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Red Son hasn't felt warmth in a long while.
It was a solemn, isolating feeling. This sensation of a chilling itch in his chest, nothing left there besides a cold chamber and scattered memories of the night his Samadhi Fire was taken.
No number of blankets could alleviate the aching cold in his heart, nor the many soups and ailments used to help heal his shattered flame. Even when he leaves to tinker with his machines, his work being the start of what may be the most innovative and industrial period any kingdom has ever seen, he couldn't feel the sparks that flew off the metal as he hammered.
It was as though a black hole sat atop his chest, inhaling every bit of heat transferring between him and everything else.
It was all gone, null, and Red Son truly hasn't felt particularly warm since.
This, to Red Son's utter shock, was extremely emotionally draining. Unable to will the most powerful fire like he has been able to his entire life left him feeling empty. That drainage on top of his growing responsibilities the past year has done nothing but make the crease between Red Son's brows grow deeper.
Even worse, his parents were paranoid, increasing security and isolating him in fear of him being killed. It made Red Son feel almost worthless. He was strong and powerful with his fire, and now he is something that needs protecting? Red Son was not a fan.
Plus he's someone who prefers routine, constant work, and travel! To suddenly be trapped in a single spot felt… well, wrong.
Maybe in the past he could have played with the flakes of ash fluttering from his flame when he was grounded, but now? Now there was nothing.
And that emptiness only persisted, the cold clawing at Red Son's heart and tearing through his veins mercilessly. Even as he drifts off absentmindedly to the palace library (one of the few pros of all this being his excessive amount of free time to read) he still feels the frozen chill crawling up his spine.
It's no surprise that reading has become one of the few things he found warm anymore, the narratives and disastrous tales helping Red Son distract from his own.
He pulls a random book from the shelf, too tired to check the title, before stalking off to a small, cozy chair by a fireplace. It was secluded, hidden behind one of the plethora of shelves, and it allowed Red Son to sit in complete silence.
It was one thing to be isolated while stuck doing studies versus being isolated and doing something fun. Red Son hadn't given fun much consideration in the past, too busy doing his best to earn the pride of his parents, but in retrospect it's very relieving.
Red Son found he could care less for some of the lectures and notes he has to take. That doesn't mean he thinks they lack value, but rather he's lost some interest in the constant cat and mouse that is impressing his parents.
Sometimes, as Red Son had only found out more recently, it felt much better to praise himself than wait for others to do it for him. And so he does, treating himself to a book or two as he does now.
His eyes barely catch the title, something hardly telligible through its washed up appearance, only catching a J or W before flipping the cover open. Dust flies from it, the book clearly having been neglected for ages from the poor condition of the yellow pages. However, Red Son seems to care little for its condition. Maybe in the past he would but for now he allows himself to be consumed in the literary prowess that was this unknown author.
Red Son begins to read, the story being a classic Monkey King tale. Red Son would have scoffed and promptly closed the book if not for his own boredom. He had heard tales of the Great Sage from the past, many coming from his own father or mother. Monkey King was a war general and King alongside the Six-Eared Macaque back when the two were alive.
Red Son had heard the countless tales of how ruthlessly Monkey King's army fought against the Spider Kingdom's army. Red Son could only snort now at the two, long fallen kingdoms. After all, they had fought until they'd both collapsed on themselves, the war as useless as a pen with no ink. They had both run themselves dry, and Red Son found he held little respect for either side of the conflict.
Red Son groans absentmindedly to himself, reading for the upteenth time Monkey King jumping through a waterfall and being crowned King from the display of his courage. Red Son's brain felt numb re-reading the tale, the crackling of the fireplace almost more entertaining than the grandiose language praising the Monkey King. Red Son continues though, the words beginning to spin in his brain mindlessly before the soft sound of footsteps break his already lacking focus.
Maybe he could have ignored it, but in what world would Red Son want to keep reading this tall-tale? Besides, judging by the clumsy, flat, and heavy sound of each step, Red Son knew who it was.
No matter where he went, regardless of whether he told another soul or not of his whereabouts, Mk was never far behind. Not that Red Son was complaining. After all, it's Mk's job to look after him after the incident. Similarly to how Mk can seemingly predict wherever Red Son wanders to, Mk had done so back then too.
He can hardly remember it, but the distinctive flashes of yellow, warm light as Mk's silhouette attacked Red Son's power-stealer ruthlessly was hard to forget completely. Red Son tried to watch for longer, see what happened, but too much of his flame was lost. He went unconscious, only to wake up later with Mk being the primary suspect until Red Son could say otherwise.
Since then, Mk had been appointed as his personal assistant, or really his personal bodyguard. Mk would deliver food, make sure it's not poisoned, help clean up after Red Son, retrieve anything Red Son needs, or entertain him if bored. His parents thought there was no one better to trust than the person who can't even remember saving Red Son, and now Mk was always just a few steps behind.
Initially, this was an annoyance. After such a gross experience, the last person he wanted to spend his time with was some boy who gleamed with each smile and had two suns for eyes. But Red Son eventually gave in. One because he had to, but two because Mk was actually fun.
Mk would guide him mischievously away from huge parties into quiet corridors when it got too loud, or he would sneak food away to hand to the Prince when he was too busy appeasing random officials with a reluctant grin. Red Son found him trusting Mk much more than he felt he should, allowing the partial simian to drag him off by the hand without a single complaint.
It was a burst of life, energy, and once again, fun. And maybe this was why Red Son lazed around reading more nowadays. Mk had given him the terrible taste of relaxation, and who can blame Red Son for finding that alluring?
Red Son's ear flicked as another floorboard creaked behind him, Red Son only pretending to read. Really he couldn't focus on his book even if he wanted to, which he certainly didn't. He'd rather put all his attention into Mk, the two suns of his eyes making Red Son feel unexpectedly fuzzy.
"Whatcha readin'?" Mk's voice spoke above Red's head, having crossed his arms over the chair's headrest, chin resting on his arms as he peers down curiously. Red Son feels his lips twitch, desiring to smile despite the tight frown he kept on his lips.
"Do you truly care for whatever literature I am reading?" Red Son scoffs, pretending to straighten out his glasses before adding more scoldingly. "And would it kill you to speak more eloquently?"
Mk chuckles, the sound bubbly and warm as it makes Red Son's insides boil. "I'm afraid it would, my Prince…" At that Red Son grumbles out a small sigh, shutting his book and moving his head up to look Mk in the eye. He tries to ignore the familiar fuzziness across his cheeks.
"I have no time to squabble with you."
"Then let's not squabble…" Mk snickers to himself, pushing himself up from the chair and walking around it. Red Son eyes Mk's messily buttoned shirt, noting the way it hangs open a little. Then his eyes followed the red of Mk's tattered bandana that Red Son deeply despises. Yet in the warm glow of the fireplace Red Son didn't mind it so much.
Odd staring aside, Mk kneels down in front of the chair, handing Red Son a softer, more subdued smile. "Are you doing well?"
Red Son only sighs, shifting in his seat to sit up a little straighter. "As well as I can… Why? Have I done something to concern you?" Red Son asks, getting straight to the point as he watches Mk frown a little.
"Not really, you just tend to read more when something's on your mind." Red Son feels a spark of flattery burst in his chest at such a small detail being noticed by Mk.
"...I suppose that's correct." The fireplace crackles, the hot flames flickering from behind Mk. Red Son couldn't help but be a tad distracted by Mk's amber eyes, his bright smile casted in shadow yet glowing all the same. Red Son only snaps out of it when he begins to stand up.
"Well… I've never been great with words, you know that…" Red Son grumbles in protest, however Mk continues anyway. "And I know this isn't necessarily within my expertise… but would you like a hug?"
Red Son feels himself grow warm, much warmer than he's felt in months. He squints at Mk suspiciously. "Did you fall down one of the stairs and bump your head, fool?"
"What!" Mk shouts a little before remembering he's in a library, quieting down and leaning forwards with an offended look. "I assure you, my Prince, that I had only fallen once coming here and it was not on my head!"
Red Son stifles a small laugh, a smile slipping through his defenses despite all his reluctance. "Of course you did, come here…" Red Son speaks softly, gesturing Mk to step closer to him. Mk does so hesitantly, bowing his head forwards as Red Son reaches out for it. Red Son gently runs his fingers through Mk's hair, snorting as Mk leans further into his touch.
He tries not to get distracted by the fluffiness of Mk's hair, using his fingers to search for any bumps even though he knew Mk was telling the truth. When there are none, Red Son speaks quietly, keeping his hand at Mk's nape. "If not your head, where did you hurt yourself?"
"Um… well, my arm…" Mk glances up sheepishly, grinning giddily to himself. Red Son admires the sea of freckles across his cheeks that were always so hard to see unless close.
"Show me?" Mk hesitates before nodding, stepping back a little to roll his sleeve up, revealing a dark, purple bruise down his forearm.
"It's not really that bad…" Mk tries to say as Red Son grabs his arm pulling it closer. Mk continues to speak, most likely trying to alleviate Red Son's worries as he observes it. When Red Son leans forwards, very softly placing a kiss where he had been bruised, Mk goes quiet. And so does Red Son as he pulls away, glancing up at the other. His hair flickered, lacking its old, bright blue flame, but warm nonetheless. "...What was that for?"
At Mk's question Red Son tries to feign ignorance, raising an eyebrow and looking at the other like he was dumb. "Is it not common place? My mother would do that when I was a child… it usually helps the pain a little…"
Mk snorts a little at that. "Am I a child to you?"
"...no, far from it…" Red Son admits quietly, glancing away as his hair continues to spark nervously. "But I figured it being from a friend would still be… nice."
Mk's small amused smile bursts into a wide grin. Without warning Mk climbs into the armchair clumsily, shoving Red Son a little to sit beside him as his arms snake around him. Red Son feels his hair shoot up in flames as Mk's cheek nuzzles against his shoulder, and internally he's glad the roofs are fire proof.
"Does my answer to your previous question no longer matter!?" Red Son sneers, but there is a lighthearted lilt to it. Mk only snuggles further into Red Son's side, humming teasingly.
"Well I figured with how bad my bruise must be that it required a kiss that maybe I'm the one in need of an embrace, my Prince…" Red Son's cheeks turn rosy as he feels Mk's breath against his skin, his heart thumping in a way Red Son regrets to acknowledge. "Are there any complaints from the royal pain in my ass?"
Red Son releases incoherent sounds of irritation as he shifts in his spot, placing his book on the armrest before resting his head against Mk's. He tries to ignore the extreme warmth spreading through his body, not used to it as he feels Mk's hair brush against his cheek. "No…"
Mk chuckles at that, his laugh soft, cozy, and warm. Feeling the vibrations so close to himself made Red Son smile, glad that his expression is out of Mk's sight. He releases a long sigh, letting him relax into the boy that he no doubt holds affections for. Red Son wraps an arm around Mk slowly, shutting his eyes as he listens to the sounds of the fireplace.
It was silent for what may have been only a minute before loud, heavy footsteps charged into the library. Red Son recognized these ones too, and so did Mk judging by the way he giggles. Red Son can only grumble, just her footsteps alone giving him a headache.
Mei is a knight in training that Red Son had regrettably let in nearly a year ago. She was a peasant, or at least chose to act as one, doing odd jobs across his kingdom before being hired at some bakery.
Red Son was only passing by, maybe sneaking from the high security of his palace, when he saw her. It was truly a sight, a princess he had seen at huge, sparkling galas wearing the clothes of a peasant while stomping on some poor thief's body.
And the tips of her hair were dyed green? Clearly an odd and informal choice on her part.
She stuck her weapon, a jade sword, along with the stolen baguette above her head in triumph. She cheered boisterously, hopping on top of the thief's body with glee as the man coughed in pain.
Red Son could only stare for a long, long moment, his cheeks feeling that familiar warmth as he watches her eventually stalk off back to the Bakery.
He was stuck in place for a variety of reasons.
One, the princess that has been proclaimed missing is hiding in plain sight in his kingdom.
Two, she had impressive fighting skills, skills that would prove to be extremely valuable if used properly. Especially since she clearly did not specialize in baking or anything tame.
Then three, she is oddly gorgeous stomping on some poor man's spine while recklessly celebrating in public. It felt much more authentic than the frowning woman at all those obligatory parties.
Red Son of course put that last thought to the side, breaking out of his stupor and approaching the bakery. That was the day he regrettably offered to her to become a knight, unaware that her presence in the palace would become his nightmare.
So Red Son has grown extremely familiar with Mei and the way she steps uninvited everywhere he goes. He's not even sure why he's surprised now as she stomps into his view, blatantly disregarding the several "shhs" coming from the librarians. She stands with her hands on her hips confidently, wearing a dirty tattered tunic from her training as though it were impressive. Red Son tries to pretend that her rugged look didn't tickle his fancy.
Mei initially gives Red Son and Mk a wide grin before she squints between the two of them. Red Son only then remembers that Mk and him are wrapped around one another in a way that's no doubt embarrassing to anyone passing by. Red Son groans in embarrassment, shoving his face into Mk's hair. His embarrassment only grows as Mk nonchalantly pats his head.
"Hey Mei! What's up?" Mk is the first to speak a greeting, Red Son imagining the way he's probably grinning ear to ear at his best friend in the same, mischievous way they always do.
"What's up?" Mei parrots in mock offense. "What's up is that you guys are having a cuddle party without me! And you didn't even tell me either!" Red Son glances up from Mk's hair to see Mei pouting, reluctant amusement bubbling from Red Son's chest.
"Well, it's been like… 2 minutes tops…" Mk points out, snickering at Mei's half-hearted anger. They both know if she were truly upset she could probably beat them both to a pulp. "Plus! We're hugging because of the bruise on my arm! Red Son even kissed it allllll better…" Mk boasts with a smirk, yelping in pain when Red Son pinches the very bruise he kissed.
"What!" Mei exclaims in shock, glancing at Red Son with wide eyes. Her face then melts into a strangely prideful look. "You dirty dog, Red… I never knew you had it in you…" Red Son's cheeks feel like they're on fire as he sputters, not even sure what that's supposed to mean. The fire incinerating his cheeks then melts his brain as she leans forwards, Red Son swallowing nervously.
"You know… I have all kinds of bruises from my training… like everywhere… even one right here…" Mei speaks teasingly, raising her hand to point to one on her cheek. She places her hand on the armrest beside Red Son, the forgotten book falling to the ground. "If you were to kiss it, it'd make me feel reeaalll better, Red Boy…"
Red Son glances away, hair flickering dangerously with flames as he puts a hand over his mouth, face bright red. Mk's snickering from beside him did nothing to help, Red Son grumbling as his brows furrow in frustration.
As Red Son hardly regains his bearings, he leans forwards, pressing his lips against Mei's cheek before quickly pulling away. He smirks a little at the awestruck look on Mei's face, feeling accomplished to have shut her stupid, babbling mouth for five seconds. "Just get in here… Dragon Girl…"
He grabs her arm, dragging her in, Mk helpfully scoots over a bit, Red Son shifting as Mei clumsily climbs in. Red Son continues to lean against Mk, however his smirk softens around the edges as Mei leans into him. He tries to ignore the way his body relaxes, feeling Mei's arm wrap around his waist comfortably. He sighs pleasantly, shutting his eyes again as he melts into their embrace.
These two were a constant headache to be around, and truly Red Son meant that.
Even as he kisses their minor bruises and snuggles up to them on a rather small armchair, they are nothing more than pests! ...Oddly pleasant pests that Red Son felt he was lucky to have the fortune of knowing.
Surely they were much better company than that cheesy book he was reading before, not even minding the fact that it was still laid on the ground.
It was so odd to him though. He hasn't felt warm in ages, not truly. Even as the fireplace burned the way it does, it only cackled at his expense, unable to feel even a touch of warmth from it.
However, he felt warm and his heart felt full. Fuller than it has in almost a year since the incident.
Red Son hates to admit it, but this was the work of his two closest and only friends. The act of kissing and snuggling them in such a cheesy way being the coal to the furnace in his heart. Each snuggle into his shoulder and tight squeeze around his waist was another coal, the hole left from when the Samadhi Fire was so forcefully taken from him being lit with something new.
He is aware of the ways he feels, of the ways they feel. If not for his circumstances maybe he'd propose much later on and have them be with him forever. They'd have a wonderful wedding, already able to picture Mei covered in cake and Mk offering to dance knowing full well he can't. Red Son could picture himself happy with the two people he's found he's loved. And maybe they would stop having to call each other friends…
But Red Son's a Prince. Mk and Mei hold no political value to his family, or at least with their current standing they don't. Considering Mei is technically a princess and Mk is… an unknown variable when it comes to his past.
Regardless, his parents and the many courts surrounding them would not for a single second respect his wedding to two peasants. It saddens Red Son to no end in a way, the fact that he won't be able to chase these affections in the way he desires. Eventually he'll have to marry a confirmed, not missing, Prince or Princess… For the strength and duration of his kingdom.
Plus there were many more stressing matters to attend to.
They're still searching for the one who stole his fire, the one that left him so empty in the first place. The Samadhi Fire is a powerful flame, Red Son should know, he once wielded it. So what exactly does that thief have in store? What will Red Son's past flame be utilized for in the coming years?
To make matters worse some ancient artifacts, magical fruits, and elixirs have been stolen as well. It all reeks so badly of a scheme… It is far too suspicious to be passed off as simple greed.
But for now Red Son decides to relax, letting himself smile in endearment as he hears Mei snore and feel Mk drool a little onto his shoulder. Red Son would yell at him for it in the morning, but for now he lets himself cherish this deep, alluring warmth into slumber.
All woes go to the poor servant who wakes them in the morning, having to face the furious threats from the Prince if they dare tell a single soul what they saw. It would make Mk and Mei giggle though, and that would set Red Son ablaze.