Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sometimes, Red Son wished he never meet Monkie Kid.

After training The Dragon Girl, and when he and Monkie Kid's little gang defeated Lady Bone Demon, Noodle Boy and Dragon Girl would drag him along with them everywhere they could, telling him its as a "Mei's Samadhi Fire training". It was a lie, of course. Going to that stupid place called "arcade" and eating trash food with them wasnt even connected to training. How could it be? They just wanted to hang out, like Red Son had nothing better to do.

...

To be honest? He didnt had anything better to do. When his parents didnt wanted to take control of the mortal's realm anymore, he didnt really had anything to take care of.

Of course, he could do anything he want. But did he want anything? He spent more than half of his life, with his Mother, trying to free his Father from under the mountain. Dragon Girl and Noodle Boy were supposed to be his enemies for life, but... he actually liked to meet with them. Not like he would ever admit it out loud, of course. He would always roll his eyes and groan whenever one of them asked him for a hang out, pretending like he is busy and he don't have time for them. But at the end of the day, he would always agree. He always did, for the past few months or so.

This time was no different either.

Red Son got up at an early hour, like always. He was early to rise, but late to bed. Not too healty, but he got used to it that much, he didnt even bothered to change it. Dragon Girl convinced him and Noodle Boy to meet at her place, because her parents wont be home and she has a new "video game" she wants to show. Noodle Boy was more than eager when he heard about the game, and Red Son... well, lets just say that he had time and nothing to do with it. Princess Iron Fan and Demon Bull King knew about his son being friends with their old enemies, they wasnt thrilled, but it wasnt like they cared that much either. Both of them would just wrinkle their brows whenever Red Son mentions his "friends" and their "hanging outs", but its not like they wont let him see them. He needed a bit of socializing anyway.

When he prepared for the day and ate, he was ready to head out to Mei's. Despite the fact that they had much more time until the meeting, Red Son had to leave earlier. Since he and his parents moved out from Megapolis to this desert, driving back to the city lasted at least one hour or so.

----------

As he drove through the city and finally reached Mei's house, he get out from his car. He texted Mei that he was already here, with the phone she gave him as a "gift".
Red Son could live without this mortal's technology, sometimes he even kicked himself for didnt throwing away the phone the second as it was given to him. The only thing he did with it was texting to Dragon Girl, or she would send him videos of cats or puppies. Red Son would always watch them, even if he told her to stop spending them. Dragon Girl, of course, didnt stop. She even gave his number to Noodle Boy, which was worse. He could text to him to ask about his day or how is he feeling, or just call to him randomly when he was bored. It wasnt unwelcome, Red Son would always answer, it just seemed weird, because of the fact that Dragon Girl kind of convinced both of them to "befriend" more with each other. It wasnt like MK or Red Son didnt wanted to, Red Son just tried hard to hide that he wanted to and Noodle Boy tried hard to show it as much as he could.

Mei didnt answered yet, so he figured out he will had to ring with the doorbell to get her attention. With a sigh, Red Son shoved his phone into the pocket of his red coat and walked closer to door. A red light from dragon's head above the door scanned his face and before he could react-

He nearly fell on the ground as at least ten of laser-guns pointed at him. Red Son summoned a fire in his hand, before the lasers turned off. The door opened, reviling Dragon Girl with a grin on her face, like nothing happend.

"Heyaa, Red Boi!" Mei laughted, Red Son scoffed, shutting off the fire."Though you weren't coming! Sorry for those lasers, my parents are a bit too serious about the whole security thing, especially after one of your bull clones broke in, remember?"

"Not my fault that your security isnt good enough for my bull clones." Red Son replied, he was proud of himself that the bull clone, he made, actually broke into Mei's house. Even if the bull clone failed it's mission.

Dragon Girl chuckled at his statment, she didnt wanted to argue, probably. Both of them made their way to girl's room, through long, clean and full of power-full things, hallway. All her house looked like a modern museum with mistycal weapons, gifts, artifacts and offerings. Red Son looked around, admiring the things around him. Maybe Dragon Girl wanted to start a conversation or just show him around her house, and she started."That's one of our long hallways, on your right we have a garage. Outside, my family has a Celestian Jade Garden, also we have tea and talk room, a pool of thousend tears and many others I really dont think you care about."

Red Son hummed, noting informations in his head if he ever gets lost in that big house.

After a short walk, they reached Mei's room, which was a lot messier than the rest of the place. It was clear she liked to express herself, and she could in her room. Walls were all covered in posters, bed messy and some comics were lying on the floor. And there was Noodle Boy, sitting on the floor, his back aganist the bed frame as he was already playing that game he was so eager to play. He probably didnt even saw the two walk into the room.

Red Son looked over Dragon Girl, who gestured to him to sit next to the boy. He sighed, walking forward. Before Red Son sat, Mei called out for MK, who was drawn into the game, snapping him out from his "trance". "Hey, MK? Are you still here?" She joked, her arms crossed.

Noodle Boy looked up as he heard his friend's voice, pausing the game. "What?- Yeah I'm listening-" His eyes landed on Red Son as he sat beside him, he smiled warmly. "Oh, hi Red Son. I though you-"

"You though I wouldn't show up, I already know." Red Son replied before Noodle Boy could finish his sentence. Boy shrugged, still smiling.

Sometimes it bothered Red Son that the Noodle Boy would always find an excuse to smile or joke, or just be happy. His personality was just... annoying, too cheerful. Even after all these traumatizing events MK and his friends survived, this stupid hero would grin and laught like nothing ever happend. Of course, he wasnt the same delivery boy Red Son meet the day he freed his Father. He is more thoughful and he is actually using his brain now, he is not a restless idiot like he used to be maybe a year ago. Even if Red Son would never say it out, he didn' really disliked Noodle Boy as much as he pretended to. MK was more mindful than Mei, for sure. He was loud and annoying, yes, but Dragon Girl could be louder and more annoying sometimes. Don't get him wrong, he was more friends with Dragon Girl than with Noodle Boy. Hanging out alone with Noodle Boy without Mei was always more awkward, but its not like he hated him.

"Do you want something to eat or drink, guys?" Dragon Girl's voice pulled out Red Son from his thoughs.

He was about to open his mouth and say what he would like, but Noodle Boy shouted before him."Oh, do you have some more cheese tea left?"

Dragon Girl nodded and glanced at Red Son. "And you, Red Boy? Want some?"

"Uh, sure." Red Son replied, he wanted to say he don't want any peasant food, but eh.

Mei smiled at him, she uncrossed her arms."Okayy, I'll go get some tea and snacks, don't break anything while I'm gone!" With her last words, she left the room, leaving him and Noodle Boy alone.

...

Yeah, it was getting awkward again.

Red Son could feel Noodle Boy glancing at him from the corner of his eye, even if he was trying to play this game. He could guess that Noodle Boy tried to find a topic for a conversation with him.

"Sooo.. how are you? Got any plans for taking power over the world or maybe you finally want to become a hero-?" Noodle Boy finally broke the silence with his stupid question.

Red Son frowned and glanced at the boy. "How many times I've told you that I'm not a hero." Noodle Boy chuckled at that, pausing his game again.

"Aw, c'mon. You are. You saved the world with us" Noodle Boy pouted.

"You saved the world. I was just standing by your side." Red Son sighed, running his hand through his hair, MK rolled his eyes slightly. "Maybe we could change the subject, hm? What game are you playing?"

Noodle Boy's face lighted up at the question, this was way better than his pout.

Noodle Boy blabbed about the game, it was clear that he seemed excited. It was some kind of Journey To The West theme game. Yeah, Red Son could guess that, Noodle Boy was like a psycho-fan about this all. He remembered when he broke into his apartment, monkeys were everywhere he could land his eyes on. Monkey plushie, monkey PJ's, monkey posters- he could go and go on and there would be still many things he would forget to mention about.

After a while, it wasn't as awkward as Red Son though. Noodle Boy answered to his every question he had about the game. He even played the game himself, with Noodle Boy helping him if he was struggling with something. The thick air already dissapeard and it was replaced by their light laughter. At first they didnt even saw Mei as she walked into the room.

----------

The trio stood at the, one of many, balcony Mei had in her house. They've been hanging out long enough for the sky to get dark. The stars and soft moonlight shining down at them as they stargazed. All them three standed and looked at the sky, before Mei dozed off literally five seconds after she sat in big egg-shaped swing. Red Son didnt mind, she was the one who was the most energic today, it was a blessing she finally drifted to sleep. He and Noodle Boy stared at dark, or maybe Noodle Boy stared at the moon, the light reflected in his brown eyes.

"You really like the moon, don't you?" Red Son finally asked, glancing at the boy next to him.

Noodle Boy smiled softly at the question and looked at him. "Yeah," He glanced back to the moon, his smile only grew and his eyes sparkled as he watched the celestial body. "I could stare at it forever."

...

Huh. Why he was feeling that weird as he heard Noodle Boy's words?

Chapter Text

So, this weird feeling in Red Son's stomach wouldn't leave him.

At first, he though it was maybe a stomach ache after this cheese tea, but that wasn't the case.

Red Son thinked as he was already lying down in his own bed. He wasn't sure what that was. That ache, that feeling, he never felt like this before. Maybe it was just because it was still awkward between him and Noodle Boy? Well, it wasn't, that night was- it felt different, in some kind of way? Yeah, he really wasn't sure what was that.

The sleep wouldn't come. He couldn't sleep for a few days, since this stomach ache. Red Son was actually scared that something might happend to him and he would have to take any medicines. Usually, when he couldn't sleep, he would make something. He liked to spending time in his workshop, so whenever he knew it was gonna be another restless night, he would just go and make something.

Red Son could spend his time in workshop all night, sometimes the sleep would just come to him after his work, which was usually in a really early morning, when sun was already slowly raising. But he would always stand up early, even after a sleepless night.

But he didn't felt like working, for a few days now, actually. He stared at the moon instead of working.

Like right now. Red Son stared at the celestial body through his window. He would think about what Noodle Boy said: "I could stare at it forever". What was that all about? Was the moon really that beautiful? He never looked at moon like that before. He didn't really took his time to look at it, and honestly he didn't bother. Well, he didn't bother earlier, now he stared at it all night, thinking why Noodle Boy likes it so much. It really didn't made any sense for him. Like, what was so pretty about the moon anyway?

And why it bothers him so much? That didn't made any sense either.

----------

"How long do we have to wait for hiiiiimmmmm??!" Dragon Girl mumbled as she laid her head down on the table.

Red Son and Mei waited for MK, when he finally finishes his work. Dragon Girl convinced Red Son for a hang out and made them wait for Noodle Boy. Both of them were sitting in Pigsy's Noodles. To be honest, Red Son would like to wait outside. Not just because of the smell of noodles, but also because of the look Pigsy gave him as he walked into his restauration. Yeah, Red Son knew the pig didn't really liked him.

"How should I know? I though you knew when he ends his shift." Red Son scoffed, glancing at the girl, his voice sounded annoyed just like Dragon Girl's. Also, those tables looked sticky, probably Noodle Boy cleaned them (so it ment he simply didn't cleaned them).

Mei groaned, her head still on the table."But he should be here by now!" She lifted her head and gasped, she gripped Red Son's collar and shook him."WHAT IF- MAYBE SOMEONE ATTACKED HIM? SOME KIND OF DEMON OR- OR-"

Red Son was about to yell at her to calm down and comfort her that Noodle Boy is probably fine and none attacked him, but the door to noodle shop opened.

"I'm so, so so so sorry guys! There was a traffic jam and I just couldn't-" Noodle Boy stoped talking to take a look on what's going on between Mei and Red Son, a mixed expression on his face.

Red Son pushed Dragon Girl away and pointed at Noodle Boy."See? He is fine, don't be so dramatic." Despite the fact that he was angry at the girl, a small smile appeard on his face as he looked at the boy.

Mei just laughted, standing up from her seat. "Ohh, yeah that makes sense now. I was scared for a second that you got attacked!" She skipped to MK, rubbing her cheek into his while hugging him. "Good to know you're okay."

Noodle Boy chuckled, hugging Dragon Girl back. "Pfft, don't worry. Besides, I would win a fight if I got attacked, anyway."

Red Son laughted lightly at boy's brave words. Noodle Boy was just so sure that he is the most powerful person in the world. Well, he kind of was, anyways.

"Okay, guys, give me a moment to change my clothes from work. I'll be here in a moment." Noodle Boy smiled, Dragon Girl nodded, giving him space.

"Yeah, sure. Take your time." Red Son added, his voice is warmer than usually.

With that MK walked upstairs to his apartment. Even if he wasn't in the room now, Red Son's smile was still on his face, he looked in the way where Noodle Boy disappeard. He was interuppted by Dragon Girl, who was now leaning on his shoulder with a smirk.

Red Son looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "What?" His tone isn't as warm as a moment ago.

"What was that?" Mei laughted, elbowing him. Her smirk only grew.

"What was what?" Red Son echoed, pushing her away from his shoulder.

Dragon Girl grabbed his shoulders, the grip on her hands is strong enough to hold him in place, which slighly surprised him."That voice! You sounded sooo soft, didn't you noticed?" She shook him again, yelling like a kid. It was a miracle that they were alone in the restauration and the pig wasn't around.

Red Son had to push her away from him once again. "I? Sounded soft?" He scoffed as he was fixing his hair. "I, Red Son, do not sound soft. You are definetley dense."

"You did sounded soft when you saw MK." Dragon Girl raised her eyebrow at him.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "I did not." Red Son rolled his eyes when Mei raised her finger at him.

"Yes you did-" Her hand fell down as she gasped, her eyes sparked. "-ohh, I get it, you like him!"

What. Well, that was unexpected.

"What? If you mean as a friend, then yes, I guess." He replied.

Wasn't that kind of obvious? Yes, he liked Noodle Boy, but not like- like this. Red Son wasn't stupid. Even if he wanted to be with someone, the last person he would want to be with is MK. Sure, he uses at least half of his brain now, and he is powerful, but it's not like he isn't dumb, irresponsible and can't focus. Seriously.

"No. I mean romantically. You don't talk like that always." Dragon Girl continued, it was getting annoying at this point.

"I don't get what you mean, can you drop it?" Red Son frowned.

Dragon Girl pinched his cheek, her smirk was still on her face. "Why are you like that? You can tell me if you like him-"

"I DO NOT- STOP" Red Son shouted and pushed her hand away.

Mei giggled, her hands still reaching to his face, now to annoy him, probably. She tickled him for maybe a minute, telling him she won't stop until he says "truth". What truth did she wanted to hear? When there was nothing to say? Red Son tried to escape, but it was actually harder than he though.

"Guys, are you alright?" Finally, a voice made Dragon Girl to stop. Noodle Boy was standing infront of their table, already dressed up in his usual outfit. He looked at them with a small smile, he probably was supressing his laught.

Mei chuckled, standing up."Yeah, we're fine. I was just teasing Red Boy here." She grinned and ruffled Red Son's hair, proud of herself. Red Son let out a sigh, trying to fix his hair. He was hoping that Noodle Boy didn't heard anything.

Noodle Boy snickered, his smile warm as always. "Pfft, I wish I saw that. Anyway, let's go, I guess?" Red Son let out a sigh, silently thanking the boy for keeping Dragon Girl busy.

Red Son's voice softened again. "Yeah, let's go." Mei smirked at him one more time, but this time without a comment. Maybe because Noodle Boy was around?

----------

The trio spend their time mostly hanging out in the city, long enough to call it a late evening. The night, cold air blowed around them as they walked down the street, the moonlight shining down on them.

Dragon Girl joked all the time, making Noodle Boy laught, Red Son would mostly sneer at those, bet secretly liking these jokes. They weren't that bad, he must say.

Despite the late hour, Mei and MK didn't seemed tired. Red Son really had to convince them to finally go home, he had to come back to the Demon Bull Family's Fortress after all, and it wasn't as near as he wanted it to be.

"You can stay at mine or Mei's place, you know?" Noodle Boy suggested, smiling at Red Son.

Before Red Son could disagree, Dragon Girl chimed in. "Yeah! Great idea! We could have a sleepover!!!" She placed her arm around Red Son's shoulders.

It was actually a terrifying idea. From what he heard from Mei about sleepovers with MK, he would have to watch "Monkie Cop", whatever that supposed to be, but that sounded horrible. Like his worst nightmare.

"I don't think I can, you know my parents. They won't be thrilled." Red Son tried to find an excuse, but that only made Noodle Boy pout.

"Pleaseeee, Red Booooi!" Dragon Girl begged, moving her other arm to him and shook him. Okay, this shooking thing was annoying at this point, she really liked to do this.

Red Son was about to excuse himself once again, but he glanced at Noodle Boy, who was batting his eyelashes at him, like a child. His smile so warm and soft, it almost felt like it wasn't cold outside anymore. He let out a sigh, closing his eyes.

Mei and MK exchanged looks and probably after that understood that they convinced Red Son for a sleepover. Both of them jumped around Red Son from excitment for his first sleepover with them. Well, technically it wasn't the first, because of that one time when he saved them and this big blue guy from the desert, letting them sleep in his house, but, well, whatever, maybe that doesn't count.

So, yeah, here he was. Walking with those two morons to Noodle Boy's apartment for a sleepover. How will they all THREE sleep in his small bed, he doesn't know, but he didn't bother thinking about this now, Noodle Boy didn't pouted anymore, so everything was okay. Okay, that sounded a bit weird, even for Red Son.

But maybe that sleepover thing wasn't that bad? It can't be that bad, Mei and MK do it all the time. And this whole "Monkey Cop" can't be this bad, maybe it's just his attitude towards it, he can't judge before he watches it, right?

Will Red Son regret agreeding to this?

...

Yeah, he probably will. The "Monkey Cop" sounded terrible without watching it, thank you very much.

Chapter Text

„Monkey Cop” is terrible. Red Son didn’t knew how Noodle Boy could watch it with straight face.

Also, Noodle Boy’s apartment was more of a hovel than an actual house, Red Son knew this before, but it got only worse since his last visit. His clothes all over the floor and dirty dishes stuck in the sink didn’t make it better. Noodle Boy apologized, of course, but he didn’t bother to clean it now. It seemed like either of them didn’t mind the mess.

Okay, sleepover activies weren’t that bad. He and Mei were sitting on MK’s bed, while Noodle Boy sat on the floor, leaning his back aganist the bed frame. Dragon Girl painted his nails in deep, dark purple color. Also, she wanted to do him a hairstyle, but Red Son would rather die than let her do anything with his hair. His haircare is way too complicated to let Mei destroy it. Okay, destroy may be a bit too much of a word, but he just really didn’t wanted her to touch his hair. So, she took Noodle Boy as her next victim.

First, of course, she had to brush his hair. The amount of hair spray in his hair was actually shocking, okay, he had to make his hair stand in place, but that was terrifying. When Dragon Girl finally brushed his hair, she started to do small braids. Noodle Boy wasn’t that bad looking with his hair down, actually.

They talked, of course. About everything and nothing. Dragon Girl would talk about games she wants to try and stream, joking and laughting all the time while braiding Noodle Boy’s hair. She was the one to talk most of the time, and honestly, she talked to herself more than to her friends. MK’s focus was mostly on the screen, watching this show, what he probably watched ten times before, and Red Son tried to not doze off. This was actually first time in some days when he felt tired.

He didn’t knew when, but he drifted into sleep.

Red Son woke up, gasping for air. Okay, that was weird. When he woke up he couldn’t remember what he was dreaming, if he was dreaming. He doesn’t dream often while sleeping. Or maybe something woke him up?

It was the middle of the night. He found himself in Noodle Boy’s bed, he was covered with a blanket. He looked around with a sigh, his hand rubbing his eyes from sleep, or maybe from lack of it.

He found Mei sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Huh, well, at least they all three didn’t had to sleep in one bed. Even if he found Dragon Girl, he couldn’t find Noodle Boy. Well, next to Mei’s head was another pillow, so they probably slept on the same mattress, just to not make Red Son uncomfortable with sleeping with someone.

Okay, so if he was sleeping next to Dragon Girl, but he is not here, then where is he? Red Son sighed one more time before standing up from the bed and stretching. The apartment wasn’t big, but it was dark in whole apartment, only the soft moonlight brightens the room.

When he took off the blanket he had on him, he realized how cold it was here. Like, not cold for him, he was a fire demon after all, but it was colder than usually.

Red Son glanced in the window’s way, seeing it was slightly open, he walked closer. He was about to close the window and look for Noodle Boy, but he saw him on the fire escape. It seemed like MK was the one who opened the window in the first place. He scoffed, but couldn’t stop the small smile that appeard on his face. Red Son let the window to open wider and went out through it.

„Shouldn’t you sleep?” Red Son asked, making Noodle Boy jolt when he heard him.

MK chuckled, running his hand through his hair. „I just– couldn’t sleep, you know.” He sighed, leaning his back on the railing. „What about you? I though you were, tired. You dozed off earlier-”

„You should wake me up.” Red Son chimed in, not letting Noodle Boy finish. „I feel bad for taking your bed away from you.” He leanded on the railing, looking into Noodle Boy’s eyes.

„It’s nothing, really! Besides that, I think you would bite me if I woke you up.” Noodle Boy laughted, giving Red Son a soft smile.

Red Son tried to cover his laugh by rolling his eyes, but it didn’t helped. „Okay, you really think I would bite you?” The nod MK gave him was enough to confirm.

A bit of silentce between them passed before Red Son looked at the night sky and asked. "Why did you came here? Isn’t it a bit too cold for you?”

Noodle Boy glanced at him, a small smile forming on his face. „Eh, it’s not that cold. Besides I wanted to look at the moon, I do it when I can’t sleep.”

Oh, yeah. Again. This weird feeling in his stomach. Noodle Boy is literally in love with the moon, of course he came outside to look at it. Red Son still could see the moonlight reflected in boy’s eyes. The stars shines bright, the night is beautiful.

Red Son looked away from MK, uncomfortable under his stare and that warm smile, the stomach ache didn’t make it better.

„What’s so pretty about the moon?” Red Son asked with a small hestiation at first. His stare glued to the celestial body, more like he was glaring at it.

Noodle Boy raised an eyebrow at his question, but answered anyway. „I don’t know, I just find it really beautiful. I could stare at it until I pass out.” MK chuckled, Red Son felt his stomach doing a backflip, why was he feeling like that all of sudden? Noodle Boy continued. „The moonlight is very pretty, but not so visible. Not many pay attention to it.” He added while looking at the sky full of stars.

Red Son didn’t respond. He felt weird again. It wasn’t awkward, was it? They talked normally, like a friend to friend. He stares at the moon with a frown on his face, he still didn’t understand why would Noodle Boy love it so much.

Red Son sighed and looked down at his hands, his fingers already picked some of the nail polish from his nails, making small holes in the deep purple color.

„I didn’t knew you were such a poet.” He finally found some words to keep up the conversation.

Noodle Boy tilted his head to the side and glanced at Red Son. „Huh?” The confusion clear in his tone.

Red Son looked up from his nails to the boy. „’I could stare at it until I pass out’. Sounds like something from a romantic poet or whatever.”

„Pfft, seriously?” Noodle Boy laughted. „I’m not type of a romantic, or at least I don’t think I am.”

Oh? Well, he did sounded romantic while talking about the moon. Something had to be up with it. Maybe this celestial body represents something to Noodle Boy? Because why would he be so smitten with it? Is there a certain reason?

Both of them stand at the fire escape, Noodle Boy staring at the sky and Red Son looking from the corner of his eye at the boy beside him. The silence between them was casual, and it wasn’t awkward as much as usually they felt without Dragon Girl hanging around. He could see how the berely noticable moonlight reflected in MK’s eyes, making them shine like gold.

The cold wind blew in Noodle Boy’s hair, brushing it slightly from his forehead. His hair was still down, but much messier from sleep, those small braids were still in his hair.

Red Son could feel his hair smoking and burning his neck as this weird feeling in his stomach got even worse.

Noodle Boy shivers from the cold. Of course he would shiver, he was wearing shorts and a T-shirt while going outside at night, this wasn’t a smart idea, he could catch a cold or something. Red Son’s hair only smoked more.

MK looked over Red Son with a small smile on his face. „Okay, maybe I am a bit cold.”

„You want to come back inside?” Red Son asked, waving some smoke from his hair away.

„I would like to look at the sky for some more.” Noodle Boy responded. Okay, why then was he telling Red Son about that he is cold– ? „Can I– like, you know, get a bit closer? I know it sounds weird, but you're way warmer!”

…

Red Son’s stomach stung and his hair was on fire now, making everything around more visible than in the moonlight.

„Uhh- should I take it as a ‘no’?” Noodle Boy smiled uncomfortably, brushing some of his hair from his forehead.

What kind of question that was? „Can I cuddle to you?” That is not something what ex enemies should do. Why would Red Son even want that? What’s wrong with this noodle brain to ask something like that? That was totally unnecessary and stupid, and uncomfotable, and awkward, and out of blue, and–

„I mean, if you really want to?” Red Son runned his hand through his hair to easy the fire.

Okay, no, what was wrong with him? Why would he want Noodle Boy closer to him, in that kind of situation? Red Son could easy refuse, so why didn’t he? His stomach hurts like hell, and his hair still smokes and sparks.

Noodle Boy's smile softens, turning from uncomfortable to warm again. He moved closer, placing his head on Red Son’s shoulder.

The boy was really cold, but Red Son could feel his skin burning where MK had touch him. He could hear Noodle Boy sighing when he touched Red Son’s warmer skin. Red Son was burning, he tried to keep his hair calm, by running his hand through it every now and then, but he was also burning inside. His heart beated so loud and fast he was actually scared it will jump out. He was almost scared to take a breath so MK wouldn't move away, but the boy beside him seemed relaxed, looking at the dark night sky and shining stars.

After a while, Red Son got more comfortable. Okay, no, he wasn’t comfortable. Let’s say he just got used to this burning feeling a bit, but his heart and hair calmed a little. But Noodle Boy was comfortable. Red Son didn’t moved even a little since the boy got to be this close to him. They both were standing there much longer that necessary. Noodle Boy is already warmed up, and he didn’t even looked at the sky, no, his eyes are closed.

Red Son was just about to say something, but Noodle Boy chimed in. „We should go back. I think I need to go to sleep.”

„Oh, yeah, sure.” Red Son responded. MK moved away his head with a sigh and walked to the window, coming into his apartment back.

Red Son looked at Noodle Boy, and before walking back to house he glanced at the moon. The soft light shining down at him. He sighed and got back into the apartment.

Before they both go back to sleep, Red Son wanted to give Noodle Boy his bed back. MK didn’t wanted him to do so. He said that he is fine with sleeping on the floor with Mei just to make Red Son more comfortable.

That was nice. But Red Son still felt bad for it, and MK didn’t wanted to give up. So Red Son had no choice.

Even if Noodle Boy said he needed to sleep, Red Son could feel him glancing at him. He didn’t said anything, but when Noodle Boy finally drifted back to sleep, Red Son would look at him. Not in a weird way, of course.

But that felt weird. Like this feeling in stomach, but also something else.

Red Son wasn’t going to get more sleep this night.

Chapter Text

So, Red Son didn’t really slept. He stared at ceiling, at Noodle Boy, and back at ceiling, wondering what is wrong with him. He couldn’t stop thinking about this boy’s brown eyes. He could still see how they reflected all the stars and moonlight.

Everytime he glanced at Noodle Boy or at moon this weird feeling in his stomach would come back. His skin still burned in the place where MK placed his head, he almost missed his touch. 

Red Son tossed and turned in Noodle Boy’s bed, trying to shake off those thoughs.

When Red Son came back home the air was thick between him and his parents, they weren’t thriller about the sleepover thing, just like he supposed. 

All three of them sat at the long table for dinner. The table was full of fruits, drinks and food, like dumplings or spring rolls. But to be honest he wasn’t hungry at all. Noodle Boy and Dragon Girl convinced him to eat Pigsy’s noodles. They even asked the pig for extra spice for him.

„I didn’t knew you are so bonded with your friends.” Princess Iron Fan began, taking a sip of her drink. „You didn’t said anything about spending the night in that thief’s hovel before, did you?”

Yeah, no, he didn’t. Why would he? He didn’t even imagined sleeping in Noodle Boy’s apartment before.

„No, I didn’t. Well, they convinced me. It was late and they didn’t wanted me to drive home at night.” Red Son picked on his food with his chopsticks, his eyes never meets his mother’s gaze.

Princess Iron Fan let out a sigh, glancing at Demon Bull King, who enjoyed his meal without paying much attention to the conversation. Her eyes turning back to Red Son, she clicks her tounge.

„Next time, tell us before you go for this sleepover thing.” Princess Iron Fan took a bite of her food. Red Son straightened his back and nodded.

The rest of the dinner passed in silence. Red Son knew it was a bad idea staying at Noodle Boy’s place, but, to be honest, he didn’t regret it as much as he though he will. He enjoyed having simple nails done by Dragon Girl and eating noodles, specially spiced for him by Noodle Boy’s father figure, and listening to his friends’ babbling. 

His shoulder kind of missed the feeling of the weight of MK’s head, and he kind of missed this burning feeling, what was so uncomforable at first. He missed when those brown eyes were staring at him when Noodle Boy asked if he could get closer, and in that moment Red Son felt like he was the moon, the only thing MK could focus on in that moment. Or maybe Noodle Boy was for Red Son like a moon to Noodle Boy? While MK could stare at this celestial body all night long, Red Son would stare at him all night long. 

It is getting weirder. Red Son didn’t wanted to think like that. He shouldn’t. 

Okay, yeah, Noodle Boy isn’t ugly, but he shouldn’t stare at him like he is the prettiest thing in the world. Maybe he has those eyes what shined like gold in moonlight, so what? There’s many other people with pretty eyes. Everyone could smile just like Noodle Boy, not like he is the only one who has smile so soft and warm.

…

Yeah, no. There’s just no way. He doesn’t even like Noodle Boy as much.

His smile, his jokes, his personality, his eyes, it all bothered Red Son. He is just a stupid friend what he shouldn’t even hang out with. 

Red Son worked in his workshop to keep himself busy. He needed a break from Dragon Girl and Noodle Boy. 

Red Son could hear the endless pings coming from his phone in the morning. He didn’t really felt like checking, he knew who was texting him, he didn’t had any other contacts than them, so it was pretty obvious. 

With a groan he sat up on his bed, streatching his arms above his head. His hair was messy from sleep. He rubbed his eyes, trying to fully wake up. 

When he finally got up from bed, he went to the bathroom. Red Son brushed his long, red hair, sometimes it felt impossible. His hair would always tangle, it wasn’t a surprise to him to wake up with a big knot on his head. It didn’t matter how many hair products will he use, his hair never looked as perfect as his Mother’s. 

He could remember how Princess Iron Fan used to brush his hair when he was just a child. He liked it back then, it was a nice time in comfortable silence with Mother. When his Mother finished her work on Red Son’s hair, he would always make her a hairstyle. Usually it was a messy braid, and while he worked, Princess Iron Fan would peel the fruits for him. His Father watching the whole scene with a smile.

The memory bring a small smirk on Red Son’s face. He could give anything to bring back those times, when it was just him and his parents, without his Father getting trapped under the mountain.

Red Son brushed the last knot and with a sigh he put away the hair brush. He wasn’t going out anywhere today, so he didn’t bother doing any kind of make up. He just put his hair into the high ponytail and brushed his teeth.

The breakfast with his parents passed quickly. His mother informed him that she and his father will be out tonight, they will be going for some kind of fancy party. They would take Red Son with them, but he wasn’t really good at those. His temper just couldn’t stand it, so they figured he wouldn’t even want to go. They were right, he didn’t felt like partying or whatever you do on a fancy business party. 

He was just going to work, he had something to repair with few of bull clones, so it’s not like he will be bored. 

His parents left at after noon, they were invited for evening, but they needed to leave earlier, because of this desert where they live. So, Red Son worked right after breakfast and until the evening.

…

So? What now? 

He repaired every problem with bull clones, and it was still much time to kill, even if the sky was already dark and moon was slowly showing more. His parents are not gonna show up any time soon, so he has whole fortress to himself now.

Dragon Girl and Noodle Boy spammed on his phone, but he still didn’t bother to check it. 

Even if he tried to not think about this weird moon obsession, he stared at it anyway. He just couldn’t stop himself. He still missed the touch and this burning feeling, even if he knew he shouldn’t, even if he didn’t wanted to. 

He sat in his room and looked through the window. Belive him, he really didn’t wanted to think about it. But the soft moonlight was visable to him now, and it only reminded him about the eyes that shine like gold. 

Red Son groaned and collapsed on the bed, hiding his face in his hands. His face burned, but not like from Noodle Boy’s touch, it wasn’t as nice feeling. He feels sick, his stomach can’t stand this. He feels like he is going to literally throw up in any second now. 

How can this pathetic little peasant make him feel that way? The way he never experienced before. Maybe he is the one pathetic here, letting Noodle Boy to wrap him around his finger like that. 

That’s not fair. Noodle Boy seems like he doesn’t even know what he does to Red Son. 

Why does he even think about this moron all the time? He tried to take a break from him and Dragon Girl. 

…

No. 

No. 

Oh no, no, no.

Dragon Girl can’t be right. That would be weird, right?

…

But he does act weird, for maybe more than half of the month now.

No, it can’t be that. That would be totally out of blue. It wouldn’t make any sense, they were enemies. Even if they are „friends” now, so what? They won’t just like like each other all of sudden, like Mei probably was trying to suggest that one day.

None of those makes sense. He was supposed to not like Noodle Boy. No, it can’t be that. Noodle Boy was just probably haunting him, it’s not like he want to think about him.

Red Son got up from bed and closed the curtains. He didn’t wanted to look at moon anymore. He also didn’t wanted to think about gold dust eyes and this warm smile. 

He collapsed again in bed, and yelled, the sound was muffed by the pillow. He could toss and turn all night trying to sleep, but it was impossible to doze off for him now. All he wanted is to stop thinking. 

The image of those brown eyes can’t leave his head. Every time Red Son closes his eyes, he can see them. No matter how hard he tried to think about something else, like the old memories with his parents or trying to come up with a new project he can make, nothing helped him. The image still clear for him. Like it was happening now, in this moment. His stomach burned so bad, Red Son would squirm. He flet like he was about to pass out. 

Red Son didn’t slept at all. He walked around the fortress, just checking everything. Why? He doesn’t know. He tried to keep himself busy, in any way, so he come up with this. His parents are already home, but they were fast asleep when they came back, Red Son just had to be quiet to not wake them up.

It maybe helped him a little. His stomach didn’t sting like earlier, but if he got distracted the image would come back to him. 

When Red Son reached the kitchen, he made himself a cup of tea. He was so tired, yet still couldn’t fell asleep, so he figured that maybe tea will help him. Or maybe it was pointless, it was so late already that you can more call it a morning than night. The sun was raising, making look sky beautiful, he could see from the window in the hallway he was walking now, holding in his hands a cup of tea. 

Hm. Why Noodle Boy loves moon so much, if sun fits to him better? Like, for example, he has this sunkissed skin tone, his eyes are like sunsets, his smile is warm, he just reminded Red Son about the sun. The colors that appear on the sky could only remind him of Noodle Boy. 

Red Son got lost in his thoughs. He wanted to stop thinking about it, but it seemed like he can’t. His eyes couldn’t leave the sunrise. The ache in his stomach wasn’t as bad as earlier when he calmed down, he sipped his tea, watching the sun. 

So what? Everything will remind Red Son about this peasant now? Yeah, he was the pathetic one now. That’s sad.

Chapter Text

„What do you mean that you can’t stop thinking about him?” Mei asked Red Son.

He was at her’s place. Dragon Girl was doing him a make up, he agreed to this as apologies for ignoring her and Noodle Boy earlier.

„I mean- I think he is haunting me.” Red Son answered as Dragon Girl was putting on some eyeshadow on him. 

Mei stopped for a moment to look closely at him. „Haunting you? How?”

Red Son opened his eyes and let out a sigh. „I– I don’t know? It’s like he is everywhere! Everything reminds me of him! It’s annoying.” He waved his hands in gesture. 

„Everything?– Wait, AND THAT’S WHY YOU IGNORED US?!” Mei shouted at him, closing the eyeshadow palette. 

He sighed. Yeah, okay, he didn’t respond to either Dragon Girl or Noodle Boy for, like, a week maybe, and he responded just today to Mei. She obviously wanted to see him as soon as possible. „No. Yes? Kind of. It’s complicated.” Red Son runned his hand through his hair. „I really needed a break from you guys. This MK’s moon obsession couldn’t leave my head–„

„MK’s moon obsession? What are you talking about?” Mei questioned, picking other make-up brush. 

She doesn’t know? It’s not like Noodle Boy is hiding that he really likes the moon. Maybe Dragon Girl just never noticed that or something?

„Uh, I don’t know. He stares at the moon all the time when he can. He said to me that he could ‘stare at it forever’.” Red Son scoffed, crossing his arms in irritation.

„Ohhh, yeah. Okay, I know. Yeah, he does stare at the moon, but he did like since the day we defeated your dad. I think.” Dragon Girl rubbed her chin as she thinked, then she took a look closer at Red Son, a slighy smirk appeard on her face. „You sound like you’re jealous, you know?”

Red Son’s hair smoked and burned his ears as he squirmed and frowned at Dragon Girl’s words. Before he could say anything to keep her out from the idea of him being jealous over something this stupid, she gasped and shouted.

„HA! I KNEW IT! YOU DO LIKE HIM!!” Mei yelled, he could see the little stars in her eyes.

Red Son groaned. „SHUT IT, I TOLD YOU ALREDY!! I DO NOT!”

Dragon Girl giggled, she piched Red Son’s cheek. „Oh, please. You look like you are about to explode from jealousy!” Red Son only shook away her hand, covered his face in his hands and tilted his head back dramatically. Mei definitley had fun now. 

„You say you can’t stop thinking about him, right?” Dragon Girl coutinued after calming down her laugh. „So that have to mean something.”

Red Son sighed. „I don’t want it to mean anything.” He uncovered his eyes and looked at Dragon Girl. „I don’t get it. I can’t like him the way I do.”

Mei tilted her head in confusion, putting away the brush she still had in her hand. „Why not?”

There’s many reasons. Red Son is a demon prince, while Noodle Boy is just a little sad mortal, who happends to have mystic Monkey King’s powers. MK is way below Red Son’s status. His dads literally hate Red Son, and Red Son’s parents are not the biggest fans of Noodle Boy either, they think he is a thief. MK is so annoying, too loud, messy. And Red Son hates him, or at least, he should. 

The image of brown eyes shining like gold in moonlight still clear to him. He flet bad, and he didn’t knew why. Red Son still missed the burning touch on his skin, that bothered him. 

Red Son couldn’t find any words to answer Mei to her question, even if he had the reasons to answer that. „I don’t know. I mean, I know. Told you this is compicated.” 

„I mean, I kind of know why you shouldn’t like him. But that doesn’t mean you don’t like him.” Dragon Girl waved her hand in circles as she continued. Red Son thinked about it for a moment, she wasn’t wrong, but he still couldn’t agree to the whole ‘you do like him’ thing. He didn’t wanted that.

Mei blabbed about this for like fifteen minutes before she continued doing his make-up, what also took her about fifteen minutes. Red Son liked the purple-golden eyeshadow she used, the scent of orange made it look even more pretty.

It didn’t matter if Red Son wanted or not, Dragon Girl dragged him with her to see Noodle Boy, right after she did his make up. He still didn’t contacted him after this week, so it will be probably more awkward. He could feel his hands sweating, and he didn’t even saw him yet. 

Both, Mei and Red Son, waited outside of the Pigsy’s Noodles for MK when he finish his work. Red Son was fidgeting with his necklace, what Dragon Girl could see. She moved closed and hid her phone, she elbowed him.

„Are you alright?” Her voice sounded soft, but she still had this smirk on her face.

Red Son sighed. „I’m fine.” He dropped his necklace and crossed his arms. 

Dragon Girl raised her eyebrow at him and chuckled. „If you worry about that he is mad at you for not replying–.”

„No, it’s not that.” Red Son chimed in. He looked at Mei, who seemed unconvinced. „He is mad?”

Mei smirk came back. „Kinda.” She shrugged. Red Son looked down, feeling kind of bad about it, but when Dragon Girl continued he looked up at her again. „But, you know, you can always make things up with him. Like with me letting to do your today’s make-up!” She elbowed him again, wiggling her eyebrows.

He scoffed and rolled his eyes. „I don’t think it’s a good idea. Heavens knows what he could come up with. He will probably convince me to watch ‘Monkey Cop’ again.” 

„Eh, I think you would do it anyway.” 

Yeah, sure. Please, if he really cared that much, then maybe. But he doesn’t, so he don’t have to do anything. Noodle Boy will probably forget about this soon, so it doesn’t even matter. 

„Anyway, why you didn’t wanted to wait inside?” Dragon Girl asked, already scrolling her phone again. 

Red Son felt uncomfortable. „I think this Pig doesn’t like me, I didn’t wanted him to glare at me like that.”

Mei laughted. „You mean Pigsy? Uhh, yeah, I see how he looks at you. It’s kind of funny seeing you so scared.” 

His hair burned the back of his neck in embarassment. „Wha– I am not scared of him!”

„But you sound like you are!” Dragon Girl continued to tease Red Son, she elbowed him again. „Come on, just say–”

Red Son groaned in annoyence. This girl is going to be the death of him, seriously.

Mei continued to tease and annoy Red Son, but then the brown haired boy finally showed up. Red Son saw him and immediately felt a wave of stress. At first Noodle Boy didn’t saw them, he was focused on the music in his headphones, Dragon Girl saw the face Red Son had, and looked in the same way as he did, her smirk grew. Red Son didn’t really knew what he was supposed to do.

When MK was just about to hide his phone and enter the restauration, he froze when he saw his friends here. He took the headphones off his head and rested them around his neck.

Dragon Girl smiled and waved at him, but Noodle Boy stared at Red Son like he just saw a ghost. 

Red Son knew it was going to be awkward again. And it’s kind of his fault, yeah, he wasn’t sure why he didn’t even text Noodle Boy, while he texted to Dragon Girl.

They didn’t had to say anything, Mei kept up the conversation all the time, she just couldn’t shut up. And, for the first time, Red Son is greatful for that. He wouldn’t stand the silence between him and MK. 

Everytime Red Son would glance at Noodle Boy, the boy would have a small frown on his face. 

His stomach sting again, the weird feeling came back, but it was a bit different, not about the moon. He missed the way those golden dust eyes looked at him earlier, the way his skin and hair burned. 

They hanged out around the city, like usually, Dragon Girl talked and joked, like usually. But Noodle Boy barely spoke. He was saying that he is just tired from work, but that couldn’t be the only reason. 

Of course, he laughted at Mei’s jokes, but the smile wasn’t as warm as always. And Red Son felt like it’s his fault. 

The trio were sitting on some random bench in the city, the sun was about to set.

Dragon Girl sipped her cheese tea till the end, she pouted. „Aw, man. My tea is done.” She get up from bench and throwed the empty bottle to trash can. „I think I’m gonna take another one. You guys want some?” 

Red Son and MK shook their heads as a no. Mei shrugged. „Alright, I’ll come back in a sec then!”

And she left them alone.

Red Son wished she was here right now, because he might not survive the tension.

The silence is killing Red Son. He took a deep breath and looked at Noodle Boy. „So, uh, what’s up?” 

„Good, I think. How about you?” MK said, barely looking at Red Son.

„Yeah, I’m fine, too.” Red Son knew it was going to be an awkward talk, but he didn’t supposed it will be this awkward. 

Noodle Boy glanced at Red Son. „I like your make-up.” He finally faced him fully and pointed at the eyeshadow. „The gold and purple looks like a sunset.”

Red Son felt a warm feeling in his chest. Maybe he will let Dragon Girl do his make up more often. „Thanks. Dragon Girl made it.”

„I was thinking it was her. She has that kind of make up style or whatever.” Noodle Boy was obviously trying to make a small talk, probably until when Dragon Girl comes back.

Red Son cleared his throat. „Can I make it up to you? I mean, ignoring you two, I think I should do something for you. I let Dragon Girl make this make up as apoliges.” He looked into MK’s eyes, the reflection in his eyes make it look like the sunset is melting. 

A small smile cracked on Noodle Boy’s face. „You mean it?”

It was... way easier than he imagined, actually.

The tension in Red Son’s shoulders loosen up a bit. „Yeah. But please, don’t ask me to watch ‘Monkey Cop’ again.”

MK chuckled, a sound Red Son actually missed, like the feeling of burning on his skin. „No, no, you don’t have to watch it again.” Noodle Boy rubbed the back of his neck. „Can we, like, you know, hang out? More often, I mean.”

„That’s it?” Red Son raised an eyebrow at him. 

„Kinda? I know we hang out, but it’s more like just because Mei want us to.” Noodle Boy explained, waving his hands.

Yeah, he isn’t wrong. Dragon Girl mostly wants to hang out and asks them. It’s barely MK asking Red Son, or it’s way rarer for Red Son to ask MK.

„Plus, I don’t want you to ignore us like that again. I was actually worried.” Noodle Boy continued, this time pointing at Red Son.

Red Son couldn’t help but smirk at that. „Worried about what?”

Noodle Boy made a face like it was obvious why he was worried. „I though, I dunno, maybe you don’t want to hang out with us anymore? Who knows why you ignored us?”

Right, Red Son couldn’t tell him why. It would be way weirder than it already is. 

„Don’t worry then, I want to hang out. I just.. needed a break from you two. You can be annoying, you know that?” Red Son tried to cover for himself. 

MK rolled his eyes, but his smile never left his face. „Good, okay. Just don’t do this again.”

„I won’t.” 

The sun already set, and moon was showing up. The silence passed between them like that, but it wasn’t as uncomfortable as earlier. Red Son forgot about that Dragon Girl was like 30 meters away from them, but he didn’t needed her now. The evening sky made MK’s eyes shine. 

Maybe Dragon Girl was right. If he couldn’t stop thinking about him, it have to mean something. And maybe he did wanted it to mean something, anything, he just didn’t know what.

Chapter Text

The rest of their hang out passed in a way better mood than it started, even if it was about to finish, becasue it was getting late and Red Son is not staying at Noodle Boy’s hovel again. 

Red Son and Dragon Girl walked Noodle Boy to his apartment. The boy was way to tired to hang out more, so they just walked to Mei’s place.

„So… are you going to make it up for MK?” Dragon Girl elbowed Red Son to get his attention.

Red Son sighed. „Yes. I promised him that-” 

Mei interuppted him with a gasp. „You are seriously going to watch Monkey Cop?! Aww that’s so sweet!- OUCH!!” Red Son hitted her at the back of her head. 

„No, you idiot. I am not going to watch that garbage again.” Red Son scoffed. Just thinking about this show made him want to throw up.

Dragon Girl rubbed her head in little pain, she glared at him. „So what are you going to do?”

Red Son looked at the girl. „He wants to hang out. Like, you know, more.” He said that like it was something he is emberessed by. Maybe it kind of is.

She let out a laugh. „Seriously? But why?” 

„He said that he just don’t want me to ignore you two again. And it’s because we hang out usually because of you. And he was worried, or whatever.” Red Son explained, a smirk forming on Mei’s face. 

„Oooh…” Dragon Girl rubbed her chin.

Red Son didn’t liked her reaction, she is weird, yes, but this is unusually weirder. „What?”

Mei looked up at him, snaping out from her thoughs. „Oh, nothing, nothing. I just find it really interesting.”

Well, whatever. Red Son didn’t liked where this conversation was going to, so he just didn’t continued it. Dragon Girl probably don’t have anything interesting to say anyway, she probably just wanted to tease Red Son.

They reached Dragon Girl’s house and quickly said their goodbyes. When Red Son was about to go in his way, she called out for him last time. 

„Red Boy! Tell me when you and MK are going to hang out next time!! I want to hear everything!” She yelled, waving her hand up to catch more attention to her.

Red Son furrowed his brows. „Aren’t you, like, going with us?” 

Mei’s smirk appeared again. „MK didn’t asked me, did he? I don’t want to be your thirth wheel, you know.”

Oh. So that’s what she was smiling like that about earlier. 

She thinks it’s more like a date. 

When Red Son came back to his parents’ fortress, they were already sleeping. But he couldn’t, again. He stared at the window and recalled every single word Noodle Boy had said earlier and he couldn’t find anything that should hint him that he wants to ask him out. He was casual, like always. 

Maybe that was the problem? 

No, Noodle Boy is oblivous, and he probably wants to hang out with all his friends. He just wants to befriend with Red Son more, that’s not something bad, right? 

Besides, even if that was a „date”, which is not, he doubt that MK would be about this for real. That could be some kind of a joke of his. And if that was a real date and Noodle Boy was not joking, he would ask like a normal person, right? What’s so hard to ask someone out if you like them? 

Yeah, what’s so hard…

Pfft, no. It’s not like Red Son wants it to be- oh who is he trying to fool? 

He still don’t know what he wants to be with this noodle brain. They are not enemies anymore. Friendship sound like something is missing. A real relationship sound too serious and scary. 

Just thinking about the soft smile and warm skin makes his heart skip a beat. Just looking through the window reminds him about golden dust eyes. And when one of his parents touches him on the shoulder, he can remember the weight of this boy’s head, how hot it felt againist his skin, even if the boy beside him was freezing. 

Red Son wanted it to be something. Still didn’t know what exactly tho. 

But it feels weird. The way Dragon Girl just made him question Noodle Boy’s intentions. 

So what he is supposed to do? He can’t just ask MK if he meant „hanging out” as a „date”. That would only add more awkwardness to their relationship. Or worse, Noodle Boy would be disgusted by the though, just like Red Son was at first. 

He stared at the moon all night and watched the sunrise. He was so tired, yet couldn’t fall asleep. He just sat in silence, thinking about the boy who can’t leave his mind. 

He would love to ignore Dragon Girl and Noodle Boy for some more, to ignore the feelings, stomach ache, burning skin and golden eyes. But he can’t. Not when he promised, and when he knows he would stare at the celestial body all days if he did ignore them.

„Don’t leave!” Red Son yelled at his phone, trying to convince Mei, he could hear her moving phone away from her ear because he was too loud.

„I’m not leaving, Red Boy! I’m just going for a business trip with my parents, that’s all!” She explained. „I would never leave you and MK!”

Red Son pinched his nose. „No, you don’t understand. You can’t leave me now! I need you in this situation!” He can’t belive he really said that. „I mean, I can’t meet with Noodle Boy alone.”

Dragon Girl giggled. „What? You don’t want to go on a date? C’mon you’ll be fine without me.”

„YOU KNOW IT IS NOT A DATE” Red Son shouted, getting annoyed by her. 

Mei sighed. „I know, I know. But I don’t get it. Why are you so nervous? You said he ‘just wants to hang out’.”

„You know that’s not my point. I’m just… scared?” Red Son knew he is going to embarras himself. He didn’t heard Mei quick respond so he got worried. „Dragon Girl, are you still there-?”

„ARE YOU, RED BOY, SERIOUSLY SAYING YOU ARE SCARED?!?!” Mei shouted with a shock clear in her tone. 

Oh, so she was so shocked that she was speachless for a moment. „SHUT UP!!” 

He really didn’t knew why he was even friends with her.

After few days, Red Son was getting ready to see Noodle Boy. Dragon Girl was already away for like two days and she wasn’t going to come back fast, so Red Son is just gonna have to survive with Noodle Boy alone. 

He was nervous, even more than a few days earlier. Spending time alone with this boy seemed fun, but he just couldn’t get over with the though of his stomach ache whenever Noodle Boy mentions the moon. 

Is that how jealousy feels? Probably. But that’s really stupid he is jealous of a celestial body.

Red Son putted on some light make up and and his usual clothes, because it was just a hang out.

He left his parents’ fortress and drove to the city. They both agreed to meet after MK’s shift, infront of Pigsy’s Noodles building, Red Son still didn’t wanted to see with Noodle Boy’s father figure.

When he arrived to the place, he was a bit earlier than they have planned. So he had to wait. 

So he waited and fidgeted with his neckles.

Hm.

Yeah, Red Son expected this noodle brain to be late. This boy could never be punctual, could he?

When he started to loose his hope and patience for MK, the brown haired boy finally appeard. And for Red Son’s surprise he was running, not driving in this weird food cart or whatever it even was, but you can’t name it a car.

„Oh, Red, I’m so so so sorry-!” Noodle Boy apoligized, breathing heavly. „-I was about to go on a training, but then I remebered that I wanted to hang out- oh, gods, wait for a moment.” He tried to calm his breath.

Red Son had his arms crossed all the time, he wanted to yell at Noodle Boy for forgetting about the hang out, what was his own idea, but something in him didn’t wanted him to do it. 

He just sighed and glanced away from the boy. „It’s- fine. Just don’t keep me waiting all the time.” 

MK looked up from the ground at Red Son, a smile appeard on his face. „Don’t worry, I won’t. Sorry again.”

Red Son tried to hide his own smile when he was Noodle Boy’s. „Stop apologizing, just let’s go.”

Noodle Boy straightened up and stepped closer. They were walking side by side.

„You are seriously scared of Pigsy? You? Red Son?” Noodle Boy asked before taking a sip of his cheese tea.

The hang out was, actually, really nice. They went to arcade for „a moment”, MK saw a Monkey Cop plastic figure and immediatley wanted to win it, and Red Son needed to help him with it. After some hours they finally won that plastic, what was for Red Son’s opinion a total trash, but MK seemed happy, so he didn’t said that to him. They really had to spend a lot of time there, because sun was already setting. Later both of them went for some cheese teas, and now they are sitting at the table in some small cafe.

Red Son scoffed, waving at him with his bottle. „I’m not scared- He just hates me!” 

Noodle Boy let out a small laught. „Oh, c’mon. He doesn’t hates you. He just… doesn’t really like you.”

Oh, yeah, that really cheered Red Son up. He raised an eyebrow at MK, what made the boy chuckle. 

„Can we just drop the topic about this pig?” Red Son asked.

MK sighed. „Yeah, but call him Pigsy, not pig, please?” 

Red Son nodded, yet knowing well he won’t stop calling him pig. 

The moon was showing up, they could see through the big window what was just next to their table. Red Son felt his stomach burning again. He watched as Noodle Boy stared at the celestial body. 

„It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” MK asked, a dreamy smile on his face. Red Son felt this weird ache in his stomach.

He didn’t even bother looking at the moon. He didn’t wanted to, he wanted to look at the boy, who was way more beautiful than this celestial body.

„It is.” Red Son agreed, but his eyes never left MK’s face.

Noodle Boy chuckled and looked down at the table, away from the window. „Hah, you know,” He started and looked at Red Son. „You kinda remind me of the moonlight. Or moon, like generally.”

Red Son felt his face warm up and his heartbeat quicken. He didn’t expect MK to say that.

„Really?” He asked and tried to calm his smoking hair by running his hand through it. 

MK tilted his head to the side and grinned. „Yeah.”

They stared at each other for a while. Red Son was in shock actually. 

MK after a few moments cringed because of the long silence. „Is it weird?”

That snapped Red Son from his thoughs. „No! No, just,” He waved his hands. „you know, I didn’t expected you… I mean, uh…” He couldn’t find right words.

He looked at those brown eyes, even now they shined like gold. „You remind me of the sun.” He finally said. That sounded cheesy.

Noodle Boy chuckled and got up from his seat. „Come on,” He tugged him by his hand. „they will close the cafe soon.”

Chapter Text

Red Son woke up to find himself in MK’s bed again, covered with the same soft blanket as at first sleepover. It felt kinda like deja vu. He ran his hand over his face and rubbed his eyes from sleep, or maybe the lack of it because he couldn’t really remember what he is doing here. 

When he fully woke up, he sat up and looked around, only to find MK sleeping on the floor. He chuckled at that image. Noodle Boy is seriously that stupid to give his bed to Red Son to sleep in again. He took off the blanket and to his surprise he was in Noodle Boy’s clothes. Of course Red Son didn’t had clothes to change, they even didn’t planned this sleepover, but he could just sleep in his usual clothes. MK probably gave him those clothes, but he couldn’t remember. At what hour they even arrived to his place? He will have to talk with MK later.

He looked up at the clock on the wall. It was still early, the sun was barely up. Way too early for MK to wake up. And he didn’t wanted to wake him up. 

The memories from their yesterday’s hang out are kinda blurry to Red Son now. He remembers the arcade and how much time they wasted there for sure. He looked around to find the plastic figure they won from yesterday, it was standing on one of MK’s shelfs already. And he remembers the cheese teas, if he remembers correctly Noodle Boy ordered the mango one, and he ordered the matcha flavour. Or at least he think it was that. 

Oh wait, he remembers it all now.

Oh, yeah. They had that weird conversation at the cafe, too. Red Son felt his stomach ache and his face heat up again. Just thinking about what MK said then makes his heart melt. „You remind me of the moon”, he couldn’t belive it. Just the way Noodle Boy looks at this celestial body made Red Son uncomfortalbe. And now, he reminds him of the moon? Does he look and talk about him in the same way?

Like, MK reminds Red Son of the sun, because his personality and beauty is like it. His face literally says for him that MK is a ray of sunshine. He has that sunkissed skintone and beraly visable freckles, big brown eyes, those thin eyelashes and that small gap between his front teeth. He is just as beautiful as the sun.

Huh, he didn’t even realized he stares at Noodle Boy maybe a bit too much if he remembers those features.

Is that how Noodle Boy think about Red Son? MK really often talks about how beautiful the moon is. It was driving him crazy how he talked about this celestial body like it was the only think in the world. And now he admitted that Red Son reminds him of the moon. The same moon he is literally in love with. 

„What’s up with that all?” That’s the question what he couldn’t find an answer on.

Red Son’s head started to hurt. Overthinking won’t do much and he knows that. He should do something else, something what will keep him busy.

But he is in Noodle Boy’s apartment, not in Demon Bull Fortress. There’s no workshop and he doubts that MK will have any tools and scraps of metal or any material anyway. And he definitley won’t read any comics or watch any shows about Sun Wukong from MK’s collection. 

He looked around the room again. The apartment looked like garbage dump, like always. Red Son can’t belive that Noodle Boy can live in this hovel everyday. He figured that maybe he can clean just a little to keep his mind and hands busy. It will be good for them both. Red Son won’t overthink and MK will have just a bit cleaner home. 

Red Son get out of the bed, he still felt bad for sleeping in it and forcing MK to sleep on the floor again, even if he would be fine with sleeping on the floor and MK was actually forcing himself. Some comics and clothes were just lying on the floor, so he picked them up. Half of those clothes could only go to trash or washing machine, he folded the other half and putted them in MK’s closet. He put the comics on the shelf. 

When he was done with that, he went to Noodle Boy’s small „kitchen”. Dirty dishes were stuck in the sink, like the last time they had a sleepover. Did MK never cleaned that at all? Red Son let out a sigh and walked closer to the sink to get ready to wash the dishes, he looked at them with disust on his face. Most of those dirty dishes were so dried it was hard to clean them. Red Son will have to yell at Noodle Boy because of this, he really shouldn’t live like this.

Oh, great. Now he cares about him and his well being. Wow, it’s getting even worse with him.

He looked back at MK, who was still sleeping as hard as a rock. Red Son’s expression softened. He wondered how much time it will take Noodle Boy to finally get up. He don’t want to hang around MK’s apartment without MK’s company, it’s too quiet. And he kinda got used to Noodle Boy’s energic personality by now. 

All dishes from sink were clean now. It took Red Son, like, 20 minutes, but the sink is empty now. He just prays that MK won’t jam the sink again.

When the apartment was somewhat clean and there was nothing left to do, he figured that it would be nice to make breakfast. Red Son was sure he won’t be able to come back to his parents’ Fortress on time for breakfast, so he will have to cook something. 

Fridge was practically empty. There was some soda cans, an old (kinda moldy) peach, some vegetables, few eggs and half-eaten noodles from Pigsy’s. In shelfs there were plates and bowls. He even found some instant noodles, what MK probably hid from Pigsy. There’s not much of a choice here, so he took the eggs. It should be enough for them two. He looked through the fridge one more time to see if there’s maybe becon here, but then he realized that MK probably don’t eat that. His father was a pig after all, so that kind of makes sense. 

He took the pan and placed it on the stove, poured a bit of oil and cracked the eggs onto the pan. The aroma immidetaly spread throughout the room. Red Son could hear something moving behind him. He looked around to see MK sitting on the floor where he was sleeping just a moment ago, rubbing his eyes from sleep. 

„Good morning.” Red Son tilted his head to take a better look on the sleepy boy. 

„Hey, what are you doing?” MK asked while stretching. He sounded so tired, even if he got much more sleep than Red Son did. His eyes were barely visable, his hair blocked his sight. 

„Breakfast.” Red Son responded. „You should do some grocery shopping. Is your fridge always that empty?”

MK chuckled, running his hand through his hair and fixing it so he can finally see. He got up and started to walk to Red Son. „Sometimes? I don’t mind tho. I eat mostly noodles from Pigsy’s.”

„Or instant noodles, hm?” Red Son smirked, reaching for two plates. 

Noodle Boy froze and let out an awkward laugh. „Can we leave that between us? Pigsy would kill me if he found out.” He said as he finally reached Red Son

Red Son let out a laugh. „Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.” He assured the boy. „Unless you will be annoying, then I may tell that to your ‘father figure’.” 

„Oh, ha ha. Very funny.” MK joked, despite his irritated tone, his smile grew bigger on his face. 

MK rested his chin on Red Son’s shoulder. Red Son tried really hard to keep calm and not burn this whole apartment with his hair. Althrough he could feel his nape burning already. Noodle Boy seemed unbothered, probably because he is clingy, with all his friends, he always been, so that’s probably why that doesn’t seem weird to him. 

Red Son took the eggs from the pan and put them on the plates. He handed one plate to MK, making him move away from him. Noodle Boy smiled at him as „thanks”. 

„So you two had an interesting date, huh?” Dragon Girl asked, Red Son didn’t even seen her face now, because they were talking on the phone, but he could tell she has that stupid smirk on her face. 

Red Son slammed his hand against the desk, he really had enough of Mei’s teasing. „YOU KNOW IT’S NOT- IT WASN’T- UGH!!” He took a deep breath and continued to work on his invention, screwing some metal parts with a screwdriver. „How much longer will you be gone?”

Dragon Girl let out an annoyed huff. „Dude, I’ve been away, like, for two days. It’s not that bad. I dunno how much longer it will take my parents to come back.” She chuckled. „Besides, I don’t want to ruin your sweet moments with MK.”

Red Son really had to fight with the urge to hang up with her. „CAN YOU- NOTHING HAPPEND!”  

„Yeah, yeah, but still, you had that much fun yesterday you don’t even remember what you were doing at his place, right?” Mei laughted. Why did Red Son even told her that? 

After a moment of silence, or maybe a moment of Red Son’s annoyed groans, Dragon Girl spoke up again. „No, but seriously, I feel that something had to happen between you two. My shipper instinct tells me that.”

That sounded so ridiculous to Red Son. „Your… what?” 

„My Instinct! You know, like cats has or whatever. I just feel it!” 

„You are not a cat.”

Since Dragon Girl didn’t showed up in the city yet, MK and Red Son would hang out. And the more they hanged out, the less awkward it was between them. Maybe they should do something like it at very first time. 

It was cool to hang out as trio, but Red Son enjoyed seeing MK alone. Their hang outs weren’t as chaotic as with Mei, sometimes it was a good thing. Red Son could look at Noodle Boy without someone elbowing and wiggling her eyebrows at him. 

Dragon Girl was away for like a week now, making Red Son start to think she made that whole thing up, just so Red Son and MK can befriend more. Yeah, she was able to do something like that. Well, even if she did made that up, Red Son didn’t complain. He could be close to MK, just the two of them, alone, together. And it wasn’t awkward anymore. 

They would talk, play video games (mostly MK playing and Red Son watching), Noodle Boy even convinced him to watch more movies about Journey To The West or „Monkey Cop” or „Monkey King: The animated series” (which was even worse than „Monkey Cop”), sometimes they went to arcades, MK won him a chicken plushie one time. 

And they had sleepovers, of course. Red Son would let MK to play with his hair or do him a hairstyle while he talked about his own inventions or his plans, he knew he can’t tell that Mei, because, first of all: she would be mad that MK got to touch his hair and she doesn’t, and second of all: she would tease them about it. That will have to stay only between them. Durning the entire week that Mei was away, they had, like, three sleepovers in a row. 

MK would text to Red Son all the time. Every morning, every noon, every afternoon, every evening. Sometimes he even called or texted Red Son at night, just because he was bored. 

MK is actually so clingy. He just wouldn’t give up on Red Son. Even after a hard day at work, he would ask him to hang out, to spend time together. He would hug Red Son, tug him along with his hand if he though that Red Son was walking too slowly or when he wanted to show him something. He would buy him gifts, even if he is completly broke. That made Red Son’s head spin and his heart melt. Red Son felt his feelings grew even stronger and didn’t knew what to do with it. 

Family of Demon Bull were now at the dinner table. But Red Son’s mind was far away from the conversations between his parents. 

Red Son would think about him all the time. Just how sweet MK seems, his personality, even as annoying as always, is one of the best things about him. Red Son also liked his hair. Not like, his hairstyle, it still seemed a bit ridiculous, but his hair. MK would have his hair down on sleepovers, and without all that hairspray, gel - or whatever, it looked so soft, Red Son would love to ran his fingers through it. Or his smile, so wide and honest. His eyes looked like all the stars were in them, and those thin eyelashes that MK would bat at him-

Princess Iron Fan cleared her throat to snap her son from his thoughs. „Red Son, pay attention to us, please.”

Red Son looked up at her. „Huh?” He put his chopsticks aside when he understand what she said. „Oh. Apologies, Mother. What were you saying?”

„I asked, are you going to see with this little thief today?” She sipped her wine, keeping an eye on her son.

Red Son felt his hair burning the back of his neck when she mentioned him. He just prayed that they don’t see his hair smoking. „Yes, Mother. Um.. Noodle Boy wanted a sleepover-”

„Again?” His mother chimed in, rising an eyebrow at him. „When’s the last time you’ve had a sleepover? One day ago?” She put her glass down. „You befriended with him really hard, didn’t you?”

„I- Yes, I guess I did.” Red Son didn’t knew if he should feel ashemed of that, but his mother let out a sigh. 

„Well, at least you have friends now.” She chuckled. „I just never thinked you would befriend with the successor of Sun Wukong.”

Yeah, she would never guess that he would actually like the successor of Sun Wukong, too. Or at least, let’s hope she will never guess.

Chapter Text

„…But I was thinking lately.” Princess Iron Fan spoke up again, not even bothering to look at her son while taking another sip of her wine. „I think you spend a little bit too much time with him.”

Red Son froze, he looked up from his food to stare at his mother as she continued. „You were supposed to make an update for a couple of bull clones. I though you said it will be done in this week.” She swirled the liquid in her glass. „Still nothing, I see.”

„Well- I- it’s going to take me some time to do it all, but-”

„I think you shouldn’t meet with that thief that often.” Princess Iron Fan finally said. „He is a bad influence for you.”

He felt ashemed. He though his mother understood him. Well, she is right, he did promised her that, and he forgot. 

Red Son could only nod at his mother’s words, because no words escaped his mouth when he opened it. 

„Don’t be mad.” Princess Iron Fan smiled, finally taking a look at her son. „It’s just for your best, Darling.” Yeah, he knew that. Everything his parents did was for his best, so that shouldn’t be an exception, yet Red Son still couldn’t say anything. He didn’t knew why. 

For the rest of the dinner Red Son didn’t said anything, he didn’t even ate after that. His appetite is gone. And his parents also went silent, the atmosphare was thick, awkward even. He rather would be with MK right now than here.

When he finally could walk away from the table, he runned back to his room and packed for, probably their last, sleepover with MK. He will actually miss those.

And how he will tell this to him? He promised him something. 

Oh, he is the pathetic one here for sure now. Maybe Mother is right, Noodle Boy made him too soft.

Red Son wanted to spend his time with MK as much as he could, so when he was ready he just used his fire powers to teleport himself to MK’s place. He was outside and he could see the light from Noodle Boy’s room. His throat was completly dry out of stress. 

He climbed up the fire escape and hestited a bit before knocking on the window. MK turned around and when he saw Red Son a big grin appeard on his face, he left everything he was doing to open the window. 

„Hi, Red!” MK said so joyfuly it bring a small smile on Red Son’s face. „You are earlier than I though you will be.” He took Red Son’s hand to help him enter to his apartment.

Red Son’s expression softened. „Yeah, I know. Sorry for the intrusion.”

MK chuckled. „Nah, it’s okay. I just though I would clean up a bit.” He walked to his little kitchen and grabbed two soda cans. „Eveything’s alright?” He called from the kitchen.

„Yeah.”

MK brushed Red Son’s hair, humming some song (kind of sounded like the intro of „Monkey King: The animated series”). Red Son enjoyed the feeling of MK’s fingertips on his scalp, even if it destorys his haircare, he simply don’t care. One of MK’s favorite show was playing on the screen, but it was more like a white noise for them both. MK was focused on what he is doing, so was Red Son, he also tried to not burn MK’s fingers with his hair. 

There was such a comfortable silence between them, there was only the quiet sound from TV and soft brushing against hair.

Both of them were sitting on MK’s bed. Normally, Red Son would talk about his inventions or plans while MK is playing with his hair, like at earlier sleepovers, but he stays quiet now. He knows he should tell MK what his mother said.

MK put the hairbrush aside and tilted his head so he can look at Red Son from his back. „Hey, are you okay?”

Red Son glanced at him, tucking some of his hair behind his ear. „Yeah, why?”

„I dunno,” MK shrugged and placed his hand on Red Son’s shoulder. „you are quiet, I though maybe something happend.” He smiled. „Besides, I wanted to hear about your inventios. Last time you were talking about those sport cars, that was cool.”

A small smile cracked on Red Son’s face. It’s cute that MK actually listens to him and his babbling. „I was just thinking, sorry.”

„And here I though you payed attention to that show.” MK laughted, resting his head on Red Son’s shoulder, his hand playing with Red Son’s hair. This made Red Son feel his skin burning again. „What were you thinking about?” 

Red Son looked away and sighed, his hand reached out to fidget with a tip of a blanket. „What does moon mean to you?” He asked.

That was probably weird and unnecessary to ask, plus he should say something diffrent, he had to eventually. And Red Son already knew, MK loves moon. But he meant to ask about it for a while now. Every time when MK just looked at the moon, he would have this dreamy smile of his, what bothered Red Son even if he loved to look at him smiling. And when MK said that he reminds him of the moon, everything became more complicated for Red Son. Now he didn’t knew anything for sure. 

„What do you mean?” MK raised his head from Red Son’s shoulder, he missed the weight of his head already.

„I mean,” He felt like it was unnecessary to start this conversation, but he continued. „you stare at it. Like everytime you have a chance. I don’t- I just still don’t understand what’s so pretty about it.” Oh, he already regrets asking, he definetley sounded jealous now, even MK should notice this.

MK tilted his head to the side, slightly confused. „I already told you.” He smiled. „I just could stare at it-”

„‘- Until you pass out’ and ‘moonlight is pretty, but none pays attention’, I know. I just don’t understand why.” Red Son chimed in, he really should stop talking right now because MK looked at him dumbfoundedly. 

„You don’t understand… what, exactly?” MK asked.

„I don’t understand why I remind you of it.” Red Son finally said. „I don’t get it.” 

MK shrugged. „I don’t either. This is compicated.” He chuckled

Red Son sighed, running his hand over his freshly brushed hair. „My mother doesn’t want me to see you.” He said after a moment of silence.

He didn’t heard the immediate response from MK, but saw him standing up just to sit infront of Red Son on the bed. He didn’t seemed as happy as just a moment ago. „But why? Did I do something?” He looked worried and his sweet smile disappeard. 

„No. It’s not you.” Red Son assured him. „It’s more like I don’t have enough time to work on my projects. She says it for my best and I belive it.”

MK stared at him with his brows furrowed, he took Red Son’s hands in his. His hands were chilly so it felt like a thermal shock for a moment. Red Son could feel his hair burning the back of his neck and ears already. 

„It’s not like we are gonna stop hanging out, right?” MK asked, he looked at him so desperately.

If Red Son is being honest, he doesn’t know. But knowing his mother she won’t be thrilled if he and MK hang out even rarely. 

„I don’t know. Probably once a week?”

MK looked even more sad now. And to be honest, he didn’t looked convinced. MK know Red Son’s parents don’t like him, and that wasn’t even surprising, because he know they have reasons. 

MK looked down at their hands, not facing Red Son.

„There’s nothing I can do, right?” MK asked, tightening his grip on Red Son’s hands. 

„I don’t think so.” Red Son sighed. „You know my parents. They won’t change their mind quickly.”

They went silent for a moment and again, the only noise is from the TV playing one of MK’s favorites show. MK’s grip on his hands loosen up a bit again.

That went worse than Red Son would imagine. Or to be honest, he didn’t really imagined anything, he knew it would be hard. 

MK seemed like he wanted to say or do something because he looked up and opened his mouth, but hesitated and nothing came out. 

Then his hands slipped away from Red Son’s and MK stood up. „I’m hungry. Let’s go out.” He said with a very forced smile. That wasn’t something Red Son expected, but he didn’t questioned it. Maybe MK just wanted to spend time with him in a more fun place, or something. 

Red Son wasn’t really hungry, MK didn’t seem like he is either, so he probably just made that up to have a reason to go out. 

They just went to the cafe to order two cheese teas, and a cookie for MK. 

The streets weren’t quiet, but it wasn’t like there were many people out in the city. Neon lights were shining bright in dark night sky. 

Both of them sat on the bench, but MK didn’t rested his head on Red Son’s shoulder like he used to do. He didn’t even sipped his drink or took a bite of his cookie. He looks like he is thinking. 

„Do you want this?” MK asked.

„What?”

„Do you want to, you know, stop hanging out?” MK asked again. 

The answer MK would get like two months ago would be obviously „yes”. But now Red Son would never agree. Yet, it feels like he is betraying and disappointing his parents.

„Of course not.” Red Son admitted. It feels even more like betrayal.

MK looked at him, with those eyes. Red Son couldn’t really tell by his face what is going on in his head. But his eyes were full of stars, shining bright. 

Then MK closed his eyes, he leaned in.

Wait, what?

Red Son could feel MK’s lips on his, he could feel the mango scent on them. MK’s hand rested on his cheek, Red Son knew he was as red as his own hair, and his eyes were still wide open from the shock.

He was so stressed, he didn’t knew what to do now. 

So the next thing he is doing when MK slowly pulls away is teleporting himself back to Demon Bull’s fortress.

He collapsed onto his bed and covered his face with one of his hands while the other hand tried to easy the fire on his head. 

MK kissed him?

MK kissed him.

Oh.

He left MK there.

Chapter Text

His phone kept buzzing with notifications, but Red Son didn’t felt like checking. Again. He is trying to ignore him again. He can’t even face him now. Not after he simply run away.

Why? Gods know why. But he doesn’t. Well, okay, MK had kissed him and he runned away, like a coward. 

So why was he so scared? Probaby because of his own parents. Hell, it seemed MK kissed him because his parents don’t want him to hang out with MK. 

And what now? He can’t just go to MK and act like nothing happend. 

Maybe he should ignore and wait a couple of decades and MK will be out of his and his parents sight forever. No, that’s stupid. Or maybe..?

He spend the rest of the night in his bed, staring at the ceiling and ignoring MK’s texts. That didn’t felt right. He promised him that he won’t do it again. 

I am an idiot.

Oh, yeah that’s right. And now he is going to act like a pathethic child, how sad. He knows that all of is probably his and only his fault, he could just ignore MK and Mei earlier so maybe they would leave him alone after some time. 

At some point the buzzing from his phone silenced, MK probably gave up. That was better for them both, Red Son could think in silence and MK could do… whatever he had to do now, honestly Red Son don’t really know what could he be doing now.

Red Son should be the one apologising here, he knew that. For the next few days he and MK didn’t contact at all. Red Son still didn’t read any of MK’s messages. And the worse thing was that Mei and her parents came back from this business trip.

She wanted to meet of course. And it seemed like MK didn’t told her anything yet, and Red Son didn’t even wanted to mention it to anyone, too. 

At first, Mei texted on their group chat to ask for a hang out. No one responded her there, so then she texted to them in private chats. Red Son knew that Dragon Girl will find it suspicious, so when she texted him with a message asking ‘Is everything alright?’ he would change the subject right away. 

He had to come up with something everytime she asked to meet up.

„No, sorry. I can’t today. I have to fix Bull Clone’s coding.”

Okay, that actually might happen, he had to check on the Bull Clone’s coding to fix eventual mistakes. Mei fell for that.

„I’m spending time with my family today, sorry.” 

That sounded unreal, but Mei didn’t seemed to mind, she called that he is finally trying to bond with his own family more and that this is good.

„I don’t feel good today, maybe next time?”

Mei understood that. And that’s kind of how this week went and the next one, and the next. And it passed like half of the month trying to avoid Mei. Half of the month since he looked out of the window the same way he usually did. Half of the month since he last talked to MK. Half of the month since…

Why does Red Son even try to avoid Mei? He can just ignore her like he ignores MK. 

„I’m so happy you finally did everything you promised to do, darling.” Princess Iron Fan said as Bull Clones placed food on the table for them. 

Red Son only hummed in response. He didn’t felt like talking with his family for a while.

His meal was finally placed infront of him by one of the Bull Clones. He picked on food with his chopsticks, staring down at it.

That could be it. Eating in silence for the rest of the evening, minding your own business. But Princess Iron Fan seemed like she really wanted to start a conversation. „So how are your friends?” Or she just wanted to upset her own son, because there’s no fucking way that she would ask that after she told him to not see with MK.

Red Son glared at her with the corner of his eye, not fully facing her. „Why do you ask?”

„Just curious.” Yeah, no shit. She lifted her food up to her mouth to eat, but she stopped mid way. She looked up at him. „You didn’t hang out with them lately.” Wow, Mother, you are so perceptive. 

„I though you don’t want me to meet with them.” Red Son answered, making his Mother chuckle coldly. 

Demon Bull King didn’t said anything, but he found the conersation intresting, so he listened, looking from his wife to his son and back again. 

„I said that I don’t want you to meet with that Little Thief that often.” She casually shrugged and finally ate the food she lifted. „But now that I think about it, it’s better when you don’t see him at all. He is a bad influence for you like I said earlier.”

Red Son could feel his blood boilling and his brow furrow. His hair sparkling, but it wasn’t as nice as when MK made his hair do that.

He stood up, making the cutlery clatter and turning his parents’ attention to him. He stared at his Mother with a mixed expression, he knew what his Mother thinks about MK, but hearing her saying that out loud made him feel like she offended him instead of Noodle Boy. 

„Darling, sit down.” Princess Iron Fan said turning her gaze away to her food again.

She was about to take an another bite of her meal but Red Son spoke up. „No.” She looked up at him again. 

„No?” His Mother looked at him with an expression he couldn’t quite describe. Flustration? Slight anger? Surprise? To be honest, Red Son didn’t cared now what was her expression or what she thinked about him right now.

„It’s your fault. I shouldn’t have listened to you.” Red Son hissed. „You can’t talk about MK like that.”

„Don’t you dare rise your voice at your Mother like that.” Demon Bull King finally spoke up. He rarely spoke during dinner, mostly making a small talk with his wife about something that Red Son didn’t understand or cared. 

He looked at his Father, they exchanged their glares. Red Son scoffed at his Mother and walked away from the table, not wanting to spend one more minute with his parents. 

MK and Mei seriously changed him, because just few months ago he wouldn’t even think about talking like that to his parents.

It’s a shame that he literally has no one now. No parents, they are probably going to be mad at him for the rest of his life for talking back like that. No Mei, because she doesn’t know anything and he won’t tell her even if she would torture him. No MK, because of what he did.

He locked up in his room. Most of his evening he spend on drawing a new project on a bluepaper. Well, most of bluepapers went straight to trash. 

Something in the back of his head is distracting him. He can’t focus. His parents left the fortress for some kind of a gala at some point. His mother obviously did not wanted him there, and it’s not like he wanted be there either.

Red Son stood up from his desk and changed his clothes. He was drawing, or maybe trying to draw, for few hours, he better get some rest.

Or maybe not. His phone buzzed and his head turned around to look at it faster than usually.

Is it MK?

He know he should answer him someday, but that feels so scary. He is NOT ready for that now.

But… his curiosity won. He slowly got out from his bed and take a tiny glance on his lock screen.

No, it’s just Mei.

Red Son unlocked his phone and read Dragon Girl’s message. 

„I’m coming over.” That’s an unusually dry text for her.

Before he could even question why, he heard a motorcycle closer and closer to his fortress. He drop his phone and walked to his window. 

A green-neon light shined, but the motorcycle was so fast that it was almost invisible. And it didn’t stop when it was about to hit the wall. The wall into his room.

His heart almost fell out when he barely doged the vehicle, but Dragon Girl did not seem to mind. 

And she looked furious when she took off her helmet. 

„RED SON, YOU ARE A FUCKING IDIOT!” She yelled at him.

Oh, this is bad.

Chapter Text

„WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!” Mei shouted, not even letting him yell at her for breaking his fucking wall. She got off of her motorcycle and throwed her helmet away in some random corner, walking up to him, clearly with more force than needed.

He beraly got up from the floor when she already jabbed a finger in his chest.

„First you tell me that you like him,”

„I didn’t exactly – ”

Mei cut him off with another jab into his chest. „Then you leave him behind while I’m gone?!”

Red Son had never seen her so angry, especially at him. The whole situation made her so flustrated that her self-control was slipping off and her power of Samadhi Fire was showing with greenish flames around her and her eyes.

„Why would you do that?!” She finally gave him time to speak, yet he didn’t knew what to say.

He wanted to apologize. To explain her everything. His throat felt dry and no words came out when he opened his mouth.

She must have realize that she scared the hell of him. She blinked the flames away from her eyes. Her expression was softer, but still firmly and her brows furrowed.

Mei let out a heavy sigh. „Okay.” She removed her finger from his chest. Red Son could bet that she left a small mark there. „Why did you left him there?” She asked, now more gently.

Red Son swallowed, he couldn’t look into her eyes without feeling guilty. „I didn’t… knew what to do.” Mei made a face as he glanced at her, immediatley feeling bad. „It was so sudden! I couldn’t… understand what was happening…”

„He literally told you that he likes you!” She shouted once more. „But, okay, I understand that it was a bad move to confess. Don’t think I only yelled at you, anyways.” Mei put her hand on her forehead and screatched her brow.

„You yelled at him?” He asked, now even more worried about the whole situation.

„Someone had to. I swear, you two are such oblivious idiots.” She sighed. „But that does not explain why you are ignoring him.” Oh, Red Son hoped that she wouldn’t bring this up. „You could have text him after that.”

Red Son looked down, as if he could just pretend that Horse Girl is not here, staring at him and waiting for him to explain. „I don’t know why I do this.” He finally managed to talk. „I- I don’t know why I always choose to ignore the problem instead of dealing with it.”

Concern appear on Mei’s face. „You know,” She took his hands in hers, making him look at her again. „You can always ask for help when you can’t handle something. I’m here to help, so does MK.” She slipped her hands away to rest one on his shoulder, gently patting it.

That was… nice. Feeling that someone is actually here for you, trying to help you out after you messed up.

„You have to talk to him eventually, you know that?” Mei broke the silence.

Red Son looked away. „I don’t know if he wants to see me. What if he moved on – ?”

„Trust me, he did not.” She chimed in.

„What about the moon?” He asked, feeling how his stomach twists when he just brings it up.

Dragon Girl rised her eyebrow. „What about it..?” She questioned, not sure what does he mean.

„He surely still loves it, and I’m still not sure what does his love for it means.” He rubbed his chin.

Mei stared at him with her eyes and mouth open wide and brows frowning. And Red Son wasn’t sure what to do in that moment. She just stared at him, it made him feel weirdly uncomfortable.

„Horse Girl, are you – ?”

„YOU REALLY ARE AN IDIOT! YOU THINK THAT HE IS IN LOVE WITH A PLANET?!” She shouted so loud that Red was scared that even people from Megapolis could hear her.

„Moon is not a planet – ”

„WHO CARES?!” Mei cut him off, throwing her hands in the air. „HE IS NOT IN LOVE WITH A FREAKING CELESTIAL BODY! YOU ARE HIS MOON, DUMBASS!!” She crashed out, and quickly after that she cover her mouth, as if she was not supposed to say it out loud.

A moment of silence fell between them. A moment where Red Son just stared at her blankly, processing what she just said. Even after that moment, when Dragon Girl started to talk again, he just stared, not listening at all. Like he dozed off.

„I am his moon?” He finally asked quietly, chiming in, and looked out from the big hole in his bedroom wall at the sky. The moon was now hard to see because of the clouds of smoke that vulcanos around Demon Bull’s Fortress make. But from Megapolis, you can probably see it on a clear sky.

Mei let out a sigh. „Look, MK was supposed to tell you this, not me –”

„Then why does he admires the celestial body all the time?” Now he cuts her off.

She looked confused. „I- well, I think it’s his own way to admire you. He sees you in moon. I guess he just doesn’t want to be creepy and stare at you all the time.”

Red Son looked back at her. „I need to talk to him.” Dragon Girl had a surprised expression, but it quickly turned into a satisfied grin.

Then he moved to get ready to go. „Wait, like, right now?!” Mei asked. „What about your parents, or your wall??”

„I can fix the wall later. And I no longer care what my parents has to say.”

Horse Girl grinned. „That’s the spirit! Oh, I taught you so well!” She wiped away a non-existing tear from the corner of her eye. „Wait, I’ll get my motorcycle.” She skipped to a bunch of rubble and pulled her vehicle out of it.

Red Son picked up the helmet she throwed away earlier and gave it to her.

„Now, we are ready to go!” She sat on her motorcycle with Red Son behind her on the seat.

Mei started the vehicle and in a blink of an eye they were already on their way to Megapolis. The motorcycle was moving like a lightning, leaving a green light behind them. With how fast they were going, they will be in the city in less than an hour, while it usually takes around two for Red Son to drive there.

He just hoped it wouldn’t be too late.

When he could already see the traffic lights and neon sights, he knew it was around 10 minutes until they arrive. And he couldn’t stop worring. His stomach did a backflip again and he was almost about to throw up.

Red Son thinked about what he could tell MK, how will he explain it to him.

Will he be mad at him? Will Mei be with them or maybe she will give them space to talk it out? What if MK did move on and Mei just told him that he didn’t to make him feel better?

Mei stopped her motorcycle with a loud screech of tires, snapping him out of his thoughs. „We are here.” He stared at the neon sight of Pigsy’s Noodles.

Both of them stood up, Mei took off her helmet and left it on the seat.

He standed just infront of the door of the restauration, looking at it blankly.

„You know what, now that I’m thinking about this, I don’t think I can do this.” He admitted.

Mei placed her hand on his shoulder, trying to cheer him up. „Of course you can.”

Red Son let out a sigh. I can deal with this…

Princess Iron Fan and her husband came back from the gala they were at. They would have came back way later, if Iron Fan did not get a headache in the middle of the party.

It was the middle of the night, so they assumed their child must have gone to sleep now. Or was working on some kind of project, but that was rarely to be seen by them since The Little Thief changed him.

She felt bad in a way, not just because of the headache. Something in her stomach did hurt her.

As she was getting ready to go to sleep, she had to do her night routine first. Iron Fan walked through the long hallway, in her way to the bathroom.

When she was half into her way, her attention was on a bedroom’s door. Red Son’s bedroom.

She tried to ignore it. That child is pathethic for choosing some hero than his own family.

Yet, her eyes were still on the bedroom’s door. She even stopped walking just to glare at them. And, for a moment, her eyes softened.

That pathethic child is still her child, right?

Princess Iron Fan let out a soft, tired sigh, walking up to her son’s door. She gently knocked at it, as if she was scared not to wake him up.

„Darling, are you awake?”

No answer.

„I just wanted to check on you.” She leanded over the door, trying to hear if he did made any sound. „I know you are probably mad, but you do know that I’m doing it for your best, because I love you, right?”

Still no answer.

„I don’t want you to have friends who has bad influence for you. I don’t want to lose you.”

Still, no answer at all.

All she could really hear was strong wind. „Red Son?”

Her hand found the door’s handle and she slowly opened it only to find the bedroom like there’s been a tornado. The wall had a big hole in it and all of his stuff were on the floor, some papers flew in the air as the wind played with them.

There was a bunch of rubble and black tire track on the floor.

Her eyes grew wide. She felt a twist in her stomach.

She runned to the now broken wall, to see if maybe her son is out somewhere close.

There was no sight of her child in the room or out on the desert. No note from him. No nothing that could tell her where the hell is her son.

She was never more angry and worried in her life.

Chapter Text

Red Son took a deep breath and tried to open the main door to the restaurant, just to realize they are closed. He sucked air through his teeth. „I think we should find another way.”

„Well, we could go through the window, orrrr…” Mei held up a bunch of keys and giggled mysteriously. „Or we could use the front door!”

„Did you steal those?!” Red Son almost choke on his words. He, the heir of Demon Bull, a villan is now against stealing.

„Chill, MK gave me those so I don’t have to climb up to the window.” She casually opened the door as if it was her own house. „After you.” She held up the door open for him with a small smirk. The tension from earlier totally left her already. Yet, you can’t say the same about Red Son, he was still nervous as hell.

He entered the restaurant and Dragon Girl quickly shut the door behind them after she walked into the room. And with a fast move with her hand, the noodle shop was closed again, like nothing happend.

The shop was quiet and dark, like you would have expected it to be around that hour. Aroma of broth and noodles filled he room, and it was a scent that Red Son kind of missed. He haven’t felt that smell in a half of the month, it was maybe more than two weeks, but the scent felt almost nostalgic.

Though all that Red Son could do now was to feel the familiar smell, because it was way too dark for him to see anything, anyway.

„Now quiet!” She shouted-whispered to Red Son and brought up her finger to ‘shush’ him, even though he didn’t talked at all. „We wouldn’t want to wake up Piggy and Tang, right?”

„Yeah, you wouldn’t want to do this.”

Both Mei and Red Son turned their heads towards the direction of that voice.

After a heartbeat of silence, a small lamp in the corner of the bar turned on and filled the room with mid-light, reaviling a pig demon who had a really upset expression on his face.

„What is this?” Pigsy asked, crossing his arms and his expression not even slightly changing.

„Piggy!” Dragon Girl put on a smile. „I though we’d visit MK. Poor guy isn’t feeling himself lately, am I right?” She chuckled weakly, trying to win pig’s trust.

Red Son felt terrible after what Mei said. He knew it was him why MK’s not feeling alright now.

The pig demon glanced at Red Son and back at the girl. „Right. And what is he doing here? Of all people you could have bring?”

„Uh, well, obviously because him and MK didn’t seen each other in quite time, duh!” Mei grined, it almost looked like she knew what she was doing.

„Oh, really? And he came here to see MK in the middle of the night in his pijamas?” Pigsy pointed out.

Red Son looked down at himself and indeed forgot to change before arriving here with Horse Girl. He could feel the way his face heated up in embarrassment.

Mei glanced at him before catching the eye contact with Pigsy. „Well, uh—That’s because.. um…”

„That’s because we are having a sleepover!” Red Son brusted out the first thing that came to his mind.

„A sleepover… really?” The pig asked, now fully focusing on what Red Son has to say. „And you had to change clothes before you came here?”

„Yes! It’s because he is so excited about this sleepover, he couldn’t wait!” Dragon Girl continued.

Pigsy smirked. „I didn’t expect a Prince to hang out in his pijamas.” He looked up and down at him with a frown on his face. Both demons glared at each other, not minding Mei.

„Well, I don’t see anything wrong with him going out in his PJ’s!” Mei shrugged. „Okay, so if you already know everything, Piggy, we are going to MK now.”

Mei took Red Son’s wrist and dragged him upstairs.

„Not so fast.” Pigsy commended, stopping Mei and Red Son halfway through the stairs. „I’ll keep an eye on you, Red Boy.” Oh, excellent. He cought up the nickname from Dragon Girl.

„Yeah, sure.” Red Son huffed in response, and walked up the stairs. When they were out of the pig’s earsight, he mumbled. „Stupid pig…”

He could hear Mei little giggle after he said that. „He really does not like you, Red Boy.”

Princess Iron Fan rushed out of her son’s now very messy room and sprinted through hallway, checking every room that Rad Son could be in, because he maybe is still here. Safe and unscratched.

She checked his workshop, lab, garage, and whatever his other workspace was, yet still no sight of him. She even told some of the bull-clones to search for him in the other part of the fortress.

Eventually in all that rush she walked in on her loving husband. „Darling, what are you still doing out here? I though you went to bed already—”

„I can’t find Red Son.” She chimed in, that was important now, not some stupid headache. „I searched for him in every room. Someone’ve been in his room, it’s so messy, maybe there was a fight?!”

Demon Bull King looked at his wife with concern. „Do you have any idea who could have that been?” He tried to be calm, so she may also calm down.

Then Iron Fan took a second to think about the situation. She leaned on her fan. There was a deep frown on her face and her eyes widened. She took a step or two back away from her husband.

„The thief.” She mumbled, which is weird, because she never mumbles. She is a serious woman, she can’t mumble. Yet her husband beraly made out her words. „That little… simian…” She said more clearly this time and used her fan again to stand properly.

„Sun Wukong’s successor..?” Demon Bull King asked and the look his wife gave him was enough of an answer. „I’ll kill that peasant—”

„I’ll take care of it, my love.” Princess Iron Fan assured, not letting her husband finish his sentence before dissapearing with a wave of her fan.

Standing infornt of the familiar door made Red Son’s stomach twist. He had so much confidence just a moment ago, but here he is standing still for almost three minutes now.

Mei groaned. „Red, we— you can’t just stand here, you know?” She runned her hand down her face in annoyence. „Okay, how about this: I will walk in first and then you go after me, sounds good?”

„Not really..?” He admitted.

„… Too late.” Dragon Girl quickly took the keys out of her pocket and before Red Son could reach out – she already opened the door with a key.

Mei did as she told literally a second ago, she walked in first and expected Red Son to come along. The Horse Girl beraly walked into the living area and MK was already there, walking around the room.

„YOU’RE BACK!!” He shouted in her face and went back to pacing the room. Red Son hid in the hallway with shoes and jackets, so MK won’t see him yet. „I was texting you all the time!”

„MK, I-”

„I though you really went to pick him up! You scared the death of me!!” MK paced around, throwing his hands up.

Mei glanced at Red Son behind her shoulder and sucked air throught her teeth.

„I mean, I get it you wanted to help, but I don’t know how THAT would help.” He rambled. „But that doesn’t matter now. At least he is not here, I don’t know what I would do in that situation.” He finally stopped both walking and talking, sighing out of tiredness.

‘At least he is not here’ – that made Red Son feel weird again. Not the weird cool feeling. Just weird weird. Weirdly unwanted in that situation. Maybe MK did not wanted to see him now after half of the month of ignoring him.

If that’s how MK felt when he ignored him, then he rather not ignore MK again.

Mei stood there awkwardly. „Yeahh, about that…” She whined.

MK glared at her. „What.”

She said nothing more and glanced at Red Son, giving him a sign to show himself, though she had to drag him out, because he wouldn’t move.

An awkward silence filled the room as they catched eye contact.