was busy.” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the truth either. “That’s alright.” Sandy reassured, reaching out a hand to test it on Wukong’s shoulder. He pulled away before the other could reach, clearing his throat. “So… what are we watching?” Make small talk. Don’t act like anything is wrong. You got this. He clapped his hands together, rubbing them as he leaned forward. “Ever heard of The Conjuring?” Mei leaned forward with a grin.
“We are not watching that!” Tang spoke up from the wall, shaking his head. MK waved his hands at Mei to signal her to tone it down, looking at Wukong with a nervous smile. “We haven’t… actually decided that yet!” He laughed awkwardly. Wukong blanked for a second before raising an eyebrow. “You… haven’t decided yet?” He echoed hollowly, earning multiple nods. He heaved a sigh, allowing himself to relax a little. He could act normal under these circumstances. “Treasure Planet? Anyone seen that before?”
A chorus of “no’s” filled the air. Wukong snapped his fingers, nodding. “That’s the movie we’re watching, then!” It was a nice movie. He was sure the others would enjoy it. If they didn’t, he’d have a word with them… jokes, of course. “I’ll get it set up.” Pigsy heaved a sigh, grunting as he stood up to grab the remote. MK claimed the vacant spot on the couch immediately, shuffling over so there was room between himself and the arm of the couch. “C’mere, Monkey King. You can fit!” He patted the spot eagerly, and Wukong had to stifle the curt “no” that was crawling up his throat. He shook his head, averting his gaze. “I’m… I’m good.”
“C‘mon! You owe me for the wrist and ribs!” MK whined and Wukong’s fur bristled. “Way to use that as blackmail, kid.” He muttered through gritted teeth, awkwardly shuffling over and sitting down. He pressed himself into the couch, doing his best to cling to the arm of the couch so that his contact with MK was as limited as possible. That didn’t stop the small bits of contact the two had. His skin crawled underneath the contact, stinging and burning in a way that was painful in a nonphysical form. He clenched his jaw, gripping the arm rest so tightly that he felt his nails poke into it.
“‘This your movie?” Pigsy muttered, pulling away from the screen and pointing towards a play button with an image of said movie. He nodded curtly, biting his tongue to hold back any strained words he wanted to say. Get out of here. Get out of here. Get out of here. Weren’t they mad? He inhaled and exhaled sharply, unable to stop the shudder that wracked his body as he pressed himself into the couch. MK made a noise of concern besides him, but the movie had started. The time that passed during the movie was a blur of panic and unease. His tail twitched in irritation as he sat, tensed, besides MK. Pigsy and Tang had opted to sit on the ground in front of the couch, watching with child-like eagerness. The air was relaxing, but Wukong still felt uneasy. Even as exhaustion began to seep into his body, he remained tense and ready to spring into action. That didn’t stop his eyes from fluttering tiredly as the movie progressed, however.
He must’ve fallen asleep at some point in time, because awareness crawled back to him at an agonizingly slow pace. He didn’t open his eyes yet, rather letting himself grasp onto his surroundings. He was still on the boat’s couch judging by the faint rocking he could feel. The movie was still playing in the background. He could just hear the muffled audio of a song over the sound of whispers. Despite his curiosity of what was happening in the movie, sleep had a tight hold on him. He exhaled through his nose with a huff, rolling his head to the right and resting it on something that spelled like… cinnamon?
He heard a few more snickers, but he didn’t bother with them. He was comfortable, and he was safe… right? His tail twitched before slowly moving to coil around one of his legs. His ears twitched as he shuffled around on the couch. Wherever he was, it didn’t have a lot of moving room. He carefully moved his head, resting it on something a bit more firm while allowing his arms to fold to keep them from sprawling out. The noises around faded out shortly after, exhaustion dragging him back down without much protest from him.
”Hello Monkey King.”
Wukong’s eyes snapped open. The voice was familiar in a disturbing way. He raised his head, looking around slowly. The room was vacant aside from him. Had the others left? He frowned, pushing himself upright with a grunt. He rubbed one of his eyes tiredly, looking around with a frown. He knew that voice… but it wasn’t possible. She couldn’t be here. She was locked up. Even if she had gotten out, he would know.
A bang sounded from outside, and he startled. His fur bristled as he leapt, whirling around to look at the door. It creaked and groaned as it slowly swung open. Flashes of blue and orange lit up the world outside. Orange… blue? …MK. He tensed, running and jumping over the couch with a grunt. If it was who he thought it was, MK was in serious danger. “MK!“ He shouted, slamming into the door with a grunt before using it to right himself- No.
She was here. How- no. His tail lashed behind him, his lips curling as he bared his teeth. She had MK pinned. She hurt him. She… Why wasn’t he moving? His heart sank, his aggression faltering for a moment. Her gaze slowly drifted up from the boy, sliding over to Wukong lazily. She smiled. The world flashed blue. And then pain. His world tilted, and cold metal suddenly met his back. He let out a choked gasp, churning his legs as she set a foot on his chest, pinning him down.
“Thanks for injuring him for me… he was particularly easy to take down.” She hummed, glancing back over at MK. Wukong stopped for a moment, his eyes widening. “…no.” He croaked, his ears flattening down. She looked back at him, her eyes flashing a brilliant blue. “Those bruised ribs and sprained wrist proved to be quite the problem in our fight… I just admit, however. He held out quite well. You trained him well,” A venomous look flashed in her eyes. “But not well enough.”
“No!”
His eyes snapped open (weren’t they already open) and he lurched forward with a panicked breath. He was back in the room. His grip on the couch tightened as he pushed himself off, stumbling unevenly with a choked wheeze. Voices met his ears, but they weren’t clear enough for him to understand. He brought his hands up to his head, grasping his hair with a guttural groan. He hunched over, stumbling backwards. I didn’t do that. It wasn’t his fault. It wasn’t.
“Monkey King!” Hands grabbed his shoulder, and hot, stinging pain lingered where they had touched. He reeled away with a hiss, stumbling more. “Don’t touch me!” He snarled, though it came out more as a plead than a demand. A whine crawled up the back of his throat as his knees buckled. He fell to the floor with a choked gasp, trembling so violently that it hurt. It was too much. It was too much! “..-ey… Hey! Monkey King!” A voice startled him out of his daze. His head snapped up and the world around him blurred, smearing into a blob of colors.
“I need you to breathe for me.” The gruff voice continued. Pain lanced through his chest as he inhaled a choked breath. He tried, he truly did, but his lungs would not cooperate. He shook his head, sputtering out a sob. Fixmefixmefixme- He pleaded, begged— screamed at himself. He hunched down on himself again, his tail coiling around his body. Pleasepleasepleaseplease!
“Oh how the mighty have fallen…” Nononononon. She wasn’t here. That- this wasn’t happening. And then her hand struck, grabbing his chin. He hissed as she jerked his head upright, locking their eyes. “Oh I assure you… I am here. And I am real…” She whispered. The corners of her mouth curled upwards into a smile, and she started laughing. “No… no! Get away from me!” The world blurred around him as he ripped himself away from her hold. He stumbled, practically tripping, as he got to his feet. A cloud appeared, and then he was gone. Get me away. Get me somewhere safe. Please. And that was exactly what happened.
The cloud melted away before he was a safe distance from the ground. He landed unsteadily, pain bursting through his ankles as he crumpled to the ground. His stomach churned and he gagged, his body spasming. He scrabbled desperately at the ground, shaking his head. He was gone. Gone gone gone gone gone. He inhaled and exhaled, stopping for a moment as tears fell from his eyes. Then, he reeled backwards, throwing his head back.
And the scream he let out was nothing short of animalistic.
He crumpled back down shortly after, covering his head with his arms and hands. He sputtered and choked, pain hammering his chest. Vaguely, he was aware that the monkeys that lingered around the area were staring. Watching. Her eyes. He curled his lips, straightening up. “Get away from me!” He snarled, swiping a hand through the air at nothing. He stumbled to his feet, chest heaving as his tail lashed.
“Poor, poor Monkey King… unable to save anyone but himself.” Her voice sang through the air, carrying a sick amusement with it. Wukong spun on his heels, shaking his head. “That’s not true!” He spat, narrowing his eyes icily. A moment later, they lit up in a blaze of yellow, and his world was painted a golden hue. He looked around feverishly, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled and exhaled far too quickly. He was getting dizzy. He stumbled, hunching over a bit. His arms dangled bonelessly from his torso as he bowed his head, the gold flickering out of his eyes. He blinked a few times, looking up again.
“I’ll be the last face you ever see.” She flickered in front of him, smiling maliciously. Wukong’s face slowly contorted, a distant type of horror filling his eyes before she lunged. He staggered backwards, swiping his arms blindly through the air. He squeezed his eyes shut, tears freshly pooling in the corners of his eyes as he screeched. “Get away from me!” He was desperate. Desperate enough to plead with her to disappear.
And suddenly, something wrapped itself around him. Pure, unfiltered terror surged through his body. He started thrashing, snarling and screeching out unholy, inhuman noises. “Get off me! Please please please please!” He shrieked (or more so sobbed desperately), writhing. His fur was on fire. He was dying. He was dying. He grunted as he was forced to the ground, sputtering as he heaved for air. Then, a voice sounded with sudden clarity. “Monkey King! Use your eyes of truth!”
“Get away from me!” Somewhere in his mind, he vaguely registered that it would help him. But the overpowering terror and primal instinct shrouded it out. He stopped for a moment, letting his head settle on the ground as he wheezed in and out choking rasps of air. “Please…” He whispered. A broken plea from a broken monkey. How fitting. He closed his eyes, waiting for the impending snap of pain from attack. But it never came.
“-King. Please, use the eyes of truth.” The voice came again. He opened his eyes slowly, a grimace forming on his face. He sucked in a shaky breath, willing the power to activate. Gold washed over his vision. Faces appeared, almost out of thin air, and his heart sank. He faltered in his struggle, an inexplicably horrified look crossing over his face. “…kid?” He whispered, his voice wavering unsteadily. He - MK - nodded from where he was lying next to Wukong on his stomach. “Yeah. It’s me.” He murmured softly. The pressure around his body released, and Sandy walked into view behind MK, a guilty expression on his face. He must’ve been the one holding him down.
He carefully moved himself upright, his arms trembling as he knelt on his knees. He wavered unsteadily as he stared at MK, a hollow look in his eyes. “You… I thought…” He trailed off. Had that happened? Was this happening? His hands were shaking. Why were they shaking? He looked down at his trembling hands, staring for a moment before looking back up at MK. Pigsy emerged from his left, moving to stand besides MK with folded arms as the kid got on his knees. “When’s the last time you slept? You look like you’ve been through all of it and more.” He snorted.
“Five days.” Wukong deadpanned, looking ahead. An odd sense of regret washed over him the moment he uttered the word. His fur stood up and he hunched his shoulders, clearing his throat. “But I’ve been- I had some- naps! Yeah! I’ve been taking naps and-“ He faltered, breaking off with a hysterical laugh. “I can’t sleep. I can’t.” He whispered, breaking off by the unnerved look in the other’s eyes. His shoulders slouched and he bowed his head, averting his gaze.
“You gotta sleep more.” Pigsy finally muttered after a pause that went on for too long. Wukong looked back at him, his gaze briefly flickering to MK. MK was wearing a hopeful expression despite the faint dismay that was hidden behind it. He heaved a shaky sigh, nodding. “I know, I know.” He muttered, bowing his head as if he was a kid being scolded. But he knew that was a lie. He wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight. Not after what happened.
“I had my suspicions when you suddenly conked out on MK.” Pigsy threw a thumb at MK who ducked his head sheepishly. “The only time I’ve seen you out was when you got sick. And the only time the kid has seen you out was… well, probably when he spent the night, yes?” He raised an eyebrow. Wukong began to stand up, nodding his head mutely. He’d ruined movie night, hadn’t he? MK must’ve seen something flicker in his eyes, because he stood up a moment later with wide eyes. “Don’t worry about it! If you need rest, then I’m not mad!” He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. He frowned a little, his arm falling back to his side as he fixed Wukong with a serious look.
“Promise me you’ll sleep more?”
“…yeah, kid. Promise.”
___
It was difficult. And he could tell they were getting agitated. More times than often, he would get scolded by Pigsy or MK. Every now and then, he received a comment and a look from Mei. Sandy seemed rather understanding about the whole ordeal, however. He even offered to allow the other to reside at his place for awhile. But sleep never came easy to him. Nightmares plagued his dreams, and the small naps he managed to take were interrupted. Sometimes by MK himself, who would quickly fall back on himself to apologize. Even with all the efforts the group had put in, Wukong just couldn’t do it. And it seemed to finally get to them.
“You’re freaking him out!” Pigsy snarled from the counter all of the sudden. Wukong looked at him with wide, owlish eyes. He had come over for a bit to help MK with painting decorations for a holiday. He must’ve been zoning out, because the sudden noise startled him enough to make him jump a little. MK winced, clearing his throat. “Pigsy-“ he began in a pleading tone, but the other continued.
“He’s been worried sick about you! He has taken time off of work to come check up on you and help, but you just won’t take it!” He snapped, moving around the counter. Wukong’s ears twitched up indignantly, but he made no comment. “It’s not that hard to sleep! Take some of Sandy’s tea or something- for the love of god, help me out here!” He threw his hands up. “It’s like you don’t want to sleep!”
Wukong narrowed his eyes, frowning. “Because I don’t.” He hissed curtly. Pigsy froze for a moment before looking at him harshly. “What was that?” He muttered, taking a step forward. “Guys, can we not-“ MK pleaded, but Wukong had already moved. He stood up, his tail lashing around violently behind him. “I said I don’t want to sleep!” He snarled, continuing before Pigsy could utter a word.
“I keep seeing him getting hurt! I keep- he was hurt! I hurt him! The wrist and ribs were my fault!” He pointed at his chest. “I did that! And everytime I closed my eyes to sleep, all I saw was him being weakened by the damage I did! Him being hurt because he wasn’t able to defend himself fully because I hurt him!” He shook his head. “I’ve been guilty ever since I did that to him! And it could’ve happened! If someone attacked him while he was like that, he could’ve been hurt- or killed! And that’s all I’ve been able to think about! So, no, I do not want to sleep.”
You said too much. He heaved a shaky breath. His mind was racing with thoughts that wouldn’t leave even when he slept. His eyes burned. He felt sick. He felt unhealthy. His shoulders slouched down as he dropped back down onto the ground, heaving another shaky sigh. “I just… Don’t want to see that.” He added after a moment. “…Monkey King, you don’t have to worry about me.” MK tried to reassure, but he shook his head softly.
“Yes I do… because you’re still just a kid.” A kid who had his entire life ahead of him. A kid who he hoped and begged would not turn into what he was now. “I’m better now. I promise.” MK spoke again. Pigsy made a hesitant noise of agreement, nodding. “He’s been getting better. Taking real good care of himself.” He added helpfully. Wukong glanced up at the two, not bothering to hide the exhaustion anymore. “I just didn’t want anything to happen.” He croaked out.
“You don’t have to worry anymore.” MK leaned forward. “I’m safe. I got my friends to look after me now… so, please. Get some sleep?” He tilted his head pleadingly. Wukong stared back for a moment before he nodded slowly. “Yeah, I… I will, kid. I will.” He promised. Pigsy snorted, shaking his head. “No. No ‘I will’ around here.” He turned, heading back behind the counter. “You’re getting some sleep right now.”
“What?” Wukong looked where he had disappeared to, shaking his head. “No, no. I’ll go home and rest. You don’t have to worry about me.” He laughed nervously, grunting when Pigsy reappeared to throw a blanket in his face. “I think the kid and I will sleep better at night knowing you’re fine.” He rolled his eyes, waving a hand at Wukong. “Stop making it weird. Just get some sleep.” He muttered, glowering as he went to stalk up the stairs. Wukong stared after him for a moment before looking at MK, who seemed to suddenly realize it was a tad awkward that he remained. “Oh- right, right. I’ll be upstairs if you need me!” And with that, the kid was also gone.
Wukong made sure that no one else was in the room before exhaling a shaky sigh. He carefully unfolded the blanket, curling himself up on the couch as he draped it over himself. It wasn’t home, but… it would do. He inhaled and exhaled, looking around the room. It was nice here. The shop was closed, so no one could randomly come in unless Pigsy let them in. Slowly, he let himself relax on the couch. It would be better. With that thought in mind, he finally let himself be whisked away by the sleep that had been calling his name for so long.
When he awoke again, it was because of soft murmuring. He could feel parts of the couch to his left and right indented, meaning someone was likely sitting on those cushions. For a moment, he just let himself lay there in the comfort of the blanket and lingering tiredness. However, he was intrigued. Slowly, oh so slowly, he shifted with a huff. The murmuring fell silent around him, and a moment later he carefully opened his eyes. It was hard to do so, however. He blinked slowly a few times, the weight of sleep still tugging at them. He recognized that Sandy was sitting to his right and MK was on his left (he had laid down and claimed all of the middle of the couch). Tang and Pigsy were sitting across from the couch on chairs they had supposedly pulled up. Mei was there too, leaning on the arm rest of the couch MK was near.
“...hey.” He croaked out, grimacing at his voice. “Rise and shine, sleeping beauty.” Pigsy sneered, snickering as he leaned back into his chair. He earned a pointed glare from Tang, but Wukong didn’t seem to acknowledge it. He slowly looked over to MK, blinking slowly again (god it's hard to keep his eyes open). “How long was I out?” He murmured, and the conversation continued with the others. “Ten hours?” He shrugged, and Mei looked up from her phone. “If you keep going, you could be in a coma.” She said in a merry tone before looking back down at her phone. MK snorted, shaking his head softly before looking back at Wukong. “How are you feeling?” The response was short and straight to the point. “Tired.”
MK laughed a little. Wukong let his head rest back on the cushion with a tired huff, his eyes growing half-lidded. “Haven’t slept this good in awhile.” He mumbled, drawing the blanket up closer towards his face. “You’re doing better, so I don’t mind how long you sleep. I’ll keep practicing with the staff until you’re able to teach again.” MK cleared his throat, looking at the other. Wukong’s tail snaked out from the blanket, brushing against MK’s face in a way that was supposedly some form of a weak bop. “Nope. Sleep.” He muttered, burrowing into the blanket further. “I will.” MK responded. Wukong mumbled some incoherent response, but it was lost in the sleep that claimed him. It wasn’t a huge improvement, but it was better.
He was better.