#invitation

(Monkey King Reborn) Sun Wukong x Reader

(Prompt - Invitation)

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            He was back. Even in the dim, pearly light of dawn, you could just make out the monkey’s silhouette lounging in the fruit tree. At your sleepy approach, he rolled his eyes and took a bite out of one of your peaches.

            “You’re late,” Wukong chastised, his dangling tail flicking irritably in your face.

            You yawned and blinked blearily up at him. “Late for what?”

            He nodded towards the horizon where dark indigo was slowly turning to soft shades of pink and lavender. “The sun is rising.” The monkey suddenly leapt to the ground, a blur of colorful robes and fur standing ominously before you. His mouth was pulled down in a frown but his dark rimmed eyes watched you expectantly, almost eagerly. “We’re set to leave at dawn.”

            “And what? You wanted me to see you off?” you teased. “Barely spend a week in our village and expect a tearful goodbye, fruit thief?”

            Wukong’s frown deepened to a scowl. You almost mistook it for anger if not for the blush coloring his freckled nose and the bashful shift of his eyes.

            “Don’t be stupid,” he said tartly. “You’re coming with us, right?”

            You blinked, shocked wide awake by the assumption. “Since when?”

            “Since I just invited you.”

            “I can’t leave,” you protested, gesturing to the tiny circle of trees. “What about my orchard?”

            Wukong sighed and glanced to one of the few fruits still dangling from the branches. “Summer is almost over,” he murmured, almost more to himself than you. “What happens when winter comes? When your trees bear no fruit and you have nothing to sell at the market?”

            You crossed your arms with a huff. “And what different would it make if I stayed in the village or traveled for the winter?”

            “I’ll be with you,” Wukong answered with brazen confidence. “The road isn’t always easy but I promise to protect you and be by your side no matter what.”

            The serious tone caught you off guard. His words were spoken like an oath, sworn with a weight and sincerity usually reserved for heroes and nobility. It was reassuring, flattering, and baffling all at once.

            You stared at him in confusion even as the request overwhelmed you. “Why?”

            His intense gaze softened just a touch as he took your hands in a gentle grasp. “Because you’re kind, smart, and honest; qualities few humans seemed to possess. Besides,” he added with a cheeky smirk. “You make far better company than the pig.”

            That startled a laugh out of you and he shared your mirth with a quiet chuckle. “So, what do you say, Peaches?” he asked almost shyly. “Want to journey west with us?”

            The longer you pondered his offer, the more impatient he grew. His nervous eyes narrowed, lips pouting, and tail lashing behind him until his temper flared a bit. “At this rate, the others will make it to India without us.”

            “Alright, fine,” you relented with a giggle. “I go west with you, silly monkey.”

            “Great!” He hurried towards your shack of a house, tugging you after him by the iron grip on your wrist. “Let’s get your stuff and get a move on. The others went on ahead but the sooner we catch up, the less we have to hear them complain.”

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Extremely honored to have parts of my Bog Life of the Northeast illustration featured at this year’s National Audubon Society's Women in Conservation Luncheon! The yellow-bellied flycatcher, rhodora, Labrador tea and bog fritillary appeared on invitations, programs, and printed huge behind the speakers at the legendary Rainbow Room!! So cool. Giant thank you to Audubon for including my work.

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