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Chapter Text

Yang Jian saw the world in a monochrome manner. Monotonous, simplistic, boring.

Everyday was the same.

Battles to be fought. Orders to be followed.

Occasionally, during times of peace he had more than enough free time on his hands. He started hobbies, as all immortals did.

The older immortals played Chinese checkers all the time while gossiping and having tea. The maidens wove and spun clothing, fixing their appearances and learning skills such as playing an instrument or dancing to entertain others.

Some picked up on other skills such as hunting and sewing, calligraphy and the arts.

Yang Jian did them all. Everything.

But nothing fulfilled him. He still saw the world in black and white, in boring staid uniforms.

Nothing really threatened him. Those troublesome days were over. He didn’t care about other immortals' opinions.

Occasionally he would go down to the mortal realm to explore and keep up with the latest developments. Mortals were a lot more interesting than celestials.

His life was stale. Forever was a long time. And now that he had earned his peace, he figures it’s time he found someone to spend that forever with him.

So he starts hunting. He was a hunter at heart after all. It was time to “hunt” a partner.

Conventionally, he’s learned Yin and Yang. Woman and Man. The perfect balance. So he tries to find a female companion.

There were multiple candidates. He even tried to connect with Chang’E in that manner. But they both understood that they could never work. They were much better off as simply friends, coworkers.

He dates other immortals of all different statuses. Servant girls. High ranked immortals and fairies. Cultivators.

He even dated Yao Guais and mortals, even though it was considered “taboo”.

What were they going to do about it? Tell him no? One of the perks with his status was he could do whatever he wanted.

But he had no one to do it with.

Sure he had friends. He had friends that were his ride or die. Brothers in combat, in life, in war.

But it was different. He wanted what the mortals had. He wanted what his mother had.

Heck, he even admired what his UNCLE had. The Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother’s marriage were renowned as the ultimate example of a union.

He wanted that. He wanted someone who could be with him.

And then it finally happened.

***

Yang Jian had been fishing when he saw the beam of golden light shine.

It had been unusual. But not overly so as to get his full attention. He assumed it was just a trick of the light, or some other kind of small musing magic.

Then he had been writing in his documents when he experienced the earthquake. An earthquake that could reach all the way up to GuanJiangKou was extremely rare.

Xiaotian had barked in worry. And Yang Jian had merely stood up, walking out of his study to see if it was anything happening near him.

Nothing.

Maybe it was nothing.

So he goes back to whatever he had been doing.

He kept hearing news from others. Something about a new Yao Guai that threatened their peace.

Everyone was worked up to a frenzy.

Yang Jian couldn’t care less.

Until his uncle summoned him. And Yang Jian decided to go. Because why not? It wasn’t like he had anything better to do.

He accepts the bribe that his uncle had sent. Gold and other precious metals that meant nothing to him. And dons his armor.

When he gets to the battlefield, he’s surprised by what he finds.

Instead of a massive army of monsters, it’s a meager sized tribe of monkeys pretending to be warriors. Some of them don’t even know how to properly wield a shield. In fact, most of them only have offensive weapons, no armor, and no shield at all!

What was this foolish army he was witnessing?

“It is not them we are fighting dear brother. It’s their leader,” one of his brothers commented to him.

Yang Jian nodded and still felt completely bored out of his mind. He had one last sliver of hope. One last remaining ounce of hope that maybe, just maybe, this Yao Guai or whatever this was would bring him some excitement. Something. Anything to make him feel more than simple boredom.

He almost dozed off to sleep as he waited for the small monkeys to call upon their leader. Maybe he should take a nap after this.

Then, he sees the familiar flash of golden light, the one he had seen that day a while back. His half lidded gaze falls on the creature that had made his uncle so desperate that he was summoned.

“Holy…”

Yang Jian’s eyes were no longer half lidded. They were wide open, shining with more interest than they had appeared in the last centuries.

It was his appearance and demeanor that caught Yang Jian’s attention at first.

Those dazzling haughty eyes, that sparkling armor. The soft beautiful fur that rustled in the wind with that long tail. The thin, lean form and posture of a warrior. The way he leaped and twirled in the air on his cloud, looking heroic and fierce. His peach colored face on his round head. His waist was so thin Yang Jian believed he could hold him, capture him with one arm. His shiny canines looked more enticing than threatening to Yang Jian.

Everything about him was just so…pretty. This enemy just looked so unreal. So breathtakingly charming he couldn’t breathe. Yang Jian wanted to get a closer look at this magnificent creature. This creature was unlike the other normal monkeys.

Yang Jian sensed the familiar power that managed to create that earthquake. It was definitely him. It was definitely this Sun Wukong that he had heard so much about.

And then he said something. And Yang Jian's ears were piqued with interest.

“You must be the infamous warrior Erlang Shen! I heard that your uncle and you had a falling out. Such a ridiculous family scandal your mother got herself into haha! And she created you as her bastard son!”

While the words were rather insulting, Yang Jian was expecting such words to come out of his audacious little mouth. After all, this monkey had already attacked 100,000 of their soldiers and WON single handedly. He clearly hated all celestials, and Yang Jian was no exception.

And that voice. It was so sharp, yet not grating to the ear. It was filled with confidence and reminded him of a soprano and yet was still male. He wondered what that voice would sound like when it was softer, gentler. More subdued. More relaxed.

He wanted to hear it.

“You measly little monkey dare to say such insults to me? Are you not afraid I will tear you from limb to limb and rip your guts out?”

“Ha! So far I, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, have managed to defeat your entire armies!! All of them have talked high tales just like you about how they would rip me to shreds and spit on my grave! Guess what? They’ve all been sent home crying! Some announced they were too ashamed to live! If you want to try getting revenge for them, then bring it! I want to see you try!”

Hearing these words, Yang Jian felt a sort of delightful shiver run through his body. He felt such joy his hands were trembling, his face flushed, and his chest heaving. The battle hadn’t even started, but he was already experiencing such an intense desire for more, it was exhilarating.

It was his brothers who made the first move. He instinctively followed and after all six of them were blown away, he clashed with Wukong for the first time.

The collision made Yang Jian’s blood boil with passion.

“You managed to block my attack.” He muttered out in astonishment. He was genuinely impressed. It had been so long since anyone could block his attacks so easily.

And so gracefully too. Wukong’s fighting style was similar to dancing. Yang Jian felt like he was witnessing a free show, just like the ones that his uncle watched during those parties by the performing maidens.

They fought through the skies, on the mountains and the fields. All the while, Yang Jian experienced a sort of realization of his own desires.

He wanted to trap Wukong, pin him down somehow and inspect him more closely. He wanted to touch him, touch his face, his fur, his waist. He wanted to be so close he could smell what Wukong’s bodily fragrance was. Every living being had one.

He wanted to make Wukong beg for mercy. But he also didn’t mind the idea of being the one begging Wukong for mercy either.

He wanted to capture Wukong, but if Wukong was the one who subdued him, he wouldn’t mind being submissive.

It was quite unusual. Such a strange feeling that Yang Jian wondered if he was placed under some sort of hypnotic spell. Had that first eye contact with Wukong been some sort of hypnosis?

Suddenly, Wukong’s attention was diverted towards somewhere. Yang Jian looked to see what had interrupted their intimate encounter.

His brothers were attacking the weak monkey armies rather than attacking Wukong. From a military standpoint, this was a brilliant strategy.

For the first time, Yang Jian noticed genuine fear appear on Wukong’s face. His eyes suddenly clouded with anxiety and he darts one last look at Erlang before turning to escape.

Erlang understood. Wukong wanted to retreat. And by retreating he could prevent the celestials from attacking his monkeys.

Erlang didn’t want to let Wukong get away. He couldn’t. Not after what he has just discovered. Not after all this. Wukong couldn’t just appear and give him his attention, make him finally feel like life was worth something just to take it all away again so soon.

He chases him. Wukong notices and tries all sorts of clever ways to avert him, but Erlang was nothing if not observant.

They transform into various forms, and Erlang was even more pleased with the notion of Wukong forcing him to keep up rather than the other way around.

He’s missed this. He’s missed having a challenge and he’s missed having an equal.

Erlang realizes that to him, this was the most bliss he’s felt in a long time.

But to Wukong, this was a matter of life and death.

Eventually, Xiaotian comes and intercepts when he notices that his master was taking longer than usual to subdue the enemy.

Xiaotian noticed an opening when Wukong was in his original form and launched forward, biting his leg.

Erlang wanted to smack Xiaotian away, but at the same time he knew he couldn’t. He cared about Xiaotian and didn’t want to punish him for protecting his master.

He also knew he was still being watched by the celestials above.

Wukong yelled out loud and smacked XiaoTian away himself, screaming curses while holding his leg, which was healing already.

Yang Jian laughed at how funny Wukong’s anger was. Even when shouting and pouting, he sounded so adorable.

Then, he was terrified when Wukong suddenly froze and became limp, falling down, down, down to the ground.

Ropes suddenly appeared and trapped Wukong all around his body. Erlang’s heart hurt when he saw how they chained the little monkey up. So many wires and chains that Erlang could barely even see Wukong underneath.

“Great job, Erlang Shen. You will be heavily rewarded for your service.”

His brothers all patted him on the back and Tai Shang LaoJun seemed to be waiting for his reply of gratitude.

Yang Jian only glared at the old man, swallowing down the venomous curses he was so tempted to shout out.

***

Erlang was more happy witnessing Wukong’s execution than he had been expecting himself to be.

Wukong was exactly the way he had expected. Haughty. Rude. Bold.

Beautiful.

Even under all of those chains, even after the fighting and the unkempt fur. He still appeared as glorious as ever.

He taunted the emperor when the Jade Emperor offered to make peace (which everyone knew wasn’t actually possible. Wukong had done far too much damage to be so easily forgiven).

With each failure, Erlang felt more and more delighted.

When Wukong was placed in the fiery furnace, Erlang had been busy trying to not burn down Wukong’s island. It was rather impeccable timing.

He hadn’t even known Wukong had been placed in the fiery furnace until much later.

The celestials all agreed that the best course of punishment other than death for Wukong’s egregious crimes would be to burn down his home. All of the monsters who had assisted him were all naturally also guilty. Kill them all in one fair swoop!

Erlang pretended to agree. And he did go through with burning down the island.

But just the part the immortals could see.

And they never said to burn the “monsters” directly.

He didn’t save the other Yaos, but he did manage to save all of the monkeys on the island from the fire by having XiaoTian lead them to safety before the deed was done.

He helped them recover and assured them their king was safe before heading back.

By the time he returned from his mission, the furnace was already in shambles.

Ling Xiao Bao Dian was in ruins.

The immortals had all fled off in all four cardinal directions.

Sun Wukong was gone.

He found out from Guan Yin PuSa what had happened.

Unbelievable.

Incredible.

Sun Wukong actually managed to…to accomplish the unprecedented feat.

Whenever people mention the Havoc in Heaven, they most likely think of the battles Wukong had with the various soldiers. Or perhaps when he ate the immortals pills and ruined the Peach Banquet.

But no. The real Havoc had been this one. It had happened after Wukong was placed into the fiery furnace.

Erlang sighed as he glanced around.

What marvelous destruction.

And then, he flies back home, leaving the immortals to sort out the consequences to their own actions themselves.

***
His days weren’t monochrome anymore.

He had something to look forward to.

Every night, he had dreams. Ridiculous ones.

But wonderful nonetheless. They were fantasies yes, but they were all so real feeling.

He was sitting all alone in his room, staring out the window and waiting for someone.

Suddenly, he heard a voice call out his name.

“Who are you waiting for, Erlang Shen?”

He turned around to see a young maiden, who he knew was Wukong in disguise, wearing a thin robe and smiling. The “lady” looked a bit shy and “she” meekly blushed.

“I was waiting for the most beautiful person I know,” he said in his dream.

“Oh? Have they arrived yet?” Wukong walked closer, standing in front of him.

This close, Yang Jian could smell the familiar sweet scent of flowers and peaches wafting from Wukong.

“Not yet. Maybe you can help me find them.” He replies in his dream.

Wukong sat on the bed beside him, touching his face and neck. Yang Jian trembles when he feels Wukong’s warm breath brushing against his ear, “Maybe I could keep you company instead.”

Wukong kisses his earlobe and then licks it, making Yang Jian feel a sudden heat swell up all over. His arms wrapped around Wukong as he kissed him with passion.

In this form, Wukong’s lips were soft like a woman’s. His waist was delicate and his bosoms large. Yang Jian kisses his face and murmurs, “Madam, do find me to be a good kisser?”

The lady kisses back as “she” gasps, “The best. The person you are waiting for is very lucky.”

Yang Jian pushes “her” against the bed, pinning her smooth, soft hands down. Her black, lustrous hair was sprawled out on the bed and her eyes were glazed over. Yang Jian felt her shaking a bit. He was fascinated with the details that told him this was really the one he loved.

After a while of staring, the “lady” pouts and says, “Does the great Erlang Shen feel lust for this perfect body of mine? If so, go ahead. Take me.”

Yang Jian felt himself smirking in his dream. He loosens his grip on “her” wrists and says, “You are very beautiful, madam. But I’m waiting for someone else. The person I’m waiting for is far more beautiful than you.”

The “lady” sat up and demanded, “This is not to your standards? Then what is?”

Yang Jian touched the lady’s forehead and uttered a spell. Soon, the lady disappeared and in her place was Sun Wukong, with the same markings on his body that the lady had.

“Hello Wukong. When did you get here?” Yang Jian joked.

Wukong blushed even more out of embarrassment. “H-When did you know it was me?”

“I’ve known it was you all along. You are not as subtle as you think.”

And then he would wake up just as if started to get to the good part. He would feel both shame for such ridiculous thoughts, but also feel like it was his own precious secret.

500 years later, he heard the news he had been waiting for.

And then one fateful day, he meets the one who has haunted his dreams for centuries.

When he meets Wukong again, he’s a bit surprised by how…docile the monkey has become.

There was still that familiar air of confidence. Still that slight brightness of mischief in his eyes. But he wasn’t wild or untamable anymore.

He greeted Erlang properly with a respectful tone and a small smile and Erlang didn’t know if he felt more shocked or pleased by this.

But at the same time, he was afraid to be disappointed.

Has Wukong changed even more than he realized?

He does something bold. He reaches out and grabs Wukong’s hand.

It had rough callouses on the palms from all the fighting and work. But it was warm. And soft on the back.

It was so small. Smaller than Yang Jian would have expected. But he had claws on the end of them. But it was more human than monkey paw.

Yang Jian was fascinated by it. He was so fascinated and this was just his hand. His hand!

He couldn’t imagine what would happen if he managed to touch the rest of Wukong. He wanted to reach up and hold his face, but he knew that would be far too much.

Wukong was tilting his head and giving him a curious smile now, looking unsure of what to do.

Erlang squeezed the small, warm hand as a sign of affection. Wukong squeezes back with a grip that reminded Erlang of their past sparring.

So much power, so much life in that small frame.

When Wukong retrieved his hand back, Erlang felt such loss he almost lunged forward and DRAGGED all of Wukong towards himself.

But they had a job to do. And he couldn’t afford to lose this second chance at getting closer to the monkey king.

Chapter Text

“We brothers can lure the monster up. After we tire it out, Great Sage, you can vanquish it while we keep it from reentering the water. How does that sound?”

Wukong was pleased with this plan along with Bajie, who was honestly just happy that he didn’t have to do some unpleasant work by himself again.

“Brother Erlang, what do you think?” Zi Zhen asked.

Truth be told, Erlang was not paying attention to what his brothers were saying at the moment. He was too busy admiring the way the sunlight made Wukong’s golden fur shine even brighter.

“What? Oh yes. Splendid strategy.”

The brothers could tell Erlang did not know what was going on, but they did not wish to be the one to point it out. Wukong had no idea what was happening. His mind was only focused on retrieving his master.

Even so, the brothers formed their formation above the large body of water and Erlang understood immediately what was happening. He too gets into position and deliberately shows off his weapon, the spear, and takes a glance at Wukong.

Wukong was also looking at him and his eyes flickered away when they made eye contact. Erlang wished he could stare at them freely without making Wukong uncomfortable.

“How do you like my weapon, Great Sage?”

Wukong replied, “It’s very impressive. However, the weapon itself is nothing if not for the user’s own strength.”

He was well aware that Wukong had a very clever mouth, but hearing such flagrant flattery made Erlang feel as if he soared to cloud ten.

“You as well. The dragon king’s Sea Calming Pillar is nothing compared to its user’s might.”

“Y-

“Brother! The monster is here now!”

While Yang Jian had been conversing with Wukong, the other brothers had been busy taunting and luring the water Yao out and it worked.

The brothers immediately reacted and began attacking the brute in coordinated attacks. They wanted to force him as far away from the water as possible.

Because Yang Jian had not really been paying attention earlier to the strategy plan, he immediately went ahead and attacked the beast directly rather than luring it towards Wukong for a surprise ambush.

With a few strikes, the beast nearly died from the sheer force of the attacks before it forced itself to fall back into the water at a frightening speed, disappearing into the depths.

The group all looked at each other and knew that this was not the end.

They would have to try again tomorrow.

***

At night, Wukong surprised him with some words that Erlang never expected to ever come out of the bold monkey’s mouth.

They were alone (thank goodness) because the others had gone to sleep after drinking wine together. They had set up tents and created a fireplace.

Wukong learned from his previous mistakes about getting drunk and excused himself from the party early. Erlang took a couple of drinks before leaving as well. Now, they were the only two who were still awake. The rest of the group were completely wasted.

Erlang found Wukong sitting alone beside a fireplace, staring at the red and yellow flames with a calm poker face that made Erlang a bit nervous. Wukong was usually so expressive. An expressionless appearance did not suit him at all.

They didn’t speak. Erlang was content with observing Wukong in silence. Under the moonlight and illuminated by the fireplace beside them, Wukong looked ethereal. To Erlan, he was a mystical creature even rarer than a three eyed demigod.

The silence was broken when Wukong made the first statement. His face had twisted into one of anxiety (which also did not suit Wukong at all).

“I’m sorry.”

Yang Jian paused before uttering out, “Pardon?”

“I’m sorry. I know you probably still hate me. And you don’t ever have to see me again after this.”

Yang Jian’s mouth hung open and he furrowed his brows at Wukong. He knows his expression must not be a very cordial one, seeing how Wukong looked even more pained after glancing over to see his reaction.

“When have I ever said that I hate you? I don’t.”

Wukong perked up in surprise, which surprised Erlang even more.

“Really? But this whole time you’ve…you’ve been so angry with me.”

“Angry? I’ve not felt anger!”

“Then why do you keep shooting me such hateful stares?”

Erlang’s eyes widened. Was this true? This entire time had he been unintentionally FRIGHTENING Wukong?!

“Dasheng, I promise I do not hate you. The reason is simply because I-

I’m fascinated by every aspect of your existence. Because I want to touch you? I want to hold you and study every part of you possible? I want to know you so well that I know you better than I know myself? I want to cherish you like a precious treasure because you're the only being that’s mattered this much to me in a long, long time? Because I love-

“Because I admire you.”

Wukong looked at him with an incredulous expression. Erlang wondered why Wukong wasn’t willing to take a compliment from him.

“You? Admire me? You have a funny sense of humor. The great prince of heaven admires me, a lowly servant who begs for alms daily?”

Erlang replied, “I do. I’ve admired you since the first meeting, back when you were the wild warrior who challenged the entire armies of the celestial court alone.”

“But that’s not me. Not anymore. I’ve put that all behind me now.”

“Then who are you now?”

Wukong turned his head upwards to look at the stars that shone above them. He closed his eyes and breathed out.

“I’m still Sun Wukong. I’m still the monkey king. But I also have many different names. Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Bimawen. Sun Xingzhe or Pilgrim. Harbinger of Chaos. Demon. Yao Guai. Monster. I suppose I’m all of these things. Are you sure you still admire me?”

“Yes. Titles are trivial matters. What I care about is you.”

Wukong paused as didn’t seem to know how to react. His tail swished with a sort of curious manner, and his head was tilted to one side, looking at Erlang with a sparkle in his eyes.

“I was convinced that you hated me. Because the last time we met each other, we were direct enemies. I insulted you and your family, destroyed the celestial realm, hurt your uncle, and proclaimed myself to be the strongest in all the realms even though I lived like a savage for 500 years after the Buddha subdued me. Never in a millennia would imagine you to admire someone like me.”

Erlang shook his head.

“Of course I do. You see, Great Sage you should know that I’ve hated my uncle since I was born. He hurt my family, my mother and father, and the rest of the celestial court turned a blind eye to my personal sufferings. By destroying and injuring them, you have accomplished a long lasting fantasy revenge that I’ve wanted to achieve. So I thank you.”

Wukong’s mouth was wide open as he heard this speech. Erlang watched with amusement as Wukong’s tail thumped with excitement and his ear twitched and his eyes started shining brighter than before.

“Re-really?”

Erlang nodded. “And plus, you were the strongest in the heavens. Your title as the Great Sage is well deserved.”

“Oh no. No. You are clearly stronger than I am.” Wukong shook his head at Erlang’s compliment.

“You are smarter.” Erlang replied.

“Well you have more experience.” Wukong retorted.

“You have more potential.”

“You are more skilled.”

“But you are far more agile.”

“Agility is something you clearly also have!”

Erlang laughed as he suddenly traveled closer and appeared right next to Wukong, faces so close, Erlang could feel Wukong breath on his face.

This close Erlang could smell Wukong’s scent, that scent that he had been craving to smell. It was sweet, sweeter than wine and far less apparent. But it was there. He briefly wonders how Wukong doesn’t stink since he had been traveling without a consistent hygiene schedule, but he doesn’t care enough to point it out.

“How’s that for agility, Great Sage?”

Wukong sucked in a breath and Erlang saw that his eyebrows were raised. His pink lips moved and he heard, “N-not bad.”

There it was. The voice that he had wanted to hear. It sounded so…meek. And quiet. Different from the ones he had heard before.

They stayed like that for a while, staring at each other with a sort of intense, yet peaceful silence.

…which was broken by the loud sounds of the tent, where the rest of their companions were waking up now.

Chapter Text

The next morning, they immediately head to the shore in order to defeat the Yao Guai once and for all.

Wukong decided to go down there in disguise and defeat the monster the old fashion way: trickery and pranks.

Erlang didn’t like that idea at all. Because the “trickery" involved a bit of flirtatious actions. With that monster.

“You have mentioned how you prefer to stay above water when in combat. That’s the reason why we’ve had to lure him out in the first place.”

Wukong puffed his cheeks (which made Erlang’s heart squeeze from his cute it looked) and replied, “But I’m still able to fight underwater. That’s where I got my staff after all! I might not prefer it, but for my master I’m willing.”

Erlang frowned and suggested, “Let TianPeng Yuan Shuai go down instead. Your territory is in the water. You should be fine.”

Bajie groaned out loud and said, “Must I? Why do I always have to do the worst jobs..,”

Wukong grunted and pulled at his floppy ears.

“Daizi! This is for Master’s sake. How could you be so lazy? Go! Go!”

Seeing that he had no choice, Bajie goes down to the water disguised as a river Yao Guai.

A few minutes later, Bajie flies out with the Yao Guai hot on his tail screaming, “I’ll kill you you son of a b*tch!”

Wukong laughed at this saying, “One thing I know Bajie is great at is provoking people to anger. I lose a few hairs every day being with him.”

Then, Wukong immediately dives right towards the Yao and gives him a wack while he was screaming at Bajie. A combat continues and the Meishan Brothers make sure that the Yao has no where to escape to.

Erlang watches while guarding the entrance back to the cave of the Yao.

Even after all these years, Wukong’s beauty in combat still has not changed one bit. He’s just as majestic and glorious as the day Yang Jian met him…

He breaks out of his mesmerized state once he sees the monster managing to make a hit on Wukong’s shoulder, making the monkey king cry out in pain.

Honestly speaking, the hit was nothing serious and Wukong didn’t actually feel all that hurt. But to Erlang, this was enough to send him into a frenzy.

He goes and shouts out a battle cry, slicing off one of the monster’s nine heads and sending it back where it came from. He sends his spear after him and manages to cut off eight other heads, leaving the monster with only his main human-like head.

“Erlang Shen! Erlang you can stop now! The monster is already very much defeated!”

Wukong’s voice manages to break Erlang out of his murderous state of mind and he takes a deep breath, releasing his anger.

Wukong’s hand was grabbing his arm, tightly and firmly yet not too much. His eyes were shining with concern and his face had a little expression of both fear and relief.

Looking at him, Erlang couldn’t recall what made him so rageful earlier.

Bajie broke the silence and shouted at his HouGe to go down below and help him retrieve their master only for Erlang to reply back with, “I believe a single mortal would not be too heavy for you to carry, mighty Tian Peng Yuan Shuai.”

Wukong chuckled a bit at his little snarky comment and Erlang smiled back, happy to have made Wukong laugh.

They all fly back to the shore while waiting for Bajie to rescue Tang out of the water.

***
Soon, they spot the monk in his bright red kasaya and Bajie, who was dripping wet and huffing in melodramatic tiredness.

Wukong’s reaction was immediate as he dashed over to greet his master.

“Master! Master!”

Erlang had never seen such joy on Wukong’s face before, from his voice.

He watches as Wukong runs into his master’s arms and hugs him close, nuzzling into Tang’s chest, not caring about the wetness in the slightest. Tang Sanzang was laughing and he gave his oldest disciple a pat on the head.

“Yes, I’m here, Wukong. Master is fine now.”

“I was so scared. Master, you have to stop worrying me so much…”

“I apologize.”

“Are you tired, Master? Hungry? Thirsty?”

“No, no! I’m fine. I just got rescued! Well, perhaps I do need to sit down for a bit…”

Erlang watches as Wukong assists his master with taking off the wet garments and settling down. Wukong gives Tang a blanket to for covering and uses his own fluffy body to keep his master warm.

Erlang felt an ugly sensation of desire and rage swirling deep within him.

Luckily, Wukong seemed to sense some feelings of tension and he quickly went over to Erlang’s side and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards his master. Erlang obediently follows suit.

He cheerfully introduces Erlang saying, “Master, this here is Erlang Shen. He alongside the Meishan Brothers assisted us in your rescue.”

Tang smiled widely and bowed to them in a respectful gesture, “Why thank you. I am eternally grateful for your assistance.”

Erlang smiled back, albeit a bit strained while the other Brothers politely laughed and stated that it was really no big deal.

Afterwards, Yuan Hong says, “We should probably start heading back. It has been a while. Perhaps we could continue our hunting trip?”

The others all nodded, minus Erlang who stated, “You guys should go ahead. I’m going to stay here for a bit.”

Zhi Zhen inquired, “Brother Erlang, what is the matter? Is there still something we must do?”

Erlang shook his head.

“No, I just still have some words I must exchange with the Great Sage. It should not take us too long.”

Wukong manages to conceal his surprise and only briefly looked at Erlang with a shocked, widened stare before reverting back into his casual gaze.

Tang only nodded and smiled, not knowing what was going on. Bajie was still busy drying off his clothes.

The brothers all looked at each other and implicitly understood that there was no changing Erlang’s mind. They nodded and bid him farewell for now.

Erlang looked at Wukong again and said, “Shall we continue our conversation from last night later?”

***
Erlang followed the pilgrim group for a while (Sha Monk was very honored and flustered to see that Erlang Shen was joining them and Dragon Prince just didn’t care) and was not quite content with what he found.

Wukong seemed MUCH more docile and obedient than he remembered from last time. Gone was the loud mouthed warrior. Now, Wukong was at his master’s every beck and call, getting water or food whenever Tang asked him to. It had been days of this continuous servitude and Erlang was starting to wonder if there was something MORE happening beneath the surface of just “master-disciple.”

Erlang was a bit (no EXTREMELY) bitter when he saw how close they were. Why did this bald weakling get to be so close to Wukong? Why did Tang get this privilege? This privilege of Wukong undivided attention?

***
Eventually, his patience wore off his chance for closeness came.

While settling down for a break one day (that was really only for Tang’s sake since nobody else needed to rest, Wukong would walk over and sometimes hug his Master from behind, making happy sounds as he wrapped his arms around Tang’s body.

Tang wasn’t surprised in the slightest and eats his food contently just like that, with Wukong sitting behind him. In this manner, Wukong was relaxed, his tail swaying casually and his eyes closed.

The other pilgrims sat close by doing their own individual tasks. Sha was busy stretching out his aching muscles (from carrying all the luggage) and Bajie was trying to take a nap. Bai Long Ma was eating grass, minding his own business.

Erlang was sitting beside Tang and Wukong, watching them closely. His eye couldn’t help but always revert back to watching the tail, long and fluffy, just within arm’s reach.

Slowly, he reaches cautiously over and lightly touches the tip of it, feeling its softness and fluffiness for a split second before the thing suddenly stands up and the fur spikes, smacking Erlang’s hand away.

Wukong’s calm expression was no more as he whips toward where Erlang was and looks at him, eyes wide. His grip on Tang became a bit tighter and Tang coughed a bit, patting his disciple’s arms to loosen his hold.

Wukong apologized and lets go, sitting behind Tang and looking a bit curiously at Erlang, arms now on his knees. Erlang felt a bit ashamed for having disturbed Wukong’s peace and was about to leave (and possibly cry alone).

Unexpectedly, Wukong asks him, “Erlang Shen, do you want to touch my fur?”

Erlang was a bit surprised at this straightforward question and stammered a bit, “Well..,yes. You look like you take very good care of it.”

Wukong chuckled a bit and said, “I always eat vegetarian food and I try to groom it every time I get a chance. However, I have to confess I don’t shower as much as the mortals do.”

Erlang wanted to tell him that it really didn’t matter. For some reason, Wukong didn’t stink at all. In fact, there was a slight distinct scent of nature and fruits lingering around them. And Erlang knew it wasn’t coming from himself.

Instead he replied, “Naturally as a pilgrim going on this noble journey, you would not have the luxury of a shower every day. I admire your mettle in this endeavor.”

Maybe it was a bit too apparent how much he wanted Wukong to like him. But if there was one thing he knew Wukong liked, it was praise.

It works, much to his delight. Wukong blushes a bright pink (even more pink than his usual pink peach face) and rubs the sideburns on his face in embarrassment.

“Oh it’s really nothing. I um. I’m sorry for slapping your hand earlier. I just am not used to having close physical contact with others.”

Others. Wukong still saw him as just “others” like everyone else. Like a stranger.

Erlang tries and fails to keep the bitterness out of his tone when he comments, “You seem to be quite comfortable with touching your master.”

Unfortunately, Wukong’s face (which was a very pretty face indeed) lights up and he says, “Yes, well. My master is naturally an exception. He was the only one who showed me a gentle touch once I escaped from my mountain prison. I’ve grown to adore his loving touches. Back in the monkey tribe, all of us would embrace and groom each other. I missed having that these past few centuries. The pilgrims are my tribe now.”

Erlang felt his heart sink hearing Wukong’s explanation for his actions. He felt awful for being so jealous and angry at Wukong’s closeness with Tang. It appears that Wukong sees Tang as a sort of savior (which he technically was).

And who was he to intrude on this small blissful group? Erlang was just an interloper. He was only “others”. He wasn’t even supposed to be here.

But he wanted to. He wanted to see Wukong to just be near him so badly. The days he spent without any traces or contact with Wukong had been monochrome. He had hope and color because of the belief that he would see Wukong again. But it wasn’t enough to just hope now. He wanted the real deal…

In the end, he was just being selfish. He should just leave-

“Erlang Shen is welcome to pet my fur if you wish. I just am a bit sensitive. But I promise I won’t bite.”

Wukong interrupted his thoughts with an offer of physical contact. He was looking down at his feet now, bright eyes blinking rapidly from anxiety. Probably fear of rejection.

How could Erlang possibly reject an offer like that?

Erlang cautiously plants a hand on top of Wukong’s head, feeling his fingers sinking deeper and deeper into the sea of softness that almost made him moan with delight.

It was like touching heaven. But if heaven was soft, golden grass on a sunny day. To make matters better, he seemed to be doing it well as Wukong was making happy little chirping sounds with every caress.

So cute…

Tang had left them a while ago to go check up on Sha and Bajie while Bai Long Ma (which was still present) only glanced at the two of them with an indifferent gaze.

Erlang grows a bit bolder and uses a hand to cup Wukong’s face, caressing his soft pink cheeks. Wukong’s eyes were closed, enjoying every sensation and Erlang felt his heart skip a beat when he noticed Wukong’s eye markings were more magnificent than he remembered.

His face was also very handsome and sweet looking, especially now that he wasn’t hissing or being fierce. Erlang was very happy that he got to witness this rare sight of Wukong.

He looks down and sees Wukong’s neck, which was covered with less fur than his head, to the point where he could see the collarbones sticking out. Impulsively, he leans down and gives the neck a sniff, burying his face there and using his other arm to pull Wukong’s smaller frame closer. He uses his own body weight to push Wukong against the stone, which had been where Tang had sat.

Erlang was surprised when Wukong made no attempt to shove him away for being far too close than he should be. In fact, Wukong was touching back and was holding a few strands of his black, ink hair in his claws.

“Such beautiful hair, Erlang Shen. I’m jealous,” Wukong remarked with a sort of soft low voice. His eyes were half lidded and his mouth was in an upwards smile.

“You shouldn’t be. You’re far more beautiful,” Erlang responded back, leaning so close to Wukong’s face that their noses were almost touching. If he scooted a bit closer he would be able to kiss Wukong on the lips.

Erlang felt that if he allowed this moment to pass, he might never get a chance like this again.

And so, he risks it all and leans forward.

Wukong makes a muffled shout as his mouth is completely covered by Erlang’s, with a tongue that enters in eagerly, tasting every crevice.

Erlang traps Wukong in even tighter, hand on his waist (which was such a thin, slender thing) pulling him forward and the intensity of the kissing pushing his back against the stone.

Eventually, Wukong manages to break away and shoves Erlang a bit further away from him. His saliva was trailing down and his chest was heaving heavily, eyes watering and the back of his hand up to wipe away the traces of their kiss.

“E-Erlang Shen, were you trying to suffocate me?!”

It’s the fact that Wukong sounded genuinely surprised and even a bit betrayed that made Erlang feel relieved.

“Oh no no! I was just trying to show you affection. The way mortals do.”

Wukong manages to catch his breath again and asks, “So this is the “kiss” that I’ve heard so much about?”

Erlang nodded, feeling both ashamed and giddy.

“Yes. It is. I hope I did not hurt you or-

“Oh no it didn’t feel…bad. It felt..acceptable.”

(Erlang wanted to punch a mountain from sheer excitement at this comment)

Wukong continued, “But brother. You probably shouldn’t do such things with me. People might misunderstand.”

Erlang was confused. “Misunderstand what?”

Wukong swallowed and blushed, "That you…might have romantic intentions of course. Which I am sure you do no-

“I do. I have very strong romantic intentions.”

“Eh?”

Erlang smiled and said, “I want to court you. Great Sage. I’ve wanted to since we’ve met.”

There was a pause. A silence. Before Wukong exclaimed, “Really?! But-but the last time we met each other we were trying to KILL each other!”

“It was the best fight of my life. I loved every second of it.”

“I insulted your mother, your family.”

“As I’ve already said, you managed to accomplish my one desirable fantasy of revenge. And I thank you for that.”

Wukong still looked incredulous and confused, as if he wouldn’t believe it even if Erlang wrote it out in the stars themselves for all to see.

When Wukong’s mouth opens again, Erlang kisses him to silence the next question.

Wukong didn’t try too hard to fight against this and even leaned into his embrace this time, his hands holding onto Erlang’s chest.

In between kisses, he still made comments about how this couldn’t possibly happen.

“You-but you’re a prince. I’m a monk…”

“You’re also a king. And I’m a disobedient rebel right now.”

“But why me?”

Erlang gives him a long and gentle kiss, feeling every sensation and making a little moan of content.

“Why not you? You’re just so perfect. So lovely.”

Wukong blinks but doesn’t comment anymore, a bit breathless from kissing and not having the will to protest anymore at the moment.

It wasn’t until Bai Long Ma neighed, warning them that the company was returning, that they separated themselves. Wukong dusted and smoothed out his clothes, tightening his scarf which had been torn off by Erlang and cinched his tiger skirt again, which had nearly fallen.

Bai Long Ma rolled his eyes as Tang and the others obliviously returned.

Bajie noticed the signs but didn’t say anything out loud, only making hand gestures to ask if anything had “happened.” Wukong nearly broke his ribs from the side whack he gave.

Chapter Text

 

Wukong was confused by his own reaction towards Erlang Shen. 

 

From the moment he saw the war deity, he knew this immortal was different from the rest. He wasn’t just prettier (goodness, he was so pretty) but he was also…kinder. 

 

Someone worthy of respect. Someone who could talk high tales but have the skills to match it. Someone who didn’t radiate unadulterated hatred towards Wukong, but instead showed intrigue. 

 

He enjoyed the fight, as much as he didn’t want to admit it. And he really liked Erlang Shen, which was why he deliberately tried to edge him on, even visiting and ruining his temple.

 

Wukong wanted to see just how much he could do before Erlang’s intrigue turned into anger.

 

But it never happened. In fact, Erlang seemed amused the entire time. Even happy. He never once lost sight of where Wukong was. He never once displayed fury or contempt, even when everyone else called Wukong a monster.

 

At his execution, Wukong glanced over, while the blood flowing from his body and head made him feel impure, at where Erlang was sitting.

 

The war god’s face was stoic, expressionless, and calm. But Wukong saw past that facade. 

 

He saw a glimmer of something in those eyes. But he didn’t know what it was. 

 

Erlang hadn’t looked away once during the event. Wukong almost felt a bit shy and embarrassed. Here he was, dirty and mocked by all while Erlang was sitting high above, witnessing the whole thing.

 

Later on after he survived the furnace and gained his eyes, he wondered briefly where Erlang went. 

 

And he worried what Erlang would think about him now that he had fully transformed into a monster. Those eyes were hideous, there was no denying that. 

 

When he foolishly agreed to the Buddha’s challenge and lost, he had a lot of time to think while under the mountain.

 

He thought about his family, his home. He wondered what would happen to them now. Would they get punished? What would the immortals do? 

 

And then he thought about what led him here. All the choices and decisions and people he met. 

 

His master. His old sworn friends. 

 

His opponents. Like that three eyed sage who still haunted his dreams.

 

Sometimes, he would defeat Erlang in his dreams and arrogantly claim him as his wife. He was the only worthy of his attention after all, and he, the monkey king, deserved such a partner. 

 

Sometimes, Erlang would be the one to subdue him. He didn’t mind those types of dreams either. He would fight but always concede. He would even intentionally allow Erlang to subdue him, becoming meeker and sweeter. 

 

Maybe being under the mountain for centuries was making him become insane. Maybe he needed to forget.

 

Just because the guy was interesting. Just because he was powerful and skilled and intelligent. Just because he was the most gorgeous being Wukong had ever seen with long ink black hair and shining armor.

 

Did not mean he cared for Wukong at all. And it did not mean that Wukong should care about him either.

 

Forget and forgive. That was the way to go.

 

Even though he was pretty sure that something had been in Erlang’s eyes. Perhaps he had imagined it though.

 

***

 

At Bibotan, Wukong was surprised by how cordial Erlang treated him. 

 

After all this time, the most he expected from the war deity was politeness. The rational expectation would be hatred. They were enemies the last time they met after all. And he just now remembered how rude he was to Erlang (he knew better now after watching Tang’s actions and then comparing them to his own). 

 

After traveling with his Master, he’s realized the errors of his old ways and realized his faults. 

 

Ignorance had made him delusional. Arrogance had caused his downfall. He shouldn’t expect anything more than what was necessary. 

 

However, Erlang surprised him. Not only was the sage cordial, he was also overly friendly for someone who was supposed to hate Wukong. They made conversation without insulting one another. And Wukong was pleasantly surprised to learn that he hadn’t left a horribly bad impression on Erlang the first time they had met.

 

He solved Wukong’s problem, allowing him to return to his Master’s side, and even offered to stay behind.

 

Wukong assumed it was to ensure the group remained safe until they reached their next stop. 

 

Never in a million years had he expected Erlang to KISS him. 

 

Apparently, the conversation they had meant far more to Erlang than Wukong had expected. Of all the things he expected, Erlang Shen kissing him was the last thing.

 

At first he only wanted Erlang to touch him. 

 

Erlang, perhaps accidentally, just happened to brush against the sensitive part of his tail. It was so surprising, Wukong slapped him and was startled.

 

Erlang apologized and Wukong felt embarrassed at his own actions. How could he still be so rude? 

 

So, he decided to make it up to Erlang. He wasn’t quite sure how, but if Erlang wanted to touch his tail, then he saw no problem with it. Sure, it was a very intimate and personal area, but Wukong didn’t mind it. Especially for his savior.

 

He offers Erlang the opportunity to pet his fur. Even though he usually doesn’t like to allow others to touch it, he makes sure to stay very still for Erlang.

 

It was probably the best idea he had ever had.

 

Wukong briefly recounted that Erlang owned a dog. Maybe that was why he was so, SO good at caressing. At touching and loving and holding Wukong’s face and head. 

 

Wukong doesn’t even notice when they got so close to each other. He doesn’t even realize that Erlang’s entire body was pressed against his, and that his face was buried in Wukong’s neck. It all just felt so natural, so comforting. 

 

He does feel Erlang’s own hair brushing against him. Those long, silky strands of night colored hair. So beautiful and perfectly smooth, Wukong couldn’t help himself. He reached out and touched them, holding them in his claws. 

 

“Such beautiful hair, Erlang Shen. I’m jealous,” he says, a bit silly from relaxation. His barriers were lowered now, and he lost his usual filter.

 

When Erlang called him “beautiful,” Wukong was busy trying to think of a good reply. How was Wukong beautiful? 

 

He didn’t get a chance too, because Erlang leaned forward and kissed him. 

 

Wukong gasped a bit from shock and tried to fight against it, which only resulted in them getting even closer. He felt Erlang’s entire frame pressed against his now, those strong arms encircling his waist. Those perfect, soft lips against his own. 

 

That peach blossom scent that Erlang had lingered around, making Wukong slightly drunk from the sweetness of the moment.

 

He realizes he hasn’t breathed in a while, distracted by the kissing, and then also remembers just what exactly this might look like to outsiders. This prompts him to shove Erlang away, and he tries to convince himself to stay grounded and calm.

 

He pretends not to understand what a kiss is. He cannot be delusional and expect-

 

“I have very strong romantic intentions.”

 

Huh? 

 

“I want to court you. Great Sage. I’ve wanted to since we’ve met.”

 

There was no way. 

 

“You’re just so perfect. So lovely.”

 

 

As much as he tried to persuade himself, he couldn’t help but keep kissing. He couldn’t help but want to believe in Erlang’s words. To believe that this magnificent immortal might actually love him. Love a monster like him.

 

***

 

Now, centuries later after the journey was over, he believes wholeheartedly.

 

Every time Wukong asks, Erlang tells him why he loves him. 

 

“Your laugh. It’s so bright that it physically lights up my day when I hear it.”

 

“Your fur. So pretty and soft.”

 

“Your warmth. It comforts me on this snowy mountain.”

 

“Your eyes. The most beautiful golden colors I have ever seen.”

 

When they make love, Erlang praises the parts he adores. He gently touches and holds and caresses all the parts that he knew made Wukong moan with bliss. 

 

Erlang knew everything there was to know about his love, and still wanted to know more.

 

As they laid there in contentment, and as Wukong drifted off to sleep, he hears Erlang mutter,

 

“I’m so glad I met you, my love. You’ve brought my life so much color.”

 

Wukong wasn’t quite sure what that meant. 

 

But he was sure it was a confession of love.