Over the ocean, past the shoreline, up a mountain full of vibrant peach trees that are always either in bloom or bearing fruit, and into a cave, MK and the Great Sage equal to Heaven are training together, though one can clearly tell the other is distracted by thoughts that aren't supposed to be eating at him. Sun Wukong groans, tossing MK to the ground, beating him with as much effort as the time they first trained together. Going over to a defeated MK, he now knows something is really up as the kid hasn't bounced back yet. He always bounces back after a defeat. Monkey King picks MK up from the ground he's laying on, dusting him off, and making sure he's okay.

"Alright, what's buggin' you?"

"What are you talking about?"

Wukong can't help but groan, already picking through MK's hair to ensure cleanliness and to help ease the kid's mind.

"You're not giving as much effort as usual, kid. You're distracted. Now, what's on your mind?"

"Well..."

MK sighs, sitting down. This doesn't stop Sun's grooming, though.

"I'm kind of... I... you see, well..."

"Just out with it! The suspense might actually kill me, you know?"

MK collects his thoughts to a sentence, having a more focused face than the pilgrim has ever seen on him.

"You know Red Son, right?"

"Yes?"

"I kind of, sort of, maybe, fell in love with him?"

The monkey stares at MK, silence taking them.

"Oh, yeah, I figured."

"You knew?!"

"It was impossible not to see. I mean, you hold hands all the time. Also, 'fell in love'? I know, for a fact, you've been dating since that festival at least."

"Wh-wh-what?! No, no, no, no! We're not like that--not to say I wouldn't want that, but I--I don't even know if he likes me back! You know?"

Sun can't help but look at MK confused and curious, raising a brow at him in suspicion.

"Really, Monkey King, it isn't like that between me and Red."

Upon saying that, the kid starts to look disheartened.

"Though I'd like to change that... and I don't know how to tell him."

Resisting the urge to facepalm, the Monkey King sighs, eating a bug that he found in MK's hair. He continues grooming MK, wondering how his successor could be so dense. Anyone that's ever seen the two in public thinks they're a couple! Even the monkeys that live on the mountain know at this point that the two are in love, and Red Son hasn't set foot on the island! Sighing, he knows that if he wants their wedding to be on flower fruit mountain to allow his subjects to be present for it sometime this century then he'll have to help them get the ball rolling.

"Just tell him how you feel and that's that. As long as you say it and he knows what you mean then you'll be fine."

"But what if he doesn't feel the same!?"

"...Kid, that isn't possible. I mean, look at you! You're great!"

"Shouldn't I get him something, though?"

Monkey King stops grooming his hair to think.

"Well, hmm... what do I know about human courting? Oh! You could get him flowers or sweets... oh! Try grooming his hair! That's typical romance, right?"

"Y-yeah! You're right! I can just do the cheesy stuff! Who cares if it's overdone! Thanks, Monkey King! I got to go!"

MK tries to get up, only to be pulled back down to Sun.

"Oh, no you don't. Not yet."

"What?! But I-"

"Not until I make sure you're clean! I know, for a fact, that you don't do enough cleaning. So, I am going to groom your hair, make sure you get a nice bath in the hot springs since there are so many peach blossoms in there that you'll smell wonderful when you get out and not like you were just fighting for the last thirty minutes, get you some clean clothes, go through your hair again, and then I'll get you there myself. And you better be back here once your date is finished by eight, alright?! I want to know every detail... and don't you dare do anything too big! If I find out you and him mated before you got married I will kill him."

"Wh-'mated'!? What do you- wait, hold on! I don't think either of us are thinking about that!"

"Good! Keep it that way!"

Sun continues grooming, only to find he lost his spot and now has to start all over. Though, that's probably a good thing.

"Now that the rules are out of the way with, I forgot to tell you that Guanyin got their vase back and is no longer hosting rage. Also, you've kind of made a name for yourself up there thanks to them, too."

"Really?! What did they say!?"

"Eh, you know, just that you seem a lot more harmless than I did in my youth."

"Do you think I can meet them?!"

"Er, no. But, there's a reason for that. That reason is I don't want anyone in heaven freaking out and putting a circlet on you like they did me. I hated that thing! Though, if they ask for you then I'll have to join... even if they don't ask for me! Now, stop fidgeting or I'll lose my place again."

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Meanwhile, in the home of the West Dragon, Mei and Red Son are walking the halls while one is clearly more nervous about something than the other... and far more vocal, too.

"Just, how do I ask him to be mine?! This would be easier if I did my method!"

"Kidnapping him would not work, Red. Plus, MK would probably think it's a sleepover. Or, you know, payment for being his roommate for the last couple of months. Plus, do you even have your own place?"

"Of course I have my own home separate from my parents. I have my old temple in the cave of a mountain and my own suite that I own uptown. Both are fancy and only my father knows of my old temple home... neither of my parents know about my suite, though."

"Why did you just not go there then?"

"Because MK? I feel like that's obvious."

"I meant at first, dude! MK said he found you in the park!"

"I only went there because uptown was farther away and I wasn't feeling great. So, looking at the stars in the park sounded like a better waste of time than running off to my old suite."

"It was also because you were wanted, right?"

"Oh, well, that too. But, back to the topic, how do I ask him?"

"Well, you're rich, right? Take him to the mall and get some shopping done. MK likes casual, so some new clothes should do the trick. Oh! Lunch or dinner, too! You know how much MK likes to eat!"

"That sounds so basic, Mei. I need something that he won't forget."

"I mean, have you thought about a fire show? You know, your flames? I don't think I've seen anyone ask anyone out with a fire show!"

"You're right! I'll spoil him with gifts all day and confess to him with a literal grand display of affection! Oh, and the power's supposed to be off at the park and it's surrounding for maintenance, meaning the stars will be out as well! I am so glad you can match my genius!"

"Yeah, yeah, now get going! Make some reservations! Oh, but nothing too fancy or you might scare him off!"

"I will keep that in mind!"

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After a long few hours of being cleaned by seemingly every monkey on flower fruit mountain, MK has finally been deemed ready to go on his date.

"Yep! You definitely smell better! Now, remember to be back by eight, young man!"

"Alright, alright! Thanks, Monkey King!"

MK draws out his staff, launching himself with it to get to his destination. As he skips over the waves, he can't help but feel giddy with both nervousness and excitement. Today will be the day he tells Red Son! Possibly over a movie, maybe a monkey king, the animated series marathon. One thing's for certain, he won't do it through text! That's the coward's way out of it! Or, well, the long-distance way. But, he lives with Red, so that's not gonna work. Soon, he's arrived on one of Sandy's ships. He scratches the top of a cat's head, passing through. Now to go to the mall, pick up some stuff, and... oh, this will be so awkward if he says he's not interested. They live together! They are roommates! MK shakes those thoughts out of his head.

"Confidence. I just have to have confidence and I'll be okay."

He continues walking, stepping off the ship so he can once more launch, and then his phone goes off. Someone's calling. He looks at the ID and already he feels faint. Oh, he doesn't have confidence.

"H-hey, Red, how's, uh... what's up?"

"Have you finished training yet?"

"Just got back, actually. Well, I'll be back at the apartment in five."

The date and subsequent confession have both gone out the window.

"Well, good. I'll meet you there. I kind of want to get some shopping done, for the both of us, since you basically wear the same outfit daily and I am getting a bit bored of mine."

"Well, I'm not sure if I have that in the budget."

"My treat."

MK has been sold.

"I'll be at the apartment in five then!"

"Heh. Good."

The call ends and MK launches himself, soon being able to spot Pigsy's noodles. Though, something strange is also there. A fancy car that looks like something Red Son would drive. Upon landing, Pigsy pulls MK inside.

"Kid, listen here and listen good! I don't care what that flashy, firey, Red punk gives you, just understand that you owe him nothing!"

"Um, what?"

"Red! He's got this look on his face, it's smug! He's up to no good again and it's got to do with you!"

"I don't follow."

"Look at the car he's driving! He's out to impress!"

"Oh, I figured that was his. But what's got him on your bad side?"

"He said he's takin' you out today to buy you some stuff, but oh no, I could hear it in his voice, he is up to no good! Keep your staff on you and if he tries to touch you, you call me!"

"Alright, alright, I get it. Sheesh, what is it with everyone thinking Red's up to no good with me? First the Monkey King and then you?"

Pigsy sighs.

"Call it intuition."

"Well, I got to go now. Later, Pigsy!"

Going back out to where the car is, he sees that Red Son is leaned up against it in his signature outfit. Red Son then smiles at MK, a look of content on his face. MK can't help but smile back, mimicking the expression.

"It's about time, noodle boy."

"Yeah, training took a bit longer than usual."

"Figures it... wait, is that perfume?"

"No, not really. More like a bath with peaches and peach blossoms in it."

"Well, I think it's nice."

Red Son opens the car door for him, bowing slightly. MK enters the vehicle, loving how soft the seat is and how cool it looks. Red Son sits in the driver's seat, starting the car and driving.

"If you want to, there's a cable that can connect your phone to the car to play music. Pick a song."

MK plugs his phone in, choosing a nice track. As they drive, MK looks at the streets. He can't help but notice that everything's almost back to normal. All the city needs to do is fix some more pipelines and power lines. People are already getting back into their grooves with their business. Then, MK spots the market. But, Red Son doesn't turn to go into it.

"Are we going to the mall to do shopping?"

"Oh please, MK. We aren't going to any place where peasants and commoners go. You've been showing me what you're used to all this time... it's about time you get a taste of my life."

Before MK can ask any more questions, Red Son speeds the car up a bit, causing MK to hold onto his seatbelt. He'd think that he'd be used to the fast pace, but that's only when he's the one driving. Soon they're driving on the overhead highway and MK can't help but stare at the cars driving below. Then, Red Son makes a turn that MK has never taken before. Sure, he's been on the highways of the city before, but he's never gone on the left path. Maybe it's because that path leads to the richer part of the city where people can hire gourmet chefs to cook them food. Soon, they're driving in areas where not only has MK never seen before but also where Red Son's car doesn't look out of place. Everyone seems to have crazy, seemingly foreign cars that MK has never seen before. People are rich out of their minds! Then, they arrive at a place full of shops just lining the street. But, these shops seem to take up the entire building and are also like small skyscrapers.

"Someone's a bit impressed. Trust me, they're nicer on the inside."

"Are you sure you can afford this kind of trip? I already feel a bit guilty."

"Oh, don't worry, noodle boy. They know me as a regular around here, and I can most certainly pay. It won't even make a dent in my wallet."

"If you say so."

Red Son soon drives them to a side of the street and parks the vehicle. The two get out and MK feels starts to feel out of place. Staying close to Red Son, MK can feel the eyes of passersby judging him. Then, someone in a fancy uniform greets them.

"We'll be back by seven-thirty and I'd like it to be washed."

"Of course, sir."

The man takes the keys that Red Son gave him and enters the car, driving elsewhere.

"Valet at its finest. And this is our first stop. It's the best place I know because it makes me some personal fireproof clothes."

Looking at the shop, it's huge. And, of course, fancy as hell. MK follows close to Red Son, wondering how rich he has to be to be a regular. It's no surprise as to why he kept calling everyone peasants. Soon MK realizes that he'd be completely lost without Red Son to guide him. Though MK is promptly distracted from his fears as he and Red Son get into the groove of shopping, MK already finding better socks to wear than the ones that have holes in them.

----------------------------------------------------

Finally getting out of the shopping district, with the two wearing some fancier clothes, and Red Son puts the clothes in the backseat of the car. MK is quickly whisked inside the car and Red Son starts driving, but not back home it seems.

"Um... where are we going?"

"It's six-thirty, MK. It's time for dinner. And so I, ever so kindly, secured us a reservation. It's not the fanciest place here, but I think that's good for you."

"What? A reservation? When did you...?"

"Spur of the moment, really. You'll know it when we get there."

It takes only a few minutes to arrive, and upon getting out MK's jaw drops.

"Th-this is...!"

"Yes, yes, The Grand Palace. Anyways, let's go inside. I don't like being late."

Walking beside Red Son, the people at the front open the door for the two.

"Nice to see you again, Red Son."

"Likewise. Do you know if my table for two is ready?"

"Of course."

They're guided by one of the people into the restaurant and up the stairs, revealing a fancier part of the restaurant with people wearing clothes that would buy MK retirement in a nice house.

"Here's your table for two, as well as your menus. I'll be back once you're ready to order."

"As usual."

The waiter walks away, and MK is simply stunned at how great this place looks.

"So, enjoying yourself?"

"Red, you are... a wonderful person, but why and how?"

"Simple. I make good technology that only people like the ones that dine here can afford. It's why my car doesn't look out of place. So, I do have a lot in my wallet."

Red Son flashes his card, revealing that he's a Jade cardholder, which pretty much means he's richer than someone with a black card.

"Also I'm tired of fast food and I figured this would be a nice treat for the both of us seeing as our last little mission was... rather exhausting."

"Oh, so today was like retail therapy for you?"

"Something like that, yes. But, also, I wanted to make sure you knew that you are... appreciated, and valuable, and... a great person."

Red Son smiles, unable to meet MK's gaze. MK smiles back, looking towards the menu.

"I think I'll go for... oh, I haven't had steak in a long time, so maybe... beef chow mein?"

"I think I'll be having the dumplings. But, I'm pretty sure appetizers go first. Do the guotie sound good?"

"Y-yeah, sounds great."

"Though, what for dessert? I'm currently thinking that the snowflake cake is a good go."

MK stares at Red Son, smiling. He'd tell him that he loves him, but he wants to enjoy the moment and not make it awkward.

"Yep, that sounds good."

"Great, because I am starving."

-----------------------------------------

Finally finishing their cakes, MK is stuffed and Red Son has paid the bill. Leaving, they get to the car and MK is in a very sleepy state. It's already begun to get dark out and MK's promise to Sun Wukong to be home by eight seems to be as dead as it is far past eight now. In fact, it's closer to nine.

"Don't fall asleep yet, I still have one surprise left. And it's actually free."

"Good, because I'd feel really bad if you spent any more money."

As they get going, MK drifts in and out of sleep as the food he ate was good and he's tired. Soon, at least by MK's standards, they arrive somewhere familiar.

"The park?"

"That's right! And look! Just in time, too! The power's out for maintenance, so the sky is full of stars again!"

Looking up, MK watches as the stars glimmer and glow, amazed by the sight.

"It's nice, right?"

"Yeah..."

"Well, not a great as this."

Red Son starts putting on a grand display of flames, colorful and warm, a stark contrast to the cold night, and MK can't help but be amazed. It's not the first time he's done this, but it's never been done like this before. MK starts to wonder how to tell Red Son, as this would be the perfect moment to do so. What to say, what to do? Then, Sun Wukong's words echo in his mind. Just tell him how you feel, and that's that.

"Red?"

"A bit focused, but ask anything you'd like."

"This is... very hard to say but... you know..."

Red is a bit confused and concerned, but doesn't stop his display just yet. All he does is dim it down to pretty lights rivaling that of the stars above them, making MK more nervous in the process.

"Okay, taking the advice of the Monkey King, I'll just jump straight out the gate and say it."

Red Son realizes exactly why MK is nervous and smiles, knowing exactly what he's going to say. And, of course, Red Son won't stop him. He'd love to hear it from him.

"Go ahead."

"Red, I... I... I really..."

He takes a deep breath, trying to gain his confidence. Just a bit of it makes all the difference.

"I really, really love you, Red! And that was way too hard to say...... wh-what... about you?"

MK becomes a bit more nervous than he was before, feeling a pang in his chest. Then, he looks up to Red Son's face, seeing Red Son smile and watching him taking a few steps back before lighting his hands aflame, gathering all the flames around him through a large, colorful swirl that knocks any sense of worry MK had right out of him, making a large heart of flames.

"I love you too, Noodle Boy!"