Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

MK was a very, very good big brother.

He was over at Pigsy and Tang’s as frequently as Sandy, always helping out and playing and cuddling and changing and cleaning and taking care of the little piglet as much as possible whenever he wasn’t training with Monkey King.

Pigsy hadn’t minded the extra help at first. It was nice to have his son and daughter bond and who was he to refuse an extra pair of hands when he was this tired all the time? Plus, Tang had to go to work, and so the help was certainly needed at times.

But something was… off with his son. Of course, something had been off for months now, but whatever it was it was clearly getting far worse as he was gaining circles under his eyes so dark they were supposed to be reserved for new parents. He was also adamantly in denial of the whole thing, as any time Pigsy tried talking to him about sleep or stress, he jumped right up and suddenly remembered a task he had procrastinated and dashed off.

A part of Pigsy worried MK had been lying about accepting all this change– that he didn’t like his room being taken, or that he even didn’t like Li Na. Another part of him told him that was ridiculous, as MK seemed genuinely happy to help her whenever he could. Another, deeper part of him wondered if MK had been like this for months, but Pigsy just hadn’t noticed, too busy dealing with the pregnancy and NICU. A more optimistic part said maybe the couch wasn’t as comfortable to sleep on as it used to be, and he should encourage the kid to go back to sleeping at his place.

But that could easily make him feel worse, right? Pigsy worked to make sure MK knew he still had a place in his home, he didn't want the kid to think he suddenly flipped a switch on him. He needed to know he could still rely on Pigsy, even if he was a lot busier these days.

It didn't help that no matter what progress Pigsy felt he made, it felt like he was back at level zero every time MK returned from training.

He needed to think up a plan, and quick– or else risk MK losing his mind.

Of course, it was hard to plan with a four-month-old in constant need of attention, but you know.

“If the problem is a lack of sleep, bringing MK back to his own place and away from a screaming baby would certainly be for the best,” Sandy suggested, finishing buttoning up Li Na's onesie after a change.

“Yeah, I know, I know– but I don't want ‘im thinking I'm shoving him out, you know? I want ‘im to know he can always come to me for help,” Pigsy sighed, folding some of her laundry.

“Have a little faith in the kid; he knows you love him, he's said so himself.” Sandy picked Li Na up, though she cooed and reached away to Pigsy.

“I–... I dunno… he's real sleep deprived– you know how thoughts can get,” Pigsy scratched his neck.

“Then remind him,” Sandy gave a soft smile. “Tell him you're concerned and be honest about why.”

Pigsy looked away. “Eh… me and honesty don't really get along well, what with sayin’ I wasn't the kid's dad to his face and all for twenty years…”

“Are you sure that was honesty and not insecurity?” Sandy raised an eyebrow as Li Na began to whine.

Pigsy sighed, taking his daughter back in his arms. She immediately cooed happily, which made the elder pig demon chuckle a little. “I guess you might be right… but still, I just– I'm not good at this. Not really.”

“I don't know, Li Na seems to think you're doing just fine.” Sandy winked, making Pigsy roll his eyes and blush slightly.

His friend laughed. “Just trust your instincts, Pigsy. You've always been good when you listen to your heart.”

Pigsy snorted, but didn't have a good rebuttal. Especially because Li Na did seem plenty happy, reaching for the buttons on Pigsy's shirt with glee.

The thought occurred to Pigsy that maybe Sandy ought to be the one to talk to MK since he was so good at it. Before he could suggest it though, there was a massive woosh throughout the apartment announcing MK's arrival from training.

“You want me to head out for some groceries?” Sandy offered, but Pigsy shook his head.

“I think it'll be good if just the two– er, three– of us head out for a bit,” Pigsy suggested.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, Pigsy.” Sandy smiled at him all bright and corny, which made him roll his eyes again as he exited the nursery.

Not to his surprise, Pigsy found MK in the kitchen wiping down the countertops with extreme vigor, acting like each little crumb and blotch was the Lady Bone Demon and needed to be wiped off this plane of existence asap. It might have been funny if it weren't for the stress and exhaustion weighing in his eyes.

“Hey, kid. You– uh… feeling okay?” Pigsy asked.

“Pigsy–! Hi! How're you doing?” MK shot up from the counter with a forced grin.

“I asked you first.” Pigsy raised an eyebrow, shifting Li Na to an upright position so her head was against his shoulder.

“O-oh! Right! Yeah, I'm all good man! Never felt better!” His son gave an even bigger smile and thumbs up for emphasis.

Pigsy frowned. “Kid, when was the last time you slept?”

“Bah, sleep is for the weak.” MK tried to wave off. “How's Li Na? When's the last time she slept?”

Pigsy gave an unamused look. “Kid, I know what you're trying to do and it ain't gonna work.”

“What? Being helpful? I'm hurt.” MK put his hand over his chest dramatically, before scrubbing the counters again.

Pigsy rolled his eyes. “Li Na is fine, MK. It's you I'm worried about.”

“I told you, I'm fine! Never felt better!” His son insisted, tossing out the cleaning wipe.

Pigsy growled in frustration, causing the piglet in his arms to whine, sensing his distress.

“Oh–! Hey, I can take her if she's not feeling okay! Or I can get her formula started or her diaper changed or–”

“MK, she doesn't need any of that–” Pigsy took a breath to try and calm himself while rubbing Li Na's back. “Just tell me what's wrong… please.”

MK's smile faltered. “A-are you sure you don't need anything? I can clean up around here or wash the van o-or even cook dinner, if you need.”

Pigsy sighed, closing his eyes for a moment, before remembering his idea from earlier. “You know what? Let's go check on the restaurant. See how it's holding up.”

That worked to snap MK out of his spiral, as he froze and tilted his head. “Really? Why? You're not gonna open it for another four months.”

Pigsy shrugged. “Fresh air'll do us good. Plus, I wanna make a proper meal on a proper stove, and I think my old cookbook is still over there.”

“Oh– Okay! I can get the ca–”

“I'll get the carrier and bag. You can take Li Na,” Pigsy decided instead.

MK seemed confused again, but accepted the now smiling infant into his arms. “Hey kiddo, you having fun?” he asked, scrunching his nose. “We're gonna go to the restaurant soon. That's where you were born! It's also my favorite place on earth, so it'll be super fun.”

Pigsy chuckled, shaking his head before going back into the nursery to get the same well-loved carrier he had used years and years and years before with MK.

“So..? How's it going so far?” Sandy asked, startling the pig who had forgotten he was there.

“We're gonna go for a walk, get some fresh air… though if you wanna take over, be my guest,” Pigsy half-joked.

Sandy gave him a pitiful smile. “You got this, Pigsy. Just open up a little bit and you'll be golden.”

The chef rolled his eyes. “Yeah, just text Tang where we are so he doesn't think we're being kidnapped or somethin’.” He snorted before finding the diaper bag and throwing a few things in.

He had to dig a bit through the closet before he found his old baby carrier, with a well-worn scrapbook sitting right underneath.

The chef couldn't help but smile a little as he picked it up and started flipping through. At the time he'd thought it was corny, that he wasn't MK's dad so there wasn't a point. However, his grandmother (and eventually Tang) insisted it was just to preserve good memories, and Pigsy couldn't have been more grateful.

His heart ached with happiness and joy as he saw old photos of MK's chubby face, with fistfuls of noodles and a face covered in sauce. It had been a long, long time since he'd seen that face, so full of joy and nativity. No past, no future, just in the present focused on gorging himself on noodles.

“Found something?” Sandy asked, peeking over Pigsy's shoulder.

“Just an old scrapbook,” Pigsy chuckled before shutting it carefully.

“Oh? I thought you weren't the ‘nostalgic type’.” Sandy grinned cheekily, quoting Pigsy from twenty five years ago.

“Yeah, yeah, shut up,” Pigsy huffed and stood up, pausing when he realized he was still holding the book in his hands.

…He wasn't exactly sure why, but he slipped it into the diaper bag too.

“Text me if you end up needing anything,” Sandy said, not commenting on Pigsy's impulse decision.

“Yeah, yeah. Get some sleep while you can,” Pigsy gave his friend a short crooked smile.

Sandy laughed. “I sleep plenty fine on my boat, Pigsy.”

“With all those cats? Sure.” The chef retorted. “I should be back in an hour or so.”

“I'll hold the fort down. Have fun.” Sandy gave a salute, making Pigsy huff in amusement before heading back out to the living room, where MK was bouncing Li Na in a mix of exhaustion and worry.

“C'mon, Li Na, it's okay, h-he'll be back soon, it's okay, you're okay, you're– Pigsy! She started whining and I-I think I'm messing it up, she won't–”

“Hey, hey, it's okay, kid, it's okay.” Pigsy immediately set the carrier and diaper bag on the couch, rushing to his son's side and placing a hand on his back. “You're okay, kid, just relax.”

“No, she wants you, she doesn't want me, I-I'm all messed up– take her back, please.” MK's resolve was starting to crack.

“MK, it's okay, you're okay, just take a breath for me, alright?” Pigsy placed a calm and firm hand on his chest, taking a slow breath MK eventually copied.

“Th-thanks, Pigsy.” MK sniffled, trying to bounce the still squirming piglet.

Pigsy's chest ached with worry for both of them, but he shook it off for a moment. “I'm gonna get the carrier on, and then we'll go for a walk, alright?”

“Yeah, that’s good.” MK nodded, small tears forming in his eyes.

Pigsy bit his cheek, but knew the best thing would be to just move on for now. And so, he quickly got the baby carrier on, putting it into front-inward carry mode, and placed Li Na inside, who relaxed as soon as her chest was against his.

MK just stood there, watching at first before looking at the ground with his hands in his hoodie. His eyes were shining with tears, and his head was slowly sinking further and further down.

It was something MK did a lot as a kid, especially on days he wanted nothing more than to just disappear. It made Pigsy want to cry, but the chef toughed it out.

“C'mon, let's get some air.” He gave a mostly-not-forced smile and patted his son's shoulder.

The boy nodded, clearly swallowing his tears before he suddenly moved, picking up the diaper bag and opening the door.

“Dads-ies first.” MK cracked a mostly-forced smile that made Pigsy's heart twinge.

“Thanks, kiddo.” He patted his arm again, and the three of them headed out into the night.

The chef instantly felt more relaxed the second the late evening air hit his face, but he could tell it made MK more than a little anxious. Pigsy nudged the kid before taking a deep breath, implying for him to do the same. MK did, his shoulders loosening a little, but his eyes stayed glued to the ground.

“You know– it’s– uh… it’s hard to believe it’s been four months, you know? Since she was born,” Pigsy tried lightening the mood.

“Y-yeah! Man, time does fly, doesn’t it?” MK gave a weak laugh, one hand briefly leaving his pocket to scratch his neck before going right back.

“Oh yeah. Sometimes I can hardly believe you’re in your twenties and not still goin’ to school,” Pigsy snorted.

MK laughed a little less at that. “Yeah, it’s… yeah.”

Pigsy winced as they stopped at a crosswalk. “It’s… hard to imagine one day Li Na’ll be in her twenties, all grown up and probably helping you fight whatever monster’s attacking the city that week.”

“I thought you don’t want her fighting?” MK raised a somewhat playful eyebrow.

“MK, I’m still not jazzed about you fighting,” Pigsy chuckled. “But… if that’s how it’s gonna be, that’s how it’s gonna be.”

MK looked forward. “Right. Because ‘destiny’ and all that.”

“What? No–ugh, I’m putting a household ban on that word.” Pigsy shook his head. “I mean because– I– you know– with the whole–”

“Light’s green,” MK interrupted and immediately started walking again.

Pigsy sighed, making Li Na shift so the chef put a hand on her tiny head. “I’ve got my work cut out for me tonight, don’t I kiddo?” he asked in a low voice, to which Li Na just cooed tiredly. The chef chuckled and gave her a soft pat before walking again.

Just listen to your heart, Pigsy, just like Sandy said to. Sure, you’ve screwed this up before just about a million times, but Sandy is usually right about these things anyways so– just– try. For MK.

“So– um… you feeling hungry at all?” Pigsy ventured, deciding to steer clear of the d-word.

“Eh, not really.” MK half shrugged.

Pigsy eyed MK for a moment, looking him up and down and checking for his usual hunger ticks. “Let me rephrase that; when was the last time you ate?”

“Pigsy, I’m okay, really, I just–” MK tried to lie, but seemed to remember he’d already been caught earlier. “Training was just hard today.”

Pigsy’s brows knit together. “What do you mean?”

“No! Not like that, I don’t mean it like that– I just– you know–! The more powerful I-I get the more he works me, which is good! Monkey King isn’t bad, it’s all just– it’s fine, I’m fine, let’s just go back home.” MK almost turned around, but Pigsy grabbed his arm.

“Kid, I know I’ve been… a little hard on him in the past, but I know he’s helpin’ you in ways I can’t, so it’s okay,” The chef gave a weak smile. It seemed to help the kid genuinely relax a bit, making the chef’s smile grow. “Besides, he did help save your sister’s life, so I know he ain’t all ‘irresponsibility’.”

MK let out a genuine laugh. “Of course him saving your life doesn’t count for anything.”

Pigsy rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, he’s saved me too, I guess, whatever.”

“And he’s saved mine,” MK pointed out with a smug grin.

“Eh, I’d say at this point the score of ‘saved your life’ versus ‘actively put it in danger’ is about even,” Pigsy pushed back playfully, and his son let out another laugh.

“Yeah, whatever,” The kid shook his head with a chuckle, and all that laughter made Li Na let out laughs of her own.

“Well, look who’s deciding to join all the fun,” Pigsy teased her a little. “What do you think? You like that Monkey King guy?”

Li Na laughed again, making her brother grin. “You know, I think that counts as a ‘yes’.”

“Bah, she’s four months old, what does she know?” Pigsy waved off.

“Nah, I think she’s got it just right.” MK winked and booped her snout, making her scrunch up her nose and smile big, which MK copied, just as they came to another crosswalk that was thankfully green, and then it was “restaurant, sweet restaurant”.

“Look, Li Na! It’s the best restaurant in all of China,” MK grinned as he fished out the keys from the bag, meanwhile, Pigsy soaked in the quiet warm feeling of seeing his third biggest pride and joy in person again after four months away. Of course, it also brought back memories of the absolute pain and terror he felt four months ago, but there was also plenty of joy and love, so Pigsy was doing just fine.

As was MK, evidently, as he lifted the security shield and flicked the lights on with delight before zipping to punch in the alarm code at a pace physically impossible for the old chef. Instead, Pigsy took his time letting all the memories soak in (though it had really only been three weeks since he’d been there last for her 100 Day Celebration– man, Tang was right, Pigsy really is a sap, isn’t he?).

“Ahhh, it’s good to be back Pigsy.” MK came out from the back with a grin. “So, what’re we going to make? We gonna go for the longest noodle record again? Ooo– wait! What about the thickest noodle?! You haven’t done that yet, have you?” MK’s more manic energy came out yet again.

“Woah kiddo, let’s settle down a bit first, alright?” Pigsy said lightheartedly.

“Ahhh, c’mon! It’s why we came here! Revisit some memories, get cooking, and have a totally cool and awesome time back at ye olde restaurant,” MK grinned.

“Right, yeah, that’s true, but– I mean– there’s also– you know–” Pigsy hesitated again, cursing himself for stumbling over his words again.

MK’s face fell a little. “You feeling okay, Pigsy?”

“Are you?” Pigsy immediately snarked back, though immediately wished he hadn’t (the cursing in his head growing louder).

MK’s eyes glanced around the restaurant as he slowly made his way to the bar and sat on a stool before picking at the grout. “I-I mean– I’m okay, if that’s what you’re asking. I-I just–...”

Pigsy blinked, surprised his screw-up wasn’t backfiring. Scared he’d find a way to ruin it though, he quietly and carefully approached the bar, giving MK an analytic up and down.

MK glanced his way, noticing the look and shrinking down. “I… I can’t sleep. Every time I do, I-I just– I-I–” The kid suddenly froze, eyes glazed over with a distant look of shame and terror before he desperately tried shaking it away.

“Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay– stay with me, kiddo,” Pigsy tried his best to soothe, placing a free hand on MK’s shoulder and squeezing it tight. He could feel MK wanting to resist, but Pigsy held on tight, and eventually his son leaned into his shoulder.

“I-I’m so tired, Dad. I just wanna sleep, but– I-I have to keep working– I have to keep training, I have to.” MK sniffled.

“MK, it’s okay to take breaks sometimes,” Pigsy urged, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and giving them a squeeze.

MK shook his head. “E-even if I didn’t need to, I still can’t– it just doesn’t stop…”

Pigsy nodded slowly, not entirely surprised he was finally displaying symptoms of PTSD, or whatever Sandy called it– dammit, it really should be Sandy instead of him– why did Pigsy think he could do this on his own? Always so stupid–

No. If MK needed help getting to sleep, Pigsy knew how to get him to sleep– just use the same trick from when he was a kid. And who knows? Maybe with some luck, Pigsy could get a meaningful lesson in there too.

He could do this. He just needed to listen to his gut.

“I’m sorry sleep’s skipping out on you, kid,” the chef started, giving him another squeeze. “But since we’re all up and here, why don’t we give Li Na her first cooking lesson?”

A light sparked in MK’s eyes. “Really? You want me to help?”

“‘Course I do. You’ve run this place on your own a few times already, and she needs to know all the tips and tricks.” Pigsy winked, going behind the bar. “Although the dish we’re making tonight ain’t on the menu.”

“Huh? Why?” MK tilted his head and followed.

Pigsy shrugged. “Consider it a ‘double lesson’.”

“Ooo! Like a noodle master and his proteges,” MK grinned again.

“Sure,” Pigsy snorted, finding his old cook book and flipping to the particular Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup recipe he had in mind.

“You sure Li Na’s gonna be able to stay awake for the whole lesson though? She’s already looking so sleepy to me,” MK cooed over the somewhat droopy-looking infant.

Pigsy chuckled, patting her head again. “She’ll be just fine; us Zhu’s can practically cook in our sleep.”

“I made instant ramen once in my sleep, does that count?” MK joked.

As much as Pigsy hated that garbage, he nodded sagely. “No doubt about it.”

That seemed to strike MK, as his joking smile twisted in surprise, before he shook himself out of it.

“R-right– well, um– I’ll get started on the dough,” MK forced a more casual smile before zipping off to the back again.

Pigsy bit his cheek, looking down at Li Na and silently wondering if that all was a good sign or not. The infant just blinked and smiled back tiredly.

“You know, you’re a lot like your brother when he was a kid,” Pigsy smiled tiredly and kissed her forehead. She cooed a tired response before nuzzling her face into Pigsy's chest.

Shortly after she did, MK came out from the back with all the stuff needed to make the noodles piled high in his arms. He managed to set it down just fine though; probably due to the kid’s super strength.

“Alright, I’ll get started on the dough if you get started on the chicken and beef?” Pigsy proposed.

“On it.” MK grinned, and Pigsy hummed happily as the two of them got to work.

Pigsy immediately started talking Li Na through the process of making noodles, despite her immediately falling asleep at the likely familiar sounds of sizzling meat and boiling pots. MK of course chimed in whenever he could, whether with a joke or with how he liked to do it versus how Pigsy did it. A part of Pigsy wondered if the kid knew his sister was asleep, but even if he didn’t, Pigsy wouldn’t dare say a word. After all, he was having fun, and that plus the sleep he’d get tonight would make him start feeling better in no time. Not completely fixed, of course, but better. And MK needed better.

It was dark out by the time they were wrapping everything up, and while MK was babbling about this one customer he had to serve, Li Na was starting to stir once again. Pigsy immediately started to sway as he stirred to try and keep her wake-up calm so MK wouldn’t worry, but babies are babies and soon enough a cry broke out.

“Seriously! A whole avocado! Who doe– Li Na–!” MK dropped everything to run to his dad’s side. “Is she okay? What’s wrong?”

“She’s okay, she’s okay, she just woke up from her little bed time nap, didn’t you?” Pigsy tried assuring the both of them, but Li Na must’ve been tired of the carrier as she started wriggling in frustration.

“Okay, okay, I hear you kiddo, just hold on a sec, okay?” Pigsy told her before looking at MK. “How’s about you do the finishing touches and I get her settled, alright?”

“O-Okay, yeah, I-I can manage.” MK chewed his cheek but tried to smile.

“Everything’s under control. Don't worry, MK.” Pigsy placed a hand on his arm again and gave it a squeeze.

“Right, yeah. On it, boss.” MK nodded to himself and went to the pot, giving Pigsy enough confidence to make his way to the bar where he finally freed his agitated piglet from her prison.

“There you go, it's okay, you're okay,” Pigsy shushed, carefully holding her in one arm and setting the carrier down with the other.

Li Na still continued to fuss though, threatening to wail as she kicked and failed her arms. Pigsy bit his cheek, trying to rock her but she kept trying to push him away.

“Kid, it's okay, I'm just trying to help you, just let me help you,” Pigsy pleaded with her, trying to bring her back to his chest but that only made her angrier as the wailing began.

Pigsy winced, trying to rock her instead, but that wasn't working either. She just kept crying and crying and crying, her face turning bright red and scrunched up. He tried digging through the diaper bag for something to help, but with how much squirming she was doing it was hard to be efficient with one arm.

“C'mon, it's okay, you're okay,” the chef whispered, desperate to not stress MK out even more than he already was.

God, this was such a mess. Sandy would've had it all figured out by now– he could read Li Na like a book, and he could help MK actually talk about his feelings. All Pigsy could do was bury his own feelings deep down and hope his kids didn't do the same. No wonder MK was like this, Pigsy was an exhausted mess too– he couldn't help anyone like this– he–

“Here, I got her formula for you.” MK suddenly appeared in front of Pigsy with a bottle in hand, startling the chef who needed a moment to comprehend.

“I– uh– thank you,” Pigsy took it with hesitation, unsure if it would work. However, the second the bottle reached the infant's lips she started chugging away.

Pigsy cursed himself internally for not even considering that could be the issue.

“Thanks, kid. How'd you know?” Pigsy asked tiredly.

MK shrugged. “She had that kinda clicky sound when she cried, and she only does that when she's hungry. I think it's because her tongue is in position for the bottle or something, I dunno.”

“Oh, yeah, I– uh– I guess she does,” Pigsy looked at her, shame weighing heavy in his chest.

“A-anyways– um– soups on,” MK gave a big nervous smile.

“Right, yeah. Back to our cooking lesson,” Pigsy forced a weak one back.

Taking a breath to ground himself, Pigsy got up and started making his way back to the counter. “You see, Li Na, the thing about good food is when you make it just right– the flavor, the feelin’– it all just comes rushing back to you,” Pigsy couldn't help but smile a little, thinking back to the last time he held MK in his arms in this very kitchen. If you do it just right, Li Na, it's more than ‘just food’, you know what I'm saying?” Pigsy looked at MK too.

“Right! Yeah, Li Na, follow the recipe and it'll all be good,” MK patted his sister's head.

“Oh– well– no, I, um–” Pigsy glanced at the noodle dish, when he realized MK– if he was following the directions to a tee as he claimed– missed an ingredient, and did a taste test to confirm.

“Hmm… it's missin’ somethin’.... but what?” He teased his son a little, and panic quickly entered his eyes.

“Wh-what?! But I followed the recipe perfectly, right?” MK went to flip through the cookbook before Pigsy rolled his eyes and let him have his own taste.

Thankfully, that snapped MK out of fight-or-flight as he tasted it for a second before it must've clicked in his mind. He instantly stood upright and reached for the soy sauce.

“Ahhh,” Pigsy winked encouragingly. “See kid, it's not always about following the recipe like it's written; sometimes you gotta feel it.” The chef smiled softly at the piglet as MK got bowls down and poured servings for the two of them. “And when you do, it becomes more than just food: it's home.”

“Oughhhh, it's so good,” MK laughed, tiredly picking the bowl up like he was talking to it. “Wish Li Na could try some, man, it's delicious.”

Pigsy chuckled, noticing Li Na was done with her bottle and quickly moved to start burping her, towel already on his shoulder. “Can't say I'm surprised. When I found– er– when you–... when you were a kid, this was your favorite.” He smiled tiredly at the memory, thinking back to the scrapbook. “I don't know when you stopped likin’ it so much, but–... but it always helped you sleep, so I figured–”

A soft thud of MK resting his head against the bar, next to his bowl, made the chef chuckle. “Still works.”

MK mumbled something in his sleep, and Pigsy rubbed a hand across his back until a small smile crept on his son's face.

“Now for the hard part.” He cringed, thinking how he'd now have to carry both of his kids up the stairs to MK's room.

Welp. He had no one but himself to blame, so may as well get to it.

Pigsy worked quickly and efficiently, making sure Li Na was 100% satisfied and ready to go back in the carrier before he set it to “backpack mode” and placed her in. After that, he mentally prepared himself for how much his back was going to hurt in the morning, before scooping up his sleeping son and throwing him over his shoulder, trying his best to make sure no part of him was hitting Li Na.

Immediately, Pigsy knew this was a stupid idea and that he should just text Sandy or Tang to come over to help. Instead, Pigsy stubbornly trudged up the stairs and into MK's apartment before all but dropping him onto the bed, before he too practically collapsed and sat.

“You know… that… was a lot easier when you were little, kiddo.” Pigsy snorted.

MK didn't respond in the slightest, those noodles really knocking the living daylights out of him. It was good to finally see him relax and hopefully, with time, the dark circles around his eyes could disappear.

“Sorry I had to kinda trick you into sleeping, kiddo, but it's for your own good. You need to take care of yourself before you try and take care of me and your sister,” Pigsy chuckled a little as he heard Li Na coo behind him.

“Oh yeah, your brother's a real hard worker, missy. He needs his rest so we can't be staying long,” he told the infant, though wasn't really motivated to move.

He watched as MK's chest slowly raised and fell, over and over and over again in a rhythm that finally made Pigsy's own tense shoulders relax. He chuckled to himself as he instinctively reached and brushed his son's hair out of his eyes.

“I don't know how I ended up with you, but… I'm so glad I did,” he whispered. “I love you, son. Get some rest.”

Pigsy sat there for a while, softly stroking his son’s face and humming a lullaby out of habit. It seemed to help his son relax even more, a smile creeping on his resting face, making Pigsy feel like his heart could burst with pride and love. However, the chef knew he couldn’t stay forever, and so after finishing the song, he stood and turned off MK’s lights and left him to do as he was told.

Once outside, he let out a heavy, exhausted breath before going back to the restaurant where he took off the carrier and rearranged it to be front-facing once more.

“You have fun with your cooking lesson, kiddo?” Pigsy asked, adjusting the straps.

Li Na had no response, of course. Instead, she just watched her dad with big, curious eyes as he started gathering up all the baby supplies.

“Glad you liked it cuz there's plenty more where that came from,” he teased and slung the bag over his shoulder before he looked at all the bowls and food still out.

“Looks like we're coming back tomorrow anyways because I do not have the energy to clean all this up.” He snorted, which Li Na tried to copy.

Pigsy chuckled. “Nice one, kid. Now let's get you home.”

Li Na again attempted to snort, which Pigsy took as tired acceptance, so the two of them left the restaurant and headed homeward.

.o0o.

Despite Li Na waking up every two to three hours for food and changing, Pigsy actually felt somewhat at peace knowing his son was finally getting some rest. On top of that, Sandy was finally taking a day off as well, working on a “personal project”. Since it was Saturday, Tang didn't have work either, meaning he was home and relaxing as well. The only one not relaxing was Li Na, but she was still getting the hang of the “existing” thing, so it was fine. Besides, she was getting good at sleeping (much better than the previous three months), so he was relieved and proud nonetheless.

“You know, call me crazy, but I feel like we're actually starting to get the hang of this whole ‘baby parenting’ thing,” Tang joked, lifting Li Na in the air while he sat on the couch, making her squeal in delight.

“Compared to how we handled MK? Definitely,” Pigsy agreed as he repacked the diaper bag so they could go back and clean the restaurant.

“Oh, c'mon hon, that's not fair– he snuck up on us,” Tang pointed out, putting Li Naback down.

“Literally,” the chef snarked.

Tang rolled his eyes. “I don't know, I don't think we were terrible or anything– he's still alive, isn't he?”

“By a miracle.” Pigsy shook his head. “I still remember the beach incident.”

“Hey! That wasn't my fault! And in my defense, he's probably literally made of stone! And it's not like he was drowning or anything, I just–” The scholar got all red and flustered, making his daughter giggle. “You mock my pain, Li-Li.”

“Clever girl,” Pigsy smirked as his husband shot a dirty look.

“Well, if she's going to be like that then she doesn't get any more upies.” Tang stuck his nose up and Li Na's face fell.

“Tang…” Pigsy cautioned, noticing her face already beginning to twist and redden for a cry.

Tang looked back and noticed too, before immediately correcting his error and lifting her back into the air. “It's a good thing I'm not though, because you're such a cutie! Yes you are! Yes you are!” he said, lowering to kiss her cheek before raising her again and again.

Pigsy smirked and shook his head. “You're such a sap.”

“You are too! Yes he is, yes he is!” Tang fought back without stopping his little game.

The chef rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I'm all packed, we good to go now?”

“You know, I don't understand the purpose of taking MK all the way to the restaurant when you could've just made him food here,” Tang quipped, standing up and cradling his daughter, who was slightly less upset than before that their game had ended (though she did reach up at him with excited arms).

“It was for the lesson! Plus, kid needed to sleep in his own bed so he wouldn't be woken up by Li Na for once,” Pigsy pointed out, getting the carrier ready for Tang.

“You just wanted to check up on the place again, didn't you?” Tang raised a playful eyebrow.

“And if I did?” Pigsy dared his husband to question him as he handed the carrier off

Tang chuckled, kissing Pigsy's cheek as they swapped Li Na. “Big sap.”

“Oy,” Pigsy rolled his eyes yet again, bouncing Li Na a little as he did. “Can't a man have some peace in his own home?”

“I think even you should know by now the answer to that is ‘no’,” Tang snarked, clicking all the buckles.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's just get a move on.” Pigsy placed her in the carrier with her chest against Tang's, and this time Tang kissed him on the lips.

“Maybe you can whip me up a bowl of noodles while we're there too, hm?” he teased, his fingers tracing up Pigsy's shoulders flirtatiously.

“Freeloader,” Pigsy scoffed.

“My darling husband.” Tang batted his eyelashes.

“Yeah, yeah, let's try and get going before sundown,” Pigsy stopped the banter before they got too carried away, and so the couple (+ baby) headed downtown.

Of course, the walk wasn’t long since it was just the three blocks, but “somehow” Tang’s ankles were already hurting, so he “rested” by the bar and played with Li Na while Pigsy started cleaning on his own.

“You know, I’m kinda surprised you’ve been handling the whole ‘stay at home dad’ thing so well so far– I really thought by now you’d be itching to just open this place again– or at least be writhing with envy at the fact that Golden Hog’s open right now,” Tang pointed out, eyeing the window of the rival restaurant across the street.

“It’s nice to know you have confidence in me,” Pigsy huffed, scrubbing off some sauce from a bowl.

“Oh, come on– I’m allowed to make comments based on years of observation and learning now, aren’t I? Besides, it’s a compliment. You’re doing well,” Tang gave a small smile.

Pigsy just hummed a little, continuing his work.

“Then again, when you get to spend almost all day every day with this lil’ cutie, I can see why,” Tang scrunched his nose and took Li Na out of the carrier to cradle and bounce her.

“Yep, she’s my favorite little freeloader,” the chef teased, setting the dish on the drying rack.

Tang gasped in offense. “I’m wounded, Pigsy. You’ve wounded me.”

“Take it up with the baby, I’m sure she’d love to hear why you’re better than her.” Pigsy waved off, grabbing some more pots and spoons to clean.

“...Am I at least your favorite big freeloader?” Tang asked cautiously.

Pigsy laughed. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Wow. You did it. You wounded me again,” Tang sighed dramatically, which made Li Na laugh and reach at his scarf with excitement. “How can you live with yourself?”

“Knowing that this is payback for all of the many, many noodles I've cooked over the years,” Pigsy gave his husband a wink.

Tang stuttered to think of a comeback, but didn't manage to get one out before there was a loud squealing of tires outside and someone burst through the bamboo flap.

“Heyo my favorite-set-of-dads and niece-y! How's it hanging?” Mei grinned wide as she took off her motorcycle helmet.

“Mei! It's so good to see you,” Tang practically jumped to hug her with one arm.

“Yeah! What're you guys even doing here though? Aren't you staying closed for another two months?” Mei looked to the chef.

“I'm cleaning up from an impromptu late night meal I made last night for MK,” Pigsy explained casually.

“Oh, sick! He doing okay?” she asked, pulling up a stool next to where Tang sat again.

Pigsy's shoulders tensed a little before he shrugged. “He's resting now.”

“Oh, that's good. I noticed him being wayyyy more active on my late-night streams than he normally does. That's good.” Her eyes wandered back to the little four-month-old. “Omg–! Is this Li Na's first non-party-related outing? That's so cool! I gotta take a photo!”

Pigsy paused. “Ah– well– actually she was with me last night–”

“Shushhushhushhushshhhh– I'm taking photos.” Mei grinned, taking out her phone and snapping picture after picture of Li Na looking at her with her head tilted in confusion and curiosity.

Pigsy couldn't help but laugh and shake his head, putting the last few dishes on the drying rack before taking out one of his bigger pots and boiling water yet again.

Mei perked up. “Ooo, you cooking for Li Na too? That's so cute!”

“Nah, this is just to satisfy the freeloader, since Li Na's too young,” Pigsy sighed dramatically.

“Ah, right, can't make her sick in the tum-tum, got it.” Mei nodded wisely. “Though– uh– can that be for two freeloaders?” she asked, batting her eyelashes.

“You people are gonna be the death of me.” Pigsy shook his head as if he wasn't already planning to.

“Teehee,” Mei giggled, making Li Na giggle too. “Ough, she's just too cute! How do you people get anything done around her?!” Mei booped her snout.

“Lots of practice,” Tang laughed, offering to let Mei hold her, which she immediately accepted.

“Well, call me untrained because all I wanna do is play with this cutie patootie, yes I do, yes I do,” Mei grinned wide as she tickled Li Na with one hand, filling the restaurant with piglet squeals.

Pigsy couldn't help but smile as the restaurant came to life with cooking, chatter, and laughter as Tang and Mei caught up while keeping the piglet entertained. He could actually relax when it was like this, when he knew exactly where all his loved ones were and that they were safe and happy. He loved feeling like he could provide for them– that he could watch over and protect them. It was something of a scarce feeling these days, so Pigsy would soak it up while he could.

Pigsy was about half way through cooking a massive pot of zha jiang noodle soup, when there was a massive truck that parked just outside. At first, Pigsy worried that the delivery company forgot the restaurant was closed, but one glance outside revealed it was just Sandy with his new pet project.

“OMG! Sandy! And Mo! Hi Mo!” Mei ran out the door and waved, piglet still in arm and squinting and squirming at the sudden sunlight.

“Mei, don't run off with her,” Pigsy cautioned, not taking his eyes off of the bamboo he was slicing.

Thankfully, she heeded the warning, as Sandy came to them instead of vice versa.

“Wow! Nice surprise seeing you all here.” Sandy smiled big, Mo perched on his shoulder. “What's the occasion?”

“Clean up turned late lunch hangout,” Pigsy explained, adding the vegetables to the pot.

“And here I thought maybe you'd actually take a day to relax,” Sandy teased.

Mei laughed, sitting back down on her stool. “This is Piggy we're talking about– he wouldn't know relaxation if it hit him in the head.”

Pigsy scoffed, but let the insults come. He didn't feel like explaining the nuances of his hobby, and was perfectly content knowing they were having a good time trying to roast him anyway– or at least Mei was. Sandy and Tang moreso just laughed along. As for Li Na, she reached and grasped at Mei's jacket while oinking here and there before she started to grow tired.

By the time soup was up, Pigsy recognized she was on the verge of getting cranky, and so ordered Tang to take her before serving up everyone's meals.

“Wow, Pigsy, are you psychic or something? How'd you know to make enough for Sandy too?” Mei asked before eating a spoonful.

Pigsy shrugged. “I always make more than enough because I know a certain freeloader is gonna ask for more.” He shot Tang a dramatic look, to which his husband grinned. “Besides, I wanted to make enough for MK too in case he heard all the noise and decided to come down.”

“Oh yeah, he must be real conked out right now, huh?” Mei spat out bits of sauce.

“Must be.” Pigsy shrugged and handed her a napkin. “I should probably check on him soon.”

“Ah, MK's fine, Pigsy. He's just a very sleep-deprived adult. If he's resting, I say let him,” Tang waved off.

“Yeah, yeah, you're right, I'm just being paranoid,” Pigsy let out a tired sigh. “I think I'm in need of some sleep too.”

Sandy smiled at him pitifully. “I can help out at night too, you know.”

“Bah, you got your trucks and boats to work on,” Pigsy waved off and Mei immediately snickered.

“That's our Pigsy, ladies and gentlemen,” She clapped with a shit-eating grin.

“I can and will charge you for that bowl, Miss Dragon Heiress.” Pigsy squinted at her.

Mei squinted right back but said nothing, eating more.

Pigsy ate in smug satisfaction.

The “late lunch” ended up lasting hours, the gang all laughing and talking and taking care of Li Na and feeling normal together. Pigsy hadn't realized just how isolated and disconnected he felt being locked up in his apartment all day every day, but now that he was here it was like a breath of fresh air. If Pigsy could find a way to capture the moment in a bottle for him to access whenever, he would.

However, the longer it went on, the more… off Pigsy felt. Despite Sandy and Tang's assurances, he couldn't help but worry why MK hadn't wandered his way down yet. It was true MK had slept an entire 24 hours before, but something deep in Pigsy's gut told him something wasn't right. He tried to ignore it, especially whenever Li Na needed him, but it continued to nag at the back of his mind even as the conversation went outside to Sandy's new truck.

“OMG!!! It looks just like Mo! That's so cute, Sandy!” Mei admired the headlights and grill.

“My little guy does so much for me, it's the least I can do for him,” Sandy smiled softly, giving the cat a nice scratch on the chin.

Pigsy thought it was corny, but knew not to say anything. Instead, he kept on wiping down the counter near the outdoor bar, where Tang was eating his third bowl and wearing Li Na in the carrier.

“Omg-!! Is that a little kitty cat-patterned car seat?! That's so cute! We gotta get Li Na in it!” Mei beamed excitedly into the vehicle's windows.

Pigsy looked at the time. “Maybe later kiddo, we gotta start wrapping up soon.”

“Awww, I don't wanna go home. Home is lame and I want more delicious noodlessss,” Mei whined.

“I have some leftovers if you want em,” Pigsy offered, and Mei immediately grinned.

“Man, Dadsy, you're the best,” She gave an enthusiastic thumbs up. He responded with his own tired one that made Tang chuckle.

“You sure Li Na's our first daughter?” Tang smirked.

“Yeah, shut up.” Pigsy scrubbed harder to avoid the stupid look on his stupid husband's stupid face.

“You know, I got a feeling that this baby is built to last.” Sandy patted his handy work, andthat sense of unease in Pigsy went into complete overdrive right before a sword fell from the sky and right onto Sandy's truck before three louder crashes destroyed the carrier.

As if almost triggering a heart attack from the sheer volume and damage alone weren't enough, Pigsy could make out the familiar groans of pain from MK, making his heart sink into his stomach.

“MK?! What– are you okay?! What just happened?! Pigsy exclaimed, rushing out of the restaurant.

“Aha– we have to go.” MK hopped up just fine, though had a look of extreme panic on his face.

“Does that have anything to do with the fact that the ominous cracks are back in the sky?” Tang questioned, pointing up.

Oh god…

“It's okay! We got a plan!” Sun Wukong smiled and patted MK's back like it was no big deal (as per usual).

“Oh, do we, huh? We don’t even know if these magical pillar healing stones are real,” Macaque bit back, filling Pigsy with rage towards the Monkey King for the millionth time, especially when he realized all the noise had woken Li Na from her nap and she was starting to wail. Tang was handling it, of course, but it still was enough to make the elder pig demon growl.

“W-what if going after the stones is just another tricky plan by tricky plan demon– like this is exactly what they want? Wh–... what if we really just are chaos..?” MK paced with anxiety, and Pigsy wanted nothing more than to put a hand on his shoulder and tell him that whatever he was talking about, it was okay and they'd be fine.

However, Wukong beat him to it. “Listen bud, the only thing I know for sure is I don't trust anyone who isn't standing right here, right now.” He looked around the street, making Pigsy feel slightly bad for getting so angry at him.

Slightly.

“If those stones are important,” Wukong continued, “then the safest place for them to be is with us.”

“Uh… what?” Pigsy finally got the chance to ask just as a bunch of sigils appeared in the sky.

“It feels like we're still missing something important here,” Tang pointed out, looking at the sky while he tried patting Li Na's back to soothe her.

“Oh– Yeah! We're– uh– sorta on the run from the celestial realm,” MK confessed, scratching his neck.

“I'm sorry– what?!” Pigsy exclaimed.

“I-I can explain, but we really gotta get going,” MK urged.

“What?! But what about Li Na? She's only four months old!” Tang added, the parents sharing a worried look.

“Yeah, well too bad, she's an accomplice now, so let’s get a move on,” MK urged, and terror settled in its usual spot in Pigsy's stomach. Just then, celestial soldiers teleported down all around them in pillars of light, armed and ready for battle.

“Yep–! Go now, people! Now, now!” MK laughed nervously, grabbing Mei's arm as he looked for an exit.

“Yeah, you probably shouldn't have messed up Sandy's fancy-schmancy new truck,” Mei pointed to the wreckage, which MK seemed to just now notice.

“Oh-! A truck! Yes, I can make one,” MK quickly decided, twirling his staff around before he hit the ground. It caused a blast that thankfully pushed away the celestial armies while also making the remains of the truck turn into a proper and overcomplicated getaway vehicle.

“Okay-! Everybody in!” MK called, looking around as the soldiers readied to fight again.

Pigsy froze momentarily, unsure of who to help or how, when Tang grabbed his arm and started dragging him to the truck, his other hand covering Li Na's head.

Right– yes, Li Na was here– Li Na was in danger– MK could handle himself, but Li Na was just a baby– he'd be okay, MK would be okay, Li Na would not, not if he froze– not if he–

“Pigsy, come on,” Tang urged at the open door and Pigsy snapped out of his spiral to quickly shuffle inside, taking Li Na out of the carrier and into the car seat MK had thankfully thought to include just as Wukong let out a painful cry somehow louder than Li Na's.

“What on earth is going on around here?” Pigsy muttered, digging through the diaper bag for Li Na's blanket while Tang tried patting her chest to keep her calm.

“If the sky cracks are back, it can't be anything good.” Sandy gave his friend a somewhat grim look through the rear-view mirror.

“Great, okay, good, just great.” Tang’s eyes started twitching. “And here I thought maybe everything was okay for once and that we were having a good time but nope! No peace in this family, no siree, we’re monster magnets and we’re never going to know peace a day in our lives until we die and–” His rant was interrupted by Wukong and MK suddenly falling into the truck from a shadow portal.

The second they were in, Sandy shifted the vehicle into gear and floored it on out of there, MK sticking his head out of the window to look back at whatever fight was still happening with Macaque.

“H-He’ll make it out of there, right?” He looked at Wukong, whose eyes were distant with shock. “He always gets away… right?”

The king didn’t seem capable of answering.

“I’m sure he’ll be okay, kid. Macaque’s a tough one,” Pigsy tried to comfort, though was distracted by Li Na still wailing.

“R-right, yeah, he’ll–...” MK again glanced at his mentor, before just falling back into his seat and hanging his head back.

The kid somehow looked even more exhausted than before.

Pigsy finally found the quilt Sandy made for Li Na and gave it to her, stroking her cheek gently twice to maximize her comfort. After a bit of that, she was able to stop her shrieking, which was only a slight relief to all other passengers as now the car had a tense atmosphere of uncertainty and pain no one knew how to address.

Pigsy wasn’t surprised when Tang suddenly held his hand, and he gave it the strongest squeeze he could before reaching and placing a hand on MK’s shoulder, squeezing it too.

“We’ll figure this out, kid, I promise.” Pigsy forced a weak, but hopefully encouraging smile.

MK sniffled and put a hand over Pigsy’s. “God, I hope so.”

“Hey now, there’s nothin’ we can’t figure out as a team, alright? We got this,” the chef insisted, trying to sway both MK and himself as he did.

“Right… right, yeah, we got this… together?” MK smiled.

Pigsy nodded. “Together.”

Chapter Text

Pigsy didn’t sleep a single moment the entire ride out of the city to the middle of nowhere, watching MK and Li Na with a tight, anxious feeling in his chest that wouldn’t go away. Even when Tang, Li Na and even MK managed to fall asleep, Pigsy stayed up silently, watching and waiting. Of course, they were never asleep for too long, especially MK, but Pigsy felt it extremely necessary for him to be alert and on guard at all times.

It was something he seemed to share with the Monkey King too, as he also didn't close his eyes for even a second in the vehicle. Of course, it was likely that immortals like him didn't need sleep, but Pigsy could recognize the specific distant look in his eyes any day.

They didn't talk, though. Almost no one ever did, except when Li Na would wake up and everyone would ask if everything was okay and if they needed to stop and yadda yadda. Pigsy appreciated their worry, but Li Na was his responsibility and he could manage just fine. Everyone else needed to just sit back and focus on themselves.

It… wasn't easy though, and sometimes he was tempted to ask someone else to get her to stop crying for five goddamn seconds. But at the same time, he knew she was probably just scared since she hadn't ever really been in a car or car seat before, and to be stuck for hours and hours had to be uncomfortable. Sometimes he thought about just putting her into the carrier again to keep her close and happy, but knew if the car was attacked in any kind of way, she needed to be in the seat. Unfortunately, four-month-olds can't really understand that, so her uncomfortable cries could last for hours, and all Pigsy could do was try and stroke her cheek and remind her of her blanket and wish for the best, shoving his frustration and temperament as far down his throat as possible.

Happy. Safe. Cared for. That's all he wanted for his family, but it just kept getting harder and harder and harder– was it too much to ask for a moment's peace? A day where he wasn't relaxing under false pretenses, but knew for an undeniable fact that everyone was okay and fine? Or would that somehow destroy the world because it was against the rules or whatever? Bah, to hell with the whole thing, honestly. What's the point of it all if things can't ju–

“Pigsy..?” Tang groaned to life from the other side of the car seat. “Hon, you look like you haven't slept a bit.”

“M'fine, Tang. Just have to keep an eye out,” Pigsy was quick to wave off, checking on Li Na as she stretched sleepily under her blanket.

Tang chuckled, reaching a tired hand to Li Na's face and stroking her cheek. “Hi, bao bao… you certainly woke up a lot,” he smiled as she started to whimper. “Got scared, didn't you? Don't worry, we're here, everything is just fine, you're okay with us, Li Na.”

Pigsy hummed before his eyes landed on MK as he too stirred with the sunrise, his head rolling away from Mei’s shoulder.

“Ugh… sunrise already?” his son grumbled, trying to bury his face in Mei’s arm, but Mei shook him off.

“Damn, Monkey Man. Maybe you woke up but not all of us have,” Mei scolded, keeping her eyes shut.

“Rise and shine, everyone! We– uh– have some planning we need to discuss,” Sandy chuckled nervously from the driver's seat.

“Ughhhhhh– curse this stupid universe,” MK groaned, once again trying to bury his head in Mei's arm, but the dragon girl pushed him completely away and onto the window.

“Sorry bud, but he's right, we got some explaining to do,” Wukong sighed.

“Right, yeah. Just one apocalypse after the next,” MK huffed, leaning against the window solemnly, making Pigsy wince.

“But you said there was a way to fix this, right, little man?” Sandy tried his best to lighten the mood.

“Right, yeah, something about… stones? Or something like that?” Mei rubbed her eyes, finally giving up on going back to sleep.

“Five color stones,” the monkey king corrected.

Tang perked up at that. “The stones that the goddess Nuwa used to mend the heavens? I didn’t think they were real!” He looked at Pigsy with such a stupid look of amazement it made the pig chuckle.

“Mhm, they are! They’re just hidden, and guarded, and we have no idea where to find them, aha,” MK laughed nervously.

“What? Not even a little?” Pigsy asked, mostly looking at Wukong, who still stared out his window.

“No–! I mean– it’s fine because we’re just gonna ask someone who does! Nuwa!” MK quickly flipped to a sketch he’d drawn of her earlier.

“Ooo, yeah! She’s totally gotta have a temple we could go to, right?” Mei was instantly on board, though Pigsy still had his skepticism.

“Oh– yeah, at the Burning Mountain.” Wukong finally looked away to give them a smile.

“Wait– what?! Nononono– we’re not going to the burning mountain, not with Li Na, we have to think of anywhere else,” Tang instantly protested.

Wukong gave a glance to the back and shrugged. “Don’t really have a choice here, man. We’re kind of on a time crunch.”

“I-I know that! I just– I don’t need her facing the Fiery Beasts from ‘Past Calamities’ that guard the temple. She’s way too young for ‘trials by fire’– especially literal ones,” Tang looked at Pigsy anxiously.

“Yeah, I gotta say I agree here.” Pigsy glanced down at his daughter, who was reaching her stubby little arms for him. He met her reach with his hand, allowing her to grasp a finger before he looked back to Wukong. “Are you one thousand percent sure there’s no alternative here?”

“Unfortunately yes, I’m sure,” Wukong glanced down at the carrier too, before going back to the window.

“Right, of course,” Pigsy sighed, not sure why/how that managed to make him feel worse since it was exactly what he expected.

“Don’t worry, dad. I can keep her plenty safe,” MK assured with a tired smile.

“No, kid, it’s okay, me and Tang got this, it’ll be okay,” Pigsy gave a similar smile back.

MK nodded slowly before turning back around, meanwhile Tang gave him a long, anxious stare.

Pigsy chewed his cheek, looking down at Li Na instead of his husband. “She’ll be okay,” he whispered. “With your shield and Sandy’s strength, she’ll be okay.”

“Babies aren’t even supposed to be outside in temperatures over 32,” Tang countered.

“Human babies. Demon babies do better in the heat,” Pigsy tried waving off his own anxiety.

Tang gave an unamused look. “You do know she is still half human, right?”

Pigsy’s eye twitched. “Of course I know that, Tang, but do you see a goddamn alternative laying around here? No! So just– stop. I'll find a way to make it work, it’ll be fine,” he whisper-yelled, startling his husband.

“Pigsy–”

“Just stop, Tang. We’ll figure this out. We always have to,” Pigsy closed his eyes, tiredly letting Li Na stick his finger in her mouth.

Tang didn't say anything, which Pigsy let be. However, after a moment the chef was startled when he felt Tang pulling him closer and trying to rest his head on his shoulder.

Pigsy sighed and kissed his head. “We’ll be okay.”

“We’ll be okay,” Tang repeated, nuzzling as close as he could.

Pigsy kept his head atop Tang's for the rest of the ride.

The following hours were filled with chatter from MK and Mei, and a bit of Tang, as they talked and asked for details about the Burning Mountain and how it was different from the Flaming Mountains and such. Pigsy mostly tuned it out, keeping an eye out for any danger, and trying his best to fulfill Li Na's needs when they arose (though everyone agreed even if the world was ending, the car was stopping for diaper changes). She just about screeched in protest every time she was put back into the car seat, and whenever there was a bump in the road, and also whenever Pigsy or Tang’s hand stopped touching her, or whenever she wasn’t picked up for feeding. While incredibly frustrating, it was also probably unequivocally the worst day of the infant's life and she had zero communication skills or coping mechanisms, so she certainly had everyone’s sympathy. Besides, they still had her blanket and after ten minutes, she'd usually tire herself out. Granted, those ten minutes could feel like an eternity to the rest of the passengers, but it wasn't like there was anything they could do.

After about three hours, they arrived at the flaming mountain and Li Na was back in the carrier with Pigsy, to everyone’s relief.

However, the relief was short lived, as the Flaming Mountain certainly lived up to its name, while also having a shit ton of winding and perilous staircases to boot.

“I think my ankles hurt just looking at this thing,” Tang joked, elbowing Pigsy to try and get him to laugh too, but the pit in Pigsy’s stomach was far too deep for that.

“We’re seriously going to have to climb all that? Noooooooooooooooo,” MK groaned, slumping his head down.

“Bah, ‘Ol Alpine’ Sandy is good to go!” Sandy grinned, pulling out some of his rock climbing gear from his “emergency adventure” backpack. “We’ll be at the top in no time!”

“You know, I think there’s someone you’re forgettin’ here,” Pigsy sniped, making Sandy blush with embarrassment.

“Actually– that gives me an idea,” Tang snapped his fingers, summoning (and promptly spinning around) his khakkhara.

Pigsy sighed a massive breath of relief, glad his daughter wouldn’t actually have to face all that fire and lava. However, the feeling was incredibly short lived when he saw Wukong grab the staff with a guilty expression on his face.

“Yeahhhhhh, um, that’s gonna be a no-go, jangles,” he grimaced. “We can’t have that kind of big mystic energy or else–” “–Or else it’ll count as cheating! And we can’t fail the Trial By Fire!” MK interrupted, looking at the mountain with intensity.

“Wha– Kid, I’m pretty sure the ‘Trial By Fire’ is just a metaphor really, I’m sure the mountain ain’t testing you, right guys?” Pigsy glanced around the group, each having varied levels of one-sound responses.

“Yeah, gotta agree, bud. There’s no trial, we just can’t use magic because Li Jing will track us,” Wukong explained fully, glancing at Pigsy briefly.

Great.

“No matter, this mountain is going down,” MK shook his fist at it with determination.

Before Pigsy could even chuckle, Wukong wrapped his tail around his son and picked him up. “Or we’re going up! Catch ya at the top!” The monkey cheered, summoning his cloud and flying off.

“Wait–! MK–!” Pigsy called, but they were already nothing more than a blip on the horizon.

“Man, c'mon! Why doesn't his stupid cloud count as magic?” Mei kicked a rock and crossed her arms.

“Well, technically it's more of a ‘technique’ than a spell– plus the cloud is more like a kind of companion? I don't know– everything gets so mixed up with him,” Tang shook his head.

“UGH, fine, I guess we’re taking the hard way without MK, whatever,” Mei huffed and started going to the mountain.

Pigsy was going to follow, but his feet were suddenly glued to the ground as his eyes fell down to his daughter, who was looking up at him with big, innocent, helpless eyes.

“Pigsy? Everything alright?” Tang noticed his stance.

“No, I-I… I can’t take her, I can't climb that good, but we need to go after MK– Sandy,” Pigsy immediately turned to his friend, who looked down in confusion. “Sandy, you need to take her.”

“Oh-! Are you sure? She seems pretty cozy,” Sandy asked, smile soft and encouraging (or was at least supposed to be).

“You got more experience with this stuff, you can keep her safe,” Pigsy instantly nodded.

Sandy’s smile melted before he nodded and quickly got out a blanket from his backpack to use as a wrap while Pigsy removed his daughter from the carrier. This confused the infant, who instantly started squirming and whining, trying to grab Pigsy’s shirt with her tiny fists.

“Hey, it’s okay, you’re just going with your yifu Sandy, it’s okay,” Pigsy tried assuring, but she still kept reaching and wriggling until Sandy was ready for her and the trade off was made– to which she started crying.

“Aw, hey now, it’s okay Little Piggy, good ol’ Sandy's got you,” the river demon assured, carefully wrapping her nice and snug to his chest, where she still protested, although less. Mo seemed to notice her upset mood and tried tapping her with a paw, but it didn’t help much either as she still kicked and cried.

The scene made Pigsy's chest tighten, but he shoved those feelings deep down in favor of putting his carrier in the diaper bag so they could get moving.

“Pigsy, are you sure you’re okay with this?” Tang whispered, grabbing Pigsy’s arm.

“Yes. We have to go after MK, and Sandy’s plenty capable,” Pigsy argued, glancing as the demon in question started stroking Li Na’s forehead as the cries turned to whimpers as she looked up at him.

Tang looked too. “Alright… if you’re sure, I am too.”

Pigsy’s chest tightened further, but he took his husband’s hand and started up the steps anyways, Sandy following and Mei quickly taking the lead.

After a quarter of the way into the first staircase, Sandy managed to finally soothe Li Na enough to stop crying, which was a huge relief. However, all two seconds of silence was apparently too much for Mei, as she felt the need to start complaining.

“Man… Stupid Wukong powers– ‘non-mystical clouds’– that’s total bullshit,” she puffed, kicking the step in front of her.

“You’re telling me,” Tang huffed, already starting to wince at each step on his left foot.

Pigsy chuckled and gave his husband a glance. However, that was a mistake if ever there was one, because the moment Tang noticed, he immediately hammed it up.

“Pigsy, darling, would you mind carrying me the rest of these steps?” His husband batted his eyelashes.

“In your dreams,” Pigsy rolled his eyes, trying to keep his eyes forward.

“Awww, c'mon, don't you looooove me?” Tang continued, wrapping his arm around Pigsy's.

“Keep this up and we'll see,” The chef gave Tang's arm a pat, making the scholar quickly swipe it away.

“Well, I never– we have a baby together and this is how you treat me? Oh my breaking heart,” Tang swooned dramatically.

“Oh, you mean the baby I had to carry for eight and a half months?” Pigsy raised an eyebrow. “What, you think that wasn't good enough and now I gotta carry you too?”

“Wha–? I don't mean it like that, I just– you know– with the–” Tang sputtered, meanwhile Mei cackled with laughter ahead.

Tang huffed, putting his hands on his hips. “Having fun now, are you?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Mei grinned, spinning around and climbing the stairs backwards. “Your gross couple banter turned roasting is much more entertaining than thinking about how stupid it is Wukong just zipped MK up the mountain.”

“Hey now, hiking can be a very meditative form of exercise,” Sandy spoke up from the back.

All three other hikers gave him a look.

“...Okay, it might not be for everyone– but still! Introspection and being in nature is a good thing that can help us reconnect with ourselves,” Sandy argued.

“Rrrright,” Mei turned back around. “Well if that's true then it's a damn shame MK's missing out on all this introspection then.”

“Now that I agree with,” Sandy said, his tone making Pigsy's ears perk a little.

“What do you mean?” Pigsy glanced back.

Sandy looked away, seeming a tad embarrassed. “Well, I mean– I just think the kid needs a break, you know? Like we talked about,” he scratched his neck, and Mo meowed in agreement from his shoulder.

“Oh, right, yeah– he wasn't actually sleeping when we were all hanging, was he?” Mei asked.

“No, probably not,” Pigsy sighed and closed his eyes briefly.

“Yeesh…” Mei winced. “He's really been working himself to the bone lately, hasn't he?”

“Oh yeah.” Pigsy bit his cheek.

“But it'll be alright, we'll get the universe in tip-top shape in no time,” Sandy smiled empathetically. “Then he can get all the rest he needs.”

“Unless the universe throws another disaster our way,” Tang muttered.

“Hey now, let's try and think positively here. Once we get the stones and fix the universe, everything will be just fine,” Sandy encouraged, making Pigsy grunt out of habitual disgust. The chef could feel his friends gaze on the back of his neck, but the pig ignored it in favor of continuing up the never-ending steps.

“Well… uh… anyways… anyone know any hiking games we can play, or something to pass the time? This is… a lot of stairs,” Mei said, reality probably starting to hit her.

“Oh, I know plenty! We can do I Spy, 100 Bottles of Beer, 20 questions, bird watching, the alphabet game, or some kind of memory game!” Sandy cheered, making Pigsy ponder if throwing himself into lava would be less painful.

However, the pig kept his mouth shut since it was at the very least a distraction from worrying about MK. Plus, Li Na seemed to be having fun with it too, laughing along with every song or silly voice Sandy did. Despite his begrudgingly acceptance though, he felt overwhelmed with relief when they finally reached the first tread in the staircase and they could all rest a moment.

“Oh… my god… I think my legs… are gonna fall off,” Mei wheeled before she collapsed to the ground. “How many more staircases do we got?”

“Trust me, Mei, you don't wanna know,” Tang warned, sitting down with a wince.

Pigsy noticed that and immediately took action to start massaging Tang's ankles, which got him a pained smile in return.

“Haha… yeah… we got a long day ahead of us, but pacing ourselves is everything! So we're gonna take a nice, long break to drink some water, eat some granola, and take it easy,” Sandy instructed, removing his massive backpack while Li Na started to wiggle and whine. “Ope-! Right after we get this little one settled too.”

Pigsy naturally perked up, watching carefully as Sandy undid his wrap and freed the now crying infant. Pigsy now recognized it was her hungry cry, and so instantly got out her bottle and formula– before realizing he had no water or way to heat it up safely. Granted, it didn't have to be warm, but Li Na was in a phase right now where she refused it cold or even room temperature. Then again, this place was boiling hot, so… maybe it would work..?

“Oh dip, snack time?” Mei asked the frozen pig.

“Y-yeah, I just– um…” Pigsy stared down at his hands.

“Oh-! Here, I can make it for you if we trade,” Sandy offered, and they swapped almost instantly.

“Hey, hey, it's okay Li Na, it's okay– I know it's hot and you're hungry– but we have milk, you'll be okay,” Pigsy tried shushing her, which seemed to actually work, her little body relaxing ever-so-slightly against Pigsy's chest.

Tang hummed with a tired smile behind him, resting his head on his husband's shoulder before stroking Li Na's cheek.

“Oughhhh, you guys are so stupid cute– even when she's crying! How is this even legal?” Mei doted on her.

Sandy chuckled. “Maybe one day you'll have one of your own and maybe then it'll be fair,” he said, measuring the powder with the scoop while Mo made his way over to the girl.

“But right now it's not! And MK's not even here–” Mei suddenly stopped herself and started petting Mo. “It’s not fair.”

Pigsy winced at the mention of MK, which made Tang sit up. “You feeling okay, hon?”

“M'fine, just–” Pigsy sighed. “I'm just tired.”

Sandy gave his friend a look of pity before offering the bottle. “This will help her stop at least.”

Pigsy took it, despite accurately predicting Li Na wouldn't like it, kicking it away and wailing loudly in protest.

“What? Is she not hungry?” Tang asked, making Pigsy's eye twitch.

“Of course she's hungry, Tang, it just ain’t warm enough for her,” he sighed heavily.

Tang gave an exasperated sigh as well. “As if being on a flaming mountain isn’t good enough for her.”

“Oh, well– I, uh… I might be able to warm it up, if you want,” Mei offered, still stroking Mo’s chin as he purred.

Pigsy bit his cheek, uncertain but ultimately deciding it was worth a shot before handing the bottle over. The girl took the bottle in one hand, trying to start a fire in the other. However, it didn’t seem to be working for once, causing Mei’s frustration to rise with each failed snap.

“C’mon stupid flame, just fucking light already,” she cursed, making Pigsy and Tang exchange a glance.

Sandy sensed the tension “Mei, you don’t have to do this, I’m sure we can think of something else–”

“No! I can do this! I just gotta–” Mei snapped her fingers once again, and this time a massive green flame shot up. “Shit–!” She cursed, instantly dropping the bottle to the ground (thankfully causing the flame to die out too). “S-sorry– sorry, I can do it– I have it all under control, it’s fine, I just–”

“Mei, it’s okay, we can figure something else out,” Sandy insisted, but Mei just picked up the bottle and started walking up the stairs again to a nearby stream of lava.

“Mei–! Wait! Be careful!” Tang instantly stood and called out to her, but the girl didn’t listen, continuing to walk until she was barely away from the melted rock, where she simply crouched down and held the bottle above.

Pigsy stayed sitting on the ground, semi-trapped by the still-screaming infant in his arms, but he watched with an immense hollow feeling in his chest. Mei was in trouble, MK was in trouble, Li Na was in trouble– but again there wasn’t a single thing he could do– why did he call himself a dad again?

Mei came back in not too long– though she smelt a lot more like smoke and had soot stains all over her white jeans, but she still handed over the bottle with a nearly uncanny grin. “Here you go, Piggy.”

Pigsy looked at her. “Mei, what is this? What are you doing?”

Mei scoffed. “What are any of us doing? Climbing a stupid mountain to get to MK,” she retorted, crossing her arms and looking up, while Pigsy just shook his head and tried cleaning off the bottle before finally giving it to Li Na.

However, the head shake just set her off again. “Ugh, we're going too slow– I have to get to MK before something happens. I'll catch you at the top,” Mei waved them off and bounded up the stairs once more.

“Mei, hold on–” Sandy quickly grabbed his bag once more and went to go after her, before seeming to remember there were other people there.

He looked at them, then back up at the stairs, before backing down. “She just needs some space for now, I'm sure,” he said, though Pigsy wasn't sure his friend actually believed that.

“This is… really bad, isn't it?” Tang laughed nervously, looking at both the chef and Sandy.

“We can fix this, I know we can. We just… need to get up this mountain,” Sandy's cheerful disposition faltered ever-so-slightly.

“And then what?” Pigsy scoffed. “For all we know, Mei's right and while we're stuck here some destiny bullshit is happening. Hell, by the time we get there, I bet MK is just going to be even worse,” he spat, looking away bitterly.

“Pigsy–” Tang tried placing a hand on his shoulder, but the chef shook it away– which he instantly regretted when it made Li Na whine.

“Sorry, sorry– I just–...” Pigsy glanced at Tang before closing his eyes. “I know there's nothing we can't get through together… but when his ‘destiny’ or mentor keeps isolatin’ him, I just… I just don't know what to do,” Pigsy looked at Li Na tiredly.

Tang knelt and pressed a kiss on Pigsy's forehead. “I know how you feel, hon– it's terrifying and I just– I hate it so much.”

Pigsy sighed, nuzzling his head against Tang's chest before his husband wrapped him into a soft hug.

“Self isolation is a nasty habit for sure,” Sandy looked at and quickly scooped Mo back up again. “It’s not going to be easy to combat it… but with work I know we can get through to him.”

“Always the optimist,” Pigsy snorted weakly.

Sandy chuckled a little. “Someone has to be.”

Pigsy couldn’t argue with that, swapping the now empty bottle with a towel to burp Li Na, before glancing back up the steps, where he could see Mei stomping around.

“You should go to her, Sandy,” he spoke up, but his friend shook his head.

“We need to plan what to do about MK together– she's his family too,” Sandy said.

“She's just as much a kid as MK, she doesn't need all that pressure either,” Pigsy argued.

“She's his best friend, Pigsy. She's going to worry and want to do something no matter what,” Sandy gave the pig a look so tender it actually made the chef want to cry.

“W-well, um… either way, I don't like the kid bein’ by herself and I'm just holding you back, so, you know...” Pigsy sniffled, trying not to dwell.

“Oh, c'mon, don't be like that honey,” Tang rubbed his arm. “We’re all a team here, whether they know it or not.”

Pigsy nodded, ultimately agreeing with the sentiment. “Sorry, yeah, I just–”

“I know, hon. You’re okay,” Tang kissed his cheek.

The chef smiled.

Once Li Na was all burped and settled, she was wrapped back into Sandy's carrier, which she again protested. Thankfully though, all that eating must've tired her out as she fell asleep by the time they saw Mei halfway across a rope suspension bridge.

“Mei! Wait right there!” Sandy instantly called out, an unusual panic in his voice that made the other two adults pause before rushing with him.

Mei turned around, seeming annoyed more than anything. “Took you slow pokes long enough. C’mon, we gotta get going–”

“Mei, wait, that bridge isn't safe and you don’t have the right equipment or anything! You need to take it slow–”

“Sorry, but I'm actually trying to reach MK before my retirement,” Mei rolled her eyes and continued onward, not noticing how the bridge slanted a notable amount to the right, nor how some parts of the rope were frayed or how it was over a massive chasm or–

“Mei, are you trying to get yourself killed too?!” Pigsy shouted at her, running to the bridge’s start.

“I'm trying to get back to MK before it's too late, unlike you slowpokes,” Mei mumbled that last part, continuing forward until a loud CRACK broke through the mountain and Mei let out a shriek– the plank underneath her foot snapping in half and causing her to fall halfway before she managed to just barely catch the bottom rope.

“MEI!” All three of them shouted, Pigsy summoning his rake without even thinking and racing to her aid (ignoring Tang's loud sputtering protests and confusion).

“Pigsy! Y-your rake-! What if that counts as magic?! We can't be tracked!” Mei worried.

“Jesus– I don't fucking care! I'm not losing any of my goddamn kids! Just grab on,” Pigsy instructed, not comprehending how that could even be on her mind right now. Thankfully, Mei did still have enough sense to do as she was told and Pigsy pulled her back up on the bridge– though was quickly startled when Mei suddenly latched onto him and wouldn't let go.

“Woah, hey now, it's okay, kid. I got you.” Pigsy hugged her right back, his rake disappearing once more.

Mei didn’t say a word, just shaking and shaking and shaking in total silence, her eyes filled with fear but the rest of her face completely unreadable.

“It's okay, I got you, Mei, I got you. We'll make it across, everything’s okay,” Pigsy decided to just continue saying, finally looking back at his husband and best friend, who both looked like they just had the biggest heart attacks of their lives.

Once Sandy noticed Pigsy looking at him, he shook off his shock though, sighing a breath of relief before clearing his throat. “Right– okay– you two need to stay to the left of the bridge, alright? And watch out for creaking or too much rocking– take it nice and even!” Sandy instructed, and Pigsy nodded.

“You okay to stand?” he then asked the still trembling girl.

She shook her head. “I don’t– I– we can’t– it–”

“Hey, it's okay, kiddo, I got you. Everything'll be alright.” Pigsy gave a squeeze for emphasis and eventually Mei nodded and slowly let go. However, the second Pigsy was up and standing again, Mei held his hand tight. The chef didn't mind, though, letting her hold on as they followed Sandy's instruction until they were back on solid ground and waiting for the others to cross.

The pair didn't speak while they waited, though Mei wrapped her arms around one of his and buried her head in his shoulder. Pigsy did his best to try and comfort her, though was constantly watching and worrying for Tang, Sandy, Mo, and Li Na.

Thankfully, everyone made it just fine– though the second Tang was across he grabbed Mei's shoulders and started shaking her.

“Long Xiaojiao, don't ever do that again!” he ordered before squeezing the daylights out of her.

“I-I'm sorry Mr. Tang,” She cracked. “I-I don't know what I’m doing– I'm so scared– MK– he isn't acting right– h-he–”

Tang hugged her tighter. “I know– god, I know… but what can we do?” Tang asked, eventually letting go and looking to Sandy, meanwhile Mei reattached herself to Pigsy's arm.

“Hey now, it's not too late, MK is still with us. We have time,” Sandy assured as he unwrapped his carrier once again, passing over the anxious infant to Tang, who rocked her.

“Yeah, but– but how much?” Pigsy glanced at Mei, who squeezed his arm tighter, burying her head.

Sandy had to think for a moment, which didn't make Pigsy feel any better.

“Look… it's not going to be easy, but MK is still here, we just have to keep assuring him we're here too. Even if it seems like fate or the universe is trying to pull us apart, we have to let him know we aren't going anywhere and– and that he means so much to us a-and–” Sandy started to get choked up, which made Mo start to purr and rub his head against Sandy's. “Right– right, sorry–”

“Sandy, it's okay, you can be scared too,” Pigsy assured, receiving a tearful smile of gratitude in response.

“R-right– well–” Sandy tried clearing his throat as a few tears fell quickly down his cheeks. “Well first, we'll make it up the mountain and help MK with anything he may need. After that, we'll be back in the truck for the second stone, and rest up. We don't want to pile too much on him too soon, but getting in some praise and affection would be good, I think,” he sniffled.

“But will it be enough?” Mei asked quietly.

“...I'll have a one-on-one meditation session with him tomorrow– try to teach him mindfulness and try to pass on wisdom about fighting inner demons. It’ll help him know he’s not alone,” Sandy nodded to himself.

“MK kinda hates meditation though– part of the ol’ ADHD thing,” Mei pointed out, fidgeting with Pigsy’s shirt sleeve.

“I know, but–... but I think with time and effort I could really get through to him,” the river demon tried to sound confident, but when Mei didn’t seem any more assured, he sighed. “I know how bad– how helpless it feels to watch someone go through this… but I know that Pigsy and Tang are right– there is nothing we can't fix together.”

“What about after the meditation?” Mei asked again. “What do we do then? H-how can we– can we make sure he doesn't– you know–”

Sandy smiled softly. “We just continue loving him the best we can, Mei, that's all we can do– until we find a trained professional for him, that is.”

“Right… right, okay,” The dragon girl sniffled, glancing up at Pigsy for reassurance, to which the demon kissed her head.

“We're gonna make that kid feel so fucking loved he won't know what hit ‘im,” the chef joked a little too.

“And we'll also make sure to take care of ourselves in the meantime too,” Tang added, and Mei instantly nodded.

“R-right– I know, I'm so sorry– I didn't mean to– I just–”

“We know, kiddo, just don't scare us like that again.” Pigsy moved to wrap his arm around the girl's shoulders.

Mei’s eyes went to the ground. “I mean... I didn't– I know you've said it before, but… I didn't think you actually thought of me like I’m your kid,” she chuckled weakly.

“What can I say? We're huge saps,” Pigsy chuckled too and gave her another tight squeeze.

Mei snorted, nuzzling closer as she did.

“And– uh– for the record, I– um… I’m very fond of you too, Mei,” Sandy added, making Mei finally break the embrace to give Sandy a hug of his own.

“I love you too, ya big ol’ teddy bear,” Mei said, causing the river demon to laugh and embrace her back.

Pigsy could see his friend was on the verge of crying again, but he didn’t say anything and instead made his way closer to Tang before asking how he and Li Na were holding up.

“Oh, you know… little sore, little exhausted, but a little better, too,” Tang chuckled nervously while Li Na grasped her baba’s thumb.

“You thinkin’ you’ll be able to make it up the rest of the mountain? It’s a long way to go still,” Pigsy asked.

“Are you offering to carry me?” Tang batted his eyelashes.

Pigsy rolled his eyes and pushed him away playfully. “Not if you keep doing that.”

The scholar laughed, though it didn’t last too long. At first Pigsy just assumed he was tired, but his eyes had an intense focus on Li Na before he suddenly asked–

“Pigsy?”

The chef straightened up. “Yes?”

“Tell me everyone’s going to end okay– that MK, and Mei, a-and Li Na are going to be alright.”

Pigsy’s heart melted. “MK, Mei, and Li Na are gonna be just fine, Tangy–”

“Promise me.” Tang looked at him.

Pigsy hesitated, glancing at Sandy, then Mei, then Li Na before going back to his husband.

“I… I promise, Tang. Everyone’s gonna go home just right,” he said, placing a hand on his husband’s shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

Tang’s face relaxed into a tired and slightly goofy smile. “Thanks, hon. I-I just– thank you.”

Pigsy smiled and kissed his cheek, before turning to the others. “We ready to get going?”

“Oh-! Yeah! Don’t wanna leave him hanging for too long” Mei immediately bounced up, and once Li Na was back and wrapped up with Sandy, they started making their way up the mountain once more.

The hike ended up lasting until just about sunset, and with Pigsy having to carry Tang for a little over half the distance because of his weak ankles. It wasn’t great for the pig demon’s back by any means, but Sandy was already carrying his massive hiking emergency bag, Mo, and Li Na, so he sucked it up. It was also better than even entertaining the thought of leaving his husband behind, so while it was difficult, he endured knowing it would be worth it.

…Which was why when Wukong grabbed MK and immediately flew away again the second the group reached the top, Pigsy felt angry enough to tear the immortal limb-from-limb.

It wasn’t helped that from the brief moment Pigsy actually saw his son, there was this… this cloudiness behind his eyes that hadn’t been there before. It was new– it had to have been new– Pigsy wouldn’t have missed it if it had been there at the restaurant or in the van–

Something bad happened to his son while he was out of reach.

“Well… uh… back down we go, I guess, huh?” Tang tried to lighten the mood, elbowing Pigsy to try and get him to join in.

Pigsy didn’t have it in him, though. Instead, he stared at Sandy, starting a silent conversation.

He’s worse, the chef’s eyes said.

I know. Sandy looked back with pity.

Why does this keep happening?

I don’t know.

Why can’t he just be okay? Why can’t he stay with us?

I don’t know that either, Pigsy. But we’re sticking to our plan as a team, no matter what. We'll figure this out.

Pigsy took a deep breath and nodded.

Right. You’re right.

Sandy smiled weakly. Of course I am. Let’s get going. Can’t leave him alone for too long.

“Right… right. Let’s get going,” Pigsy said, and after scooping Tang up once more, they started down the mountain again with equal parts worry and determination to fix what was wrong as a team.

Chapter Text

Being back in the truck was a massive relief on Pigsy’s body, but not on his heart, which still ached with worry for his son.

Before the Burning Mountain, MK had at least been content to cuddle next to Mei for sleep and comfort, but now he chose the window seat to rest against stiffly. To make matters worse, he wasn’t even next to her, but Monkey King instead. Now, Pigsy would be fine with it if it looked like the king was comforting him, but MK strained from even him in his sleep.

Pigsy ached to do something about it, but unfortunately carrying your husband up and down a mountain after not sleeping all night had the side effect of leaving you so exhausted you could barely move. He was so exhausted in fact, he basically passed out the second he hit the leather seat– though was promptly woken by Li Na fussing over the car seat again. Still, all he could do was watch tiredly as Tang had to soothe the cranky four-month-old.

To his surprise, Mo seemingly took over for them, climbing his way back before curling up and purring on the infant's chest, which calmed her down like a charm. Of course, it stung to feel more useless than a cat, but as the truck got moving, Pigsy was completely helpless against the wave of exhaustion that crashed over him, and he was forced to let it go and drift to sleep.

When his eyes opened, he was surprised to find that dawn had broken, that Li Na was in an entirely different onesie, and that Mo had moved to MK's lap now, where his son was absentmindedly petting his head.

Pigsy frowned, rubbing his face and mumbling, “How long was I out?”

Tang chuckled. “Couple hours. You even managed to sleep through her feeds and changings– which, I mean– I knew you were tired, but I swear I have never seen you sleep so hard in my life.”

Pigsy sat up. “What? Why didn't anyone tell me? I coulda–”

“Pigsy, you carried me up and down a mountain.” Tang gave him a dry look. “I think it's safe to say your body was telling you something.”

Pigsy shook his head. “It's not right– I shoulda been–”

Pigsy’s train of thought was cut off when the truck came to a sudden halt, with Sandy announcing there was a fork in the road.

Immediately, MK’s head perked up and he was out of the car, leaving the rest to groggily follow along.

The chef sighed as he unbuckled the still sleeping Li Na. “Did I miss anything important, at least?”

Tang shrugged, getting the diaper bag together. “Other than Sandy finding out there’s an airplane and smaller car attached to this one, and MK having a weird instinct driving thing, I don’t know.”

“Some car, eh?” Pigsy's brows furrowed, but his attention was quickly stolen by the infant slowly waking in his arms. “Hey there, ke ai. Have a good nap?”

Li Na's face scrunched in reply, doing a big stretch against his chest before curling back up again.

“Feel you there, kid,” Pigsy snorted, putting on the carrier. “It's no use though, we gotta start the day eventually.”

Li Na whined a bit at all the commotion, but seemed to accept her new reality once she was out in the sun, blinking her big eyes and taking a look around. Pigsy just gave her a good pat before focusing on the task ahead.

Lo and behold, the fork in the road was indeed there, and MK was at the front tapping, hemming, and hawing, while Mei and Wukong hyped him up from behind.

“You got this, monkey man!” she cheered, just as Pigsy and Tang joined the others.

“What's he gonna do, exactly?” Pigsy stretched his back.

“MK's been handling navigation like a total pro,” Mei grinned. “So we're waiting for him to mystic monkey this one through.”

“You got this, bud! Just believe in yourself!” Wukong cheered, while Pigsy gave Sandy a dry look. His old friend gave a weary one back, but there was still a bit of hope that was reminding Pigsy there was still a plan and they were going to get through this.

Pigsy gave an appreciative, albeit tired look back before MK started moving closer to the paths.

“Ooo! He's gonna do it! He really knows which way to go!” Mei cheered.

“You got this, kid! Lead us to the next stone,” Pigsy cheered, which made Li Na laugh.

MK nodded, pointing with his arm dramatically. “Right, okay– the Right Path is… is…” His arm faltered as he started looking frantically– before he suddenly covered his face with his hands. “I don’t know! I-I mean– we got lucky with the first stone! W-we wanted a map or a magic compass or– or something! Normally we have a pre-guffin, but we skipped straight to the full guffin!”

Pigsy massaged his face. “You just had to take him to your one writing seminar, didn’t you?” he asked– worried, but also too tired for all that jargon.

Tang rolled his eyes. “He liked it and you know it.”

Pigsy huffed in contempt.

“I-It’s okay, MK.” Mei put a hand on her best friend’s back. “We’re figuring it out as we go, together.” She gave him a squeeze he almost instantly pushed away from (immediately triggering yet another alarm bell in Pigsy’s gut).

“We can’t keep doing that!” he argued, beginning to pace. “We don’t know where the other four stones are, or what to do with them if we ever even find them! We’re just walking into– into chaos.” MK’s posture fell as he reached and felt something in his pocket.

Pigsy exchanged a look with Tang before stepping forward. “MK, you know it’s not like that. I mean– look at how far we’ve come just as we are! You’ve been doing plenty good with the navigation–”

“Not that you have any way to prove that,” MK muttered.

The chef frowned. “Kid, I’m just sayin’ if you trust your instincts–”

“Well, what if I don’t have any instincts right now, okay?!” MK snapped. “What if I have no clue what I’m doing and every move I make is the wrong one, huh? Then what? Who’s gonna save you then?!”

Pigsy was taken aback– as was Li Na, apparently, as she started crying the second his voice was raised– which put him in a total gridlock of who to help.

“MK, c’mon, you haven’t failed us yet,” Mei tried to bring the energy back up.

“Right…” Tang tried to go along. “Right, yes– your instincts have brought us this far, maybe–”

“Not maybe,” Mei interrupted. “MK will find us the stones, no doubt about it! Our boy can handle anything– do anythin–”

“Enough!” Sandy’s voice suddenly boomed, causing the whole group (minus Li Na) to freeze.

The river demon sighed. “We know you mean well, but MK is right; we don’t know where we’re going, so it’s time we found out. We need to split up, cover more ground, regroup and then get going.”

Right. Right, they were doing too much. Small steps, don't overwhelm him, Pigsy thought, his heart heavy with guilt. 

“Ooo! Ooo! Can I take the airplane? Can I, can I, can I?” Mei jumped at the opportunity, already getting on the roof of the truck before hitting a button and– yeah okay, the airplane came out of some kind of trap door thing.

“Fine by me– so long as you take the right path, and I take the middle.” Wukong grinned, summoning his stupid non-magic loophole of a cloud.

“Right!” Sandy gave his approval. “So that means you and Tang and Li Na are going to take the tuktuk, which comes with a radio to keep us all connected– pretty neat, right?” He smiled at the couple.

“R-right, yeah.” Pigsy nodded, only half listening as he tried swaying to get Li Na to calm, while also watching MK guiltily.

Tang noticed though, and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Remember the plan, hon. Sandy's gonna take him out to meditate and we'll go from there.”

Pigsy nodded numbly. “Right, yeah, he'll– he'll be good…”

“Everyone's gonna be just fine, like you said.” Tang kissed his cheek and gave Li Na's face a soft stroke with the back of his hand. “I know it's scary, bao bao, but it'll all work out, you'll see.”

“The sooner we find those stones, the better,” Pigsy sighed, holding Li Na closer.

He wasn't going to lose any of his goddamn kids. No way, no how.

“Carts ready!” Sandy announced, evidently proud of his cart seat installation skills.

“Let’s get to it then,” Tang said, giving Pigsy’s shoulder a squeeze.

Naturally, Li Na tried to refuse being placed into the car seat almost immediately, kicking and flailing and getting all red in the face as she desperately tried to cling to Pigsy’s shirt or arm hairs.

“Y’know, if I had known this would be such a big problem for her, I would’ve been driving her around town a lot more,” Pigsy huffed, finally getting the buckle snapped as Li Na looked up at him with big, sad eyes.

“I’m with her,” Tang snorted. “Cars are overrated.”

“Helpful.” Pigsy rolled his eyes, finally letting go of the baby– who instantly started whining. “This trip is going to be the death of me.” He massaged his forehead.

“Our precious little velcro baby.” Tang gave her chest a pat, which worked right until he stopped.

Pigsy bit his cheek, getting impatient but not wanting to leave her as miserable as he was leaving her brother– who disappeared by now with Sandy.

Just then, like a voice from the heavens, the cart’s radio crackled to life with a, “Breaker, breaker, this is Mad Dawg Mei to Big Ham, starting our super cool mission to help find super mystical stones. How’s Little Ham doing? Over.”

Immediately, Li Na’s spirits seemed lifted, as she giggled and reached up towards the voice with excitement.

“Huh, what do you know?” Tang sighed a breath of relief, finally taking his spot in the passenger's seat.

Pigsy couldn’t help but grin as he grabbed the radio and finally got to driving. “Big Ham’s got you loud and clear, Mad Dog, we’re on our way– and Little Ham’s doin’ just fine with this trucker talk, over.”

“Roger that, Big Ham, this auntie is willing to chat as long as it makes Little Ham happy, over,” Mei laughed, which got Li Na giggling again.

Tang rolled his eyes. “Maybe we shouldn’t be referring to our daughter as lunch meat, Pigsy?”

Pigsy snorted, weaving past some boulders. “Sounds like someone’s salty they don’t have a code name, eh Mad Dog? Over.” He gave Tang a smug grin.

“For sure, for sure, Big Ham. How’s–” Mei was suddenly cut off by another speaker, which was actually just Mo, meowing loudly and playfully.

“Oh, hey, Kitty Blue! This is Mad Dawg– no association with the animal, promise– the skies lookin’ nice and clear as I fly ‘round this forest, yessiree, over,” Mei informed.

“Road’s lookin’ perfect on our end too– uh… Kitty Blue,” Pigsy said, realizing how stupid he sounded. “Don’t understand what Mad Dog means by ‘not the animal’ though, over.”

Mei scoffed. “It’s like– like those old hip hop songs always saying ‘Shawty’-- except I'm not Shawty, I’m your Dawg, dawg– over.”

Tang snatched the speaker from Pigsy. “Don’t ever call those songs old ever again, and that’s an order, over.”

“Uh-oh Little Ham, looks like your baba doesn’t wanna admit he’s old,” Mei snickered. “Should his code name be Old Nerd? Over.”

Pigsy and Li Na (and even Mo) erupted into laughter, while Tang’s face got as red as his scarf.

“You know, maybe you two ought to just focus on driving, over,” he snarked.

“Oh puh-lease, we’re all clear from here to Timbuktu. Ain’t nothin’ gonna stop this gal from helping out her best bud, over.”

Tang yet again rolled his eyes, though Pigsy could see him repressing a smirk. “Just don’t get lost, over.”

“Yessir, Old Nerd, hear you loud and clear, over,” Mei promised.

“I can’t, I just can’t.” Tang handed Pigsy back the radio, shaking his head, while Pigsy just hummed, tired but content. Well– as content as he could be, given… everything. It was times like these he was just glad the road ahead seemed clear.

“Well, Mad ‘Dawg’, looks like we got ourselves a long road up ahead– you got any of those travelin’ kiddy songs you wanna share? Over,” Pigsy asked, getting a look from Tang. “What? It'll keep Li Na entertained.”

“Sap,” Tang teased.

“Mad Dawgs got you covered Big Ham, anything for my main girl Little Ham: this one's called ‘The Wheels on the Bus’.”

And thus Mei began the process of singing every nursery rhyme she could remember, which surprisingly kept Li Na's focus while Pigsy focused on the desert road. It wasn't exactly the kind of music Pigsy listened to on road trips, but it wasn't like they had any hard rock or xiqu to play, and Tang needed a nap too. Besides, a happy Li Na was a happy Pigsy and Tang. Mei managed to get through The Wheels on the Bus, Hickory Dickory Dock, The Ants Go Marching, and was about to start Ba Ba Black Sheep when–

“Ba ba bl–woAH! Shit–! May day! May day! I'm hit!”

No-- no, not again-- Why was she allergic to staying safe too? Pigsy thought, struggling to keep his eyes on the road. 

Tang immediately sprang up in his seat, practically yanking the radio from Pigsy. “Mei?! Mei, what's wrong?!”

“Goi– own– an't– ire– lp–!” the radio kept glitching, a blaring alarm going off in the background.

“Hey–! I can't see with you reachin’ like this!” Pigsy snapped, pushing his husband back before suddenly spotting a jerboa right in the middle of the road and swerving away– only for the vehicle to lose balance and tip over as it crashed straight into a rock formation.

An immediate ringing flooded Pigsy's head as he bounced back from the airbag. Thoughts flooded his mind. Tang, was he–? Mei, she was– Li Na–

Shit– No– No no no no nononono– How could he be so stupid?! A dumb rodent over his daughter– over Mei– over MK–?!

Crying. He could hear Li Na crying– borderline shrieking. While blood curdling, it was good, that meant– well she still could, but– god, he really is a fuck up.

“Tang,” Pigsy grunted as he tried to look around, his head pounding. “Tang, are you–?”

“I'm okay, Pigsy, I'm okay– Li Na–”

“We have to get ourselves out first,” Pigsy hated to say, her terrified cries causing a deep ache in his chest.

“R-right, okay– Mei– Mei!” Tang pressed the radio again, only to hear static. “God– god, oh god–”

“Tang, focus– breathe for me.” Pigsy pushed the deflating airbags out of the way and put a hand on his arm.

“R-right– out of here, focus on getting out of here.” Tang took a breath as Pigsy instructed. “I-I think my door should work, there's a gap I think we can get through.”

“Be my guest,” Pigsy tried to joke out of habit.

It took a couple slams (and probably a good bruising) but Tang's door flung open– to roughly 75 degrees, but it was certainly better than nothing.

With a nod of approval, Tang finally unbuckled himself and climbed his way through (with minor boosts from Pigsy) the door and out to freedom– though was quick to turn back.

“Li Na– hand me Li Na, I can hold her while you climb,” he held his arms out.

Pigsy nodded, suppressing a cringe as his body screamed to not turn over, reach for, and then hold the frightened piglet.

“Shh, shh, it's okay, Tang will have you soon, it's okay.” He held her against his chest briefly before standing (ow) and handing her to Tang– who held her closer than he'd ever held her before.

“Oh, bao bao– it's okay, it's all over, baba's got you,” Tang whispered, kissing her head and rubbing soothing circles into her back as her tears finally started to decrescendo. “I know it was scary, I know honey, but baba's got you, baba's got you…”

Pigsy sighed a breath of relief. Tang and Li Na are safe. Now to get them out of here, and back to MK so they can find Mei.

It was a tight squeeze, but with him pushing off of the passenger seat headrest, Pigsy was able to fit through the door and climb out to the one-armed embrace of his husband.

Pigsy didn't have much time for that though, quickly breaking to ask, “Is she okay? Any bumps or bruises?”

Tang shook his head, his hand returning to Li Na's back. “Not that I can see– but we'll have to take her to the doctor to be sure.”

Pigsy nodded. “And you?”

“I'm okay– just a killer headache from the whiplash.” Tang smiled wearily.

“Good.” Pigsy nodded again, before scouting the area. “You can sit with Li Na on those rocks over there while I get the cart out.”

Tang's face flickered. “Pigsy–”

“Here, I'll get the diaper bag and everything.” Pigsy didn't wait for permission, going back down, (ignoring all of the spikes of pain flaring throughout his body) and grabbing the bag before squeezing back up again.

“Pigsy, it would've been much easier if I'd gotten it.” Tang frowned, though still accepted the bag as it was handed to him.

“Sandy's thermos seems undamaged too, so if she gets hungry there should still be some hot water.” He again ignored his husband, and already began to push some of the smaller rocks.

Tang hesitated, but eventually sighed. “Pigsy, just– be safe, will you?”

Pigsy snorted, unable to fathom how he could say something like that when Mei was out lost in an airplane crash, Li Na was still crying with fear and possibly concussed, and MK was on the very brink of–

No. No, stop. He needed to stop thinking like that and just focus on the task before him. He can't save anyone if he was stranded in the Gobi Desert.

“Pigsy…” He could feel Tang hovering.

“Just give her a change, will you? I'm sure she'll be a lot happier with a clean diaper.” Pigsy didn't so much as look back, pushing another rock aside.

Whatever fight Tang had within him seemed to leave, as he sighed in defeat and did as he was told. While the distance made a deep part of him ache with regret, Pigsy forced himself to be satisfied with fixing his mistake.

Unfortunately for him, it was a lot harder than he thought it would be, even the smallest of boulders being deceptively heavy. His frustration gnawed at him, causing a growl to rise in his throat. The sweltering desert heat didn't help either, nor did the stinging pain in his muscles from the accident. But Pigsy didn't have time to think about that.

His son was in danger. Mei was stranded out in the middle of nowhere too, possibly hurt, possibly attacked, possibly worse. Pigsy needed to focus, he couldn't save them if he couldn't fucking focus. His kids fucking needed him and he was stranded in the middle of nowhere because that's all he ever did-- he hurt people, he killed people, he killed his kids-- three out of eight-- he was a killer trying desperately to be a protector, and just-- FOCUS  goddammit, your kids need you and you're spiraling in the middle of the desert and you just need to focus already, the longer you stay the worse it all gets. Get the stones. Focus. These rocks can't stop you, they can't, if they do then who even are you? Focus. 

“We just gotta– get back– find Mei– get the goddamn stones–” His frustration escaped his mind.

“Pigsy–”

“Why did I even go for a drive without ‘im–” Pigsy snarled, summoning his rake when one wouldn’t budge.

“Honey, please–”

“How am I supposed to keep him safe–?!” He slammed his rake down, causing a force strong enough to shake the ground and cause even more boulders to slam onto the fallen billboard– which Pigsy just barely had time to dodge.

Ringing filled his ears again, and he could vaguely hear Tang calling his name and Li Na crying once more, but all Pigsy could do was drop his rake, fall to his knees, and cry.

“I-I’m supposed to be his father– their father– but every day it’s just clearer and clearer I’m not strong enough to keep them safe,” he confessed, his voice just above a whisper.

He could feel Tang's eyes on him, but he didn't care. He was so tired of hurting everyone around him.

It took a long, long while, but once he got Li Na to stop crying, Tang sat by his side, putting a quiet hand on his shoulder.

“I know what you're thinking.” Pigsy closed his eyes.

Tang sighed. “No, you don–”

“Yes, I do.” Pigsy gave him a look. “You're gonna say I am strong enough and I have protected them, but I haven't. Not really, not when it matters.”

To his surprise, Tang stayed quiet, his arm trailing down until he held his hand, and even then he stayed quiet.

“I couldn't do anything to protect MK from Azure, and hell– I-I can't even help him with his monkey form now, a-and I know that causes him pain– so much pain. A-and now, he’s got this cloudiness again– somethin’ that happened because I let that stupid monkey whisk him away again a-and didn’t stand up for myself o-or nothin’– just practically handing him over for the fates to mess with…”

Tang still didn't speak, stroking Pigsy's hand with his thumb.

“A-and Li Na?” Pigsy laughed bitterly, hot tears falling rapidly. “I– I know it's not my fault, I know, but… I just– I can't do anything right for her, not with Wangliang, not with driving– hell, I can't even feed her, Tang. A-and I know that was my choice to get the surgery, but– I just– It’s like everything in the whole universe is saying this shouldn’t have happened, and just keeps trying and trying and trying to fix its mistake…”

“...You really think that?” Tang asked quietly, while Li Na cooed in his arms.

Pigsy snorted. “How could I not? No one has their kids die or almost die that many times without the universe sending a clear sign they ain't supposed to be a father…”

Tang suddenly tensed, squeezing Pigsys hand tight. “You… you still think about– about our other babies..?”

Pigsy clenched his eyes shut, a profound pain and emptiness at the pit of his stomach making itself known once more. “MK and Li Na are gonna end up the same, I can feel it, Tang. This just– this isn't meant to be…”

“...So what?”

Pigsy rolled his eyes.

“Pigsy, I'm serious.” Tang sat up. “So what if the universe doesn't want you to be a father? You are anyways. You have a wonderful son and a precious little daughter, who have both defied all odds to be here– to be here with you– don't you think that means something?”

Pigsy shifted. “I don't know–”

“Hold her.”

“What?” Pigsy eyed him.

“I need you to hold her when I say this,” Tang instructed, which he begrudgingly accepted. Li Na seemed happy though, immediately cooing and grasping his buttons tight with a smile. It was as if nothing had ever been wrong.

“See? She doesn’t hate you,” he continued. “MK doesn’t hate you either, and neither do I, and you know why that is? It’s because you’re a good dad and a wonderful husband.” Tang kissed his cheek. “MK is the wonderful and brave and caring kid he is because of you. Li Na feels safe and happy in your arms because you love and care for her so much.”

Pigsy grunted, a little smile creeping on his face as he noticed the jerboa coming out of the rubble.

“Besides, you’re not done helping MK or Li Na yet– because you’re you; you’re their dad whether the universe approves it or not. Li Na and MK feel so much more at home and safe with you than you may ever realize. They know you’ll always be there for them– even if it isn’t in the perfect way you got in your head, you still catch them eventually.” Tang nudged him a little. Pigsy didn’t look though, nearly tearing up when he saw the jerboa reuniting with a much smaller one– their baby.

“Maybe the universe is trying to tear us all apart, so what? You aren’t going to give up on them, and they aren’t going to give up on you either– that’s what really matters.” Tang finally wrapped Pigsy in a hug, forcing a little laugh to escape as the chef started to feel overwhelmed by all the familial love in the air.

“Alright, alright, you win, I guess,” he chuckled, nuzzling against Tang’s head. “I just– I wish I could do more…”

“What you do is already enough, trust me,” Tang assured, pressing a soft kiss atop his head.

Pigsy hummed, giving Li Na another look and smiling more when he noticed the ways her eyes lit up at the attention.

So sweet, so innocent, so full of trust. She was so much like her brother when he first arrived. She couldn't tell left from right, but she trusted him. He'd swore a million times he'd protect it, and he'd swear it a million times more.

“Yeah, you're right, I'm not done, not by a longshot.” He stroked her soft little cheek before summoning his rake.

“Damn right you're not.” Tang beamed, helping take Li Na out of his arm so he could go back to rock smashing.

“Let's get this show back on the road.” Pigsy smirked, lifting his rake high in the air and giving the rocks a solid blow as he began once more.

The process was slower than he would have liked, the sun starting to set and all. It was worth it, though, to keep himself safe so Tang could focus on keeping Li Na happy and safe and cared for. Besides, it wasn’t like he could just use magic to make it all go away (not like he knew how to anyways). It didn’t matter too much though, as the sun still shone by the time he managed to flip the fallen billboard and dig out the tuc tuc (which still had a working engine, thank heavens).

“You know, it may just be the desert heat talking, but you look so sexy tossing and hitting all those rocks,” Tang flirted, giving Li Na a bottle while Pigsy did some final repairs.

“Y’know, I’d be tempted to say somethin’ back if I weren’t kinda in the middle of something,” Pigsy suppressed a smile.

Tang grinned cheekily. “Our hero.”

Pigsy just rolled his eyes and kept working.

Tang looked like he was going to say more, when suddenly Li Na started babbling and waving her arms up and down.

“Well, look at you all worked up and excited to get back on the road,” Tang cooed, giving her little kisses while she kept her focus away and on the billboard.

Pigsy gave it a glance before snorting. “Must be real excited ‘bout that festival.”

“Oh?” Tang finally gave it a good look. “Huh, what do you know? Just a few kilometers from here– wait a second–!” Tang jumped. “Li Na, you're a genius!”

Pigsy perked up, raising a slightly teasing brow at his husband's antics.

“Li Na’s little grabby hands just reminded me of the sacred guardians– The Vermillion Bird, The Black Tortoise, and The White Tiger and Teal Dragon, who just so happen to be having a festival just a few kilometers from here.” Tang pointed to the billboard.

“Huh, what do you know? Some good came from this after all.” Pigsy smiled, wiping his brow. “What about the fifth one?”

Tang shrugged. “Honestly, most sources I read said there were only four, so my guess is we'll just have to wait and find out later.”

“Of course we do,” Pigsy grunted, closing the lid on the car. “We're ready to go at least.”

“Finally, some air conditioning.” His husband sighed in relief, quickly putting Li Na back in her car seat– where she immediately started kicking and shrieking defiantly. “Oh honey, it's okay, we're gonna go nice and steady this time, you're safe.”

“You drive,” Pigsy instantly proposed. “I'll stay in the back, keep her calm.”

“O-oh– really? I mean– it's been so long, but I guess there's no real traffic laws out here, but you never let me drive really, especially not the van, but–”

“I'm sure, Tang,” he said, already taking his seat next to her. Once he placed his hand on her chest, the shrieking became soft, and the kicking stopped entirely. “She needs me here with her, to feel safe and at home, like you said.”

Tang's face melted. “You're absolutely right, I'll leave you to it,” he said, kissing Pigsy's cheek before getting in front and starting up the cart.

Pigsy hummed in content as Tang got the vehicle moving, allowing Li Na to grip his fingers tightly and hold on for her dear, tiny life.

“It's okay, kiddo, you're safe with me, I got you.” Pigsy smiled, stroking her face with his free hand. Finally, the little piglet stopped crying, nuzzling into his embrace and looking up at him with her big, soft eyes. She still looked scared, and, to be honest, Pigsy was too. But she trusted him. Despite all his mistakes, Li Na trusted him.

That meant that maybe, just maybe, MK trusted him too, and Pigsy would do anything to keep it that way til the day he died.