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Red Son paced back and forth frantically outside of Sun Wukong's little shelter. He could hear muffled and loud yelps of agony coming from MK and it only made him pick up his pace. Mei sat on a small seat on the deck, a dark shadow covering her face, yet she offered a few simple words of comfort. “He’ll be fine. He’s MK, he’ll pull through. He always does.” Red Son barely heard her, but he knew she was right. He tried to calm his nerves, to inhale and exhale slowly and to relax his heart that hammered in his chest. “How is he?” Red Son lifted his head to make direct eye contact with Nezha.
“We’re not sure yet.” Nezha frowned but nodded his head in understanding. At long last, Red Son sat down on the wooden stairs. His mind was full of anxieties and worries, but he didn’t dare show such weakness. Nezha picked up on this. So, he chose to sit with Red Son and the two of them watched the cloudless sky.
“He’ll be fine.” The lotus prince started. “He’s MK, he’ll pull through. He always does.”
“That’s what the dragon girl said.” Red Son stifled his amusement at the fact they had both told him the same thing.
“How is your father these days?” Nezha’s question was unexpected. Red Son recalled the fact that the Demon Bull King had been friends with Nezha long ago. Already feeling sensitive about MK, Red Son let his guard slip at the thought of his father.
“I wish he would pay more attention to me.” He grumbled. “It’s like he doesn’t care for me at all!” Nezha stared at him, surprised but his eyes showed he was sympathetic. Silence fell over the two, the only sound being MK yelling every now and then.
“I can relate.” Nezha finally said softly. “My father, Li Jing, isn’t the warmest nor the kindest at times. I often feel he looks down upon me and everything I do.” Red Son turned to him. He never knew Nezha to be the type to be so open. “But, I’ve learned of the years that you can find such validation elsewhere.” His eyes traveled to Sun Wukong's little shack. “I’m certain MK can give you that validation you need too.” Red Sons face went hot and he had to concentrate on controlling his flames so they didn’t suddenly explode out at the flustered feeling that he felt. Without warning the doors to Wukong's little hut burst open. Everyone's eyes landed on the Monkey King as he announced. “MK is doing just fine. You can all come and see him now, but he also needs his rest.” Everyone but Red Son scrambled inside. Nezha stood and placed a gentle hand on Red Sons shoulder.
“MK makes you happy, I can tell. I bet you make him happy too. I can feel his longing to see you.” Nezha followed the others inside. Red Son trailed cautiously after him. His stomach twisted and turned as he entered. MK was sitting upwards on a bed with limbs and abdomen wrapped in bandages, his family and friends surrounding him. Yet he stayed back, his feet frozen to the ground. Nezha urged him to come closer with a hand. Red Son gulped, and anxiously approached MK. The second MK spotted Red Son, a large and gleeful grin spread right across his features.
“Red Son!” He called out cheerfully. Red Son jolted, face red with embarrassment. His reaction didn’t go unnoticed, Mei even nudged Pigsy with a smug look. Red Son shuffled closer. Suddenly the air in the room changed. “Can I speak to Red Son? Like alone?” Everyone exchanged amused glances. Nezha was the last to leave, glancing at the two over his shoulder with a small smile before continuing on and closing the door behind him. Silence. Complete silence. “Red Son I-” The sound of sniffling cut MK’s sentence short.
“How could you… Be so… Stupid!” Red Son said outraged, tears in his eyes. “Why did you go on your own? If you had just asked me, I would’ve helped! Everyone would’ve helped! But you’re so stubborn and acting recklessly when you have people who care about you and your safety!" MK went dead quiet, his features darkening and his gaze filling up with guilt. “Please don’t do it again.” Red son whispered.
“I promise.” MK nodded. “I’m sorry.” Red Son shook his head.
“As long as you’re okay now, that’s all that matters.”
When the others outside decided to check on MK and Red Son after hearing no sound for a while, they found an interesting discovery. MK was laying on his side with Red Son behind him with arms wrapped around the Monkey Kid. The two were fast asleep and the adorable sight brought a smile to everyone's faces. Nezha stepped forward and pulled a blanket over them.
“Rest well, both of you."