A kiss for good luck {shadowpeach}

Part 3: Ruffled feathers

The play went just as planned. He had completely charmed his audience, using his charm and skills to make sure they'd return again. He had even saved enough power to make some shadow clones during the climax, and if anyone reported a missing wallet, there was really no way to pin the blame on him.

He'd call that a mission accomplished.

The performance ended just as grandly as it had started, with Macaque standing proudly center-stage, grinning from ear to ear. His shadow creations bowed behind him, before dissipating into thin air. The audience cheered.

Someone even threw him a rose (that he - obviously - caught; battle reflexes and all), but as he scanned the crowd, the spot from which it was thrown was empty.

It was only minutes after, Macaque standing still in the quiet empty theatre hall that the grin faded from his lips.

The adrenaline of performing was wearing off, and all that was left in its place was hunger and mild annoyance.

Welp, that could've gone better.

He could most definitely do without the singed fingers and several near-heart attacks. He could also do with a snack or two. Instant noodles shouldn't make too big of a dent into his savings, right?

A low grumbling in his stomach only steeled his resolve, and so off he went, through the shadows towards the nearest supermarket.

The building was located a few blocks down from his apartment, just far away to make it tedious for a mortal to travel to and fro every day. Macaque wasn't a mortal though, and if the inconvenience caused a drop in rent prices in his area, he really wasn't complaining.

The streets were badly lit, thus perfect for travelling in the shadows without tremendous effort. It didn't take much energy to cover the distance even without that in mind, but taking advantage of shortcuts was a habit of Macaque's that served him well many times in the past, and he wasn't about to let it go now.

He exited the shadows a corner away from the entrance, preferring to walk the last few steps. Materializing in a mostly crowded area wasn't the smartest thing to do, especially without checking if there was anyone above you beforehand. That he knew from experience.

Not that he had to concern himself with crowds at this hour. The sun had long since set, and the people who might have found themselves visiting the shop despite its subpar location were nowhere in sight. Not that he minded.

Macaque hummed as fluorescent light enveloped his form, the entrance sign flickering on and off. It was in dire need of repair, some letters permanently shut off, while others imitated poorly set up disco lights.

The inside wasn't much better, being cleaned only once a week, with broken ventilation and much too high prices many second grade stores seemed to have.

He walked the isles on auto pilot, trusting his subconsciousness to react should anything get in his way. Instead he imagined laying on his couch, waiting for the food to cool down before eating and going to bed.

He could afford to let his mind wander now that the play was over, content with the knowledge he'd live to scheme another day.

Perhaps everything wasn't so bad after all. Yes, the day started off shitty, and he was about ready to pass out, but everything worked out in the end, hadn't it? The play was a success, not one person tried to stab him on his way to work, and there was still a single packet of his favourite noodles sitting on the shelf.

A triumphant smile found its way onto his face, emboldened by the lack of people who'd be able to witness it. He sauntered towards the shelf and grabbed the packet, only to blanch as his fingers brushed a set of talons.