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Care to dance, Great Sage?
The ginger monkey blinked himself out of sleep and looked up to the voice speaking to him.
It was a simian just like the other, instead he had obsidian colored fur (wish had been put up in a messy bun) and tan skin. He also had six special ears that highlighted his golden eyes. He was wearing a purple and black suit with gold chains trailing from his pockets.
He stared at the other, taking in how ethereal and pretty he was. He looked rich, sure Wukong is one of the richest on the mountain but this guy looks like he would have three manors.
Not to mention his chains and belt looked really expensive, unless he stole them, he would've had to sacrifice a lot of gold.
The monkey had his hand out in front of the other, an invitation for a dance? He wouldn't think that out of all the others, he would pick the ginger. Maybe it was luck.
He realized he was leaving the other empty handed as his hand inched closer. The orange monkey took his hand and followed him to the center of the ballroom.
It was quite populated as pairings twirled and danced. The ginger wasn't really good with dancing, but he did like a more public space. He followed the dark monkey that was gently holding his hand. His touch was so gentle when the other thought it would be rough.
The leading monkey turns around, still holding the others hand.
Do you know how to dance, Great Sage?
“No not really, I usually just sit around and drink.” He embarrassingly admits, why is he spewing out to a total stranger. The mentioned stranger puts his hand on his waist. The king's blush is really evident as the other laughs.
Really? I thought tons of girls would be inviting you to dance?
He laughs in return. “Oh believe me they do, I just make some excuse that I can't dance with them.” He then goes to place his hand on the dark monkey's shoulder.
Well if it makes you feel any better, I can't dance well either.
They start slowly moving, dancing in a slow but elegant pattern. “You're better than me” He says, realizing that he hasn't introduced himself yet.
Oh I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself have I?
The other stirred, wondering if they had read each other's mind. Their dance speeds up a bit as the dark monkey twirled the other.
My name is The Six Eared Macaque but it's Macaque for short.
The ginger felt dizzy but not because of the spin, but because of the name. He must've heard it from somewhere, It felt really familiar.
I know, it's kind of a lazy name but-
“My name is Wukong, and it's not a lazy name.” Wukong says as he smiles, with Macaque smiling back.
Wukong huh? I thought you went by The Great Sage?
“That's just a title everyone calls me, not my actual name.” He proudly claims as Macaque twirls them again.
Am I the only one that knows your ‘name’? How kind of you.
Wukong notes the comment had a familiar tone, he swore he heard this voice before. “I suppose I'm feeling generous. Am I the only one that knows your ‘name’?”
Well the name is kinda obvious to figure out, don't you think?
Macaque said as he showed off his six ears..wait six ears? Wukong swore he met someone that already had six ears. “I guess you're right,” he answered, ignoring his pestering thoughts.
This all feels too familiar, the way ‘Macaque’ talks and sways. The way his voice has that balance of malice and elegance. Those ears and those eyes, they feel all too familiar. The music gets tuned out when Wukong tries his hardest to think.
What's on your mind, Great Sage?
The way ‘Macaque’ said it this time was way more dramatic and mocking than before. And Wukong finally understands when he looks at Macaque and sees how his ears are damaged and the scar on his right eye.
Of course, why would this be real? Is there any universe where they would've peacefully existed together with no form of resentment and tension? Is there an universe where they would spend their days together bathing in the sun? Was there any universe where Wukong would be at least lucky to see Macaque smile and laugh without it being fake?
Of course not. Wukong knew that he would never deserve something like that, that he chose a path of pain and hurt.
Wukong looks at the real Macaque that looks at him now with daggers.
“This isn't real is it?” Wukong questions which he already knew the answer. Maybe he just wanted to hear Macaque tell him that it was real.
No, you chose your path and I chose mine. It's funny how we always end up in the same place.
Wukong chuckles, still holding onto Macaque as they still danced. “They just how we work” He says, noticing that no music is playing.
Yeah, I guess
Wukong looks at him, seeing how the suit is now ripped and the chains are rusty. “Do you wish we could've done it differently?” Wukong asks, he doesn't care if this was the real Macaque, he just wanted comfort.
Of course I do. We could've made better choices but,..
I don't have any regrets.
Macaque smiles gently as he lets go of Wukong and pushes him. Wukong, taken back from what the other said, he lets himself fall more and more.
Probably going to end up in some kind of void but he doesn't care after he hears those words.
..
_________________
Wukong startles out of his sleep, sweating despite the room being cold.
Oh so it was a dream..
He gets out of his bed and walks to his window, seeing how Macaque was resting on the tree.
There's no way that was Macaque in the dream right? Wukong just wanted him to say those things. That was just a Macaque that Wukong wanted.
Wukong went back to bed and prepared for another normal day.
it was worth mentioning that the next day, Macaque kept staring at Wukong.