Red Son honestly thought nothing in the entirety of the universe grated on his nerves more than Noodle Boy and Dragon-Horse Girl combined. Yet, the universe LOVED proving him wrong.
The universe loves testing his temper, self-control, and sanity, time and time again. But now, apparently, the universe also has a sense of humor too, a sick one at that. Too bad he isn't laughing, and it's a good thing he didn't have the Samadhi fire in him, either. Otherwise, he would have given the universe a piece of his mind.
He hoped the concussions he received from dealing with the peasant's stupid shenanigans had finally taken a toll on him and he was just in a delusional state. Alas, a slap to his face disproved his hypothesis.
His eyes played no tricks, as the figure he had cursed to never ever again. Now, it was just in apt proximity. How DAMN convenient, and it pisses him off so much, he couldn't think but ask himself.
After all these years, she chose to appear from thin air or whatever dingy hideout he hoped was flea-infested! Then she had the nerve to act as if nothing happened between them!? Acting so nonchalant and casually rubbing elbows with his mother!?
At least his father wasn't so easily swayed!
Granted, his father has no idea who she is... but that's beside the point!
The worst part was... she barely changed. Her clothes and hair may have changed, and her mask, but her cheekiness and 'charm' didn't; if anything, it felt like it increased tenfold just to spite him. He wouldn't put it past his ex.
He should know... he fell for her wicked snare and paid the price with his young, naive heart.
The years have made him learn to guard his walls, especially from that damn woman.
Honestly, he didn't know what propelled him to march to find her. When his brain is yelling to leave it alone, his heart yearns for answers.
He found her by the farthest corner possible of the secluded part of the lair.
As she stood on the edge of the balcony, with her beloved nine-tailed fox familiar, Juju, napping on the floorboards. Normally, he'd be wary of the overgrown mutt pouncing on him the minute she saw him. Past torn pants can vouch for that.
Though this time, even Juju can sense his quiet fury within him. As the familiar was woken from her nap, his foot thundered against the floorboards.
"How long are we going to pretend we were nothing, Jade?"
Despite being a fire demon, the air dropped a few degrees Celsius.
"Was I really nothing to you?" He followed up sharply, his hands clenched at his side, refusing to tremble along with his pounding heart. "50 years, then you were gone. Now, after 300 years, you decided to appear out of thin air."
The woman before him, though her back was turned to him. He can see the tension in her shoulders as he rages on. Juju let out a rare whine as she looked between Red Son and her master.
Dang, did that not hurt like a thousand needles to the heart.
Red Son almost laughed. Actually, he did, sarcastically and bitterly. "... You honestly have the finest AUDACITY I have ever encountered in all the realms. Really, you are a gem."
No answer. Was she honestly pissing him off deliberately? Because she is doing a bang-up job.
"Answer me!" Red Son demanded, enough to make his hair flame up.
Juju stood up in a protective stance, her tail flailing in the air like a protective shield, but a hand from Jade stopped her.
"Leave us, Juju," Jade spoke softly. Juju hesitated, but eventually obeyed her master. With heavy paws, it went inside.
The reaction from Jade did calm him down a bit; at least he wasn't talking to the brick wall. Then again... he'd rather speak to one than her. Now, it was just them.
Jade turned to him, her porcelain mask obscuring any expression that said she cared about this moment.
"Ditch the mask, Jade." Red Son crossed his arms.
Surprisingly, she complied and took off her mask, laying down her mask aside.
He hated how much she could disarm him with her cold green eyes with just a poker face. Yet, something stuck to him. Could it be he saw a hint of shame in his eyes? Guilt? Regret?
"It's nothing personal, Red." Jade began but faltered in the end. Her eyes narrowing to the side. "It's complicated, Red."
"Don't. " He growled, pointing a finger at her. She was so close; he won't let it be a dead end. "Don't give me that."
While every breath he took felt like a vice around his heart, he pushed on. He gnashed his teeth together until his jaw hurt.
"Well, it is-" Jade deflected, but Red Son cut her off.
An unknown force made him close the distance between them, his arms caging her against the railings.
Red Son knew Jade wouldn't just let anyone cage her easily. Whether she was rusty or letting him. He didn't care.
"I loved you..." His whispered, through the flame and unshed tears.
"You at least OWE me that." His voice was torn between a growl and a plea. "So, tell me...WHY!?"
Jade didn't flinch or waver; she simply closed her eyes.
"TRY ME." Red Son challenge, no matter how hard or painful the truth may be.
