Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Death was no symphony. It was cruel, unforgiving, cold. There was no beat, no melody, no golden light. Only purple petals and blood that shone like the most expensive jewels. Wukong felt pathetic basking in his demise. A fucking flowery demise. Oh imagine the headlines. Great sage! Immortal, unkillable, victorious fighting even Buddha, killed by horrible one sided love. Killed by being spontaneous and stubborn and miscommunicating. Just as he lived. Liu'er truly was his one weakness, wasn't he? Let's go back to the beginning however. All the way back to three days after Macaque's revival. When all the flowers and bullshit started. 

Wukong coughed up flowers. Actual flowers terrible, horrible, beautiful flowers. Lavender petals that reminded him so much of his dear warrior. The sage held his chest, looking at the golden drops and purple petals with a twinge of panic. What kind of illness was this? A curse? A hex? Something else entirely..? Maybe. He'd need to research it. He can't read very well but it's worth a try. The ill is strange enough for him to wonder. He's got books on sicknesses and curses somewhere. Now to find it..Did he give that one away? No. He hasn't seen anyone in forever, why would he give away the book? Wukong searched the house for that one book, finding it in a closet full of junk. "Aha! There we go." 

After hours and he means hours of looking through the book he finally found a label that suited the strange sickness. The ill apparently went by plenty of names, but it seemed the one that was most common was a word called Hanahaki. A disease caused by one sided love in which the inflicted coughs or pukes flowers. The only way to fix this ill being death or a true confession. How fun. Who would even be the cause of this though? Macaque was dead. Killed by his own hands. And he only had love for his moon, so that couldn't be it. He thought aloud, closing the book with a sigh. "Who the hell would be the reason for this? Why would I be affected? Dear Buddha.." 

Unless someone dragged the other monkey out of Diyu there was no way this disease was right. Maybe their studies are wrong. It's not like medicine is very modern at this moment, people are still letting blood for a common cold after all. Maybe the king is an outlier. Perhaps the petals are an after effect for his immortality! He doesn't know. 

Wukong would know two weeks later however when he saw his moon in person. 

"Liu'er?" Wukong whispered, voice sounding pathetic. Small and on the edge of hysterical. Macaque scoffed at him. "What do you want, oh great sage?" Mihou asked mockingly. The sage in question probably showed all his hurt on his face, taking a step back. Oh he's got to be going crazy. "..How- how are you here? I killed you- you're..you're supposed to be dead!" Macaque laughed at that, getting just a step closer to Wukong. "What, my king? Are you upset you failed? Shallow." The warrior said, venom dripping from every. Single. Word. "It doesn't matter how I'm here. What matters is that I'm going to finally beat you." 

Sun backed away, mumbling the smallest little 'what?' as he did. The sage grabbed his staff, putting it out in front of him. Just to keep some distance. "I don't want to hurt you, Liu'er." He said, putting on an air of fake confidence. As if he didn't look absolutely pitiful just moments beforehand. His moon just looked smug, the widest fakest grin. "You had no problem hurting me before. Had no problem killing me either. Just stay out of my way and I won't do anything. Can't make promises though." The other said before disappearing into the shadows. Gone. Was he ever here?

Wukong didn't have enough time to think about that before falling to the ground, breathe hitching before he coughed. Purple petals. He grabbed the sun necklace, rubbing his thumb against already worn metal as if that would calm his breathing. Get rid of the ache that rested in his ribs. Disgusting, stupid petals. They're so lovely though. So so lovely. The meaning of bittersweet feelings. His lungs burned as if he were drowning in the sweet flowers. They left a strange taste on his tongue. Sweet and earthy and metallic. Fuck..

It would only worsen from there, he found. The occasional coughing turned into throwing up the flowers, the chest pain turning into a constant ache in the back of his mind. He couldn't even think of Macaque without puking anymore. Even the color purple was tainted. The smell of plums and sandalwood that he adored became bitter. He was more used to the taste of lavender roses than the taste of peaches by now. A constant metallic taste in his mouth. He hated it. He hated that even the strongest medication wouldn't get rid of the burning. He hated the petals that eventually turned into whole flowers. He hated it all. And yet, he wouldn't get the surgery. He'd rather die than lose his love for Liu'er. Wukong knew this illness even killed immortals, but he didn't even care anymore. His love was always just as strong as his anger after all. 

That's why he was looking for a successor. Just in case he did die. His condition was rapidly getting worse after all. And he found one! MK was perfect for the role. If only lacking confidence. The kiddo was great though! And now that the lady bone demon was defeated, there shouldn't be any trouble. Only the monster of the week and the noodle boy could definitely handle those. Especially with the help of his friends. 

There wasn't any real big bad anymore. Just the occasional demon. And that was great, don't get him wrong, but it wasn't as great for him. Wukong's overexposure to Macaque only seemed to make the flowers worse. Lavender roses that would suffocate him any chance that they could and made him lose more blood than he probably has in forever. Not to mention the chronic pain that kept him bedridden most days. The vines seemed to intertwine with his very bones. His veins. His fucking life at this point. They were always a problem. But he refused to get the surgery. He'd rather die. It's not like he could hide it very well either but oh well. Wukong was stirred from his thoughts at the sound of a buzz. A text from MK, or more so an invitation to a sleepover at the noodle shop. He sent back a short 'sure' before going to find a bag. 

The sage packed his bag, making sure his medication was in there. Maybe it'll keep the sickness away for long enough. "Ha! What a thought." He said, shoving on an oversized hoodie. His outfit was more casual than what he usually wore around the kid due to the nature of the event. It's not like he was putting on that awful corset for a sleepover. Sun got up, throwing his bag over his shoulder. It would be better to walk instead of using cumulus. Just so he doesn't draw too much attention. Maybe that was a bad idea though because once he was out on the street he swore everything was purple. Even the setting sun made the sky taunt him. He'd be lucky if he could get to Pigsy's before another flower fit broke out. 

It wasn't too long before he did make it there, so grateful he didn't break down coughing in the middle of the road. Wukong knocked on the door after a moment, immediately being greeted by an excited MK. "Monkey King! Hi hi!" The kid practically yelled, waving both hands. "Hey kiddo." He greeted back shortly, being dragged inside. It was cozy in the shop, an array of blankets and cushions lined the floor, draping over booths. The king sat down on a blue pillow, listening intently to the other's conversation and plans. Occasionally he'd put in his two cents but for the most part he was quiet. Peaceful. 

Until Macaque came in at least, appearing out of the shadows theatrically. Wukong couldn't help but stare, only to be met with a smug look. "Lasts longer if you take a picture, peaches." The darker monkey said before sitting down next to the sage. Sun looked away, pale. He got up, excusing himself before going to the bathroom, barely getting the door open before crumpling to the ground. It was a simple tease but something about it all made the flowers seem to worsen. Shocker. His breath hiccuped before he threw up the purple flowers, a puddle of golden blood coming with it. "Hurts.." He mumbled brokenly, rubbing the tears away from his eyes as he started to clean up the mess. "Gross." 

Wukong got up soon after, stumbling slightly as he closed the door behind him. Putting on a plastic smile before he walked back, tripping every so often. When he sat down he made sure it was away from Macaque. The hero studied the group for a moment. They looked like they were playing some..game? "Whatcha playin?" He asked, leaning in closer to listen. Mei was the one that answered him, mischief written across her face. "We're playing truth or dare! Wanna join, monkey man?" She asked with an evil smile that should have thrown him off. "Sure." 

And that's how he got into the game. Dares and strange questions thrown around. It started tame, think of a weird insult, run a lap, hug the person next to you, etc. Until it came to him and Macaque. Mei looked malicious as she 'thought' about a dare before finally speaking up. "You, Macaque, kiss." 

Wukong is sure he looked like a ghost, pale instead of the red she probably expected. Macaque however looked utterly disgusted. "No. I hate him, pick another dare." 

He remembers doubling over, coughing at the flowers that already choked him. Sun gagged, blood splattering on the ground as he coughed up more of the flowers. He didn't miss the concerned looks from the others, or Liu'er's disgusted one. (Concern clouded the other's eyes if Wukong would just look a little harder.) It hurt. Gods it hurt. Worse than anything he's felt before. His vision swam, black already coming in at the edges. Sun closed his eyes for just a moment, hitting the ground. The taste of sweet flowers and metallic golden blood still on his tongue. 

Wukong imagined death so much it felt more like a memory. Death isn't anything like he imagined though. It's cold. It's concern. There's not a symphony. There's no beat, no melody. It's that split moment where you can see yourself in that pool of golden blood and lavender flowers. It's seeing your beloved lean over and whisper a thousand 'I love you's

Death is a kiss too late. 

Death is an almost

Death is the moon

Death is a ruined sleepover

Death is panic and tears and rushed calls. 

Death is a siren, death is blue and red lights. 

Death is a white, steril hospital. 

And there's no golden light. Only lavender petals, stained with golden blood. Gilded flowers that brought him so much pain. And yet, their absence hurt so much more. 

Chapter Text

Wukong felt fuzzy. Barely there. He heard talking but it was like he was under water, muffling any coherent speech. He barely grasped in his half there state that this was a hospital. Wasn't he supposed to be dead anyways? He didn't have time to think too hard about that before drifting off again. 

The second time was clearer, real voices heard. Short conversations he had mostly tuned out anyways. Sometimes it was more important. MK discussing something that happened in the city, or, even more curious, Macaque talking about something that had happened. He listened carefully to every one of Mihou's stories, hanging on every word like he'd never hear the voice again. How could he not? Even if it killed him, he'd stay lovesick until the end of his days. Not like he can actually die in the first place. Apparently that's hard to do when you're, what, seven times immortal? He can love and lose and stay sick and suffering but death isn't something that'll come easy. Maybe that's for the better,,he drifted off, letting his mind rest on that thought. 

The third time was clearer, the clearest so far. Fully waking up, though fuzzy. As if he was seeing the world through smudged glasses. As if his head was underwater. The smell of chemicals and flowers hit his nose almost immediately after too. Gross,,

Wukong sat up, leaning against the guard rail. Relishing the taste of flowers on his tongue. He'd rather keep his love and pain then have some wonder surgery that leaves him nothing but a broken doll. Something used and loveless. Love is like a needle, it's supposed to hurt for a moment before it helps. To take that away would be a curse within itself. 

He's only ever felt real, genuine love for Liu'er. To never feel that again would be a terrible fate. 

He only faintly heard the door open. What was louder however was the gasp. He blearily registered it was MK before the kid even ran to him. 

"Monkey King! You're awake!" 

Was all he heard before being crushed in a hug. "Kid- yeah- easy on the ribs please- When he spoke, his voice was rusty and ragged with misuse. Making his protest sound even more pathetic. MK seemed to get the general message and loosened his grip though. Looking up at him with this scrunched up look like an angry kitten. It would be more endearing if he didn't know he was probably about to be chewed out. 

"You're so stupid! I'm glad you're alright but- but what if you died or something? What then?" His successor bit out, trying to seem angry even with the pout on his face. The sage just looked away. "Didn't think it was important." He mumbled after a moment. MK giving him an incredulous look. "I seriously didn't! I try to avoid Macaque at all costs, I wasn't expecting to almost die, you know. Plus my failed love life isn't something I usually share with students." He added, crossing his arms. Suppressing a cough at the other's name. 

"Dear gods, you're a wreck." The kid said before simply leaning against him, the hug having little effort and being more of a cuddle. Wukong didn't fight to keep his eyes open this time, mumbling the smallest apology before drifting off. 

Macaque was unsurprisingly, the next person he saw when he woke up. The shadow looking at him with this- this stupid faux worry. He almost had to suppress another painful cough at the fake care across the warrior's face. 

Wukong sat up, leaning against the cold railing as if his chest didn't flare up at something so simple as Liu'er's presence. "Well, well," cough "-well. Look what the cat dragged in." He said, the intimidation falling flat as soon as he coughed. The grassy taste of flower petals and copper on his tongue. Something so familiar he can't remember a time without it. Mihou's eyes widened just slightly before he looked away. "Thought I'd check on your dumbass since you're dying or,, whatever." The shadow said, no real bite in his somber voice. It grated on his ears. Something he hasn't heard in a while, and hoped he'd never hear again honestly. 

Care. 

"Yeah well- I'm not dying. Bit too immortal to do that. So you can leave." The sage replied, all venom. He didn't really want him to leave though. All bark no bite, truly. Macaque could see that, luckily, staying put with an amused expression. Stubborn as ever. "I don't think I will. Plus, someone is supposed to watch you. Make sure the great sage doesn't flat line or whatever." Said the other with a shrug. The title said mockingly. Wukong just leaned further back, looking at the bulky monitor, squinting in realization before looking back at Mihou. "They know I don't need a heartbeat right?? Or to like, breathe??" He asked incredulously. 

"Nope!" Macaque answered with his signature smirk, something more genuine tucked behind it. Out of sight, but still shining through just barely. Wukong laughed at his chipper response, stalling mid laughter to cough, even if he suppressed most of the flare up. Gilded petals falling into his hands with so much grace he could almost believe they were something pretty. Gentle. Even if they only rang warning bells in his head. He crumbled them to nothing in his hand, relishing in the way the petals drifted through the barely-open window. Failures. Reminders. Anything but gentle. When he looked away from his hand, still stained gold in the lines and dips and imperfections. Macaque was still dawning such a tragic expression. Even if it quickly passed. 

"It's not that bad," Wukong said quickly, just to make sure that horrible expression didn't come back. "It just looks bad." 

Mihou didn't answer. Just looked pensive for a moment before getting up. "I don't think it just looks bad. That night- Wukong, you were pronounced dead for around 15 minutes before- fuck I don't know. You being you? Doesn't matter,, do you know how scary that was? You just– collapsed! I watched you lose a pulse. All because you're the densest fucker I've ever met. And then- and then you have the audacity to say it's 'nOt BaD'. Oh please." Liu'er rambled. That probably should have been his first sign to not argue, to just accept it. Macaque never rambled. But he didn't. 

He let the words soak. An argument resting on his tongue. "Macaque. It's not that bad, okay? That's just it. It's not that bad. I've had worse. Also– immortality dumbass. I'm not going to die. They can pronounce whatever they want, but I can't die. So just. Don't. Don't act like you care." The great sage replied, venom in his words as if he truly meant them. He turned away from the warrior. Only for his attention to be pulled back when Liu'er spoke again. 

"Don't- what? I do care! I've always cared-! You were the one that didn't. You never even acted! As soon as I wasn't useful, you tossed me aside. But let me tell you one thing, Wukong. Let me make one thing fucking clear." 

"I love you. If you'd open your eyes, you'd see that." 

Wukong was sure every single emotion was written across his face. At least until he started coughing, doubling over with the force of it. The only cure was a real confession of romantic love. It wasn't linear though. You still cough and hurt and can't breathe at first. When it finally died down, he had a small collection of lavender roses in his hand. He squinted down at them as if they'd disappear, as if they were never real. As if the gold splattered across them like an art piece wasn't his.

"I, I love you too, moonlight." 

A sad laugh, genuine at heart. Macaque looked down at the roses resting gently in Wukong's paws. 

"I think that's pretty clear. Wish you'd show it though, sunspot." 

"I can try." 

"You better."