Ness opened his locker and grabbed his trusty baseball bat. He tossed the bat up and smirked when he caught it. He then proceeded to clean the rest of his locker out, throwing away most of what was inside it. He closed the locker and put his very light bag onto his back. He walked through the halls and used his bat as a cane. He started to hear some evil laughter. He knew it was evil laughter because he knew who these laughs belonged to. He sighed to himself and put over his shoulder and followed the laughter. He saw the backs of the two bullies. He clenched the handle of his bat and sped up. Ness tapped on one of the bullies' shoulders. He turned around and Ness slammed the handle of the bat into the bully's nose. Blood started to run from his nose. "The fuck was that for?" he asked.

"It's the last day of the damn year, back off will ya?" Ness asked. The bully stood up and pointed at him.

"You're messing with the wrong person."

"Go fuck yourself." The two bullies walked away and Ness made sure they went away. Ness looked at the boy on the ground. He knew who it was. It was Lucas, the mute kid...his mute friend. Lucas wasn't crying, he just held a straight face. Ness kneeled down and extended his arm. Lucas looked at his hand and then at Ness' face. Lucas hovered his hand over Ness' and soon allowed them to collide. Ness helped Lucas onto his feet. Ness saw a bruise on Lucas' face. "You doing alright Lucas?" Lucas shrugged. Ness bent down and grabbed Lucas' empty bag and handed it to him. "Whatcha gonna do this summer?" Lucas looked down and pulled out his phone. He then showed Ness a notepad.

Writing

Ness smirked. "Writing, not bad." He snapped his fingers and kneeled down to enter his bag. He ripped a piece of paper off a notebook and wrote his address and phone number on it. He then handed it to Lucas. Lucas then typed some more on his notepad and showed it to Ness.

Why are you giving me this?

"Well, I could read what you write." Lucas looked down and scratched the back of his neck as he wrote with one arm.

You sure?

"Course, I'm sure you could use a critic," Ness said with a smile. Lucas tilted his head and nodded. Ness patted Lucas' back and started to make way for the exit of the school. When he got to the exit he got a text from Lucas. Seeing the simple message made him smile.
Lucas: Hi
Ness: Hey, something wrong?
Lucas: No, I just needed to create a contact
Ness: Oh, well, see ya later then

Lucas stared down at his phone and tilted his head. He put his phone in his pocket and started to walk toward the exit of the school. He soon found Claus waiting for him. Claus kicked off the wall and stopped talking with his friend, Ninten. Claus grabbed Lucas' arm and saw the bruise. "Who the hell did this to you?" Claus asked. Lucas ripped his arm and just continued to walk away. Claus sighed. "Lucas, you've gotta learn to talk." Lucas shook his head and exited the school.

Lucas started to walk home. He usually takes the bus, but he decided he wanted to stay alone on his way home. He had his hands in his pockets and had headphones in his ears listening to music. He looked down and watched his feet. He tried to sigh, but his voice wouldn't let him. He doesn't know why he's mute, and he hates it. Lucas looked back up and rubbed his eyes. He soon got home and Hinawa walked to him. She kneeled down and touched his bruise. "Hun, what happened?" Hinawa asked. Lucas shook his head, but Hinawa saw the pain in Lucas' eyes. She kissed Lucas' forehead and patted his shoulder. Lucas walked away and Hinawa stood up. She turned to look at Flint in the kitchen. She walked to the dining table and pulled out a chair and sat down. "Flint?"

"Hm?" Flint hummed as he finished washing the dishes.

"You looked up what it means to be mute?" Flint nodded his head and turned off the faucet. He walked over and sat next to Hinawa. "What'd you find?"

"He's missing something."

"Like what?"

"Some emotion, but it's usually different per person so we'll never know for sure." Hinawa looked down at the table and sighed. That's when the front door opened. When they looked over at the door they saw Claus. Claus walked to them and sat opposite them.

"You think we can fix Lucas?" Claus asked.

"I hope so," Hinawa said. That's when a paper plane flew to them. This was Lucas' way of communicating with them. They didn't bother looking for Lucas and instead opened the plane.

I don't need fixing, I'm no machine

Claus looked toward Lucas' room and saw him standing there with his fists clenched. "Lucas, that's not what-" Claus tried to retort but Lucas shook his head and made a peace symbol and flipped it upside down, signaling for them to turn the paper over. Hinawa did.

Don't even

Hinawa looked back to Lucas who was already halfway out of the door. She tried to yell at him to get back in, but it didn't work. She stood up, but Flint ran to stand in front of her. "What, we can't just let him leave," Hinawa said.

"He needs this time to himself," Flint.

"What if something happens to him?"

"Lucas is strong, don't underestimate him." Hinawa looked out of a nearby window and nodded.

"Good luck, my baby boy."

Lucas had walked for quite some time and still had his fist balled. That's when his body made the only sound possible for him, his stomach growled. Lucas put his hand on his stomach and looked up at the stars. He didn't know what to do, he definitely didn't want to go back home, but he had brought no money with him. He stopped walking and soon found out just how tired his legs were. He sat on the curb and rubbed his legs, hoping they'll feel better so he can continue to walk. That's when his phone fell from his pocket. He grabbed it and thought. He turned the phone on and went through his contacts and soon found Ness'. He closed his eyes, he was trying to find a way not to seem desperate. He then shook his head. He tapped on the contact and typed a sentence, but deleted it, he did this many times and soon Ness realized Lucas was contacting him via the "Lucas is typing" appearing and disappearing.

Ness: Something wrong?

Lucas: I need some help

Ness: With?

Lucas: ...food

Ness: Should I ask?

Lucas: Not now

Ness: Whatever you say, sure, you can stop by my place

Lucas: Really?

Ness: Course, just be sure not to bring any hookers

Lucas: Oh please, I'm more of a hoe man LOL

Ness: Was that a joke

Lucas: Maybe...I dunno

Lucas: Anyway, I'll be there in a bit

Lucas put the phone in his pocket and started following what Ness gave him, his address. He was walking for a while and his feet started to hurt more and he got hungrier. He was keeping an eye on the addresses of the houses though, and he knew he was close. He soon was able to find the house and sighed with relief. He walked up the few steps and rang the doorbell. He looked around the darkening neighborhood for a bit before the door swung open. In the doorway stood a young girl. She wasn't too young, but for sure younger than Lucas. She crossed her arms. "May I help you?" she asked. Lucas turned his phone on and pointed to Ness' name. She tilted her head, confused as to why he didn't just say his name. She backed up and turned around. "NESS, GET DOWN HERE, A FRIEND OR WHATEVER!" She then allowed Lucas in. Lucas stepped in and sat on the couch.

Ness snuck up on him and scared Lucas. Lucas jumped and fell onto the ground. "Shoot, sorry, I didn't mean that," he apologized, running around the couch and offering his help. Lucas rubbed the back of his head then grabbed his hand. Ness hoisted him up and patted the back of his head. "You alright?" Lucas nodded. "Good, so whatcha want to eat?" Lucas just shrugged and Ness looked down to think. He snapped his fingers and issued for Lucas to follow him. They went upstairs and into a room, Lucas could tell was Ness'.

Ness walked to the closet that was in the corner of the room. He looked through it for a moment. He took his head from the closet and looked at Lucas. "You can sit on the bed, I don't know how long this'll take." Lucas nodded and walked to the bed. He sat down and felt how comfortable his bed was. He couldn't help but lay all the way down. He smiled as he looked at the roof. "Aha." Ness took his head from the closet and looked at Lucas sprawled out on the bed. He chuckled. "Comfortable, ain't it?" Lucas shot up and scratched the back of his head. "It's cool with me." Lucas noticed the box in Ness' hands. He pointed to it. Ness nodded and opened the box. Inside was a small brownie. Ness then showed Lucas. Lucas tilted his head then looked up at him. "Go on, take it."

Lucas reached in he took the brownie from the baggie and looked at Ness again. Ness nodded and Lucas looked back down at the brownie. He bit into it and tasted the fudge. He grew a smile and even a tiny blush. "You like it?" Lucas looked up and had a very wide smile and nodded ecstatically. Ness blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I made it, I'm glad someone likes it." Lucas looked down at the brownie and broke it in half and handed the half he didn't bite into to Ness. "It's for you, I don't need it." Lucas shook his head and grabbed Ness' hand and placed the half in his hand. Ness looked down at it and smirked. Ness sat next to Lucas and bit into his brownie and looked at Lucas. Lucas was still enjoying his brownie. Ness couldn't help but think his smile was cute. Ness saw dimples in Lucas' cheek and they were even red. Lucas looked at Ness and swallowed the bite he had. He tilted his head. Ness cleared his throat, realizing he was staring.

They finished the brownie. "Why're you here, what happened?" Lucas put his hands on his knees and looked down. Ness snapped his fingers and hopped off the bed. Lucas watches as he opens a drawer. He grabs a notebook and pencil and skipped back to Lucas. He handed the notebook to him and Lucas grabbed it. He flipped it over and saw the cover. It was clearly a special notebook. There was an emblem of the planet. Lucas opened the cover and saw something written on the first page. It read, "We may be Earthbound, but leaving the planet is just a few steps away." Lucas looked up at Ness. "I uh...My sister is into inspirational quotes."

Lucas grabbed a pencil and started to write on that page.

Where'd you get this from?

He showed Ness. Ness sat down next to him. "I don't know, but my mom bought it for my birthday. I want you to have it."

Me?

"Yea."

I can't take it

"Nonsense, I want you to have it." Lucas looked down and shook his head. Ness put his hand on Lucas' shoulder. Lucas was able to feel Ness' warmth. Ness started to faintly massage his shoulder. "Come on, it's not that special. Just a notebook."

My family thinks I need to be fixed

"What're you talking about?"

You asked why I'm here. That's why

"Oh..." Ness knows why they'd say that. Ness looked down and thought of his response. "It's about being mute, huh?" Lucas slowly nodded and turned his head to Ness.

You don't think I need to be fixed right? I'm fine as I am right?

"Of course, you're perfect the way you are." Lucas smiled and looked down. His cheeks were very red and Ness chuckled when he saw it.

Could I stay here for the night?

"For sure, I'd be glad to help." Lucas looked up at Ness. Ness saw a new look in his eyes. "Want a steak? I can cook a mean steak." Lucas nodded and Ness hopped off the bed. Lucas followed Ness down to the kitchen. Ness pulled out a chair for him. Lucas put the notebook on the table and bowed to Ness. Ness then skipped to the fridge. He then spent a little time cooking a prime steak. He made himself one too. He walked to the table and put a plate in front of Lucas. Ness walked to the opposite side and sat down. Lucas grabbed a fork and knife. He cut one of the edges off and saw the pink. He grinned and stabbed it with his fork. He put it in his mouth and the piece of steak instantly melted in his mouth. He didn't waste any time to shove more of the steak into his mouth. Ness chuckled. "Man, do you even have a gag reflex?" Lucas looked up, his cheeks full of steak, and shook his head. Ness saw some of the sauce on Lucas' cheek. He stood up and grabbed a paper towel and walked to Lucas. Lucas swallowed the steak and tilted his head. "You've got something on your cheek." Ness rubbed the sauce off with the paper towel. He lowered the paper towel and grinned. "There ya go, you look much better."

Ness stood up and turned around. That's when he heard Lucas giggle. He shot around and looked at Lucas, who seemed surprised. He rubbed his neck. "Did you...did you just giggle?" Lucas turned to the notebook and wrote something.

I guess I did...keep that to yourself...please?

"Well, of course, I'll keep it a secret for ya," Ness winked. Ness sat back down in his seat, hearing Lucas' giggle over and over in his head. That's when Lucas slid the notebook to him.

Why am I mute?

Ness looked down and felt bad. "Well..." He looked at Lucas. Something in his eyes told Ness not to talk. Ness looked down and saw a pencil in the rings. He took the pencil out and looked at the page. He looked back up at Lucas and nodded. He wrote something and slid it back to Lucas.

Perhaps your voice is too beautiful for the world to hear.

Lucas put his hand on the sentence and blushed and wider. He looked up and saw Ness wink. Lucas playfully rolls his eyes and wrote something. He slid the notebook back.

I'm being serious

Ness took the pencil and started to write again. He passed it back to him.

I don't know. But don't worry about it. As I said, you're perfect as you are.

Lucas looked up and scratched the back of his head. He stared into Ness' eyes for him to confirm if he truly thinks that. Ness nodded and Lucas looked down. Ness held out his hand and Lucas passed the notebook to him. Once Ness was finished writing he slid it back and stood up. He took both of the plates and walked to the sink. Lucas looked down at the notebook.

I have a Baseball game tomorrow, wanna come?

Lucas tilted his head. He stood up and walked to Ness. Ness was washing the dishes. Lucas grabbed a rag and looked at Ness. He nodded and Ness copied. Ness handed him one of the plates and Lucas dried it. They did the same with the other plate. Ness turned his head. Lucas smirked and nodded his head. Lucas walked back to the table and grabbed the notebook and the pencil. Ness then walked up and grabbed Lucas' arm. Ness and Lucas walked back up to his room.

When they entered they decided to sit on the bed. Ness reached onto the bed-side dresser and grabbed a remote. He then handed it to Lucas. Ness grabbed the notebook and pencil. He wrote in it.

You can pick what to watch.

Lucas nodded and turned the tv on. He was able to go on Disney Plus. He soon found his favorite movie-Ratatouille. When the movie started he smiled and clapped his hands together. Ness chuckled. Lucas looked at him with a small blush.

You're so childish.

That bad?

Not at all

Lucas adjusted himself and looked at the screen. Ness closed the notebook and put it on the nightstand. Ness looked over to him and saw the joy in Lucas' face. They watched the movie together. Lucas seemed rather sad when the movie ended. They then binge-watched many Pixar movies. When they watched the final Pixar movie on Disney Plus they realized how late it was. Lucas turned to Ness. He pointed at the notebook and Ness nodded. Ness handed him the notebook and pencil. Lucas gave a faint nod and looked down at the notebook.

Claus would never do this with me.

Ness grabbed the notebook.

Really?

Yea, I've tried to force him a few times.

Ness chuckled a bit. Lucas dropped the pencil. Ness tilted his head and grabbed it for him. Lucas felt guilty, Ness could tell. He grabbed the notebook.

Don't blame yourself, I'm happy to do this.

Lucas rubbed his arm.

I don't care about not talking...are you comfortable?

Ness looked at Lucas. Lucas looked into Ness' eyes. He nodded. That's when he felt some vibration from his pocket. He looked annoyed. He reached into his pocket and grabbed his phone. He saw that Claus had texted him. He faintly shook his head as he went to the message.

Claus: Where are you, we're worried.

Lucas: I don't need fixing.

Claus: That's not what we were trying to say.

Lucas: Didn't seem like that.

Claus: Fine just, tell me where you are. At least don't be on the streets.

Lucas: Ok

Lucas put the phone down and looked at Ness. He grabbed the notebook and pencil.

Can we take a picture and show him

Ness nodded and Lucas grinned. Lucas reached for his phone and went to the camera app. Lucas held the phone up and he saw himself with Ness. Ness then reached his arm around Ness' neck and-with his other hand-made a peace symbol over his closed left eye like some type of Kawaii anime girl. Lucas noticed this on the screen and blushed as he smiled. He took the picture and lowered the phone, but Ness didn't move the hand behind his neck. Lucas didn't mind. He sent the picture to Claus.

Claus: Isn't that?

Lucas: Ness, what of it?

Claus: Nothing, it's just...can I talk to him?

Lucas: Why?

Claus: Lucas, please.

Lucas looked at Ness, who'd been looking at the texts. He nodded and Lucas handed him the phone. He then dialed his number and put the phone to his ear. "Is Lucas near you?" Claus asked.

"Uh, yeah, why?" Ness asked.

"Please move somewhere else, he can't hear this."

"Are you sure?"

"Yea." Ness looked at Lucas for a little bit, then hopped off the bed. He entered the bathroom. "What now?"

"You made Lucas blush."

"Um, what about it?"

"He's never blushed or even had a genuine smile."

"How do you know it was genuine?"

"His dimples...they're just like mine. They appear in a real smile, and a fake has none."

"Oh..."

"Just know...Lucas is a tough cookie to crack, and it seems you cracked it. Thank you."

"Uh, sure thing." Ness hung up. He looked at himself in the mirror. He shook his head and looked at the picture he and Lucas took. He felt a smile creep on his face seeing a red Lucas and his dimples. He looked back in the mirror and saw a blush in his cheeks. He chuckled to himself and walked out. He saw Lucas lying down comfortably in the bed. Only his head was visible from underneath the sheets. Lucas turned his head and smiled. "Cute..." he said to himself. He walked forward and saw the notebook on the nightstand. Ness put the phone face down on the notebook and crawled into bed next to him.

They laid together for a while. They stared at the roof. "Lucas?" Lucas turned around and looked at him. His blue eyes seemed to glow in the darkroom. "I just wanted you to know...you're too cute to be a boy." Lucas giggled again which made Ness smile. "So, if I flirt you make noise. I'll keep that note." Lucas scooted over and wrapped his arms around Ness' body. Ness put his hand in Lucas' hair.

"...Ne..." Ness heard Lucas say. Ness quietly gasped.

"Lucas...did you just speak?"

"..." Lucas opened his mouth, but couldn't bring out any words. He looked down but felt Ness' hand.

"Don't worry, don't force the words."

They slept through the night. When they woke up the next day Ness and Lucas walked downstairs. Ness' mom was in the kitchen. She turned around and gave the two of them a warm smile. "Hun, want some eggs?" Ness nodded and looked at Lucas. Lucas seemed excited. Ness smirked and pulled out a chair. Lucas bowed and sat down. Ness sat in his seat and waited with Lucas. That's when Tracy walked down, crossing her arms.

"What's up Trace?" Ness asked.

"I hate eggs," Tracy said.

"Deal with it." Ness turned to see Lucas enjoying the eggs with a small tint in his cheeks. Ness chuckled and stood up. He ran up to his room and grabbed the notebook and pencil. He got back and Tracy was now sitting, begrudgingly eating the eggs. Ness wrote in the notebook when he sat in his seat. He slid it to Lucas.

You must really like eggs.

I love eggs, primarily Omelets, but any eggs.

Nice, I know what to cook for you now.

You'll cook for me?

Of course, you love my cooking, why wouldn't I?

"Why on Earth are you two sliding that damn notebook around?" Tracy asked. Ness passed it to Lucas and looked at Tracy.

"None of your business, we can do what we want." Tracy sighed and looked at Lucas. She saw a smile as he was writing. She tilted her head then looked back at Ness.

"Well, whatever you're doing, you're doing it well." Tracy stood up and walked into the living room with the plate. Ness watched Tracy. Tracy looked back and gave Ness a thumbs up. He chuckled. He knows Tracy is rude, but he also knows Tracy would do anything for Ness to be happy. Tracy knows when he sees Lucas happy he is happy. Tracy is smart and Ness knows that. Lucas passed the notebook but it fell on the floor. Ness looked at a guilt-ridden Lucas.

"It's ok Lukey, I'll get it." He blushed harder as Ness got up to pick the notebook up.

I'm not being a burden...am I?

Nothing you could do could cause you to be a burden.

Lucas looked up and saw Ness eating. Ness then winked and Lucas closed the notebook. Ness excused himself for a second. He walked up to his room and grabbed Lucas phone. He knew Lucas didn't have a password. He went to Claus' contact and pressed the small phone icon. He put the phone to his ear and heard the ringing. "Yea?" Claus asked when he got on.

"I suggest you go to the Baseball game tonight," Ness said.

"Why?"

"Just do it, trust me on this one." Ness then hung up and walked down with the phone. He handed it to Lucas. Lucas gave a small nod and finished his plate of food. Ness washed both dishes and Lucas dried them like they did last time. When they finished Ness looked at Lucas. "Wanna help me train for the game?" Lucas grew excited and nodded. "Come on." Ness ran to the front door with Lucas following behind. Ness grabbed his bat and ball. They put on the shoes they took off and left the house. Ness led Lucas through the town and eventually made it to a park. This park had a small baseball field.

They got to the pitcher's mound and Ness turned to him. "Can you throw?" Lucas shrugged. Ness held out the ball for him. "Well, just try your best, I know you can do it." Lucas grabbed it and nodded. Ness rested his bat on his shoulder as he ran to home base. He stepped in the correct batter's box and held the top of the bat to Lucas. "Ready when you are." Ness prepared the bat. Lucas tried to throw the ball but ended up being way too far from Ness for him to even try to hit. He looked down, disappointed in himself. Ness thought for a moment, then took off his hat. He ran over to Lucas and playfully put his hat on Lucas' head. "There ya go, a little good luck charm." Lucas tilted his head, wondering why it's good luck. Ness knew this look. "It's 'cause you look cute."

Ness ran back to the batter's box and picked up his bat. He gave a single nod to Lucas as he tossed the ball back to him. Lucas caught it. He tossed the ball up and caught it, thinking how he'd pitch the ball. He then remembered he had Ness' hat which made him feel a little giddy. He shook his head and looked toward Ness, who had a determined look on his face. Lucas pitched the ball perfectly for Ness to hit it right on its sweet spot. The ball went high into the air and landed way into the outfield. Lucas heard Ness cheer and was happy for him. Soon he realized Ness was cheering for him. "See, being cute is a good luck charm," Ness said. That's when Lucas giggled louder and longer than he's done before. Ness liked the sound of the high pitched giggle.

They prepared for a few more hours. It was now mid-afternoon and the two of them walked back to Ness' house. When they walked in they saw Ness' mom and Tracy getting their shoes on. Lucas looked a little confused. "We need to head to the stadium a little earlier to do some team building or whatever." Lucas nodded and ran to retrieve the notebook and the pencil. He quickly wrote something and handed it to him.

Why did you want to train with me if you'll train with your team?

Lucas handed Ness the pencil and walked out of the house and stepped into the car. Tracy was in the front seat with Ness' mom clearly driving. Lucas looked out of the window, waiting for Ness. Ness soon stepped in and put his seatbelt on. Lucas looked at him and saw the notebook being handed to him. Lucas grabbed it.

You train better with people you like.

Lucas looked up and at Ness a little surprised. Ness just smiled and Ness' mom started to drive. They drove downtown and to a part of the city Lucas has never been in. Ness saw the excitement Lucas had for the tall buildings. Ness couldn't help but smile at his excitement. "Mom?"

"Yea hun?" she asked.

"What time is it?"

"3 p.m."

"And when do I need to be at the stadium?"

"Well, the game starts at 5."

"Good, we have time.

"Time?"

"Can you drop us off here?"

"Are you sure?" Ness nodded. "Um, if you say so." Ness' mom pulled over a sidewalk and looked back as Ness opened his door. Lucas was confused. Ness ran to the other side of the car and opened Lucas' door. He held out his hand.

"Need some help m'lady?" Lucas smirked as he grabbed Ness' hand. Ness' mom then drove off when the door was closed. Lucas showed Ness the notebook.

What're we doing?

I'm showing you the best part of the city.

Lucas tilted his head and Ness gripped his hand harder. They walked through the large city. Lucas kept looking up at the tall skyscrapers. Some people glared at them for holding hands, but each glare seemed to make them hold hands harder. Lucas soon saw some water. He knew what they meant. He looked at Ness who gave a small nod. They walked faster and eventually got onto the beach.

Lucas ran to the water and kneeled in front of it. He liked seeing the waves. Ness stayed next to him and eventually laid on the sand. Lucas looked down at him. He soon laid next to him with his knees bent so he could write.

Something wrong?

No, I'm just thinking.

About?

How long have we been friends?

Few months, how come?

Would you help me with something?

Of course.

I have a crush...I was thinking if you could help.

I already said I would.

When Ness read that he smirked and closed the notebook. He turned to Lucas who simply nodded. He sat back up to look at the water. He reached into his pocket and grabbed his phone. Ness sat up and tilted his head. Lucas was going to a writing app. Lucas handed him the phone. Ness was a little confused. Ness read what was written which was a small poem. The final line Ness liked the most. "Love is like good clean and clear water, hard to find. But when you do find it..." Ness looked at Lucas, who was looking at him. "It's beautiful," Ness said. Lucas smirked and rubbed the back of his neck.

They stayed at the beach for a little longer before Lucas looked at his phone again. He realized it was 4:30. He showed Ness but it didn't seem to register in his mind for a little bit. "SHIT, come on, we're late." Ness grabbed Lucas' hand and ran. They ran through the city, having to dodge lots of people. They eventually made it to the baseball field. They walked through the building and found a changing room. Ness changed quickly and left. "Lucas, you can wait in the VIP section. Just find Tracy and my mom and you found it." Lucas nodded and walked out with Ness. They soon entered the grassy field. Lucas looked at the seats full of people. Despite not playing in the game he couldn't help but feel the pressure. There was someone waiting at the entrance for Ness. It was Ninten. He sighed and walked over to him.

"Jesus Christ man, where the hell were you?" he asked.

"I was hanging out with Lucas...lost track of time." Ninten looked at Lucas. Ninten walked toward him. Lucas felt nervous.

"You changed Lucas...I can tell."

"What're talking about?" Ness asked.

"I stayed over with Claus last night, he showed me how you normally are." Lucas tilted his head. "And yet, here you are, smiling, with those cute dimples." Lucas backed up. Ninten said this on purpose to see how Ness would react.

"NINTEN, that's not cool, don't make him uncomfortable like that." Ninten just started chuckling.

"Don't worry, I'm already taken, I just wanted to confirm something in my mind." Ninten started to walk to the middle of the field where the other players were. Ness sighed and pointed Lucas to where the VIP section was. Ness caught up with Ninten.

"What were you doing with Claus anyway?" Ninten grew a blush and sped up his walking.

"That's private." Ness shook his head as he walked.

Lucas made it to the VIP section. He sat next to Tracy. She could see that Lucas was feeling a little stressed with all the eyes in the stadium. She put a hand on Lucas' shoulder. "Don't worry about Ness, he'll do amazing out there," Tracy said. Lucas looked at her and nodded. Lucas looked at the crowd he could see, and soon saw a face he didn't want to see-Claus'. Flint and Hinawa were also there. They were looking at him, but they looked sympathetic. Claus pulled out his phone and texted Lucas.

Claus: Listen we're sorry, we just want you to be happy.

Lucas: ...

Claus: Come on Lucas, you've got to understand.

Lucas: Claus please just...

Claus: Just what?

Lucas: You want me to be happy right?

Claus: Of course.

Lucas: Pray for Ness to win

Claus: Really?

Lucas: ...

Claus: But if that's what you want then sure. I'll pray with every fiber of my being.

Lucas: Thank you Claus...and I'm sorry for leaving.

Lucas turned off the phone and watched the teams prepare. The game soon started. The game-at first-was rather equal. Ness' team would earn three points, then the other would earn 2. The next inning it would be inverted. By the bottom of the ninth inning as if it was some type of high school drama or anime, Ness' team was one point behind but did have someone on third base. But if that wasn't all, as if the stars were aligned to give Lucas stress, Ness' team had two outs.

Ness was up to bat, he's never really felt pressure while playing Baseball, but now he felt so much. He looked around for some support and saw Lucas' blue eyes. His eyes seemed to be shining through Ness. He looked at the pitcher who could sense Ness' stress. He pitched the ball and used Ness' stress to his advantage. Ness swung too early getting a strike. Ness' breaths got shaky. He knows if he fails he loses the final game of the season. The catcher tossed the ball back to the pitcher. He pitched the ball way out of the pitcher's box knowing Ness' stress would make him hit at any ball possible. As expected, he swung and obviously missed. Ness' heart started to race as if he was running a marathon.

Lucas was going through the same emotions. He could see Ness' stress, Ness' fear. He's never seen this side of him. Lucas could feel his heart drop knowing what he's going through. He saw the catcher throw the ball to the pitcher. The pitcher then winded up and tossed. Ness was going to hit it but Lucas saw where the ball was going to land. He closed his eyes and took a quick breath. "NESS!" The sudden voice from Lucas shocked Ness. He turned to face him, preventing him from hitting the ball. The catcher caught the ball and the empire analyzed it.

"BALL!" he yelled.

"Lucas..." Ness said to himself. Lucas had his hand in a megaphone to make his voice louder.

"YOU'VE GOT THIS NESS...I BELIEVE IN YOU."

"Lucas...you spoke..." A tear fell from Ness' eye. He took a deep breath and gripped his bat. He looked at the pitcher and he pitched the ball. Ness envisioned Lucas' voice, calming his nerves, and he swung. The ball instantly went into the air and into the crowd. Ness' team won. Ness' team started to go crazy with cheers. Ness had bigger things to worry about. When he was surrounded by his team and their praises, Ness broke through it. He ran to the VIP section where Ness' mom and Tracy sat surprised. Ness walked to Lucas, who had the widest of smiles ever. "Lucas, you spoke." Lucas reached his hands out and Ness grabbed them.

"I told you...you've got it," Lucas said. His was high-pitched and something about it made Ness extremely happy. Lucas noticed Ness' tears. "You're crying."

"I'm just...just very happy."

"I'm still perfect as I am right? I don't need to be fixed, right?"

"You're the most perfect thing ever." Ness lowered his head and kissed Lucas' hands.

"Lucas?" Claus could be heard from behind Ness. Ness let go of Lucas' hands and moved out of the way. He entered the VIP section and Lucas' family stepped forward. "You spoke Lucas." Lucas nodded. Ness grabbed Lucas' hand.

"It's because of Ness."

"That's what you were missing," Flint said. Lucas tilted his head.

"Love," Hinawa finished.

"You guys didn't love him?" Ness' mom asked. Lucas shook his head.

"There's a difference from Familial love...and Ness," Lucas said. Ness blushed and looked at Lucas.

"A-are you saying?" Ness asked. Lucas chuckled. He grabbed the notebook and wrote something inside it. He then showed Ness.

Will you go out with me?

Ness smiled and reached for the pencil.

Of course, I will.

Lucas grinned and reached forward to close the book. Ness' hands were still on it, and Lucas put his hands on Ness'. They dropped the note bok and Lucas held up his arm. He balled up his fist and looked determinedly at Ness. "That's good, cause we're no longer Earthbound..." Ness smirked and balled his fist. He then interlocked his arm with Lucas'.

"We're ultimate."