Listening to music while walking back to the new noodle car, MK is enjoying the day. He just finished with the orders Pigsy gave him... Well, at least until he goes back and picks up twenty more. Suddenly, he's pulled into the alley and is pinned down with a masked figure wearing a red hoodie in front of him.

"H-hey! I wouldn't mess with me if I were you, I-"

"Hush!"

Mk recognizes the voice instantly.

"Red son? What are you doing?"

"I... I thought about your offer... I... I want to accept it."

Mk gasps, hands on his face as he smiles in delight, making a stupid and honestly adorable face doing so.

"Alright, well, lucky for you I know the perfect place! Hope in the car and I'll take you to Sandy's. He's the chillest dude I know!"

"Who?"

"You'll find out when we get there."

Red Son hops on into the backseat, making sure his face isn't visible to anyone that would happen to glance over. The two go through the city, seeing the destruction that has engulfed the vast majority of what people previously called their home. Buildings collapsed, rubble-filled some of the roads, powerlines down, and medics still trying to find the bodies of those that went missing, never to be seen again. It isn't long until they make it to Sandy, who is already outside and tending to some flowers.

"MK! Nice to see you again!"

"Yeah, and I hope you don't mind buuuuut... I found someone who wants to change and I think you can really help! You definitely know him, but I ask that you don't freak out because he really wants to change."

Red Son takes a deep breath before presenting himself. The large, muscular, tall, and all-around menacing man looms over him before giving him a big hug whilst giving out a hardy laugh.

"Great to see that some people want to change for the better! What's your name again?"

"I... I am Red Son."

"Alright, I'm calling you Red just to shorten it up. You aren't allergic to cats, are you?"

"No?"

"Good. I'll see you later, MK!"

Mk waves goodbye, going back to work and leaving Red Son with this large yet strangely very kind and gentle man whom he has just met. Upon getting inside, cats soon swarm Red Son as he radiates a bit of heat naturally.

"Well, that's a good sign. Cats are very picky with who they spend time with and who they like, you know? I recommend you get comfy on the couch while I get some tea ready."

He leaves the room, leaving Red Son to lay down on the couch with a bunch of cats on top of him. He notes that they're vibrating and making a slight humming sound, which is oddly pleasant. He pets one, enjoying how fluffy it is and adorable. Some begin to make a repeated motion of pressing one paw into him and then pulling up to let the other paw press down, in a gentle way. He doesn't know why, but this really does feel like bliss.

"Well, I guess my therapy cats are doing their jobs!"

Sandy enters the room, making Red flare up a bit and want to get up to defend himself, but the moment he begins to the cats on him vibrate and hum louder and louder, as if demanding he stay put. Due to the nature of their hypnotic ways, he can't decline.

"No need to be embarrassed about it, they do that all the time!"

"They vibrate intensely and hum and that's... normal?"

"You mean the purring? Yeah, all cats do that."

"What about the rhythmic paw movements?"

"Aww! We call that 'kneading' or 'making biscuits'. It's their way of saying that they love you. I mean, you do have fire powers, right? I bet you just radiate heat, which cats like, making you desirable to them."

Sandy proceeds to sit Red Son up, pouring him a glass of tea. Red Son reluctantly takes a sip, but before he knows it he's downed the entire glass.

"Heh, you want some more?"

Red Son looks at a cat that is practically headbutting his chin, nuzzling him without hesitation or care.

"You're lucky that I find it adequate since my standards are so high, so yes. I would like another glass."

Sandy pours Red Son another glass, letting him enjoy it. He pours himself a cup, also enjoying the calm.

"You know, it is nice to meet someone else who wants to change. I used to be pretty violent before I started drinking tea, practicing yoga, and investing in therapy cats. Though, if you are going to stay here I will need you to help around the house. Just dishes, laundry, and feeding the cats."

"That sounds to be a fair trade. Though, I don't think I can move from this spot ever again with the number of cats that are currently on me."

Sandy smiles at Red Son, a soft, genuine smile.

"You really are a good kid."

Sandy pats Red Son on the head, squishing his hair floof near his forehead.

-----------------------------

After an hour or so, Red Son has finished the dishes and laundry, and thankfully the cats have already been fed for the day.

"Looks like you're done and you've done a pretty good job too, Red."

Red Son can't help but be confused at the moment. He's been getting compliments all day and all of them were genuine and kind. They make him feel... Is "wanted" the right word for it? Maybe it is...

"Come 'ere!"

Sandy wraps Red Son in a large, yet gentle hug.

"Sorry, you just looked like you needed a hug is all."

Red Son hesitates before he hugs back, not knowing what's eating away at him. He's kind, right? So why is there something telling him that he's not enough? He's not worthy of all this affection and praise? It doesn't take long for something to well up in his eyes. Of course, he tries to fight this feeling, but... It's a fruitless effort. Sandy can already feel Red Son shaking. Sandy carries Red inside, making some tea for him.

"I know that feeling, kid. Like what you're doing doesn't make up for past actions. Like nothing you do is going to be worth it in the end. But, trust me when I say you want to stick around. Sometimes doing the right thing is hard, but know it's right means you have to do it. It's why you took the first step, right? You can get better and you will because you want to, it'll just take a long while."

Red Son looks into his tea, seeing himself looking pathetic only makes him feel worse. He should go back to his Father, where he's supposed to be. He should--

"And I'll be with you, however long it takes."

Those words snapped him right out of his train of thought. What is this? This feeling that he's never had before? ...Reassurance. He is making Red Son's feelings valid, normal, okay. By doing so, Red Son feels safer than he ever has.

"Now, if I may be a bit bold here, what... What's your family like?"

Red Son drinks some of his tea, not wanting to get into it.

"I... I truly do not wish to even think about them at the current moment."

"That's alright, you can talk about it anytime you want, even if that time is to yourself or to the cats."

"Th-...Thank you... for your hospitality... and kindness. It's unwarranted and... genuine."

"Anytime. Now, dinner is about to be done, I'll grab you a plate and we can watch some cartoons. I know this one show about ninjas and I think it'll be a perfect fit."

Sandy leaves the room, letting Red Son enjoy some cuddle time with the cats. He pets them, listening to their purrs, enjoying their company. He smiles, for once being at peace with himself. Then, his phone goes off. His mother sent him a message.

"Red son, where have you ran off to this time? I'll give you credit, you've never been gone for this long, but you're starting to infuriate me. Come home now."

Red Son doesn't respond, instead opting to delete the text entirely. He's happy right now and doesn't wish to change that. Then, Sandy comes in with some plates and turns on the TV. Chicken and Rice with some small dumplings. This is actually something Red Son doesn't want to leave. He knows he'll have such a hard time cutting ties when his plan is accomplished, but maybe he'll let this one live... But, thinking about that message, Red Son might put off the betrayal a bit longer than he has to, if only to enjoy the company for a while longer.