Seeing Through the Trauma

The Unfamiliar Calm (23)

After the mall, Red decided to go back home instead of heading back for dinner with MK and Mei and while at first this made MK pout, tail dropping in disappointment, he understood when Red mentioned that his parents wanted to see him and that he wanted to spend time with them too which MK understood. 

So, in full view of his bestie who was now in on the secret, MK stood up on his toes and kissed his boyfriend sweetly on the lips, smiling the whole while and Red's burning hair lit up the wall behind them brightly. 

"Okay, see you tomorrow, Firefly." He said, all soft and sweet, and Red's face burned an even brighter red at the name, eyes wide and surprised as MK's tail swished behind him cheekily. 

"Have a good time with your parents!" He added, giggling when still the other didn't respond, his hair making little popping noises as it crackled with his surprise. 

"Uh, yeah! See- see you tomorrow, Monkey boy." He stammered, finding his tongue again and MK laughed brightly as he stepped away, letting his arms drop from around his shoulders as he waved. 

"Bye!" Mei called loudly as well, waving and MK soaked up the sight of his flustered boyfriend before he disappeared in a whirlwind of flames, his heart warm and happy. 

"Awww MK that was adorable!" Mei suddenly burst out the moment he was gone, arms moving like she was exploding with glee as she grabbed him in a tight hug, her arms squeezing around him and squishing his cheek into her shoulder.

"You guys are so cute! You make such a sweet couple." She said, absolutely beaming as MK tilted his head to look at her, also smiling. 

"Really?" He asked, secretly beyond pleased with the compliment and that feeling only grew when she nodded without hesitation. 

"Absolutely! You can see just how much he likes you just from the look on his face." She said, and MK smiled to himself, a little secret smile as he kept that hope close to his heart. It was nice hearing that. It was nice getting confirmation that his boyfriend really did love him, even if the blush on his face and the way MK could hear his heartbeat get louder whenever they held hands or kissed had already told him that.  

Then he realized something and turned back to Mei. 

"Hey, shouldn't you see your parents? They're probably worried about you, right?" He asked, wondering if she was staying with him because she was worried about him but at his question, the smile slipped from her face, eyes hard and bitter as she scoffed. 

"I doubt it. They haven't even bothered to text me." She said, eyes hard and spitful but then she looked up and it was gone, her carefree attitude back even if it was a little more strained than normal. 

"But that's fine! Besides, I'm having lots of fun hanging out with you and Red Boy all the time anyway." She claimed, smiling at him again, and even though he felt the same way he couldn't help but be worried, already recognizing the way she'd hidden and shoved down her hurt. 

It was something he did himself after all, but Mei didn't deserve that. 

"Well I'm always here for you if you need me." He said, slinging an arm around her shoulder. 

"And I know you're welcome in Pigsy's shop for as long as you want to, heck, he'd probably let you stay there with me if you asked!" He laughed, obviously not being serious even though he was right but Mei lit up at the suggestion, her eyes sparkling. 

"Wait, you really think he would?" She asked and MK nodded. 

"Of course he would! You're like part of the family, Mei!" He said, and her grin grew even brighter and wider as her eyes shimmered like she'd had a thought.