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“There it is!” Wukong whisper-yelled, pointing to the magic mirror hanging at the back of the bar.
“Great,” Macaque said, “Only problem is, how are we gonna get it? In case you haven’t noticed, this bar is packed with demons.”
The two of them were dressed in civilian clothes, Wukong in his hoodie and Macaque in a black sweater with red cloud trims. It was supposed to be a quick mission, really. Find the magic mirror, grab it, and get out.
But the packed bar presented a problem. Yes they could just beat up anyone who tried to stop them, but this was supposed to be a covert operation. Plus, while Wukong wouldn’t mind beating up the bar owners who presumably stole it in the first place, civilians were another issue.
The monkey king hummed as he looked around in thought, before smiling as he saw their saving grace, “There’s a stage and some old karaoke equipment,” he pointed out, smirking at his rival, “You still a theater kid?”
Macaque rolled his eyes, “Do I have six ears?” he asked rhetorically.
“Great! You put on a show, and I’ll grab the thing,” he gave a thumbs up.
The other scoffed, disappearing into the shadows.
Wukong wandered around the venue for a moment, waiting for his opportunity. After a while, a soft rock melody came from the stage as Macaque stepped out from the shadows, microphone in hand. The crowd all looked to him as he took a deep breath, standing front and center and singing,
“I don't know what to do without you
I don't know where to put my hands
I've been trying to lay my head down
But I'm writing this at three AM”
Wukong rolled his eyes. Of course he’d belt out some grungy sappy love song. Trying not to draw attention to himself as he slinked through the crowd, he leapt up onto the beams and began walking towards his target.
“I don't need the world to see
That I've been the best I can be, but
I don't think I could stand to be
Where you don't see me”
The Monkey King paused at the lyrics. That… somehow felt directed at him.
Shaking his head, he quickly grabbed the gemmed mirror and shoved it into his bag.
“On sunny days I go out walking
I end up on a tree-lined street
I look up at the gaps of sunlight
I miss you more than anything!”
Wukong’s eyes widened as looked back at the stage. Macaque legitimately looked like he was into the song, eyes closed as he sang. The microphone cord was wrapped around his hand as he walked across the stage, half-dancing as the chorus came back around,
“I don't need the world to see
That I've been the best I can be, but
I don't think I could stand to be
Where you don't see me”
He was vaguely aware he should be jumping down and bolting for the exit right now, but what could he say? He had always been entranced by Macaque’s performances. Especially now, as the other practically glowed in the spotlight. The next verse was more boisterous and loud, and the singer was clearly giving it all he got as he belted out with a passionate voice,
“And autumn comes when you're not yet done
With the summer passing by, but
I don't think I could stand to be
Where you don't see me”
When the instrumental came, Wukong finally snapped out of his trance. Having to stop himself from cheering with the crowd as the song came to an end, he tugged his hood further down as he hopped down and rushed out the back door.
“Welp,” Macaque stretched as he emerged from the alley shadows, sighing, “It’s been a while since I sang for a crowd like that.”
Wukong looked up with a smile, “You did good,” he said, before smiling and pulling out the mirror enough for the other to see, “As did I~”
“Oh, shut up.” the other groaned, but there was no bite to his words as they began walking down the moonlit street.
They walked in silence for a bit, before Wukong cleared his throat, “Hey, that song…” he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Hm?” he glanced over, “Oh, yeah. It’s from this singer I like. It’s not my favorite song of hers, but it’s a really good one.”
Wukong pursed his lips, “Was it… about me?”
He looked over at him. For a moment, there was a solemn look on his face that was quickly covered up with a smirk, “Typical Wukong, always making it about you.” he snorted.
“Yeah,” he smiled a bit, looking back ahead, “But uh… you know, whoever that song was about. They should let the woman who sang it know something.”
Macaque squinted at him in confusion as he went on.
“They should let her know that um, they never looked away.” he said, meeting Macaque’s eyes with a soft smile, “They’ve always been able to see her.”
The warrior’s eyes widened a bit at that, silent for a moment before huffing out a laugh, “I’ll be sure to let her know.”
The hero smiled, inching just the tiniest bit closer as they walked, “It was a good song though. Think I can borrow her vinyl from you?”
“You know nobody uses records anymore, right?” he arched a brow.
“I know,” he said, “But you’ve always liked that sort of junk.”
Macaque rolled his eyes for what felt like the hundredth time this night, “Whatever.” he said, “... but yeah, I’ll let you borrow it.”