'Knock, knock.'

You open the front door of your complex to find a worried Macaque. "I came as fast as I heard." He puffed as though he uncharacteristically raced to the café. "What did you want to talk about?"

You choke back the tears and move aside for him to enter dropping a bombshell. "Sun and I broke up." Your voice was barely above a whisper.

Macaque raises his brows, dumbstruck by the news after jumping hoops for the monkey. He rubs the back of his head uncertain of what to except apologize. "What was the reason, if you don't mind me asking?"

"We thought we could work it out after Lady Bone Demon." You started. "It turns out we were incompatible. Our promises kept breaking until we couldn't tolerate each other anymore. We couldn't fix what was broken so I called it off." Tears stream down your cheeks. It tugs at the simian's heartstrings to see you distraught. "A week later, MK said he left Flower Fruit mountain to who knows where."

"Wukong's missing?" Macaque parroted.

You wipe the tears away and cup his face, diverting the topic. "I found out why I was miserable. It's because I fell in love with you. All this time it's been you, Macaque."

The aforementioned ape's heart skips a beat to hear your reciprocation, yet your eyes are dull. "Doll, I'm flattered but I-" He pulls away and steps back but each time you would move forward until he's caged between you and the wall. You lean in to rub your cheek against his. He shivers upon the cold touch. "Doll, what are you doing?"

"Nuzzling you. Isn't that what you want, cutie pie?" You giggled.

"What did you just say?" You stiffen at the sound of his menacing tone. "Cutie pie isn't in (Y/n)'s vocabulary, nor would she be so calm about Wukong's disappearance." He stated.

"What are you insinuating, mate? That I'm not (Y/N)?"

"That's precisely my deduction." Macaque places you in a chokehold, unconvinced. "Ya see, when it comes to deception, I'm a master of the art." He boasted, squeezing your throat tighter. "I can see right through your little tricks."

Your expression contorts to annoyance. "Crud, guess the jig is up." Your voice suddenly carries an Australian accent, intriguing Macaque. The room glitches into darkness safe for the furniture. The imposter dusts themselves off as they now stand across from their enemy. "I knew we should have tossed you in the desert." Macaque takes in his surroundings as the imposter continues, "This was a waste of time." You turn to your right as if someone else was standing next to you. "Well, I thought you were Monkey King or his twin brother."

"Brother?" Macaque clicks his tongue, "hardly. Not anymore at least."

"See? Waste of time. Now, we gotta start all over." You begin to argue with yourself making it unsettling for Macaque watch.

"Ok, as amusing as this is, I'm gonna go."

"Ha! You can't leave. You're stuck here forever." You laughed.

"Wanna bet?" He smirked, expanding his shadow size tall enough to physically break through his imprisonment and manifest in what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. His kidnappers stood speechless, gawking at his figure. "So, it's you two dweebs. Care to tell me why you trapped me in your toy." Macaque kicks the gourd at the twin demons, Yin and Jin.

"Gah! Not again!" Jin groaned ruffling his hair in frustration. "The calabash is officially useless, Yin."

"Why are you telling me like I'm to blame?"

The golden demon pokes his brother's chest, provokingly. "Cause it is your fault. I told you we shouldn't use the thing after the last time."

"What? You're the one who insisted it would be easier than all the other schemes." Yin retorted.

Macaque's eye twitches out of irritation, observing the brothers squabble. He makes it apparent to bring them back to reality by using his shadow clones to restrain and gag them. "Listen, I don't much care to stop a quarrel, but I am not fond of being made a fool let alone pose as my friend." The boys shake in their boots as the simian approaches with a devilish grin. "Now, I'll ask a question and want a clear answer. No, he said she said bullshit. Ya got me?" They nod in agreement. "Good. First question. Why did you stuff me in a dream world?"

The twin's mouths are uncovered. Jin is the first to answer, "it was an accident. We confused you for the Monkey King."

"Yeah," Yin affirmed. "But we thought you guys were close and maybe you had the information we need."

"Information?" Macaque parroted. He hasn't been up to anything for the past week. It's suspicious that he would have anything worth noting.

"About the girl that's always around Monkey King. What's her name?"

A foreboding feeling rises within Macaque as they mention you. "(Y/n)?"

"Yeah, that's the one."

The clones compress their weight on the boys, resonating with the user's distress. "What do you want with her? Answer carefully or you won't be walking out of here alive." Macaque threatened. He glares intensely at the buffoons, enraged that they are pursuing you for whatever reason. He wasn't going to let anyone place a finger on you, even though he wasn't chosen. He couldn't stand by idly if danger was going to be at your doorstep.

"W-we're just following orders," Yin grunted.

"Orders from who?"

"Her...father." Jin groaned.

Upon hearing the one responsible, Macaque withdraws his clones. Yin and Jin gasp for air, relieved to be liberated. "Why on Earth would he be seeking information about his daughter in such a shady manner?"

"They're...estranged," Yin said roughly.

"They don't get on well with one another. That's all we know." Jin coughed, calming down from his near-death experience.

Macaque deliberates on whether or not to report to you. It would be in his interest to learn what he could about you on the off chance you refuse to have any connection with the man. Knowing how stubborn you can be his best bet is to go straight to the source. The father. "If what you said is true, I want you to take me to him."

"We can't do that." Jin croaked.

"We'll be denied payment," Yin added.

Again, the twins are pinned to the floor. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't say you have a choice in the matter." He snickered. "I mean unless you want to be dead."

The twins gulp hard, reluctantly accepting to cooperate.

___________________________________

You startle awake as the alarm goes off with papers stuck to your face. As you snooze the phone and remove the "do not disturb" effect, messages come flooding in. One, in particular, caught your eye. A text from the same number as the night you spent with Wukong belonging to your father. You scroll through the page reading their responses.

Dad: I saw the news. Are you ok?

Dad: Please give me a sign

Dad: I need to know you're safe

Dad: (Y/n) please say something. I know it's been a long time since we've talked but keeping quiet isn't assuring me that you're alive right now.

Dad: If you don't reply this instant I will go looking for you myself

You: I'm okay, dad

Dad: Thank goodness! You should have said so earlier

You: Yeah...well...

Dad: Are you hurt anywhere?

You went silent for about two weeks before you responded.

Dad: Are you seriously going to ignore me again? How long are we going to play this game?

You: You started it

Dad: I know what I did was wrong, but that doesn't mean you should shut me out

You: That's funny coming from you

Dad: puddi'n pop...

You: Look, I have schoolwork to attend to. I'll ttyl

The conversation goes on pause for five more weeks until recently.

Dad: We need to talk

Dad: We can't keep going like this.

Dad: Please, (Y/n) for Ai

The audacity of the man to beg for an audience using your mother's name as bait. It boiled your veins that he can casually toss the name around. Your eyes began to glow a red hue, triggering your defect. Your markings have increased exponentially through the days. They now cover your body with a few connections. You're not sure what happens if they all make a full circle, but it's a terrifying thought.

"Take a deep breath. You can't let him get to you." You grumbled, desperately attempting to stabilize. Successfully, they subside as you count down using breathing exercises. You set aside your phone and waltz outside to collect yourself.

It's been two whole months since Lady Bone Demon's defeat. Normalcy has officially set in with a couple of new adjustments. For starters, Lyn sold her café deciding she wanted to be alive and well to take care of her family after the ordeal. Luckily for you, Pigsy granted you a job as a cook or waitress, whatever needed handling. MK was ecstatic to have you on board when he heard you were hired. Your presence has provided an increase in revenue compared to the brunette. Pigsy was grateful to finally have a decent employee under his command that he nearly teared up.

At the same time, losing your home gave you a chance to move in with Sun and experience what it felt like to live with your partner. You couldn't deny how timid you've been around the sage considering everything was moving fast. He eventually will discover your bad habits. A nerve-wracking thought to be perceived as disgusting even though you should know better. Thankfully, the two of you are taking your time, and giving each other space. Sun was kind enough to build a second hut. You had decorated it to be a study room. Life has been smooth sailing thanks to your beloved.

Lastly, you've chosen to return to college and major as a chef. You've been enrolled for a month, and can safely say college is not as easy as one makes it out to be. The pacing for learning is quick and to the point that you feel overwhelmed to catch up to the material, you're given. You're currently working on the mathematics of baking, learning new ways to improve.

You pour a cup of coffee and add your ingredients. "Ah" rolls out of your lips after a sip, rejuvenating your soul. On the second sip, you hear MK's cries as he crashes into the ground creating a sizable crater. Sun gracefully descends with his hands behind his back and chuckles, "you've gotten better, bud. You seriously have to learn to stick your landings though."

MK dusts himself off. "Easy for you to say. I can't turn my body in mid-air and prepare for impact."

"Sure you can. You just have to find the right stance that works for you." Sun lectured. After a major journey, the simian has reverted to his old self. That isn't to say he hasn't improved his listening skills. "It may seem like you can't narrow it down, but I know you have what it takes, kid. You've proven it time and time again." MK drops his shoulder hearing his master's encouragement. "Just try to work on your reflexes instead of relying on strength."

MK pouts before beaming at the sight of you. "Hey, (Y/n)." He hollered, trotting up to the outdoor kitchen.

"Hiya." You greeted back. "Did you eat breakfast?"

MK's lips part to speak only for his growling stomach to do the talking. He bashfully rubs the back of his head, "I totally forgot to eat. I got excited about showing Monkey King my new tactics."

"Which were not half bad, except you leave yourself wide open." Sun cheekily commented.

"Leave him alone. He's trying his best, love." You defended as you pull out a carton of eggs to whip up.

"You always take his side." Sun whined.

"I like to drive you insane~" You winked.

"Oh~, is that how it is? Naughty girl." He purred.

MK listens uncomfortably, knowing how things would turn out if he didn't interfere. "Guys! Please stop. I'm in the room." You blush, embarrassed to have initiated the flirtatious banter. Sun apologizes on your behalf. "So (Y/N), what are your plans for today?"

You spread the butter on the pan then follow up with the whisked eggs. "I'm going to finish my homework and then head to my afternoon classes."

"Is that it? I thought it was your-"

Sun shoves a strawberry in his student's mouth. "Your day off." He added. You furrow your brows, puzzled. "MK was just telling me how you asked for the day off. Didn't ya, kid?" He wraps an arm around the boy to whisper, "play along. I'll fill you in later." The brunette skeptically complies.

You hum in thought, tracing to the alleged day. "I don't recall asking for one."

"My bad, I must have misheard. Ya know, delivery rush and all?" You stare at the boys sweating profusely. The longer you peer into their soul, the more intimidated they become. You choose to let it slide for the sake of having less on your plate.

"Alright." You shrugged earning a sigh of relief. "Breakfast is ready." You set an array of food ranging from toast, eggs, rice, and meats on the island table. Their dazzled eyes make your heart swoon taking it as a compliment.

"This is so good." MK proclaimed. "Something different besides noodles."

"I can cook for you if you're ever in the neighborhood." You offered. "Eat as much as you like. We have plenty of food." You eye the large portions on the table and then towards the simian. "Literally." Sun tilts his head cluelessly.

"Thanks, I'll-" He's cut off by the ring of his phone. He carelessly picks up an earful from none other than Pigsy.

"Where the heck are ya?" MK pulls the device away in panic mode. "If you don't get here soon, you're fired." Pigsy threatened.

"S-sorry, I lost track of time training with Monkey King." MK nervously chuckled while scrambling to his feet. You pity the brunette having to miss the most important meal of the day. You thought the swine would be lenient with the boy after proving his worth as a hero. You supposed business waits for no one. You scrap MK's meal into a container and catch up to the lad before his departure.

"I hope you get to eat while on the job. You can't run around on an empty stomach." The brunette is touched that you're always taking care of him. He embraces you wholeheartedly.

"Thanks, mom." He realizes what he just spouted. He fumbles to correct himself. "Err...I mean (Y/n)." He rambled. "Anyway, I should get going, so bye." He scurries away in his bird form while you're left flattered.

"He called me mom..." You mumbled.

Sun interjects, "you are one with the way you coddle everyone."

"I don't do that." You denied.

Sun holds your hands as he rephrases, "I'm not saying it's a bad trait, Peaches. It's endearing to have someone like you always looking out for us." He kisses your cheek, then sneaks a couple more down your jaw to your neck. You shudder as he attacks your collar.

"Sun...what are you doing?" You asked in a hushed tone. He doesn't reply as he's fully immersed in succumbing you under his spell. No matter how comfortable you've gotten around him, Sun is capable of setting your heart ablaze. Weakened to his voice, his touch, the intoxicating scent. Your senses fog up the more he gropes you. Your eyes change to pink as does your personality becoming bold. You hold him close and pant against his ear. "Sun..."

Your movements are a cue for him to hoist you on the table. "You've been working hard for weeks. Let me relieve some stress." You hear him smirk against your skin as he coils his tail around your thigh, preparing you for a morning "warm-up."

_______________________________________

You sigh heavily, brain fried from the lessons you've learned. Honestly, had it not been for Sun's distraction you would have been tardy for class. Although, it's the thought that counts for thinking about your well-being... You've come to accept his intentions are good, but often misunderstood. As you set foot off the campus, you find MK on his hoverbike. You approach the lad. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello to you too." He teased, feigning offense.

"I'm so sorry. It's just a surprise to see you at school. Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I just have something neat to show you." He hands you a helmet, and without question, you comply with his request. However, the moment you wrap your arms around MK is when you feel a spark. "Ready?"

"Y-yeah." Your heart pounds unconventionally at the closeness.

The duration of the ride was ominously quiet. Your mind was screaming while your body betrayed you over how content you are to be around the brunette. You can't put a finger on it, MK has suddenly become attractive according to your heart which is conflicting on so many levels. He just called you "mom" which isn't appealing in any relationship unless it were a kink. Why are you enamored with the guy after so long? You don't want to ruin your friendship with him.

'What the hell is happening?'

You internally want to bash your head against the wall to cease the unnecessary, bubbling thoughts.

'What is wrong with you? You have a boyfriend. Happily in a relationship too. Yes! You're taken so that means you can't be thinking of someone else. I mean finding someone cute is ok but fantasizing and others is a big no, no.'

The vehicle comes to a halt and realized you're on the rooftop with a lovely view of the city. "Wow" comes out of your lips, marveling to be at such a great height. "This is what you wanted to show me? No wonder you were secretive." You chirped. No matter what angle or destination, the city never ceases to amaze you. You haven't traveled to the other side of the city so it's a treat to be able to stand where you are. It's exactly what you need after a hard day.

"You have the most beautiful eyes." Your skin turns pale and your stomach drops at the sound of a gruff voice. "They remind me so much of Ai." You reluctantly turn around to face a well-groomed, middle-aged man in a suit leaning on a cane. "It's so good to see you, puddi'n pop."

(A/N): A friendly reminder, you can change the mom's name to whoever, and the same goes for the father. I'm naming them to make it easier to write. The same goes for the nickname if it's not to your liking. I just wanted something that had to do with snacks and I really like this one. Thank you for reading.