Chapter Text
Mei and Red Son sat in the sweltering heat of the sauna, the air thick of tension. Their faces glistened with sweat as they stared at each other, the challenge hanging in the air like the dense fog that clung to the wooden benches. Mei's eyes twinkled as she leaned back, her palms flat against the warmth of the wood, her breaths deep and even.
"This is ridiculous," Red Son muttered, his voice a low growl. His fists clenched and unclenched at his sides, a clear sign of his growing annoyance. "Why would we waste our time with something as trivial as this?"
Mei smirked, her eyes never leaving his. "It's all in good fun," she said, her tone playful. "Besides, I thought you were the one who didn't back down from a challenge."
Red Son's eyes narrowed, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red matching his hair. "Fine," he spat. "But I've had enough of these games." He pushed himself up from the bench, the wood groaning under his weight as he stood. The air grew thicker, the heat seemingly increasing with his agitation.
"Alright," Mei said calmly, sitting up straight. "If you can't handle the heat, you can leave anytime."
Red Son shot her a glare that could have melted the ice caps. "You think I can't handle this?" he roared, the sound echoing through the small room. "I'll show you!"
Mei's smirk only grew as she leaned back again, crossing her arms over her chest. "Oh, I think you can," she said sweetly. "But I also know how much you hate to lose."
Red Son's fists tightened until his knuckles turned white. "You think you're so clever," he snarled. "But I'll show you who the real winner is!"
Just then, Mk's voice pierced the tension, calling out from outside the sauna door, "Hey, Mei! Make sure Red Son doesn't turn into a lobster in there, yeah?"
Mei rolled her eyes, her smile unwavering. "Don't worry, I've got an eye on him," she called back, not bothering to hide the amusement in her voice.
Red Son's face grew even redder, if that was possible. "You think this is funny?" he shot at Mk, though the door was still closed.
Mk's laughter washed over them, light and teasing. "Oh, come on, you two," he said. "Don't let a little heat get to you. Remember, we're here to relax."
Red Son's glare only intensified, his eyes burning holes into the wood. "Shut it, Mk," he bit out, his voice tight with frustration.
Mk's laughter grew louder, the sound of his footsteps retreating down the hall. "Alright, alright," he called back. "Just don't let the heat go to your head!"
With Mk gone, the tension in the sauna eased slightly. Red Son took a deep breath, his shoulders dropping. Mei's smirk morphed into a gentle smile. "You know," she said, "you can still leave anytime you want."
Red Son scoffed. "As if I'd let you win so easily." He sat back down, the bench creaking under his weight. They were silent for a moment, the only sound the occasional drip of water from the wooden seats and the hiss of steam.
Mei leaned back and closed her eyes. "You know, Red Son," she said, her voice calm and measured. "Whenever you're not busy, you should come hang out with Mk and me. We could use a third wheel for some of our adventures."
Red Son snorted. "You think I have nothing better to do than to follow you two around?" He wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "I have my own things to take care of."
Mei's smile remained, unbothered by his gruffness. "Sure, sure," she said, her voice lilting. "But it's not like you can't spare a little time for some fun, right?"
Red Son grunted, his gaze fixed on the steaming around the room. "I suppose..." he shook his head. "But I'm not promising anything."
Mei's eyes snapped open, a glint of excitement in them. "Really?" she leaned forward, her hands gripping the edge of the bench. "You'd actually consider it?"
Red Son's glower softened slightly. "I didn't say I'd agree to it," he grumbled. "But I might stop by, if I'm not busy."
Mei clapped her hands together. "That's the spirit!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Red Son couldn't help but crack a small smile at her enthusiasm. "Don't get your hopes too high now," he warned, though the gruffness in his voice had lessened.
Meanwhile Mk walked out of the hot springs with a towel in his hand drying his hair "Where is Monkey king? I thought I told him to meet me here?" Tang rushed over to Mk, "Hm what's wrong? Monkey king not here yet?"
Mk looked around the steam rising from the water and little snowflakes was falling into the water. It was the perfect spot for a relaxing evening. He had gone through the trouble of booking the private premium hot spring, something he knew Wukong would enjoy. "No, he said he had something important to do," Mk replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
Tang tilted his head, his eyes narrowed in thought. "Maybe Macaque knows where he is," he suggested, his tone light. "You know how Macaque is always lingering in the shadows?"
Mk's expression brightened with realization. "You're right!" He turned to face him, his spirits lifting. "Why didn't I think of that?" He knew Macaque's tendencies to be nosy and the monkey's knack for finding entertainment in the most unexpected places.
He quickly pulled out his phone, as he typed out a message. "Macaque, where's Monkey King? He's supposed to be here. Tell him to get his lazy butt over to the hot springs, I've got something special planned." He hit send and slid the phone back into his pocket, feeling more hopeful.
Moments later, his phone vibrated with a reply. "Snowing outside," Macaque's message, accompanied by a emote. "Don't wanna go out ╮(ˇヘˇ)╭ “
Mk rolled his eyes at the screen, knowing Macaque's for avoiding Wukong any chance he gets. "Come on, Macaque, it's just a little snow ," Mk texted back. "You can teleport, can't you? ( ~ = ‿=)~"
Macaque's response was swift. "Teleporting is for emergencies, not for fetching lazy monkeys," he retorted.
Mk couldn't help but laugh at Macaque's comment. "Okay, okay. But seriously, tell Monkey King to get over here. He can't be that busy." He leaned back against the wall, with Tang on the side peeking at Mk's phone.
Macaque took a bit longer to respond this time, the three dots bouncing on the screen before a message appeared. "Fine, but only because you're my favorite student".
Mk smirked at the screen and texted back, "Thank you, Macaque. I'll owe you one ^^." He watched the screen intently, waiting for the response. It didn't take long before Macaque's message popped up. "Alright, but don't think you can get out of training sessions just because of this (¬‿¬ )," Macaque typed. Mk just replied with an emoticon “(°ロ°) !”
Mk chuckled and turned to Tang. "Looks like we're going to have to wait a bit longer for Wukong." He sighed, looking out at the view of the snowfall outside the hot spring's windows.
Macaque, however, was already in action; he knew all too well that Wukong was probably just at home, devouring a bag of those peach chips he loved so much. The thought of interrupting the monkey's snacking session was almost too entertaining to pass up.
With a smug smirk, he emerged from the shadows in Wukong's cluttered living room, where the monkey was indeed lounging on the couch, munching on peach chips. “Hey bud," Macaque announced.
Wukong nearly choked on his snack knowing that voice too well. "Macaque!" He spat, fuming. "Couldn't you at least tell me that you were coming over?" Macaque stroll over, his tail swaying behind him in the warm lit room. "Where's the fun in that?" He quickly, took a peach chip from the bag. "I'm busy," Wukong protested, crumbs flying from his mouth.
"Busy binge watching Monkey Cop because you were casted in it?" Macaque teased, taking another chip and popping it into his mouth. Wukong glared at him, his chewing slowing to a halt.
"It's the best show ever!" Wukong exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a show about a monkey with crazy cop skills and handsome charm?" He paused for dramatic effect before adding, "Besides, it's based on me. So obviously, it's the best."
Macaque couldn't help but laugh, his shoulders shaking with mirth. "You're so full of it," he said, swiping another chip. "But if that's what keeps you entertained, I guess I can't blame you." He took a moment to look around the room, noticing some empty chip bags scattered on the floor.
"Are you too busy to even meet your favorite student?" Macaque's tone was teasing. "What does MK want now?" Wukong asked, tossing the half-eaten bag aside and sitting up straight, his curiosity piqued despite his irritation.
"MK's waiting for you at the hot springs," Macaque said, his grin widening as he watched Wukong's face fall. "He prepared something special for you, and he's been waiting."
Wukong's eyes widened in shock, his hand hovering over the remote. "He what?!" He shot up from the couch, "Why would he do that?"
Macaque shrugged nonchalantly. "How should I know?" He waved a dismissive hand, his grin never wavering. Wukong narrowed his eyes. "You're the one who told me to come. Why can't you just teleport me there?"
Macaque dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "Me? Using my teleportation for something so trivial?" He gasped, feigning offense. "Don't be so ungrateful, I'm already doing you a favor by not telling MK about your little TV marathon."
Wukong's face flushed with annoyance. "Fine," he grumbled. "But you're coming with me." He didn't wait for a response before storming out of the room.
Macaque followed him, a spring in his step. "Love to," he said cheerfully, his tail swishing with each step. "I've got nothing else to do. Might as well make sure you don't get stuck in the snow."
Wukong rolled his eyes but didn't argue. He knew Macaque was enjoying this too much to let the opportunity slip by. They stepped outside into the crisp, cold air, the snowflakes landing on their fur and skin.
The snow was falling thick and fast, painting the world in a pristine white. Macaque couldn't resist the urge to play, and with a mischievous glint in his eye, he pushed Wukong playfully into a nearby pile of snow. The monkey king let out a startled yelp as the cold snow enveloped him, burying him up to his waist.
Wukong's initial shock quickly turned into annoyance as he clawed his way out of the snow. His fur was now damp and clumped together, and his clothes were soaked. He shot Macaque with a glare that could have frozen the ocean.
Macaque, unfazed by Wukong's wrath, chuckled. "Told ya you'd get stuck in the snow," he said smugly, brushing off a snowflake that had landed on his hair. Wukong shot him a glare. "Very funny," he grumbled, shaking off the excess snow. He stomped his feet, trying to regain some warmth.
Macaque's laughter grew louder. "Come on, lighten up," he said, his eyes dancing with amusement. "It's just a little snow. Besides, it'll be worth it once we're in the hot springs."
Wukong grunted, his teeth chattering slightly. He knew Macaque had a point, but that didn't mean he had to like it. "Alright," he relented, trudging through the snow. "But if I catch a cold because of this, I'm blaming you."
Macaque just waved him off. "Your Monkey King! No way you will get defeated by a little cold."
Wukong grumbles but starts walking faster. "Let's just get to the hot springs before I turn into a popsicle," he says, the cold air turning his breath to mist.
Macaque, seemingly oblivious to the cold, strode ahead with an extra bounce in his step, his tail swishing dramatically behind him to shake off the accumulating snow. Wukong couldn't help but notice the smug look on the monkey's face.
Wukong picked up his pace, as he couldn't help notice the snowflakes falling on Macaque's hair and fur. The way the white flakes contrasted with Macaque's dark fur was almost mesmerizing. Each flake looked like a tiny star, briefly lighting up the monkey's features before melting away into nothingness. It was a sight Wukong had never seen before, and despite his frustration, he couldn't help but think it was kind of cute.
"You're actually pretty..." He caught himself, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Pretty noticeable when you walk through the snow, that's all I meant..." He quickly corrected, his voice trailing off as he hoped Macaque didn't catch the slip.
Macaque turned around, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh? Did you say something, Wukong?" He feigned innocence, but the smug grin on his face gave him away. Wukong knowing too well how sharp Macaque six ears can be, Macaque chuckled watching Wukongs reactions "Well my dark fur color does not blend in with the snow"
Wukong rolled his eyes, trying to play it off. "Yeah, yeah..." he muttered, walking faster to catch up. But Macaque wasn't one to let things go so easily. He leaned in close to Wukong, whispering, "I know what you meant," his voice playful and teasing. Wukong's eyes flickered with a mix of frustration and something else he refused to acknowledge. "You're doing it on purpose, aren't you?" He crossed his arms, his tail swaying behind him. “Maybe~” Macaque shrugged casually.
Wukong felt a surge of heat in his cheeks, and he quickened his pace, hoping to outrun his embarrassment. "Let's just focus on getting to the hot springs," he grumbled, pushing ahead. Macaque's laughter echoed in the silence, following him like a taunting melody.
As they approached the hot springs, Wukong couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. He had never been to the hot spring in such a long time. The thought of relaxing in the warm waters, surrounded by the serene winter landscape, was tempting, even if it meant facing Mk's and his friends teasing about his laziness.
When they arrived, Mk's eyes lit up at the sight of Wukong. "You made it!" He exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face. Wukong couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest at the genuine happiness radiating from Mk. Monkey King turns to face Mk, a slight smile on his face. "Hey, Mk. What's the big idea, calling me here like this?" He asks, his eyes flickering back to Macaque before looking away. "And what's with the excitement?"
"We were able to book you a private premium hot spring just for yourself. We know how hard you've been working!" Mk cheered as Monkey King's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Those are insanely hard to book... How'd you manage that, MK?"
"Well we said it was for the great one and only handsome Monkey King and they understood!" Mk was all bubbly as he started pushing Monkey king into the private hot spring. Monkey King laughed, unable to keep up with MK's enthusiasm as he got pushed closer to the hot spring. "Alright, alright! Would you stop shoving?!" Despite his protest, he could feel a warmth spreading in his chest at their gesture. "Alright relax now monkey out!" Mk chuckled, grabbing Macaque.
Once inside, Wukong's eyes widened at the sight of the well-maintained outdoor hot spring surrounded by the coolness of winter. There was a small refrigerator stocked with bottles of milk inside along with an array of plush towels neatly folded on a nearby shelf. He couldn't believe Mk had gone to such lengths for him.
Before soaking into the hot water, Wukong decided to clean up first, heading to the shower stall. The warm spray hit his skin, he took his time, letting the water wash away the bits of snow and the grime from his fur. As he scrubbed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him, something he hadn't felt in a long time. It had been ages since he had taken a moment to truly relax without the burdens of his responsibilities or the endless pursuit of power.
He grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist and tossing his clothes into a basket provided for guests. The warmth of the room was a contrast to the cold outside, and Wukong couldn't resist a small groan of comfort as he stepped into the hot spring. The water was the perfect temperature, and bubbles gently caressed his fur as he sank deeper into the water.
"You weren't actually thinking you're gonna be enjoying this all by yourself right?" there was this familiar aggravating voice behind him. Wukong sighed, snapped his head and saw a familiar face.