Chapter Text
Leo had always been a fan of musical theaters. He loved the modern touch of Western theaters where the beats were catchy while carrying an integral part of the story they are in, or maybe it could just be another number of teenagers sharing a smoothie together, or maybe it would just be a small scene where people would reminisce what could have been. Some of his favorites were Heathers, Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, Mama Mia, and so much more. Honestly, there were too many masterpieces for Leo just to choose one.
And his love for theater was what brought him to meet Macaque. He has never been to a shadow theater before and he found the concept interesting. His decision to attend one show changed the trajectory of where Leo’s life could have led. Now, he is a pupil of the Six-eared Macaque, training in a new type of martial arts that Leo had never seen before (maybe in movies, but who is to say they were accurate?)
Other than his brothers, his favorite musicals are something he missed greatly. Would there be any musical that would be greater than his top favorites? Or would there even be a musical that could simply measure to them? Especially in this world. Wait, were there equivalents to his favorite Broadway musicals here in this universe? It would be impossible not to have any musicals in any universe.
Leo snatched his phone from where it was charging and then began to search for the first thing that popped into his mind: Hamilton.
Macaque was sketching a lesson plan for his and Leo’s first lesson. He was rather excited since this would be his first official pupil. Well, he also had MK for a while, the boy refused to see him again after the last battle… He doesn’t blame him entirely, but he wishes he could see him again. He’s actually a really good kid.
Macaque hummed as he looked at his draft. “Alright, so, we’ll start with exercises, and then a review of forms… He seems experienced enough, but it doesn’t hurt to check–”
His ears fluttered when he heard rushed and rhythmic steps, almost like someone was dancing. And was that music? Singing? He turned to the door and flinched when it suddenly banged open, revealing an ecstatic Leo, yelling, “SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME! YO!”
Leo jumped into the dojo with music being played by the phone he had in his pocket.
“I’m John Laurens in the place to be! Two pints o’ Sam Adams, but I’m working on three, uh!”
Leo’s movements were ecstatic as he danced around the studio, his gestures odd to Macaque.
“Those red coats don’t want it with me! ‘Cuz I will POP chika-pop these cops till I’m free!”
Leo slid to another side of the room and began imitating his gestures like how a French man would.
“Oui oui, mon ami, je mapelle Lafayette! The Lancelot of the revolutionary set! I came from afar just to say “Bonsoir!” Tell the king “Casse toi” who’s the best? Cest moi~”
Leo’s phone fell on the ground but Leo didn’t seem to mind as he jumped from one platform to another, continuing his act.
“BRAH, BRAH! I am Hercules Mulligan, up in it, lovin’ it, yes I heard your mother say, “Come again”?”
Leo dropped back down with a roll and began to act like the stereotypical jocks you would find in a Disney Movie.
“Lock up ‘ya daughters and horses, of course, it’s hard to have intercourse with four sets of corsets!”
Macaque got the fallen phone and watched Leo with an amused, although confused, smile.
“No more sex, pour me another brew, son! Let’s raise another more! TO THE REVOLUTION!”
Macaque paused the music and Leo had to stop and wonder where his music had gone. He turned to the laughing monkey man holding his phone. Macaque twirled the small gadget in his hand and commented, “I thought we were a combat class, not a drama class.”
“Could be both,” Leo shrugged as he walked over and had Macaque hand his phone over. “But like, I just found Hamilton, and I just fell in love all over again!” Leo exclaimed as he dramatically swayed.
“Well, I don’t know what that is, but at least you like it,” Macaque shrugged.
Leo stared at him like Macaque was growing another head. He grabbed his shoulders and shook him yelling, “YOU DON’T KNOW HAMILTON?!!”
Macaque teleported behind and out of Leo’s grip. “No, I haven’t. Why? Is it good?”
Leo turned to Macaque and began furiously scrolling his phone. “OH MY GODS, you are a theater kid and you do not know Hamilton , how could you–”
He pulled out his downloaded movie, and with a giant grin, he said, “Let me introduce you to the beautiful world of Modern Western Pop Media!”
Almost three hours later, Macaque and Leo are busting into song whenever Macaque spars with Leo. So far, his favorites were “Satisfied” and “You’ll Be Back.” Their first session wasn’t a fruitful one, but it was rather memorable. It gave Macaque a small understanding of what Leo is as a character, and Leo appreciates Macaque being able to share his interests with him.
The next day, they were able to take things a little more seriously but they still had those occasional musical outbreaks whenever one of them referenced Hamilton.
“I should introduce you to Heathers next,” Leo suggested.
“Heather?”