I NEED more fics with these two their relationship is so complex and tragic. Omg I love them.

Mk I need one of your father figures PLEASE (Tang give me Tang- he would be the best dad ever and tell amazing bedtime stories amd the way he always tries to comfort Mk please he loves his boy so much :( !!! )

Enjoy!!!

__________

The mountain was quiet, the silence was not new, after the wars and the retirement of its king, it's been quiet for hundreds of years. As the seasons passed, the quiet never left. It has lingered for as long as over five hundred years.

The years passed as time did. For immortals, time was not sometime they worried about much. They would sit by as the years passed by them, and in their eyes, they would get to see how mortals developed their land and the world around them as they pleased. Their inventions and stories of old passed down, building and growing was in their nature. Mortals and demons alike.

But not immortals or the gods. They didn't care for things like change. Their bodies rarely changed. Their rules and actions were even more so rare of change. But it did not bother them. They would watch, entertained by the new ideas mortals would make, the way they would begin to accept demons into their realm to live in peace as time passed by. Even if most demons would live much longer than them, some would form relationships with mortals in actions of love. Now much more accepting than many‐many years ago.

However, there was one immortal, perhaps one of the most immortal beings out there that did not waste his time watching mortals or others much. Staying on his mountain, secluded, his heart hollowed out with nothing but loneliness. He spent his days hiding out. After years of retirement, never being seen again, his stories had been partially deemed as just myths. And old legend tales.

But despite this, he was someone who still looked up to by many, his stories passed down for many years, and many more years to come. Seen as a hero, a savior. But they know nothing of the guilt and hate he held. The guilt of his past. The hatred for his actions. The blood on his hands and the tears forever staining his face.

Not that he showed anyone. He's never seen anyone for the past five hundred years. He has never seen another face other than his tribe. The monkeys running around the mountain, some staying with him constantly. As the years passed, his old tribe passed passed and their young growing and new generations, no one truly knew why their king is so saddened and haunted by his own emotions and ridden with nightmares. They never ask, never bring it up, but they stay with him, sleeping inside his hut, lying on top of him or under his arms, at his sides and curling around his tail. They make sure he gets out of his hut every few days, making sure he eats fruit and sits in the sun for a while.

The mortals don't know about this. The gods or demons don't know. No one but the habitants of his mountain, his subjects, his family. Even if there were none quite like him, especially none so powerful and immortal, he considers them his family. His closest family he has left. That he cares for as much as they care for him. Well, he hopes he does. He owes them more than they know. His debt to them is beyond their comprehension.

Sometimes, in the dead of night, he would leave his hut, walk through the cave where his hut lays, and walk down to the sandy beach in front of the ocean beside the volcanic mountains that hid and guarded his mountain. He would sit at an old tree, one he used to share with another, and he would talk until sunrise, he would speak to the moon, looking up at it, he'd close his eyes, pretending it was his.

That the moon was beside him, whispering sweet words in his ear, laughing at his silly jokes or stupid faces, smiling up at the stars or sleeping against his shoulder.

Because it used to be. The moon used to be his. Something he could hold. Something he could touch and hold gently in the plam of his hands. Caress with a care he showed no one else, whisper sweet nothings in secret, feel the ears he adored, the glow of them that lit up the night sky more than the moon did.

That was the moon. His moon. But that moon was gone. So, he had to pretend. Had to imagine he wasn't alone. That he hadn't torn away everything with his own two hands. Hands and claws that were stained for the rest of eternity with unfathomable amounts of blood. Blood that had washed off, but the memories stained, dug under his nails like dirt he couldn't remove, uncomfortable and haunting. Like a fire under his skin that burned and ached, something he couldn't get rid of no matter how much he tried. Or how often he drank in order to forget. Or how many times he talked to the moon, whispering his pleads for forgiveness, something he knew he didn't deserve.

But, at some point, he stopped. The moon wouldn't listen to him. Why would it? He did this. He was the cause of his own mistakes, the consequences that earned him. The nightmares every time he slept, the faces of his old foes, and even friends. And the moon. Their screams and cries, their angry words, and pained faces. The rage and anger. They were all things he would never forget. No matter how much time would pass, they will always stick with him.

Never leaving. Never dulling. Never straying or giving him a break- or a peaceful rest. Every waking moment was spent drowning his sorrows. Either in alcohol or eating. Trying to distract himself from the way they would cling to his skin, tearing at his flesh, screaming for him to die, to meet the same fate that he enacted onto them. It was his imagination. He knew that. But it didn't make it feel any less real.

It felt as real as the food he ate, the couch he slept on, the TV that sounded random shows he never paid attention to, and his tears that never seemed to stop as he would keep his face pressed against his old pillow, not caring if he could barely breathe. He didn't need to. He was immortal.

Immortal.

And alone.

But fate was an odd thing.

It led to many new places, new stories, and old. And it seemed, after all these years; fate was not done with him just yet.

As an old Sage stepped up the mountain, wishing to go dwell on some memories from old, he made his way up the old and worn stone steps, his legs feeling wobbly as he did so, after not having gotten up off his couch for the last five days.

He stepped up the path, passing by some trees, using his hand to block branches that were nearly able to smack him in the face, leaves burshing against his unruly hair.

Making it to the top, he studied the old area that hasn't been touched for a long time. He doesn't remember when the past time he was here was.

He sighed, scanning the place he was born, seeing the large slab of stone that used to hold a much smaller one. But now held an even smaller one.

He looked around some more until his head whipped back around to the stone sitting right where his own used to be. The Kings eyes flew wide open.

The stone-

It ached and burned with celestial power, the energy so strong and clear, it almost felt like his own. Like an almost exact copy of his magic, except, there was one difference. Another side that was just as familiar. A darker, yet softer side, but just as clear as the other. The King couldn't help the way his legs gave out beneath him, falling to his knees in front of the stone.

He didn't dare grab the stone, let alone touch it at all. Yet his hands hesitated in the air, his body stiff and stunned at the small sight in front of him. The tiny, tiny stone that laid right before his eyes, so small, unburdened with the weight of the world. Not tainted with the blood of foes. Innocent and full of life- So warm that the Sage could feel the heat radiating to his hesitant hands hovering just above it.

There was no doubt. This stone held the life of a celestial monkey. Just like him.

Holding magic made of the Sun and Moon. A life blended of their power, yet unique in its own, wonderful way.

A stone holding the life of something precious. Now guarded by an old, sorrowed king.

__________

Mk groaned as he wiped down one of the last tables inside the restaurant. He wiped his forehead, "Man! How do these tables get so dirty?" He wiped down the last smudge that was the hardest by far to get, scrubbing it for minutes until it finally came off, the table now sparkling like new.

He turned his head towards Tang, who was eating by the front, like he always was, facing Pigsy, who was stirring another thing of noodles, the food he claimed was his life's goal, to feed people and make them happy with the food he makes. Which, despite seeming so mean, Mk could tell he meant it.

Tang turned his head to Mk, holding a bowl of noodles and chopsticks in his other, slurping up some noodles, "That's because you are the cause of half of that mess Mk."

Mk gasped loudly, "Nuh-uh! I am not!" He yelled, offended.

Tang fondly shook his head as Pigsy was the one to speak up now, "Don't lie, kid. We all know you eat down here when you get hungry at night."

Mk let out a louder gasp, smacking his hand over his chest, "How dare you! I don't do that-" At their shared look, he rolls his eyes, "As much! Okay? Tang does it, too!" He points over at Tang, whose jaw drops at being outed like that.

"Mk! I trusted you with that information!" He gawks, avoiding Pigsys annoyed face at that information. Mk laughs.

"Then maybe you shouldn't have blamed me for the mess I had no part of!" They stick their tongues out at each other before laughing, unable to stop their smiles even if they were bickering. Pigsy was ignoring them now, rolling his eyes, yet fondly, making bowls of noodles, setting two on the counter, one in front of Tang, the other set beside the stool Tang is sitting at.

"Come eat, kid." Pigsy pats the counter, motioning for Mk to come sit down. Mk lit up, rushing over after putting up his cleaning supplies, practically jumping to his seat, sitting quickly, grabbing the chopsticks that Pigsy hands to him.

Pigsy points his spoon at both of them, making the two eating look up at him, "You two better start cleaning up after yourselves if you eat in the middle of the night. I won't ask a second time before I ban both of you from eating here."

Both Tang and Mk give each other a look, panicked, quickly nodding their heads, "Y-Yup! Got it!"

Mk shivered at the threat, eating his noodles quickly until he felt his phone buzz in his pocket, "Oh!" He slurps up the rest of the noodles and juice, hurriedly grabbing his phone, checking it.

He answers, "Hey, Mei! What's up?" He waves goodbye to the men in front of him before leaving the restaurant, going next door to his apartment that he started living in about two years ago, when he turned eighteen.

Stepping inside, he throws off his shoes, running over to his bed. It wasn't a large apartment, much smaller than many of the others around the city, but it was cozy. The main room was his bedroom, and down the short hallway was the bathroom and a small closest beside it, holding some of his clothes and his extra work uniform. His room had a small bed that only fit- maybe him and Mei if they sat close together, but it was long, so Mei or himself usually sat at the foot of the bed when she came over to either play games or just to hang out and talk, which she did almost every other day.

"Hey, Mk! I was just about to go to the arcade if you wanna go?" She questions over the phone, and he can hear the sound of her motorcycle and the wind, slightly muffling her voice.

He hesitates, looking over at his open drawing book on his desk beside his bed. He hums, "Not today. I still haven't figured out what to draw lately. I've been kinda stumped."

"Still? It's been days since you've shown me a drawing. Especially one of Monkey King." Mei giggles, Mk groans loudly, his face heating up in embarrassment.

"Hey! I don't draw him that much."

"Uh-huh. Sure you don't. You practically idolize him, Mk. You only ever watch the shows with him in it! But hey, there's nothing wrong with that. He is pretty cool."

"The coolest." Mk corrects, hearing her laugh again, making him let out a soft chuckle as well. He glances around his room, seeing the poster beside his bed of that one Monkey King show. He smiles slightly, "Anyway, how about you come over over later and help me figure out what to draw? We can watch that one movie you like." She gasps.

"Yes! I'll be there before eight! Bye, Mk!"

"Bye, Mei. Oh, and make sure to bring over the snacks."

"Absolutely." She giggles, hanging up after they exchange goodbyes one last time. He sighs, letting himself fall back onto his bed.

One of his favorite things to do was draw. He's loved doing it ever since he was a kid.

For as long as he could remember, he's been drawing. He would draw bugs he would see on the ground outside in the park, or really pretty trees he would spot from time to time. But his favorite thing to draw was Monkey King. Ever since Tang once told him the first story he ever heard about him, he has ever since thought he was amazing. Someone so powerful that even the heavens feared his power! He was the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, after all!

Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, was his biggest idol. He couldn't help but ask Tang to tell him more and more stories over the years. Or find more shows about him, or buy a jacket that had his face on the back of it, well, not his exact face, but one that looked like him. Monkey King was someone he looked up to.

Sometimes, he wondered if he was real. Tang was just as obsessed with the stories as he was, maybe even more so, but almost everyone believes that he is most likely a myth- just another legend or tale. But he didn't believe that. He hoped he was real and that maybe, somehow, he'd be able to see him. Even though he knew that was impossible.

He turned his head over to the plush monkey on his bed, the first ever plush he got. Tang told him he cried and cried when they didn't immediately get it for him. Mk laughed to himself at that memory.

He sighed, looking back up at his ceiling, taking a deep breath. He glanced at his monkey again, narrowing his eyes.

Groaning, Mk forced himself out of bed, going to sit at his desk, grabbing one of the many coloring pens Tang had bought for him last year.

He tapped the pen on the desk, biting his lip as he tried to think of something to draw. He decided to skim through the pages, looking at what he had already drawn in this book, the bright colors of bugs and insects, of bright colored trees of many different kinds. He made it to the new, empty page he has yet to draw on for three days.

After not thinking of anything for the next hour, he decides to turn on some music, hoping that would give him some inspiration. But he spent another half hour tossing page after page in the trash, not liking how they looked or how certain things were colored. He huffed in frustration, letting his head fall onto his desk with a loud thump.

When he heard his door open, he didn't even bother picking his head up off his desk.

"Wow, still having trouble?" Meis voice sounded from behind him. A soft click of the door closing is heard. Then he hears her move to sit on his bed, a bag landing beside her, filled with sweats that he could already smell. He forced his head to the side to look at her, his frown close to a pout, cheek smushed against the desk.

Mei is sitting with her legs hanging off the side of the bed as she faces him, leaning back against her hands, "How was the arcade?" He asks. She smiles.

"Great! Really wish you went with me, though."

Mk lifts his head, sighing, leaning back against his chair, "Yeah, I know. But I've just been trying to think of something!"

Mei hums, "Why not draw Tang or Pigsy?" Mk groans.

"Mr Tang is so hard to draw! I can never get his angle right! And Pigsy- well... I've drawn him a lot, so... I just want something new! I need ideas!" He runs a hand through his hair, his head facing the ceiling, tapping his foot on the ground.

"Hm..." Mei glances at the bag she brought with her, then back at her friend, "Let's just hang out? I'm sure you'll think of something soon. But for now, don't worry about it!" She pats the spot beside her, motioning for Mk to come to sit with her.

He slowly nods, "Yeah, you're right. What's first? Games or movies?" He asks, setting his pen down and walking over to his bed. He sits beside Mei as she grabs the two controllers he keeps in his room.

"Games." She grabs one of the many snacks she brought, unwrapping it, stuffing it in her mouth. She grabs another, unwrapping it and handing it to Mk, who happily takes it, stuffing it in his mouth.

They play games until around midnight, when they decide to watch movies the rest of the night until they fall asleep about two hours before sunrise. Which, in turn, makes Mk exhausted when he has to get up for work.

Mei left half an hour before he got up, texting him how much fun she had, telling him that she'll come over the next morning to hang out since it would be his day off. Which reminded him-

"Ah! I'm late! I'm so late!" He whines, yelping as he grabs his uniform hurriedly, putting it on, rolling up his sleeves, and barely checking his hair in the mirror as he ties his headband around his head, he rushes to the restaurant, thankful that he lives so close as he makes it only five minutes late. But he couldn't help but fear Pigsys wrath. The last time he was this late, he got his pay cut in half! He didn't want a repeat of that whole mess.

Huffing and breathing heavily as he slams the door open, likely looking like a mess, he immediately shivers at the glare sent his way by the pig demon.

"You're late." Pigsy says, clenching the spoon in his hand tightly, gritting his teeth. Mk jumps.

"I know, I know! I'm sorry! I totally forgot to go to be early since me and Mei were hanging out, and-" He was interrupted.

"Just-" Pigsy sighs, shaking his head, "Get those orders to the customers in time, and maybe- maybe I'll let it slide just this once." Pigsy grunts. Mk smiles brightly.

"Got it! Thanks, Pigsy!" He rushes over to grab some of the orders on the counter, running out the door and to his old, worn-out vehicle.

It used to be Pigsys, before he was old enough to use it, then Pigsy let him use it, and now he's the only one who uses it.

Turning it on and putting on his headphones, Mk turned on his music, starting to go to the first place he had to deliver noodles to. The sun was bright now, having risen and covering the city in a comforting morning glow. The air wasn't too hot, but Mk was sure that was because of the cities perfect weather that was always kept in check. Unless it was getting to be winter or it had to rain every now and then to make the city feel more real- which he liked. When it did snow, it was a nice change from the usual warm days and bright skies. He also liked throwing snow at Mei, which was just a nice bonus.

It was a few months away from winter, too. So he was waiting for the day he would be able to surprise Mei with snow to the face since she always did that first every time he would take a step outside his apartment. Which would cause them to get into a full-on fight, trying to get as much snow as they could onto each other. It was one of his favorite things to do. Other than cuddle up in all of his blankets and watch movies all night. And handing out with Pigsy and Tang as Tang would tell him more stories. Winter was a fun time.

Tapping his fingers on the wheel, he turned towards the first place where he had to drop off the first order of noodles. The first few places went well. Most of the people were very kind to him and left good reviews.

Well, the day was going well until one particularly rude customer decided to throw their bowl of noodles at him because it was, 'too hot to even hold!' After he had tried to explain that it was hot because it had just been made, which was true! He had to go back many times to Pigys to give the orders fresh to people. But apparently, the man didn't believe him, yelling at him about how he was the worst delivery boy ever and how the food wasn't even worth eating anymore and threw the bowl at him.

The whole bowl ended up spilling all over him. There were noodles in his hair, and on his uniform, broth that stained the same uniform that he now had to ask for a new one of. And the worst part was it completely burned his hands when he blocked his face from the hot broth.

The only good part was that- that was his last delivery of the day. He went back to Pigsys, a single noodle falling to the floor as he walked inside, still covered in hot- delicious noodles, his face pulled into a deep frown, eyes downcast at the floor.

"Mk! Why do I have a bad review-!?" Pigsy started to yell when he heard the restaurant open. Tang was sitting where he usually was, eating his own bowl, stopping when he saw Mk looking a mess.

"Mk-..." Tang gasped. Pigsy, who turned to yell at Mk, paused when he saw the pathetic state he was in.

Mk slowly lifted a shaking hand to his hair, pulling out a noodle and tossing it away, "Sorry for the review... apparently, it was too hot for this guy and-"

He motioned to his soaked clothes and hair, "He got pretty upset. I'll go wash the dishes, then take a shower..." he figured he would still have to do the chores he usually did after work, which was cleaning the restaurant or washing the dishes, he mainly liked cleaning around the restaurant since he could listen to his music, but today he had to do the dishes this time.

But as he made his way behind the kitchen, Pigsy stopped him, blocking his path with his spoon, "That's all for today. Go take a shower and come back, and I'll help take care of your hands. Can't have my best employee injured and hurting all day." He then pointed the other way to the door.

"Go." Pigsy nudged him back with the spoon, and Mk sniffled, laughing softly.

"Okay..." he wipes his eyes, wincing at the pain in his hands.

Mk walks out of the restaurant and to his apartment, throwing off his soaked clothes after getting to his bathroom. He turns on the water, letting it warm up as he grabs most of the noodles he can see in the mirror out of his hair and into the trash. Once he got what he could, he got into the shower, taking a few minutes to clean out the rest of his hair from anything he had missed.

As he took a few minutes to let the warm water wash over him, he couldn't help but let his thoughts run wild.

Sometimes, he couldn't help but wonder if Pigsy even considered him his son. He remembers there were many times where he called Pigsy 'dad' or 'dadsy' as he grew up. But each time he did, it only earned him an eye-roll, or Pigsy completely ignored it.

Mk knew he wasn't his kid. He knew he was adopted into the little family. But, sometimes, more often than not, he didn't feel a part of that family like he used to. He used to be more than just 'Pigsys only employee' or just a delivery boy. He used to be more than just getting scolded for not doing his job right. And he loved his job! He looked forward to getting up and seeing his two father figures bickering in the morning over Tang, having not paid for food again. He loved being able to see that it was just playful bickering, and Pigsy never really got angry at him.

But Mk felt... left out. Sure, there were moments where he didn't feel that way, but most of the time, he couldn't help but notice how often he was brushed to the side.

There were times when he would wonder why they even took him in.

Jumping out of his thoughts, shaking his head at the growing emotions rising in his throat, he lathered some soap into his hair, cleaning it before turning off the water. He grabs a towel from under the sink, drying himself off and snorting at his odd poofy hair when he lowers the towel to wrap around his middle.

Mk brushed through his unruly hair, looking down at his hands. He winced at the reminder of the burns on them. He sighed, grabbing the clothes he brought to the bathroom, putting them on. He slipped on his jacket, his hands trembling a bit at the growing pain in them.

After putting his shoes back on, he walks back down to Pigsys, stepping inside with a slightly deep frown, those numbing thoughts trailing their way back up at the sight of the two laughing men chatting as Pigsy wipes down the counter Tangs sitting at, as he always was everyday.

Mk hesitated, not wanting to ruin the happy moment between them. Nearly ready to go back to his apartment and deal with the burns himself, he stops halfway out the door when he hears Pigsys voice behind him.

"Mk. Come here."

Mk turns to the two with a trembling smile, walking to them and sitting where Pigsys points for him to sit. He ignores Tangs pointed look, keeping his head angled down when Pigsy comes around the counter with a roll of bandages and a thing of cream for burns that he keeps just for situations like this, or if he accidently burns himself while cooking.

Mk holds out one hand to Pigsy when the chef holds his out. He winces a bit when the cold cream is applied to his aching hands, but slowly, it makes the ache die down just enough to feel way better, causing Mk to sigh in relief.

"Next time that happens, I'll have a personal word them. Alright?" Pigsy starts to wrap his hands in bandages.

Mk hums, still feeling slightly unsure about the pig demons reaction, "But... wouldn't you get mad at the review? I don't want you to be mad."

Pigsy gave him a look, eyes narrowing and brows furrowing thoughtfully, "Why would I get upset at something you weren't at fault for?"

"You usually get mad at me for being late and-"

"That's because you have control over that. You have no control over rude customers. Of course, I wouldn't be upset." Pigsy huffs, as if it was obvious he thought this way. He grabs Mks other hand to begin doing the same thing he did to the other one. Mks brows furrow.

"You don't act like it..." He mutters, looking to the side, avoiding the two men's gazes. Tang raises a brow, lifting a hand to adjust his glasses a bit, frowning.

"Mk? Is something wrong?" Tang sets a hand on Mks shoulder. Comforting and warm, yet Mk only shrunk away from it, causing Tangs eyes to widen. Mk has never pulled away from him. It has even Pigsy raising a confused, almost concerned brow his way.

Mk huffed, "Nothing's wrong, okay? I'm just... tired." He didn't know what was up with his emotions right now. It was probably from all of the stress of today, with the customers and getting food thrown at him- he groaned.

Tangs hand hesitated for a second, but slowly put his hand on Mks back, letting his shoulders relax a bit when Mk didn't pull away this time, "You can tell us anything, you know that, right?"

No. I really don't. I don't know if I can even tell you guys anything anymore. It feels like you never listen to me.

Mk shrugs, "I guess..." he lets his hands fall to his lap once Pigsy is done bandaging his other hand.

Pigsy grunted, "Kid. What's up with you?" Mks eye twitched.

"Nothing-"

"Don't lie. Just tell us." Pigsy crossed his arms after setting down the rest of the bandages and ointment he didn't use.

"I don't know, okay? It's not like it matters anyway! Every time I talk, I seem to just make you upset! Sometimes I don't feel like your kid, I just feel like-" Mk runs a hand through his hair, never mind. It doesn't matter. I-"

He stands up, walking away towards the door.

"I'm going for a walk... I'll be at work in the morning." He mumbles, ignoring their confused yelling, slamming the door closed behind him.

Mk, frustrated, wipes a stubborn tear from his cheek, sniffling as he glances up at the sign in front of Pigsys. He remembers drawing that a few years ago, the way Pigsy smiled so proudly as he turned it into the sign hanging off the restaurant, lit up with bright pink lights, making the street light up softly as it got darker.

Mk frowns, feeling his lip tremble, he bites it painfully to keep it from moving anymore. He turns his head down from the sign, walking under it and past the restaurant.

Even though it was becoming night in the city, it seemed the life of the city never dies down, many shops having their own bright, colorful lights that lit up the streets, making it feel as if it were still daylight outside. As he walked, he kept his eyes angled at the ground, kicking his feet every now and then, listening to the people talking and laughing in the streets, walking in and out of shops and buildings, some coming from the bars a few blocks away that he could hear the music from.

Mk didn't know what was wrong with him. Why did he suddenly snap at them like that? Of course he knew they cared about him. Of course he knew he could tell them what was bothering him. He looked down at his hands, glancing at the bandages covering them securely. He felt a pang of guilt crawl up to his throat, squeezing painfully.

He shoved his hands in his pockets, finally glancing up and realizing he had made his way to the park a few blocks away from home. He didn't even notice he left his phone at his apartment until he checked his pocket for it, feeling nothing there.

Mk groaned, knowing they probably already told Mei to check on him. He was sure she would be freaking out by now since he didn't have his phone and couldn't respond. But at the moment, as he looked around the empty park, the way the lights from the cities streets seemed to just faintly touch this area, the trees and other soft lights blocking the bright, colorful glow, leaving the area painted in the soft glow from the moon and stars.

"Huh..." The moon was insanely bright tonight, uncovered from clouds that seemed to not wish to disturb the beauty of it.

Mk looked beside him, seeing a long bench. Immediately, he chose to sit down, leaning back against it and looking up at the moon and stars.

The memories of when he was kid, looking out into the sky in his old room back at Pigsys old apartment came to mind. How he would be in complete awe of the moon and it's light, the way it always felt sort of comforting to him to see it. For some reason, the moon gave him a sense of familiarity, yet it made him feel almost empty in a way, like he was longing for something, just like how he felt whenever morning came, and the sunlight dusted his room and the sky in its light.

It was something he didn't understand, something he couldn't help but wish to know what it meant. Mk always felt as if there was something missing, something- a part of him he has yet to understand or figure out ever since he could remember.

Mk looked down at the ground, the grass beneath his feet and the path in front of the bench he sat on, feeling his emotions stir within him.

Mk groaned loudly, resting his elbows on his thighs, his head in his hands, ignoring the way that movement hurt to make. He closed his eyes tight, trying to make those emotions relax.

Until he lifted his head, opening his eyes to glance at his side, nearly falling off the bench when he saw a bird right in his face-

"Ah!" He quickly grabbed the back of the bench, pulling himself to sit upright, his other hand hitting his fist against his chest, trying to catch the air that had almost been knocked out of him at the scare.

"Oh, don't do that!" No wonder the flapping of wings had been so loud in his ears. He huffed, shaking his head, puffing his cheeks a little, "You scared me!" He hunched over, taking in a loud dramatic inhale.

The bird, which was a rather small bird, chirped softly, landing on the bench beside him, little feet tapping against the wood. Mk took a moment to catch his breath, looking down at the peculiar bird beside him. The bird had orange feathers and a slightly tan-ish belly. It's wings were red on the inside, with blue and yellow-ish outlines. A blue outline across its oddly long tail and the edges of its wings. The bird was staring up at him with wide, bright golden eyes.

Huh. Usually, birds don't have golden eyes. As far as he remembers-

"Uh..." Mk blinked, "Hello..?" He said slowly, folding his hands in his lap, staring at the bird in more-so curiosity than anything now.

The bird chirped, tilting its head. Mk copied the movement.

"Where's your little... bird friends?" Mk finally looked away from those peering gold eyes, looking around for any other birds flying around. Surprisingly, there were none. He looked back at the bird when he heard the tapping of tiny claws trying to get his attention on the bench.

"Do you not have any bird friends?" He asks, unable to not give his full attention to this really odd bird that was staring so intensely at him with its gold eyes. The bird shakes its head.

Wait.

Wait wait wait-

Mk threw his hands into his hair, "You can understand me!?" He presses his palms to the sides of his head, gawking at the bird that was lifting a wing to do a 'yeah' gesture, nodding its tiny head.

"This is so weird..." Mk throws his head back, looking at the moon, "This has to be a dream... come on, Mk, what are you doing? Talking to a bird that can apparently understand you?" He whined, closing his eyes, covering his face with his hands.

"What am I doing!?"

After a moment or two, he slowly turns his head back down, opening his eyes. Yeah. This was real, and definitely not a dream. He already had way too many things going on to feel as weirded out about this as he should. He pouted, letting his hands fall back down to his lap, resting his face in his palms, his elbows on his thighs again.

"Y'know what? It's totally not the weirdest thing to ever happen to me, honestly..." he mutters, slightly kicking his foot, seeing some grass be tossed around just a bit as his foot tore some blades out of the ground.

The bird chirps, padding over to him and flying up to his hunched back. Mk can feel tiny talons poke through his jacket, but thankfully, it didn't hurt somehow. He hummed.

"You should go find some bird friends... I'm not the best guy to hang out with, y'know..." he doesn't look up from the ground, sighing softly.

The bird jumped up and down a bit, making his eyes glance over at it, "Cause I... ugh, I don't even know! One minute, I'm coming home with food all over me cause this one customers got mad at how hot it was! And the next minute, I'm snapping at the closest people I have to father figures and-" He throws his arms around, sitting up straight as he talks. His arms pause in the air as his words come to a still.

"I've just- I've been feeling so... weird lately... I don't even know why I got so upset! It was literally over nothing! Yeah, I mean, sometimes they do kinda leave me out, but other than that, they're great!" Mk frowns sadly, looking at the bird again.

"Do you think they are mad at me now..?" He slowly asks, not even knowing if he'll get a response from this weird bird.

But surprisingly, the bird shakes its tiny head, closing its eyes as it does until it opens them, looking at him. Mk huffs a shocked, small laugh, "But I... I kinda said some mean stuff... and Pigsy might be more mad at me slamming his door." He laughs softly, leaning back against the bench with a sigh.

"I want to go back and apologize... but right now I just-" He looks up at the moon, "I don't know, I think I wanna just sit here for a while. But I don't wanna be alone... this might be weird-" Mk looks at the bird by his side.

"Do you want to sit here with me for a minute..? You can fly off if you wanna but... ugh- never mind." Mk crosses his arms, leaning fully against the bench, keeping his eyes angled up at the moon and stars, feeling the cool breeze hit his face and slightly wave through his hair, brushing it back.

He expected the bird to fly off immediately, or for him to open his eyes and realize he's in bed and probably going crazy. But oddly, neither happens.

Out of the corner of his eye, he can see that the bird it still beside him, also staring up at the moon and stars. He can hear those tiny feet tap softly against the bench as the bird shuffles closer to him ever-so-slightly, then stops a few inches away from his legs.

He smiles a bit to himself, feeling his emotions finally start to cool down. He inhales the air, sighing at the faint smell of peaches in the air despite there being none around. Either way, it was a nice sent that had a slight mix of rain to it, light and not as noticeable as the peachy sent, but just as apparent nonetheless.

After a while of enjoying the peaceful silence and soft sent of peaches, Mk yawns, lifting a hand to rub his eyes, "I should probably get back... I think they could be worried..." he says softly, rising to his feet, stretching his arms over his head.

He looks down at the bird with a soft smile, "Thanks for hanging out with me! You should go find some bird friends-" He stops, gasping much louder than he probably should've.

"Oh!" Mk leans down, crouching in front of the bench where the bird is still on. The bird flinches a bit at the sudden movement, golden eyes going wide.

"You should come with me! I'm not exactly a bird expert but I'm sure I can be way better than other little bird friends! I mean- ask Mei, I am practically her best friend." He puts his hand proudly on his chest.

"I'm sure I can figure out how to take care of you! I'm a very quick learner, I'll have you know!" Mk laughs, holding his palms out.

"I can be like- you're family! If you want. So that way you don't have to be lonely!" He smiles brightly, holding his hands out patiently, awaiting the decision of a small, brightly colored bird who looks just about ready to burst into tears for some reason, making little sad sounds that has Mk giggle a bit at how weirdly cute it was.

His smile grows much bigger when the brid hesitates, but hops into his patient hands, a tiny beak gently rubbing against his fingers.

Mk beams, "I'll take that as a yes!" He moves the bird into one hand, using his now free hand to gently pet its head with his finger. The he pauses.

"Oh! We have to hurry before Mei starts to go to Pigsys looking for me! I totally forgot I don't have my phone!" He starts to run, letting the bird fly to his shoulder, talons gently holding onto the back of his jacket as he rushes back home as fast as he can.

When he sees Pigsys sign in sight, he winces at the sight of Meis parked motorcycle. He hurries back to the front, the door already left open. He can see Tang and Mei worriedly holding their phones, seeming to try and call him.

"He's not answering- how long has he been gone?" Mei asks, none of them seeming to have noticed he was in the doorway to the restaurant. Pigsy was sitting beside Tang, looking down at the ground, silent.

Tang groans, "For over an hour!" He tries to call Mk again when he glances up to look at Mei but then sees Mk by the door, finally noticing him.

"Mk!" Tang yells out, causing Mei and Pigsy to look in the direction Tang is, both gasping at the sight of him.

Mei is the first one to crash into him, hugging him in a tight grip, rubbing her cheek against his, fat-worried tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Mk! I was so worried! They told me to come over because they couldn't get a hold of you!"

She hugs him tighter, making him wheeze while he pats her back, "Sorry-" He coughs when Tang also runs up to him, joining the hug.

"Don't you ever do that again! You hear me!? You are so grounded!" Tang yells, holding the back of his head carefully, pressing his cheek against the top of his head.

Mk laughs, "You can't ground me- I don't even live with you guys anymore!"

"Too bad! You're grounded cause I said so!"

"And me!" Mei huffs, "I agree with Tangy!" She nods, pulling away, keeping her hands on his shoulders.

Mk rolls his eyes, leaning into Tang now, sighing softly at the warmth of the arms wrapped gently around him, cradling his head, just like they used to.

"Sorry. I forgot my phone at my apartment... I just wanted to take a walk." Mk mutters against Tangs shoulder, pressing his forehead against it, feeling his scarf muffle his words. Tang squeezed him tightly then let him go.

"I get that. Everyone needs their own space sometimes, but next time please bring your phone." He laughs, "And maybe don't storm out. Scared us so bad." Tang holds his face.

"You know we love you, right Mk?" He frowns, making Mk slowly nod, frowning as well.

"Yeah... sorry- again. I don't know why I got so upset earlier." He leans into Tangs hands.

"That's alright. We all have our moments, right, Pigsy?" Tang looks back expectantly at Pigsy, who looked rather out of place, which was... weird to see.

Pigsy huffed, his arms crossed, "Yeah. Next time, kid, tell us what's bothering you. And... I'm... sorry you were feeling like that."

Mk smiled, "It's okay. Well, it is now. I guess I've just been feeling a bit... left out? I don't know how to say it..." he sighs. Tang slightly squishes his cheeks.

"Well, when you can, come tell us so we can work on it together, hm?" He squishes Mks face more. Mk nods quickly.

"Mhm!" He rubs his cheeks when Tang let's him go, satisfied with that answer. Mei hugs Mk again.

"Want me to stay over tonight? And I want to keep an eye on ya." She winks playfully at him, ruffling his hair. Mk laughs, swatting her hand away.

"Sure- oh!" Mk suddenly remembers.

He looks around frantically for his new little friend, spotting the bird on the counter, "Oh! There you are!" He steps back from Mei and the other two, holding his hand out, beckoning the little bird over.

The bird flies into his awaiting hand, then hops onto his shoulder when he holds his hand up to it to let the bird hang out there as he talks, "This is my new bird friend! I don't know what to call him-" a quick nod confirmed his words "Him- yet! But he doesn't have any other little buddies so I figured he'd stay with me!"

He smiles proudly. Mei is in awe, her hands clasped in front of her face, her eyes lit up, smiling widely, "He's so cool! His wings look totally awesome!" She claps when the bird opens one wing to show the colors inside, the red and blue on the edges.

Tang moves his glasses up, narrowing his eyes a little, "Gold eyes? Hm..." he hums to himself. Pigsy just looks completely over this entire conversation.

"Are you sure you can take care of a bird, kid?" Pigsy wonders. Mk nods enthusiastically.

"Yup! And I can mostly understand him- I don't even know how but I can! And he can understand me! So we'll figure this out." He looks at the bird with a smile, getting a happy, close-eyed nod from the tiny bird perched on his shoulder.

Pigsy sighs, shrugging, "Alright. Just as long as he doesn't get into my food."

"He won't!" Mk and the bird both shake their heads, making Mei giggle.

"Aw!" She laughs, using her finger to pat the birds head gently, "You two already act so much alike!"

Mk tilts his head, "Really? Huh." He shrugs to himself, smiling at the sight of the bird happily soaking up all the attention from Mei's gentle pats.

He yawns again, "Aw, man... I'm tired." The bird goes back to Mks hand when he holds it out. He gives Tang and pigsy a smile.

"I'll see you guys in the morning! Goodnight!"

"Goodnight, Mk." Tang responds, and Pigsy waves Mk and Mei off as they leave the restaurant and to the building beside it, going to Mks apartment.

Mei immediately jumps onto Mks bed when they step inside.

"Ah..." She sighs happily, "I've missed your bed, Mk..."

Mk snorts, "You slept here last night, Mei. And your bed- your whole room is better than mine."

"Well, I like your room better." Mei hums, closing her eyes. Mk shakes his head fondly, looking over at the bird who was looked around the room, standing on his desk.

"Oh!" Mk gasped, grabbing his drawing book and pens, flipping to a new page, ignoring the way Mei sits up to look at what he was doing.

"Okay, stay still, buddy." Mk instructs the bird, glancing up at him every few seconds. The bird looks confused, glancing over at Mei who smiles fondly.

"Just go with it, little guy. He's really stubborn when he draws." Mei laughs.

The bird looks back at Mk, staying still like he was told, wide, golden eyes softening with a fondness neither of them see or bother to try and notice.

After a few minutes, Mk slams down the book on the desk, "Yes! Finally! Look- that's you!" Mk points to the page the book was open to. The bird glanced down at the drawing, eyes going wide.

Mk practically buzzes in his seat, "Do you like it?"

The bird suddenly starts to jump around on the page, careful to miss the drawing itself as he looks in awe at the page. Mei giggles at the silly display.

"I think he does." She snorts. Mk hums happily.

"Good! I tried to add all the details that you have on your feathers!" Mk says, motioning to the drawing that was extremely detailed, well, as detailed as Mk could make it without it being too much.

Mk then lets the bird fawn over his drawing as he goes to lay down beside Mei as she turns on one of her favorite movies, yawning sleepily.

After a while, the bird flies over to lay down beside his head on the pillow, his eyes mainly kept on Mk as Mk closes his eyes to sleep, nuzzling into the pillow as Mei is already almost asleep herself.

When they do fall asleep, neither of them notice the way the bird keeps an eye on Mk the entire night, eyes softened into a fond, soft gaze.

A quiet promise is made that night. Protective and caring.

__________

I love them omg

Mk and Mei are so stupid I love them- I need more of their friendship

Hmmm I wonder if Mks emotions starting to freak out has anything to do with the story-

Hehehehehe

Father-son Wukong and Mk>>

This was almost 9k words-

The next chapters might not be this long, but I'll try to keep it like this!

I hope you guys enjoyed this!!

Anyways

Byeeeeeeeeee!!!