Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ao bing sat near the edge of the tank of water in a dim lit room, writing down his report for the day. He was lost in his own thoughts.

'I wonder if Ne zha went to sleep already?' Ao bing thought to himself. He honestly couldn't believe that Guanyin put him in charge of the lotus prince, and that he agreed to it. He groaned to himself. How could he just agree so easily? He didn't even know Ne zha that well, the only time they actually talked was during the whole fight with the brotherhood and even then Ne zha didn't seem to want to be near him at all.

Ao bing shook those thoughts away. He just needed to finish the report and he could go home. Maybe even get Ne zha something to eat if he's still awake.

Before he could finish, the water started to splash and clicking noises started to fill the room. He looked over and huffed lightly at the mammals antics.

"Really? You ate like 30 minutes ago" Ao bing said amusingly. The dolphin just continued to make noises and started to splash water, almost making a tantrum. Ao bing laughed.

"Okay, okay. But I'm only giving you one."

He got up and tucked the report under his arm, going over to a table filled with equipment. He put on the gloves and grabbed a small fish from a bucket. Ao bing went back towards the edge, waving the fish lightly. The dolphin squeaked happily, splashing the water around more.

"I'm serious Coral, you're only getting one."  Ao bing said with a firm voice and threw the snack. Coral caught it in her mouth, whistling as a way of saying thank you. Ao bing huffed but smiled at the sea creature, crossing his arms in amusement.

"I still don't understand how you do that."

Ao bing looked over to the entrance of the room. It was one of his co-workers, Li Na. She stood by the doorway with her hands on her hips, looking at Ao bing with amused smile. "What do mean?" Ao bing threw away his gloves and grabs his things before approaching his friend, and the two walk towards the staff lockers.

"You know, talking to fish." She makes some random gestures like it made sense to Ao bing.

"First of all, dolphins aren't fish, you know this." He was answered with an eye roll. "And second, well I just study their behavior, isn't that what were supposed to do?"

Ao bing never thought about why he understood sea creatures really well, he assumed that everyone was able to do it, since part of the job was to observe behaviors. Li Na shook her head chuckling lightly, "Not how you do it, you take it on a whole different level. Remember the thing with the otters."

He definitely remembered the whole otter thing. It happened around his first year working at the aquarium. The otters were acting strange one day and no one could figure out why. They just kept making chirping noises and swimming in one specific area of their enclosure. Before any of the workers could figure out the problem, Ao bing had jumped into the water without second thoughts.

"You scared the shit out of everyone." Li Na shaking her head as she recalled at the memory. It had turned out that the otters where trying to tell the workers that the youngest otter, Willow, had gotten stuck underneath one of the decorative rocks and was running out of air. And Ao bing somehow quickly understood what the otters were trying to say.

"You were literally Ariel that day." Li Na grinned at him. Ao bing returned the grin, "Too bad I'm not a redhead." Li Na laughs at that.

They enter the locker room, it was mostly empty since almost everyone had left for the night. One of the few who were here was another friend of Ao bing.

"Hey Kang." Li Na greets first, said person turns and waves at the two.

"You finally found him?" Kang lightly joked. Ao bing just rolled his eyes and went to his locker. "It wasn't too hard, he's always going to his spots." Li Na laughed lightly.

It went quiet for a moment before Kang coughed to get the others attention. "So um, there's this restaurant that opened up nearby. I was wondering if you guys want to check it out this weekend." Kang asked.

"Yeah I'm down. Bing?" The two look at the bluenette. Normally Ao bing would have said yes since he never had a reason to rejecting any invitations, but now there was someone at his apartment. "I think I'm stay home, sorry guys."

The two looked at him puzzled, Kang looked more upset than confused, he quickly changed hisexpression however.  "Oh, you got something to do?" Li Na asked.

"You could say that." Ao bing shrugged, he didn't want to explain why there was a man in his apartment and how the gods decided he should be the one to take care of him. Being attack by demons was one thing, but gods was a whole different thing.

Li Na stretches her arms and yawns, "man I'm tired. You boys ready to go?" Kang hums and puts on his coat, getting up. Ao bing grabs his bag. "Oh, you guys go ahead, I need to turn this report in." He waves the folder to emphasize.

" I can do for you." Kang offers.

"You don't have too, I'll just go real quick."

"Its fine I need to grab something either way." Kang grabs the file from Ao bing and walks out before he could say anything. Ao bing sighs, " he really needs to stop doing that, this is the third time."

"Just let him do it. I wish I had someonedo my work for me." Li Na joked. Ao bing lightly shoved her as they walk out of the locker room.

______________

Ao bing stepped off the bus, holding on to a plastic bag tightly in his left hand. He remembers that he didn't give Ne zha anything to eat when he left. Did he even need to eat? Ao bing doesn't really understand how immortality works. Its better to be safe then sorry.

He opens the door to his apartment and is greeted to silence. Maybe Ne zha went to sleep, it was pretty late. He walked further in and made his way to the living room.

Ao bing looked around, everything looked exactly how he left it. Except for a man sleeping on his sofa.

Ne zha had fallen asleep on his sofa. He slept like if he was in a casket. Ao bing got closer, setting the plastic bag on the counter top. He wanted to wake up Ne zha so he could sleep on the bed so he would be more comfortable sleeping with his wounds. Yet Ao bing didn't move, he looked really peaceful and Ao bing thought it would be rude to just wake him up.

"Do you need something?"

Ao bing jumped at the voice. He saw Ne zha open one eye looking at him tiredly. "S-sorry I just wanted to see if you wanted to, um sleep on the bed to be, you know, more comfortable." Ao bing turned red as he stuttered.

Ne zha only looked at him in slight annoyance, probably because he woke him up, and let out a tired sigh.

"I don't mind sleeping here, I've slept in worse places." Ne zha says as he stretched his arms out.

"But, its probably bad for your wounds. Its better if you sleep on the bed. I'll take the couch." Ao bing argued, he really wanted the other to feel comfortable during his stay.

"My wounds will be fine, besides I'm a guest here. Its only right for me to sleep here." Ne zha said a bit irritated. But Ao bing just continued, "Are you sure? Cause I really don't mind-"

"Ao bing"

He stopped talking when the other stated his name. Ne zha looked like he was going to yell. "I'm fine." He said flatly.

Ao bing just stared at him for a moment, with wide eyes standing completely still. This was a new side of Ne zha that he saw, it kinda freaked him out.

Ne zha noticed his sudden silence, his expression soften at the realization and looks away, ashamed for his behavior. But Ao bing just smiled "Okay if you insist. Let me at least get you a blanket, you're probably cold." He left before Ne zha could say anything.

Once he was in his room, Ao bing took deep breath to calm himself down. He doesn't understand why he reacted like that. Ne zha had the right to be upset, he woke him up and argued about where he should sleep. But why did it scare him when he got upset?

"Stop freaking out, he's just tired." He murmured to himself. He took one last deep breath and relaxed. He grabbed what he needed and made his way back to the living room, putting on a smile.

"Here you go! I brought you a pillow and blanket, so you're at least a little comfortable." Ao bing set down the pillow and blanket next to Ne zha so he could get himself settled.

Ne zha glances at Ao bing, hesitating if he should say something. "Its okay, I know you're just tired and me bugging you probably isn't helping." Ao bing says to make the other feel at ease. Ne zha looked at him surprised, and then looked away.

"It still doesn't excuse my behavior, you're just being a good host."

"Then let me be a good host and take the couch."

"Let's not push it." Ne zha deadpanned.

Ao bing let out a small laugh and Ne zha relaxed. "Right. I'm heading to bed, but if you need anything just wake me up." Ao bing said and Ne zha nodded as he settled himself back to sleep.

"Well, goodnight" Ne zha didn't respond, so he made his way to his room.

"Goodnight"

It was faint but still audible. Ao bing smiled to himself once he closed his door.

The first night wasn't so bad.

Chapter Text

The first thing Ne zha woke up to was the smell of something burning.

"Oh no, no, no!"

He looked over the couch and saw Ao bing hurriedly run to the small kitchen. Ne zha heard him let out a sigh of relief. He sat up groggy and rubbed the tiredness from his eyes. "Is everything alright?"

Ao bing looked over, turning slightly red from embarrassment. "Oh, yeah everything's fine, just overcooked something." He laughed nervously. Ne zha let out a hum as a response. He was still a little sleepy, his wounds prevents led him from getting decent sleep.

"Did you sleep okay last night?."

Ne zha jumped a little when he realized Ao bing was talking to him. "Ah, I slept fine." He yawned, rubbing his eyes once more.

"That's good." Ao bing hummed. He could tell that the other didn't get enough slept, but didn't pry. Hopefully tonight he'd be able to get Ne zha to sleep in his bed so it would be more bearablefor him. He made his way to Ne zha with two bowls in hand. "Here." Ao bing puts infront of Ne zha to grab it.

Ne zha took the bowl carefully as to not accidentally touch Ao bing's hand. He thanked him and began to eat. Ne zha felt the couch slightly sink, he looked to his side and saw that Ao bing sat next to him. He moved a way slightly from the other.

It wasn't that he didn't like Ao bing, he just didn't feel comfortable knowing who the person next to him was. Ne zha still couldn't understand why Guanyin told him to stay here. She knows what happened all those centuries ago, everyone did.

That made him stop eating. Did that mean Ao Guang knows he's here? What would he do if he did? Would he kill him? It would be easy with the state he was in. But he knows Ao Guang wouldn't risk it if he wanted to get introuble. 'He could make it look like an accident if he wanted too.' Ne zha thought to himself. Perhaps it would be better if he left.

"Ne zha? Are you okay? You haven't touch your food."

Ne zha blinked and saw Ao bing look at him with worry. "I'm fine, I'm just not that hungry is all." He said, avoiding to look at him. "Oh, well its okay if you don't want to eat right now." Ao bing assured, smiling at him once more. Ne zha just looked at him awkwardly not sure on how to respond. But Ao bing just went back to eating. And was silent the whole time

Once Ao bing was done eating, he picked up Ne zha's bowl. "I'll put this in the fridge so you can eat it later." Ao bing got up and went to the kitchen, leaving Ne zha alone.

He really didn't want to be here, especially now knowing that Ao guang could possibly show up. Even if Ao bing doesn't remember anything it didn't mean that Ao Guang would let him off easy for being near his son again. There was also the possibility of demons, rumors mist have spread by now of his current state. It would put Ao bing in danger. He'll contact Guanyin and tell her that this was a mistake and to be sent back to his home to heal on his own.

"You know, you zone out a lot."

Ne zha turned around and saw Ao binv staring at him, leaning on the kitchen counter facing the livingroom, smiling at him. "I'm just thinking is all." he didn't really need to explain himself. Ao bing however doesn't pry and pushes himself off the counter, and makes his way to the hall way.

Ne zha looks around while he's gone. There wasn't much to look at. The living room was small, but it was big enough to fit two couches and a coffee table. The walls were slightly bare, only one wall covered with pictures and paintings. Ne zha also noticed that almost everything was a different shade of blue. It kind of reminded him of Ao bing. 'That was a weird thought.' Shaking his head, Ao bing eventually returned.

"Can you take off your shirt for me?"

"Excuse me?"Ne zhawas taken a back at the request, and looked at Ao bing with a confused look. Ao bing looked at his for a moment, confused as well. His eyes widen in realization and turned red.

"Oh! No! What I meant was that I need to change your bandage- not see you shirtless- I mean I have to see you shirtless- to change the bandage! Obviously." Ao bing rambled.

Ne zha just stared awkwardly at him. And Ao bing returned the stare. "Definitely could've worded that better." He coughed. "Anyways, just take of your shirt, please." Ne zha could've laughed if Ao bing didn't look so distressed and that laughingdidn'tcause his pain, so he quietly complied and took of his shirt. He swore he hear Ao bing sigh in relief.

Ao bing sat down next to him. Ne zha turned around so he could undo the bandage. He cringe when the bandage peeled off his skin. Ne zha saw that the bandage was covered in dry blood and some fresh blood.

The feather Peng had thrown at him had went completely through his side, leaving a clean cut. Thankfully it missed any important organ. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Ao bing cringe at the sight. "Does it really not hurt?" He asked worry filled his voice. Ne zha just shook his head in response. He barely felt pain sometimes, he wanted to say, but Ao bing look upset as it is so he kept quiet.

"Okay, well this might." Before Ne zha could ask, he hissed in pain when he felt something stung his wound. "Sorry! Should have warned you better." Ao bing said nervously. Ne zha just glared at the wall infromt of him, Ao bing already felt bad, he didn't want him to feel worse, he sat quietly as the other treated him.

He could feel every dab gently tap against his wound, cleaning off the blood that tried to seep out. Its been such a long time since Ne zha has gotten this hurt. And it has been a long time since he was treated by tender hands.

"That Peng guy really did a number on you."  Ao bing comments quietly as he rubs ointment onto the wound.

Ne zha groans in annoyance at the reminder, "yes, unfortunately he did."

"I wonder what happened to him. Mei told me he flew off before the fight ended."

Ne zha scoffed. 'Of course he would' Ne zha thought to himself. He was hoping that he'd never had to see the bird demon again. But if he did he swore to put him down.

"It's sad really." Ao bing began to wrap a fresh roll of gause around his torso. Ne zha breath hitched whenever Ao bing leaned close to reach the roll from the other side."That he'd abandon his brothers, what's the point of a brotherhood if you'll just run away." Ao bing's voice held sorrow yet a small amount if malice.

"Peng is a coward, he only thinks for himself." Ne zha sneered. Ao bing said nothing for a moment and he finished, checking if the gause was tight enough. "I don't think its entirely true, he seemed happy when he saw Azure again."

"Yet he wasn't there, when Azure needed him most."

Ne zha was shocked to hear Ao bing laugh lightly. "You aren't wrong." Ne zha turned around and saw Ao bing displaying a smile. "All done, I'll make something to drink." With that Ao bing got up and made his way to the kitchen.

Ne zha found Ao bing quiet strange.

After the conversation, the two hadn't really talked much. They only talked when Ao bing asked the other if needed or wanted something, most of the time Ne zha said no or shook his head. Yet Ao bing persisted to talk to him whenever he could even if it were just a few words.

Eventually, Ao bing announced that he was leaving shortly and would back around the same time as yesterday.

"There's food in the fridge all you need to do is heat it up." Ao bing instructed Ne zha as he tied his hair up. He received a small hum in response. Ne zha was currently reading, Ao bing had offered to turn on the tv but Ne zha preferred to read something instead. Ao bing didn't have much only books about myths and legends, but Ne zha didn't complain and thanked him.

"You can take the bed tonight if you want."

"Like I've said. I'm fine here."

Ao bing shrugged and smiled softly. Ne zha girpped on to the book at the sight and looked away. "Then, I'll see in a bit. Goodnight." Ao bing said and left.

Ne zha was left alone, letting out a sigh as he laid down on to the couch.  He was currently reading a book about Chan'ge and her past lover, Hou Yi. Ne zha remembered how different Chan'ge was during that time, she cried so much that her tears filled the night sky with new stars. But she ended up moving on and started her own cooking show for the mortals, acting like Hou Yi never existed.

He closed the book feeling like he was invading on Chan'ge's personal life. Ne zha decided to instead take a nap. He laid down on his good side and closed his eyes, hoping to get some actual sleep.

Little Ne zha sat by the shore line alone plucking at the feathers of his Jianzi. None of the village children wanted to play with him and his brothers had been too busy.

'We don't have time for silly games Ne zha.' Jianzha had told him. He frow at the memory. In anger, Ne zha got up and threw the Jianzi into the ocean as far as he could. He rubbed his eyes to stop himself from cry.

Little Ne zha turned to leave, there was no point in playing a game alone.

'Excuse me.' A timid voice called him.

Ne zha turned around, surprised to see a boy with horns and unnatural blue hair standing by the shore. The strange boy looked down shyly, swaying his small body nervously. 'Um... I believe this is yours'

Ne zha almost couldn't hear him, he talked so quietly and he was also entranced by the other boys horns. The strange boy stood out his arm revealing Ne zha's jianzi. 'But I... how did you' he stuttered out, he was confused as to how the strange boy retrieved the toy to quickly.

The boy waited patiently for Ne zha to take the toy. Ne zha quickly grabbed it and thanked the other.

'Would you like to play jianzi with me?' Ne zha asked hoping that'd finally someone would want to play with him.

The other looked down shyly, 'um... I've never played before.'

'Really? Then I'll just teach you!'

The strange boy look at him in awe, 'really?'

'Yeah, it's really easy!' Ne zha grinned.

'Okay, but only for a little bit. My father will get mad if I'm gone for too long.'

'That's fine. I'm Ne zha by the way.'

'Nice to meet you Ne zha, my name is-'

Ne zha woke up sweating, panting heavily and covered in sweat. He pushed his hair back looking down on his lap taking deep breaths. It had been a while since he remembered that old memory, being here really was messing with head.

He took one more deep breath, letting his body relax. He leaned against the sofa's arm, closing his eyes for a moment. He placed a hand on his stomach, it felt wet.

Confused, Ne zha looked down and saw that blood was seeping through the gause. He let out an annoyed groan. His wound must have opened when he woke up. "Whatever." Ne zha mumbled to himself. He was too tired and annoyed to care about his opened wound. Then his stomach began to rumble, and now he was hungry.

'What time was it even?' Ne zha looked outside and noticed that it was already dark. He must have been asleep for a while, meaning Ao bing would return soon. He let's out a tired sigh, getting up from the couch and made his way to the kitchen.

Ne zha remembered that Ao bing had left him food, so he opened the fridge and found a plastic container. The container had a bright pink piece of paper. He placed the paper on the nearby counter and read the note.

For Ne zha
Put the food in the microwave for a couple minutes
- Ao bing :)

Ne zha folded the paper and did as it said. Embarrassing enough, this was his first time using a microwave. He never really kept up to date with the mortal realm, he never thought it would be useful. Now he was regretting it.

He looked at the machine a little puzzled. Ao bing had written to put it in for a few minutes, so it could be any of the buttons. Did the food have to be in there long? Maybe he should have asked Ao bing before he left. He shook his head, he could do this it couldn't be too difficult, thats the point of the microwave.

'Ding'

The elevator doors opened, and Ao bing walked out. He yawned tiredly. He had to do an examination on one of the seals. One particular seal was giving him a hard time and kept trying to slap him. But that was fine because all he wanted to do now is take a shower and knock out.

His face scrunched up at the smell of something bad. Someone must have burned something, probably one of the older neighbors they usually forget things. But as he got closer to his door, the smell also got stronger. It wasn't until he was standing right infrint if his door that he realized it was coming from his apartment.

In a panic, Ao bing opened his door quickly and slammed it closed, running and almost tripping to the kitchen. When he entered, he let out a sigh of relief.  Nothing major was on fire, just one his plastic containers, it looked like lava had melted it. Ne zha stood there panicking at the abomination that was infront of him. He finally noticed Ao bing standing a few feet away, his panicking quickly turned to embarrassed.

"I- um." Ne zha stuttered, not sure what to say in this situation.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" Ao bing asked.

"No." Ne zha looked at him confused, shouldn't he be more concerned about the mess he made? He got even more confused when Ao bing smiled at him.

"That's good. Now, there should be more food in the fridge thankfully." Ao bing said as he went over to look in the fridge. Ne zha just kept staring at him.

"I'm confused," Ao bing turned to him. "shouldn't you be upset with me? I mean, I almost burned your apartment down." Ne zha said.

Ao bing let out a small laugh, "I mean you almost did, but it sorta my fault for not being more specific. So we both almost burned the apartment." He hummed a little too cheerfully in Ne zha's view.

"Okay, so I think I still have some left over chicken from- Oh my Buddha! You're bleeding!!!" Ao bing screamed in panic. Ne zha had jumped at the sudden burst, he stiffen for a moment but remembered about his stitch opening up earlier.

"Oh this? Its fine really, it was like that when I woke up." Ne zha reassures him. However, Ao bing was looking at him horrified.

"No its not fine! Okay- no, I am going to re-stitch it, c'mon!" Ao bing huffed, speeding towards the bathroom.

This was the most worked up Ne zha had saw him. Should he be worried?

Ao bing came back as soon as he had left, but he was carrying a first-aid kit. "Sit down on the stool." He instructed and took off his jacket. Ne zha did as he was told and sat down. He was surprised at the fact that Ao bing wore a sleeveless turtleneck, most of his jacket made it look like he was just wearing a crop top.

'I should stop thinking.' Ne zha groaned to himself.

While Ne zha was mentally beating himself in his thoughts, Ao bing quickly unraveled the gause to see the damage. As the layers lessen, more blood was visible. "Are you sure you don't feel anything?" Ao bing questioned, he looked up and saw the other shake his head 'no.'

Once the gause was completely removed, there was a couple of stitches that had come undone and was leaking a generous amount of blood. Ao bing hissed at the sight. "Okay, it doesn't look too...bad." his voice going slightly high at the end. "I just need to redo some stitches."

Ne zha's eyes widen in surprised. Did Ao bing even know how to do stitches? "You really don't have to, it should fine on it's own." He was slightly panicking.

Ao bing looked up, smirking with amusement. "You'd be surprised at what I'm capable of, so don't worry, I'm not gonna stab you or anything." Ne zha flushed slightly, it was slightly embarrassing that Ao bing read right through him.

He watched as Ao bing grabs a needle and pulls a thread through it. "I'd tell you that it might hurt a little, but since you are saying that you don't feel anything it should be fine, right?" He looked up to Ne zha still smiling. Is it bad that Ne zha wants to hit him because he's smiling at him?

"That's right, are you sure that's clean?" Ne zha asked.

"Relax, its completely sterilized. Didn't take you for being a scardy-cat." Ao bing laughs lightly.

"I'm not, just cautious." Ne zha turns red again.

"I didn't think you'd have to be cautious, aren't you like immortal?" Ao bing took this as a chance to start sewing.

"Yes, but I can still get hurt as you can see." He motions to his current predicament. Ao bing chuckles.

"Okay so, does only apply to mystic weapons or any type of weapon?"

"Well, it applies to any weapon, but with most weapons I heal quickly. And with mystic weapons it takes longer to heal."

"Huh, that kinda makes sense. Do you get scars?" Ao bing asks intrigued.

"Not often no, and I'm hoping this won't be one either." Ne zha groaned the last part.

"How knows, it'll probably heal completely. Also I finished!" Ao bing cheered. Ne zha looked down as much as he could. The stitches were perfect, it looked exactly like before. He was impressed by how fast Ao bing redid them.

"You surprisingly did a good job. Have you done this before?"

Ao bing let out a small laugh, "Told you I'm capable and yeah, I've done it a lot. Mei was really reckles as a kid, still is, and I'd always be the one to patch her up." He smiled fondly at the memories as he wrapped gause over the others torso. He'd always scold his younger cousin as she frown, trying not to cry.

Ao bing got up from.the couch. "You hungry? Pretty sure I still got a bunch of leftovers."  Before Ne zha could respond his stomach answered for him. He turned red from embarrassment when he heard the other giggle.

"That's a yes then."

Ao bing gave Ne zha a bowl of sesame chicken and some left over rice. Just like in the morning, Ao bing sat next to him. They sat quietly for a moment as Ao bing turned on the tv and looked for something I ng to watch, he suddenly perked up.

"Oh yeah if you don't mind me asking,"

Ne zha hummed to show he was listening.

"Who's the strongest person you've gone against?" He asked innocently.

It made Ne zha stop eating for a moment, "I think would be-"

'Ao bing'

"Wukong"

Ao bing made a hum, "I forget that he's really strong sometimes." He went back to looking at the tv. He didn't notice how his question made Ne zha's mood drop. Ne zha turned to look at him, he was eating peacefully as he watch the TV. Ao bing glanced at him and smiled. He subconsciously touched his wound tenderly.

He knew that this would end badly.

Chapter Text

The next day Ao bing sleep in for longer than usual. He didn't have to go to work this weekend and wasn't planning to do anything other than sleep and eat, maybe binge some movies even.

Bzzz bzzz bzzz

However the constant buzzing of his phone forced him to wake up. Ao bing groaned annoyed at who ever was trying to call him. He reached over his night stand and grabbed his phone. He saw that Mei was calling him. He let out a tired sigh before answering.

"What." Ao bing said groggy.

"Heeey Bing!" Mei's voice boomed through the phone making Ao bing push his phone away from his ear. "You sound tired, did I wake you?"

"Yes." He pulled the blanket over his head.

"Oh sorry 'bout that. Buuut since your awake. I was wondering if you wanted to come to the arcade with me and Mk! Like old times!" She cheered.

As much as he was annoyed, Ao bing couldn't really be mad at Mei. They hadn't hanged out for a while after Ao bing started to work. Mei and Mk had frequently visited the Aquarium to see Ao bing but were kicked out after an incident in the shark enclosure. Luckily Ao bing had managed to convince his boss not to banned them. But the two best friends tried to keep the visits to a minimum to not cause anymore trouble for Ao bing.

"I would go, but I can't today. I'm busy." He tried not to yawn.

"Whaaat! Didn't you just wake up? C'mon don't be such a downer!" Mei whined.

"I need to do stuff later, so I'm technically not lying."

"You can always do it later, come hang out with us!"

Ao bing was about to reject Mei's offer again, but there was knocking on his door. "Ao bing are you awake?" Was heard through the other side of the door.

"Who was that?"

"Okaygottago bye." He quickly hanged up and let out a muffled groan into his pillow. Mei was totally going to barge into his apartment later after the way he hung up. He lifted his head and replied to Ne zha, "Just give me a second."

Ao bing got up, quickly doing his hair into a messy bun. He didn't feel like changing so he stuck with putting over a hoodie over his shirt and did his hair into a messy bun. Once he was somewhat presentable he went to open his door and was greeted by Ne zha standing very straight. Ao bing started to wonder if he's never heard of the word 'relax.'

Regardless, he gave the other man a soft smile, "good morning."

"Oh, good morning." Ne zha greeted back. "I'm sorry to have bothered you, but I was wondering if I could borrow some clothes? I wanted take a shower. " He fidget nervously with the hem of his shirt.

"Oh yeah no problem, hang on a second." Ao bing chirped. He left the door slightly open as he went to search through his clothes. It took him a while to pick out clothes for the other. Ne zha was a little more broad than him so he looked for something loose. Ao bing also noticed that Ne zha was still taller than him without his wheels, so hopefully a pair of sweatpants would fit him okay. 'Should I give him boxers?' He thought before quickly shaking his head, 'that's a bad idea.'

He finally found loose enough clothes and returned to his door. Ne zha was still standing perfectly straight. "I think these should fit you fine, and there should be towels in the bathroom."

Ne zha gave a light nod as he took the article of clothes. "thank you."

"No problem." He looked down at the others torso, "do you need any help taking off the bandage?" Ne zha shook his head in response.

"No its alright, I can do it myself."

Okay then. I'll make us some breakfast then!" Ao bing exclaimed enthusiastically. Ne zha lets out a small hum in response. He doesn't really understand how the blue haired male had so much energy with just these little days of living with him. With this thought he makes his way to the bathroom.

Ne zha enters the bathroom and locks the door. He faced the mirror behind him. He was a complete mess. His hair buns were loose, sadly laying flat on his head, the rest of his hair looked greasy, and he had small bags starting to form under his eyes. He probably smelled bad too. Ne zha let out an annoyed sigh. He started to undress himself, stopping at his boxers. He needed to take off the bandage around his torso. Should he had asked Ao bing to take it off? He shook his head, thats a bad idea considering he's only in his boxers and he's very capable at doing it himself.

He gently started to unraveled the bandage. Ne zha cringed at the feeling of dried blood coming off, sticking onto his skin. He threw the used gause into the trash and looked himself in the mirror. The scar was still raw, it was barely healing. He glared at the scar. He felt pathetic. These last few months he had been beaten every single fight. He couldn't even go against the brotherhood in the last battle. He took a deep breath to calm himself. It didn't really matter if he wasn't there or not, it was more important to stop Azure from destroying the universe.

Ne zha was startled when he heard a knock on the door.

"Everything okay in there?" Ao bing's voice was muffled, but Ne zha could tell his voice carried worry.

"Yes, everything is fine no need to worry... I'm not a child." He mumbled the last part to himself.He heard Ao bing let out an 'okay' and walked away. Ne zha looked at himself one last time in the mirror and turned on the water.

When Ne zha walked out, his nose was hit by a strong smell of porridge. There wasn't anything special about, but it made Ne zha realize how hungry he actually was. He made his way to the kitchen and saw Ao bing sitting at the small dining table next to the kitchen. He was scrolling through his phone while stirring his porridge absent-mindly. Ao bing finally notices Ne zha standing near the doorway of the kitchen. He smiled up at him and got up. "That was pretty quick, had any trouble in there?" He asked grabbing a bowl from a cabinet. Ne zha just shook his head, but quickly realized the other man couldn't see him. "No, I usually try not to waste time when I shower." Ao bing just hummed in response

"That's good I guess. I usually waste a ton of time in there just pondering- oh! The clothes fit you pretty well, I'm glad." Ao bing commented as he turned around to give Ne zha his bowl, he gestures to the table. "Go ahead and sit. I don't have a lot of toppings, if that's okay?" He opens the fridge and looks over to the other. "Any fruit is fine, thank you." Ao bing nods in response and takes out a pack of blueberries, he makes his way to the table.

The two sit down in and eat quietly. Ne zha glanced over and noticed that Ao bing's bowl was still mostly full. He found it strange considering Ao bing would have been finished by the time Ne zha had done showering. "Have you not ate? From my knowledge it doesn't take long to make porridge." Ne zha comments, he remembers that Chang'e telling him that mortals could make food instantly. Ao bing glanced away from him and scratched his cheek nervously

"Well, yeah- I finished it pretty quick. I just wanted to wait for you." Ao bing said, shoving spoonful of porridge into his mouth.

"You don't have to wait for me, you're food must be cold by now." Ne zha scolds lightly, grabbing a bundle of blueberries. Ao bing lets out a soft chuckle.

"I don't mind really, besides a meal tastes better with company." He chirps. Ne zha is caught off guard by the comment, but he let's out a sigh.

"I don't understand you honestly."

Ao bing lets out another laugh, "thats fine. We have plenty of time to understand each other." He smiles warmly at Ne zha.

Ne zha stares at him, his eyes were big and full of kindness but he noticed that his eyes were a different shade of blue. He quickly looks down when he felt the urge to lean forward to get a better look. "You should eat." He rushes out. The other looked at him puzzled but just shrugged and kept eating.

After eating, Ao bign left to get properly dressed while Ne zha brushed his hair. It was already brushed out nice and now all he needed to do were his two buns. He was a little worried about stretching his arms and possibly making the wound open more. He must have been thinking for a while as he saw Ao bing enter the room.

"Is everything okay?" He asked adjusting his hoodie.

"Everything is fine, I'm just trying to do my hair." Ne zha fidget with the ribbon in hand.

"I can do it for you if you want."

He looked at Ao bing, raising his brows slightly. "I know how to do buns, use to do Mei's hair." Ao bing tried to reassure the other. Ne zha thinks for a moment, there really wasn't an issue. It's just that it had been a while since anyone had done his hair for him, let alone the dragon prince (a version of him). He ultimately nods in the end. "I don't see why not."

He could tell the bluenette was excited but refrained himself. Ao bing told him to wait for a second and left the room. He came back with a variety of brushes. He couldn't help but ask"Why so many brushes?"

"To make your hair look nice." He leaned over to place the brushes on the couch.

"You don't have to make my hair look nice, it'll get ruined eventually." Ne zha stiffen when Ao bing grabbed a handful of his hair. He wasn't hurting him, it was the exact opposite. He was so gentle, smoothing out his hair as he started to brush. "You doing okay there?" Ao bing asked as he noticed the others shoulders rise up. Ne zha took a deep breath to calm himself and stared blankly at the table infront of him. "Yes, I fine it just feels strange having someone else do my hair." The last person that brushed his hair was his mother. He remembered how gentle her hands, humming a light melody as she brushed his hair, and when she was done she'd kiss the top of his head. But that was over centuries ago. Before he left for the celestial realm, before he became immortal, and before he killed-

"You have nice hair." Ao bing suddenly said. Ne zha opened his eyes in surprised, he didn't realize he had closed them. "Huh, what?" He even sounded tired.

"I was just saying that you have nice hair." Ao bing repeated.

"Oh um, thank you." Ne zha was trying not to yawn. He expected that they would just not talk anymore, but Ao bing continues.

"Have you ever tried different hair styles?"

"No, I've always had this style since I was younger."

"Really? That's cute." Ne zha felt his ears burn slightly. "Okay, all set!"

Ne zha stopped himself from letting out a sigh of relief. He looks over to see Ao bing holding a mirror to make sure he did a good job. It honestly looked good, it was a lot neater than how he'd do it. "It looks nice, thank you."

Ao bing smiled at him, seriously did his face not hurt from doing that so much. "Don't mention it, you can always ask me if you need to do your hair." He makes his way and sit on the couch next to Ne zha at reasonable distance.

They sit together in silence, the only noise coming from outside of the busy city. It made Ne zha a little uncomfortable but he preferred silence over anything He didn'twant to get attach to this new version of an old friend.

However Ao bing was the complete opposite. He was fine with not talking, but he felt that at least they should get to know each other a little bit more, since they both aren't sure when Ne zha will be able to leave.

"Sooo..." he starts off, getting the others attention. "What's it like in the Celestial realm?"

"Its nice, usually there's work to be done and it quiet most of the time aswell." Ne zha replies vaguely.

"So you've never taken a break or like a vacation?" Ao bing started play with his strands of hair. Ne zha shook his head, "there was never a reason to." He watched the other as he braided his own hair. He wondered if it was naturally that color. Ao bing looked at him suddenly looking surprised.

Ne zha must have said that out loud. Ao bing let go of his hair and looked away awkwardly. "I am very sorry, that was rude of me." He rushed out, why did he say that?

Ao bing laughed it off and waved a hand at him. "No, no its fine. Your not the first person to ask me that." He offered a smile to calm him down. Honestly Ne zha was embarrassed of himself.

"Yeah, it is naturally blue. I don't know why, my aunt and uncle told me that it's a genetic mutation or something." He grabbed his hair again, Ne zha notice the sad look in his eyes. "And well, having blue hair meant I got made fun of a lot. I almost shaved my head because of it." He let out a laugh. Ne zha felt bad, he didn't need to explain any of this to him, he should have kept his mouth shut.

"I didn't end up doing it, got caught by my aunt and got an earful." He laughed again. "Mei noticed how upset I was and dyed her whole hair green to make me feel better." He smiled fondly at the memories. He looked back at Ne zha, causing the other's breath to hitch. He quickly looked away at the familiar face from his past.

"You could've just lied and told me it was dyed." Ne zha muttered out. He doesn't understand how open Ao bing is, his past self was honest but never this honest, but they were kids back then. From the corner of his eye, Ao bing shook his head. "I trust you. You don't seem like a bad person." He responded softly.

'If only you knew the truth.' Ne zha thought to himself. Instead he hummed in response.

They went back to being quiet. But it wasn't as awkward as before. Ao bing turned on the tv and looked over to Ne zha, "anything you want to watch?" He asked. The lotus prince shook his head in response, "you can pick whatever you like."

It takes a while for Ao bing to actually pick something, he was going to just put on Monkey Cop but noticed Ne zha make a face of disgust and decided against it. He settled for a movie, specifically Kung Fu Panda, he's a sucker for animated movies. As the film plays he didn't noticed that at some point Ne zha was watching too. "I don't understand this." Ao bing turned to look at him surprised, but looked at him in confusion. "Why did the turtle choose the panda? The tiger was clearly the best choice." He complained. Right, they probably didn't have this type of entertainment in the celestial realm .

"Well, its not really explained but it was something to do with having a good heart, I don't really remember." He offers a somewhat of an explanation, but Ne zha looked more confused. "While having a pure heart is good, the panda clearly has no training or experience, while the tiger is a fully trained warrior." Ne zha grumbled, visibly getting upset. How should he explain this.

"That's kind of the whole point why he was chosen in the first place." Ne zha looked at him puzzled. "What does that mean?" Ao bing can't help but think Ne zha looks like a confused toddler when he creases his eyebrows together. "Okay so, clearly you don't expect a guy like Po to be this great warrior right?" He starts off, and Ne zha nods in agreement, "but what the movie is trying to explain is that anyone can be a warrior overtime. That with the right amount of training you can be something great." They look at the screen and see Po getting sucker punched in the face by a dummy. Ne zha looks at him with a questioning look. He sighs.

"It'll make sense later just watch." Ne zha just huffed in response and went back to looking at the screen.

Half way into the film after the training sequence with Master Shifu, there was a knock at the door. "Are you expecting someone?" Ne zha asked eyes glued to the screen. "No, almost never. But I have a feeling I know who it is. " He responded, he got up and went to the front door. The knocking continued in a quick rhythm, almost turning into complete banging. He opened the door before it escalated further.

His energetic cousin Mei, burst in with Mk behind her trail. She looked around the hall like a man in a mission. "Where are they!?" She exclaimed loudly. "It's nice to see you too." Ao bing said sarcastically. He let her pass to avoid being pushed by the strog girl then Mk walked in with more calmly. "Hey Bing." Ao bing smiled at Mk, greeting him back closing. "Hey. I thought you two were going to the arcade or something."

"We were but then Mei said we were going to your house instead, something about having someone over." Ao bing let out an annoyed sigh and went to follow the wreckless girl. Mei always loved to know what was going on in his life. The last person he dated, his cousin did a background check. As annoying as it was he knew that she was just looking after him like he would for her. And he was glad she did, cause it turned out the girl was pretty sketchy.

"Mei relax, I'm not hiding anything." He watched as she went into his room, dramaticly pulling back his bed sheets and throwing his pillows. Now head have to clean that later. "Oh really? Then why did you hang up so fast after I heard another voice?" She inquiered pointing a finger towards him. "Because then you would have start making gross jokes over the phone. You still you've come over even if I told you what was going on."

"Okay, what is going on?" Mei crossed her arms and pouted at him. Before he could answer Mk could be heard from the living room, "Oh! hey Ne zha! Didn't expect you to be here."

Mei jumped over the bed, almost falling off and ran out the door. Ao bing rolled his eyes and grumbled at the completely ruined bed. He'll fix it later.

He saw the two younger adults stand side by side, Mk and had a calm but confused look, while Mei looked like a gaping fish. They started at the immortal sitting on the couch, watching Kung Fu Panda of all things.

"What's he doing here?" Mei let out a gasp, "and in your clothes!" She quickly turned over to him with widen eyes, "don't tell me you two-"

"Oh my gosh no! Stop assuming things!" Ao bing interrupted, honestly she's overreacting. "Sit down and I'll tell you, jeez."

Ao bing explain to the two about Guanyin leaving Ne zha here to take care of him until the wound healed completely.  "Sooo, you're babysitting him then?" Ne zha glared at Mei's comment, "I don't need to be taken care of like a child." He hissed in annoyance. Mei put her hands up in surrender but couldn't stop from smiling. "Wait, you're wound hasn't healed yet? Its been a week already." Mk chimed in, munching on a snack Ao bing had given him.

"Appearntly it heals slower when its mystic weapons, also his wound reopened a night ago." Ao bing explains simply to save Ne zha the trouble. Mk eyes widen for a moment and he looked over to Ne zha with a worried look. Said person just sighed, "Its not a big deal, it should heal enough for me to return in a week." He crossed his arms, leaning back into the couch trying not agitate his wound any further. Ao bing looked at him confused, "Shouldn't you wait until it completely heals?" It was Ne zha's turn to be confused, why was he so concerned about his health he doesn't even know him that well. "It doesn't really matter if it heals well, as long as its not bleeding it should be fine." The bluenette frowns at this, but said nothing, it wasn't really his place to tell him what to do.

"Wait, so you didn't want to hang out 'cause of Lotus boy?" Mei questioned. Ao bing scratches the back of his neck, nervously laughing. "Well, I wasn't really sure if it was okay to leave him alone all day." Ne zha glanced at him in annoyance. "C'mon! Whats the worst that can happen, he burns your apartment down?" Mei joked. Both Ao bing and Ne zha glance at each other awkwardly.

The two younger adults look at them dumbfounded. "Whatever, that just means one less thing to worry about!" Mei chirped. Ao bing was going to decline Mei's invitation.

"Just go with your friends, I will be fine on my own." Ne zha intervened looking away from the others. "I won't be able to cause any trouble with my current state either way."

Ao bing looked at him with a worried expression. He doesn't want to leave him alone, he's honestly not sure why. "Are you sure? I don't-"

" He said he'll be fine! Besides its not he's going anywhere." Mei quickly interrupted. There was no way she wasn't going to miss spending time with her cousin. She grabbed his arm, tugging on it like a little kid. Ao bing laughed lightly at her antics "Alright, alright just let me get ready and we can go." Mei and Mk let out happy noises, jumping in the air to show their excitement. Ao bing shakes his head and goes to his room to touch up a little.

It doesn't take long for him to get ready since he had already changed he just did a touch-up. Mei and Mk waited by the front door, while he made sure Ne zha would be fine for a couple of hours alone. The two young adults joke how Ao bing going into mom mode. "The first aid kit under the bathroom sink in case you need it." Ne zha rolled his eyes as the other gives him instructions. Honestly, this guy worried too much. "Oh! Before I forget, here." Ao bing reaches for his pocket and hands his phone to Ne zha. Said person looked at the device curiously. "What us this for?" He quirked his eyebrows, flipping the phone to its backside.

"It's to call me incase you need something. See look." Ao bing sits closely to the lotus prince, shoulders barely touching. Ne zha tences for a moment but ignores his feelings as Ao bing opens an app on his phone. "Just click on the little phone icon, and click on Mei's contact. Got it?" Ne zha nods, its simple enough to understand. The two look at each other for a moment, but Ao bing breaks the contact when he gets up from the couch. Ne zha felt lightly embarrassed for some reason, like he was caught doing something he wasn't suppose to.

"Well I'll be going then. Call me if you need anything okay?" Ao bing calls out before turning the corner into the hall. Ne zha faintly heard the front door click.

The lotus prince sighed, he was alone now. And yet again he didn't have much to do. He had planned to continue watching the film, but was worried he'd mess something up with his button mashing. He was ready to just take another long nap but quickly got an idea.

Ne zha got up from the couch looking around the apartment, he needed enough space to create a circle. He stepped over to the threshold between the kitchen and livingroom.  'This should be good enough' he thought to himself. Ne zha took a deep breath before moving. His movements were slow, trying not to reopen his wound again but he needed to move quick enough to activate his circle. He let out a sigh of relief once it began to glow.

A faint outline of a woman appeared suddenly. She looked down towards Ne zha and smiled fondly. "Ne zha. I didn't expect to hear from you so soon, is something the matter?" She spoke softly.

"No nothing is wrong, it's just that... why am I here?" The goddess tilted her head at the question. "Whatever do you mean Ne zha?" She spoke softly and smiled at the younger immortal. Ne zha wanted to huff at her, but knew that it was a bad idea. "What I mean is why you brought me here." He used a slightly harsher tone at his last word. Guanyin pondered for a moment but he knew that she was messing with him.

"I just thought you might've liked a small vacation in the mortal realm." She gave him a playful smile. Now she was definitely messing with him.  Ne zha continued to press on her.

"With all due respect Guanyin but if I wanted to take a 'vacation I would have done so back home." Ne zha waited for a few seconds before continuing to talk. "Also, I don't even know this mortal well enough to stay with him."

"But you knew his past life before." The goddess interrupted. Ne zha stiffened, so that's what she was doing. He bawled his fist and glared at the floor to avoid the goddessinfront of him. "That doesn't matter, that version of him is dead." He hissed. He wanted to yell at her, wanted to tell her that she had no business with meddling in his life. He didn't want to stay with a person he killed centuries ago. Ne zha jumped slightly at the ghostly touch on his shoulder.

Guanyin looked at him side eyes, her smile matching. "Then why are you afraid? From what I've seen he's a nice young man." She says softly. Ne zha looked at her surprised. "I'm not afraid. I just do not want to be here, there's no special reason to be." He argued.

Guanyin looks at him for a moment and gives him a playful smile. "Is it because of Ao Guang?" Ne zha glances away hesitantly, she lets out a laugh. "You don't have to worry about that old dragon. He can't do much either way."  Guanyin reassures him, but Ne zha doesn't really believe that Ao Guang wouldn't try something, unless... Ne zha hesitated before asking, "does he even know his son is alive?"

The woman before him lets out a sigh. "Yes he does know, but he doesn't know about his whereabouts and lets kept it that way hm?" He wanted to ask her her what she meant by that. But before he could she began to talk, "Well if that's all you needed I must go now, I'll visit in about a month to see how much you've healed." Ne zha's eyes widen in surprised, a month he had to stay here!? He couldn't stay here for that long, "A month!? Guanyin there's no-"

"Can't talk now I must go,  Goodbye little lotus!" Guanyin faded away and Ne zha was left alone.

Ne zha left out a frustrated groan and hit the nearest thing to him, which ended up being a shelf. With the strong punch it crumbled immediately and everything fell to the ground. He paled at the sound of something shattering. He got closer to the mess on the floor. There he saw something shimmer from underneath a book. He moved the object and guilt began to rise throughout his whole mind.

It was a crystal figure of a sea turtle that was supposed to be attached to a bed of coral. But it was now missing a fin and its shell cracked and missing pieces, likely due from the book. The coral reef was in a similar state, it was completely shatter into pieces big enough to hopefully put back together.

Ne zha gently picked up the broken turtle into his palm. He stared at the glass creature, it had no eyes yet Ne zha felt like it was staring at him sadly. He let out a sigh.

He always ruins things that are beautiful.

Chapter Text

The day went on as the trio jumped from game to game. Mk would challenge Mei to any game that required beating the other player, which would always end in Mk losing. Ao bing would just watch the two and occasionally joined the other two if they needed help on a crane game.

Mk ran off to play a dance game. Mei decided to sit this one out and hopefully to record her best friend doing something silly,  Ao bing joined her. The cousins stand side by side leaning against a broken machine game as they watched Mk step on the arrows matching the screen. And soon enough Mei starts a conversation.

"Soooo, how are things at the aquarium?" Mei asked. Ao bing hummed.

"Everything is fine. Nothing out of place."

"Is Ms. Duan still mad about the shark thing?"

Ao bing chuckles and Mei smirks. "Surprisingly no, I think she changed her mind when I got her a little boquete of flowers." He still recalls the stunned and flattered reaction of the old woman. Mei roles her eyes.

"Of course. No one can resist the natural charm of Ao bing." Mei teased. Ao bing laughed and blushed slightly, shoving her arm.

Growing up Mei always joked and teased about Ao bing's looks let him get away with anything he wanted.

It had all started in middle school when Mei was about to get in a fist fight with a boy twice her size. Ao bing stepped in and convinced the boy to leave her alone. Apparently from what Mei recalls, she saw that the boy was blushing when Ao bing gave him a smile and a friendly pat on the shoulder. From then she noticed a pattern when Ao Bing looked or talked to anyone, they would be captured by his charming smile.

"So what are you gonna do with Lotus boy?"

"Huh?" Ao bing looked at her.

"I mean Ne zha. "You're just gonna go along with babysitting him?" Mei inquired, typing away on her phone.

"I'm not babysitting, just looking after him until he's better."

"Then how come he doesn't go get all healed in the celestial realm? Doesn't seem necessaryfor himto stay with you." Mei questioned as she looked up at him. It surprised Ao bing, she had a point.

Why would Ne zha need to stay with him? Guanyin had said it was because there was no one to look after him. But Ne zha didn't really need supervision, he only needed someone to change his gause. He really should've asked questions before agreeing to the job. He guess that he was a little bit excited to get a chance to know Ne zha better that made him throw logic out the window.

"Thats a good question." He answered eventually. Mei was dumbfounded but said nothing, only letting out a sigh.

The two stand in silence for a moment before Mei asked another question. "You sure you can handle it?"

Ao bing tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Mei thinks for a moment of what to say without sounding weird and making Ao bing uncomfortable. "Like, him being in you're apartment. You're okay with a conplete stranger living with you?" Mei clarified. Ao bing looked at her, pondering for a moment.

He hadn't thought about that. Ne zha was technically a stranger to him, their first meeting was a mess with Monkey King punching him through the air after he threatened him and Mk. They only had a real conversation on flower fruit mountain. However to him.

It felt that he'd known him before the brotherhood. Before the attack of LBD. Ne zha didn't felt like a stranger.

Ao bing looked back at Mei. She had her eyebrows furrowed, worry was filled in her emerald eyes. He gave her a smile and reached out to ruffle her hair. She let out a whine of protest, pouting at him.

"You're big brother can handle it." Ao bing reassured. He saw Mei relax a little. She had always preferred calling Ao bing her older brother it made her happy, and would always introduce him as such when they were younger. She was always told to stop and corrected by her parents because of the gossip that would go around from other parents. They only ever call each other siblings whenever it was just the two of them.

Before Mei could argue anymore, Mk wobbly walked over to them, his heavy breathing drew the cousins to look at him and cringe at his appearance. He was covered in sweat, his hair was all over the place and he had taken off his yellow jacket and tied it around his waist.

" I-I did it! I beat yo-you're highscore!" Mk coughed out as he pointed at Mei. He bent over and rested his hand on his knees. "I think I'm gonna past out" He sounded like he was about to throw up. Which kicked in Ao bing into mom mode. "How about we call it a day and get something to eat, do you want me to carry you Mk?" Ao bing moved a little close to the younger man in case he fell over. Mk shook his head and told him he'd be fine in an hour. Mei just looked at him with little concern and more confused as to how Mk got so tired at a dance game, when she's seen him do brutal training and not break a sweat.

Mei eventually shrugged away her thoughts and started to walk towards the direction of the exit. "I am getting pretty hungry. What'cha guys want to eat?"

-----------

They had a hard time choosing what to eat. Mei wanted to go try out a new restaurant she had seen but Mk was craving dumplings. "Mk I swear if you're craving those curse dumplings again, I'm throwing you off a bridge." Mei had warned. The duo kept trying to figure out what they wanted but couldn't decide on anything. In the end, Ao bing decided for them on going to Pigsy's, they agreed mostly because he offered to pay for them.

The drive to the restaurant was silent, occasionally Mei would ask to change the station and Mk would starts small conversations here and then.

Not much in the city had changed since the whole end of the world ordeal. But Ao bing did see a lot of change in both Mk and Mei.

Although Mei had always been strong, she was becoming even stronger than she always was and even talking to her parents a lot more. Though she became more jumpy after the samadhi fire, even through she can fully control it now she isn't as touchy with Ao bing like before,, like she's scared she might hurt him.. While Mk has been quickly learning to control his monkey powers, he'd been acting slightly off since the whole being sucked into a scroll event happened. When Azure was defeated Ao bing wanted to make sure Mk was alright, but he was acting like his old self in no time. Still he worried about him.

Soon they arrived to the small restaurant and weren't surprised to see both Tang and Sandy in their usual spot, while Pigsy grumbled about Tang being a freeloader. All heads turned when Mei loudly announced their arrival. Pigsy calmed down when he saw familiar head of blue hair.

"Ao bing! Good to see you kid! How you've been?" He came out of the back to give him a quick hug. Mei let's out an offended scoff. "How come we don't get hugs!" She pouted, followed by a whiny 'yeah!' from Mk. The older man rolls his eyes at the two, "because you're always here and you" he points at Mk, "work here everyday." Mk crossed his arms and continued to pout.

"Okay and?! We should special treatment too!" Mei argued, copying Mk. Ao bing rested his arm on Pigsy's shoulders giving him a side hug. "You're just jealous because I'm the favorite child." He gave them a cheeky grin. His cousin scoffed.

"Yeah right, Pigsy doesn't pick favorites. Right Pigsy?" The three look at the demon pig waiting for a response. The older man let out an annoyed sigh, "first of all who said I am not your dad, and second if I was, Ao bing would be my favorite."

The father figure walked off leaving Mei and Mk in distraught and Ao bing laughing at them. Tang and Sandy watched in amusement. "Cheer up you two! If it makes you feel better, you're all my favorite!" The friendly giant pipes out. The duo lets out a 'thanks Sandy' and sit down by the counter, Ao bing doing the same.

They order their food and Ao bing catches up with the others as they waited. Not much had change with Tang and Pigsy, they still bicker like the old married couple that they were. And Sandy continued to take in stray cats. Ao bing listened to Tang talk about another old legend, while petting Mo. The cat had been the most affectionate towards him since he sat down. It wasn't too strange since Mo loved getting attention from others.  Mk noticed first when he saw Mei try to hold the cat but he jumped off and went back to cuddling him.

"Man Mo's been super cuddly with you this whole time, what gives?" Ao bing just shrugged as he continued to pet the feline. "He probably just missed me or something."

"No fair! You've been getting so much attention, maybe I shouldn't have invited you to the arcade." Mei complained and gave an exaggerated pout. Ao bing just laughed. Pigsy came up to them and gave the three their food. They thanked the older man and began to eat.

It was a little challenging for Ao bing to eat because of Mo sitting on his lap, trying to get his attention again but he managed. They had finished eating and just continued to talk with one and other. Before they decided to leave Ao bing asked for a bowl of noodles to go. "Did you not get full Ao bing?" Sandy asked.

"He probably just wants more, I mean who could blame him? Pigsy's noodles are addictive." Tang commented, as he slurpped on his noodles. Pigsy just grumble and told him to pay his tab already. Ao bing just let out a small huff of laughter. "Its not for me its for someone else." Tang looked at him smugly, "oh? A love interest perhaps?" He batted his eyes towards him in a teasing manner. Ao bing just rolled his eyes. "No, just for a... friend I guess." Ao bing ended hesitantly.

Can he really called them that? Mei was right, they don't really know each other. The first time they met was under pretty bad circumstances, Ne zha had literally threatened him and Mk. But now they live together, temporarily of course. Yeah they can get to know each other over time Ao bing had already made some progress, but Ne zha was just really distant towards him. He just hopes that they can be friends.

"Its for Lotus boy, he's staying at Bing's place for a while." Mei tells the others while she drinks her soda and scrolls through her phone. Tang spits outs the noodles he was eating, Pigsy yells at him of course, and looks at Ao bing bewildered. Said person just cringes as he sees a piece of noodle slide off the older man's face. "The Lotus Prince is staying at your apartment!?" Tang got closer and closer to Ao bing with every word, causing the other to back up and hold onto the counter without falling off. "Umm...Yes." He smiled awkwardly at the elder. "Is that bad?" He asked when he saw that Tang wasn't moving.

"Bad!? It's incredible!" Tang exclaimed, his whole body was vibrating with excitement from what Ao bing could see. "You have one of the strongest deities living with you! What's he like? Does he smell like ash or like a lotus flower? Are his eyes red up close? Oh! Have you gotten a chance to hold his divine spear!?" Ao bing just sat there nervously smiling at the overwhelming and strange questions from Tang, he almost fell backwards with Tang seemingly getting closer with every question.

The older man is pulled back suddenly by the collar of his robe by Pigsy who saw what was happening as soon as he turned around. "Give the kid some space will you Tang?" The demon grumbled, Ao bing let out a sigh of relief and pulled himself up and rested himself against the counter. He gave Pigsy a smile then looked over at Tang with guilt while he coughed after being forcefully pulled back, thankfully Sandy gave him some tea to ease his pain.

"I didn't think it was a big deal, I mean you guys deal with these things all the time." Ao bing commented. Tang was about to lean towards him again but stopped himself when he saw Pigsy give him a warning glare while holding a ladle spoon in his hand. "Of course it's a big deal! A deity is living with you!" Tang pauses for a moment, "why is he living with you?" Before Ne zha could answer Mei beats him to it.

"Guanyin told him to take care of him until he healed." Mei answer again chugging the last of her drink. Tang goes quiet for a moment, everyone turns to look at him expecting for him to react. He just stares at Mei.

SLAM

Everyone jumps at the loud noise created by Tang. They looked at the older man as he sits there in total silence not moving an inch. Before anyone could say anything, they watch as Tang looks over towards Ao Bing. "The Guanyin...." he mumbled out everyone waited for him to speak. "The Guanyin- goddess of mercy and the embodiment of compassion- Gave you a personal assignment!?" Ao Bing just nods nimbly towards him, a little bit afraid of speaking. That small gesture was enough to make Tang's eyes light up, Ao bing could see sparkle in them. "This is INCREDIBLE!!!" He let out an audible squeal. Mei and Mk let out little snorts at how childish the scholar was acting. Tang then placed his hands onto Ao bing's shoulders, slightly gripping them. "Tell me everything that happened! Was she as elegant as she's been portrayed? Did she have a thousand arms- ack!" Tang was interrupted by a certain pig demon pulling him back from the scruff of his robe again.

"Stop doing that!" Tang yelled and proceeded to cough.

"Leave the kid alone Tang, he doesn't need anymore of your fanboying." Pigsy scolds him and lets out a huff. Tang glared that the pig demon while rubbing a hand over his neck. Pigsy made his way over at Ao bjng, "here ya go kid, I put some extra packets of hot sauce. Noticed that the Lotus kid liked his noodles with some kick in it." Pigsy handed him the bag and Ao bing gave him a smile in return. He thanked him and got up. "You ready to go Mei?" He asked his cousin. Mei looked up at him, "Actually I'm staying the night with Mk, told mom don't worry."

Ao bing nodded, "Okay, I'll see you around then. Goodnight everyone!" He waved at the group. As he walked out he heard them call out  their goodbyes and goodnight. He smiled to himself, he should visit them again whenever he can.

The sun had completely disappeared by the time Ao bing arrived to his apartment complex. He hoped that Ne zha would still be awake and wanted to eat. He hadn't called him the whole day so he must've been fine, but Ao bing couldn't help himself from being worried for the other. He felt the need to get close to him the second time they met like he needed to protect him, which was a dumb thought considering Ne zha is a warrior deity. It must've been the state Ne zha was in.

Ao bing always worried about Mei growing up because of how many times she got hurt doing something reckles, and when she met (the equally reckless) Mk he got protective of him as well. So maybe that was it, he was just reminded of all the times his friends got hurt doing something reckless. Yeah that had to be it. Probably.

As Ao bing got closer to his apartment, he thankfully didn't smell anything burning. He opened the door and took off his shoes. "Ne zha I'm back." He called out. He didn't get a response, he guessed that Ne zha must've just gone to bed early. But he suddenly heard shuffling at the end of the hall. Ao bing walked over to the source of the noise. Once he turned the corner he almost dropped the bag in his hand.

Ne zha was hunched over next to a broken shelf with some objects scattered around the floor while others were neatly stacked. Said person froze in place when he noticed the others presents.  The lotus prince stiffened and his grip tighten around a small stack of books in his hands. "What the heck happened?" Ao bing finally asked, he didn't yell or scream it was more of a squawk, but it still made Ne zha feel nervous and looked down at the ground.

"I...um- I punched the shelf and it broke." He mumbled as he glaced up at the other, his cheeks turn slightly red.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" He asked. Ao bing looked at him with full concern, disregarding what Ne zha told him. Ne zha looked at him with wide eyes, "Um... no." His eyebrows furrow as Ao bing let out a sigh of relief. "That's a relief, oh! By the way I brought you some of Pigsy's noodles." He beamed down at him and raised the bag in his hand. Ne zha just looked at him with a very confused look. "Di-did you not hear what I said? I broke your shelf." He spoke a little louder than intended but wanted to make sure Ao bing could hear him clearly.

Ao bing just blinked slowly at him before snapping out of it and looked at the piles of books and other varieties of items scattered over the floor. "Oh yeah...it's fine though. That shelf was pretty old, one hit could take it out." He explained to Ne zha. Ao bing had bought that shelf in a garage sale when he moved out of his aunt's and uncle's place. Mei was with him when he got it and told him that it was going to fall apart one day by just a flick of dust hitting it. She ended up being right, except the flick of dust was replaced by a strong punch. "I don't understand."

Ao bing tilted his head slightly in confusion as Ne zha continued. "Shouldn't you be upset? I broke your property." Ne zha's eyebrows were furrowed. Ao bing scratched the back of his head and looked of to the side awkwardly.

"I mean- it was a shelf. It didn't really hold any sentimental value to me." He told him. His eyes shifted when Ne zha suddenly stood up. He stood infront of him for a moment before moving around and grabbed something on the ground covered in a piece of cloth. Ao bing curiously tried to look over his shoulder, but didn't have to wait long as Ne zha turned to face him again, stepping slightly closer. "Did this have sentimental value?" Ne zha asked as he avoided eye contact. Ao bing looked down and his heart sank.

It was the crystal turtle that his aunt and uncle had gifted him when he was younger. He was told that it belong to his parents. Ao bing never knew what had happened to them. No matter how many times he had asked both of his guardians always gave him vague answers. It was only when he had gotten a gift from them, telling him that it was from his parents, did he stop asking about them. It became precious to him growing up because it was the only thing he felt close to his parents. Ao bing felt like crying and even wanting to scream the moment once he saw the turtle was completely decapitated. Instead he took a deep breath and looked at Ne zha.

"No. It was just a small gift I got when I was younger." He answered quickly with a small smile. Ao bing knew that it wouldn't be fair to yell at the other for something he didn't know, but he also didn't want Ne zha to feel bad about breaking the glass sculpture on accident. So he lied instead. Ne zha must've notice because his eyebrows furrowed but said nothing, not wanting to get into a pointless argument.

Ne zha jumped slightly when he felt Ao bing place his hands underneath his. He looked back up to him and Ao bing glanced back down at they're hands and then back at Ne zha. Ne zha understood what he wanted and gently place the fabric into the bluehead's hands. He watched as Ao bing gave him a small smile, but it had looked a little off. Yet he didn't say anything as he watched Ao bing walk off. Ne zha was curious about what Ao bing was planning to do he followed behind him. He watched as Ao bing gently placed the object onto the kitchen counter and walk off to find something.

He returned quickly and Ne zha saw that he had a small tube in his hand. "What are you doing?" Ne zha asked. Ao bing sorted out the parts by size on the cloth, being careful as to not hurt himself. "I'm going to glue it back together." He responded as he took the cap off the glue of glue. Ne zha watched as Ao bing picked up a shard and applying glue to it.

There was a moment of silence as Ao bing glued pieces together. And Ne zha just watching intently with a blank stare. "Why didn't you get upset?" Ne zha had eventually asked, as he idly scratched his arm. Ao bing looked up to him as he held two pieces together, thinking about how to answer him. He placed the glass down and repeated the same process. "Why get mad at something that can be fixed easily." Ao bing responded.

"You can be upset." Ne zha said. Ao bing looked up at him with raised eyebrows. "Even of it was an accident, you can still be mad." He told him. Ao bing furrowed his eyebrows while tilting his head to the side.

"Do you want me to be upset?" He asked.

"Yes? I-i mean only if you want to be upset. You have every right." Ne zha cringed slightly at his stuttering. It just made Ao bing more confused than he already was. "I'm not going to get mad at something that you didn't do on purpose Ne zha." Ao bing stated, upset at the fact Ne zha implied that he wanted him to be mad.

"I...I know. Its just-" Ne zha hesitated, trying to figure out what he wanted to say, wrapping his arms around himself as his discomfort grows by Ao bing's calm stare. It felt to familair.

"Nevermind, forget I said anything." Ne zha muttered out and turned to retreated into the living room.

"Wait!" Ao ving called out to him. Ne zha turned to face him. "I want to show you something." Ne zha was going to tell him that he didn't want to be near him at the moment, but those words were never said once he looked at those Azure eyes infront of him. He hesitanted before ultimately standing next to Ao bing.

The blue head moves to makes space for the other. He looks as Ne zha gives quick glances at him. "Yes, I did get upset but only for a moment." Ao bing picks up a fragment of glass from the coral reef and offers it to Ne zha. He takes it gently into his hand confused. "Because when I looked at it." Ao bing grabs another piece with cracks that mirrors the one Ne zha held and applies glue. He gently placed a hand underneath Ne zha's, catching him off guard looking down at their connected hands. Ao bing placed his piece with Ne zha's, holding it in place.

"I realized its not as broken as I thought."  Ao bing looked up at him and smiled. Ne zha's breath hitched at those words.

Soft hands caressed his scared ones. He rubbed his thumbs along the fabric of the gause wrapped around his hands.

Little Ne zha truene red at the touch and his stomach felt strange. He finally had the courage to look up at the cause of the strange feeling.

The young dragon smiled at him and spoke.

"You're not as broken as you think."

"Ne zha?"

He jumped slightly at the voice calling him, blinking rapidly remembering that where he was. Blue eyes stared at him with worry and confusion. Right, he was staying in an apartment of a familair stranger.

He wasn't on the beach with his old friend.

"Are you okay?" Ao bing asked. Ne zha stared at him for a moment. It was strange to look at the blue haired man. It was very much the face of his old friend but with slightly different features. He was a little surprised that he even remembered after all these decades. "Yes I'm fine just... got lost in thought." Ne zha finally answered.

Ao bing looked at him for a moment, before giving a small smile. "That's a relief, thought I said something wrong." He chuckled nervously, looking away from Ne zha and fiddled with a strand of hair.

Ne zha watched as he did. The dragon prince did the same thing whenever he got nervous or shy.

He shook his head, restraining himself for making comparisons. "I'm gratefull you said that." He looked down at the almost fixed turtle. " It really wasn't as bad as a believed." Ne zha noted. Ao bing grinned at the comment. "See, I told you." Ao bing teased lightly. Ne zha smiled in response. He picked up another piece and studied it for a moment.

"Do you mind if I help you with the rest." Ne zha asked. Ao bing raised his brows for a second, "you sure you don't want to eat? The noodles are probably getting cold, and Pigsy would lose it if he found out you reheated them." He warned the other.

"What the man does not know won't hurt him." Ne zha replies. He almost lets out a laugh at the dramatic gasps Ao bing lets out. "You're showing your true colors." Ao bing jokes. Ne zha doesn't fully understand but smiles nonetheless.

The two continue most of the night gluing pieces back together, while having mostly small conversations. Ne zha would give short answers and sometimes ask questions for verification. But most of the time they were quiet.

It didn't bother Ao bing as much anymore.

Chapter Text

It has been almost a month of Ne zha staying with Ao bing.

There hasn't been much going on. They had a very simple routine. Ao bing would go to work and Ne zha would stay alone to either meditate, read or watch tv. His wound stopped profoundly bleeding finally closing up letting him move around more. They've also gotten to know each other a little more, like the basics of favorite food and what they like to do in their spare time. Sometimes Ao bing would share a couple memories and Ne zha would still give vague answers about his life, but Ao bing came to accept that Ne zha just doesn't like to talk a lot.

Today Ne zha decided to watch a TV show he recently got into thanks to Ao bing. It was about four older women living together, most of the show was about the women's lives and sometimes things getting out of hand creating drama. He also noticed that the women enjoy eating cheesecake. Ne zha had never tried it and wonders what it takes like, the show makes it very appealing. Maybe he should ask Ao bing if he could bring some one day.

Ne zha heard the front door opened which confused him. Ao bing had said that he would have a full shift today and would be coming home late. At first Ne zha assumed that he must've been indulge in the show that the lost track of time. But was proven wrong when he check the clock. It was 2:30.

"I'm home!" Ao bing announced and let out a yelp at the end. Ne zha raised a brow at the surprised noise that followed with the sounds of bags rustling. He paused the tv and got up from the couch, making his way to the hallway.

He's a little surprised at seeing Ao bing holding multiple bags in his hands, struggling not to fall as he attempts to take off his shoes refusing to let any of the bags touch the ground. Ne zha quickly takes a couple of bags from the blue head. Ao bing lets out a surprise 'oh' and thanked the brunette, now comfortably taking off his shoes. He brushes past Ne zha, making his way to the kitchen with Ne zha following suit.

Ne zha was at this point very confused with what's going on. Ao bing never really bought this many things unless it was necessary. And it was a little concerning seeing all of the bags plotted down on the counter and adding more of the ones Ne zha had it was almost like a mountain.

"Um, Ao bing?" Ne zha hesitated.

"Yeah?" Ao bing looked at him bewildered, sounding a bit out of breath.

"Why did you bring so many bags?" He motioned to the overwhelming pile of bags. Ao bing looked for a moment, "oh yeah, I'm going to make a cake." He said confidently. Ne zha furrowed his eyebrows, Chang'e never needed this many things to bake a cake. Was he planning to make multiple?

"I wasn't sure what kind I wanted to make so I just grabbed everything." Okay so that answered his question. But it didn't seem most of the things he got were necessary. Ne zha searched through the bags and took out a pact of Haw Flakes. He looked at Ao bing with a unfazed look. "Okay-those I was craving. And some of this is just groceries." He clarified. But his shoulders dropped down as he was realizing the amount of bags he had infront of him.

"I think..." He finishes. Ao bing quickly shook his head and started to take out things from the bags sorting them out of what went where. "Doesn't matter! I'll just see if Mei wants any of this stuff." Ao bing chirped, but to Ne zha it sounded somewhat forced as he began to put things away. Ne zha began to help Ao bing with the task before him, making a couple of strange faces with what he pulled out. Most of the things that Ao bing had bought were snacks and sweets. Ne zha made a face of disgust when he grabbed a pack of red sauce but he felt something hard in the middle.

"What is this?" Ne zha questioned suspiciously, holding the package from one corner. Ao bing looked up and perked at the sight. "Ooo yes! I love these." Ao bing cheered as he grabbed the bag from Ne zha. "But what exactly is it?" He inquired.

"Its a dill pickle covered in chamoy." Ao bing answered as he ripped open the bag careful not to spill the red sauce. Ne zha tried so hard not to make a face but failed as Ao bing grabbed the pickle with two fingers.

"Cha-what?" He asked.

"Chamoy, its a sauce for pickled fruit. They selled a bunch of these in the states when I visited once."

"You're not going to-" Ne zha didn't finished his sentence as he watched Ao bing take a huge bite of the vegetable, making a slurping noise causing Ne zha to cringe. He even felt nauseous when let up a hum of pleasure. Ao bing look over at Ne zha with his cheeks puffed up and innocent eyes. The blue haired quickly chewed, "wanna try it?" He mumbled out, holding the pickle out to Ne zha.

Ne zha quickly shook his head, "No thank you." He declined. Ao bing shrugged and took another big bite of his strange snack. Ne zha wanted to gag a little but held it in as to not to be rude.

"So you have any ideas about what cake you want to make?" He asked. Maybe this will distract him from eating that gross snack. It does for amoment when Ao bing swallow what was left in his mouth to think. "Well I'm kind of in between raspberry or a cheesecake."

Ne zha perked at the mentioned of cheesecake, but quickly turned red when him and Ao bing made eye contact. The blue head smirked, making Ne zha looked down at the conter. "I could go for some cheesecake though." Ao bing took another bite of his pickle before putting back in its package.

"Can you help me put the groceries away please." Ao bing ask as he gathered bowls and ingredients. Ne zha nodded grabbing a bundle of vegetables. He waited until Ao bing's back was facing him before grabbing the dill pickle and putting it in the fridge. He'll just put it in the back.

After Ne zha had put away everything, he was sent to the living room. He had tried to offer some help but Ao bing brushed him aside telling him that he'd be fine doing it himself. He pushed the deity into the living and guided him to the couch, leaving him to watch tv. Ne zha would look into the kitchen once in a while.

Cheesecake was apparently easy to make from what Ne zha could see. Well he couldn't exactly see what ingredients were used but saw that there wasn't many used. He was tempted to go into the kitchen and watch, but stayed but since Ao bing had told him he didn't really need him.

He looked around the kitchen out of curiosity. He noticed that the cabinets and counter were a shade of blue and mostly had dark colors. But the kitchen was surrounded by bright colored objects and it was some what messy. His eyes landing on what remained of Ao bing's shopping spree. It was mostly the things Ao bing said he was going to use for his cake. There was a lot of different cake boxes and candy, which Ne zha assumed was for the cakes.

It was very relaxing watching Ao bing prepare the cake. He watched as Ao bing's delicate hands press down crust on to the pan. Then licked whatever crumbs were left on his hands and went to grab the bowl with batter in it. He poured it into the pan and made sure everything was even, before putting the pan into the oven.

Ao bing put all of the dirty dishes into the sink and wiped down the counter. Then he made his way to the living and sat next to Ne zha letting out a tired sigh. They sat together, the sound of the tv being the only source of sound.

Ne zha glanced at Ao bing. The blue head had his eyebrows furrowed slightly and his eyes were almost closed. He had also noticed that his hair was a bit disarrayed and his hair was slightly crumpled in certain places, it also appeared to have a stain of some sort of liquid.

"Is there a reason you wanted to make a cake?" Ne zha asked making Ao bing jump at the unexpected question. "Oh well- I was just having craving I guess." Ao bing answered, twiddling a strand of hair. Ne zha had picked up the nervous habit and so knew that he wasn't being truthful. Ao bing had come earlier than what he originally said. Could something happened at work?

"Okay. How was work? You came back earlier than what you had told me." Ne zha questioned. Ao bing stayed quiet for moment, "It was fine." He mumbled out, glancing at the ground. This made Ne zha slightly worried.

"Did something happened at work?" Ne zha inquiered, keeping himself steady from making Ao bing uncomfortable. The blue head, stayed quiet. He pondered at what to say, before taking a deep breath.

"No, I just had a bad day." Ao bing sighed.

Ne zha hesitantly moved a little closer to Ao bing. "Do you want to talk about it?'

The other looked at him, "you sure you wanna listen? I mean it kinda a long story." Ne zha nodded, "I don't really have any plans." Ne zha smiled when Ao bing started to giggle.

"Okay then. I guess I started to have a bad once I got to work."

--------------

Ao bing had fairly gotten to work a little earlier then expected and so was assigned to aquarium maintenance. He had been a little upset at this, but didn't complain since the job required multiple people. He complied and went off to get changed into his diving suit for the day.

As it turned out the suit as were being washed and the size Ao bing usually wore was still in the laundry. He was willing to wait but his manager had pestered him to head over to the tanks as tbe animals had already been taken out. And so was forced to pick a suit that fit him tight, making his body appear more feminine.

Ao bing had never been bothered with how his body looked. He was quiet secure about his gender. But it made him uncomfortable hearing the whispers of his other male coworkers making comments and inappropriate jokes on his body. Some were even bold enough to call out to him. Ao bing just laughed along or ignore them.

Li Na had also made a joke but stopped once she had notice the uncomfortable expression Ao bing was making and so stayed with him, even snapping at anyone who'd made fun of Ao bing. Kang was a little shocked at the sight of Ao bing in the suit that fit him tight. All he did was mumble a compliment before rushing away from two. The two friends just looked at each other confused and shrugged off Kang's behavior.

Once Ao bing made it to the empty tank, he didn't see anyone else there. He assumed that they were running late doing other assignments for the  day and so waited for a bit until they arrived.

About 30 minutes had passed and the other two people that were suppose to help him were still missing. Ao bing deciede to just go into the tank and start without them hoping that'd they arrive soon.

Almost four hours had past and Ao bing was half way done with the tank. And the other workers were still a no show.

Ao bing decided to take a break and eat something. In the moment when he got out of the tank, the two workers showed up, he was upset when he saw that it was the interns that were suppose to help him. The two of them were known on skipping daily assigned work.

One of them asked him if he had already finished. No apology or explanation to where they've been for the last couple of hours. Ao bing just let them know that there was still some places that needed to be cleaned. They did a poor job of hiding their disappointment of the fact that Ao bing hadn't finished before they got there. But Ao bing paid them no mind as he went to go get something to eat.

When he got back, the two workers were sat near the edge of the tank. Completely dry.

Ao bing went up to them and asked if they had finished with cleaning the tank. The oldest of the two told him that the tank didn't look that dirty and didn't seem necessary to go in. While the other just looked at the blue head with a bored expression. The response had made Ao bing upset. Of course it mattered to properly clean the tanks. If they didn't it could lead to bacteria growing and causing the animals to get sick. But he just took a deep breath talking in a calm manner before promptly leaving.

He went to go find Li Na to see if they could switch jobs. Saldy instead he ran into his boss, Ms. Duan. The short woman had stop him and confronted him about leaving all the work to the interns. This left Ao bing in shock. He asked what she had meant.

Apparently when Ao bing had left the two they got into the water and cleaned whatever was left. Then Ms. Duan in that moment appeared and praised the two for the good work. But looked around confused when she didn't see another person and asked where Ao bing was.

"So it turned out that the two interns lied and said that I had left them to do all the work." Ao bing huffed. "I didn't really care that they didn't help, what bothered me is how quick Ms. Duan believed them!" He exclaimed throwing his hand up into the hair.

"I've been working there for about two years! Ms. Duan knows I wouldn't do that!" Ao bing let out a grunt, letting himself to lean into the sofa. "Then I got upset and told her I was clocking out early. And just left." He dragged a hand over his safe.

"I was a little heated and went to the store. I have this thing where I bake whenever I'm mad or stressed." Ao bing sighed.

Ne zha had listen carefully to his words. He was angry. He was angry at how his coworkers treated Ao bing. How they ridiculed and stared at his body. For their sake they better hope that Ne zha never finds out who they were. He finally snap out of it when he heard a sniffle.

Ao bing was close to tears, brows furrowed in anger. "Now I feel bad for leaving the way I did." Ao bing voiced cracked at the end. Ne zha panicked for a moment. This was the first time he had seen the other like this. What should he do? Then it hit him.

----------------------

Little Ne zha was crying, curling himself in a ball. His father had gotten upset with him when he found out that his son had caused a wreckage in the  and said terrible things to the little prince.

"I hate feeling like this!" He sobbed out into his crossed arms.

Blue eyes looked at him with worry. Little Ne zha felt small arms wrapp around him. Then a hand made its way towards his own and gently held it. And whispered into his ear.

Causing the little lotus prince to cry harder and tightly wrap his arms around his friend.

--------------------

'Okay, that could work.' Ne zha thought to himself.

He got closer to Ao bing to the point they're knees were touching. The brunette gently grabbed the others hand, causing the blue head to jump at the sudden contact. He looked over and saw Ne zha looking at the ground before he finally made eye contact with him.

"It okay to be upset." Ne zha said.

Ao bing sat there frozen for a moment before letting out a huffed laugh. It felt a little strange seeing the prince try and comfort him. But it was nice. He wanted to laugh more when he saw the confused looked on Ne zha.

"Thanks Ne zha. That kind of made me feel better." He smiled and the other, squeezing his hand. Ne zha smiled slightly, but quickly turned red and looked away from the person before him, letting out a coughed.

"Of course. And you shouldn't feel bad. You're leader was unloyal to you. Taking the words of people she did not know well." Ne zha spoke letting out a huff. 'Honestly the nerve of that woman.' He thought to himself.

"Yeah I know. But I can't really blame her, in the end it her choice whether she believes those interns. Plus I doubt she'd fire me either for the way I left. I'm like her one of her best employees." Ao bing joked at the end. Ne zha wanted to roll his eyes but restrained himself.

"Thanks for listening Ne zha. You're a good friend." Ao bing compliments. Ne zha freezes.

"Thank you for playing with me. You're a good friend Ne zha!"

Ne zha pulled his hand away in a panicked motion. Both men looked at each other in shock.

"Ne zha are you-"

"Yes! Yes. I'm fine. I'm sorry, I'm not used to touching is all."

"What-"

The timer in the kitchen goes off. Ao bing hesitates to leave making sure Ne zha was okay. The other was looking away from him holding onto his hand as if he burned himself. He looked somewhat anxious and scared. He couldn't stay long as he went to take out the cake from the oven.

Ao bing waited for the pastry to cool down before serving two slices and topping them with fruit. He returned to living room handing a plate to Ne zha. He smiled when the brunette looked surprised as the dessert in front of him.

"Shouldn't we wait until dinner?" Ne zha asked.

"Dessert can be eaten whenever." Ao bing giggled out and took a bite, humming at how well it turned out. He glanced over and watched Ne zha hesitatenly cut a piece. Examining the cake before he took a bite. Dark eyes widen and the flavor, letting out almost a shock hum. He took another bite in a hurried motion. Ao bing chuckles.

"I'm assuming it good?" He smirked. Ne zha blushed and swallowed whatever was left. "Yes, I've never had this type of cake before. I'm glad I tried it." Ne zha confessed. He heard the sound of choking, looking over to Ao bing. His confusion turned into panic when he saw that the blue head was coughing uncontrollably. He put down his plate and got closer to Ao bing placing a hand on his back. Before Ne zha could do anything Ao bing waved a hand at him and cleared his throat.

"I'm- I'm fine thanks." Ao bing coughed. Once he settled he looked over at the brunette. "You've seriously never tried cheesecake before?" He asked. Ne zha just shook his head. He had stopped eating sweets when he became a deity as he didn't find them as joyful anymore.

Ao bing groaned and layed back onto the sofa. Ne zha wanted to ask if he was okay but was beaten to it.

"You should've told me it was your first! I would've done more to it!" He whined. Ne zha just rolled his eyes at the tantrum. "It's not a big deal, the one you make is good." He assured. But Ao bing just pouted at him.

"What else?"

"What?"

"What else haven't you tried?" Ao bing asked again.

"Why?" Ne zha looked at him confused yet worried at what the other was planning.

"I'm going to make all of the cakes you've never tried." Ao bing declared. Ne zha looked at him, "you can't be serious."

"I but I am dear Ne zha." He announced, Ne zha made a face at being called dear but said nothing. Ao bing then suddenly got up and made his way to the kitchen. Ne zha got up hurriedly after him.

"You're making another one?!' Ne zha ezclaimed. They didn't even finish their slices. "Just two more, now tell me what other ones haven't you tried."

Ne zha hesitated to answer. He didn't really want to burden Ao bing into making cakes for him. "C'mon tell me. I'll let you help this time." Ao bing pressed. Ne zha sighed and gave in. "I guess I've wanted to try lemon cake." He mumbled. Ao bing smiled.

"One lemon it is then!" Ao bing chirped. Ne zha letting out a huff and went over to help the blue head.

The apartment was filled with chatter as the two worked together in the kitchen. Occasionally laughing at a dumb joke. And making a complete mess. Flour flying everywhere and eggs being dropped to the ground. It was tiresome to clean,, but was worth it in the end. They ended up with four cakes. They each took a slice and compared the flavors, trying to figure our which one was the best.

Ne zha's favorite was the cheesecake.

"What are we going to do with all this cake?" Ne zha asked with a mouthfuls of raspberry cake. Ao bing looked over to the counter filled with cakes.

"I have no idea."

That week Ao bing gave away cake to his friends and coworkers. Aswell as an apology cake to Ms. Duan to clear up the miscommunication.

He kept the cheesecake for him and Ne zha.

Chapter Text

Ao bing brushed out his hair as he looked at the options of outfits laid infront of his bed. Mei invited Ao bing to go to the carnival that was a couple of miles away from the city. He was happy to accept and even asked to bring along Ne zha. The deity had been couped up in the apartment for way too long and Ao bing thought it'd be good to get some fresh air.

When he told Ne zha about the event, the immortal tilted his head and agreed to go. Mostly because he wanted to see how different carnivals are now compared to when he was a child.

"Here you go." Ao bing threw a pair of loose fitted pants and sweater towards Ne zha. "I figured you'd be more comfortable with that, plus you're a bit more fit than I am." Ao bing clarified. It made Ne zha a little embarrassed at how Ao bing would pick and choose things for him based on his comfort. Also because of the small comments Ao bing made on his body every now and there.

Ne zha went to the bathroom to get changed. He was careful with his hair as Ao bing had recently did it. Ne zha was capable of doing his hair already, but the two had grown accustomed to it. The brunette also had a hard time telling Ao bing to stop whenever the blue head ran his fingers through his hair. He looked himself at the mirror once more. The bags under his eyes had gotten smaller. But he'd occasionally get nightmares here and there. They were mostly memories of the past.

He shook his head, doing a once over one more time and exited the bathroom.

Ne zha was greeted by Ao bing as he grabbed the last of the things he needed. The blue head looked at him and let out a hum of approval. "You look good." He compliments smiling. Ne zha could feel the tip of his ears turn red. "Thank you, you look good as well."

Ao bing switched his jacket with a cardigan and wore tight jeans that fit his frame. This time he styled his hair into a braid. "Thanks." He smiled. He grabbed his keys and made his way to the front door. "Ready to go?" Ao bing turned to him. Ne zha nodded and the two went out the front door.

Mk and Mei waved the car down as it approach them from Pigs's place. They started to cheer even louder when they saw Ne zha in the passenger seat. Cauing pedestrians to stare at them strangely.  "Ne zha's offical life changing journey!" Mk cheered as he got into the car. Ne zha looked at Ao bing completely confused.

"Just go with it." Is all Ao bing said and they drove off.

It was slightly a long drive, which quickly made the two younger adults more anxious to get out of the car. It did worry Ao bing with the amount of times the two would stick their heads out the window to get a better view at something interesting. He'd just tell them to sit down or he wouldn't buy them any funnel cake. It did work but now they were getting even more bored by each passing second. And so struck up a conversation with Ne zha.

"So how's you're wound Lotus boy?" Mei leaned forward to Ne zha. Followed by Ao bing telling her to sit down.

"Its almost healed. Soon I'll be able to return to the celestial realm to help rebuild." Ne zha said. He couldn't see the sad expression Ao bing was making as Mei covered most of his view.

"So like what exactly do you do up in heaven?" Mei inquired. "Yeah, do like train and put bad guys away?" Mk perked up.

"I thought the Ten Kings were the ones in charge of the bad guys?" Mei questioned. Before the two could get into an argument Ne zha answered.

"Yes and no. The Ten kings judge what happens to the deceased, while in heaven we determine the punishment for the bad guys." He explained.

Mk and Mei let out 'oh' in understanding.

"So then, what happened to Yellowtusk?" Mk asked with hesitation. The car went silent for a moment. Ne zha looked away awkwardly not sure what to say. And Mei looked at Mk with worry.

"They probably gave him some jail time Mk. He didn't really cause any harm compared to Peng and Azure." Ao bing tried to reassure. Ne zha looked at him upset.

"Ugh! Don't even mention that bird guy. They were the worst!" Mei groaned. Mk lighten up at that, "Oh yeah, definitely was the most annoying out of the three." He laughed. Ao bing smiled and laughed along with the two.

They made it to their destination without any problems or demons in their way. Ne zha took in the sight before him. There were machine of different size and moving in an odd way, as well as tents with various of collections of toys and what appeared to be weapons? What stood out to Ne zha was the giant circle that loomed over everything else. He tugged at Ao bing's sleave, making the latter turn.

"What is that?" Ne zha pointed at the foreign thing. The blue head followed his pointed finger.

"You mean the ferris wheel?" Ao bing clarified.

"What does it do?" Ne zha questioned tilting his head to the side. Ao bing thought for a moment to explain the concept of the ride.

"Well, people get in these seats that are on the edge of the circle and then it moves kind of like a wheel of a car." Ao bing explained the best he could. Ne zha looks back at the ride, seeing four skinny poles hold in place the wheel.

"How does it move without collapsing?"

"Gravity."

"Gravity?" Ne zha repeats. "That doesn't explain much." Ao bing looked at him dumbfounded. Ne zha looks back at him confused.

"Ne zha, Monkey King has a cloud that lets him fly, Mk can turn into a monkey, and you have shoes that let you fly. Yet you think gravity doesn't make sense?" Ao bing claims. Ne zha looks away from him awkwardly.

"I suppose ever since I became immortal, normal things just stopped appearing in my life." Ne zha replied.

Okay now Ao bing felt like a jerk. He didn't actually stop and think that Ne zha was a human before. He didn't live in the same style as him. The took a deep breath and place a hand on Ne zha's shoulder, causing the latter to jump slightly and look at him.

"Well for today you're just a normal guy taking a trip to the carnival with friends." Ao bing cheered. Ne zha eyes lit up at the implication that the two were friends. It excited him yet made him nervous.

The group had mainly stayed together in order to give Ne zha the best carnival experience. As Mk and Mei had put it. They decided to start with as many rides as possible. The first one being the spinning teacups.

Ao bing was dreading being in this ride with Mei again. The last time, they had gone so fast the cup broke off from the ride and slid a couple yards away. Thankfully neither of them were hurt, but they did get an earful from Pigsy.

"You guys better hope you don't spill you're lunch!" Mei gleefully said, excitement was buzzing from her. "So what is the purpose of this ride?" Ne zha looked down at the small table that faced all of them.

"Okay so basically you just grab this," Mk explained grabbing on the little disk as he continued, "and just start moving it." Ne zha raised an eyebrow.

"Then what happens?"

"We pray we dont fly off." Ao bing grimaced. In hindsight, this was a bad idea front the start. Three of the strongest people in a small carnival tea cup, moving the small disk before them. There was bound to be trouble. Unfortunately he joined in by grabbing onto the wheel, now all of them crowded next to each other. Mk directed them to push the disk to right and keep a steady pace.

The chime went off and the ride began.

In a quick motion, they all began to push with all of the strength, already making the moment increase significantly faster than the rest of the cups around them. They keep push more and more till the point everything was blurry. Ao bing cringed when he heard the metal beneath them start to creek loudly. He looked at the others to see how they were doing. So far Mk and Mei were just laughing hysterically as they continued to go fast. Although Mk hands slipped a few times, showing that the speed was getting to him. And Ne zha- well Ne zha was perfectly fine. He continued to push with all of his force onto the disk. Ao bing had to tap at his arm once the ride was over and he could stop. He was a little afraid to speak as he thought he might throw up if he did.

Even after the ride had completely stopped, they were still spinning but their speed began to decrease. The three of them couldn't walk straight once they got off. Mk has to hold onto Mei as she was the most stable, who then hold onto Ao bing followed by Ne zha guiding the group to a empty space.

Immediately, Mk fell ass first onto the grass. Mei laughed it him but met the same fate, falling face first into the ground. She gave a thumbs up to show she was fine. Ao bing was bent over, his hands on his knees, making him look down and waitied until the world stopped spining. While Ne zha was standing by them completely unbothered.

"How the heck are you not dizzy after that!?" Mk exclaimed. Ne zha just shrugged. The monkie kid groaned and let himself fall backwards completely laying on the grass. Ne zha directed his attention back to the blue haired man. His eyes were completely shut.

"Are you okay?" Ne zha asked concerned.

"Yeah I'm fine. I forget how fast Mei likes to go." Ao bing laughs. He took a deep breath and stood straight.

"What ride should we get on next?" Mei asked. She was already standing and ready to go. It was surprising how fast she recovered compared to Mk and Ao bing. "We could get on the pirate ship?" Ao bing suggested.

"Why would we get on a pirate ship?" Ne zha questioned. Last time he checked they weren't near the ocean. Mei immediately jumped towards him, wrapping an arm around his neck to bring him down to her level. "We seriously need to educate you about the modern world." Mei declared.

"Its not an actual pirate ship, its a ride that swings back and forth, that looks like a boat." Ao bing explains.

"But why-"

"You'll see when we get on! C'mon lets go!" Mei interrupted and tugged at Ne zha's hand.

"Give me a second guys, I think I'm gonna puke." Mk groans, still laying on the ground.

The group went on a couple of rides together before splitting off into groups. Ne zha had gotten a little woozy after getting on the tower drop. He kept arguing that it wasn't because he was scared, it was because he was caught off guard.

Mk and Mei continued to get on rides, while Ao bing and Ne zha would play a couple of games. They agreed to meet back up once sunset, and go out to eat.

"Are you sure you're okay, you look a little pale." Ao bing asked concerned.

"Yes I'm fine, I was just caught off guard." Ne zha grumbled.

"Whatever you say." Ao bing teased.

Ne zha bumped into him making the latter chuckle. They continued to walk pass attractions, careful not to bump into anyone. The carnival began to fill up with more people as the day went on and was now crowded that Ao bing and Ne zha walked shoulder to shoulder.

'This was nice.' Ne zha thought to himself. It had been a while since he enjoyed something. Most of his life was training and paper work. When he was old enough his father had began to train him in order to become a great warrior. So he never had the time to play games or go to carnivals. The only fun he had as a kid was when he was with-

"So did you have fun?" Ao bing said, returing Ne zha to reality. The blue head smiled softly at him as he waited for a response. Ne zha returned the smile with a small one.

"Yes, I enjoyed myself." He responded.

Ao bing beamed at this, "That's good to hear."

They continued to walk in silence through the carnival. Then something caught his eye. He stopped infront of a tent, making the other stop as well. Ao bing looked over to see that Ne zha was staring a plush of a frog.

"Do you like frogs?" Ao bing asked.

"You could say that. I just have a fascination towards them." Ne zha claimed. But Ao bing made sure to remember that for the future. "So what is the purpose of this?" Ne zha questioned.

"Its a game booth. You play a game and win a prize depending on you're score." Ao bing explained as he gave money to the vendor. "How do you play this game?" Ne zha tilted his head as Ao bing was given three balls.

"You basically have to knock over the cans with three balls. Here watch." Ao bing plants a foot down, then aims for the cans and throws the ball. It hits righr in the middle but only causes the cans to shake. "That was a good throw." Ne zha compliments.

"Thanks." Ao bing decided not to tell him that most of the games were rigged so he could enjoy himself. "You want to give it a try?" Ao bing hands Ne zha a ball.

Ne zha firmly plants a foot infront of him, puts all of his focus onto one stack. He reels back his arm, twisting his torso, taking a deep breath then throws the ball and-

CRASH

The ball had went flying at top speed, almost creating sparks. The vendor ducked down as it flew passed her. Which let to Ne zha hitting the target, but also completely destroying the whole stand.

Bystanders stood im awe and in fear at the sudden loud noise and at the sight of the destroyed booth. The vendor was in complete shock at what just happened.

"Did I win?" Ne zha asked.

"Uhhh...yeah!" Ao bing hesitated. He couldn't say anything when Ne zha had looked so... happy! Plus he technically knocked over all of the cans. Ao bing looked over at the terrified vendor and gave her a pleading looking and asked for the frog.

The vendor wasted no time in looking for a frog plush that wasn't damaged. She then handed Ne zha the stuff toy with a nervous smile. The brunette smiled, "I like theses games, what else can we play?" He began to walk off.

Ao bing place a 50 yuan in the vendor hand and apologized for the mess.

They went on to play a few more games that didn't involve too much strength. Ne zha won a fairly good amount of the games and now had a pile growing in his arms. Ao bing was glad that Ne zha was enjoying himself. But was worried if all of his prizes would even fit in the car. He'll just have to figure it out when they decide to leave.

The two had went and bought a funnel cake as a light snack. It was a little entertaining to Ao bing to see Ne zha's reaction at his bite of the greasy pastry. The lotus prince enjoyed it, but made a face at the sudden taste of oil.

"This is very greasy." Ne zha coughed as he continued to eat. Ao bing smiled as he grabbed another piece. "That's kinda what its supposed to be, its just batter that deep fried." Ao bing muffled. Ne zha shook his head at this.

"You mortals enjoy too much greasy food. It no wonder you have short life spans." Ne zha comment. The blue head laughed. "You aren't wrong. But can you blame us? We make a lot of tasty food. You must've had a favorite dish growing up." Ao bing remarked. He instantly regretted it when Ne zha looked down at the wooden table.

"I don't really remember... I don't really remember much about my childhood, since its been centuries." It was a half lie. Somethings he'd remember and others he'd forgotten overtime. Especially his mother. He didn't have many memories of her and so tries his best to remember them through the overwhelming information and new memories.

"Sorry." Ao bing apologized, not really knowing what else to say. Ne zha shook his head.

"Its fine, you don't need to apologize for something you didn't know." Ne zha assured grabbing more funnel cake. "Its probably in there somewhere in my memories. I'll let you know if I remember." Ne zha glanced at Ao bing with a small smile. The blue head was stunned for a moment before returning the smile. The two basked in each others presence as they continued to eat the greasy pastry. Glacing at each other here and then.

Ao bing then looked at his phone to check the time. The sun would be setting soon. He licked his fingers and then wiped down his hands on his jeans. Standing up and gathered a couple of plushies in his arms. Ne zha looked up at him confused.

"C'mon there's one last ride I want to show you." Ao bing motioned him to get up.

They walked for a while, making sure they didn't loose each other now that more people were coming in as the sun sets. Infront of them stood the ferris wheel. Thankfully the line was barely starting to form so they didn't have to wait too long. Ao bing handed the ticket to the worker.  As they were getting on there was a slight problem with trying to fit the plushies. They weren't necessarily big, but still caused issues.

A pink lotus surrounded the toys and began to shrink enough to fit their pockets. The worker just shrugged it off and help pull down the safety bar.

"I didn't know you could do that." Ao bing looked at him amazed. "Its a simple casting." Ne zha shrugged. His attention was caught with the lack of safety in the small seats. "This doesn't seem... safe." Ne zha comments.

"Well, the ride is small enough that it doesn't need it." Ao bing explained unsure himself. They're cart began to move and shake slightly back and forth with every stop as more people got on. Th constant creeking didn't help calm Ne zha's nerves either as he gripped the safety bar. "Hey relax, we're fine." Ao bing comforted softly. Slowly reaching over the place his hand on top of Ne zha's. It made him somewhat calm down.

"I don't get how mortals enjoy dangerous things." Ne zha sighs trying his best to ignore the overwhelming noises. "Its what makes it fun." Ao bing responded, his hand still resting on the other's.

"You're crazy." Ne zha comments making Ao bing laugh.

Their cart finally reaches the top, the exact moment the sun started to set. It was an incredible sight. The sky was a beautiful mixed colors of orange, yellow and pink, almost casting a lighting of honey. The rides below began to light up as the sky began to darken. They could see the people enjoying themselves. Friends laughing together, children dragging their parents around, and couples holding hands as they waited in lines. It left Ne zha feeling nostalgic at memories he didn't get to have. But also memories of the young dragon prince.

"What's a carnival?" The young dragon tilted his head, kicking the shuttlecock into the air. Little Ne zha caught in his foot with ease. The sun slowly setting and the only sound being that of the ocean waves.

"Its a place people go to play and go on rides." Ne zha explains as he plays with the toy before kicking it back to the other. "It sounds very fun." The dragon chimmes. Ne zha rolls his eyes, "well not for me," he grumbles. "Me and my family just sit down and watch people have fun, its really annoying." He kicks at the sand.

The little dragon frowns, it was never nice seeing his friend upset. Then smiles at an idea. Kicking back the shuttlecock it hits Ne zha making him yell and look at the other. Completely mesmerized.

"Perhaps one day when we're older let's go together!" The little dragon beams at him. The sun hits his face, as his pale skin begins to glow, almost like gold.

Ne zha looks at the man next to him. His skin glows as the sun touches his face. Creating a golden glow. "I'm glad we came to the carnival." Ne zha hummed. Ao bing looks at him and make eye contact. They smile at each other, basking in the moment.

Maybe Ne zha should tell him. Tell him about their past. What they ment to each other. What he ment to him. He knew it was a bad idea but he couldn't stop himself.

"Ao bing...I need to tell you something"

Said man turned to look at him.

"I-"

SCREECH

The ride comes to a stop, letting out a loud noise at the sudden halt. Ao bing and Ne zha grip onto the safety bar as their cart swung back and forth. They hear the passengers around scream in panic. The people in the seat infront of them point at something in the distance. Ao bing looks in the direction they point and sees, a bear?

Well- the bear was standing on its hind legs with clothes and welding a spear. It would have been a funny sight if the bear wasn't terrorizing people. So far from what Ao bing could see no one had gotten severely hurt.

"Why is he here?" Ne zha questioned with a confused look. Ao bing looked at him, "you know who that is?"

"He's the black wind demon. But he became a guardian after being defeated by Sun Wukong. So he shouldn't be here. He should be on his mountain." Ne zha explains, looking at the ground below.

"Wait, are you talking about black wind mountain?" Ao bing asked. Ne zha turned away from the scene to look at the latter. "Yes, why?" Ao bing pointed off toward the left of the carnival.

"The mountain is just a couple of miles away from here. Maybe he got grumpy from all of the noise?" Ao bing guessed. They watched as the bear starts to eat out of a cotton candy machine. "Or maybe he's hungry."

Ne zha lets out a groan, looking around before trying to lift the safety bar. Ao bing yelped is surprise and grabbed at Ne zha's arms to stop him. "What are you doing!?" He panicked. Ne zha just looked at him with an angered expression. "I'm going to stop the Black Wind demon." Ne zha says nonchalant.

"Okay just one problem with that- we're over a hundred feet in the air!" Ao bing squawked. Waving his arms towards the ground below them.

"I'll be fine, I've jumped higher places." Ne zha argued as he attempts to stand up making their seat rock harshly back. Ao bing lets out another yelp of fear. Without thinking he drapes himself onto Ne zha. Locking his arm around his neck. With enough force to drag the lotus prince down into his seat. Making the ride rock even more. The two struggle with each other. Ne zha growling and trying to get out of the blue head's hold, while Ao bing tried to keep him in place without losing his grip.

"Okay okay! Even if you get down from here. What exactly is your plan? You don't have your spear, or wheels, or scarf-"

"Its a sash!"

"Doesn't matter! The point is you're completely vulnerable right now and don't stand a change with a giant bear with you're wound." Ne zha continued to thrash in Ao bing's hold.

"Also I don't want you getting hurt." Ao bing concluded. It made Ne zha completely stop and let his body to limp against Ao bing. He let out a tired sigh finally letting go. Letting Ne zha rest his head on him. "Then what do you propose we do?" Ne zha grumbles. Ao bing wants to laugh at how Ne zha looks like a child with how much he's pouting.

"Well, we wait for Mk and Mei to handle the wind demon and figure out how to get down. Look they're already on it." Ao bing points out.

They see Mk and Mei confront the bear. They watch the younger male struggle to think of a combat and ends up deciding to fight instead. Mei jumped in blocking the spear while Mk attacked with his staff.

"How long do you think it'll take them?" Ao bing asked.

Mei was thrown away and landed in a conveniently placed bouncy house.

"I'd say about 30 minutes." Ne zha suggest. Watching as Mk throws a bumper car at the demon.

"We might be here a while."

The group walked along the now somewhat empty carnival. Mk and Mei waved off to the bear demon as he walked off into the forest. The duo manage to talk to them mid-fight. Apparently he was sleeping in his cave when he was suddenly awaken by two horned figures. The demon had chase them off but soon realized that one of his treasures was stolen. He assumed that the thieves were in the carnival and went to look for them. Mk soon realized that the thieves were Yin and Jin. He tracked them down and force them to give back the item. The black wind demon was pleased and thanked the young fighter for his help. Ao bjng and Ne zha were also able to get off the ride once the worker came back despite being afraid.

"I still can't believe you threw a bumper car them." Ao bing laughed, shaking his head. The younger man turned red from embarrassment.

"It was the nearest thing! What else could I have throw?" mk complains crossing his arms. "Also Mei tried to throw food at him, let's not forget that." Mk points out making Mei hit him in the arm.

"It was a bear! Of course that's the first thing I did!" Mei argued causing the two to laugh.

Mk and Mei continued to argue and playfully hit each other. Ao bing watched them fondly. It was nice seeing the two together, they stuck together no matter what. It kind of made Ao bing jealous of their friendship. Speaking of friendship.

He turned around realizing Ne zha was a little further behind them. The prince had wanted to tell him something earlier but was interrupted. Slowing down to walk side by side. Both glancing at each other.

"Sooo... what did you want to tell me earlier?" Ao bing starts. "Huh?" Ne zha looked at him surprised.

"Earlier, you said you needed to tell me something. It sounded important." Ao bing pressed slightly. Curious about the the prince wanted to tell him.

"Oh! I- uh wanted to um tell you...." Ne zha stuttered. Panic started to rise as he tried to figure out what to say. It didn't help that the other was staring intently at him. He started looking around as he continued to jumble out words. "That- that ride looks interesting!" He blurted out as he pointed towards a ride had an open top with seats surrounding the edge, tilted at an angle. It caught the attention of Mk and Mei.

"Oooo! Disco pang pang! Me and Mk didn't get this one yet!" Mei cheered. Already making her way towards the line and gesturing the guys to do the same. Ne zha passed by Ao bing. He knew that Ne zha wanted to tell him something else but decided to let it go and wait until he was ready. And soon followed the rest of the group.

"How come this ride doesn't have seat belts?" Ne zha asked as he looked around him. Ao bing gave a small chuckle. "This ride doesn't need it" Ne zha looked confused. "The purpose is to see how long you can hold on before falling off your seat." Ao bing explained. Ne zha furrowed his eyebrows and was ready to speak before Ao bing beat him to it.

"I know- us mortals are strange." He teased.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen! The ride will now begin! Let's see how well you do!" The announcer voice rang through the speaker as the ride sprung to life.

Mei and Mk cheered along with the other passengers holding tightly onto the bars behind them. Ne zha copied them and waited for the ride to start moving. He was startled when he felt himself jump from his seat and saw others fall from their seat quickly. They spun for a few moments before jumping again. This time Mk had fallen off his seat letting out a yelp of surprise. Luckily Mei grabbed onto his arm before he completely slid down.  It was slightly entertaining for Ne zha to watch others try to hold on from falling and bumping into others. For him of course it wasn't too much of a challenge as he learned quickly to plant his feet firmly to the ground and tighten his grip onto the bars.

He was pulled out of his focus when he heard a yelp next to him. Ao bing had slip completely off his seat and was being bounced towards the bottom. Ne zha took action quickly and grabbed onto his friend's forearm. Pulling himself back into his seat next to him. Blue eyes stared at him in shock before smiling and giggling.

It happened a couple of mor time and Ne zha was always able to pull him back. But was yet again slipping off his seat and shifting his weight toward a girl that sat next to him. The blue head apologized and tried to move back.

Ne zha had become slightly bothered with how the girl shyly looked at Ao bing and began to blush. When Ao bing slipped again, this time Ne zha grabbed him by the waist and pulled him into his chest. Completely wrapping one arm around the back off his waist and keeping the other firmly gripped on the bar.

Ao bing tensed at the sudden closeness. But wrapped his arm around the brunettes neck when he felt the ride jump again. He placed his leg in between the others legs and rested his head on his shoulder. It was an interesting position to say the least.

The young duo stated at them with their mouths opened in shock. Mk turned away embarrassed, not really what to do while Mei gushed about needed her phone. Struggling to take it out of her pocket with one hand. She let out a 'screw it' before completely letting and using both hands to take a picture, standing up to keep her balance. She managed to take a few before reaching for Mk and falling to the ground. "Worth it!" She yelled out thrusting her phone in the air.

Ao bing was going to hit her after they got off. He had been a little embarrassed but slowly got used to their hold on each other. Ne zha could smell a hint of jasmine on the other. Of course he knew it was strange to smell the younger man but the scent felt familiar. It reminded him a bit of his mother.

His mother would sometimes cook for him whenever he was done with his training. She'd always make simple dishes but it was delicious to young Ne zha. But on harsher training days she would make his favorite meal.

"Char Siu." He said suddenly. Directly into Ao bing's ear, causing said man to look at him.

"What?"

"That's my favorite dish, Char Siu." He repeated, leaning more into the others ear. Making Ao bing to lean back as his breath tickled his ear. The blue head looked at him and smiled.

"Then we'll have Char Siu tomorrow." Ao bing declared. Ne zha gave him a small smile. They jumped slightly as the ride continued to spin. Making the two return into their position.

Only this time.

Ne zha held onto to Ao bing a little tighter, afraid to let go.

Chapter Text

Ne zha layed on the couch as he read a book about a peasant man.

The apartment was silent, the only noise being the bustling street outside. It was slightly strange not hearing his blue haired friend.

Ne zha had woken up to an empty apartment. He had gotten worried at the possibility something happened to Ao bing. But his worries quickly slipped away when he saw a note stuck to the fridge. He picked it up and read the message.

"Hey Ne zha!
I left early because I have a lot to do at work. Today we need to do check up on animals , so I'm probably going to get back home late.
Anyway there some food in the fridge, I trust not to burn the apartment again lol.
Have a good day ♡"

The little doodle made Ne zha blush a bit. It was just a silly heart with no deep meaning, but it made the brunette feel warm inside. He folded the letter and neatly pocketed the note.

He didn't really plan to do anything for the day besides meditate and watch tv. Maybe even stay up to make sure Ao bing got home safe. That made Ne zha feel strange. Since when did he consider this place his home?

His palace back in the celestial realm never really felt like a home now that he thought about it. It was always so quiet. It was just him and a endless pile of paper work. He never really mind, but living with Ao bing changed that. And that's what scared him.

Nw zha was used to being alone. He was alone growing up. And alone as an immortal. He didn't have anyone in the celestial realm that he would consider to be his friend. He guessed Chang'e would count, but she could never visit him. He'd be the one who'd have to travel to the moon. And he rarely did. Then came Sun Wokung. Ne zha scowled at the thought.

He would never consider the simian to be his friend or any of the sorts. Wukong was the most trouble some immortal he's ever meet. But he was the longest to stick around until he decided to hide in his mountain after defeating demon bull king. And Ne zha became alone again. Well he still had his father. But- well he rarely saw him. (And they weren't really friends). The only person that would stay with him was Ao bing- his past version.

They had been friends for a long time. Ne zha always enjoyed his company. Someone that cared for him outside of his family. They had become very close in a short amount of time. They'd always play a game or talk about their lives outside of each other. It was easy to talk to Ao bing, Ne zha felt the safest and loved. But one day the dragon prince would stop visiting. And Ne zha was alone again.

It wasn't until years later he'd see his old friend again. And he'd had to end his life.

"Hey Ne zha!"

Ne zha jumped from his seat, he turned around quickly and threw the forgotten book from his hand towards the intruder. There was yelp of surprise and another from pain. Ne zha quickly realized who the intruders were and relaxed. But still look over to the young adults with annoyance.

"What are you two doing breaking into somebody's home? I could've hurt you!" He scolds. Mei helps Mk up from the ground as the young man rubs his head in pain. "Relax we just wanted to hang out with you." Mei explained, letting go of her best friend once he stood properly.

"You could've knocked and- wait how did you get in?" Ne zha questioned, looking at the two suspiciously. "I have a copy of Bing's key." She waved off, spinning the object in her hand. He watched Mk make his way towards the kitchen and grabs a soda from the fridge. That ticked off Ne zha as he rush over and yanked the drink from the other's hand.

"At least ask before grabbing things!" Ne zha barked. Mk sweat a little putting his hand up. "Sorry its a habit. Bing usually just let's me get things without permission " he apologized. Ne zha just let out a sigh and gave him back the drink. "Well when I'm around, you ask got it?" Mk nodded and gleefully smiled as he was given back his drink.

Mei snorts at the sight, "You're like a guard dog. You would be a german shepherd- or a Doberman!" She giggled at the thought. Ne zha just let out a tired sigh. Honestly, how did these two stop so many demons? And save the world- twice.

He shook his head, "Is there any other reason you two are here?" Ne zha crossed his arms looking at them expectedly. He watched as the dragon girl layed down on the couch, propping her feet on the coffee table.

"Like I said, we just wanted to hang out." She shrugged while looking around the apartment. She stared at an empty space towards the kitchen. "Didn't there used to be a shelf there?" Mei pointed out. Ne zha glanced over swearing a bit. "Um, Ao bing got rid of it." He coughed. "So what's this about a hang out?" He quickly asked.

Mei lit up, and focused back to the brunette. "Me and Mk were thinking of going to the mall and then go to the aquarium." She explained. "We wanted to see if you wanna join us." Mk chimed in, looking hopeful at the deity. Ne zha wasn't really certain of going, the two friends were a huge ball of energy that he didn't think he could handle. They were only ever in control when Ao bing was with them. Making sure they didn't cause too much trouble and occasionally hold their hands tightly to keep them in place. Ne zha wasn't sure he could keep up with the two. But he struggled to say no at the pleading look Mk was giving him. He let out a tired sigh.

"I don't see why not." Ne zha said dragging a hand through his hair. The duo cheered and high five each other. "Okay! Now we just have to deal with...this." Mei waved a hand towards him. It made Ne zha feel slightly offended. But he did see the problem as he was only in a pair of green sweatpants and white t-shirt. Mei turned and went straight towards her cousin's room. Ne zha was hesitant to follow as it felt like an invasion of privacy. He watched as Mei rummage through Ao bing's clothes, making a slight mess in the closet. It made the lotus prince cringe.

The energetic girl finally found something to her liking and threw it in the direction of the prince. He caught it easily and made his way to the bathroom. Ne zha wore a white shirt, over a green bomber jacket and black pants. Thankfully the pants weren't too tight on his and allowed him to move freely. He existed the bathroom and met up with the other two by the front door. Mei let out a squeal. "You look so good! We should probably buy you some clothes that fit through."

"It's a good thing we're going to the mall then." Mk butted in. They looked at each other excitedly and hurried out of the apartment. Ne zha shook his head at their antics and he followed them.

The trip to the mall was loud. Mk and Mei talked about everything and nothing the whole way. Ne zha felt out of place, he felt like he was intruding on the duo's quality time together so stayed a little behind them as they walked around the mall. They laughed at a funny memory when they were kids. Mk has turned around and saw Ne zha walking distantly from them looking at the ground. He motioned to Mei to slow down. They walked backwards to reach Ne zha, being careful not to bump into anyone. Once they reached the lotus prince, both rested their arms on his shoulders as they walked. Ne zha looked confused as the two smiled at him.

"Sooo Ne zha! You haven't told us about yourself." Mk starts off. His tone playful and curious. Ne zha looks at the ground and shrugged. He doesn't really like talking about himself. There really was no point for him to once he became a deity. "There isn't much about me." He says.

Mei puffs out raspberries, "there's always something, like your favorite color!" The two wait patiently for the lotus prince answer as he ponders. "I like purple." He answered. Mei gasped and held both of Ne zha's hand. "Oh my gosh! Same!" She jumps excitedly. He let's her even if it made him slightly uncomfortable, but knew that there was no malice intention. She eventually let go. Trying to think of another question.

"Oh! Favorite drink? Mine is definitely mango juice." Mk chimed. "Cheese tea is the best drink, in my opinion." Mei comments. Ne zha stares at her for a minute.

"What is that?" He asked.

"What is what?"

"Cheese tea."

Mei laughs for a second, then immediately stops when Ne zha continues to look at her confused. "No way! You've never tried cheese tea!?" She gasps. Ne zha shake his head. Passerbys stare at them making sure to keep their distance from the strange group of young adults. Mei sputters for a moment before shaking her head with a determined look. "We can't let this slide! C'mon Mk it's time for us to teach lotus boy about the modern world!' She declared tugging onto the prince's jacket. Mk of course cheered on his best friend and agreed with the idea. And the two went scurring into the mall, dragging the lotus prince with them.

They went to many stores and bought Ne zha a variety of clothes. The brunette tried to stop Mei from paying for everything as he felt bad that the girl was spending so much on him. Especially when he knows that he'd never get the chance to wear them once he returns back to celestial realm. But he chose to say nothing and thanked Mei, while thinking of ways to repay her.

Their trip to the mall end quickly as the three make their way to the train station. Mk is the one to talk to Ne zha the most as they wait for their train, while Mei tapped on her phone. They sip on their drinks as Mk talks about his training with Monkey King.

Ne zha resist the urge to roll his eyes at the mention of the simian. He knew how much the young man looked up to him and had even tried to make them get along. Ne zha stares off a little as Mk rambles about his idol. He wonders if Ao bing also has to listen to the young brunette gush about Sun Wukong. Which reminded him of something.

"Hey Mk." They both looked at each other. "How much do you know about Ao bing? Family wise." Ne zha specified. He probably shouldn't poke around, but he just needed to see if Mk knew anything about him. He watched as Mk ponders for a moment, taking a sip of his drink. "Well, I know Mei's parents took him in when he was young." Mk answers.

"How young?" He received a confused look from Mk. "I think when Mei was born?" Mk says hesitantly unsure about his answer.

"It was when he was born."

The two brunettes turn towards the sound of the voice. Mei was still facing her phone as she takes a drink from her tea. "My parents took him in as a baby when they found him at our doorstep." She spoke. "I eavesdropping a lot as a kid" She shrugged. Ne zha looked at her confused. Ao bing hadn't told him much about his family, but had always made it sound as if they passed away. "Did his parents pass away?" He can't help but ask. Mei shakes her head.

"I'm not sure, my parents try not to talk about it because they see Ao bing as their own." She explained. Mei never really thgouht of it. But it was odd that even though they saw Ne zha as their kid. They always made sure to remind Mei that Ao bing was her cousin, not brother.

A sound went off to announce the arrival of the train. "Our train is here. Let's go guys!" Mei perked up and skipped into one of the carts. The two brunettes following after her.

They sat on the train in silence. Mei and Mk watched silly videos and played a game or two as they waited. Ne zha just stared out the window at the blurry scenery. Mk look up from his phone and saw the bored expression on the lotus prince.

Mk didn't know him that well, he's only some things about the lotus prince from Red son. Ne zha was apparently very closed off from people, often being cold towards them and mostly just focused on his work. But from Mk saw, he acted different than what the redhead had told him.

Ne zha, from what he's seen, is very determined and dedicated into protecting others. He had noticed back then, at the mountain near Lantern City. How Ne zha went to protect his friends. Especially a certain blue haired male. That made Mk think for a moment, shaking his head at the memory.

Everything was going to complete shit. Mei was panicking and releasing more of the samadhi fire. Putting herself and everyone around her in danger. Mk had noticed Ao bing attempt to get closer to Mei but was quickly pulled back. And so Mk stepped in for his sake. But once Mei had left, he turned to see Ne zha still holding on to the blue head. His grip was tight against the others waist from what Mk saw.

Had they...

Mk turned to Ne zha who was looking outside the window as everything blurred as they passed. "Hey Ne zha." He started, catching the attention of the latter. "Did you and Ao bing met before?" Ne zha looked at him confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well... you've guys only met a couple of months, but recently you guys act like you've known each other for years. Like me and Mei." Mk responded. He wasn't as dense as people thought. He'd notice little things here and there. So Mk wasn't surprised with how Ne zha's eyed widen in surprise. It also caught the attention from Mei. But she kept her eyes on her phone.

"Um... see- about that-" Ne zha stuttered. What the heck should he do? He hadn't realized he was acting too buddy with Ao bing. Should he tell them? No that's definitely a bad idea, they would just end up telling Ao bing. "I just...get along with him pretty well. He's easy to talk to." He felt his face heat up. Why did it make feel so embarrassed. His reaction caught the attention of the duo. Mk looking at him with a raise brow and Mei smirking. Ne zha scratched the back of his head, feeling anxious at the attention he's getting.

"How about you Mk! How did you meet Mei and Ao bing?" Ne zha stuttered out. Directing the attention away from him. Mk perked up at the question. "Oh man now that's a story!" He cleared his throat. "Okay so it all started at a park."

Ne zha listen intently at younger man's story. Being very interested at how the two best friends, started off as 'rivals' but soon learned to get along under the kind guidance of Ao bing. Ne zha tried to ignore the occasional stare he would get from Mei.

The group soon arrive their stop and took a quick bus ride to the city's aquarium. The building was bigger than Ne zha expected. The main entrance was full of people going underneath an arch that read 'Megapolis Aquarium.' Once they past through they were met with the main building. It was the biggest structure, covered in various of blues and had mural of sea animals and coral.

They past through the door and Ne zha felt himself shiver at the sudden blast of cold air. The inside was as big as the outside made it seem. The gift shop stood by the entrance, with various plushes of sea life. The first thing  Ne zha saw was the huge cylindrical exhibit filled with colorful fish. There were different paths you could take around the pillar that were dedicated to different types of sea life.

As much as Ne zha enjoyed the mesmerizing scene, he was nervous about the amount of people that were here. Of course he did expect there to be people, but not this many. It was a weekday after all.

"Ah dang. I forget that this is around the time school field trips happen." Mei unconsciously answers for him. They were many kids of different age running around the aquarium and laughing along with friends, as well as a few teens gossiping. "We can always ask Bing to let us through the back?" Mk questioned. Ne zha tilted his head at that. He had forgotten that the was in the very place where his roommate worked. He started to look around to see if he'd see the familair head of blue hair. The duo notice but said nothing and gave each other knowing looks.

"Nah, we probably shouldn't bother him after the... um incident." She coughed the last part. Mk cringed at the mention. "What incident?" Ne zha couldn't help but ask. He needed to know if it was serious enough that they'd get kicked out.

"Um- well see what happened was-"

"You two!"

A voice suddenly boomed. Making Mk and Mei flinch at the familiar voice. They turned around to see a short old woman making her way towards them like a man on a mission. As the woman got closer Mk and Mei hid behind Ne zha, like it would stop her. Ne zha was about to yell at them but was silence as the old women pointed at them.

"You two have the nerve to come here after the ruckus you've cause last time?!" The woman growled. Her eyes filled with anger as place her hands on her hips. Like a mother scolding her children. Ne zha assumes that she's Ms. Duan. "Um...excuse me?" Ne zha mumbled. Ms. Duan looks at him with raised brows. "I don't mean to interrupted but- what exactly did they do?" He motioned towards the two people behind him, cowering.

The woman let out an exasperated sigh. "Those two- delinquents! Managed to release a shark out of its exhibit!" She yelled, looking both shocked and angry at the memory. "You actually manage to do that?" Ne zha looked behind him. Mei whistled completely ignoring him. And Mk awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "Of course they did! You're lucky Ao bing convinced me or other wise you two would be in jail for endangerment!" She growled. Making the duo use the lotus prince as a shield. Ne zha rolled his eyes and shook his head. Just by knowing them for a short time. He can believe that they were capable of doing something so ridiculous.

"If it will make you at ease, I'll be watching these two to make sure they behave." Ne zha assured. Grabbing the two by the arm to drag them foward and draping his arms on the two's shoulders. Then he held them in a loose headlock, making the two choke at the sudden grip. Ms. Duan crossed her arms, her short hair moving slightly as she looks Ne zha up and down. Looking at the three skeptically. Mk and Mei forcefully smile as they feel Ne zha slightly squeeze their necks.

Ms. Duan finally lets out a tired sigh. Rubbing her forehead. "You better not cause anymore trouble or you three are out." She warned at walked off to great other guest. Ne zha let go of Mk and Mei as soon as the old woman left. The two cough and let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks Ne zha, she probably would have kicked us out." Mk said rubbing at his sore neck. "Did you have to hold us so tight?" Mei complained, fixing lose strains of hair. Ne zha shrugged, he didn't think he was holding them too tight, just enough so they wouldn't run off and to make Ms. Duan leave.

"Where should we go first?" Mk asked. He grabbed a map from the nearby info desk. Mei and Ne zha leaned over to get a look. "We could start off with the edge of the sea and make our way around." Mei pointed at the map. The two males agreed with her.

The three began to make their way down towards the tunnel when Mei stopped. "Oh I almost forgot!" She began rummaging through her pockets and turned to Ne zha with a grin. "This is for you." She presented him with a phone. Ne zha was stunned.

"I figured you might need this incase we get separated, this place is huge." She explained as Ne zha seemed to have refused her gift. Mei had already gotten him new clothes. It was already too much, but this beats it. "Mei you didn't have to..." Ne zha gasped. Trying to push away the device but the dragon girl insisted.

"Relax! Think of it as a late Christmas present." She shoved the phone into Ne zha's hands startling him. "Look, look! I already put mine and Mk's number- oh and also Ao bing!" She opened the contacts icon to prove her claim. She had put emojis at the end of each name. Mei's was a dragon and Mk was a monkey- both made sense. But for Ao bing it was a blue heart. Ne zha was confused as to why she had chosen a heart of all things. Shouldn't it have beena sort of animal- maybe a fish or a wave? He'll change it later. Right now he was being dragged by the two energetic friends. Ne zha clutched the phone towards his chest worried that it might slip out.

They continued their path down the hall, passing by different exhibits. Ne zha was amazed by how big each exhibit was. Many of them replicating existing reefs and popular tour spots. Mk and Mei would run off to check out a fish they thought looked cool or cute. Mei would take various pictures while Mk and Ne zha would read the facts displayed.

It would be hard to see each other in the dark and had to hold on to each other in order not to lose each other in the crowd of people. They were by the penguin exhibit, which of course drew a lot of adults and children toward the fuzzy litte things.

Ne zha decided to hang back while Mk and Mei got a closer look at the penguins. He instead went to look at the exhibit from across. It wasn't too far so he didn't worry about leaving the others.

He didn't take long to finish reading about all of the facts of each fish. And went back to see if Mk and Mei had enough of looking at the penguins. He got closer and couldn't see them. That's strange. Ne zha looked around hoping he'd see either green highlights or a yellow jacket in the dark crowd. But there weren't there.

Okay no reason to panick yet, but his anxiety did spike when he thought of them running around causing trouble. Ne zha fished out his phone from his pocket and dialed Mei's number. It rang a few times before the call went through.

"Hello?" Mei's voiced rang. Ne zha let his shoulders relax. "Where did you guys go?" Ne zha looked around once more before moving towards the exit.

"Where did we go? Where did you go?!" She remarked.

"What are you talking about? I'm still at the penguin area!" Ne zha tried not raise his voice too much, not wanting to much attention on him. He could faintly heard Mk and Mei argue about losing Ne zha. And then he heard them quickly come to a conclusion.

"Sorry we thought you had left when we couldn't find you. We kind of passed through a couple of exhibits, but meet us at the turtle area." Mei explained. Ne zha nodded.

"Okay I'll meet you there- don't do anything foolish." Ne zha reminded, he could hear nervous giggles before hanging up. The lotus prince walked down the hall into the next exhibit. It shouldn't be too far from where he was and if he got lost, there were the signs to help him.

It didn't take long as he thought so. Ne zha got there quickly. Half of the room was taken up by the giant tank that lit the dark room into a teal hue. A sea turtle got close to the glass before swimming away with the other fish. It was quite relaxing to watch.

Ne zha stood by a far corner to stay away from people crowding the glass to take pictures. He didn't like big crowds, but had no problem comanding an army. But at leats they understood not to get into his personal space unlike mortals. He let out a tired sigh, maybe he should just leave? It would be rude just to disappear from Mei and Mk, but he started to get somewhat anxious with how long they were talking. How far did they even go?

He soon saw that there were less people now. He was about to move towards the exhibit, but then a group of elementary students file in. The quiet room suddenly fills with laughter and high pitched voices. Ne zha groaned and went back to his place in the dark. He'll just come out once he sees Mk and Mei.

"Kids settle down please." A women scolded the children, the teacher Ne zha assumed. "Our guide will tell us all about sea turtles, so quiet down please." She places a finger near her lips to signal them to quiet down. The chatter had stopped but there were a few giggles. "Thank you, I'm sorry about that." The teacher apologized as she looks behind her. And to Ne zha's surprise it was Ao bing. Smiling brightly like always.

"Its not a problem, I can see they have a lot of energy." Ao bing looked at the children as he stood infront of the glass and gave them a warm smile. "Now then, what do you kids know about turtles?" He asked waiting patiently for any of the children to answer.

"They're slow!" A boy yelled and all of the kids laugh. Ao bing chuckles. "You're right they are slow, but did you know that they can live up to be a hundred years old?" The room fills with gasps of amazement and surprise. "Wait but I thought they lived longer than that?" A little girl asked.

"There have been a few records of turtles with longer lifespans, but it also depends of what type of sea turtle they are. Like the ones here. Let me introduce you to them." Ao bing talked and turned to face the glass. The blue head tapped on the glass lightly as possible. Of course Ao bing told the children not to tap on the glass even thought he had done so.

The tap caught the attention of all the sea creatures and they made their way closer to him. Everyone in the room was amazed by the act. Many whisper or awed wondering how the young man managed to call them all. Some elementary student had stood up to get closer to the glass. But were quickly told to move back. One little boy claimed that one of the turltes were smiling.

"This big girl here is Coral. She's a leatherback sea turtle. They are the biggest of all the turtles, they grow up to be 9 feet." Ao bing went into details about how each sea turtle is different from one another. Ne zha could tell that most of the students were having a hard time listening to the blue head as they were distracted by how all of the turtles swarmed behind Ao bing through the glass. Ne zha couldn't blame them.

It made Ao bing look majestic with how the sea creatures perfectly form a halo behind his figure. As well as the blue light that aluminates him. His eyes almost glowing and filled with life as he talked to the children. Ne zha was completely mesmerized by the sight.

"Is that a girl or a guy?"

That immediately snapped him out.

"I think its a dude." Another voice joined. Ne zha tried to listen a bit more to figure out where it was coming from. It was right next to him.

"There's no way that's a guy! I mean look at those curves." That made Ne zha's face scrunch up in disgust.

"Holy shit- you're right! Damn look at her thighs" the voice gawked. Ne zha want to punch whoever that was but knew that he didn't want to cause any unnecessary attention to himself.

"I bet they're soft." He boast.

"You think she'd let us touch them?" They chuckle.

Ne zha turned around at the speed of light and faced the two jackass. It was two high schoolers, of course it fucking was. The two teens immediately stop laughing. They're eyes went wide with shock and fear by the dark glare Ne zha gave them. His eyes almost glowing red, making him look demonic in the dark room. "Do you realize how disgusting that is." Ne zha growled. The teens said nothin, but began to shake when the demon got closer and loomed over them like trash. "If I ever see or hear you two again, I'll make sure to fucking disappear." Ne zha spit. The teens nodded in fear.

A hand was placed on Ne zha's shoulder. He quickly turned around snarlig at whoever touched him. He froze up once he realized who it was.

Ao bing backed up in shock at the sight of Ne zha. The lotus prince eyes soften, embarrassed and slightly ashamed for sharing the blue head. This gave the two teens a chance to escape and run away as fast as they could. Ne zha was about to run after them but was pulled back by his arm.

"Ne zha just let them go." Ao bing urged. His grip firm onto the others arm to prevent him from running off. Ne zha growled and turned back to his friend. "Why should I? They were saying horrible things about you." He snapped. He received a glare from the other.

"They're kids Ne zha. They say the dumb stuff all the time."

"That shouldn't excuse they're behavior." He remarked. Ne zha was upset that Ao bing would defend those two jerks. Ao bing pulled him close to him, making Ne zha let out a noise of confusion.

"Do you really think you're behavior right now is acceptable?" Ao bing whispered into his ear. Ne zha looked around and saw that many people had been staring at them some even holding onto their kids. Ne zha finally realized his mistake. Threatening two minors wasn't something that could be easily over looked. He looked back at Ao bing. He stared at him with pleading eyes. Ne zha sighed and let Ao bing drag him away from prying eyes through the employee's door.

They walked in silence. Their feet echoing through the corridor as the lights buzz and the water pumps through the pipes next to their heads. Ao bing walked ahead leaving Ne zha slightly behind him. The lotus prince looked down to the floor and occasionally glance at the other. He hadn't turned to look at him the whole time.

"I'm sorry." Ne zha mumbled. He's met with the sound of footsteps.

"Don't apologize." Ao bing sighs as they stop infront of a set of double doors. Ne zha looked at him surprised. He had expected more anger from the other. "But you didn't have to do that. I deal with that stuff all the time." Ao bing answered nonchalant, he opened the door and motioned to follow.

"But you shouldn't have to deal with that." Ne zha remarked. He looked around the room. It was bigger than what he'd expected. There was a pool of water that took half of the room and above it was a walkway with a few buckets.

"Its nice that you want to look after me. But trust me when I say that there isn't anything that I haven't heard." Ao bing faced him. "Let me guess, they were trying to figure out what my gender is and make some joke that involved my thighs?" Ao bing assumed. Lookig at Ne zha expecting him to answer. The brunette just blushed. He wasn't going to repeat what the teens had said, but he had summarize what happened. The lack of response made Ao bing know that he was right. The blue head let out a sigh.

He motioned to Ne zha to follow, making his way to the catwalk and sat down with his feet dangling over the blue water. The brunette made his way over and mirrored his actions. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Ne zha spoke up.

"I'm sorry you have to go through that all the time." Ne zha said softly.

Ao bing looked at him with wide eyes. It surprised him. Most of his life growing up when he'd tell people about situations like this he was met with:

"I'm so jealous," "I wish I had your body," to "I don't blame them, I can't tell sometimes" He'd always brush them off because it didn't really bother him. He must've been in denial because of how much he wants to cry right now.

Ao bing give Ne zha one of the softess smiles he'd seen. "Thanks for looking out for me." He whispered, laying his head on the other's shoulder. Ne zha turned red before resting his head on top of his. Closing his eyes he muttered "No problem."

Ne zha missed this.

But he knew that this wouldn't last forever. He'd have to return back to the celestial realm and take on more responsibilities with the emperor now gone. Ne zha doubted he would have time to spend with Ao bing. The thought of being separated again made his heart ache. He decided to make the most of their time together.

Ne zha was about to say something when he noticed a fin appear next to his foot. His eyes widen and he let out a cry. The sound made Ao bing jump and watched as Ne zha frantically get up, making the whole catwalk shake.

"What the hell is in the water!?" He cried out. Eyes widen with fear as he gripped onto the railing. Ao bing blinked owlishly. The blue head didn't noticed the fin pop next to his foot as the creature slowly got closer. In a panic Ne zha grabbed Ao bing from his armpit and fully wrapped his arms around his midsection, quickly pulling the blue haired male up. Making the latter let out a yelp. As he did the creature jumped up and created a splash, soaking the lower part of their pants.

"Ne zha what the heck!?" Ao bijg squealed. His eyes completely wide at the sudden force pulling him up.

"That- thing was going to bite you're feet off!" Ne zha shrieked. Still gripping tightly onto his friend's, scared that the sea creature would jump and grab him. Ao bing looked confused until he looked back the water saw a fin circling.

"You mean Tart? Don't worry she won't hurt you." He assured.

"Ao bing it tried to bite your foot!" Ne zha barked out. Making the latter laugh.

"Thats how she plays! Here look." Ao bing removes Ne zha's hands from his waist and kneels over the railing. He grabs a dog toy from a near bucket and dangles it over. They wait for a few seconds before again the shark jumps up and snatches the toy out of Ao bings hand. Ne zha tensed when he saw that the sharp teeth barely missed his fingers. He watches as a head popped up from the water, looking at Ao bing.

"Hey girl, how are you." Ao bing coos at the shark, and reaches over to pet the sharks nose. The deadly animal closes its eyes, leaning into the touch and- was it wagging its fin tail?

"See, she doesn't bite, c'mere." He holds out his hand to Ne zha. The brunette hesitates, he knows Ao bing wouldn't put him in any danger. (Or maybe he remembered everything and this is his revenge). He shakes his head and grabs the offering hand, kneeling next to his friend.

"You trust me?" Ao bing asked, looking directly at hazel eyes. Ne zha hesitated only for a second before nodding. The blue head grasps his wrist gently and pushed it foward to the snout of the shark. The brunette tense as his hand got dangerously close to the predators mouth. He tired not to shrink back unsure if that would cause the creature to bite him. 'This thing is going to bite my hand off- oh my gosh how many teeth does it have!? Can I even grow my hand back?' All of these thoughts formed in Ne zha's head, as he was a few meters from touching a dangerous animal. And then-

Huh. It felt a lot denser than he imagined.

"Rub this way." Ao bijg directed, puppetting the brunettes arm to run his hand down the head of the shark. "Woah." Is all Ne zha said at the smooth touch of the skin.

"Smooth isn't? And if you rub this way-" he moves his hand again, back towards the snout. Ne zha let out a yelp at the sudden change of texture. "What the heck? Why does it feel so scratchy?" Ne zha wondered out loud, pulling his hand back. Feeling his palm to check for cuts.

"Thats because their skin is cover scales that helps reduce friction when they swim. A lot of people compare the feeling to a cat's tongue." Ao bing explained. They watched as the shark returned it head in the water and swim away.

Ne zha forgets that the blue haired man next to him knew so much about the ocean life. It felt a little ironic to him. "That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be." Ne zha confessed making the latter laugh.

"A lot of sharks get a bad reputation, especially in movies. Yes they can be dangerous but not to the point they go on a murder spree." Ao bing ranted. Ne zha just nods as he talked. But then stop to look at the brunette.

"You kind of remind me of a shark." Ne zha looked at him confused but let him continue. "They're scary when you first met them but then you just realise their a bit derpy." He chirped.

It made Ne zha cringe back the memory of their 'first,' meeting and that he had scared the former prince. They were silent for a few seconds.

"You think I'm derpy?" Ne zha says. It made Ao bing snort and laugh uncontrollably, making Ne zha join in. They laughed for a few minutes, leaning into each other for support as they gasp for air.

Suddenly they hear the doors open making them jump and stop laughing. They see a young man carrying a bucket and the three make eye contact. The new comer stared at Ao bing and then at Ne zha and he made a face, which the brunette mirrored back. Ao bing relaxed however.

"Oh hey Kang, you scared me." Ao bing greeted. The  person- Kang looked away from Ne zha and smiled at the blue head. "Sorry, didn't know anyone would be back here." Kang looked directly at Ne zha. "Especially if they're not supposed to be here."

'Okay- rude much?' Ne zha thought to himself. He stood up and offered a hand to his friend. When he did take his hand, Ne zha couldn't help but feel like gloating when he saw the man with the short ponytail glare at him. "Its okay Kang, I brought him back here. We were going to leave soon." Ao bing apologized as he dusted off his pants. And made their way to the steps.

A complete switch went off when he looked back at Ao bing as he made his way towards them.  "Its fine! If anyone ask I'll just tell them he's the janitor or something." He joked. Ne zha grumbled at the insult. Janitors do a lot actually and can't help but feel offended for them.

Ao bing just rolled his eyes. He was about to take the last step when he suddenly slipped on water. A brief moment of panic washed over the three. Ne zha made an attempt to catch his friend but Kang had beaten him to it as he was infront of the stairs.

"Woah careful there buddy!" Kang laughed.

Ne zha wanted to scream at the scene. Kang had his hands placed on Ao bing waist as Ao bing used his shoulders as support. 'Why did put his hands there of all places!? He better not move them any lower!' The brunette screeched in his head.

Kang had a look that Ne zha did not like one bit. "Hey so I was wondering..." the guy started off, blushing slightly. That made Ne zha panic even more. As much as Ao bing was capable of making his own decisions, there was no way he was letting this creep make advances. What the heck should he do!? Should he call Mei?

Wait-

Oh my gosh- Mei and Mk!

Ne zha lets a huge gasp, catching the attention of the two guys infront of him. "I was supost to meet with Mk and Mei!" He yelled. Ao bing eyes widen at the mention of the two younger adults. He quickly pushed Kang away and grabbed Ne zha's arm.

"Sorry Kang! But Ms. Duan will kill me if those two cause trouble again! I'll see you later!" Ao bing rushed as he ran with Ne zha in tow.

Ne zha internally cheered when he saw the look of confusion and hurt on the guys face as they ran out the door.

Ne zha and Ao bing found them in the area they had been earlier. The blue head let out a sigh of relief when he saw Mk and Mei sitting by the glass taking pictures of the turtles.

"Oh thank goodness" Ao bing whispered. Ne zha just smiled in amusement. Mei turned towards them as the group of sea turtles swam away. She let out a gasp and stood up frantically.

"Bing!" She yelled and ran into his arms. The latter held her close and even spun her, both of them laughing. Mk followed suit. Ao bing let go of Mei to give the young monkey kid the same treatment.

"We missed you dude!" Mk cheered as he squished their cheeks together. "It hasn't been that long since I've seen you two." Ao bing laughed. Ne zha watched the sight unfold. It was adorable to say the least. The eldest seemed like he had a big role in both Mk's and Mei's lives growing up. Acting as a older brother of sorts.

Ne zha remembered about his brothers. They were a little older when he was born and didn't really spend time with him because of the training they'd receive from their father. Even if they didn't get along, Ne zha still missed them.

Ne zha felt a hand tug at his sleeve. He looked down and saw that it was Mk. He looked at him concerned. "Hey you okay Ne zha?" He asked.

Ne zha gave him a smile, "yes I'm fine, just lost in thought." He responded. Mk perked up a bit.

Mk reminded Ne zha of himself when he was a kid sometimes. Hell- Mei reminded him of Ao bing as well. Would they have been like them if things didn't turn out bad?

"Okay. Now c'mon! Ao bing's going to show us around!" Mk cheered and wrapped his arm with Ne zha and followed the dragon siblings down to the next exhibit. Ne zha watched a he'd as the two family members laugh together.

The whole time it was really more of making sure that Mk and Mei stayed out of trouble again. Ao bing and Ne za just stood back and made small conversations. Ao bing was talking about one of the fish in the exhibit, but Ne zha was not paying attention. Instead he was just staring at his friend as he rambled. Mostly at his eyes. He remembered that the dragon prince use to have ice blue eyes but nlw they were a lot darker. But they glowed in the blu

Chapter Text

Mk, Mei and Ne zha stood outside of the aquarium  as they waited for Sandy to picke them up. The sun had barely started to set  many visitors had left already.

Ne zha stood by a light pole as Mk and Mei sat down on the curb.The lotus prince was somewhat tired from all the walking they had done, he had even gotten hungry. It had been a while since he felt his stomach rumble like this. Ne zha watched as Mk showed off the key chains he had bought. He gave a green one to Mei. The raven haired girl squealed at how pretty the chain was, taking a picture of it before putting it away in her pocket. Then the monkie kid got up and walked over to Ne zha.

"This one's for you!" Mk chirped as he offered a pink jellyfish to Ne zha. The brunette took the gift, he held the chain up. It glisten under the sun, created a hue of pink. "Thank you Mk." Ne zha smiled at monkie kid. Mk returned the smile and stood next to Ne zha. Mei join them, leaning into the light pole.

They stood in silence a while, listening to the crashing waves against the rocks. The noise made Ne zha a little drowsy. As well as nostalgic. He had sneaked off so many times to see his friend when he was younger. They talk about everything and nothing, played a couple of games and even slept together holing each other close.

"So what's the deal with you and my brother?" Mei questioned. Ne zha blinked at her pulling him away from the past, "what?" He squawked. The raven head girl just rolled her eyes at him. "You know what I mean, Mk asked you the same thing earlier."  She remarked.

"You're brother is a good friend."

"Dont give me that!" Mei huffed. "You two act all lovey dovey every time I see you two." She made a heart with her hands, and pursed her lips. Ne zha blushed.

"Isn't that how all friends act?" He stuttered. Both Mk and Mei looked at him. "Everything besides sitting on their lap." Mk retorted. The blunt answer caused Ne zha to choke on air. "T-thats not true! Some friends sit on each other's lap!" He declared.

"Yeah but not straddled to their lap! Would you like to see evidence." Mei puffed. She opened her phone and pushed the device to Ne zha.

It was slightly blurry, but you could see Ne zha sitting down and holding the railing behind him with one arm while the other arm was wrapped very tightly around a certain blue haired man's waist. While the latter wrapped both of his arms around Ne zha's neck and his legs wrapped around his legs. The lotus prince covered the others eyes, completely embarrassed. The monkie kid struggled to pry off the hand.  "Seriously!? I'm 23!" Mk protested.

"Okay I can see why that look bad." Ne zha admitted. "But thats because he kept slipping off!"

Mei groan, "Oh my gosh! You are in such denial!" She dragged her hands down her face. "Why are you acting so weird about the fact you have a crush on my brother!?"

"I don't-" he paused for a moment. Did he have a crush on Ao bing? Well, he is attractive. But that wouldn't be the main reason he'd like him. Ao bing was kind and cared about him a lot that he makes sure to eat. He always tries to make Ne zha feel comfortable, and sooths him. Even brushing his hair. He had a pretty smile too- whenever Ao bing looked at him, he'd always give him a gentle smile making his eyes shine a bit brighter. It made Ne zha feel warm. But he just assumed he felt this way because no one had cared about him in a long time.

"I think you broke him." Mk stated. Standing next to his best friend as they watch the lotus prince stand still with blank stare towards the ground. Mei shrugged and placed her hands on her hips. "Its not my fault he doesn't know his own feelings." She sighed. They looked back at Ne zha, standing perfectly still. Not even blinking.

"Should we do something?" Mk asked. Mei just waved it off. "Nah he'll snap out of it."

"Excuse me."

They turned around and saw a woman with a pixie cut make her way towards them. "Which one of you are Ne zha?" She asked, glancing at the three. Mk and Mei point to the brunette who finally looked up when the girl approached them.

The petite woman took a couple more step to stand infront of Ne zha. She looked him up and down, then have him a small smile. "So youre the one keeping Ao bing to yourself." She teased. 'She doesn't sound as rude as Kang' Ne zha thought to himself.

"I'm Li Na, one of Ao bing's coworkers. It nice to meet you." She slightly nodded to him. Ne zha returned the gesture. "Yes, Ao bing talks about you a few times."

"I could say the same thing, but Ao bing talks about you all the time." She chuckled. Stuffing her hands into the pockets of her sweater. "Heard you were here from Kang. He made it sound like you were a jerk, so I had to find out for myself." Li Na confessed. Ne zha tried his best not to roll his eyes at the mention of Kang. Instead he crossed his arms and took a deep breath. "Yeah, well the same could said about him." He responded. Which was the right move since it made her laugh.

"Sorry about that." Li Na looked around before leaning in and using one of her hands to cover a side of her mouth. "I probably shouldn't tell you this but, Kang has a huge crush on Ao bing." She whispered. "So far Ao bing hasn't really taken any of the hints or just doesn't say anything." She reassured as Ne zha had scowled.

"Which gives you an advantage." She boasted. Ne zha looked confused for a moment but then his eyes widen at the implication.

"Oh I'm not-"

"Li Na!"

They turned around to the direction of the voice. Ne zha withheld a groan when he saw that it was Kang. Li Na let out an awkward chuckle. "I got to go, it was nice meeting you." She waved and walked away. The group watch as Kang scowls towards Ne zha and the short woman hit him on the arm, forcing him to walk away.

"Jeez, what's up with him?" Mei crossed her arms and scowls back. Ne zha rolls his eyes, "he's decided to hate me because of Ao bing." He shrugged. Mk mouths forms into and 'o' surprised at the comment. Mei waves her hands around, "Wait- so you're saying that guy has a crush on my brother?" She demanded. The brunette nodded, "Its quite obvious. However, something feels off about him." Ne zha says. Mk perked up at this.

"You don't think he's a demon do you?" Mk asked. His face completely serious. Sure not all demons are bad, but from all of there adventures it's better to stay safe than sorry.

Ne zha shakes his head, "I don't believe so, I'm not sensing anything from him." He rest his hand on Mk shoulder as he watches him pick at his nails anxiously. "But I'll keep an eye on him." He assured.

"And make sure he doesn't get close to Ao bing!" Mei exclaimed. "I don't know much about Kang, but you seem like a better option for Bing." This made Mk laugh and Ne zha to turn red.

"How many times have I told I don't-"

Ne zha was interrupted by the sound of a car horn going off. The three of them turn around and see Sandy, wave through the window of his truck. Mk and Mei run towards the vehicle loudly greeting Sandy. Ne zha sighs and walks to the truck.

The ride was calm, much to Ne zha surprise. But they had been walking around all day and haven't eaten yet, taking most of th duos energy. Sandy had tried to make small talk with the lotus prince. But Ne zha responded with very short answers and would continue to pet Mo, who decided to claim his thighs as a place to rest.

They eventually arrive at Pigsy's. The sun had completely set, the neon sign shone brightly in the night and the air was filled with a sweet sent coming from the building.

Ne zha expected the restaurant to be completely empty when they walked in, but instead he forced in a loud groan when he saw an a certain simian with red curly furr sitting in a stool, conversing with the owner of the restaurant, Pigsy. The cook greets the four of them coming in. Catching the attention of the monkey. He grinned widely at the sight of the lotus prince.

"Hey! Ne zha!" He shouted. His tail swinging as he get up from the stool. Ne zha quickly turn around to make his exit but it suddenly blocked by the blue giant trying to get inside. Ne zha mentally curses but suddenly, he let's out a choking noise when an arm appears around his neck and pulls him backwards.

"I didn't expect to see you here buddy." Wukong laughed. He ruffled the lotus prince hair. Ne zha let out a noise of protest as the tried to get out of the others hold. "And whats with the outfit? I don't think I've seen you wear anything else besides your armour." He joked.

"Funny coming from the guy that wears the same thing everyday. Do you even wash them?" A voice chimed. Ne zha followed the direction of the voice and was surprised to see the shadow monkey sitting on the of stools, his hand rimming around the top of his cup. He eyed the Mokey King with slight disgust.

Wulong lets go of Ne zha and grumbles towards Macaque. "You're one to talk! You've been wearing that outfit since-like forever!" He jumbled, tail flicking in agitation. Ne zha glares at him as he rubs his throat.

"What are those two doing here?" Mei asks. Watching as the two monkeys argue with each other. "Are they on a date?" She teased. Both monkeys stopped their bickering. "We are not on a date!" Monkey King huffs, face tinted with red.

"Yeah I could do so much better." Macaque smirked as Wukong whipped his head and looked at him in exaggerated offense. And they went back to bickering. Mei laughed, while Ne zha and Mk let out a sigh. The lotus prince sees that the doorway is no longer blocked and turned to make his leave, but stopped when he felt something tug his sleeve. He looked over and saw that Mk had stopped him. "Where are you going?" He asked. His eyebrows furrowed as he stares at him.

"I'm leaving." Ne zha said bluntly.

"What! Why!?" Mk complained. Ne zha rubbed his temple. "I can't be in the same room as Wukong for more than 30 minutes, especially watching whatever this is." He gestures towards the two monkeys. Sandy had them held apart from each other as they tried to fight.

"C'mon it'll be fun! It can give you a chance to get to know everyone better." Mk tried to convince him. "Also please don't leave me alone with those two." He pleaded.  Ne zha sighed, he was about to decline again he was interrupted.

"Ah let him go bud. The little prince doesn't know how to have fun." Wukong teased. His grin grew as the lotus prince glares at him. "I know how to have fun." Ne zha huffed, head turned upwards. The Monkey King rolled his eyes, "Whatever you say buddy." He chuckled.

Ne zha growled. He knew what the simian was doing, he was trying to provoke him. Wukong had always done this when he was younger. Well this time it wasn't going to work. He made a move towards the door.

"Since you're leaving, guess you won't mind I tell everyone about the lantern festival incident."

Ne zha stopped. 'That little-'

"I think I can stay for a few hours."The lotus prince turned around and sat down at the nearest table. Crossing his arms and glaring at the monkey, that was smirking at him. "If you say so pal." His tail flicked lowly.

"Could we go back to the lantern festival incident?" Mei asked, once they two immortals settled. Wukong was ready to answer her, but grumbled when he felt a pair of eyes glare at him. "How about I tell you the time me and lotus boy, took down a pair of trickster demons."

Tang and Mk light up and sit down, eager to listen to the sage. While Macaque and Mei sit away minding their own business. Ne zha only lets out a tired sigh, already regretting staying.

Ne zha watched as Wukong chugged down a bottle of baijiu. The monkey had drank four already and was swaying. Wukong slammed the bottle down almost causing a dent to the table. And was already opening another bottle. But the bottle was taken away in a quick motion that the golden money reacted late. "You should stop. A sober Wukong is already annoying. We don't need a wasted one." Macaque grumbled. Wukong pouted at him like a little kid.

"Aw cmon just one more pleaaaase." The sage whined. Macaque looked away from him to keep himself from laughing as he denied him. Wukong then slumped down and nuzzeled his head into Macauqe's arm. "Please moon pie. I promise this is my last one." He begged. It made Macaque chuckle. "Nice try but that's not going to work, you big sap." He said.

Ne zha watched the sweet display. It was a bit awkward, watching them be lovey dovey together. He remembered back when he found out that the two monkeys had fought and only one of the had come out alive. The lotus had found Monkey King one day at the jade palace, laying on the ground. The brunette was ready to yell and tell him to leave, but stopped when he saw the state of the sage.

His clothes were threatening to fall off his shoulders, his furr looked tangled and unkempt. And surrounded by two barrels of baijiu. Ne zha anger rose, but quickly fizzled out when he saw something he'd never believe to see from the sage. He was crying.

The great sage equal to heaven, was having a pity party inside of the jade temple with stolen alcohol. Ne zha hadn't been sure what to do at first. But decided to sit down next to him and listen to the monkey's drunken babbel. That day he learned it was the anniversary of Macaque's death.

But now, Ne zha looked back at the pair, he's celebrating with him instead. Macaque notice the constant staring. "First time seeing him like this?" He asked, taking a sip of the stolen alcohol. Ne zha rolled his eyes, "I've seen him get wasted too many times to be surprised." He also knew that it took more than four baijiu to get him to act like this, but he kept quiet.

"Y'know I've rarely seen you drunk!" Wukong barked, pointing at finger at the lotus prince accusedly. "That's because I'm not trying to poison myself." Ne zha said flatly. He wasn't a really big fan of drinking, he'd participate sometimes but always drank less than three bottles of alcohol. His father would always make sure he was a perfect soldier.

"So how's it been living with the dragon prince?" Macaque asked.

This made Ne zha look at him with surprise. He looked around the restaurant to see if anyone else was listening. "Relax the dragon girl left a while ago." The dark simian assured, already knowing what the other was thinking.

"So you know who he is?" Ne zha asked warily. He wasn't sure how many people knew about Ao bing. Guanyin had told him that Ao Guang didn't know his son's current whereabouts. And so it worried him as to why that was. It was one of the reasons Ne zha was so hesitant about telling Ao bing the truth- what if it put him in danger?

Macaque shrugged as he pick up his cup. "I mean its c'mom- blue hair and the mark on his forehead? Ironically works at an aquarium? It wasn't hard to connect the dots." He took a drink from his cup. Ne zha looked at him with suspicions. Macaue looked at him and rolled his eyes, "Relax I'm not going to do anything to him." He said. "He seems like a nice guy- compared to how he was back then. He was such a brat wasn't he-"

"Dont speak about him like that." Ne zha interrupted him. Shooting daters at the shadow demon infront of him. "C'mon Nez you have to admit he was kind of an a-"

"Wukong if you finish that sentence I will end you." Ne zha threatened. The three stared at each other,  Ne zha's was challenging both of the monkeys to continue speaking. The brunette closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I know okay, I was there. I know what he was like- I was the one who..."

The one who killed him.

The table went completely silent. Wukong sat up straight, looked away and took a drink from his baijiu. Macaque looked down at the table, gripping onto the sleeve of his arm. Ne zha mentally said 'fuck it' and snatched Wukong's drink. The sage yelled out in protest, but quickly shut up as he and Macaque watch the lotus prince chug the whole bottle. Ne zha slammed the bottle onto the table at let out a sigh at the burning sensation in his throat. The two monkeys said nothing.

"Should I tell him?" Ne zha spoke. Confusing the two monkeys, Ne zha continues, "that I'm the one who killed him." Wukong didn't respond. He frowned and got up, saying he was going to another drink. Macaque just nodded and stayed with the lotus prince. The dark simian had a feeling that Wukong knew how Ne zha felt. They both had killed the people they loved so much.

"I've been wanting to tell him- ever since I've stayed with him. But I'm scared-" the lotus prince let out a shaky breath. "I'm scared that he's going to hate me and leave. That he'll see me for who I really am. A monster." Ne zha voice went quiet as he rested his head on the table. Macaque listen to him ramble. 'Geez did one drink really get him like this.' He let out a sigh and patted the brunettes hair.

"Look kid, I can't really tell you what to do- it's your choice to tell him or not. I'm not even sure how he'll even react. But I can kind of relate to him." He confessed. "We were both hurt by the people we trusted the most and wanted to hurt them back- look how that ended for us." He chuckled darkly. "But the difference is one of us remembers everything and the other living a pretty normal life without any drama." Macaque lets out a sigh and watches the others somber expression.

"If you decide to tell him, I think he'll forgive you." Ne zha looked at him. "Not immediately- obviously. He's probably going to be really confused, hurt and angry- he might even stop talking to you who the hell knows." Ne zha frowned, and was about to speak. "But he'll forgive you one day, it might take days, months, maybe years. You have to let him take his time, don't make him forgive you." Macaque held one of his hands. "I can tell that you two have a deep connection. No matter what happens you two will always end up drawn towards each other. If really care about him. Don't let that go." Macaque gave him a gentle smile. And glance behind Ne zha. The brunette glanced behind him and saw Wukong arguing with Pigsy.

"Have you forgiven him?" Ne zha quietly asked. It startled Macaque. He looked down at the table with a small smile. "Not yet." The dark monkey quickly changed his smile into a playful smirk. "I'm planning to guilt trip him into giving me stuff." Macaued joked. Ne zha scoffed and batted his hand from the laughing monkey.

"Are you two having fun without me?" Wukong said with a pout as he sat back down his an arm fun of drinks and his tail placing another on the table. Macaque looked at him.

"You aren't seriously planning on drink all of those by yourself, are you?" He cringed. Wukong waved him off. "Relax I got some for you guys, I'm not that selfish." The golden monkey gives the shadow a bottle and slid one another to the lotus prince.  "Besides Ne zha here needs to unwind a little." Wukong declared. Ne zha hesitantly took the bottle and opened it. The sage cheered while the the dark simian rolled his eyes. The three clank together there bottles and took a swing. It shouldn't really be a problem since it's mortals alcohol. Right?

Ao bing waved goodbye at his coworkers they walk away. He stretched popping a muscle and lets out a sigh. It had been a long day with checking the condition of every sea creature. Especially with how much of a struggle it was to get the octopus to let go of Ao bing. (The marks on his arms are probably going to be there for a while). But that didn't matter because now he could just go home and sleep for the rest of the week. Ao bing wondered if Ne zha would still be awake at this hour. The brunette would always be awake when he got back, no matter the time. He thought it was sweet of him to do. The blue head's face felt warm, must be the cold.

Ao bing phone started to ring once he got in the car. He looked at the caller ID and that it was Ne zha. It surprised the blue head as Ne zha still hasn't gotten used to using a phone. Nonetheless he answered, something could have happened.

"Hello?" He said wearly. Hearing two voices bicker at each other.

"Hey Ao bing! Its Macaque, dont know if you remember me." A voice rang out. Macaque- the other monkey?

"The same Macaque that threatened to kill my cousin and almost threw me off an airship Macaque?" He answered. There was a pause.

"Yes."

Another pause.

"Why do you have Ne zha's phone?" He questioned. Should he be worried? He knows that Macaque was one their side now- at least he thinks he his. Macaque was a little hard to read sometimes. But Ao Bing knows that the dark simian wasn't a bad person. At least not the one trying to end the world kind.

"Oh! Um yeah- listen. Mk and Mei brought him over to hang out at Pigsy's, we decided to drink a bit." Macaque stopped and can be heard telling someone to stop before returning. "Turns out Ne zha can't handle a lot of alcohol."

Ao bing furrowed his eyebrows, confused. "Aren't you guys immortal, alcohol shouldn't have an effect on you guys." He argued. He also doubted that Ne zha drank a lot.

"Not if it was specially made in the celestial realm." Macaque sighed. Ao bing let one out of his own. "I'm on my way, don't let him drink more." The simian responded with a quick 'okay' before promptly hanging up. Ao bing sits with his phone in his hands and pinches the bridge of his nose tiredly. It was way too late to deal with this mess.

Ao bing's car lit up the dark street as he drove towards Pigsy's restaurant.  Most of the surrounding building already had their lights off and only a few were aluminated by neon signs.

He sees the familair sign and slows down. From the side he could see a couple of figures standing outside of the restaurant. Ao bing squinted and quickly widen his eyes when he realized who the was.

Both Monkey King and Macaque stood next to Ne zha holding his arms around their shoulders. They had to squat down a bit as the brunette looked like a rag doll, his legs dragged against the sidewalk and his head rolling from one side to another. Both Monkey were speaking to him trying to get a reaction. They looked up and saw Ao bing from the windshield and smiled awkwardly.

Ao bing parked his car and got out, slamming the door in the process. "What the heck happened?" Monkey King had looked away, avoiding looked at Ao bing. Macaque glares at him. "Appearntly a certain someone had stashed away someone celestial alcohol in Pigsy's restaurant."

"What! I didn't have a fridge to put them away! And I kind of forgot about them." Monkey King mumbled the last part.

"And you thought it wasn't a good idea to tell Ne zha?" Ao bing questioned. Monkey King thinks of something to say but remained quiet. "Kid must've drank more thinking it wouldn't take a toll of him." Macaque guessed, trying to keep Ne zha from falling.

Ao bing wondered how a trip to the mall and the aquarium led to Ne zha getting completely drunk. He looked up and saw Mk and Mei through the apartment window. They jumped back and hid as they were spotted. The blue head rolled his eyes and rubbed his forehead. "Just put him in the back of the car." Ao bing said tiredly. The monkeys obeyed and made their way to the car, Ao bing follow and opened the door. He scolded them as they threw Ne zha into the back seat making the vehicle shake. They bid their goodbyes and left through Macauqe's shadow portal. Ao bing looked at Ne zha curled up into the seat, letting out a whine. The blue head furrowed his eyebrows, a concerned smile gracing his lips. He took of his jacket and dropped it over Ne zha. The brunette relaxed at the sudden warmth, lightly snoring. Ao bing smile soften and made his way into the car.

It was a challenge to get Ne zha out of the car and into the building. The lotus prince had a lot of muscle mass, due to the rigorous training over the years plus he was immortal. While the most Ao bing has done over the years is carry heavy boxes and hold baby seals and penguins. So it made holding Ne zha difficult as the deity was barely conscious. Ao bing probably smelled bad. It didn't help that he was dealing with fish earlier.

Fortunately, Ao bing manage to open the door and drag Ne zha inside. Closing the door with his foot. He set the brunette on the ground, and took off his shoes, doing the same with his own. The action stirred Ne zha awake. They made eye contact, Ao bing smiled at him as he removed the shoe. Ne zha just squinted at him unsure of who the person was infront of him. "Hey buddy, glad to see you awake." Ao bing chirped. The brunette let out a tired groan and slumping against the wall. The blue head jumped and lightly slapped the others cheek. "Ah no no, we need to get you to my room and change before you sleep." Ao bing instructed him.

"I don't want to....I'll sleep on the couch." Ne zha grumbled. Ao bijg just rolled his eyes at him, even when he's drunk he's stubborn. "Well you don't have a choice. You're taking the bed and I'll take the couch." He demanded. Ne zha pouted at him. "No you can't sleep on the couch."

"Then we can both sleep on the bed." Ao bing suggested as he grabbed Ne zha to lift him up. Ne zha shook his head vigorously. "No we can't you'll get pregnant."

Ao bing stopped, almost dropping Ne zha, and looked at him in shock. "What?" He felt his face heat up. "What are you talking about? I can't even- what are you talking about?" Ao bing stuttered too shock to respond. Ne zha looks at him his hazed eyes.

"My brothers told me that if you...if you sleep in the same bed with someone they'll get pregnant. So we can't sleep in the same bed." Ne zha explains. Ao bing just stared at him. It he really believe that or was the alcohol making him say this stuff. It didn't stop Ao bing from laughing, covering his mouth to silence his loud laughter. Ne zha looked upset. "Whats so funny?" Ao bing shook his head as he calmed down, taking deep breaths.

"Nothing, nothing. Listen, don't worry about that. I'm not going to get pregnant." He reassured him with a goofy smile. Ne zha just stared at him with an unsure look. "Really?"

"Really. Besides I'm a guy- I can't really..."

It was silent for a few minutes.

"Okay, but can we go to the bathroom? I think I'm going to throw up."

"You feeling better?" Ao bing asked offering a glass of water to Ne zha, which he gratefully took. His throat burned from puking out everything he ate. Ne zha was a bit upset having wasted the delicious noodles Pigsy had made for him. The brunette nodded his head, chugging down all of the water, water dribbled down his chin. "I'm fine, I kind feel a little better actually." Ne zha says, letting out a yawn and gave Ao bing a loopy smile. The other return the smile. It was kind of nice to Ao bing, seeing Ne zha acting a bit goofy. The brunette had always seemed tense and on edge like something was going to burst through a wall or something. He could never get him to fully relax.

"Okay the best thing for you now is to go to sleep." Ao bing said, gently guiding Ne zha into bed. "Ao bing, I'll sleep on the couch." Ne zha groan. Ao bing smiled at him, as he continued to pull him with ease. "You are going to sleep in my bed, your body will thank me, trust me." He declared, tossing a pair of pyjama's at Ne zha, who grumbled when it hit his face, the blue head laughed. "I'll be back with more water- and a breath mint."

Ne zha rolled his eyes, letting out a yawn in the process. He looked around the room, slowly turning his head towards different direction to avoid everything spinning. The room wasn't too big, there was a small built in closet infornt of where he sat. The bed was pushed into a corner, making the room look a bit spacious. A string off star-shaped lights tangled on the head of the frame that lit up the dark room. There were a couple of knick knacks layout around the room, with a couple of posters on each of the walls. It was quite a nice space, it felt warm and safe. Ne zha could've fell asleep just sitting in the quiet room. He even jolted when he heard Ao bing return.

The blue head smiled at him as he handed a water and mint to Ne zha. The brunette chugged it down, settled it down on the drawer, then chewed on the mint. Ao bing made a face as he watch the other chew. "You bite your mint?" He asked, making his way to the other side of the bed.

"The taste doesn't really bother me." Ne zha shrugged, letting the bits of mint dissolve in his mouth. "I forget how weird you are." Ao bing chuckled. The brunette was really to remark, when he felt his voice disappeared as he looked at his friend.

Ao bing's hair was down. His hair cover all of his back and shoulders almost. The blue of his hair flowed down like water and looked like silk. It soften his features as he brushed out his hair to get rid of knots. He looked like a holy being.

Now that he thought about it. This was the first time Ne zha saw Ao bing's hair completely loose. It was always in a bun whenever they spend time together. Not that it bothered Ne zha, he honestly just thought Ao bing could pull off any hairstyle.

"Are you okay?" Ao bing asked. Ne zha had looked dazed almost sleepy, "Do you need to throw up again?"

"You're really pretty." Ne zha blurted out.

Ao bing looked at him in shock, blushing and confused. "Oh- um thank you?" He stuttered.

"Stop it."

"What?"

Ne zha grabs Ao bing's face from both cheeks making the other go tense and red in the face. They got close to each other. Ne zha eyes squinted while Ao bing's were full of surprised. "Stop being pretty." Ne zha demanded. It took a moment before Ao bing snorted. "I'm not sure how to." Ao bign laughed. Drunk Ne zha was kind of strange he realized.

"No really- stop it. What if somebody fall for you and next thing you know you have a girlfriend or something." Ne zha argued resting his head on his friends shoulder. Ao bing rolled his eyes as he kept rambling." Then you won't want to see me anymore." He whined, " you'll spend more time with your partner." The blue head heard sniffling and began to worry. "Ne zha?"

"And then you'll forget about me- and leave me alone like everyone else does." Ne zha cries. He lets out little hiccups and continues speaking in nonsense. "Ne zha what are you talking?" Ao bing asked softly as he rubs soothing circles onto his back. The brunette wraps his arms tightly around the other. "I don't want you to leave me." He confessed. "Please don't leave." He whispered.

Ao bing felt his heart break, but it strangely also fluttered. The words felt so familiar- but from where? It didn't really matter right now Ne zha needed him as he sobbed into his shoulder. He pets his hair and rocks them lightly.

"Why do you think I'm going to leave you?" He asked softly.

"Because I'm a monster." Ne zha said wobbly. "You'll hate me for the things I've done."  He buried his head in Ao bing chest.

Ao bing stays quiet, letting Ne zha speak. He was genuinely confused as to why Ne zha thought he was a monster of all things. But it somewhat explain why he acted so tense at the beginning of their arrangement. He was worried Ao bing would be scared of him.

Ao bing guided them to lay down onto the bed. Ne zha layed on top of Ao bing, as he patted his hair in a soothing motion. "I don't think you're monster." He says. Ne zha scoffed, "you wouldn't think that if I told you what I did."

"Do you want to tell me?"

"...No"

They stayed quiet for a moment. Ao bing continued to run his hand through Ne zha hair, undoing his buns. "You know, I did some bad stuff when I was younger." Ao bing says. Ne zha look up at him.

"There was this one time me and Mei got into an argument, it was really dumb too. Something about sneaking out, my aunt and uncle had left for an event and she was thinking of going to some party. I told her not to go- I didn't really trust some of the people she hung out with.

"Mei got mad at me and told me I sounded just like her parents. But I just wanted her to stay safe, she's basically my little sister. We started arguing, and I said something really messed up." Ao bing takes a breath. "I told her that...she was a screw up." He laughed sadly.

"Mei ran off before I could apologize. I decide to let her leave."

"Why?" Ne zha interrupted. Ao bing looks down.

"Sometimes its just better to let people take their time." He smiled. Ao bing continued with his story.

"I waited up all night until she got home. She didn't though. I got really worried and thought something happened to her. But Mei called me, crying. She was drunk when I went to get her- kind of like you." They both laughed.

"We ended up talking things out. I apologized for the things I said. And she vented about her parents and school. She'd always had hard time at home, that's probably the main reason she stays over with Mk."  Ao bing shakes his head.

"The point I'm trying to make is that- everyone isn't perfect. We all make mistakes, we all have bad things about ourselves. And you have to accept those parts about yourself. It'll be easier to open up to others that way... you could always talk to me Ne zha."

Ao bing got silence as a response. "Ne zha?" He looked down and saw that lotus prince had fallen asleep, head buried in his chest lightly snoring. Ao bing sighs and smiles at him. He hoped that the immortal had heard the ending of his story. He hopes that Ne zha will open up to him one day before he leaves. Oh right. He's going to leave soon.

Was that what Ne zha was talking about? It would explain his outburst. But Ao bing was also scared. That Ne zha would leave and never talk to him again. He would go back to celestial realm and never come back to see him. Ao bing found it ironic. The two men were scared of losing each other.

But Ao bing won't leave him, even if Ne zha gets tired of his antics and moves on. He'll still care about the lotus prince because he felt so drawn to him. The blue head raked through his hair one last time and tucked back strands behind his ear.

"I think you're pretty too." He whispered. Turning off the lights, he held Ne zha close to him. Afraid to let him go as he drifted off to sleep.

The lotus prince held on tighter.

Chapter Text

Ao bing walks along the shore line, water barely grazing against his feet as it clashes against the sand.He had been walking for a while, trying to find something. But what was it?

No- wait he was looking for someone. Yeah that's it.
He was supposed to meet with someone at the beach. He promised to see him again.

The sun stuck at the end of the horizon as Ao bing continued to walk down the never-ending shore. He had been walking for a while, and hadn't seen anyone or heard any other noise beside the water.

"Ao bing!"

A cheery voice called him. Is that him?

Ao bing turned quickly and-

He woke up.

'What a strange dream.' Ao bing thought to himself. The blue head rubbed his eye and he groaned, he didn't realize how tired he really was. He was grateful that he didn't have to work after that hell of a shift. Ao bing moved slightly to get up to eat something, but was stopped by something heavy on top on him.  He looked down, and his heart fluttered when he saw Ne zha sleeping soundless. The deity looked- so peaceful with his arms wrapping around his waist. His breathing was deep and relax was slept, only moving slightly to rub his nose subconsciously into the smaller chest.

It was a cute sight for Ao bing. To see his friend finally being more comfortable with him. He ranked his hand through Ne zha's hair, there were some parts that had knots and he had to be careful of yanking. He was tempted to take a picture but shook his head. Ne zha would probably get upset with him. So he took in the lotus prince featured, memorizing every single part of his face. How his eyebrows are slightly furrowed, his eyelashes were dark and long, and his lips slightly parted as he breathed softly.

Ao bing pushed the brunettes hair back behind his ear and noticed that they were pointy. He lightly touched them out of curiosity, making Ne zha shift and furrow his eyebrows, and moved his head to the other side. Ao bing covered his mouth with his hand to hold in his laugh. He continued to brush out Ne zha's hair once the brunette settled back onto him. He was also tempted to go back to sleep with how warm Ne zha was, he startled to feel a little drowsy.

Maybe a couple more minutes wouldn't hurt, the sun wasn't fully up yet. And he didn't really want to get up with how comfortable he is right now. He fluttered his eyes closed and let sleep take him again. Giving one last stroke into Ne zha's hair.

Ne zha stood infront of the rocky shore as dark clouds swirled in the sky. He looked around confused, why was he here? Shouldnt he be back home? Then again he didn't want to go there either. But this place didn't really feel safe either, like he shouldn't or more like he didn't want to be here again.

Wait.

Again?

But this was the first time he's been-

Ne zha gasped as he looked down at his hands. Covered in crimson liquid as it drips down his fingertips.

'No no no no! Not again!' He cried. He tries to scrub off the blood but it only caused it to drip down his arms, almost to the edge of his elbows. 'Why won't it come off!? Please I can't-" The Lotus boy continued to panic. His scrubbing turned into scratching, trying to force the blood off not caring about the pain he was causing on himself.

The shore began to crash into the rocks. The water hitting Ne zha, completely drenching him down to the bone. He shivered, gasping at how cold he was. But when he looked down to his arms, he felt relief as the blood was wash off from the salty water.

Without thinking he let his knees drop into the ground and stuck his arms into the ice cold water, vigorously scrubbing away the blood, the salt burning into his open wounds. He felt relief as the blood faded into the water. He let out a shaky sigh. He gazed into the water, jumping back slightly when he saw glowing eyes beneath the water staring at him.

He recognized those eyes, they were-

Panic shot through him as he realized who this was. He quickly took his arms out, but they were grabbed and he was yanked closer to the water.

The glowing eyes now started to dull as the figure stared at him. Their head rolling to the side but never looking away from Ne zha, hate filled their glazed eyes.

"Ne zha..." they crocked. "You can't run from the past." They began to scream in pain, their eyes rolling back as they began to bleed from their mouth. Ne zha shut his eyes as he heard the others head snap in a sickening way, silencing the painful scream. He tried to pull away, but the grip was too strong, sharp broken nails dig into his skin to prevent him from leaving.

His eyes widen as he fell into the water.

Ne zha walked up gasping for air, he let out a hiss of pain his head pouring againsthis skull. The beads of sweat dripping down his forehead, sticking completely onto his skin. It almost felt like he was drenched in water. The thought made him shiver.

He felt something underneath him move. Ne zha looked down and his heart stopped. He was on top of Ao bing. He wanted to jump off the bed or at least get off from the blue head's chest. But he was worried that any sudden movement would wake the other and probably lead to an awkward situation.

Okay, he can figure this out. Maybe he could roll off of him? No- Ao bing's hand was on top of his head and his hand were underneath the other's back. With every idea, it would just lead to Ne zha pointing out the flaws and making him frustrated. It didn't help that a few minutes ago he had woken from a nightmare of his dead friend.

In the end he gave up and laid his head on Ao bing's chest in defeat. The light bump stirred the blue head from sleep. Ne zha mentally groaned.

"Ne zha..." Ao bing murmured, voice filled with drowsiness. "Are you awake?"

"...yes." Ne zha answered embarrassed.

"Do you want to get up?"

"Not...really."

What the heck was he saying!? This whole time he was trying to figure out how to get up without disturbing Ao bing, and when he gets the chance he just- blows it!

"Honestly me neither." Ao bing yawns, he rubs his eyes. "How are you feeling?" He looked down at him, with a sleepy smile. "It feels like my heads going to explode." Ne zha groaned, resting his head back against Ao bing's chest.

"Yeah, alcohol does that sometimes." Ao bing empathize, going back to petting Ne zha's hair. But he stopped himself, unsure if Ne zha would be comfortable now that he's awake. So instead he rested his hand on the brunettes back. He feels Ne zha go slack and for a moment he thought he had gone back to sleep.

"I am going to kill that monkey." Ne zha grumbled. Ao bing let out a small laugh. "Well before you do that you should drink water." As much as he didn't want to, Ao bing needed to get up to help Ne zha with his hangover. He made a move to get up but stippedwhen he felt a pair of arms tighting around his waist.

Ao bing looks down, Ne zha buried himself into his head. The brunette avoid looking at him, but hesitantly looked up at him with wary eyes. "Is... is it alright if we stay like this... just for a moment." He quietly asked, afraid of being rejected. It made Ao bing's heart fluttered. It made the blue head want to hug Ne zha tightly and never let go. To protect him from whatever tried to hurt him, even when he know he didn't have the power to do so. But he would try, he didn't want Ne zha to leave.

He placed a gentle hand on Ne zha's head. Something lit up the brunettes eyes as he continued to look at Ao bing. "I don't mind." He whispered, he didn't have to- it was just the two of them. But it felt right in the moment. He began to stroke Ne zha's hair.

The brunette tensed underneath him. Ao bing thought it bothered him and was about to ask him if he wanted him to stop. But Ne zha slowly began to relax and let out a content sigh, burying himself further into Ao bing's chest.

This was nice. It had been a while since Ao bing had felt this comfortable with anyone. Most of the people in his life came and went. They never stuck around for long, mostly they always had something to complain about or Ao bing just couldn't deal with some of their behaviors. He decided that he wouldn't date anymore after the last relationship he had. It didn't really bother him, dating wasn't really that big a priority to him. He already felt enough love from Mei and Mk, and the rest of the gang. Yet he isn't sure about Ne zha.

Ne zha made him feel strange at times. Some days he'll be talkative and wanting to be close to the other. And others, he'll be distance and quiet. Even as far as being rude. But it never really bothered him, he knew when to back off and when to be there for him. No matter how Ne zha treated him, Ao bing knew he'd always be there for the prince. Especially after last night. Speaking of which.

"Do you... remember anything from last night?" Ao bing asked with hesitation. It was the only time he's seen Ne zha display so much emotion, as well as knowing more about him.

"Not really. Please tell me I didn't do anything embarrassing- I will not hear the end of it from Wukong." Ne zha grumbled. Ao bing laughed and quickly went quiet. Should he tell him that he was crying and that he called him pretty? But then he'll make things weird. But what if he gets mad because he didn't tell him? Ugh- why was this hard.

"Well, you did throw up a lot and you get super cuddly when you're drunk." Ao bing eventually said. His answer made the brunette jump, pushing himself up from Ao bing's chest. "I didn't say anything weird did I?" Ne zh questioned. He looked... panicked, like if he told a secret he wasn't suppose to. "No, not really." Ao bing ponders. The brunette relaxes, that's good he was worried he said something about-

"You did think you could get me pregnant."

"WHAT!" Ne zha squeaked out. Completely bewildered at what he heard. Ao bing cackled at the reaction, tears threatening to fall. The deity covered his face to hide his embarrassed blush as the other continued to laugh. "Oh Buddha, kill me now." He groaned.

"Hey you can't bail now, you need to take responsibility." Ao bjng teased, laughing uncontrollably once again. He laughed harder when Ne zha hit him in the chest, pouting like a little kid. "I change my mind, I'm getting up." Ne zha declared, but that only made Ao bing grip onto him tighter. "Nooo you can't! I'm sorry." He smiled as he squeezed Ne zha against him.

The brunette grunted and squirmed under the blue head, telling him to let go. Ao bing just shook his head, and continued to laugh. Eventually, Ne zha stopped struggling and completely gave up, going completely slack on Ao bing as he hold onto him like a death trap. "You're giving up?" Ao bing asked, grinning. Ne zha just sighs and nods. But an idea suddenly came to mind and he looked up to the other "Although, I think you should take a shower, you smell like fish." He smirked as he watched Ao bing's face go from shocked to red from embarrassment.

"You jerk!" He lightly hit Ne zha. The brunette chuckled lightly at him. Ao bing pouts but curiously sniffs his sweater. His face scrunches up in disgust while Ne zha holds in a laugh. "You're right, sadly. Which means I need to get up." He complained but looked at Ne zha expecting him to move. Instead the brunette 'ponders' tapping his chin and humming. Until he rest his head back on Ao bing. "Well that's unfortunate because I'm quite comfortable here." The brunette hummed, and closed his eyes.

Ao bing looked at him with half annoyance and amusement. "Well you're going to have to get up now that I know I stink." He huffed. Ne zha just hums, "Do you have to? There's nothing wrong with smelling like fish." Ao bing rolled his eyes and attempted to push the lotus prince off of him. But it didn't do anything.

"Of course I do! That's like the worst thing ever." The blue head complained. Ne zha looks up at him, amused. "And what would I get in return if I let you get up?" He joked.

"Give you something for you're hangover."

"That sound alright."

"And I won't tell anyone about the pregnancy thing."

"...Don't take too long, I also need a shower." Ne zha rolled off of Ao bing. The blue head laughed in victory now that the heavy weight left.

Their morning went like any other day. Well besides waking up next to each other. But it wasn't awkward or anything like that! It was just two friends sleeping in the same bed. At least that's what Ao bing thought. It was a little surprising for the blue haired male. He had expected Ne zha to have left after he woke up. But he stuck around, and it made Ao bing weirdly happy. He didn't mind sharing the bed with the deity, it was pretty nice actually.

He did want to talk to Ne zha about the whole, self-hate rant that happened last night. But he didn't want to upset the other. He barely wanted to talk about himself. Maybe he'll ask him later. Right now he needed to give Ne zha something for his hangover.

Ao bing looked around as he dried his hair, trying to remember what helps best with hangovers. He has the medicine and water, but it would also be good to give Ne zha something to eat as well. The blue head lit up remembering he had some left over noodles from Pigsy, that should help. He placed the leftovers into a pot (Pigsy would kill him if he found out he put his food into a microwave). While the food heated up, he made his way back to the living room with a pill and water in hand.

Ne zha was also drying out his hair with a towel. He turned to look at Ao bing as he heard his feet patter against the wooden floor. He scooted a bit to make room for Ao bing to sit. "Here, this will help with the headache, and then you should eat after you drink enough water." The brunette takes the offering water and medicine. He placed the white pill on to his tongue before swallowing and then takes a drink of water. Ne zha looks at the other confused as Ao bing makes a face.

"What?"

"Nothing. Its just- how did you manage to swallow that without water? I feel like I'm going to choke whenever I take any kind of pill." Ao bing asked. Ne zha just shrugged, drinking more water. They sat together in silence. Ne zha occasionally drinking his water. "Sooo..." Ao bing began. Ne zha had gotten use to the blue head breaking the silence. "Do you want to do anything? I don't have work today, we can do whatever." Ao bing looked at him, waiting patiently for an answer. Ne zha sighed, "To be honest, I don't really feel like doing anything. Yesterday was too much, if I'm being honest."

Ao bing nods, "I get it. I'm pretty much drained after dealing so many animals yesterday. I got smack in the face like- five times." Ne zha lets out a chuckle. The blue haired male smile at the reaction. One of the things that Ao bing like about Ne zha is his laugh. It was because the deity rarely laughed, he was really serious most of the time. And so it was nice knowing that Ao bing could make him laugh.

The smell of beef began to travel into the living room. It was a sign that the noodles were done. Ao bing got up, taking Ne zha's cup to refill it. It didn't take long for the blue head to come back with two bowls of noodles and the glass of water, of course he had to walk a bit slow so nothing would fall. He handed the bowl to Ne zha and placed the water on the coffee table. Ao bing put on a random movie and began to eat, Ne zha doing the same.

They had finished their breakfast midway into the film. Both leaning against the armrest on opposite sides, Ao bing rested an arm against his cheek while Ne zha used a pillow to get more comfortable. The blue head turned to look at the brunette and saw that he was dozing off. This gave Ao bing the chance to wash the dishes and see what he could make for dinner later. He placed the dishes into the sink and thought of different things he could make. He decided on making beef stir fry, looking into the fridge and saw that he just needed to buy beef and broccoli. Ao bing looked at the stove clock, it was twelve the farmers market should be open now.

Ao bing changed into a hoodie and jeans, putting his hair into a usual bun, tugging at the secured blue ribbon. He grabbed his headphones before making his way to Ne zha struggling to stay awake. The blue head squatted down, knees brushing the couch, and lightly poked Ne zha.

"Ne zha." He whispered, catching the attention of the other letting out a noise of acknowledgement. "I'm going to the farmers market to make dinner tonight." Ne zha looked at him tiredly, "Do you want me to go with you?" He asked, yawning. Ao bing smiled at him and shook his head. "No, it's fine. It would be better if you stayed here and rest." Ao bing assured and patted Ne zha's head before getting up and made his way to the front door.

"Come back home soon." Ne zha yawns. The goodbye made Ao bing stop, his heart fluttering and swelling with joy. It was nice knowing that someone is waiting for him. "I will." He responded and left the apartment.

"Can I open my eyes now?"  The little dragon whined. He attempts to peak but was caught.

"Wait wait! I'm almost done!" Little Ne zha panicked quickly hiding the object as best he could. The little dragon made a noise of annoyance, but continued to cover his eyes listening to crinkling paper.

"Oookay! Now you can open them!" The young prince commanded excitedly. The dragon prince opened his eyes slowly, the first thing he saw was a smiling Ne zha as he held something in his hands. He looked down and saw a plant hes never seen before.

"What is it?" The dragon tilted his head, curiously looking at the plant. "Its a lotus!"

"A what?"

"A lotus! It's a type of flower!  They grow everywhere in the palace pond. Isn't it pretty?" His smile grows bigger, expecting a response from his friend.

"It is.... but why are you showing me this?" The dragon looked at him confused. The little prince pouts at the response, but just shakes his head and explains.

"Well... you told me you've never seen any plants besides in the ocean." He kicked at the sand nervously. "So I wanted to get you one to keep- it was hard to choose at first- but! I got an idea!" He presents the flower once more. "My mom told me that lotus represent purity because they're always clean when they come out of the water. And well... it made me think of you..." The little prince avoids looking at the other, his cheeks felt warm when he confessed.

The little dragon had also turned red at Ne zha's compassion. He smiled at his friend and gingerly reached for the flower. Ne zha understood and placed the plant carefully into his friend's hand. He watched as the dragon places the flower on the palm of his hand. His other hand hovers above the flower. Ne zha watches in awe as ice began to surround the flower and fully enclosed it into an orb.

"There! This way it will last longer." The little dragon declared, showing the crystallized flower. "I wish I had brought something for you." He pouts slightly. Ne zha puts his hand on top of his, starteling the other.

"You being here is enough." Na zha said bashfully.

The little dragon looked stunned, a small blush adorned on his cheeks. He smiled and began to laugh.

"Sooo what else can you tell about lotus flowers?"  He guided them to sit down on their usual spot as Ne zha ponders.

"Well, they also represent rebirth! I think because they always come back every day. Oh! They last up to 10 to 50 years! But that only if........"

These memories were starting to tire Ne zha anytime he tries to sleep. He rubs his eyes completely exhausted and stretched out of the uncomfortable sleeping position he was in. His head didn't hurt as much as it did in the morning. The tv was still on, playing a random movie in the background. Ne zha looked around and saw that the sun was still up, it couldn't have been too long since Ao bing left. He got up maybe he could clean? There wasn't much to clean though. Ao bing was quite a clean person, and he wasn't at home much due to work.

So cleaning was out of the question. He looked at the kitchen. He could make something for Ao bing? Ne zha shakes his head. No, no- bad idea. The brunette lets out a sigh not knowing what he can do. He didn't feel like reading or watching tv. He couldn't look around the apartment. Ne zha had nothing to do. But then he got an idea.

He could do some training. It had been a while since he'd practice. Ne zha felt around the bandage, undoing it to take a quick look. It was almost completely healed. But he would do a quick and simple workout just to be safe. Ne zha adjusted a couple of things around to have enough space and to not break anything... again.

Ne zha stretched, taking deep breaths as he counted the seconds. He had to stop a few times when he felt his abodamen pulling. The brunette would grumble whenever he did, he had barely even sweat. He was tempted to just go back and watch tv. He quickly shook his head and furrowed his eyebrows. No, he shouldn't give up so easily. Ne zha started to think of his father. What would he think if he saw his son lazing about and eating noodles. He would be disappointed in Ne zha. That made Ne zha shiver and went back to training, pushing himself a little harder.

Li jing was the one who suggested for Ne zha to rest. But not out of caringness,"You won't be of any use in that state." He had told him, "It would better if you stayed out of everyone's way." Specifically his way. Ne zha couldn't get the memory out of how his father looked at him, disappointed at the injuries Ne zha sustained. As if telling him 'how could you be this weak.'

Guanyin had taken a different approach. Rather than being cold, she was concerned about his well being. She didn't want him to push himself and possibly get worse. And she would not take no for an answer. The goddess reminded Ne zha of his mother sometimes. His mother Yin was kind yet tough on Ne zha whenever he got introuble, often saving him from punishment and given a lighter one. But now she wasn't here to save him from his father.

Ever since the were brought into the celestial realm. Li jing expected Ne zha to become a perfect warrior and the best in the celestial realm. Often pushing him into vigorous training. Rarely ever getting more than a 5 minute break.

It wasn't until meeting Sun Wukong did Ne zha become more distant with his father. The great sage would get introuble in the celestial realm, mostly just to annoy the young deity. It most often lead to the both of them getting introuble.

It would be years later that he would be tasked with guarding the map to the samadhi fire. Erlang was the one who assigned him to it. Because he was the 'best suited' for the job. Or maybe because at that time him and his father got into an argument prior to sealing away the samadhi fire. The assignment would give Ne zha little to no contact with others unless it was dire. Less contact from Li jing.

"You know, I sent you here to relax right?"

Ne zha jumped in surprise seeing Guanyin lean against the door frame, almost falling from his push up. The goddess smiled playfully at the younger. She looked around the apartment, letting out an approving hum. "Ao bing does present his home well." She admired the color of the walls, but her smile falters at the box of things in the corner. "He should get a shelf, it looks empty there." She comments. Ne zha sits on the floor awkwardly looking at her, he uses his shirt to wipe the sweat trickling down his face.

"Guanyin, I didn't expect you to visit." He tells. It made him nervous. Her visit could mean that he was considered fully healed to go back and leave. But that's what he want. To return back to the celestial realm and get back to work. Right?

"I figured I should check up on you, see how you are." She shrugged. Guanyin didn't seem to be in a rush to see him. "I see." Ne zha lets out awkwardly, looking at the ground beneath him. Guanyin began to walk around, looking at paintings and picking up any object that peaked her interest. "Your father asked about you." She mumbled. Ne zha teased for a moment, scratching his amr subconsciously. He swallowed a lump in his throat. "What did he say?" He asked, glacing at the goddess.

Guanyin stays silent for a moment as she caressed a sculpture of a otter. She lets out a sigh, "He wanted to know how you are." Which to Ne zha translated into 'is he's healed enough to get back to work.' The brunette rolls his eyes, he shouldn't expect less of his father. "He will be happy to know that my wound is starting to close." He responded, restraining himself from scoffing. The answer made Guanyin stop looking around and made her way over to the living room, she motioned Ne zha to follow her.

They sat together on the couch, Ne zha stayed quiet as Guanyin examined his wound. Ne zha squirmed at the sensation, trying his best not to move too much as the other deity felt at the scar. When she stopped, she reapplied a large bandage patch smoothing out any wrinkles.

"The scar is healing well, Ao bing must be a very good host." She hummed, smiling as Ne zha's cheeks turn pink. "Yes he is." He agreed. Ao bing was very attentive to his wound. Always checking and changing his bandages everyday. Applying ointment and disinfectant to the scar. And making sure Ne zha didn't feel any pain or discomfort from his scar. He is a wonderful host.

"I'm just worried that I won't be able to repay his kindness." He confessed, furrowing his eyebrows as he thinks. Guanyin also ponders, resting a hand against her cheek, he did have a point, the former prince does deserve something for all his hard work. "Is there anything he's said that he would like recently?" She asked hoping to get some ideas. Ne zha shakes his head. Ao bing never really wanted anything unless it's a gift, Ne zha learned. But nothing specific came to mind. The mortal always looked out for others and not himself.

Then Ne zha remembered something. "If it is not too much trouble Guanyin." The deity looked at him at the call of her name.

"There is something I'd like to give him."

Chapter Text

Ao bing walked down the varius tents lined up the street.

He couldn't help but look around even though he only came for one thing. He figured it didn't hurt to buy other things for later on. The blue head made conversation with a couple of the stand owners. Even buying some pastries while he was there, he figured Ne zha would like some.

Right, Ne zha was waiting for him. It kind of made Ao bing squirm at the thought.

It wasn't a big deal right? Ne zha was saying it out of kindness. S'not like he saw it as their home. Well it technically is since he's staying with him. But the point is Ne zha was just looking out for him! Nothing else!

... but it is a nice thought.

He should head back home now that he got what he wanted. Ao bing dusted the sugar off his hands and began to walk in the direction he came from. Readjust his headphone and putting on a different playlist.

"Bing!"

Ao bing stopped at the call of his name. He scanned the direction of where the voice came from. The blue head focused on a girl wildly waving her arm as she runs up to him. Ao bing smiles, opening his arms, bracing for impact. Mei jumps into his arms and is spun around before being promptly placed back down.

"Mei Mei! What are you doing here?" He laughs, always glad to see his cousin. "I'm here with Mk. Pigsy sent him on a emergency food errand. But is taking forever on picking veggies!" The exaggerated, crossing her arms and glaring accusingly at the boy walking up to them.

"Its super hard! Pigsy told me to make sure that I pick the best looking vegetables!" Mk pouts. Mei just rolls her eyes at him. Ao bing looks at the the on his phone. It should be fine to stay a little longer.

"If you want Mk, I can help you pick them out." Ao bing offered with a gentle smile. The young brunette returns the smile, "Really!? You'd do that for me!? Aww thanks Bing!" Mk cheered hugging the other man. Ao bing laughs hugging back. "Okay then, let's start over there."

"Well this has been nice, but I must return. We wouldn't want to upset your father." She laughed. Ne zha gave her a half smile, nodding to her as they made their way to the door. "Thank you again for your help." Guanyin waved a hand at him, "Of course! Interesting choice of a gift, however I will still deliver it as soon as its ready." She assured putting on her slippers and thanking Ne zha as he opens the door for her. "Take care of yourself Ne zha." Guanyin said and left. Ne zha closed the door, but he remembered something. Quickly- he opened the door, catching Guanyin about to step into a portal.

"Guanyin wait!" He exclaimed. The goddess turned around confused but nonetheless waited patiently. Ns zha hesitated but shook his head. "Would it- would it be a bad idea if Ao bing knew who he was?"
He asked, hopeful yet worry visibly seen on his face. Guanyin looked surprised, eyes widen slightly but she quickly composed herself. "That is a good question." She sighs not knowing the answer either. "I'm not sure, Ao bing seems happy in this life." She looked at him, "do you think he deserves this happiness?" She smiled sadly. Ne zha was taken aback at the question. Unsure of what to say, the lack of response was a sign for Guanyin to leave. She turned and walked through the portal.

Ne zha stared where the portal once was. The deity let out a sigh and went back inside the apartment. He sat down on the couch, resting an arm over the back of the couch and looked up at the ceiling.

Do you think he deserves happiness?

What did that mean? Well, Ao bing had done some horrible things before... he passed. The third prince had killed his older brothers out of resentment. However Ne zha was able to see his brothers again once he entered the celestial realm.

But Ao bing. He didn't get to see his family again. He didn't get to say goodbye to his brothers. Now he has no recollection of them. Yet at much at it hurts him, it didn't excuse the dragon prince action. He did it to himself, he could've stop. Ne zha was just trying to protect his family. A family he doesn't really see anymore.

...

Did he make the right choice?

Ne zha shook his head. No, of course he did. Ao bing was on a rampage. He was going to get innocent people hurt if Ne zha didn't stop him. The thought made him ponder. Would Ao bing repeat his actions if he remembered? Maybe that's what Guanyin was worried about. He hadn't stop to think that he could cause Ao bing to go on a rampage again by telling the truth. But Ao bing should know, things might get worse if he doesn't tell him. He also didn't want to lose his friendship either- and this was making his head hurt.

He dragged his hands down his face letting out an exasperated sigh. He needs to stop thinking for a while. So Ne zha grabs the remote from the coffee table and puts on a mindless show. Ao bing should be back soon. Maybe once he's home they can do something together.

The tv suddenly switches to a news channel. Big letters that read 'breaking news" take over the screen with a quick paced gingle in the background. Ne zha looked at the TV confused as the letters fade away and a person is shown sitting at a desk with a suit.

"Breaking news, a huge demon monster has been sighted." Their voiced boomed. Ne zha sighed, this city really had to deal with daily attacks, how does Ao bing deal with this?

"The creature has been confirmed to be a yaoguai. No one knows how the demon manage to enter the city." The news anchor explained as they looked at the camera intently. "That's strange," Ne zha thought. "Yaoguais don't normally attack populated cities, they prefer hunting in solitude." Ne zha pondered, the only possibility he could think of was something much stronger intimated the demon. But what exactly?

"We have received new information about the yaoguai's current whereabouts." Ne zha looks back up, seeing the person read over a paper given to them from an unknown hand. "The demon is currently making its way to the city's farmers market in Megatropalis Avenue. Citizens are advice to avoid the area." The news anchor voice fades as Ne zha heart sank.

Ao bing went to the market.

Ne zha takes out his phone in a hurried manner. Frantically dialing the blue head's number. It rings.
The brunette bites his lip anxiously, as it continues to ring."Come on Ao bing, pick up- please pick up." He pleaded. The phone hangs up, with a mechanical voice soon follows. Ne zha quickly hangs up, dialing the number again.

He waits, and waits. But there was no answer.

He tries a few more times, before giving up. Instead, Ne zha closed his eyes letting his mind relax and-
"Guanyin!" He called out. A light appeared in the form of the goddess who look at Ne zha confused. "Ne zha? What is the matter it hasn't been long since I left."

"I need my weapons." Ne zha demanded. Guanyin frowned at this, "Now Ne zha, you're wound may be closing but that does not mean you can-"

"Ao bing could be introuble, I need to go." Ne zha begged. Guanyin stares at him shocked, the lotus prince had never interrupted her before, and the fear in his eyes made the goddess feel worried. "Sun Wukong's disciple will handle it and Ao bing can handle himself." Guanyin argued, her tone slightly stern, this made the younger deity angry.

"I have make sure- please Guanyin. I'll return my weapons immediately afterwards. I'll do anything! I can't-" Ne zha stops, surprised by his own words. Guayin could understand just by the broken look on the young deity's face.

He couldn't loose him again.

A heavy silence was drawn in the room, until Guanyin let out a sigh. She had never seen him so...hectic before. "You're father won't be happy to hear about this..."

It took longer than expected, Mk let out an 'I told you so.' The two dragon kids just rolled their eyes and continued to look. They manage to get most of the groceries they needed for Pigsy so far. They were just stuck on finding a good horseradish, apparently almost every person had run out.

"There weren't any good ones over here." Ao bing walked over to the young duo. "Any luck with you guys?"

Mei let out a bored sigh, "Nope! Didn't find anything good." She pulled out her phone and began scrolling through videos. Ao bing let out a sigh of his own, glancing around the stalls once more, hoping to spot out the large white vegetable. A stall quickly caught his eye. Specifically a stall that was selling flowers, bundle caught his eye.

"Lotus..." He mumbled.

Mei look at him, "Did you say something?"

"Did you know that whenever Lotus a lotus blooms from underneath murky water they're always clean? That's way they symbolize purity." Ao bing explained flatly. "Since when did you know so much about plants?" Mei looked at her cousin with concern as he stared blankly towards the lotus flowers. "Someone told me." He responded.

"Who?"

"I..." he blinks out of his trance. "I... don't remember." That was really weird. The two of them stood in silence, not really understanding what happened just now. Ao bing shook his head and turned to look at his cousin with a smile, "We should find Mk, maybe he found the horseradish." He walked off. Mei stared for a moment a bit worried, "what the heck was that?" She mumbled to herself and was quick to follow Ao bing.

It wasn't long until they found Mk. He was only a few stalls away from where Mei and Ao bing were. They watched as Mk proudly showed off the huge radish in his hands. The two even clapping for him.

"I'm so glad they had this! Pigsy is going to freak out!" Mk cheered, dumping the vegetable with the others in his bag. "We can finally go back to the shop!" She sighed in content as he stretched her arms above her head, her best friend doing the same and gave her a double high-five. Ao bing giggled at the display. But he realized he had been gone for a while now. The blue head took out his phone and saw multiple missed calls from Ne zha. It made Ao bing worry, he should've let the lotus know he'd be home late.

"I should get going," Ao bing announced, catching the attention of the best friends. "Ne zha must wondering where I am." Mk and Mei gave each other knowing looks before looking back at Ao bing with goofy smiles. "What?" He asked, confused at the way they stared at him.

"Oh nothing." Mei snickers.

"Its just nice to hear you worrying about Ne zha." Mk wiggled his eyebrows a little and even smirking. Ao bing just shook his head and let out a breathy laugh, "You two are so weird."

They were quick to grab Ao bing, hugging his arms. "But you still love us!" Mei exclaimed, while Mk laughed. "Do I?" He teased. The three laughed as they hugged each other. Ao bing really did love them so much that he wasn't scared to show it.

The moment was cut short when screams of terror began to sound not to far from where the three were. They looked over to see stalls flying and crashing into others as people ran away screaming and pushing others to escape.

A large figure emerged from the chaos. It appeared to be a animal, yet it looked off. It jaw swayed every time it snarled as if it was broken, its eyes were unnerving milk white. Patches of furr missing in varius parts of its body. The way it moved was also unnerving, it walked on its back legs yet its front legs struggled to move foward. Almost as if it was dragging unsure how to move itself. The creature growled as it sniffed around.

People continued to scream and run away from it. The creature leaped at anything that made sound, crashing into every stall and nearby building to get its prey.

Ao bing was quick enough to move himself and the younger adults from getting hit by incoming debris. Promptly falling to the ground covered their heads. "What the heck is that!?" Mei shouted, in shock as she stared at the creature tearing apart at a tent. Ao bing quickly got up, pulling Mei up from the ground. "Does matter as long as we beat it up!" Mk declared, shoving the bag into the blue head's hands. The young hero pulled out his staff, spining the weapon before lauching himself towards the demon.

"Wait! Mk don't- and he's gone." Ao bing tried to stop Mk from recklessly throwing himself into danger. He sighed and turned to Mei, "Okay well, I think we should- are you kidding me!?" He groaned as Mei joined Mk, slashing her sword towards the creature. He rubbed his head, frustrated. Honestly those two never listen, but he shouldn't complain, it gave him a chance to help people evacuate from the area.

He took a deep breath, "Okay everyone! Please follow me if you don't want to get eaten by a giant monster!"

Ao bing hoped that Mk and Mei wouldn't take long in defeating the monster.

Okay maybe he jinxed them.

Mk and Mei were still trying to get the demon under control but it would thrash around and bite into anything it could get its mouth in. The two didn't want to kill the demon, it seemed cruel but they were running out of ideas of how to get the creature under control. Ao bing bearly made it out of the way of an incoming table thrown into his direction. He had to do something to help. But what? He didn't really have any magic or experience in fighting, he'd have to help without any of that. Ao bing began to look around, there had to be something that could distract the beast.

Then his eyes caught a certain stall. He quickly got an idea, running towards the somewhat wrecked tea stall. It had varius herbs and powders scattered about. Ao bing tried to look for anything that could make the demon at least drowsy.

A jar caught Ao bing's attention, he grabbed it reading the label. Poppy powder, he had seen Sandy use some of this for his sleepy tea maybe this could work.

Ao bing ran down the street, far enough from where Mk and Mei were. He puts the jar in one hand and reaching for a chunk of a building on the ground. "I can't believe I'm doing this." He took a deep breath.
With all the strength he could muster, he threw the rock towards the on going fight. The debri landed on the head of the demon near its eye, it let out a yelp from the heavy impact.

"Hey over here!" He screamed waving his arm to catch its attention. It worked, maybe too well, the beast looked directly at him snarling. "This is a bad idea." He told himself. Ao bing heard Mei and Mk yell at him to run or even hide, trying to keep the animal's attention on them. But the beast had decided that Ao bing would be its victim as it began to run towards him. "This was a really bad idea!" He yelped. Quickly, he grabbed a crate placing it infront of him to soft the impact. He placed the jar onto his stomach, shutting his eyes tight, hearing the panic scream coming from the younger adults.

The beast pounced on top of him, slamming him down onto the ground, red powder flying everywhere. Ao bing let out a gasp as a giant paw pinned him down. Claws threatening to pierce into Ao bing's body. The blue head struggled to open his eyes, coughing as he inhaled the red mist. Once he manage to open his eyes, they widen in fear.

The demon was only a few meters away to his face. Drool pouring out of its mouth and onto Ao bing's face. Its eyes glizen with hunger, breathing heavily. Ao Bing could feel a puff of hot air every few seconds. He wanted to whimper, but no sound came out as he stared into the beast eyes. But for a second, the beast was replaced by something else or someone else.

Instead of the tiger demon, Ao bing was staring at Ne zha.

The lotus prince was batterd and beaten, varius cuts and bruises littered across his arm and face. They were also coated in large amounts of blood, Ao bing couldn't even tell if it was the latters or someone else. But was scared Ao bing the most was the burning hate in Ne zha's eyes. The lotus prince was breathing heavily above him, looking down at Ao bing with rage and despair as he raised his spear above his head. Ao bing realized what the deity was about to do.

He tried to speak or even plead to Ne zha stop, but no sound came out. Instead he began to cry, he didn't know what to do and except his fate. Flashes between Ne zha and the beast appeared before his eyes. As Ne zha brought down his spear, the demon let out a roar before striking down to rip Ao bing apart. Ao bing shut his eyes waiting for the inevitable.

WHACK

The demon was thrown of Ao bing, leaving behind a strong gust of wind as it hit a nearby building. The blue head open his eyes, confused and still in shock. He looked around and saw... Ne zha. The lotus prince was in his full armour, he was holding his spear tightly. Ao bing stayed on the ground still paralyzed in fear, remembering the look of murderous intent from what he saw. He snapped out of it when he felt two pair of arms lifting him off the ground. Ao bing couldn't really hear what they were saying, he just felt hands caress his face and saw that it was Mei with the same look of fear in her eyes.

They turned around when they heard the demon let out a pitiful roar. It got up from the crumbling building, jumping towards its attacker. But it was no match against Ne zha's speed. With another heavy swing, the demon was hit to the ground. Ao bing felt himself shaking a little as he looked at Ne zha. He had the same murderous aura as his vision.

The lotus prince let out a growl as he hit the beast again and again. Not even giving the demon a change to get up, whimpering in pain. But Ne zha didn't care. The moment he saw the tiger demon pinning down Ao bing,  he lost it. He didn't care if it was in pain. Didn't care that it was bleeding profoundly. He didn't care if the beast began to loose consciousness. Ne zha was about to strike its head, when he felt his spear being held back. The brunette turned his head quickly at the person who dared to stop him. His eyes soften when he saw Mk. The younger brunette stared back at him, his eyebrows furrowed almost pleading Ne zha stop.

"The demon is down, you don't have to hurt it anymore." Mk stated. Ne zha wanted to argue, back was stopped as Mk continued, "Ao bing is fine, he's the reason the demon is asleep right now." Mk was right. Ne zha looked over and saw that the giant beast was still breathing even after the heavy hit it took. The brunette however realized what Mk said.

Ao bing is fine.

Ne zha turned to where Ao bing sat on the ground. The blue head was being held by the raven haired girl. Mei was fussing and inspected Ao bing from head to toe for any major injuries. The blue haired man just gave hear reassuring words and a tired smile, wiping his eyes as he stood up. Followed by Mei giving her cousin a tight hug, Ao bing returned the gesture.

The lotus prince made his way to the paire, Mk following behind him. The two relatives looked over at the brunettes infront of him. Ne zha had an unreadable expression as he looked at Ao bing. The latter felt a bit anxious under the stare, he still couldn't shake the image of a bloody Ne zha looming over him. The blue head broke eye contact first, rubbing his arm subconsciously. "Are you alright?" Ne zha spoke first.

Ao bing looked back at him. He still couldn't read his expression, but he could tell that he was worried. Ao bing gave him a smile, "Yeah I'm fine, my chest hurts a little though." Ao bing reaches for his chest, but a hand quickly grasps his, making him flinch.

"You shouldn't touch it, it might make it worst." Ne zha told him, gently letting go of the others hand. Ao bing was confused and looked down, there were small punctures in his chest.  That would explain the pain. "Oh...I see." Was all he managed to say. Subconsciously he reach to touch it again, but his hand was smacked away by Mei, who pouted at him.

"Thats all you have to say after almost dying!" She barked. Ao bing rubbed his head, but quickly retracted when be felt pain. "Sorry, I shouldn't have recklessly put myself in danger." He apologized. Mei crossed her arms. "You should be! Especially when you don't know how to fight!" She scolded. Ao bing tensed unknowingly to Mei, the words affected the blue haired man.

"What matters now is that Ao bing is okay." Mk chimed, "we need to clean up this mess." He gestures to the sleeping beast. Mei let out a sigh, but she agreed nonetheless, being a hero was hard at times. The dragon girl looked back at her brother. "You should head home, me and Mk can handle this." She ordered. Before Ao bing could protest Ne zha placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'll take care of him." He reassured Mei. The raven haired looked at him in skepticism before shrugging, bidding her goodbyes and making her way towards her best friend.

The pair stood there for a moment, Ne zha holds out a hand to a dejected Ao bing. "Let's go home." He spoke softly. Ao bing looked up at him, the strange warmth spreading across his body like before. Without any hesitation he took the hand.

Ne zha didn't waste time in getting the two of them back home. He did however had to hold onto the blue head to stop him from vomiting. Ao bing was still a bit upset with how quiet he was. That was never a good sign, usual the blue head had a random fact here and there. Ne zha ushered him to sit down and went to find the aid kit. Ao bing just sat there really taking in today's events.

He almost died, and for what? His plan didn't even work. He looked down at him chest and saw the four wounds peaking trophies torn hoodie. Ao bing placed a hand over one, feeling the blood sink onto his hand.

"You should stop doing that." Ne zha suggested.

Ao bing jumped, looking down sheeply crosing his hands together on his lap. "Sorry, it feels a little...itchy." He said, watching as Ne zha sits next to him. "That is normal, it best of you don't scratch it. It could cause more pain." He told Ao bing. "The scars don't look deep, but we should disinfect them to be sure." Ne zha motioned him to face him. "And to do that, you will need to take off your hoodie."

"Usually you'd have to take to dinner first." Ao bing joked taking off his hoodie. Ne zha just looked at him unamused but he did blush lightly, making the other chuckle. He did feel a little strange, having to undress infront of Ne zha but pushed through by making jokes to make himself relax under the strong haze of Ne zha.

Ao bing slowly took of his top, careful against the wounds as to not irritate them futher. He felt his cheeks burn up when he saw Ne zha stare down at his chest. Of course Ao bing knew that he was only looking to see his wounds! Nothing else!

When his short was completely off, he got closer to Ne zha to inspect. Ao bing's breath hitched when he felt the cold disinfectant grazed against his chest. Ne zha let out an apology as he continued down with each wound. They were both quiet for a while until Ao bing spoke first, "I never got to thank you for saving me." He mumbled. Ne zha stopped for a moment and continued, "Yes well, I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I had let you get hurt any further." He answered. He was terrified yet enranged when he saw Ao bing underneath the yaoguai.

Once he finished, he placed bandages onto them. "There, that should be good. Now for that cut." Ne zha grumbled the last part. There was a cut along Ao bing's right cheek with the blood already dried out.

The demon's teeth had barely grazed Ao bing's face when he had gotten there. And with no hesitation, Ne zha threw him off his friend. But not without one of its fangs sinking into Ao bings face.The brunette frowned towards the cut. It was a reminder to him just how close he was to losing Ao bing.

He cleaned the cut and blood off Ao bing's face, the blue head scrunching up at the touch. Ne zha put the bandage, smoothing it out against Ao bing's cheek. He let his hand rest there for a moment, caressing the others warm cheek as Ao bing stared at him with his sapphire eyes. "I'm sorry I don't get there sooner." Ne zha said with sadness. He was about to pull away when he felt Ao bing lean more into his hand.

"Don't be. You saved me didn't you?" Ao bing breathed out. "And now we match!" He reached over and stroked Ne Zha's left cheek with a healed scar. The brunette let out a sigh, "you always have a positive attitude towards these things." He said, assumed. Ao bing laughed, "I have to make up for the two of us!" He grinned, pulling away under Ne zha's touch.

Ao bing stood up, grabbing his torn hoodie. "I think I can fix this, or maybe I should throw it out." He pondered. Ne zha was about to comment but froze. The brunette had never seen the other without a shirt, and did not expect what he saw.

Darke patch of skin went down the spine, all the way from the neck to the hip bone of where the pants hid the rest. It looked jagged but was in a perfect vertical line. Memories began to flood through Ne zha's mind.

Ao bing was crumpled on the ground, barely managing to get up. He was forced back into the muddy dirt. Ne zha's foot digged into his lower back, causing the dragon to yell in pain. He looked at him with fear and anger, breathing rapidly inhaling the ground below him.

Without any hesitation, Ne zha places both his hands onto the back of the prince head. Ao bing eyes widen when he realized what was going to happen. In a last effort, he transforms hoping to shake off Ne zha. Yet he was too weak to run away or even move. Ne zha slammed him down again before he started to pull his head with all his strength.

A crying roar was all that Ne zha could hear before he pulled harder as blood gush out and-

It was silent.

Ne zha felt sick looking at the scar. Overwhelmed with emotions he wasnt sure how to react or even listen to what Ao bing was saying. Without thinking, he began to reach out.

"Nah, I think I'll keep it. Its not too ruined- ah!" Ao bing squealed as he felt a hand pressed on his lower back. He was completely flustered, unsure of what to do with Ne zha touch his back. His bare back of all things.

"Um, Ne zha- He tried to call him, glancing at the lotus prince.

"How did you get this?" Ne zha didn't look at him, his gaze was completely focused on the others back. Ao bing somewhat relaxed, still confused. He figured that Ne zha thought he got the mark from today and he was just worried about Ao bing.

"Oh that? I've always had that birthmark."

"Birthmark." Ne zha repeats. His thumb brushing against the skin, making Ao bing squirm. "Y-yeah. Its a birthmark. Not a lot of people know about cause its easy to hide." He felt kind of dumb explaining it to Ne zha, well considering how he's tocuhing him it was hard to focus.

"Does it ever hurt?"Ne zha asked. It was a strange question to Ao bing. "Um, yeah sometimes, not sure why. But not like a huge amount of pain, just a little. It's get really itchy though..." he quietly says. Really just trying to grasp the situation he's in right now.

"I see..." Ne zha says absent-mindly, placing his other hand on Ao bings hip. The brunette felt like he was going to cry or even stab himself just looking at the scar he inflicted onto his beloved. Yes he can admit that Ne zha loves him but he didn't deserve Ao bing. He was the one to cause him so much pain and took him away from his family.

"Um...N-Ne zha." Ao bing stuttered out. Ne zha finally snapped out of it and realized what he was doing. He pulled his hands away, mortified at his bold action of just holding Ao bing's waist. "I-...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I-I don't know why I..." Ne zha stumbled on his words. He hugged himself, trying to hide from his embarrassment.

"Its fine! You were just-"

"I need to step out for a moment." Ne zha announced. Not waiting for a response he left as the other called his name. Once out of the apartment, he walked down the hall. He was so stupid. Why did he just- grab him so- it was so weird and intimate! And Ao bing- he must now think and zha is some kind of pervert or something. What is happening to him?

He slid down the nearest wall, hugging his legs, he rested his head on his knees and let out a groan. Ne zha couldn't face Ao bing right now, the blue head must have been mortified. Anyone would if their birthmark was caressed by someone they consider a friend. Because that what Ao bing sees him, a friend. And nothing more.

As much as it pained him, he probably made things worst now. Maybe he should just return to the celestial realm already. He's been nothing but a burden to Ao bing. Ne zha let out a tired groan, he closed his eyes and was about to call Guanyin when he heard a 'ping' noise.

The elevator opens, an old woman steps out carrying multiple bags in her short arms, and by the looks of it were heavy. Ne zha immediately stood up.

"Let me help you ma'am." He politely took the bags from the elder. She looked up surprised but gave him the gentlest smile he'd ever seen, (besides Ao bing). "Oh! Thank you dear!" She said sweetly. "I've haven't see you before, are you a new resident?" She asked as they walked. Ne zha shook his head, "No ma'am, I'm just visiting a friend." He explained.

"I see. Did you two have a fight?" She asked. The question threw Ne zha off for a moment, but the older woman must've seen him on the floor earlier. "No...I...did something inappropriate." He cringed at his words. "Oh dear. It must've been very serious for you to look so sad." The elder woman says, matching the same frown as Ne zha's.

"Why don't you come in and tell me about it." She offers, opening her door. Ne zha shakes his head, "I wouldn't want to be a bother." The woman bats a hand, "nonsense! You helped me with my bags. The least I can do is listen to your worries. We can eat some egg tarts I made yesterday." She persuaded.

Ne zha hesitated for a moment, unsure about going into a stranger home. But the woman had no bad intentions and seemed genuine. Ne zha finally agrees stepping inside with the woman.

"I'm Lan Dèng. What's your name dear?" She asked as she closes the door.

"It's Ne zha, Ma'am."

"Ne zha. Such an interesting name."

Once the door closes. The door of Ao bing's apartment opens. A frantic Ao bings look up and down the hall before hurriedly makes his way to the elevator.

"He couldn't have gotten far could he?" He muttered to himself. Ao bing pushes the first floor button.

The doors close.

Chapter Text

Ne zha has his hands in his lap as he quietly watches the old woman walk around the apartment.

The brunette had wanted to help with anything, but Ms. Dèng just told him to sit down and relax. It was very hard for Ne zha. He looked around the room, awkwardly. Seeing many antiques that would make a certain monkey jealous and various pictures of what seemed to be the old woman's family and others of lovely sceneries. One frame caught Ne zha's eye.

It was a young man about in his early 20s, smiling and waving at the camera. And standing next to him was another man with darker curly hair, holding him by the waist and leaning his head onto the others shoulder, with the same bright smile.

The photo at a glance seemed juts like a nice picture of two friends enjoying their day. But looking at the for a while. The two men seemed... intimate.
The way they held each other, like they didn't want to let go.

"It's a cute photo isn't it?" Ms. Dèng asked. It made Na zha jump slightly, forgetting about where he was for a moment. Ms. Dèng looked at the photo with a nostalgic smile. "It's a photo of my grandson, Hui and his boyfriend." She chirped.

Ne zha nodded, "They seem very happy together." He felt a little better when Ms. Dèng seemed more relaxed, almost satisfied with the answer he had given. "They are. They live in the states so they sending me a picture once in a while." She sits down from a cross Ne zha, handing him a cup of tea and putting down a plate of egg tarts. Ne zha thanked the woman, taking a small sip from his tea.

"Hui is studying to become a photographer. He loves to take photos of beautiful things." Ms. Dèng praised. Ne zha did see many of the professional pictures hanged up, mostly of the night sky or setting sun. "Those must be some of his works I assume. They are quiet lovely." The comment made Ms. Dèng brighten. She went on to talk about her grandson and how he was currently doing an internship for a major company. Ne zha just listen, even if he wanted to leave he really couldn't. It had seemed to have been a while since anyone talked to the elder woman. So he listen to Ms. Dèng tell the story of how Hui meet his partner.

It was very heartwarming yet cliché. They had met when Hui went to donate blood. His boyfriend, Xue, was the student nurse that took out his blood. Xue talked to Hui when he noticed that he was very nervous. They two got along in the short time and Hui went back in the hopes of seeing him again. It wasn't until the 5th time he visited was when he got the courage to ask the nurse out, but was beaten to it. "And he said, 'the reason I'm asking is because you're at the limit of giving blood out.'" Ms. Dèng laughed. Ne zha just let out breathy laugh, shaking his head. Honeslty the things people to for love.

Anything for love.

The thought made Ne zha a little bit sad. It didn't go unnoticed by the old woman. "Oh dear. I rambled- enough about my grandson. Tell me,, what happened between you and you're friend?" She inquiered. Ne zha had forgotten the whole reason he was here in the first place. He kind of wished that the old woman had forgotten. But at the same time he didn't really have any close friends to talk about this. And there could be a chance he won't see Ms. Dèng again, so why not. "I did something... very strange, and it might've made my friend uncomfortable." He said vaguely.

"How do you know?" Ne zha looks at her confused. "How did you know he was uncomfortable?" She clarified. Ne zha thought back. He didn't actually see Ao bing's face, but just the way he sounded. The blue haired male's voice had quivered a bit. So he didn't actually know if he made Ao bing uncomfortable. But still, he shouldn't have grabbed his waist.

"Well, most people would be uncomfortable if someone grabbed their waist." He confessed. Ms. Dèng eyes widen a bit, she even covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh my, how scandalous." She giggled. Ne zha felt his cheeks heat up. "But, it doesn't sound too bad now does it?" She shrugged, taking a drink of her tea. Ne zha looked at her in disbelief.

"What do you mean?" He asked. The old woman thinks for a moment. "Well, it could have been wost. I would assume that he would have pushed you or tell you to stop of that were the case." Ne zha blinked and thought for a moment. Ms. Dèng did have a point but it still didn't sit right with Ne zha, he shook his head. "Even if that's true, I pushed boundaries I shouldn't have passed." He argued. Ms. Dèng let out a hum in some agreement.

"So what will you do?" She asked. Ne zha stays silent, drinking his tea. He wasn't sure what to do now. He didn't think it would be a good idea to go back now, it would be awkward. "I'm not sure." He said, leaning back into his chair and letting out a tired sigh. Ms. Dèng looked at him with slight pity.
They continued to drink their tea in silence for a moment, until Ms. Dèng spoke.

"Tell me about this friend then. I'd love to hear about him." She proposed. Ne zha looked at her for a moment. He might as well stall from leaving. The brunette thinks for a moment.

"Well, he's kind. Sometimes too kind for his own good. He defend others a lot, even though he has no idea what he's doing. He looks out for me a lot, but knows when to leave me alone- and always talk about the most random things- like he knows a lot of facts for no reason. And he'll just ramble on for hours, it doesn't bother me- I like to listen to him even if it's some incredibly useless information.

He smiles a lot.  And it's always so sincere too, it makes his face look softer every time. It sometimes makes me feel sick just looking at him. How could anyone that kind consider me his friend? He deserves a lot more than me. But at the same time I don't want him to leave me. That's selfish isn't?" Ne zha rambled.

He looked at the older woman who had put her tea down, completely focused into his narration. Ne zha felt himself turn red. It was the first time he confessed this to anyone. And it was surprising to him that it was a complete stranger. "It sound like to me that he's more than just a friend to you." She concluded.

Ne zha turned away somewhat ashamed. "It would never work out either way." He sighed, grabbing on to his cup tightly. Ms. Dèng gave him a sympathetic smiled. "You know what, let me tell you a story dear." Ms. Dèng decided. She got up and went to a drawer, Ne zha watched her as she looked for something.

"A long time about, when I was in high school," She began. "I met this girl. Xueqin was her name. She was very beautiful, long hair, and sharp eyes like a cat. We met in the library. I approached her first, she was very shy and didn't talk a lot. But she did like to listen to me ramble on about spirits and the supernatural.

Everyone at school thought we were an odd pair. But we didn't care, we enjoyed each others company. It wasn't until my last year I realized I had feelings for her. I wanted so badly to be with her when I figured out my true feelings, but she had talked about leaving to the states to study. And I was worried that if I confessed we'd end on a bad note. So I never said anything. And we said goodbye." Ms. Dèng finished. Ne zha looked at her, he could feel her sadness.

"I did wait or her to come back. That maybe I could get a chance to confess." She pulled something out the drawer, "but she never did." She sighed.

Ms. Dèng sat down next to Ne zha and handed him a picture of two girls holding hands and laughing together. "She had met someone, and quickly settle down." She said, almost sounding defeated. "I knew I miss my chance, but it was a sign for me to move on and so not long after I had met my husband. I loved him and I still do, bless his heart." She clarified. "But, sometimes- I wondered what could've happened if I had confessed sooner. Would we had gotten together? Maybe get married and spend the rest of our lives together." Ms. Dèng pondered. Ne zha just stared at the photo as the old woman tisked.

"I did love the life I lived however. I wouldn't change it even if I did get another chance." Ms. Dèng confessed. The old woman placed a hand on Ne zha's shoulder, a gentle touch. The brunette looked at her. "But you're still young." She whispered. "You shouldn't be afraid to share your feelings. Let your friend know how you feel. Even if he doesn't reciprocate, because then you will look back and think of what could've been." The old woman urged him.

Ne zha thought back to a long time ago.

Him and Ao bing, now older sitting next to each other at the beach they had always met. Laughing about old memories they had, even drinking a bottle of baijiu stolen from the palace. The brunette had been talking about how he always thought the dragon was beautiful when they were younger.

He turned his head and his breath hitched. Ao bing looked at him with gentle eyes and smiled at him, marking his sharp features look soft. The dragon prince leaned towards the brunette. They're faces a few inches apart from each other.

Ao bing smiles and glances down to Ne zha's lips. The lotus prince felt his face burn, he let his eyes fluttered. He leaned in and-

The memory burned into Ne zha's head. He truly did love Ao bing, in any life. He smiles sadly, and take a stuttering breath. "Why is love so frighting?" He choked. He heard the old woman next to him laugh lightly. She gently guided him into a light embrace. She was warm and gentle, it reminded Ne zha of his mother. Oh how he missed her.

The memories almost cause him to cry, but he held it in and returned the embrace. "That is a good question dear."

Ao bing jogged down the street, his breathing loud and heavy. He stopped at a corner looked around and continued going straight. Ne zha could've had gone too far could he? The lotus prince did have a head start. Ao bing was too flustered to after him. And he regrets it.

He decided to call Mk, maybe the delivery boy knew something. The line ringed for a few seconds before it was answered.

"Hello?" Mk's voice rang out, seemingly tired from today's events.

"Hey Mk. I'm sorry to bother you but Ne zha didn't happen to pass by your apartment?" Ao bing asked, looking down the street.

"No he hasn't. Why did something happen?" Mk inquired. He sounded slightly worried. "No, nothing happened...will you let me know if he does visit you?" Ao bing requested.

"Yeah, sure no problem. Stay safe, Mei will end you if you aren't." Mk joked. Ao bing let out a small laugh. "I will, bye Mk." Ao bing ended the call. He let out a tired sigh leaning against the building behind him.

Ao bing was worried about Ne zha. Of course he knew the prince could handle himself, but he was still responsible for him. He couldn't understand why Ne zha had just left like that. Yes, it was a bit strange how the brunette felt his birthmark. Just thinking back made him scratch at his back.

It also didn't make any sense how Ne zha could disappear so quickly. Unless-

Unless he left for good.

His heart cracked at the thought, the blue head's back hit the nearest wall and he slid down to the ground. It made some sense he supposed. Ne zha's scar seemed to stop bleeding and he did protect him from a giant tiger. But why did he feel so sad? Ao bing knew that he would eventually leave. He just didn't know it would be soon. But he couldn't be selfish either, Ne zha was a deity, he had responsibilities and Ao bing understood why he had to leave. It still hurt though. He let out a tired sigh, there isn't anything he could do now. There's no point to keep looking. Ao bing got up and dragged himself home.

He stopped for a moment, looking around. There was someone following him. Ao bing suppressed a groan, he did not want to deal with whatever wanted to attack him, he is very emotional right now. Faint movement caught his eye he looked down at his shadow. 'Don't tell me...' he thought to himself. Ao bing crouched down to get closer to his shadow.

"You can come out, I know you're in there." He ordered. A pair of glowing eyes formed along with a cheshire grin.

"Y'know it takes longer for people to find me, I'm  impressed that you found me so quickly." The dark simian says with a laugh, dragging himself out of the shadow. Ao bing is faced with Macaque, posing his usual smirk. The blue head crosses his arms unamused, "what are you doing here Macaque?" He asked.

"I should ask you the same thing. It's not safe for a handsome man like yourself to walk by himself." The shadow teases. "Careful, Sun Wukong wouldn't like to hear that his boyfriend is hitting on other guys." Ao bing rolled his eyes. Macaque just scoffs, "Aw come on I'm just having fun. But really you should be careful, there's a Nü gui roaming around nearby." He shrugs. Ao bing looks around, his anxiety rising with the new information about a vengeful spirit nearby. He jumps when he feels an arm slump over his shoulder.

"Relax! As long as I'm here nothing will happen to your pretty little head." Macaque reassured, patting his head as well. Ao bing looks at him slightly irritated with the simian. "What is it with you and my face." He muttered to himself, but of course Macaque heard him.

"What? Can't a guy compliment another guy?" Macaque asks amused, chuckling. Ao bing sighs, he pushes the arm around him gently and turns around. Macaque following close behind. He stops to face him, "what are you doing?" He asks exasperated.

"Like I said, making sure you don't die trying to get home." Macaque reminds him. Ao bing looks at him skeptically. "And while we walk you can tell me about whatever is bothering you." He adds. Ao bing continues to walk, "the only thing bothering me is you." He remarks.

Macaque laughs, "How hurtful. No seriously, you were down in the dumps before me." Macaque observes. Ao bing went quiet. The shadow demon was right, but he wasn't sure in telling him. He barely knew the demon and he's only really been told about the mischief he caused in the past. 'But he's good now- I think.' MK had told him afterwards. Ao bing chose to say quiet, and ignore the demon as he continued to walk home.

"C'mon you really aren't going to tell me?" Macaque pressed, looming over the others shoulder. The latter continued to walk. The dark monkey went quiet aswell, already bored in the short amount of time they've walked. Honeslty why did human walk everywhere? It's too much work.

They walk a block down, their footsteps being the only thing heard down the empty road. Ao bing contued the silent treatment while Macaque glanced at him.

....

"Are you still mad about the airship thing-"

"I wasn't until you reminded me!" Ao bing snapped.

"Aw c'mon, you can't blame me! I was being forced by the bone bitch!" He defended himself. Ao bing stops getting in Macaque's way. "So she told to dangle me off thousands of feet in the air!?" He retorted. Macaque looks away, sweating, "Well... not specifically-"

"I could've died!" Ao bing interrupted, hitting his arm as hard as he could. Macaque but his hands up in surrender, trying not to laugh. "Look, I'm sorry for almost killing you happy?" He half apologized. Ao bing just glared at him. The dark simian lets out an exasperated sigh.

"Okay look. Youre right, it really wasn't necessary to dangle you off from the airship. But can you really blame a guy for having fun?"

"We have very different definitions of fun."

"Yeah I know- but seriously I feel bad about it. So let me make it up to you!" Macaque suggest, even as far as giving pleading eyes. Ao bing raises a brow in suspicion. "How exactly are you going to make it up to me?" He regretted it when he saw Macaque grinning widely.

"Lets go get something to eat! I saw this burger place neaby and I'm pretty hungry. " Macaque annouces as he walks in the opposite direction, pulling Ao bing with his tail making the latter stumble a bit. "Wait didn't you just say that there's a Nü gui nearby?" Ao bing remember.

"Yeah its like a mile behind us." Macaque said. Ao bing wanted to turn around but the dark monkey stopped him.

"Don't turn around it will kill us."

Ao bing shots him a small glare as they continue to walk.

They sat in a booth far from any other patrions, sotting opposite fron each other. Ao bing watches as Macaque plays with his utensils, spining them in his hands. They haven't talked since they ordered their food. The restaurant was somewhat busy and so it would be a while until they got their food. Ao bing continues to stay silent and drinks his water.

"So what's up with you and Ne zha." Macaque says out kf nowhere. Ao bing chokes as he takes a breath in forcing the water in. The shadow monkey just looks at him with a bored expression.

"There's n-nothing going on! We've been getting along great!" Ao bing huffs. Macaque rasies a brow at that. "Then where is he?" He asks. Ao bing looks at him confused.

"He follows you like a lost puppy all the time. And there's no way he'd let you alone after almost dying." The monkey clarified.

"No he doesn't! And I'm fine, it's not like it the first time my life has been threatened." He says with a bit of malice. Macaque just ignores him as their food arrives. They thank the waitress and the dark monkey continues. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing. It's kinda cute, to be honest." Macaque comments, drinking his strawberry milkshake. Ao bing feels his face flush.

"But seriously whats going on between you?" He inquired. Ao bing hesitates for a moment. Should he be really telling Macaque about this? Its not like they were best friends or even close to friends. But he hasn't really done anything to Ao bing (besides dangling of a airship) that makes him distrust him. And he doesn't really have anyone else, he doesn't fell like talking to Mei after what she said.

"Are you going to tell anyone this?" Ao bing hesitated. Macaque shrugged, "depends how bad it is or if its super funny." That wasn't reassuring, but at least he was honest about it. "Okay- well something happened earlier and Ne zha just- ran off. Even though I said it was fine because it wasn't a big deal." Ao bing rambles as the shadow demon munches onto his burger. "Anyway I tried to go after him but I couldn't find him anywhere. And I'm worried he got lost or even just went back to the celestial realm without saying at goodbye- and now I'm having dinner with you instead of him.  No offense." Ao bing ends, almost a bit breathless with how quick he talked. Macaque shrugged, "Nah its fine." He wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"And now I don't really know what to do. Like- it feels weird whenever I think of him leaving." Ao bing half explained. Macaque looks at him, "Weird in what way?" He asked intrigued as he bites into a fry. Ao bing thinks for a moment on how to explain.

"It's like- I know what it is but I'm embarrassed to say it." He quietly says. The shadow demon just stares waiting for him to spill it out. Ao bing sighs, "I don't want him to leave." He mumbled. Macaque smirks as he watches the former prince get embarrassed by each passing second.

"It's selfish right? I mean- he's been wanting to go back since day one. And I understand he has responsibilities, but I want him to stay."

Macaque hums in response as he continued to eat.

"But now that probably doesn't matter because he's probably gone." Ao bing said with bitterness as he bites into his burger. Macaque watches as the other angrily eats.

"So you haven't told him any if this?" Macaque questions. Ao bing shakes his head as he sallows the rest of his food. "Why would I? Like I said it doesn't matter." He muttered. Macaque sighed, he dips a fry into a small cup of ketchup. "I think you should." Macaque suggested. Ao bing looked up at him confused. 'Why would a do that?" He inquired. Macaque was quiet for a moment before he spoke

"Because its something you two should talk about. You care a lot about Ne zha and so does he. You're guys' friendship shouldn't have go end just because he's going back home. It shouldn't matter that you two are separated but instead are connected with each other. You guys got along in less than two months, you two where complete strangers to each other. So I doubt being apart will tear that away."

Ao bing stares at him, stunned and slightly impressed. "That...was some pretty good advice Macaque." Ao bing says, being genuine. The dark monkey just rolled his eyes, "its not rocket science to know communication is key to all relationships." Ao bing laughs, "That's true." He agrees, drinking his water. "

Macaque stares at the young man infront of him. He had expected something different from him. The dark monkey had expected the blue head to act more like in his past life. Cold and stoic, always perfect and prestigious that's how he remembered him.

But when he first met Ao bing, back when he was working under the bone demon, he didnt know who he was until he grabbed Ao bing to threaten the group into giving themselves up. Macaque had let his guard down when he looked over who exactly he grabbed. The former third prince of the east sea. He looked different but he had recognized him when the dragon glared at him. The most obvious thing that revealed who it was, was the mark on his forehead and his sharp blue eyes staring into him. Macaque was caught off guard, giving the monkey crew a chance to attack him.

Looking back now, all he saw from this version was kind and peaceful, and a little messy. It was funny to think that they were the same person, as the person infront of him looked like a bunny as he chewed his food.

He was the last one to found out about that what happened to the two princes. He heard rumors that Ao Guang spiraled after his son's death and did something. What exactly, he didn't know. And was punished by the other gods. That's what confused him. If they knew Ao bing had reincarnated, why did they put him and Ne zha in the same room?

"You know, that got me thinking." Ao bing looked at him. "Why did heaven of all things leave Ne zha with you?" Macaque wondered, "I mean, you two knew each other for like a day or two. And Guanyin deciced to leave Ne zha with a human- no offense- instead of a servent or haber the great Lao Tzu make something for him. Yet they dump him with you." He finishes. He carefullh watched Ao bing process what he was saying.

Macaque did...have a point. Mei had pointed it out before as well, but he pushed it aside arguing that he could handle watching over Ne zha and that maybe everyone was too busy to look after the Lotus prince. There was also the fact that he willingly agreed to the job, no questions asked. And it turned out good because they got along well in a short amount of time. But still...Macaque was right, heaven had to have something that would speed up Ne zha's healing process, unless...they didn't want him too- but that didn't make any sense. The overwhelming thinking made Ao bing's head and back hurt. Wait his back?

It shouldn't be hurting, he's not doing anything besides sitting. He leaned a bit forwards to try and sooth his back, but he felt a sudden sharp pain jolt down his whole spine. Ao bing let out a hiss of pain, he let himself collapse onto the table. Macaque leans over the table cursing to himself. He lifts up the blue haired man's head trying to sit him up. "Hey kid, you okay?" He asked concerned. Ao bing had his eyes shut closed, pain written over his face. "Its... r-really hot..." He muttered, it was almost hard for Macaque to hear.

The dark monkey looks around, and waves a hand over to a nearby waitress. "Excuse me! Could we get a bag of ice over here please." He called out. The waitress looks at them confused but nods and walks to the kitchen.

Macaque quickly moves from his place to sit next to Ao bing, still hunched over and letting out shaky breaths, he's now sweating. Fuck, okay what can he do right now. "Hey Ao bing. I'm going to take off your jacket okay." Macaque tells him in a hushed tone. Ao bing just barely nods, his neck hurts too much. The dark monkey carefully took off the jacket, trying not to cause anymore pain onto the blue haired man. And by coincidence the waitress arrived with the small bag of ice. She did show concern for Ao bing and asked if they should call an ambulance, Macaque politely as he could told her no and that he could handle it. The waitress left giving the two a worried glance.

Macaque turns his attention back to the problem at hand. Ao bing's breathing became more rugged. "Okay, I'm going to put some ice on you're neck. So don't freak out." Macaque instructed. Of course he did expect the latter to react, but he said that out of hoping not causing a scene. The shadow demon placed the bag and pressed down on the neck. Ao bing gasped sharply at the sudden cold, he straighten his back and- there was no pain. He gulped air trying to even out his breathing. He turned to see Macaque, who looked at him with worry? It looked more like sympathy to Ao bing, but it wouldn't make sense why the monkey would feel that way. He shrugged it off and thanked Macaque. He leaned back into the cushioned seat.

"Maybe we should take this to go." Macaque suggested awkwardly as many patrions of the diner glance in their direction. Ao bing nodded.

They stood infront of the restaurant, Ao bing took a deep breath enjoying the cool breeze that passed over him. "You feeling better?" Macaque ask. Ao bing smiles at him, "yeah, thanks for helping me back there." The dark simain just shrugged and looked up at the sky."Its pretty late, I'll take you home." Macaque said, gesturing the other to follow. Ao bing stood for a moment before following after him.

They walked in silence, it didn't really bother them. Macaque would occasionally glance at Ao bing before turning to look at something more interesting. But the dark monkey had notice Ao bing expression. "Okay what is it?" Macaque sighed. The blue haired man jumped slightly at the sudden question. "Its obvious you want to say something. So, spit it out." He said. Ao bing hesitated for a moment but he figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. He cleared his throat.

"Um... I wanted to ask about Ne zha," he starts off. "What was he like?" Macaque looks at him confused. "What was he like in the past." Ao bing clarified. The dark simian frowned, thinking of how to answer. He didn't technically promise not to say anything to Ao bing about Ne zha, but he also didn't want to deal with the aftermath. "Well... I didn't really know Ne zha that well back then. And I still don't." Macaque explained, before continuing. "He was pretty much a golden boy when I met him, always did what daddy told him. He was kind of a jerk- but I was trying to take down heaven so that was reasonable. And that's pretty much all I know." Macaque shrugged, crossing his arms. Ao bing didn't seem pleased with his answer though. "So he didn't have any friends back then?"

Uh oh, Macaque tried not to panic and think of what to say. "Not that I know of. If you count Wukong, Ne zha thought he was annoying. He still is." He laughed. Ao bing frowned, clutching at the bag in his hands. Macaque sighed. "Look kid, if you want to know about Ne zha. You're asking the wrong person. I've always just known him as grumpy and a stuck up for the rules. Why don't you try talking to him." He suggested.

"But thats the thing! I have tired to ask him about his life. But he just always dodges anything I ask him." Ao bing groaned, "And I can respect that he doesn't want to tell- but it's so confusing because sometimes he'll act distant and cold, and other times he's friendly and jokes around. Like we're best friends!" He rants. Macaque only half listens as Ao bing continues to talk. Mostly about Ne zha's weird behavior around the former dragon prince. This felt familair, the simian realized, deja vu as others will call it. He thought back as to when he had this conversation before. At this point he tuned out Ao bing complaining.

"And there was the time he got drunk, and started to cry." Ao bing rambled. Now that caught Macaque's attention. "Hold on, hold on! Na zhe cried?" He pushed. The blue head froze realizing what he said, and covered his mouth. "What- n-no! He just...ate an onion?" Ao bing squeaked. Macaque was unimpressed with the horrible attempt of a lie. "Okay he did cry." Ao bing gave in easily. "But you can't tell anyone, Ne zha will kill himself if he finds out." Ao bing pleaded. 'He already did.' Macaque wanted to joke but refrained himself.

"Yeah sure pal. Anyway back to lotus prince crying." Macaque dismissed. Ao bing glared at him, but continued none the less. "The night you and Monkey King got him drunk-"

"That was Wukong- I had no part in that." Macaque interrupted. "When Monkey King got him drunk. He acted strange. He um... had called me pretty." Ao bing mumbled. Macaque smirked, "that when he started to cry, he kept saying that would leave him because I would find a partner one day and forget about him. And that he was scared of me seeing him as a monster. He was being really cryptic about it and just fell asleep afterwards." Ao bing summarized. "I kind of assumed something happened in his past to make him believe that. But from spending time with him, he isn't a bad person. Do you have any idea what happened?" He asked at the end.

Macaque frowned, the story was depressing instead of funny and now he was on the spot. He had a choice to make now. Would he reveal that he was the third prince of the east sea and that Ne zha had killed him, because he killed his brother. Or stay quiet and let Ne zha deal with this while also giving cryptic messages. He chose the second option. "Well... something did happened a long time ago. But that something Ne zha should tell you." Macaque said eventually. Ao bing was left confused. What had happened to Ne zha to see himself as a monster. It must've been bad for it to still haunt the brunette. Ao bing subconsciously rubbed his neck.

"I want to ask him... but I'm a little worried." He confessed. Macaque's ears twitched as he listens. "What if he thinks I'll judge him? I don't want to make him tell me either. I want to get to know him better to be closer as friends, but I don't want to push boundaries as friends. I-I care about him" He said.

"Is that all you want?" Ao bing looked up at Macaque, "to just be friends."

It was silent for a moment. Of course that what he wanted. He wants to be Ne zha's friend, to support him whenever he needs it and to spend time with him for fun. He has enjoyed the deity's presence so much these last few months and he still wants to be near him no matter where he goes. But that's what friends do right!?

Then again Ao bing has never felt the way he did with any of his other friends...

"O-of course! By the way you describe him, Ne zha must've had a lonely life! So he just needs a friend!" Ao bing proclaimed, although he didn't really feel confident. It didn't help that Macaque looked at him skeptical. "Whatever you say bud." He shrugged. As much as he wanted to see how things played out, Macaque knew he shouldn't try and involve himself in this. He should know since he himself dragged everyone to get back at Wukong. He would just support Ao bing and Ne zha from a distance. He doubt they would come to him for advice, but he'd try to help.

"Well, this is where we part ways." Macaque annouces. "I'll see you around or not, who knows." He shruggs. Ao bing stood in front of him and smiled, which inturn confused the shadow demon. "Thank you for all of this, Macaque." Ao bing beamed. It left the dark simain shocked and confused at how the other was acting. "I didn't really do much." Macaque murmured. "Well you listened to me and I think that's plenty." Ao bing huffed. "You're... not as bad as I originally thought. I see why Mk thinks highly of you." Ao bing confessed, he smiled as he saw Macaque light up for a moment, but looks away embarrassed. "Mk thinks everyone is cool." Macaque scoffed. Ao bung smirked when he saw the dark simian's tail swish back and forth.

"This was fun, maybe we can do it again sometime." Ao bing suggested. Macaque looked hopeful, before his smile quickly turn into a grin. "Pfft, yeah right. See ya!" He laughed. Ao bing looked confused, he was about to say something but instead let out a gasp when the ground underneath him disappeared and he was falling.

Macaque watched as the portal closed. It would be nice to go out again. "Hes such a weird kid." He laughed and continued to walk down the street.

Ne zha stood infront of the door of Ms. Dèng as she bid him goodbye. "Thank you again for the tea and snacks Ms. Dèng." Ne zha said, bowing slightly. Te old woman smiled at him. "Oh not at all! I'm just glad I got to know you! Now, you come back and tell me how it goes with your friend." She chuckled, patting Ne zha's arm as he blushed sightly. "I will Ms. Dèng." He returned the smile.

"Well, I better head to bed now, you know how old folk get!" She laughed and Ne zha let out a huff of laughter. "Have a goodnight Ms. Dèng." Ne zha parted. The old woman wished him a good night as well before closing the door.

The brunette felt comforted after leaving, like everything was going to be fine. But that was wishful thinking. Of course Ne zha knew that he would eventually have to tell Ao bing the truth. It would be the right thing to do. Right now however, he had to explain his strange behavior.

He cringed, looking back from earlier today,, he probably look like a pervert. The lotus prince just wanted to crawl into a hole and die. Ne zha stood infront of the door to the apartment he's been living fmin for the last couple for months. 'I can do this' Ne zha hyped himself, 'I just need to tell him that... it looked like a tattoo and he wanted to touch it? No that's so stupid!' He internally fought with himself, he probably looked insane right now. He needed to calm down, Ne zha had no idea what to tell Ao bing but he would figure it out.

He twist the door nob and-

The door was locked.

Right Ne zha had left without a key. He let out a quiet groan. But it was fine because he would just knock and hoped that Ao bing wasn't mad, and let him in. He knocked three times as loud as he could. Ne zha waited. But no one came, it worried him a little. Maybe Ao bing was mad at him. The brunette waited for a few seconds before knocking again. Again he waited. And still no answer. He was about to call out Ao bing's name when-

THUD!

Ne zha was taken aback at the sound of something hitting the ground. It sounded heavy too. He listened carefully to figure out what was happening inside. A small groan and a sharp curse washed from the other side. And it sounded like Ao bing.

Ne zha's mind began to race. Did Ao bing hurt himself? Or was there someone else in there. He knocked as loud as he could not caring about the other neighbors hearing. "Ao bing!" He called out.

It was quiet for a moment until Ne zha could hear shuffling in the other side, followed by quick loud steps. The door swung open. The two of them stared at each other. Ao bing looked bewildered while Ne zba looked confused and concerned. Th brunette glances behind Ao bing and sees a dark shadow disappear from the ground. He frowned, but changed to a neutral expression when he looked back at Ao bing.

The blue head was in shock, looking Ne zha up and down like he wanted to make sure he was real. The lotus prince was supposed when Ao bing smiled at him, warmer that usually and quietly spoke.

"Hey....Welcome back."

Chapter Text

"Hey...Welcome back."

Ao bing greeted, a smile drawn across his face. Ne zha was stunned to say the least. He had expected the other to be upset after what happened, but he was gone for a while it could've given Ao bing a chance to cool down.

"Hi..." Ne zha responded warily. He honestly didn't know what else to say as they just stood by the doorway. They stared each other until Ne zha broke the silence. "Ao bing, about earlier...I'm sorry for what I did, I shouldn't have done that." He apologized, looking at him sincerely as he could. Ao bing turned a bit red, but smiled nonetheless. "It's fine Ne zha, it didn't really bother me I was just- confused." Ao bing reasoned. The blue head hadn't felt any malice intention when Ne zha touched him. But it did feel like his back was burning, he had the urge to scratch his back suddenly.

"Arent you going to come in?" Ao bing moved to the side, enough for Ne zha to pass through. The brunette walked inside, still a bit anxious.

"What was that noise earlier? Did you hurt yourself?" He remembered the loud thud before Ao bing answered. The blue head in question scratched his face sheepishly.

"Oh um- I just fell through one of Macaque's shadow portals." Ao bing murmured embarrassed. Ne zha turned to him concerned and confused. "You were with Macaque?" He asked, a bit surprised. The brunette didn't know that Macaque and Ao bing even talked to each other. "He gave me some advice...and we went to eat." He explained. Ne zha stared at him, squinting in suspicion.

"He didn't...try any weird manipulation tactics?" Ne zha asked, trying not to sound rude. Ao bing furrowed his eyebrows at the question, "No, he was really nice- like genuinely." He clarified. Macaque didn't seem to had have any bad intentions, beside he had helped Ao bing with his panic attack or whatever that was. "He even walked me home." He added, smiling. Ne zha pouted, "you shouldn't have gone out, what if another demon tried to attack you. Why did you go out?" Ne zha pressed.

"Well, I went to go look for you after you left, I was worried about you." Ao bing countered, cheeks tinted with red dust. Ne zha felt his face heat up, he cleared his throat. "But still you should be careful, your wounded,  it will make you vulnerable." Ao bing looked away from him dejected. Ne zha knew how Ao bing felt being called weak, it made him self-conscious about being part of the monkey gang. It pained the lotus prince to see him so glum.

"I can handle myself, and I wasn't even out long." Ao bing muttered bitterly. The brunette sighed, "I know you can, it's just that most demons can smell blood. I was just worried that your wounds could open up again is all." Ne zha explained softly. Ao bing still didn't look at him, his shoulders began to shake. The lotus prince was worried that he made the other even more upset instead of reassuring him. Ne zha was about to apologize when he heard soft laughter. He leaned closer and saw Ao bing laughing. It left the brunette more worried and confused.

"S-sorry! Sorry! It's just that it's funny." Ne zha looked at him to explain further. "I'm suppost to take care of you, but now you're taking care of me!" Ao bing giggled. Ne zha stared at him in disbelief as his giggles died down. "You're very strange you know that." Ne zha shook his head, he heard soft laughter next to him. "Yep, I should check your wound it could've opened up from all that moving you did." Ao bing says, taking off his shoes and going to the living room. The lotus prince following suit.

They sat together, facing each other and going through the same routine. Instead it takes longer for Ne zha to undress with his armor. Ao bing watches patiently as the brunette takes off each layer. "It must be heavy." He comments, the other shrugs.

"You get use to it after a while." He removes the last piece, letting a relaxed sigh. He had forgotten how much it weight. Ao bing undos the gause quickly, and inspects the scar along the torso. The lotus prince looking of to the side as the other worked. Ao bing lets out a noise, "Yeah, you're wound opened up. But the good news is that only a small portion opened up." Ne zha looked down, and saw red liquid drip down the side. He let out an annoyed sigh.

"Don't get so upset. It could've been worst." Ao bing scolds, flicking Ne zha in the forehead making him yelp in surprise. Ao bing chuckled, grabbing a needle and thread wiping away the drying blood he began to work. The brunette stared as the other concentrated, his tongue slightly poking out of his mouth.

Ne zha sometimes wondered how things lead to this. He knew why, but he couldn't help but wonder why. It had taken about a century for Ne zha to move on from his past and focus on his job as a deity. But then came Sun Wukong.

Things became a mess when Wukong stole the map of the samadhi fire. One thing led to another and now Ne zha was here. At his old friend's/ ex-friend's apartment. That simian always made things terrible for Ne zha. There was a time he had blamed Ne zha for setting off a firework in Lao Tzu's lab even though it was his fault. The Monkey King was a magnet for trouble. He let out a sigh.

"You must be pretty tired, after what happened today I'm not surprised." Ao bing said, tying off the thread and cutting the rest off. The lotus prince shrugged, putting back his shirt. "It has been a while since I fought something that big. I am a bit out of practice." Ne zha confessed rolling his sore shoulder. Ao bing hummed, pondering. He looked at the blue head, waiting for him to say something.

"What's wrong?" He asked after the silence became too long.

"Oh nothing, it just sounds like you're showing off." He implied. Ao bing stood up making his way to the bathroom. "No it does not!"Ne zha fummed, watching as he disappeared behind the door. He heard laughing.

He let his back rest against the couch, his shoulders ached a bit. It was strange, to feel so sore after one fight. He really was out of practice. The brunette hadn't done any type of fighting or training since being here. Mostly just sitting on the couch or walking around the apartment. It felt suffocating sometimes, especially when Ao bing would be gone. He understood that the blue haired male had to make money of course. And he did a lot for Ne zha already so he shouldn't complain for something so small. He hopes that the gift he requested will be ready soon.

The sound of a door opening and closing alerted Ne zha that Ao bing was out. He couldn hear him walk around, he mumbled to himself as he looked for something. "Is something wrong?" Ne zha called out.

"I had a bag with me before I went through Macaque's portal. I can't remember if I still had it after" Ao bing tried to recall. Ne zha looked down the hall and further into the living room entrance. "Is that it?" He pointed at the brown bag near a dark corner. He heard Ao bing exclaim happily as he quickly went over and grabbed it.

"Looks like its still good!" He said in relief and went over to the kitchen. Ne zha stayed in his spot as he heard the other move around the kitchen. He thought back to what Ms. Dèng said. That he shouldn't be afraid about confessing. He didn't know if he'd get a chance like this again. And Ao Guan must've known something by now since, he over heard a couple of deities talk about how Macaque left the dragon palace of the east in a complete mess. Ao bing must've been with and the rest of Mk's friends at the time. So it wouldn't be long until he found where his son is.

It made Ne zha worried and protective. Ao bing genuinely seemed to enjoyed the life he's living. Ao Guang didn't have a right to take that away and force him back to the palace if he didn't want to. It was already bad enough that the former dragon had run ins with a couple of demons. Imagine what could happen if stronger demons find out who he truly is. So would it matter when Ne zha left? Ao bing could still be in danger.

The thought made Ne zha shutter.

"Me and Macaque went to this diner. I wasn't sure what to get you, so I ended up getting you a cheeseburger." Ao bing came back from the kitchen and set down a plate infront of Ne zha. He examined the food infront of him. "What is this?" He questioned tilting his head. "Its cheeseburger-" Ne zha stared, "with fries?" The brunette shrugged.

Ao bing let the information sink in before his eyes went wide. "Oh my gosh you aren't joking." He gasps. Ne zha just shook his head. The blue head covered his mouth in a dramatic manner and quickly hugged the brunette. "Oh you poor baby! No wonder you're so grumpy." Ao bing cooed.  Ne zha leaned back as much as he could, he felt himself heat up and was worried he'd burn Ao bing.

"I'm not always grumpy." He grumbled. Ao bing let go and let out a huff, "well not after you eat this burger!" Ao bing encouraged. Ne zha hesitated before he picked up his food, he examines it as if it was dangerous. He glances over to Ao bing, patiently yet excitingly waiting for him to take a bite. The lotus prince lets out a sigh and takes a bite. He chewed, it was a bit unpleasant but good. He was overwhelmed by the many flavors, the lettuce and tomatoes balanced out the saltiness from the pickles. The meat was well cooked, nothing too special.

"So what do you think?" Ao bing asks, watching the other taking bites. "Its good." Ne zha hummed. The pickles were a bit too strong but he chose not to say it to Ao bing. He wasn't going to complain since Ao bing went out of his way to buy him something to eat.

"You should add ketchup to it." Ao bing offers a packet of ketchup. The brunette holds out the burger and waits for the other to spread the sauce. He thanks Ao bing after he finishes. Taking a bite he let out a pleased hum, it did taste better. Ao bing chuckled as he watched him eat.

'I wonder what else he hasn't tried.' Ao bing thought to himself. It would be nice to bring Ne zha a variety of food or even go out to eat. That gave him an idea.

"We should go out." Ao bing said. Ne zha looked at him confused as he swallows. "Right now? Its a bit late isn't it?" He questioned. It made Ao bing chuckle. "No, not right now but maybe soon. When I have another day off." Ao bing clarified. "It'd be nice to go out, and I can take you to my favorite places." He hoped, already imagining a day out with Ne zha and having fun. The idea made Ao bing giddy.

"It sounds fun." Ne zha hums, finishing the last of his food. Ao bing looks over to him and laughs lightly. Ne zha looks at him confused, "What?" He asks. "You got some ketchup right here." Ao bing motions near his left cheek. Ne zha mimics him trying to feel the sauce with a napkin. He frowns when he hears Ao bing snort. "Nope- its a little bit up- you know what, here I got it." Ao bing takes the napkin from Ne zha, and before he could protest or say anything the blue head was already wiping away the mess from his face.

Ne zha's face scrunches up at the sensation as Ao bing gingerly swiped away any ketchup he missed. He felt his heart thumping against his chest and his face felt hot. The lotus prince wanted to lean into the gentle touch but he refrained himself from moving, even holding his breath. Ne zha opened his eyes once Ao bing finished. The blue haired male just smiled a bit awkwardly. "There! And sorry about getting in your face- you were just spreading the ketchup more." Ao bing excused.

"No its fine, thank you." Ne zha assured, he felt a bit breathless. The thumping in his chest subdued a bit and he refrained himself from caressing the cheek that Ao bing cleaned. It would be weird to do it infront of his friend- crush now? Ugh- he felt like a teenager. He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard Ao bing yawn. Right it was already late.

"You should head to bed you have work tomorrow I assume." Ne zha reminded. Ao bing rubbed his eyes, "unfortunately yes I do." He sighs. The blue head got up taking the empty plate into the kitchen and placed it in the sink to wash tomorrow. Ao bing waits by the hallway expecting for Ne zha to follow him. "Are you coming?" He asked. The brunette looked at him confused. "To bed. In my room." Ao bing clarified. Feeling a bit embarrassed for some odd reason. He shakes it off as being drowsy or something.

It finally clicked to Ne zha, he looked down blushing. "Oh- no. I was planning on sleeping on the couch." He coughed a little. Ao bing felt disappointed, "Oh...are you sure? Because I don't mind sharing the bed if you're worried about-"

"Ao bing." Ne zha calls him. The latter look at him and he's surprised to see Ne zha smiling at him. "Its fine honestly." He assured him.  Ao bing's heart did a small jump, just like the first night Ne zha stayed only different. "Okay then- my room is always open if you change you're mind." Ao bing told him. The lotus prince nodded, "Thank you. Have a goodnight Ao bing." Ne zha wished him.

"Goodnight Ne zha." He responded softly and turned off the lights.



Little Ne zha sat at the table, nervously picking at his fingers as his father stared at him. He never liked when he got serious, it made him scary and say mean things about Ne zha.

"I've noticed you've been spending quite a lot of time by the beach." His father suddenly spoke, making Ne zha jump in surprise. He wasn't sure if he should answer him as he looked over to his father. "Is there a reason for that?" He raised a brow at his youngest son. Little Ne zha panicked, he knew he couldn't tell his dad about his dragon friend. It could get him introuble with his dad.

"Um, I like playing on the beach. It's quiet and no one bothers me." Ne zha lied. He hoped that he sounded convincing. But his worry grew more and more as his father glared at him. The man let out a sigh, " Honestly Ne zha you are getting too old to be playing. You must learn to be a great soldier like your brothers." He scolded his son. Little Ne zha looked down sadly, he was always compared to his older brothers.

"Yes father." He meekly said. The young prince remembered Ao bing telling him he also had older brothers. He wondered if he was compared to them too.

"You must become strong enough to kill that dragon."

"What." His heart sank.

"It is a threat to our people Ne zha. Do you really think it would be your friend?"

"I don't- I don't know what you're talking about."  His voice sounded deeper now.

"Do you really think he'd still be your friend after what you did to him?" His father's voice became more distorted and broken.

"He's right Ne zha."

The lotus prince turned to the new voice. Across from the table, Ao bing sat glaring at him. But this time he looked his current self, yet his eyes were still a piercing blue and his hair was loose, it drag down to the ground and spread on the table like vines.

"How could I ever forgive you. After what you did to me." He sneered.

"N-no! I didn't want to! Ao bing I-" He pleaded to his friend, choking as he tried not to cry from the hatred in Ao bing's eyes.

"You couldn't even protect me." He hissed at him. Ne zha looked at him confused.

"What are you-"

Ao bing's head is ripped off as the yaoguai appeared behind him. A sickening crunch is heard as blood poured out of the beast mouth like a waterfall.

Ne zha sat there in shook, in disbelief of what just happened. He couldn't protect him. He failed him. Why couldn't he do anything right!? Why!? His breathing began to become hard when he realized his friend was dead. As his headless body fell foward and blood poured out onto the table.

"Look at the mess you've made Ne zha." Li jing said in disgust.

Ne zha scream until-




He woke up choking and crying uncontrollably. Ne zha breathed heavily, sweat mixed with tears rolled down his face. He wiped away his tears with shaky hands as he hiccuped. It felt real, the moment Ao bing's head was ripped off, he had felt the blood splatter on his face it was warm and dripped down his face. How could he dream that about Ao bing.

Ne zha froze and realized. 'Ao bing.' He thought to himself. He jumped off the couch and quickly made his way to Ao bing's room. The brunette open the door as quietly as he could. He saw Ao bing laying in bed unmoving. Still in his panicked state went over to the blue haired male. "Ao bing." He shook his shoulder calling him.

"Ao bing. Wake up, please." He whispered.

He heard a whine, making him let a sigh of relief. Ao bing groggily rolled over to look at the person who woke him up. "Ne zha....wha? What's wrong?" He asked, still drowsy. "I...I don't know. I just wanted to make sure you were okay." Ne zha said. He looked at the confused Ao bing, his hair was messy and strand was dangling from his mouth.  He moved the strand away, and then rubbed the top of Ao bing's head making sure he still wasn't dreaming. The action made the latter more confused and he thought he was still asleep. It wasn't until Ne zha spoke.

"Can I sleep with you tonight?" He asked timidly.

Ao bing was surprised to say the least. Ne zha had always refused to sleep in the same bed no matter how uncomfortable he looked on the couch. He nodded, "Yeah sure, get in." He gave a sleepy smile, still confused about the whole ordeal. Ao bing scooted over and Ne zha quickly got into the bed, allowing to be covered as Ao bing places the blanket on top of them and face his brunette friend, still smiling. Ne zha stared back at him, not saying anything.

"Did you have a bad dream?" Ao bing asked. Ne zha hesitated before nodding. "Must've been awful if it got you into my bed." Ao bing hummed, yawning. Ne zha continued to stare at him, not being able to get rid of the image Ao bing's headless body slouched over on the table. He squeezed his eyes shut trying to keep himself from whimpering.

Then Ne zha felt something on top of his hand. He opened his eyes, and saw that Ao bing held his hand with his own. Lazily smiling at him. "Mei would always have nightmares and came to me whenever she got scared. Holding her hand always helped her sleep better." Ao bing spoke softly, rubbing his thumb over Ne zha's knuckles hoping with would sooth him. It only made the others heart beat rapidly.

"We would talk about our nightmares to sleep faster." He yawned, "I'll go first, my last nightmare was about Peng." Ne zha stiffened at the name. "It was basically how I first met him. He had me pinned down on the ground and saying things, only this time instead of him pointing his spear at me, he tried plucking my eyes out." Ao bing recalled, shuttering at the memory. Ne zha stared at him.

"You never told me that." Ne zha said. Ao bing hummed confused, "You never told me about Peng hurting you." Ne zha clarified, upset and switched their hands so Ne zha was holding the latters hand. Ao bing just shrugged. "I mean... does it matter? He didn't really hurt me. I did have a bruise on my back and neck for like- a week. But nothing too serious." He tried to reassure Ne zha when he furrowed his brows at him. It just made him frown harder.

The brunette was now upset than scared. Peng stabbing Ne zha and calling him a demon child was one thing, but hurting someone he cared about was another thing. The lotus prince let out a flare of fire from his mouth in his upset state. The sleepy blue haired male, panicked at the sight of small flames flickering in the dark room. "Be careful, you might set my bed on fire." He whined slightly, too tired to deal with fire. Ne zha quietly apologized. They stayed quiet for a while, Ne zha had thought Ao bing might've fallen asleep when he heard light breathing and was ready to close his eyes.

"What about you?"

"Huh?" Ne zha stirred.

"You didn't tell me what you're nightmare was about. It only fair after I told you mine." Ao bing groggily said. Ne zha hesitated, he didn't want to scare Ao bing. But it would probably help getting this out of his head. "I... I dreamt about my father." He started. It caught the other's attention. "He was just saying things about how I'm not good enough." He frowned. "And... you were there." Ao bing continued to look at him, surprised that he was involved. "You got hurt because I couldn't protect you, and...you were really mad. That you wouldn't want to be my friend anymore." Ne zha voice wobbled.

He felt a shift in their hands. Ao bing intertwined their fingers together and squeezed Ne zha's hand. "Ne zha, I'll never stop being your friend. I care about you, a lot." Ao bing proclaimed. Ne zha wanted to roll his eyes but looked away instead. "Even if I do something bad." He retorted. "Well that's the thing." Ao bing got closer to Ne zha and placed his forehead against his, smiling warmly. "You haven't done anything bad, maybe a couple of mistakes but nothing that would make me hate you."

Ne zha's heart beaten quickly as he stared into Ao bing's eyes. His eyes a vibrant blue almost the color of sapphires. Oh how he wished he could stare at them forever. The lotus prince closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. "Thank you Ao bing. I'm glad you're my... friend." Ne zha purred, feeling drowsy at the warmth. Ao bing's smile grew bigger as he closed his eyes aswell.  "Any time Ne zha." He yawned. The two quickly feel asleep embracing each other.



Erlang and Guanyin watch the two from the celestial realm. The god sighed in disappointment. "I'm quite surprised Ne zha hasn't initiated any intimacy first. That's not how I raised him." Erlang huffed. Gunayin looked at him annoyed, "That's because you didn't raise him Erlang." She rolled her eyes. The commander scoffed once more as he scratched his black dog's head. "I still don't understand why we just can't tell him." He argued.

Guanyin let out a tired sigh. "We don't know how he will react if we rush to make him remember. The third prince was known to have quite the temper back then. And you wouldn't want to deal with a frozen city again I assume?" Guanyin explained. Erlang hummed he supposed that the goddess was right.

"You are not wrong, but we also have to deal with another dragon, particularly an old one." He reminds the tall woman. "Yes well, Ao guang has agreed to stay away for now. But I'm not sure for when the third prince regains his memories." She worried. It was inevitable that Ao bing would regain his memories after he visited the palace of the east sea. She could only hope that Ao guang won't do anything rash.

"One more concern that I have." Erlang spoke. Guanyin looked at the guard. "Was it a good idea to send the person that killed him?"

"Ne zha was the only friend Ao bing had. They have a strong bond. I'd like to believe that he'll forgive him." Guanyin defends, she fondly smiles as she looks at the pair snuggle closer to each other. "And if things go wrong?" Erlang interrupts.

"Than we prepare for the worst." She sighs. Guanyin took one last look at the pair before the projection dissipated.



Ao bing stood in a long corridor filled with varius objects lined up. He walked down unsure of where he was, but he felt uneasy at the silence only hearing his shoes echo along the hall.

'I've been walking for a while.' Ao bing thinks to himself. He hadn't seen a door or window. The environment felt familiar, it's wasn't unwelcoming but it also wasn't cordial.

Suddenly, Ao bing heard voices. He felt himself almost relax at the sound of another person. The blue head quickly followed the source of the noise, hoping that whoever was here could help him. 

As he got closer, the voice also began to get loud. He soon realized that the person was yelling at someone. The voice was booming throughout the hallway now. It scared Ao bing and soon wanted to get far away from here as possible. But something stopped him.

He heard crying.

Ao bing hesitatley turned the corner and saw a room dimily lit. He quietly got closer to the door, peaking inside the room.

There were two people in the room. An older man was the cause of the yelling, his arms waving around and would ball up into fists. And there was... a little boy, less than 10 years old, shaking and crying, holding back sobs that made him hiccup. Ao bing would flinch at the yelling even if it wasn't him who was being target it to.


"How could you be so imbecilic! Huh!?" The man yelled. "You could've gotten captured or worse killed!" Ao bing felt himself tense up and feel sorry for the little boy as his tiny body shook with fear.

"And then you go and bring this- trash!" He flares and throws something onto the ground. The little boy finally speaks and begs his father- Ao bing assumed, not to hurt it. Ao bing couldn't see what it was, he only manage to see that it was pink.

The man began to stomp on the object, twisting his foot with every heavy step. The little boy attempted to stop the older man. The man raised his hand,  clenching it into a fist to hit the child.

That is when Ao bing tried to intervene, even when he realized this was a dream and he could stop it by waking up. He grabbed the man's arm but was quickly push to the ground.

The older man now loomed over Ao bing. He looked up at the man in fear, blue eyes glowed under the dim room. He recognized the man to be the dragon king of the east sea. His anger from the first time they meet was nothing compared to right now. As he snarled and clenchted his fist. Ao bing tensed as the man raised his hand and-



Ao bing woke up.

He felt tears prick his eyes. His back pricked with pain to the point it glet like it was on fire. Ao bing fought back tears, he was in so much pain he wasn't sure he could even sit up. He heard movement next to him and remembered that Ne zha was with him. Ao bing looked at the brunette sleeping peacefully, he felt guilty about waking Ne zha up but he wasn't sure he could last any longer with the unbearable pain shooting through his spine.

"Ne zha." He whispered. The brunette shifted but didn't stirr. "Ne zha." This time Ao bing shook him. He felt himself groan when Ne zha rolled away. "Ne zha!" He whined and shoved with as much force he could muster in his weak state. It caused him to wince as a flare of pain shoots through him. Ne zha did stir awake, a bit groggy at how he was woken up abruptly.

"What?" He asked, voice tired from sleep.

"I'm really sorry for waking you up, but could you get me ice? " Ao bingz voice cracked. Ne zha pertch himself up to look at his friend clearer. "Why do need ice? What's wrong?" Ne zha asks a bit wearly at the request. "My back really h-hurts," Ao bing whined. "I would go- but I can b-bearly move...and I don't- I don't know how much more I can-" He didn't get to finish as Ne zha flings the blankets off of his body and jumps out of the bed.

Ao bing lays in shock at how quick his companion left. He could hear him move around in the other room, he would have turned his head but that was too much for him to do in his current condition. Ao bing fights back tears and lets out whimpers as the pain intensifies. He grips the bed sheets as a flare passes through his spine.

He can hear footsteps patter back into the room, then the sound of something bumping into the door. Ao bing would laugh but it was hard to do that at the moment. Then Ne zha was in the line of his sight, Ao bing smiles weakly as the other looks at him with worry and fear. He felt the blanket being taken off of his body.  Ao bing shuttered when his shirt was pulled up allowing the cold air hit his burning back.

Ne zha gently places the bag of ice on Ao bing's lower back, earning a loud gasp from the blue head. Ne zha watched as the others body went from tense to completely laxed. He got worried when Ao bing didn't made any noise or movement, but relaxed when he heard a light groan. "C-could...could you put on my neck please?" Ao bing muffled out. Ne zha was quick to obey, tugging the shirt back down and placing the bag of ice onto the exposed neck with a small amount of force. Ao bing let out a moan as the burning pain began to fade away quickly as it came. He let out small whines and gasps as Ne zha moved the pack down and up his back.

"Do you feel better?" Ne zha asked voice lanced with worry as he saw how quickly the ice began to melt.

Ao bing let out a jumbled murmurs before turning his head as slow as possible to prevent any pain from flaring up. He tiredly smiled at Ne zha. "A little bit, it doesn't feel like its on fire anymore so that's good." He croaks, closing his eyes a tear had slipped out. The brunette frowns, he clenched onto the bed sheets before he moves his hand to wipe away the stray tear. Ao bing opens his eyes and the pair stare at each other for a moment, taking in the comforting silent of each others presence. The blue head smiles lightly and leans into the touch.

"Thank you." Ao bing says sleep on the verge of his voice. "I don't know what I would've done if you weren't here." He idly hummed, smiling at his friend. But he was returned with a frown from the brunette. "Hey, what's wrong?" Ao bing asks softly, the question made Ne zha's frown to deepen.

"You are seriously asking me that? I just saw you in pain." Ne zha hissed. "How could you be so- so calm about being hurt? I don't understand." He grunted. This made Ao bing upset a little at how Ne zha was reacting, but the comment didn't make him falter. "Well like I said, I have you to help me." He countered. Ao bing grabbed the hand that caressed his face and intertwined his hsnd with Ne zha's. The lotus prince stared at him before lightly shaking his head and lets out a sigh. "You are a strange person." Ne zha declared.

"Of course I am. Have you meet Mei?" Ao bing laughed. It made Ne zha smile a little, he realized that Ao bing acted a lot like Ao lie. Both were very layed back yet knew when to take responsibility and protect those they cared about. The older dragon would have loved his nephew. Maybe that's what Ao bing had needed, his uncle to guide him to be a kind person, maybe they would've still been friends.

"Yes, you two care a lot for each other. It wouldn't be a surprise you didn't rub off on each other." Ne zha smiled as Ao bing laughed. "Hm, you're right." He agreed. The lotus prince's watched attentively as Ao bing's face shift into a discomfort look. Before he could ask him what was wrong, Ao bing spoke first. "Could I ask you something personal?"

"When have you not?" It was suppost to sound like a jab but it came out more jokingly. But it made Ao bing chuckle. "True but- this is a lot more personal." He looked away for a brief moment, Ne zha stayed silent for Ao bing to continue. The blue haired male hesitated before he spoke. "What's your relationship with you dad like? You've talked about your mother... but never about your father." Ao bing pryes. He watched Ne zha's face goes from surprised to troubled. The blue head panicked, "I'm sorry, you don't have to answer." Ao bing apologized, trying to pry his hand away. However the grip on his hand return.

"Its...fine. It isn't like my relationship with my father is bad." Ne zha hesitated, briefly swiping his thumb across Ao bing's knuckles. "But it's isn't exactly, great either." He exasperated. Ao bing watched Ne zha roll over on to his back, still firmly holding his hand. "When I was a child, he was always busy training my brothers and taking care of the village, and I understood that- he had a lot of responsibilities." He recalled. "But after my mother past away, he became more distant and less caring- had me train from dawn to midnight. And then he became a general for the heavenly army. My father expecting even more from me. He wants me to be perfect." Ne zha breathed out a sigh. Frowning as he looked back at how upset his father would get if he didn't do something right.

"Your dad sounds tiring." Ao bing jested. Ne zha turned his head in toward his direction, there was no expression across Ao bing's face as they stared at each other. Then Ne zha laughs and Ao bing joins him in a surprised delight. They laugh together for a little longer before they calmed down, but one look at each other made them go into another fit of laughter.

"He is sometimes." Ne zha agreed once he calmed down again. "But he's still my father, and I care about him." He hummed and look over to Ao bing. "You're lucky I like you or I would to fight you to defend my father's honor." He proclaimed, but it caused the two of them to laugh harder than before. They calmed down again, their hard breathing was the only thing they could hear. Both of them enjoying the presents of one another.

Ne zha tensed when he felt a hard squeeze on his hand. He looked to Ao bing, who had a small graceful smile, his eyes full of delight. As red tinted his cheeks, "Then I'm glad you like me." Ao bing muttered. The lotus prince felt himself heat up quickly, he said the liked him out loud. Ne zha looked away embarrassed, his face now hot to the touch.

"Ne zha, you're hot." Ao bing commented. Ne zha turned to him even feeling more flustered and sat up. "How can you say that so casually!?" He exclaimed. Ao bing looked horrified and also sat up "No! I meant like literally- like burning- I mean you are hot- I mean you're not! B-but you are attractive- well I don't think you- I mean you are but I'm saying it as- you're smoking!" Ao bing suddenly blurted. And he was right, Ne zha had began to let out small flames as Ao bing rumbled, causing both smoke and fire to flow from his mouth. "Oh, no this is normal-" he tried to reassure but a small ball of fire came out and landed on the bed, setting one of the pillows on fire. They two of them panicked as the pink fire lit the room, it would have been a pretty sight if it wasn't burning Ao bing's things.

Both of them rush off the bed, and tried to put out the flame before it grew out of control. Ao bing grabbed the other pillow and began to repeatedly hit it over the flame to fizzle it out. It eventually worked but not without making the pillow in Ao bing's hands to have a burnt hole at the center. Ne zha and Ao bing looked at other in disbelief. Completely silent as the smoke cleared out from the room.

"So you can breath fire?" Ao bing asked. Ne zha looked at him with an exasperated expression, "Seriously? After almost burning you're bedroom down, that's what you have to say?" Ne zha fumed, his mouth began to flicker a pink light but he quickly clamped his hand over in panic. Ne zha looks back at Ao bing staring at him more curious than scared.

"So that's a yes?" Ao bing inquired. Ne zha took a deep breath and sighed. "Yes, only occasionally so." Ne zha confirmed tiredly. So much happened in one night all he wanted to do was go to sleep. And so did his roommate as he let out a tired yawn. "Thats cool." He breathed out. "I really want to sleep." Ao bing let out a whine and layed back into the bed, fluffing out the pillow and flipped it over to where there were no scorch marks. Then he grabbed the ruined pillow, it wasn't worth saving so he threw it towards the edge of the bed. Ne zha followed suit to lay down but frowned when he realized he had no pillow.

"How am I going to sleep without a pillow." Ne zha asked, grumpy from the lack of sleep he has gotten. Ao bing looked over to him, "Just lay on me, I don't mind." He suggested. The brunette turned pink at the suggestion. "Are you- um sure? I might be heavy..." He stammered.

Ao bing hummed, "No its fine, besides you've slept on top of me- like yesterday." He pointed out. "But it's your choice, it's either no pillow or use me as a pillow." He shrugged. Ne zha lets out a huff, asking, "You don't need to use the bathroom? This is you're last chance I'm not getting up for a while." He declared. Ao bing just shook his head, with a satisfied grin.

Ne zha moved closer to Ao bing, letting his head rest on top of the blue head's chest while the rest of his body twists away onto the mattress for less weight on Ao bing, he then wrapped his arms around his waist unsure of where else to put them. He didn't really care at this point, just wanting to sleep already, it was also a bonus that Ne zha was super warm. Ao bing covered both of them with the blanket, ready to fall asleep.

"Goodnight Ne zha." Ao bing said yawning. But he felt more awake, when he felt something bump against his chin, almost rubbing like a cat. "Goodnight Bing Bing." He mumbled before drifting off to sleep. The nickname cause Ao bing's faced to heat up. His head suddenly throbbed in pain. Where had he heard that before?

Ao bing let out a small whine as the headache continued. A memory suddenly flashes, it was brief but Ao bing recalled a young boy calling him that once. But what little boy? It felt so long ago. And the fact that Ne zha had called him that nickname. It made his heart to a flip yet it also hurt. How was that possible?

But Ao bing decided not to dwell on it as he was too tired to stress about an old nickname he didn't realized he had. Hopefully the headache would go away soon after he went to sleep. Ao bing soon joined Ne zha, and drifted off to sleep.



He ignored the strange tingle forming on his back.

Chapter Text

Ne zha was excited yet nervous as he waited for Ao bing to arrive home. 

Ealier today, Guanyin visited the lotus prince unexpectedly and handed him the gift he had requested- well the two gifts he requested. Ne zha was very grateful for the goddess and promised to work hard once he'd returned back to the heavenly realm. She had just laughed and reassured Ne zha not to worry. 

The lotus prince sat on the couch, bouncing his leg waiting for his roommate's return. It would be a while until Ao bing did arrive however. He had a full shift today. Ne zha sighed, unsure of what to do now that he would have to wait longer than he originally thought. 

He could workout, but the last time he tried to he was interrupted. Ne zha brushed over the fresh gause Ao bing manage to change before he left. He felt his chest flutter as he felt over the fabric. Ne zha couldn't deny that the small touches from Ao bing always made him jump with anxiety and longing. But Ne zha believed he didn't deserved such desires. Yet he couldn't help but feel selfish, always wanting to hold Ao bing's hand and to hold him in his sleep never letting go. It worried how obsessed he was getting for intimacy. There must have been something wrong with him. 

Ne zha held his head in his hands, tired of his strange thoughts. He felt kind of disturbed when his mind would try and go back to Ao bing and the smallest details of his face. 

He needed a distraction. 

He needed someone to talk to. But who exactly? Ne zha wasn't particularly close to anyone he'd consider a friend, besides Ao bing. Chang'e was usually the person he'd turned to whenever he had a dilemma. But he can't do that right now, she would probably be doing her cooking show. Wukong was out of the question, he couldn't handle his idiotic and intrusive ideas. 

Ne zha didn't have a lot of people to talk to.  

... 

Actually there was someone he could talk to. Mk, the monkie kid. 

Ne zha was fond of the young man, of course there were a few times he'd say something moronic but he had a good heart. Ne zha still felt upset with how their first meeting went. He had loomed over Mk to intimate him, underestimating the situation and not expecting for simian to intervene. And he surely wasn't expecting... 

Ao bing. 

Ne zha did not see him step infront of Mk, he didn't expect anyone to have time to react at his sudden, inhuman speed. Yet Ao bing manage to get in between him and Mk. The sudden closeness had caused Ne zha and Ao bing bump chest to chest, causing the blue haired man to stumble a little, pushing Mk back slightly. Ne zha hadn't even realized he was threatening the wrong person, too annoyed and infuriated with the mess Wukong had caused. But when he had leaned in closer, face nearly a few inches away- he recognized who it was, when he demanded for the rings. 

His emotions became overwhelming as memories flashed in his eyes. Ao bing glared at him with a stern expression. His blue eyes set with determination to keep Mk away from Ne zha. And for a moment, the brunette could only see rage and pain in his eyes. His featured had soften as he stared in disbelief. The man infront of him now stared at him confused, tilting his head slightly. Ne zha felt numb, without thinking he was about to blurted out his name. 

His frozen state then led to him being sucker punched in the stomach and sent flying through the roof of the train, hurling miles into the air. 

Ne zha dragged his hands over his face as he cringed from the memory. The other deities, would not stop talking about the whole ordeal for about a month. It was the most unbearable to hear it from Erlang, who would joke about being able to see Ne zha almost reach the celestial realm that day. 

The lotus prince sighed once more as the layed down onto the couch to stare at the ceiling. As embarrassing as that day was, he wouldn't have met Ao bing (again) if it wasn't for the White Bone Demon. 

It was strange to be somewhat thanking a demon that wanted to end the world. 

Ne zha tried to recall what he was going to do before he started to reminisce the past. Right, he was about to call Mk. It would help to know him better for future meet ups. He looked around for his phone and eventually saw it. Ne zha picked it up, unlocking the screen and going to his contacts. But he stopped, realizing he had no idea what he was going to say. He hadn't converse with anyone in a while that wasn't magic related business. 

He placed the phone down thinking of what to say. There wasn't much he could converse about. Usually whenever he and Chang'e talked she would be the one to initiate the conversation. Ne zha ponders for a moment, deciding he would ask how Mk is and try to continue the conversation about his work. And if the monkie kid did not answer he wouldn't call again and just leave it at that. 

The lotus prince took a deep breath and dialed the number. The device buzzed with sound, and continued for a few more seconds before- 

"Hello?" A familiar voice rang out from the other end. 

Ne zha felt relief but also dread when Mk answered. He took a deep breath before responding, "Mk hello, this is Ne zha." His voiced sounded restricted. Ne zha could feel the other's concern through the phone. 

"Ne zha? Is everything okay. You usually don't talk to me unless something bad happened or when Monkey King did something." Mk questioned. 

"No, nothing is wrong. I just... wanted to...talk." He cleared his throat. Listening for any noise when the phone went silent for a moment. "Oh! Really? I mean- I'm glad that you want to talk- its just that- well..." Mk struggled to explain. Ne zha just listened to the younger man's jumbled words. This was a bad idea. 

"No, I understand how unusual this is. I just wanted to do something...different. If that makes sense at all." Ne zha tried to clarify. He could hear Mk thinking. "No yeah! I get what you mean. Sort of." Mk half chuckled. Ne zha just hummed in response. 

"Anyway, how have you been? Is your wound healing alright?" Mk asks. 

"I've been alright. My wound is still healing just fine. It's starting to close up thankfully." Ne zha answers. "Thats good to hear! Me and Mei got worried after the whole- monster fight. You guys kinda left without saying much, and Mei has been trying to talk to Ao bing..." Mk expressed, trying his best not to over share. Ne zha perked at the mentioned of Mei. Ao bing must've still been upset if he's not answering anything from his cousin. Maybe he'll ask about it. 

"Yes well, I was concerned about Ao bing's well being. But I apologize for worrying you and your friend." Ne zha said apologetically. He could hear the other laugh lightly. "No its fine- I get it. I'm glad Ao bing has you as a friend. How is he by the way haven't heard much from him recently." Mk inquired, shuffling was heard over the phone 

"Ao bing has been doing well. He wasn't too injured so he went to work as usual." Ne zha responded, there really much else he could say and he certainly wouldn't mention what else happened that night. The brunette could feel his cheek burn in embarrassment at the memory. 

"That's good to hear! Oh- Actually, since I have you here. Do you think you could-" Mk cut himself and went quiet for a moment. It made Ne zha concern and before he could question the younger man he heard another voice speaking to Mk. He must've had company over and now knowing this made Ne zha feel a bit guilty. 

He could hear Mk give a heartfelt laugh at whoever was there, before returning to Ne zha. "Sorry about that." Mk half apologized, he sounded a bit bashful. Ne zha shook his head even though Mk couldn't see, "No its alright. I should be apologizing, I didn't know you had someone over. I could hang up if you'd like?" He asked as polite as he could. Ne zha hoped he hadn't interrupted anything. Maybe Mei had went to visit him, but the voice sounded a little more deeper than the dragon girl's. 

"Oh! No no! It's totally fine! I got a few minutes to chat." Mk reassured. "Besides they were just asking me where a keep my cups." 

That peaked Ne zha's curiosity. So this mystery person had stayed over? Mk must've been close with this person. "What was I saying again? I kind of forgot." Mk pondered. Ne zha could imagine him scratch his chin in thought, it made him slightly smile. "It was something a favor I believe." Ne zha chimed trying to help. 

"Oh right! I just wanted to ask if you know anything that could make people tell the truth? I'm trying to do an experiment with Monkey King and Macaque." Mk explains. Ne zha raised his brow confused. 

"You mean a truth serum? Unfortunately I don't have much knowledge on that. But I would highly advise not to use one." Ne zha punctuated. He could hear Mk grumble and try to argue. 

"I told you he would say no." Another voice joined, sounding a bit annoyed. Ne zha recognized the voice. "Oh hush Red! You know deep down you want to see what would happen if they did take a truth serum." The monkie kid huffed. 

So Red Son was with Mk. Interesting. 

"Mk." He called. 

"Yeah?" 

"Is Red son with you?" He asked, quirking a brow. 

"Uhhh, yeah." Mk hesitated. 

"I see. So I am interrupting something." He teased a little. "Oh- No! It's nothing like that- I mean it is. But like not in the way you're thinking. But if you're thinking what I'm thinking- then it is what you think- just not in the way-" Mk rambled, before he was promptly told to shut up by Red son. The younger brunette laughed in a nervous manner before he started to apologize to both Ne zha and Red son. 

Now that Ne zha thought about it. He hadn't heard from the young demon in quite a while, ever since Azure Lion attacked the Celestial realm. He had grown up to be a fine young man- well, in terms of demon aging. Ne zha finds himself missing the little spunky child he would take care of from time to time when Guanyin would leave for errands. Red son was a handful back then, the other deities would just make Ne zha deal with the demon child considering he had similar pyro abilities and was the only one Red son would actually listen to besides his mother. He had spent so much with the boy he was proclaimed as his uncle. 

"Mk if you wouldn't mind, would it be alright if I speak to Red son for a few minutes?" Ne zha asked. He wasn't sure if Red son would want to talk to him. 

The lotus had lost contact with the young demon before he found out about Demon Bull King being released from the mountain. It wasn't until Azure lion threatened to take over the celestial realm did they speak to each other again. But the red head didn't stick around after his parents were saved and so Ne zha didn't get a chance to talk with him. 

"Oh...yeah sure! Let me just-" Mk sounded confused and the request but quickly agreed. There was shuffling around, and a hushed voice trying to refuse while the other just tried to convince them. After a quick back and forth, there a quick sigh and the sound of the phone being placed somewhere else. 

There was a moment of silence until a voice rang out from the other line. "Hello?" They answered a bit wearly. Ne zha tensed a little at hearing Red son even though he had ask to speak with him.. 

"Hello Red son. It has been a while." The lotus prince greeted, hoping he didn't sound restrained. There was a quick pause. 

"Yes it most certainly has." Red son agreed flatly. It sounded like he didn't really want to talk. Ne zha understood, neither of them tried to contact each other for a long time. 

The lotus prince heard hushed scolding, most likely Mk. Red son must've been embarrassed as he grumbled a little before speaking. 

"How have you've been? I've heard you were on vacation, which I find quite odd considering you've never once taken a break." Red son asked. 

The lotus prince would always just have the young demon prince sit next to him as he sighed and read paperwork. The boy would always retaliate by burning scrolls when he got bored, and it tended to happen quite a lot. 

"I've been fine. And well...yes I am taking a break. Guanyin believed that I should rest until I recover. Which should be soon thankfully." Ne zha answer, resting a hand over his abodamen subconsciously. 

"Unfortunately Guanyin is right. If not for her you would have probably been worst by now." Red son hummed. The lotus prince had forgotten how firm Red son was.  A small smile tugged at Ne zha's face, "Yes, you are quite right." He amused. There a small hummed on the other line followed by silence. Both of them had a hard time keeping conversations going, usually having to rely on meditating when they were together. 

"How have you've been Red son? It has been a while since I've heard from you." Ne zha decides to ask, copying the fire demon. He might not get an answer but he would at least try. 

Red son let out a restrained sigh into the receiver. "There isn't much to tell, I've been busy helping my father create new dishes for his restaurant." He told, sounding disinterested. Ne zha couldn't help but frown at the tone the younger man gave him. However he couldn't complain, he wouldn't because this is what he gets for becoming distant. "Its nice to hear that Bull King is doing well. And I have no doubt that you're dishes are delectable. I'll have to visit your restaurant soon."  Ne zha compliments. 

"Well of course, I've creating nothing but the best." Red son huffed in pride. Ne zha could help but smile, the bull kid always loved receiving praises. He could hear Mk distinctively laugh at a distance. 

"I hope I'm not interrupting your plans with Mk. I did call abruptly." Ne zha said apologetically. He did feel bad for ruining anything, Red son didn't really have friends growing up, it was nice to hear that he was opening up to both Mk and Mei. 

"Its quite alright. You've might have actually saved me from watching a six hour long Monkey Cop marathon." Red son exasperated. Ne zha couldn't help but chuckle as he heard the monkie kid gasp and squawks at Red son. Then the fire demon let out a small laugh, that's a first. Ne zha was so used to his unhinged laughter or cackle, not once has he ever heard such a soft sound come from the bull prince. The only time he could recall the redhead being so soft was when he met some boy- 

Oh. 

He is interrupting something. 

"Yet you're willingly spending time together. Last time I recalled you saying- what exactly did you say? Ah yes, that 'spending time with people is a waste of time.' " Ne zha teased. He could hear Mk laughing, and could only imagine how embarrassed Red son must've been for being exposed. 

"Well its not- I didn't-" Red son stuttered. 

Ne zha stifled a chuckle as he heard the redhead panicking. If he was going to be rude might as well embarrass his nephew, how dare he speak to his shùshu with such attitude. That boy definitely had more of his mother's traits 

"Xiao Huo ba, I was only teasing. I'm sure Mk is good company. You were quite a shy child despite you're loud nature." Ne zha clarified. The other side went quiet all of a sudden. It made the lotus prince confused at the sudden silence, but quickly realized what he said. 

"Its been a while since you've called me that." Red son mumbled, loud enough for the other to hear him. "I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable." Ne zha was quick to apologize, he didn't want to lose Red son over a silly nickname he gave him when he was a toddler. 

"No. It didn't- it just...I just-" Red son struggled on what to say. Ne zha remained silent letting the redhead figure out what to say. The young demon always had a hard time trying to express his feelings through words, he had always found it easier to physically show them. Through a questionable amount of violence and fire. 

"It brought back unwanted memories." Red son said finally. The words stung a little. But he knew what he meant. Red son had always held a small grudge on the heavenly court. They were the reason his father had lived under a mountain. He wasn't even told what had happen a year later when he was allowed to visit his mother and found her a broken mess, lost without her husband. His anger caused great damage even when the samadhi fire was removed from him. Ne zha was sent to reason with him, but the young demon would not listen- rather didn't want to listen. Red son was the most upset with Ne zha. 

Because he had lied to him. 

It was the last time Ne zha saw the young man, until the day he managed to free his father. 

"I'm sorry." Ne zha apologize. He wasn't sure what exactly he was apologizing. Sorry for lying to him? Sorry for taking his powers? Sorry for taking him away from his family? Sorry for being a poor excuse of an uncle and not protecting him? There were so many things for him to be sorry about yet he couldn't say more than two words. 

He could hear a tired sigh, "It's alright. It's just a silly nickname, I know you didn't mean harm." Red son reassured, almost in a small soft tone. Too soft to be talking about a childhood nickname. It eases Ne zha's anxiety a little. 

"I'm sorry for not contacting you. Things had just been... a lot." Red son says. Ne zha sakes his head, "Don't be, I did the same thing. I should've tried to reach out more." He argued. Although he knew that Princess Iron Fan wouldn't have allowed. 

"Yes well... its in the past now. And- I...um, wouldn't be opposed to reconnect." Red son suggested with hesitation. Ne zha's heart surged with warmth. "Oh, that would be great." He tried not to sound too surprised or even excited of the idea. 

"Thats...good." Red son agreed. 

They grow quiet. 

Until Mk is heard calling from another room. It relieves the both of them and mentally thanked Mk. "Well if there isn't anything else you'd like to talk about, I must go. Mk has insisted I watch all of Monkey Cop." Red son drawls out the name with some disgust. Ne zha couldn't help but let out a laugh. 

"Well...I want to ask for a favor, you can decline of course if its too much." Ne zha hesitated, he felt bad asking for favors and he rarely ask for them unless it's extremely necessary. "Is there a chance I could possibly borrow your training grounds? I wouldn't be asking this from you if I wasn't temporarily dismissed from the celestial realm." He explained, his tone slightly pinched. 

"I suppose it won't be a problem as long as you don't strain yourself with whatever you plan on doing." Red son agreed, suspicion graced in his voice. Ne zha shakes his head, "I can assure you I won't. I just wanted to teach Ao bing a few things." He reassured. 

"Ao bing? As in Ao bing?" Red son inquired, surprised at the information he was just given. Before he could ask anything else he was interrupted by Mk. "You're gonna train Ao bing?! That's so cool of you!" Mk chimed in awe. 

"You know Ao bing?" Red son questioned, surprised to hear that the noodle employee even know who that is. 

"Yeah! Mei's cousin. Y'know blue hair, blue eyes, great fashion sense, and really pretty and Idefinitelydidn'thaveacrushonhimwhenIwastwelve- He's super nice! I thought you two meet already-" Mk rambled on. Red son had tuned him out quickly and went back to talk with Ne zha. 

"Clearly- I've missed a couple of things..."The young demon drawls out. The lotus prince could only imagine him rub his temple. "Yes, even I don't understand a few things." Ne zha confessed, sounding drained. "Perhaps I can try to explain some of it to you one day." Ne zha suggested, his voice hinted with amusement but was genuine nonetheless. 

"Yes that would be most useful." Red son amused. "Well, I must hang up soon. I did promise Mk to try to enjoy these films, as idiotic as they are." Red son whispered the last part, hoping for the brunette not to hear. Ne zha shook his head, "Then you shouldn't keep him waiting. It was nice to hear from you Red son. Take care of yourself." Ne zha departed. 

"To you aswell...Uncle. Goodbye." Red son says before he hung up, not waiting for Ne zha's response. The lotus prince was surprised to hear the demon prince call him that, but it made his chest swelled in affection toward the young man. 

Mean while in the small apartment of Mk the delivery boy and part time hero, Red son rubbed his temple before smoothing back his hair to keep it from bursting into flames. 

The monkie kid watched from the couch, chewing on popcorn. "Is everything okay?" Mk asked, voice slightly muffled as he stuffed more popcorn into his mouth. The redhead made his way towards the younger man, sitting down and let his head roll back, making him face upward toward the ceiling. 

"Why is it difficult for things to make sense." Red son questioned to no one. Mk moves around a little to position his body to rest against Red son's. "To be honest- I kind of just let things be and not question it." Mk shrugs, starting up the tv with remove as he nibbled on a piece of kettle. 

Red son looks down at the human next to him entraced by the tv. His eyes lighting up as disco pop music began to play. The demon prince smiles fondly at him as he let out a small huff of air. He wraps an arm around him and watches with him.

"So what was that about having a crush on Dragon girl's cousin?"

Little Ao bing watched from the shadows as two boys play together, laughing and running. Sadly he couldn't join them 

He isn't sure why he couldn't. He just knew something bad would happen if he did. The young boy was content enough to just watch, at least... that's what he told himself. But he really wanted to play too... 

It wasn't until one of the older boys took notice of him. He waved at him and motioned him to join them. The other boy looked over, uncertainty spread across his face. Yet he offered a hand for little Ao bing to take. 

With a small amount of hesitation he reached for the welcoming hand. But his hand was quickly snatched away from a bigger one. Forcefully yanking his body back, it cause his wrist to slightly burn in pain. 

Someone was yelling at him, scolding him for disobeying. He couldn't see who it was as his vision from the tears that threatened to fall. Then one of the boys had stepped in defeating little Ao bing. He pushed away the man causing him the let go of the little boy. As they argued, little Ao bing felt someone hug him from behind, the grip tighten in a protective manner. 

Why were they defending him? Ao bing didn't even know them- wait did he know them? They look familiar. 

The man was now yelling at the older boy. The two were in a heated argument, while little Ao bing was being guided away from the growing fight. 

He watched as the boy pushes the man away to keep him from following. The man looked down to him, he was furious. 

Ao bing eyes when he saw him raise his hand. 

He cried out and-

"Hey, Ao bing? Wake up dude." 

Ao bing rubs his eyes, and lets out incoherent grumbles. He winces as his neck began to throb in pain. Ao bing opens his eyes and is met with Kang... standing close to him than he would've liked. He supreses the urge to jump back, instead squint at his co-worker confused. 

"Oh hey Kang. Did you need something?" Ao bing yawned, stretching his body. 

"Oh- no. Everyone is almost done closing up, I just wanted to make sure you weren't left alone." Kang laughed. Ao bing gave him a friendly smile. The young man had always been kind toward him. Of course Ao bing would return the gesture here and there, but sometimes Kang could be... much. 

He had tried to voice his uneasiness countless times, but the guy would brush it off and attempt to 'apologize' by buying him luch or dinner. Ao bing gave up at some point but would always be firm with him if he over stepped. 

"Hah, thanks for making sure they didn't accidentally lock me in." Ao bing joked. Kang beamed, almost proudly. "No problem, you know I'd do anything for you." Kang boasted. Ao bing rolled his eyes playfully, as much as it made him inwardly cringe. "Thats good to know." He joked again. Ao bing got up and gathered all of his things. "Well then I better get going. It's getting late." Ao bing says, and makes his way towards the door. 

"I can walk you out if you'd like." Kang called out approaching Ao bing, unintentionally blocking his path. "No its fine, I don't want to bother you." Ao bing assured, slipping pass Kang and began to walk down the long hallway. 

"Its not a bother at all! It would be my pleasure to-" 

"Yo! Kang!" 

The two men look back and see Li Na standing by one of the doorways with a cart full of supplies. "Help me with this will you? I know you have at least an hour left before you're shift ends, you might as well do something." She huffs, slightly annoyed. 

"Looks like duty calls you. Have a goodnight Kang." Ao bing chuckled and pats Kang's arm. He waved at Li Na wishing her a good night and thoughtfully thanked her for the unintentional intervention.

Ao bing yawned as he unlock his front door, pushing it foward and quietly closing it to be mindful of Ne zha possibly asleep. But he knew he would still be awake, always making sure Ao bing had arrived home safely before going to bed. The aquarists smiled to himself as he saw the living room light on. "I'm home." He called out, voice dripping with delight. He slipped off his shoes and made his way into the room. 

"Welcome back." Ne zha greeted. 

"So how was your-" 

"Wait, wait! Don't come in yet!" 

Ao bing was just a corner away from the living room when he was stopped by Ne zha blocking his path with his hands up. It made him jump, his heart beating quickly at the sudden scare. "Geez! Is everything okay?" Ao bing asked, his eyes widen, "Please tell me you didn't set anything on fire?" His voice now panicked. 

"Oh- no, no! I just wanted to surprise you." Ne zha cleared up. Ao bing looked at him curious, "Well this is new, but certainly not unpleasant." Ao bing smirked playfully. The brunette blushed slightly embarrassed at the look he was given. He cleared his throat, "I just thought, I would...give you something. For all you've done for me." 

Ao bing was taken aback but he quickly composed himself and smiled softly. "You didn't have to get me anything Ne zha. I'm happy helping you." Ao bing voiced. 

"Yes but I wanted to get you something. You've worked hard to make sure I'm alright and you took me in when you didn't even know me that well." Ne zha countered. "Its the least I could do for you're hard work." He affirmed. Ne zha offered out his hand for Ao bing to take. He gingerly took it, suppressing a grin to form on his face as he was guided into the living room. His heart gave a flutter with how gentle the brunette was being with him. 

"I have to admit I'm a little nervous." Ao bing confessed, chuckling to hide the anxiousness in his voice. 

"After getting to know a bit, I noticed you tend to get yourself in trouble a lot with beings that could quite literally kill you." Ne zha comments instead, hoping that it would ease the other. "Yeah, but you're always there to stop that." Ao bing reminded, with confidence. Ne zha tried his best not to roll his eyes, "And I feeling that you won't stop throwing yourself into trouble." He countered. 

The lotus prince let go of his hand, walking over to the couch and motion Ao bing to get closer. He did so, as his curiosity began to grow with every step he took. "Unfortunately, I won't always be there to help and so I've decided to give you this." He lifted the item from the couch and presented it to Ao bing. The blue head gaped in awe at the gift. 

It was a spear. 

It's handle was sapphire blue, there was a blue ribbon wrapped snuggly around the middle with some of it hanging off as decor. The tip of the blade itself looked to be made of silver, shaped similar to a crescent moon, it gleamed under the light and caused it to create a blue glow. It was too beautiful to be used as a weapon. 

Ao bing grazed over the item, he covered his mouth as he gazed at it. This made the lotus prince anxious and uncertain with how quiet the other was being. 

"Do you...like it?" His voiced quivered slightly. His heart beating rapidly as he waited. 

"Like it? Ne zha I love it!" Ao bing beamed. Ne zha felt his heart skip and relaxed at the answer. "Could I hold it?" He asked, his eyes filled with excitement. The brunette felt his face flush as he stared into the blue head's eyes. They were filled with so mich joy and life. He quickly snapped out of it when he realized he'd been quiet for too long. "Oh! Yes, you can. Just be careful it's a bit heavy." Ne zha answered, carefully putting the weapon into the other's awaiting hands. 

Ao bing held the weapon with both his hands until he settled with the weight and quickly switch to one hand as he awed the item and brushed the handle with the other. The weapon was beautiful and fit with Ao bing's aesthetic unsurprisingly. It shone underneath the light making the blue head feel giddy. He looked back at Ne zha and smiled widely. "Its really beautiful." Ao bing compliments. Ne zha felt his ear flick, quickly smacking his hand over it to hide it, he always hated when it did that. The blue head however, seemed to enjoy it as he supresed a laugh to the reaction he received. 

"I am glad, you um- like it." Ne zha stuttered. Unsure how to continue the conversation- he really was terrible at socializing. He shifted his weight on to his left foot, trying to figure out what else to say. 

"Its a shame I won't use it much." Ao bing sighed, disappointment graced his features even as he tried to smile. The brunette frowned at the statement. "I'm usually told to stay back during fights, I know it's out of care but still..." He explained, cutting himself off. Ne zha furrowed his brows, as much as he would want Ao bing to stay out of danger, he knew that it wouldn't be possible considering who he is and who his family is. 

"Well, I wouldn't say that." He said. Ao bing looked at the lotus prince. "I figured...it would also be good if I trained you. So you would at least know how to defend yourself." Ne zha declared. He couldn't help but smile as the blur head's eyes lit up with shock, but then quickly turned into excitement. 

"Really!?" He exclaimed, gripping the staff in his hands. Ne zha nodded, almost proudly. "Yes really. You have a lot of potential." He comments. Ao bing wasn't a weak person, he's determined to help whenever he could even when it seemed small, and he was kind yet fierce when he wanted to be. 

"However, I don't recommend going into a fight unless absolutely necessary- umph!" Ne zha was cut off when a body was pushed against his. He held the other in place, trying to keep the both of them steady. He placed both hands on Ao bings waist surprised at the reaction he received. 

"You don't have any idea how much this means to me. Thank you Ne zha." Ao bing said, squeezing Ne zha's neck slightly. The brunette's hands trembled as he tried to keep his heart steady. He took a deep breath before returning the gesture. "Of course, anything for you." He said with a soft tone. The held each other, unsure of letting go. The silence was comforting to the both of them. Eventually, Ne zha let go first. 

"I figured we could start your training next week on your day off." The brunette suggested. He had keep note of when Ao bing would have days off, it's was a little creepy but in his defense he was left alone with his own thoughts. 

"That would be great!" Ao bing agreed. 

"Okay then, next week it is then." Ne zha repeated, nodding his head. They stood infront of each other, neither moving away and looking around the room waiting to talk more. It wasn't until Ao bing spoke up. "So um... where should I put this?" Ao bing gestured to the spear with both hands. He was worried about storing it in the closet or wondered if it would fit under his bed. Both options made him upset at the thought of shunning away the beautiful gift he was given. 

"Oh! This would be great opportunity." Ne zha chimed. He gestured for Ao bing to pass the weapon to him, and the latter did so. Curios to see what the brunette would do. "Okay, it might take a few tries for you to get it, but I asked Guanyin to add a special feature." He explained as he extended the weapon out with one hand facing away from Ao bing. "All you need to do is focus on the weapon, clench it about two times and then-" Ne zha let go of the weapon, catching itself before glowing and bending into a circle. Then shrunk down into Ne zha's awaiting hand. 

Ao bing's eyes were wide, his mouth was slightly gapped. He was quiet impressed with the demonstration. Ne zha turned to face him, and showed the object in his hand. The once elegant spear was now a sparkling ring. 

"That was really cool. How did you even do that?" Ao bing cheered as he looked around the extended hand like he was looking for some sort of trick. 

"Its not too difficult, you'll get the hang of it quickly." Ne zha shrugged. He stretched out his other hand and offered it to the blue head. Ao bing looked confused but took his hand either way.  

The lotus prince gently brought their hand closer to him and had Ao bing lay his palm flatly against his own. He then placed the ring onto one of his fingers making sure the ring was secured and snug. He held the hand in place for a while, admiring the ring that now resided on the blue haired male's stunning and soft hand. 

"This way you won't lose it and have it with you at all times." He looked up and they locked eyes with each other. Ao bing eyes were big and bright, his face was slightly pink. Ne zha has come to be infatuated with his eyes. "You could also wear it as a necklace, if you find it more comfortable. " He cleared his throat, letting the hand slip from his hold. His own face turning red as he looked away. 

Ao bing blinked a few times before looking down to his hand. He smiled as he raised it up to his eye level and looked at it with delight as it glimmered under the light. "Its really beautiful, thank you Ne zha." He beamed, voice was smooth and soft like silk. The brunette couldn't help but let his gaze soften. 

It always amazed Ne zha how he hadn't gotten tired of gazing at Ao bing. But how could he? The third son was always so captivating to the lotus prince. His long hair that felt like silk under its touch. His skin that would make porceling doll jealous with how perfect he looked. But what Ne zha enjoyed the most was his eyes. He loved how expressive they were, especially when he would smile. It always made his heart skip when he would smile, sometimes even stop when the smile was directed at him. 

How much he yearned to be with him. 

"There's one more gift for you." He said hoarsely. He had stared at Ao bing longer than he wanted to. The blue head turned to him. His big ocean eyes stared at him with curiosity. Ne zha really needed to control himself. 

He cleared his head as he walked over to the coffee table and grabbed a wrapped box. Ne zha presented the box to Ao bing, slightly raising the box to encourage the other to open it. Ao bing understood and gently took the lid of the box off. He peered into the box and gasped. 

It was a a golden and jade sea turlte, floating above crystal wave. Ao bing wasn't sure what type of gemstone the bottom part was, it shined a light of white almost blinding the blue head. 

He looked up at Ne zha with an unsure smile. "Ne zha this is really nice." He said, "But it's too much." He hid a wince when he saw Ne zha frown slightly. 

"You've done a lot for me. It's only fair to give you more back." Ne zha countered. "Also...it is an apology gift. For accidentally breaking your other turtle." He added shyly. Ao bing shook his head, trying not to chuckle. 

"I already forgave you. You really didn't have to." Ao bing tried to reason. He dd have to admit that the piece was very beautiful, but he just felt awkward taking it from the lotus prince after he was already given a gift. 

"And as I said before- I want to give you this." Ne zha argued. Ao bing looked at the item with hesitation and made no move to grab it, afraid he might break it somehow. "Would it help that it would make me very happy?" Ne zha tried, even giving a big exaggerated smile. This caused a reaction from the blue head, he looked up at him and snorted, shaking his head. "It does help actually." Ao bing jested. He carefully took the fragile sculpture from Ne zha, caught off guard by the weight he almost drop it. He smile widen when he got a closer look at the turtle. 

"Its stunning." He mumbled. "Thank you Ne zha." He looked up at him with a gentle smile. "Of course." Ne zha nodded returning the smile. 

Ao bing cradled the object with great care as he walked away from Ne zha. "I'm going to put it in my room, I'll be back." Ao bing called. 

Ne zha nodded staying in place. He had thought it was strange that Ao bing wouldn't want to keep the turtle in his living room- but then he saw it. The empty space with boxes filled with things. 

Maybe he should've got him a new shelf instead. 

"Hey just wondering," Ao bing came back into the room. "Should I be worried about the ring possibly turning into a spear when I'm working? Because that is going to be stuck in my head- like everyday." Ao bing tapped at his chin wondering. 

"No, that shouldn't happen. Not unless you wan it to." He responded with a shrug. 

Ao bing looked at him. "What'cha mean?" He asked with curiosity. Ne zha forced himself to not smile every time Ao bing tilted his head when he was interested in something. "Well sometimes magical weapons will respond to it owner when they feel threaten. They have a mind of their own in way." Ne zha responded. "In your case it'll only react to when you want it to react." 

Ao bing looked down at his hand, fiddling with the ring. "That's cool." He hummed feeling the cool metal shift around his finger. "How long did it take you to switch between weapon size?" Ao bing asked in curiosity as he made his way to sit on the couch. Ne zha followed, "Possibly around a week or less. It's an easy spell." Ne zha answered easily with a shrug. 

"It sounds easy, but..." Ao bing hesitated to ask. Yet Ne zha waited patiently for him to continue, leaning back into the couch. "If you've notice...I don't really have magic." He said almost defeated. The brunette frowns at this, sitting straight. 

"That isn't an issue." Ao bing looked at him in surprise, tilting his head slightly. 

"Many great monks and warriors started off with little to no magic." Ne zha told him. "They only had their strength and knowledge to guide them on their paths. Of course it was difficult, but it had to be in order to progress." Ne zha put his hand on Ao bing's shoulder. 

"So don't worry about not having any magic. It'll grow and become strong." He encouraged. "You think so?" Ao bing looked at him skeptically. 

"Of course, I wouldn't lie to you." Ne zha gaze soften. The blue head returned the look and smiled. "Thanks Ne zha." He gave the other a side hug, "I'm glad you can be honest with me." 

The lotus prince looked away as he felt himself tense. He hesitantly looked back at Ao bing, now confused at his sudden change in demeanor. "Unless...there's something you aren't telling me?" Ao bing inquired. 

Ne zha stayed silent. He wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't easy what he did want to say- he just couldn't. He was afraid to say it. 

"I want to tell you. But...I'm not sure how or if I can." He whispered, there was slight tremor in his voice. It made the blue head worry. "It's okay if you can't tell me." He put a hand on his shoulder. "I can handle not knowing things." He shrugged, a gesture he hoped would reassure Ne zha. 

Ne zha digged his fingers into the fabric if his pants. He wanted to protest, he wanted to tell him everything not caring about the consequences. Yet his heart and mind were at war with each other of what to do. 

"I don't want to keep secrets from you." He mumbled. He wasn't sure fo he wanted Ao bing to hear him or not. The hand on his back began to rub in a soothing circular motion. "Then tell me when you're ready. I can wait." Ao bing decided. The suggestion made Ne zha relax but he still felt guilty for not telling his friend. So he just nodded not trusting his voice. 

With a couple pats of reassurance on his back, Ao bing got up from the couch going to the kitchen. Ne zha sighs to himself, dragging his hands over his face. Why was it so hard to tell him? 

He had already decided that he would leave Ao bing alone after he recovered, so why did he even bother? 

It wouldn't fix anything. It would probably cause Ao bing to go crazy with power and freeze everything- yet he doubted that possibility. Or get him introuble with heaven. Ao bing could be put under a mountain or, trapped in a scroll, or be sent to the underworld- 

Ne zha took a deep breath. 

'Calm down, you're spiraling again.' Ne zha told himself, rubbing his head in frustration. He looked to the kitchen and saw Ao bing preparing water to boil, a smile graced his lips. 

'Ao bing seems happy in this life.' 

'Do you think he deserves this happiness?' 

Guanyin's words echod in his head. Ao bing did seem happy, he's almost never seen him upset. The guy smiles literally every day. So why would he want to ruin his life by telling the truth? 

Yeah that's it. 

Ne zha is protecting Ao bing from his past. He doesn't need to know about his family, its not like they've made an effort to find him since he's been dead for centuries. 

.... 

He's a horrible friend.

He's going to tell him. Its the right thing to do. Sure Ao bing might hate him forever and never want to see him again- but! At least he got to stay with him for this long. And it'll only make him cry for a couple of days since he already lost his friend. No big deal! He's got this! 

"Ao bing." Ne zha called him, catching the latter's attention. "There is something important you should know. And I'm not sure if it'll change your opinion of me." Ne zha starts off, his hands shaking slightly as he balls them into a fist. Ao bing looks at him worried. "But...I'm glad to have been your friend for this long." 

"Ne zha what's wrong? You're starting to worry me." Ao bing says walking to the threshold of the kitchen to get closer to the nervous man. 

"The truth is that I-" 

There was a knock at the door. 

The two of them look down the hallway and then at each other confused. Ao bing makes the first move, he walks down the hallway and Ne zha follows behind him. The blue haired man looks through the peephole to see that- 

"No one's outside." Ao bing shares an odd look with Ne zha. Without much hesitation he opens the door to investigate. He looks to the right before turning to look down the left hall and his eyes widen in disbelief. The brunette looks outside in the same direction as his friend, his face morphs into surprise. 

There was a cabinet in the middle of the hall way. It was an antique with six shelfs, french carved and appeared to be made of mahogany or dark oak. 

The two of them stand by the dood way, mouth agape in denial about a nice looking bookshelf just sitting right outside their apartment. Then turned to each other, unsure of what to do. "Whay is there a cabinet in the hallway?" Ao bing asked, trying to see if there was anyone in the hallway who might've left it. Ne zha just stares at it, as if he was expecting it to have the answer to why it was just sitting there. He glances to the side of the furniture and see that there is a note. 

Ne zha grabs it, quickly reading the small message. He let out a tired groan as he dragged a hand down his face. Ao bing peeks over to see the note. 

'For your hard work of taking care of little Ne zha.' 

Ao bing lets out a soft chuckle and shakes his head. "How did they know I needed a new shelf?" Ao bing joked as he admired the antique. Ne zha grumbles, he felt his face heat up with embarrassment. Guanyin just loved to mettle with his life. 

"Oh! What were trying to tell me earlier? It sounded important." Ao bing asked, turning to face his friend as ran a hand through the polished wood. This could be his chance, to make things right. But- 

"It can wait." Ne zha deflects. He'd have other chances to tell Ao bing. 

The blue haired man looked at him with skepticism, but turned away with a shrug murmuring a 'if you say so.' And stared at the dilemma they now faced. 

"How are we going to fit this through the door?" 

Sometimes Ne zha believed that the universe was punishing him.

Chapter Text

Ao bing stirred at someone calling his name and knocking from his door.

The blue head check his phone and groaned, it was 6 in the morning and he was exhausted. He had stared his training with Ne zha about two weeks now. It wasn't too terrible however. The lotus prince was very clear with his instructions, and made sure their route matched with Ao bing's skills.

He had taken fencing when he was much younger. His Aunt and Uncle made sure him and Mei had extracurricular activities whenever they weren't being tutored. Fencing was one of the few sports he enjoyed growing up. But he stopped enjoying it when rumors about his background started to spread and fencing wasn't as fun anymore.

But he was glad he took fencing now, seeing as it helped with his training. Ne zha had been impressed with his foot work being so precise and elegant. It filled Ao bing with glee knowing that he was doing well in the brunette's eyes.

There was another knock at his door, slightly louder than the first time. Ao bing rolled onto his back letting out another groan. "Yeah I know! I'm going, I'm going." Ao bing called out, he stretched his whole body until his back let out a satisfying crack. Although training is going well, he was exhausted. It didn't help that sometimes he'd have work a few hours after training, completely sore. He didnt have work today so training was longer. Lucky him.

He let out a final yawn before finally starting to get ready. He brushed out his hair and tied it into a messy bun. Then put on a pair of black sweatpants, a white shirt, and blue hoodie for the early cold. Ao bing opens the door and sees Ne zha lean against the opposite wall.

"Do you have to do this every time?" Ao bing grumbled as he rubbed the tiredness from his eyes. "What kind of teacher would I be if I didn't?" He replied with a playful tone and a small grin. Ao bing rolled his eyes and stretched his arms up.

"Okay then coach, what's on the agenda today?" He flashed him a smile. Ne zha just shakes his head, "I don't understand why you keep calling that." He huffs. It's not like he hates the name, it just sound strange coming from Ao bing. "I'm just having a little bit of fun." Ao bing shruggs with a grin. Ne zha shakes his head again, accompanied with a sigh.

They walk off into the kitchen to start the day. Ao bing made a light breakfast for the both of them and they ate silently. It wasn't long until Ao bing conversed with Ne zha.

"Li Na has been asking about you." He comments and takes a bite of egg. Ne zha looked up at him confused with his spoon half way into his mouth. "Why? I've only meet her once." He asked. Ao bing shrugs, "Dunno, she's just been wondering how we know each other." He said, swallowing the rest of his food. "Maybe she likes you?" He had tried to sound teasing but it came out more strained than he had wanted.

"She didn't really seem interested in me..." He argued and felt himself flush remembering his conversation with the girl. "What did you tell her?' He asked. Ao bing had a frown but quickly change his expression, "About what?"

"About how we met." Ne zha clarified.

"Oh, I just said we meet through Mk and made up a whole story. It's really good." Ao bing claimed, grinning. The brunette rolled his eyes and drinks his coffee. "Maybe you can tell me after practice. Which reminds me..." He got up from his chair and looked around.

"What are you looking for?" Ao bing watched him.

"Your spear. I want you to try training with it this time." Ne zha responded as he found a small jewel box on one of the shelves, looking inside it. "Is that safe? It's in my drawer next to my bed." Ao bing got up and cleaned the table.

"Well weapons aren't supposed to be safe. But you can be cautious with them." He came out of the hallway with a small pouch with little whale shark patterns. He gave it to the blue head, who put it in his pocket. "I know that...it's just- I guess I'm nervous about actually using it." Ao bing confessed. He grabbed his bag as Ne zha came into the room.

"I'll be there to help, don't worry." Ne zha offered his hand to Ao bing. The latter smiled and took the offering hand. "I'm glad."

The two of them were consumed by pink flames.

The first time they had telepoted, Ao bing had his eyes tightly shut worried about ash getting into them. It was unexpected. He hugged Ne zha arm when he felt his body feel light for a second, like his organs had suddenly flown up.



"You can open your eyes, we're here." Ne zha told him nudging his shoulders to catch the others attention. The latter did as he was told, squinting at the sudden change of light. He looked around and saw that they were in a forest. Infront of them was a clearing with stone path that led to a gazebo surrounded by trees. The sun shone brightly under the two with a light breeze, as birds chirped and a stream could be heard nearby. Ao bing felt at peace standing in the moment. "Its really nice out here." He hummed, slowly letting go of Ne zha as he looked around. "How'd you find this place?" He asked crouching by a patch of flowers.

"It actually belongs to Red son, he let me borrow it." He responded setting the bag down on the steps of the gazebo watching Ao bing brush his hand lightly over the pedals of a narcissus. "I didn't know you were friends with Red son." Ao bing commented walking over to join Ne zha.

"He's my nephew actually." Ne zha corrected. Ao bing looked surprised, "Really? Didn't know you two were related." He inquired.

"We're not. But I took take of him when he was young. His first words were Shùshu." Ne zha remembred fondly grabbing his wooden staff and offered the other a copy.  "Thats so cute." Ao bing cooed, imagining a little Red son with Ne zha being all adorable. The blue head smiles at the thought. Ne zha definitely looked like the type that was good with kids.

The brunette ears flicked in embarrassment as his he felt his face flush. "Yes well... let's get started shall we!" Ne zha announced loudly. Ao bing chuckled and followed.



The sound of clanking wood echoed across the vast forest. Ao bing stepped back as Ne zha thrust his staff towards him, then made a swift move to his left to avoid another attack. The brunette quickly change his direction but the other ducked down and lightly jabbed his weapon on Ne zha's torso. The brunette huffed impressed and how quick Ao bing was improving. They had taken things slow but processed a little faster when Ao bing got the hang of blocking and dodging.

"Okay, I think we should take a quick break." Ne zha decided. Ao bing nodded wordless as he took deep breaths.

They sat down at the small pavilion. The brunette offered water to the blue head as he took it gratefully. In return he offered a banana, the latter took it.

"You've been getting better these last few days." Ne zha commented, peeling his banana and taking a bite.

"Thats because I have a awesome teacher." Ao bing grins. Ne zha shoved him lightly making the other laugh, his face was flush red.

"I really am grateful for you doing this." Ao bing mumers, his lips pressed the rim of his bottle. Ne zha glances at him before turning away, "Its nothing really." He said in a hushed tone.

"Well it means a lot to me. So thanks for doing this with me." Ao bing bumped they're shoulders and knees together, sitting close together. Ne zha closes his eys for a moment, remembering a similar time like this.

"I have never seen fireworks before."

Flashes of light filled the dark sky, aluminating their silhouettes.

"They're beautiful."

The dragon glaces at him, his lips quirk in a small smile, making his sharp features look soft. He shuffles to get closer to him. Their shoulders touch and their knees brush against each other. The dragon leans his face close to the other's his breath tickling his ear.

"Thank you for sharing this moment with me."



"Of course." Ne zha answers, his smile small. He looks away and finishes his snack. Ao bing moved back, feeling foolish after the brunette's reaction. His face flushed with embarrassment. "Should we keep going?" Ao bing cleared his throat. The lotus prince nodded.


"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Ao bing asked holding his staff in a tight grip. Ne zha rolled his eyes, "Ao bing, you aren't a child. I'm here if anything goes wrong, you'll be fine." He kept reassuring his friend. Ao bing felt his hand shake as his grip tighten. He felt...scared? He isn't sure what he feels but it's making his heart race. He took a deep breath hoping to calm the nerves.

"What did you want me to do again?" He asked.

"Just do everything I taught you but with you're staff." Ne zha told him. Ao bing just looked at him, exasperated. That totally helped.

But he listened to the deity either way. Switching the staff from one hand to another and slashing the air. The weight was a little off, but Ao bing was getting the hang of it. Even being bold enough to throw the spear in  the air as high as he could, it spined in the air for a few seconds before it fell downz Ne zha wqs about to yell at him but he caught the staff with one hand. Ne zha looks at him in disbelief and Ao bing returns the expression.

"...How did you..."

"I have no idea- I just...did it?" Ao bing shruggs, panic hidden in his voice. It was really dangerous for him to do that- he could've lost his freaking hand!
"Maybe I'm secretly talented." Ao bing boasted, hopping to hide his nervous demeanor and spined the staff in his hand. Only to then bonkers himself in the head with the handle and let's out a small 'ow' as he rubbed the growing pain on his head.

Ne zha's stare went from surprise to unamused as he watched. "Let not push it, I don't want you losing a limb just to show off." He says, yet Ao bing can't help but notice that he's eyeing him and keeping some distance between them.

"Aw you're worried about me." Ao bing teased, he fluttered his eyelashes for good measure. Ne zha rolled his eyes, trying to look annoyed but his ears gave him away as they flicked slightly and turned red. "Let's keep going."




They kept going for another three hours before taking another break.

They sat quietly, munching on the apples Ao bing had brought. There was a few noises that filled the air, mostly birds chirping and leaves rustling against the wind. Ao bing took a glance at Ne zha. His eyes down casted to the ground below picking at the grass.

"Are you tired?"

Ne zha looked up startled.

"No, just thinking." He responded.

"About what?"

Ne zha glance was short this time, going back to picking at the grass. "About home I suppose." He murmurs. Ao bing messes with the stem of his apple, "Oh right... you're going home soon!" Ao bing chirped, his voice felt strained however. He looked down at the ground with a stiff smile.

Right...Ne zha was leaving soon, he had gotten accustom to the lotus prince presence. The two of them just watching TV or talking about anything- well mostly Ao bing, Ne zha just listens and gives some of his opinion. He had especially enjoyed it when they ate together, sometimes Ne zha helped with the cooking but would mostly watch Ao bing cook. It felt wrong to Ao bing thinking of those moments without Ne zha in them anymore.

"I'm glad." Ao bing chimed, "you're always so on eager about going home." He laughed. Ne zha let's out a hum, his brows furrow. Ao bing nudges his shoulder, "You could visit when you have free time. Or should I go visit you?" He began to ponder.  The brunette looks at him, letting out a huff. "I doubt you even know how to get to the celestial realm." He mused.

"I could always ask Monkey King to take me." Ao bing answered grinning.

"Please never ask him." Ne zha dreaded having to deal with the immortal monkey, he's already been banned more than five times but continued to roam around the heavenly realm.

Ao bing laughed as the brunette looked at him with exhaustion.

"Well, I could always call you instead." Ao bing concluded, taking another bite of his apple. Ne zha frowned again. "Right." He said in a flat tone.

Ne zha didn't want to remember that right now.

The lotus prince got up, stretching his arms above his head. He turned to face the blue head leaning his body on the base of a tree. "Let's get back to it." Ne zha told him. Ao bing let out a small groan, "Didn't we just sat down?" He whined. The brunette rolled his eyes at him. "You already took an hour break, and it's been 20 minutes already, so c'mon get up." Ne zha argued, they would only have about a 40 minutes of sunlight and the lotus prince would like to leave before then. "It won't be too long either way just 30 minutes. It will be a quick spar." He tried to reason when he saw Ao bing beginning to pout like a little kid. The blue head eventually gave in letting out a loud sigh.

"Fiiine." He exaggerated. He quickly ate the last piece of his apple and grabbed his staff.



They stood infront of each other, a distance away. Ne zha makes the first move, quickly stepping towards Ao bing and swings. The other is quick enough to block the attack, their staffs echo along the forest. Ao bing retreats a few steps back before he swing his weapon. Just like his friend he blocks. They go about this pattern a couple of more times before Ne zha does a counter attack. It hits Ao bing on his side, the latter let's out a small yelp. Thankfully it wasn't too hard, Ne zha held in a small chuckle at the other's reaction, but it still made the brunette feel a little bad.

Ao bing tried to do the same thing but Ne zha had manage to catch it and move out of the way before lightly smacking the back of Ao bing. The blue head let's out noise and hunched over. Ne zha froze when he heard a hiss that sounded in pain. "Ao bing are you-" He didn't finish as Ao bijg quickly turned around aiming his staff at the lotus prince head. It barely grazed his skin. He looked at the other in complete shock. The latter was grinning ear from ear and he bonked him on the head.

Ne zha felt himself get embarrassed, "I can't believe you trick me!" He gasped.

"Its called misdirection.  And I can believeyou fell for that!" Ao bing laughed.

"No its not! And I thought I hurt you!" He argued, offended. His ears flicked.

"Oh c'mon!" Ao bing rolled his eyes, "you're not even being rough with me." He teased twirling his staff. "You would even do anything if I did this."

Ne zha looked at him confused, but it quickly turned to surprise when Ao bing raised his hand and reached out to him. He stood there completely frozen, he had no idea what Ao bing trying to do. Was he about caress his face!? As the hand got closer Ne zha's panic rose higher. He didn't know what he could do so he shut his eyes and waited for Ao bing to-

"Yoink!"

Ne zha opened his eyes, they went wide as he saw Ao bing's hand holding a red ribbon.

His hair was lose. Ao bing took one of his ribbons.

"Hey!" Ne zha reached over to him menacingly. Ao bing quickly ran away from him.

Ne zha knew he could easily catch him, but he decided to let Ao bing think he was safe for a moment. He could hear the other laughing his head off, honestly where was all this energy a few minutes ago. The lotus prince shrugged the thought away and used his speed to get in front of the other.

But to his surprise, Ao bing had somehow manage to slide right underneath him and quickly got up to hide by the gazebo. He stood there dumbfounded.

"How'd did you-"

"When you live in a rich family, they make you take tons of weird sports!" He answered.

"Did you really need my help then!?" Ne zha questioned. His answer was a chuckle.

This time before Ne zha ran over to him, he timed where he would be. He waited until Ao bing was on the other side of the small temple, he was right infront of him and-

In a flash, Ne zha tackled Ao bing, earning him an 'oof' He grinned to himself and-

Ne zha realized the mistake he made.  Both had them tumbled down the small hill. They rolled down, the world spinning for a moment, the lotus prince kept a firm grip on the marine biologist.

SPLASH

They landed in the small stream, water splashed all around them. Ne zha took most of the damage but Ao bing still manage to get wet as water flew everywhere. They sat up looking at each other, drenched. The blue head was the first to react and began to laugh hysterically.

Ne zha sat up and frowned, he splashed water into the other man's face. It made the latter freeze and cough as some water got in his nose. Ne zha snorted and began to laugh as well.

They messed with each other a little longer before calling it a day.




"What do you want to eat?" Ao bing asked from the living room as he brushed out his damp hair.

Ne zha came into as he dried his hair with a towel, he shrugged. "I'm fine with whatever you want."

Ao bing was about to respond but his mouth was shut tight when Ne zha came into without a shirt. It wasn't necessarily strange as Ao bing had seen him shirtless, but it was the first time Ne zha was voluntary shirtless. He turned away quickly. "Uh- how about Pigsy's?" He coughed.

Ne zha hummed an 'okay' as he placed the towel around his neck and made his way over to the mortal. Ao bing just looked at the ground trying to get his thoughts in order as he gently dried his hair.

He looked up as a figure stood infront of him blocking the light. Ne zha stood beside him, his face tinted a light pink. "Do you..." He started off. Ao bing tilted his head and waited.

"Do you think... you could brush my hair?" He timidly asked, scratching his head. Ao bing took a moment to process. Ne zha would never ask him to brush his hair. Ao bing would always be the one to ask. The brunette stood there awkwardly, shifting his footing as he waited for an answer. He looked shy.

Ao bing found it adorable.

"Yeah! Could you sit on the ground?" Ao bing beamed, trying to ignore his heart squeezing at his previous thought.  He reached for a pillow and placed it on the floor right infront of him. The lotus prince was quick to obey and sat on the ground with his back facing Ao bing.


The blue head caress the deity's hair and ran his hand through the damp locks. His heart hammered against his chest, he isn't sure why. Well- he knows why but it felt odd, but in a good way. Ne zha was a good guy and attractive so it isn't a surprise to have a small crush on him.

Yet it felt like more than a crush. The prince was always so careful around the mortal, and never hesitated to protect him. Heck, he had even protected him when they were complete strangers. He's just always felt drawn to the deity ever since.

As he was lost in thought, Ao bing didn't even realized that he was done. But continued to mindlessly run his fingers through Ne zha's hair. The brunette didn't seem to mind as he stayed in place.

Suddenly, without thinking, Ao bing moved his hand to cares Ne zha's jaw. The deity looked up at him, the others touch following suit. The blue head stared into the others eyes, they shone like pink topaz under the light. The lotus prince face flushed red, confused and flustered as the sudden change. He let himself lean back into the couch as both hands caressed his jaw. Ao bing couldn't help but think the lotus prince looked pretty. His gaze landed on the brunette's lips

Without hesitation, Ao bing lead down and-

Ne zha pulled away from his touch. His arm hits the table infront of them. The brunette stared at him, his eyes wide in panic. Ao bing stared back, his brain catching up with what he just did. He covers his mouth.

"I...Ne zha- I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me, I just-" Ao bing struggled to explain.  His heart was racing uncontrollably. He jumped when Ne zha stood up.

"Let's get ready to go." Ne zha flatly said. His eyes avoided looking at him. Ao bing heart stopped racing, instead it felt like it was cracking.

"Right...okay." He managed to mumble. But Ne zha hadn't waited for his answer as he was already leaving to bathroom.

Ao bing was left alone in the living room, it was eerily quiet. He was fine. He had been rejected before. But... tears pricked his eyes

Why did it hurt so much.

It felt different than the other times. His heart felt like it was being ripped out of him. His spine also began to burn. It burned so much than other times.
He covered his mouth with both of his hands to stop himself from letting out a pained sobbed.

Ne zha had looked with such distaste. He couldn't- no he wouldn't even look at him.

He took a deep breath as the pain kept pulsing all the way into his body. What did he expect, he tried to kiss him out of nowhere. He was pathetic. Being friends was enough, so why did he do that?

Something was pulling him to do it, almost begging for to. 'Idiot! Stupid! Why di you even-!' He thought to himself as he gripped him hair. The pain surged to his head. Ao bing had manage not to cry despite the pain he was in.

Taking one last deep breath, he got up ignoring the pain coursing his body. Ao bing went to his room and got ready. He had lost his appetite but he didn't want to be here right now.

Ne zha had gotten out of the bathroom by the time Ao bing was done. He was waiting by the front door, silent. The two of them put on their shoes quietly and left the apartment.



They couldn't look at each other for the rest of the night.


And it hurt. 

Chapter Text

It's been a couple of days since the...incident.

And they haven't fully gone back to their normal routine. They didn't talk as much during breakfast or dinner. Ne zha wouldn't greet Ao bing when he got home, only sometimes mumbling a hello. He'd also tried not to be in the same room as the blue head, avoiding long interaction and would flinch whenever they accidentally touch.

It was really starting to bother Ao bing. He'd lock himself in his room whenever he was feeling extremely terrible. Sometimes he dreaded coming out because he believe Ne zha would be gone. He knows the deity is leaving soon. Ne zha had told him, by the end if the week he would leave.

It's already been three days since he told him, meaning he only had one day left with the lotus prince.

And they weren't even talking.

Ao bing's frown deepen at the thought. He layed on his back looking up at the ceiling of his room. He couldn't hear anything from outside which could mean Ne zha was meditating or doing nothing. Or may be he left already not wanting to stay any longer with Ao bing.

He let out a sigh in frustration, remembering what he had done days prior. Ao bing really couldn't believe he had done that. He tried to kiss Ne zha! And worst he got rejected.

Ao bing grabbed his pillow from underneath and lowered his face into it as he quickly turned red from embarrassment, letting out a scream as quiet as he could, kicking his feet in the air.

This was the worst moment of his life.

Even if Ne zha had reciprocated, they wouldn't have worked either way. He was a mortal working at an aquarium, while the other was a immortal deity that is in charge of the celestial realm. Plus there was a chance he likes someone else. Chang'e, he believes. Ne zha always spoke fondly of her and they've known each other longer than Ao bing has known. And she was really pretty from all the cooking episodes Pigsy had shown him. Who wouldn't fall for someone like her.

Jealousy started to swirl in the pit of his stomach. He felt like he was on fire but tried his best to ignore the feeling. He really shouldn't be upset. He's never been this upset over being rejected. (He was starting to feel pity for all the people he had rejected back in school). Ao bing will get over it, he has to.

Maybe... Ne zha leaving is for the best for both of them.

But if Ne zha was going to leave, they should say goodbye on good terms! Ao bing nodded to himself, this was a good idea, he still cares about the brunette even if he didn't care about him in the same manner. He'll make sure that Ne zha enjoys himself before he has to leave.

Ao bing reaches himself phone and opens it, feeling extremely motivated.


Ne zha had mixed emotions ever since the incident.
When Ao bing had leaned down to kiss him, his brain didn't know whether to kiss back or pull away. He chose the latter. The brunette cringe at his reaction

Ao bing had looked at him with half-lit eyes, his hair fallen over his shoulders covering both of them shielding them from the light, his slim fingers caressed his jaw in a gentle manner, and his face was tinted with red, it had grown as he leaned down. And then Ne zha pushed himself away.

Ne zha covered his face as at began to burn. He couldn't believe he did that.

Of course he loved Ao bing, but it was a bad idea. Who knows what heaven would say about their relationship, especially his father. Ne zha would never hear the end of it. Also, the fact he is immortal and Ao bing no longer had his long life spand, he was just a human. And he was happy with his life. Ne zha didn't want to ruin that.

There was also the issue of Ao bing's dad. Who knows what will happen if word gets out to the King of the East Sea. Ne zha was confident that the dragon king would drown him.

So yeah, there were multiple reasons why they wouldn't work at all

Now he just had to stay away from Ao bing until Guanyin picked him up. Should be easy.


Okay- it wasn't entirely easy.

Ao bing would attempt to make conversation everytime they ate. The lotus prince would keep his answers brief like before. He would barely greet him, when he would get back from work. And would attempt to not be in the same room for too long. Ne zha could tell it was affecting Ao bing a lot. His smile would falter but tried his best to keep it up. He would try to get Ne zha's attention.

At sime point Ao bing had caught on to him ignoring the other that he would just stay in his room most of the time. His eyes looked a lot more lifeless whenever he did loom at him. Like he was losing energy. Ne zha felt horrible.


Yet he still smiles at him, even when he knows how much of a shitty person he is. He still make him food, ask about how he feels and about his wound healing. He still said 'goodnight' and 'good morning' to him. Ao bing was still trying to be his friend.

It made Ne zha feel sick, knowing that he was causing him pain. The very thing he was trying to avoid.

He layed his body on the couch as he thought back to when he first arrived at Ao bing's home. He was exhausted than he liked to admit, but still tried to get things in order in the celestial realm. And when Guanyin decided to take him to the mortal realm in his robes, he didn't question the goddess. Yet he didnt expect to stand infront of an apartment door, especiallytje person who was behind it.

If he had told his past self that he would be living with a reincarnation of his friend enemy, he'd probably would've stabbed him thinking it was some sort of trick.


He let out a sigh as he stared at the ceiling. It was a ashame that things ended this way. It was nice having a friend after such a long time. But Ao bing will soon forget him after how Ne zha had been acting with him this whole week. He really liked staying here more than he'd like to admit. It was peaceful (somewhat) and he got to try out new things. And having pleasant conversations.

He was going to miss Ao bing.

Ne zha wonders if the other will miss him too.

He closes his eyes, thinking back on the fond memories they've made together. They've done a lot of fun stuff together. But all good this must have an end.

"You are such a fool."

Ne zha jumped, sitting up at a disembodied voice scolding him. He looked straight ahead and saw a projection of Guanyin, hands on her hips looking at him like a disappointed mother.

"Why would you go out if your way to hurt that poor boy?" She frowned. Ne zha furrowed his brows, "You've been watching me haven't you." He grumbled.

"Never mind that." She waved off, "how could you be so cold to Ao bing? Hes such a sweet young man." Guanyin huffed. The goddess had become fond of the blue head and his kindness.

"Funny, you said something completely different last time you saw him." Ne zha scoffed. Guanyin was slightly take aback by the attitude but said nothing.
"Are you here to take me back already?" He asked, his tone sounded impatient yet nervous.

"No, not yet." She told him, crossing her arms as she looked away from him. This is the most upset she's seen Ne zha, and he's usually upset about something.

Her eyes simmered in the light, getting a sudden idea. "Unfortunately there has been a...slight delay for your pick up."  She said. Ne zha raised a brow. "You know with heavens in an absolute mess, everyone is quite busy."

"You are talking to be right now." Ne zha pointed out.

"Don't worry! We'll pick you up....in week! Give or take."

"What?! Guanyin- I can't stay here anymore! I've created a problem and it's o ly getting worse the longer I stay!" Ne zha argued.

"Well you should take this time to fix it!" Guanyin shrugged, smiling. "Well, I must be off! I'll see you in a week."

"Guanyin don't you-"

"Ne zha?"

The brunette's heart began racing when someone else called out for him. He internally fought with himself trying to figure out what to do, but ultimately decided to respond back. "Yes?"

Ao bing emerged from his room, his hair was down and he was holding his phone close to his chest. He almost looked like a little kid. He looked around the room, furrowing his brows, "I thought I heard you talking with someone..." He murmurs.

"Don't worry about it, is there something you need?" Ne zha waved off, trying not to sound rude as he wasnt in the best mood at the moment. He heard Ao bing mumble an unsure 'okay' before speaking.

"Well, since you're leaving soon," Ao bing's tone was sad but continued on. "I figured we could enjoy our last day together." Ao bing clutched his phone tighter. Ne zha couldn't help but look away and frowned. "I...don't know Ao bing-" He argued but the blue head seemed determined.

"I- I know I screwed up." He suddenly shouted, louder than he intended. "But you're still my friend and I don't want our last day together to be a bad one." Ao bing sulked. Ne zha didn't say anything, he didn't know what to say. He felt awful that Ao bing thinks he was in the wrong, but it was really Ne zha. He failed to keep distance with him, instead they had gotten close. Ne zha was the one that create this situation. He owes it to Ao bing. And he couldn't leave yet anyways, with Guanyin ridiculous order.

"I don't.. either." Ne zha confessed. Ao hing looked yo at him with surprise. "We can do whatever you'd like, spend the day together." He smiled but it felt strained. The blue head eyes shone with hope and smiled wide.

"Great! We could go to the aquarium! Ah w-wait...you already went with Mk and Mei." Ao bing stuttered, nervously laughing. He thinks for a moment. Ne zha gives a small smile he wouldn't have minded going again with just Ao bing, he would have told him all sorts of facts.

"How does the park sound? We could eat out, and afterwards meet with Mei and Mk." Ao bing listed off. "Unless it's too much, we could just... stay inside and watch movies?" He suggested. Ne zha did like the latter option but knew that he wouldn't be able to handle being inside together without feeling the urge to...Ne zha tried to hide his blush at the thought.

"The park sounds nice." Ne zha eventually decided. Ao bing smiled at him again. Ne zha returned it with a more awkward one. "Okay, park it is!" Ao bing declared, "We can go tomorrow around 12 if that's fine?"  Ao bing asked, already having multiple ideas ready for tomorrow. "Yeah sounds good." Ne zha said, rubbing his arm as he smiles. "Okay, well... I'll let you um rest, tomorrow is going to be so much fun!" Ao bing sounded determined as he shuffles away to the kitchen, "Oh are you hungry? I was planning in making dinner, and I am willing to take requests." Ao bing continued to talk as he began to roam around the kitchen. Ne zha listened to him move around. Ao bing's demeanor changed rather quickly than Ne zha had originally thought it would take.

That was good, it meant that he was moving on. So why was it bothering Ne zha.

He said nothing as Ao bing continued to talk.



Ne zha was having a hard time choosing what to wear. Which his new to him. He hadn't needed to change into something else for a long time. His armour worked for formal events and useddaily as it was comfortable for him. But he knew he couldn't wear it, he'd get odd looks from passerbys and it wasn't started for parks. He was staring to understand why Mk and Mei wore the same outfit, it was hard to dress up.

So far the brunette manage to narrow it down to two outfits he'd thought we're nice and we're practical for walking around the park. His eyes caught the jacket he had gotten from Mei, it was a pink and black cropped jacket with a white collar. Ne zha hummed in satisfaction when he decided on what to wear.

Ao bing waited by the kitchen, leaning on the counter as he scrolled through his phone. He wore his hair in a lose braid that draped over his shoulder and left a few lock of hair brushing his face. He gave himself a once over again. The blue haired male wore a sleeveless black turtle neck that was covered by his blue jacket. He tried to dress as casual since their first destination was the park. Thankfully the weather was tolerable enough for his outfit. He hoped he wasn't overdoing it.

He looked up when he heard the his bedroom door open, he had allowed Ne zha to change into there to give him more space. Ao bing felt himself get giddy. Ne zha was wearing a jacket he had gotten when Mk and Mei invited him out, with a white shirt and his signature green pants. The blue head couldn't help but flush a little, the cropped jacket fit Ne zha figure quite well.

"You look nice!" He hummed happily throwing a smile at the brunette's direction. Ne zha scratched the back of his neck, "Thanks...uh you too- you look nice." Ne zha fumbled on his words. Ao bing let out a small laugh, "Thank you. Are you ready to go then?" He walked over to Ne zha standing infront of him waiting for his response. The brunette gave him nothing more than a nod. Ao bing copied the same motion, before quickly patting his shoulder and walking towards the front door. The lotus prince looked at him a bit dumb founded with how the blue head was acting. He followed the other with a slight pout.



They walked side by side a long the dirt path, passing by families enjoing their outing, joggers with headphones, and people walking their dogs (that would come up to Ne zha and he'd pet them). It was a peaceful and sunny day, with a light breeze of wind. Ne zha was enjoying their walk so far, he was surprised Ao bing hadn't tried to initiate a conversation. The blue haired man would occasionally glance at him but mostly just looked around and gave passerbys a greeting smile. Some would return the gesture or would get bashful. It was starting to bother Ne zha after a small group of high school girls giggled like maniacs when Ao bing smiled at them.

"You should probably stop doing that." Ne zha told him. The latter looked at him confused, "what do you mean?" He tiled his head in question, careful with people passing.

"Smiling at everyone." He heard Ao bing snort, "you're going to give people the wrong idea, just saying." He shrugged trying to hide away any bitterness.
"Aw don't get upset that I'm not giving you attention." He teased leaning into Ne zha. The brunette back up, "I'm not upset." He grumbled. Ao bing just let out a quiet laugh and focused his gaze back to the path. Ne zha saw him frown for a moment, but quickly change into a smile when a man jogged pass them, getting a smile into return. Yep, Ne zha wasn't upset at all.

They continued to walk and bought some treats from a passing candy stand near the center of the park. The sat down by the fountain and ate their snacks. Ne zha watched as Ao bing munched on his egg tart quietly. He had stared to feel bad about his attitude, they were suppost to be enjoying themselves not fighting. He was going to apologize, when the same group of teens began to walk towards them. He let out a small grumble and prepared for the worst.

A girl with a long braid and another with a bun approached the two giggling. The third girl stood behind them awkwardly. The two men looked at them confused, but of course Ao bing being Ao bing, gave them a smile.

"Is there something you girls needed?" He asked politely. The girls began to laugh again.

"We were wondering if you could give us your number? My friend thinks you're cute." The girl in with the bun asked, her high pitched voice hurt Ne zha's ears. Ao bing let out a nervous laugh, "I'm sorry but I'm afraid I can't." He gave them a polite smile. The girls started to whine and continue to bug him.

"At least take a photo with us!"

"Yeah! So we can show our classmates how cute you are!"

Ne zha was already annoyed with this group bothering them, he was begging to get mad as they acted like he wasn't there while Ao bing struggled to denying the odd requests.

"You know it's rude to keep asking when he already said no." Ne zha snapped as he leaned into Ao bing shoulder, glaring at the girls. Who were now looking at him. "It would be best to leave now before I call the cops for harassment." He snarled. Ao bing looked over to him his face was a flush red.

The girls scoffed at him but left regardless, mumbling amongst themselves.

"Geez, what's his deal?"

"He's probably pissed that we interrupted their date"

"Wait- Oh my gosh you're right! He totally got possessive just now!"

"Thats so cute! The blue guy is totally lucky!"

They continued to squeal until the pair couldn't hear them anymore. Ne zha looked at Ao bing with an annoyed look. "I told you so."

Ao bing rolled his eyes, and lightly pushed Ne zha away. "Yeah yeah, my bad." He said with sarcasm, eating the rest of his egg tart and wiping his hands from any remaining crumbs. "Well I'm done, you wanna keep walking?" He turns to look at the man next to him. The brunette stared intently at his face making the other to return the gaze with a confused one. But flinched when he felt a hand on his cheek. Ne zha jumped as well, his face burning as he realized what he did and snatched his hand back. "There- was a crumb...on your face." He explained with a meek voice.

"Oh thanks..." Was all Ao bing could respond with, still shocked at the sudden touch. "Let's walk a little longer." Ne zha said getting up quickly from his spot. Ao bing was quickly enough to get up and follow.



Afterwards they decided to go and eat. They agreed to go to Pigsy's, it was probably going to be the last time Ne zha got to enjoy his food. Maybe he could take one to go?

It also worked out as they expected the younger adults, Mei and Mk, to be there. They had planned to meet up after eating anyways.

They were greeted by their friends upon arrival. They seemed more enthusiastic than usual Ne zha noticed, which was a little overwhelming. He guessed that Ao bing must've told them he was leaving as Sandy gave him a whole pack of his tea.

Mk and Mei were quick to arrive as well after they had ordered, both of them giving their hugs to Ao bing and greeting Ne zha with booming excitement.

"Are you ready for the most epic night of your life!" Mei boomed perching one of her shoes on a stool and pointing at the lotus prince, with an awkward expression. "I...guess so?" He answered unsure, he had no idea what was going on.

"Okay take it down a notch or two, your making him nervous." Ao bing intercepted. Followed by Pigsy's pulling the stool from underneath Mei, loosing her balance barely catching herself with the table. "But it's his last day before he leaves us!" Mk puts his hand on his chest and point up with the other.

"I'm not dying." He said flatly.

"But you kinda are." Mk argued, "so you're gonna have so much fun, you'll miss us every day for the rest of....forever!" The young man declared, earning a small smile from Ne zha while Ao bing laughed.

"So where are we going? The arcade?" Ao bing guessed, he remembered when Ne zha told him about his outing with the younger adults and seemed to enjoy the arcade the most.

"Nope! Even better!" Mei chimed in, "we're going to the club!" She squealed. Ao bing looked over to his friend, Ne zha always seemed to avoid large crowds so he wasn't sure how'd he'd feel.

"Sounds... nice, I've never been to a club before." He answered. He tapped the table nervously. "Don't worry you'll have tons of fun since you'll have us!" Mk reassured, hoping to ease Ne zha.

Ne zha nodded, feeling slightly better. But he was dreading having to dance, maybe he could just stand by a wall or something. He felt something tap his side, he turned to look at Ao bing. "We don't have to go if you don't want to." Ao bing whispered to him. Ne zha shook his head, "I'll be fine, it's good to try something new once." He answered. He also didn't want to upset Mei and Mk as they were the ones who suggested going.

Their food arrived quickly as they chatted with each other mostly, making sure they still ate while it was still warm. Ne zha really like the atmosphere here, Sandy was a very kind man, he was expressive about his love for tea and let the brunette pet his cat Mo. Mr. Tang as Mk called him, was...a bit strange but constantly curious about the celestial realm and his work. It was somewhat overwhelming with how much questions the scholar was spewing to him. Luckily Pigsy was there to tame the older man when he got out of hand. The pig demon was kind but still very firm when it came to keeping everyone in check, Ne zha could see why Mk saw him as father figure.

Speaking of Mk he was the  youngest of the group besides Mei. They were very chaotic when paired with each other, but their excitement was always so infectious to everyone else. It dawn to Ne zha that most of his life was always quiet, he had grown accustom to the colorful chatter with Ao bing and everyone from Mk's family. It was strange to him how quickly he had grown attached to everyone.



The sun was on the verge of setting, the group of young adults made their way to the club. And they made a quick realization as they entered in line to get in, Ne zha didnt have an id. They began to panic and tried to form a plan to convince the bouncer to let him in. The brunette was confused and so Mk used his ID as a example of what he needed.

Ne zha took a long look at the card before gathering a small bundle of petals in his hand emitting a pink light. The others looked down at his palm and saw he created an exact copy of Mk's id but with his information.

They were impressed to say the least and got in.

"Where were you when I needed a fake id to get in?" Mei beamed. While Ao bing looked at her, "you had
a fake id?" He asked with suspicion. He could see a small beat of sweat run down her face, "Uhh, you know...Oh! Who wants drinks!" She quickly walked away to the bar, passing and squeezing through people.

The three men stood around before Mk shouted about getting a table. He had already went ahead and Ao bing was about to follow suit before he notice Ne zha.

There was a lot more people than he was expecting, it was overwhelming. "Is this too much?" Ao bing ask as loud as he could. Ne zha just shook his head, "I just didn't expect so many people here." He answered, looking around and making a face at how some people 'danced.'

"Yeah, but it's a lot worst on the weekends!" Ao bing laughed. He extended a hand to the brunette, "c'mon! Mk's waiting for us!" He said with a smile. Ne zha hesitated before ultimately taking his hand, he couldn't stand by the entrance forever.

Ne zha held tightly onto the others hand as they walked through people. Many of them did move out of the way to let them pass, but others either couldn't or wouldn't move and they would have to push them. It was annoying but they eventually manage to reach Mk who manage to get them a booth. With Mei arriving with drinks at the same time.

"I didn't know what to get you Ne zha, so I got you a fruity drink." Mei slid him a small glass filled with liquid and a small umbrella and pineapple as decoration. The lotus prince took it, taking a small sip through the straw. It was good, you could still taste the alcohol but it blended well with the juice mixed in. "Its good, what is it?" He asked taking another sip.

Mei looked over as she drank her strawberry daiquiri. "Its a piña colada, it has coconut cream, pineapple juice and rum." She listed off. Ne zha hummed as continued to drink. It's not like he can get drunk off of this, maybe a little flushed but that's about it. He looked over to see what the others had.

Ao bing had a blue drink with a cherry topping, while Mei had a vibrant pink drink. The one that caught his eye was Mk's drink that was a dark color compared to the other's. The younger brunette notice the other staring and offers him a try. Ne zha hesitated before taking the glass, he was able to see that it was a rich brown color, almost like chocolate. It was probably those liquor chocolates Ne zha had heard once. He took a sip and- nope, it was just chocolate milk.

Mk laughed as Ne zha handed back his drink, covering his embarrassment smile. Mei then offered her drink to try. And it soon became Ne zha just trying out different drinks and see which ones he liked. So far chocolate milk was the winner.

It was nice, Ne zha was actually enjoying himself as he talked with the others, creating an inside joke with chocolate milk. It got sloghtly out of hand when Ne zha told the young duo whaf he couldnt get drunk and decided to test the theory by orderingasmanyshotsas they could.
They continued their game until the dj played a song that Mei liked and dragged Mk with her to the dance floor. Mk yelled that they would be back as he was yanked away.

It was just Ne zha and Ao bing now, sitting opposite from each other. They didn't talk, Ne zha continued to drink the shot he had in hand, making a face at the burning sensation. Then he could barely hear Ao bing laughing.

"Enjoying your drink?" He asked grinning, a palm resting of his cheek. Ne zha shrugged, "Its not my favorite but it's...good." He told him. The other rolled his eyes, sliding over his own drink to the brunette. He hesitated on drinking it, he hadn't tried Ao bing's when he was trying the others. He took a quick sip.

"This is good, what is it?" Ne zha hummed, licking the residue liquid from his lips. "Its a virgin blue lagoon." He answered taking back his drink. "Virgin?" Ne zha asked furrowing his eyes brows at the name.

"It mean there's no alcohol in it." He explained, taking a drink himself.

"You don't drink?" Ne zha asked intrigued. Ao bing laughed.

"Not really, Iast time I drank way too much and ended up on the other side of the city." He chuckled.
"Really? How?" Ne zha laughed.

"I have no idea." Ao bing joined in.

They stayed quiet for a couple of minutes before Ne zha spoke again. "Not to sound mean but...why come to a place that sells alcohol if you don't drink?" It didnt make sense to Ne zha as whenever he visited a bar with his brothers everyone would be drunk out of their minds.

"You don't necessarily have to drink to enjoy yourself." Ao bing hummed, "Especially when you have good company." He looked at Ne zha with a small smile and took a sip of his drink. The brunette felt himself blush at the implication but it quickly died down as he push away any feelings.

They sat in silence for a while. Ne zha glanced over to him. It was just the two of them siting in the dark as colorful lights flashed all across the walls, any silence drowned by the loud music and chatting people. He watched as Ao bing play with a lock of hair, twirling it between his fingers. Maybe...this could be Ne zha chance of telling him the truth. He took a deep breath.

"Ao bing." Ne zha began, catching the others attention, his big blue eyes staring at him. "Remember when...I wanted to tell you something, that would change your view of me?" He asked. The blue haired man nodded wordlessly.

"Well...I want to tell you now." He stated. "What I wanted to tell you is that...I had a really close friend when I was a kid. He was...really important to me." He glanced away for a brief moment. "But I...I hurt him- really bad." He said vaguely. This was harder than he thought. "And I'm- I'm a really bad person honestly." He laughed to himself. "A-and this whole time... I've been scared that you'd see me as a bad person too." This isn't what he really wanted to say. Maybe he was just projecting, to lighten the hatred by making him sound pathetic.

He was caught off guard when he felt a hand on top of his. The brunette turned to the other. He was smiling at him it reassurance, in the mosf softess manner Ne zha had seen. "I don't think you're a bad person Ne zha." He said simply.

Ne zha felt his heart clench terribly. Almost like he couldn't breathe. He just wanted to hold Ao bing and never let go. But he couldn't, he didn't deserve him even after all these years. He was about to tell him-

"Hey! What are you two doing? Get up and dance!" Mei slammed her hands on the table, giggling as she swayed her body to the rhythm of the music. It caught the two of them off guard that they jumped and panicked.

"Of course we will but-" Ao bing tried to reason but Mei didn't listen or care as she grabbed both of his hands and dragged him off his seat. "C'mon while the night is still young!" She laughed. Ao bing yelped but accepted his faith. He turned to the lotus prince.

"Care to join?" He asked, with a hint of hope. Ne zha just smiled forcefully. "Maybe in a couple of minutes. Let the alcohol kick in." He joked. Ao bing laughed, but let out an 'okay' as he left with Mei to the dance floor.

Now Ne zha was alone in the booth fiddling with his half empty drink. 'I don't think you're a bad person Ne zha.' He thought back to those words. He didn't think he was a good person either. He chug some of his drink. He's hurt people he cared about even if it wasn't intentional. It was probably why didnt have many friends, he'd push them away in fear of disappointing them. His father certainly thought he was a disappointed when Ne zha didn't do something right. But he grew out of it after being immortal for so long, he pushes it away as much as he can.

Ne zha already finish his glass as he thought to himself. He would get another one but he didn't feel like going through a whole crowd where he would probably drop it. He'd just sit here for a while until he had enough confidence to join the rest of the group.

"Here by yourself?" Ne zha jumped at the sudden voice. He turned around and saw a woman leaning against the booth with a glass in her hand, smiling innocentlyat him. It had caught Ne zha off guard, that he didnt process the question at first.

"Uh- no I'm here with friends." He answered, looking around the crowded floor a few feet away from him. "They leave you alone?" She quirked her brow as she looked in the direction he was facing. "Thats a shame you seem like a nice guy." She flashes a smile, "Ah well don't worry, I can keep you company." She smirked before sitting down right next to Ne zha. The brunette moved away from her when he felt her body brush against his. He hid behind his usual face when he felt bothered, glaring at the girl for just inviting herself at his friends table.  "There's really no need to-" He tried to assure the stranger but she didn't seem to care.

"I've never seen you before. Is this your first time here?" She leans over the table, playing with a stramd of her hair. Ne zha decided on ignoring her, this is what he'd do with Wukong and he'd eventually leave so it should work with her right?

Oh how Ne zha was wrong.

The woman kept on rambling about her... boyfriend? Her ex? And how it had been so hard finding a decent man to date. Ne zha was growing impatient with the lady but didn't snap at her as he still hoped she'd just leave when she realized he wasnt paying attention to her.

"Guys can be such jerks." She pouted fully leaning herself on Ne zha's shoulder. The lotus prince tensed up, now panicking at what to do now. Her body heat was making him uncomfortable and her breath smell way too much of alcohol. "But maybe you could change that." She smirked, her arms wrapping around his. Ne zha was now completely uncomfortable, he hated this. He leaned away from her, ready to push her off- he didnt care if threw her by accident.

"Excuse me."

Ne zha turned towards the voice and thanked whoever was watching over him. Ao bing stood infront of the two, a patient smile graced his lips. But Ne zha could tell it was... forced.

"I'd appreciated if you'd let him go." He said in a calm voice, some how louder than the overpowering music. The woman looked him up and down, rasing a brow in a somewhat annoyed manner.

"What is he like- your boyfriend?" She laughed.

"Yes actually." Ao bing responded quickly.

Both Ne zha and the girl looked at him with wide eyes, but the brunettes face was beat red. His smiled was still plastered on but it started to look more sinister by the second. The girl quickly let go of the brunette. "Oh shit- my bad dude." Her whole demeanor changed, apologizing to Ao bing before she turned to Ne zha. "You're lucky, he's super cute!" She gave him a thumbs up before getting up and leaving.

The two men were left alone and Ao bing let out a sigh. "You alright? Sorry for saying that." Ao bing rumbled the back of his neck. "No- yeah! I'm fine." Ne zha stumbled. "At least she left, thank you."

Ao bing nodded giving him his usual smile. "Of course can't leave you to fend for yourself." He chuckled. "Buuut now~" he leaned towards Ne zha, making him blush. "Since I saved your life, you owe me a dance!" He proclaimed. Ne zha tapped the table nervously. "I-um don't know...how to dance." He confessed, looking away embarrassed. "Its not too hard, you just move to the rhythm of the music. Besides-" He leaned in offering a hand, "you have me to teach you."

The brunette took it with hesitation, another blush taking over his cheeks. The blue head, pulled him out of his seat and giving him over to the dance floor, laughing along the way.

As the current song came to a close, then a disoriented voice faded in. Couples and friends faced each other smiling and laughing, enjoying the company of one another. Ne zha looked around the room nervously, they were so many people moving to the voice of a man singing in a different language he didn't recognize.

'T'es la meilleure chose qui m'est arrivée'

Ao bing held both Ne zha's hands close to him, reaching Ne zha out of his panic. "Just follow what I do." His voice barely audible as the rhythm started to build up and a female voice spoke.

'Encore plus près d'tes adversaires'

The blue head let go of his hands to step back and starts to say his body to the music, his arms swinging along. Ne zha stares, his movements were graceful and perfect. He was pulled out of his stare when he saw Ao bing smiled before looking down chuckling.

Ne zha mimicked his movements. It wasn't as graceful as Ao bing, his arms were stiff and wasnt matching his body language. He looked back up to Ao bing, he had gotten close to him, leaning into his ear, his heavy breathing tickled his sensitive part, and whispered, "You're thinking to much, just let go."

The dragon prince laughed as he watched the third prince stand by a ledge that led to water below, hesitating whether or not he should jump. The height was great.

The young mortal heard his dragon scoff. Before he could retort. The dragon prince leaned right into his ear, his soft breathing tickled against the sensitive part.

"You're thinking too much, just let go."

With that the prince jumped.



'Mais si tu cherches encore ma voix'

Ne zha looked at Ao bing dazed when he pulled back and spinned, laughing and beaming like a child. The dark atmosphere, made him look like he was glowing everytime a stray light passed by. He didn't care if he looked like a fool infront of so many people. Right now all he could focus was the man infront of him.

His body moved on it's own, hypnotized by the music.

'Pourquoi ton prénom me blesse'

The two of them moved in sync together. They dance closer and closer as the music begins to fade away from them. Ne zha reaches out to Ao bing, the blue head follows grabbing the brunette's hand and was twirled around, his back landing onto Ne zha's chest as music starts to fade out to another song.

Ne zha hold on to Ao bing for what felt like a long time, just enjoying the moment with his dearest friend. He doesn't hear the people laughing and shouting. He doesn't hear Mei and Mk laughing and cheering along. Right now he was enjoying himself. He does let go eventually, as they continued to move. Ao bing looks at him beaming, a small blush adorning his face.

Ne zha feels himself learn his face closer to Ao bing's own. Their breaths mixing together, making them hotter than it already was. The brunette decided that he'd fall into his desires. Their noses are brushing and so close. But just for a second Ne zha looked away and from the corner his eye he saw-

His blood went cold.

Li Jing, his father, was watching him from the shadows.

Ne zha was quick to put distance between him and Ao bing, by pushing the other by his shoulders. The blue head was pulled from his dazed harshly. Ne zha felt horrible when he saw the dejected look the other gave him.

"I think...I need some air." Was all he said before running off. Ne zha didn't hear Ao bing say anything, even if he had he couldn't hear over the blaring music deafening his ears.

He reached a door, pushing it open with such force that it hit the wall with a loud bang. It led Ne zha to an alley that open to the street, he stood alone with his hands through his hair, creating a tangled mess. He couldnt believ that his father was there watching him. He watched him almost kiss Ao bing.

Maybe Ne zha was wrong. Maybe he was just seeing things because of how paranoid he is. There was no way his father would actually visit him-

"I see you've gotten comfortable."

Ne zha froze, hutching over like a scared cat. He turned to see him. Li Jing leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, a frown greeted Ne zha.

"Father..." Ne zha greeted, "I didn't expect you. I thought-"

"That I wouldn't find you, my son?" Li Jing said, no emotion was shown. Ne zha said nothing. "Guanyin did not informing about your arrangement. Only that you would be absent from ths celestial realm." He explained.

"But I've never would have thought- she'd leave you with that insolent dragon." Li Jing gritted those last words. Ne zha's hands tighten into fists. "Although I'm surprised he was even reincarnated, due to his crimes." He spoke with slight interest. Ne zha finally looked up at his father.

"He's...he's not the same as before, he's-"

"And what are you wearing my son?" Li Jing interrupted his youngest. Ne zha suddenly felt self-conscious. But Li Jing waved it off "Doesn't matter, come along now." The older immortal commanded as he began to walk away.

"Wha- what do you mean?" Ne zha stuttered out. His father stopped and turned to him, with slight annoyance. "I've come to bring you back." He stated. Ne zha eyes widen.

"But! Guanyin said-"

"It doesn't matter what Guanyin said, you are my son not hers. It's bad enough she hid this from me so don't make things worst Ne zha." He told him in a stern voice. It made Ne zha flinch, looking down at the ground staying quiet. Li Jing looked at his son for a moment before letting out a sigh.

The younger immortal tensed when he felt a hand in his shoulder, he looked up at his father meeting his stern gaze.

"You have to understand Zha-er, I am doing this for your own good. That dragon is a disaster waiting to happen. I don't want you getting attached to him again." He explained. Ne zha kept his mouth shut even as his father continued to bad mouth his friend, it wouldn't be wise to make his father more upset then he already was.
"As you wish father..." Ne zha murmurs, hanging his head low in defeat. Li Jing nodded satisfied, "But you must let me say goodbye to him."

The older immortal quickly turned to his son scowling, "Let me say goodbye and I'll never see him again." He said with more strength in his voice, challenging his father. Li Jing studied his son before he let out a defeated sigh.

"Make it quick."


Ao bing speed down the hallway hoping to see the familiar brunette. The blue head man had frozen in place when Ne zha had left him on the dance floor. Mei was the one to snap him out of his trance, trying to figure out what had happened between the two. Ao bing was also trying to figure that out, as he finally ran after him.

Ao bing had searched the bathroom before going down the hallways, mostly just people flirting or making out. He had began to worry that Ne zha might've just left entirely. He was about to try calling the lotus prince when he heard a door open behind him

Ao bign turned around saw the brunette he was searching for. He was looking around before his eyes settled ontothe blue head and walked hastily to him.

"Ne zha! I was looking everywhere for you! Why did-"

"I have to go." Ne zha said.

Ao bing looked at him, "Okay- yeah. We can go back home. I'll tell Mk and Mei that you aren't feeling-"

"No- Ao bing. I...I have to leave." Ne zha frown deepen. They stared at each other, before Ao bing realized. Oh.

"But...I thought you were leaving tomorrow..." Ao bing sounded upset.

"Plans have changed, I'm leaving now." Ne zha said nothing sounding as upset as Ao bing. The blue head stayed quiet. "I just wanted to thank you for you're kind hospitality. I can never repay your kindness.I hope that you enjoy the rest of your night." Ne zha thanked in a quick manner. He waited for Ao bing to say something or even nod.

But he stood there quiet, looking at the ground. With that Ne zha made a turn to leave.

"But...you'll visit...right?"

The question made Ne zha freeze, there was small tremble in the others voice. He turned to face him, "I don't think that'll be possible. I'll be too busy." He brushed off. The frown in the blue head's face deepend. It was quiet again, prompting Ne zha to leave again.

"Ne zha wait!" Ao bing called out. "Is this really it?"

Ne zha turned to look at him, confused. "What?"

"Is this really how we're going to end things? I mean- we haven't talked for almost a week. And then! When we're finally talking again you have to leave!" Ao bing rambled, "and it just seems- unfair!"

"How is that unfair?" Ne zha scoffed. "You wanted to a night out and we did."

"But you're still leaving!"

"You knew from the start that I was leaving!"

"But I don't want you to leave!"

Ne zha looked at him stunned. Ao bing continued.

"I- I don't want you to leave. I care so much about that it hurts sometimes-"

"We've barely know each other-"

"It doesn't feel like we've only known each other for a few months. The first time we meet- I felt like I've known for a long time-"

"Ao bing."

"I don't know how to explain it, but being with you makes feel like I'm fire but safe."

"Stop."

"And even if I've known you in this short time-"

"Stop it."

"I know that I-"

"Ao bing don't say it."

"I love-"

"SHUT UP!"

Ne zha slammed Ao bing into a wall, his voice echoed through the hall. The man beneath him looked at him terrified, while he glares down at him. His eyes burning scarlet as he stared at blue ones. Ao bing slightly trembled resting his hands on his chest as he tried to stand his own ground. Ne zha realized what he did as the other flinched on the grib the brunette had on him.

Ne zha let go at let his arms rest on the wall behind Ao bing. He let his head rest on the other, noticing how the other tensed.

"I'm sorry." He breathed out. "I didn't mean to scare you." He glanced down at the ground avoiding Ao bing's gaze. "But what you are feeling- it's not..."

Silence stretches out.

"Do you hate me?" Ao bing asked in hush voice.

Ne zha whipped his head to look directly at him. His brows were furrowed and his gazed searched for something. "No." He answered. The brunette leaned in resting his forehead against Ao bing's, "I could never hate you Bing." He murmurs. Ne zha pulls himself away to see Ao bing turning faintly red and slightly dazed.

"But...I don't love you."

Ne zha saw how quick Ao bing's demeanor changed. "Oh." Was all he said at first. "Okay." He mumbled looking away. "Okay...yeah- okay." He said mostly to himself. The blue head lightly pushed away Ne zha. "Then, there's really nothing keeping you here." Ao bing told him.

"Yeah... yes." Ne zha agreed with hesitation.

"Goodbye...Ne zha." Ao bing smiled at him.

"Goodbye Ao bing." Ne zha turned away and left through the door. Letting the echo of it closing roam through the hall.

Ao bing stayed leaning against the wall. Not making any effort to move and processing what had happened.  He stayed in place, making effort to move or say anything. He didn't hear Mk and Mei calling out his name as he stared blankly at thre ground.

"There you are! You left you fast we didn't even...know...Bing? You okay?" Mei studied her cousin's odd demeanor. Ao bing looked at them and plastered a smile

"Yeah! I'm great! But I think I'm going home. I'm pretty tired." Ao bing said. "Okay...Where is Ne zha?" Mk asked confused as he looked around.

"He um- left." Ao bing confessed. The two young adults whipped their heads in disbelief. "What!? But we were having fun!" Mei huffed. "I guess he was needed or something. I don't know- he didn't say... much." Ao bing shrugged. Mk and Mei looked at each other at how Ao bing spoke, had something happened between the two?

"Okay, do you want us to come with you?" Mk inquired, worried showed in his voice. Ao bing shook his head, " No its fine! I don't want to ruin your guys' night. So go have fun!" Ao bing insisted. Before either couldn't argue Ao bing had already walked away.

"I'll text you guys tomorrow alright? Have a good night!" He waved and left through the nearest door. Mk and Mei stood there confused, they looked at each other worried. What could've happened between Ne zha and Ao bing?


Ao bing unlocked his front door, he walked inside and gently closed the door. Then he felt something wet roll down his face. He began to chuckle when he realized he was crying. He tried to wipe away the falling tears but more just continued to stream down his face. There were too many tears now to wipe away and he let roll freely down his face as he let out a choked sob. He let himself rest of the floor as his sobs continued to grow.

Everything hurt, painfully so for Ao bing. The burning feeling returned stronger than anything he ever felt. It almost felt like he was dying. He gasped as he tried to fill his lungs with air. For a brief second his vision went blurry and his head began to throb.

'Is this what heartbreak feels like?' Was all Ao bing thought of before everything went dark.

Chapter Text

A month has passed since Ne zha left. A month since anyone has heard from Ao bing.

The monkie crew hadn't been too worried the first week when Ao bing excuse himself from any reunions. They did try their best to support Ao bing while also respecting his need to be alone. It wasn't until the second week they began to rrally worry when the man stopped responding to messages and calls. Then by next week when Mk and Mei found out Ao bing had not shown up for work for three days, they knew they had to do something.

So here they were, Mk and Mei stood infront of Ao bing's apartment door, knocking rapidly against the wood. Yet they got no response.

"This is pointless Mk. I have a key to his house, let's just go in!" Mei huffed, leanning against the opposite wall. "Let's wait for him to answer a little longer." Mk decided. "Its a waste of time! He's not going to answer the door. Ao bing is either ignoring us or possibly dead on the floor!" Mei argued, anxious to get inside to see her cousin. She had never seen Ao bing close himself from others for this long.

"But Mei, he doesn't want to talk to us. Maybe we should wait until he decides to-" Mk tried to reason but it just made his best friend more upset than she was. "There's no way I'm leaving until I know he's inside and not hurt!" She barked. The two bickered about that they should do, not bothered to lower their voices as they echoed down the hall.

"Could I help you two youngsters?"

Mk and Mei jumped at a new voice they look nest to them and see an older women look at them, with a smile.

"Uh-yeah! Do you know if the guy in this apartment is home? He's a friend of ours, but hes not answering." Mk explained.

The older woman thought for a moment, teying to remember who lived in that apartment, "Ah you mean Ao bing? Yes the last time I remember he should be home. I haven't seen him leave in a while. I havent seen his roomate either,  I hope they're alright" The older woman says. Mk and Mei look at each other, "Ao bing's roommate left recently, he uh... they had a fight recently and he left tooo... somewhere else." Mk tells her.

"That explains it." She mumbles, frowing. "What do you mean?" Mei inquired leaning towards the old woman.

"A couple of nights ago when I was returning from visit with my son. I remember hearing crying from Ao bing's apartment. When I checked in him- oh the poor boy was a mess but he kept insisting he was fine. Since then he stopped answering the door." The older woman recounts. Mk and Mei worry grew at the story. "If you can, let him know that he is always welcomed in my home. There will be snack waiting for him." She said before making her way to the elevator. Mk and Mei wait until the door closes.

"Yeah- open the door." Mk said, watching as his friend fished for the keys.

The door opens quietly as the two of them peak inside before going inside. So far the hallway was fine there was no trash ir clothes scattered. "Ao bing?" Mk called out. "Are you here? We came to check on you bud."

There was no response. The two  continued to walk down the hall. Mei peaked inside Ao bing room but no sight of him. Mk continues down until he reaches the living room.

He found the TV on. There was trash scattered on the floor and the table. Mk peaked over the couch and saw Ao bing laying face first on the cushions. "Ao bing?" Mk called out. He got no response from the blue head. He got closer and saw that he was asleep. "Ao bing, wake up." Mk nudged him, then shook him when he didnt wake up. It did make Ao bing let out an annoyed whine. Mei lifted herself up, putting her weight on the back of the couch. She leaned into her cousin personal space and shouted, "Wake up!"

It jolted Ao bing out if his sleep sitting up from his laying position. "Mei, what the heck?" He groaned, rubbing his tired eyes. Mk and Mei took in the state Ao bing was in. His hair was down, there was a couple of visible knots, he was wearing a gray hoodie with pajama pants.

"Dude! What have you been doing? You didnt answer our text or calls for almost a month!" Mei shrieked with how calm Ao bing was acting. "We thought you were dead! Especially after your nice old neighbor said she wasn't seen you leave your apartment!" Mk frowned.

"You really had us worried Bing. You could've at least responded once." Mei scolded. But her eyes were filled with worry and a hint of relief seeing her cousin was okay. Ao bing sighs, "I know, I know. I'm a jerk for not letting you guys know I was okay. I'm sorry." He apologized.

"You better be." Mei threaten as she lightly punched him, then giving him a side hug. Ao bing smiled at the small embrace.

Mk walked around picking up an empty container. "How much ice cream did you eat?" Mk asked as he looked around to see similar containers on the floor. "A lot." Was all Ao bing responded. "Have you eaten any actual food?" Mei squinted at him.

"I mean- I had some take out a couple of times." He shrugged.
"Have you've been sleeping on the couch?" Mk sat on one of the armchairs, peering over at the couch to see a blanket and pillow hidden by Ao bing's frame.

"Maybe." Ao bing answered with hesitation.

"When the last time you've shower?"

"Two days ago- c'mon guys I'm fine!" Ao bing huffed.

"Clearly not! You're watching The Notebook!" Mei countered. Ao bing turned red, "I- was in the mood to watch a romance film-" he stumbled, pausing the movie.

"You've been acting all sad ever since Ne zha left." Mk says, watching as Ao bing stiffened. "Do you wanna talk about it?" He asks sliding from his place to sit down next to the blue head. Mei remain behind the couch, watching her cousin's reaction.

Ao bing looked down, he was hesitant about telling them what happened. But he want to say it, or else it felt like he would burst. He already felt like he was on fire thos whole time, might as well say something to lessen the sensation. So he said the first thing that came to mind.

"I fell in love with Ne zha."

Both adults stayed quiet. Did they hear that right? Maybe he said something else but it was very clear. Ao bing just confessed his feelings.

"WHAT!?" They shouted.



Ne zha was sitting at his desk, he looked through the documents he was given about the missing cauldron and whether or not it should be replaced.

The brunette had gotten back into the rhythm of work rather very quickly. It beat having to sit around doing nothing, now he worked on documents...while sitting down. It was the only thing he could do right now, he wasn't allowed to teach any of arms men yet. Ne zha also couldnt help but feel watched.

He'd sometimes catch his father staring at him from a distance. Like Ne zha needed supervison, it was staring to get annoying. Guanyin didnt talk to him as often anymore which Ne zha thought was ridiculous as Guanyin had a higher position than his father. But she must be doing this to avoid causing more tension between Ne zha and Li Jing.

The only person that really comes to visit him was Erlang. But it was mostly him gossiping about some drama he overheard from Shennong's scholars. Ne zha would let him talk until he was forced to leave for an assignment or meeting. The lotus prince would never admit it (he rather die) but he would miss listening to Erlang talk his ear off as the silence felt forgein to him now. Ao bing would always talk about the most random topic and Ne zha would just listen to him go on a rant about superior food combinations and making promises to Ne zha that they'd got try it out together.

He hadn't talk to Ao bing in a while.

Ne zha hoped that he was okay. The way he had left things was...messy to say the least. But he believes that it was for the best. It would probably help Ao bing move on from him quicker as much as it hurt to admit.

Ne zha read over the document once more before rolling it up and added it to the pile of things needed to be replaced. He heard a light knock and turned to see Erlang standing by his door way. He didnt pay him a lot of attention and went back to work.

"Is there something wrong?" He asked not looking up from his desk.

"Not necessarily, I just figured you would like some company. You've been working nonstop since your return." Erlang shrugged as he made his way over to the younger immortal.

"I like keeping busy." Ne zha answered as he wrote something down quickly. Erlang sat down on his couch, he let out a hum.

"You're lucky we can't die from stress or you'd be in Diyu already." The older immortal laughed lightly. Ne zha just gave him a quick glare before going back to the paper infront of him. "Shouldn't you be teaching your students or something?"

"They're busy with something else." Erlang answers. Ne zha looks at him with skepticism. "You just didn't want to train them." He said bluntly.

"You caught me." Erlang laughed. He leaned back into the small couch. Ne zha just rolled his eyes at the older man, sometimes couldn't believe he was older than him. They went back to silence.

Erlang looked around the room, already bored with how this hang out was going. The mortal glanced back at the lotus prince once more, trying to decipher the young mortal's demeanor.

When Erlang had seen Ne zha return he was surprised as Guanyin had said that the brunette wouldn't be back until she decided.  Never the less the general was happy to see him. But when he greeted the young mortal he seemed...off to say the least. The lotus prince looked miserable and Erlang would joke avout him looking terrible, but this time he did look terrible. The outfit was nice though. Erlang was about to make a comment about it, when Ne zha's father called him over and told him to change out of 'those clothes'. The lotus prince left Erlang with a mumbled departing words. It didn't take Erlang long to understand that Li Jing had found out what the goddess had done. And all the man said was, "uh oh."


"I would appreciate it if you stopped staring." Ne zha said, bringing Elrang out of his recounters. He stared at little longer dismissing Ne zha's request to stop.

"Are you okay?" He asked. Ne zha looked up at him, stunned at the sudden question.

"Of course I am." He huffed, "what kind of question is that."

"Well for starters you've been stamping the same paper at least five times now." Erlang points out. The brunette looks down to see that he was right and saw multiple stamps overlapping.

"And you haven't really left this room for a while, no one has seen you since you came back." Elrang saw how Ne zha furrowed his eyebrows. "There's just been a lot of work to do, I haven't had a chance to talk to anyone." But why would he? He doesn't really talk to anyone unless it was important. Erlang hums, staying quiet for a moment.

"Have you talked with that Ao bing fellow?" Erlang pushes. Ne zha tenses at the question, "No." He answered quickly.

"Really? He seems nice, maybe you should invite him over. I would love to meet him." Erlang chatted, bit paying attention with how Ne zha glared at him.

"Or...not! I could always just go down there and chat with him." Erlang hummed, acting like he pondered the idea.

"Don't." Ne zha said flatly breaking his pen in half, ink ran down his hand as he let out a sigh. "I mean that it's not necessary for hims to get involved with heavens affairs. We already have too much to do." He states, getting up from his desk and went to grab a towel.

Erlang watched him move around, as he opened a cabnet. "Was it your father?" He asked. Ne zha froze, "No." He mumbled in response, he reached for a towel and wiped away the remaining ink, most of it dried and stuck to his skin. That wouldn't come of for a while. He stared at his hand for longer than necessary. It...sort of reminded him of-

The rain hit the ground with a heavy thud, almost making it impossible to hear about anything in the area.

The lotus prince was soaked to the bone with water, small drops of water entered through his nose as he breathed heavily.

The prince looked down at his hand and saw that it was stained with a crimson red. The rain could not wash it off.  What happened? He couldn't remember.

He looked forwards and saw-

"Ne zha you're doing it again." Erlang spoke, shaking Ne zha our of his trance. "Doing what again? I have no idea what you're talking about." Ne zha brushed off quickly, making his way back to his desk. But was block by Erlang.
"Ne zha." Erlang huffed, "you can't keep doing this to yourself kid."

The brunette's brows furrowed, he never liked it when he was called a kid. "You have to let go of the past."

Ne zha scoffed at that.

"How could I forget the past when it's looking back at me?" He sneered.

"All of you think it's so easy just to let go of the past because you've lived over centuries, that your memories don't matter! Because you aren't stuck lving and seeing your past loved ones that you can- just- move on!" He shouted now clutching his hair. "I have to live with my past! I'm constantly reminded when Ao Guang visits the jade palace. Constantly reminding me that killed his son just by looking at me."

"What's worse is that his son reincarnated! And has feelings for me!" Ne zha exasperated.

"And that's bad because?" Erlang cuts in.

"Because! As much as I lo- I care for him. Our fathers would never allow it. Ao guang will just- lock his son away once he finds out hes alive. And what if- what if...he lives the same fate...I just...can't go through that...not again." Ne zha croaks as he lets himself fall into his couch, his hands clutch his face.

Erlang stares at the young man with pity, he sits down next to him. "It doesn't matter what your parents think." Erlang states. Ne zha looks at him waiting for the older man to continue. "From what I remember you didn't care what your father thought, you claimed that you would love the loong until the end of time." Erlang recalled.

"That was before I killed him." Ne zha claimed.

Erlang stayed quiet, he let out a sigh. "Yeah...you're guys' relationship is a bit messy." He muttered.

"You aren't helping."

"Sorry, sorry."

They went quiet again. Ne zha stared at the ground infront of him, remembering the person he was supposed to forget. His hair buns had become loose during his manic rambling. He had gotten used to Ao bing doing his hair for him, missing the warmth of his fingers that would run through his hair.

"Its better like this anyways." Ne zha said. "He doesn't need me and I dont need him." He convinced himself. Erlang stared at him in concern, the young deity was closing himself off again, the last time this happen he had locked himself away at his temple for about a century or two.

"I don't think that's true. You two are clearly intertwined to each other even if you didn't want to." Erlang contends. Ne zha continued to look at the ground.

"I think you love him too." Erlang proclaimed. That got the lotus prince attention as he whipped his head around ready to deny. "You're just scared to admit it. Never expected you to be a coward Ne zha." He huffed. Ne zha glared at him.

"I understand why you are scared. The last time you fell in love you were hurt, both if you were. And you're scared that history will repeat itself." Erlang shared.  "Yet you shouldn't let your fear control."

"But it's not easy to let go." Ne zha answers.

"I know it's not. But you cant hold onto to it forever either." Erlang argued. "You've been holding on to this fear for so long, it's made you believe that aren't worth loving. But you are Ne zha, and you've been given a chance to be with the one you love."

The older deity places a gently hand on the others shoulder. "Don't let anyone control your life."

Ne zha knew he was right, all his time he had been trying to keep his father happy by doing everything he wanted, he tried everything to make him proud. He trained for hours, he worked tirelessly and hirt people he cared about. But all his father saw was disappointment. He's only now realizing that it doesn't matter anymore. It doesn't matter what his father thought of him. He stopped being a child a long time ago. And now he could do whatever he pleased and be with who he wanted to be with.

"I do love him." Ne zha proclaimed. "I love his smile, his eyes, his laugh. I live everything about him." Ne zha rubbed his eyes and leaned back into the couch with a groan. "I am such an idiot." He whined.

Elrang let out a small laugh, "You're just realizing?" Ne zha shoved him, "I'm joking, I'm joking!" Erlang raised his hand in defense. Ne zha pouted before a small smile appeared in his lips. "I'm sure he'll understand once you two talk. There's nothing stopping you from seeing him."

There were muffled steps quickly becoming loud stomping as they got closer to the room the two deities were in, accompanied by shouting and arguing voices.

The stomps suddenly stopped right at the doorway. There stood a seething young woman, with eyes glowing green as well as what appeared to be green flames flickering out of her bared, clench teeth.

"YOU." Mei point at Ne zha with and accusing finger almost shaking with the amount of range coursing through the young woman's body.

"Perhaps I spoke too soon." Elrang grimaced.

"Mei let not do anything that might get us killed or stuck under a mountain for all of time!" Mk suddenly appeared next to his best friend

"UNCLE! I tried to stop them but she threatened to drown me if I didn't take them to the heavenly realm!" Red son also appeard but in a forced manner as it was clear that Mk and Mei didn't posses the power to travel between realms.

"You are the worst person to ever exist!" Mei barked. "I can't believe you said all of those things to Ao bing! How dare you play with his feelings!" She fummed. As she made her way over to the lotus prince, the two men behind her trail trying to calm her down. Erlang got up from the couch and moved away from the seething girl. Ne zha also stood up and met Mei half way as she glared up at him with fury he's never seen before.

"I wasn't toying with his emotions, I was just-" Ne zha tried to explain. "But you did! You made him feel ashamed and heartbroken! He's been locked in his apartment for a month! A MONTH! And you didn't mean to hurt him?!" She growled, flames spitting out as she spoke. Ne zha eyes widen, Ao bing hadn't left his apartment since he left?

"He hasnt left his apartment?" Ne zha murmurs. Mei seemed to had gotten angrier at the quiet question. "What did you expect asshole?! After you tore his heart into pieces, he hasn't shown up for work or answered any of our texts or calls! His neighbor even told us that he cried every night because of you!" She barked. "I was so scared when he didn't answer...I thought he was dead." Her voice trembled as she said those words. "I would never forgive if he hurt himself because of you." She poked at Ne zha's chest harshly.

"I would kill you right now if Ao bing didn't practically begged me not to." She confessed. The dragon girl leaned in, getting into Ne zha face.

"You don't deserve him." She spat, green flames threaten to burn Ne zha's face. His own flames threating to rise in challenge but he had no right. It broke his heart just hearing the state he had left the blue haired man.

"You're right, I don't." He said. "I thought what I was doing was right. But I wasn't. I was...scared." He confessed.

Mei features soften just for a second, quickly changed back to glaring at Ne zha. "It doesn't excuse how I treated him." He stated. Mei just glared at him, not saying anything word as she backed away from the deity. She seemed calm at first, the tension had almost lessen. Until-

THWACK

She punched him square on the jaw.

It left the overs presented gasping in shock. Ne zha was stunned for a moment, his face stinging for only a small fraction of time.

"I deserve that." He winced.

"Damn right! You're such a coward for not admitting your own feelings!" She snapped.

"He actually just accepted his feeling for the boy." Erlang added. Everyone looked at him with a dumbfounded stared, making the elder man stay quiet. Only mumbled a 'sorry.'

"He hasn't told Ao bing so he's still a coward!" She argued. She turned back at the lotus prince. "As much as I want you to stay away from him, you need to apologize to him." She told him, turning away and leaving the room. She stopped at the doorway, "He still cares about you, even after everything." She said and left. Red son and Mk trailing behind, jumbling out words as to what just happened. Mostly Mk freaking out while Red son screeches at her for what she did. Their words fadingas they got farther away.

"Well that was eventful." Erlang sighed. He turned to the young deity. " So...what is your plan?" He inquired.




"I may have an idea." Ne zha responded, "Who knows if it'll work."