One bowl of Spicy Noodles

Chapter 10

It was an hour into the workday, with MK out delivering noodles to customers, and boredom taking root. Red Son can't help but note the lack of customers that are coming in. Though, he can see the reason as to why so many decided to come into the store. Simply put, power was out. Now that people have their power back on, their air conditioners work and they can call in instead of dining out to escape the heat that's made its way into their homes. It's made the day rather slow for him, yet so hectic for MK who has to keep up with the orders. Then, Tang comes in. Of course.

"I was told to tell you that unless you plan on paying to leave as Pigsy's Noodles is not a charity."

"That sounds accurate, though I am paying."

"Are you paying for that tab as well?"

Tang sits down in his usual spot before thinking and smiling a bit, then returning to the conversation.

"One bowl of wonton noodles, please and thank you."

"You avoided the question."

"I believe I answered."

"Alright, as long as you pay for it this time."

Red Son walks into the kitchen, seeing Pigsy at work. He looks a bit concentrated. Then, he notes Red Son.

"Another order or cranky customer?"

"Tang. Here's the order ticket. Don't worry, he said he's paying... not paying off that tab just yet though."

"Yeah, that sounds like Tang. I'll be just a minute."

"Wait, why don't you just not serve him until you get your payment. He owes you money, doesn't he?"

Pigsy smiles, shaking his head.

"Well, you don't know him the way that I do. Me and him go way back, alright? He'll pay it off and give a tip come Christmas."

"If you say so."

Red goes back over to the counter, continuing to clean it down to ensure that it's kept nice enough for himself.

"Red, I have to ask, what made you switch sides."

Red Son looks at Tang, wondering what he's truly asking. That question is far too innocent to actually be, so there has to be something deeper. Of course, Tang notes the confused expression on Red Son's face and sighs.

"I have researched history for a long, long time. And I know, for a fact, that demons are big on family. It's everything. Even when they hate each other, they're always side by side because they're stubborn like that. So, it's rare to see a demon leave their home, even more so for a demon to fight their family. So, what about your family made you realize that they aren't good for you?"

"Simple. Sandy."

Tang looks at Red Son, completely shocked with his mouth open. Red Son looks at him, completely confused.

"What? If you've ever been around him then you've met his 'therapy cats', which is honestly very telling of his personality. When I was still living with him, he often made me do yoga to calm my anger. He's one of the first people to treat me with the respect that I know I deserve. Sure, MK's the one that originally offered to help me, but I only originally accepted it to trick him. Now it's far different from that, but it's still Sandy that helped me to see that anyone who belittles me is only trying to make themselves feel better about their own failures."