Count it Up

by Readyforteddy

It's the 1800s, and Ness and Lucas are ready for the Winter Term at Onett Boarding School. But when a variety of horrifying, unexplainable events start to take place, will they be drawn closer together, or further apart? (Ness X Lucas AU) Enjoy!

31. Chapter 31 - The Courage of Others

Chapter 31: The courage of Others

…

(Ness)

…

---

We follow the tracks meticulously. If Roy is right, we could have a catch, but… it's hard to know for sure. It could easily be something else - even someone else.

Duster seems to have keen vision, pointing out the trampled hedges and bushes - the signs that something has certainly been through here. But what? I suppose that's what we'll soon be finding out.

But to our dismay, the tracks run dry.

"Well, m'chap, looks like we're in a bit of a fix," Pusher regretfully tells us.

"It seems that is the case," Roy says.

The rest of our hunting attempts remain fruitless as well - and soon enough, the first stars are out, which means we have to walk back to the meeting place, empty handed. We're the first group to return, so we sit back against the trees, just for a break, just to actually sit down for what feels like the first time in days.

There's a slight pause.

"D'you chaps think Porky is gonna find us?" Duster asks, meaningfully.

I shake my head. "Not out here - we're too deep in the forest."

But Roy disagrees - "Porky's smart. Of course he will."

Duster sighs. "I can't believe 'e turned out evil! Seemed so nice, he did."

"He's very… charming," I comment.

Roy picks a leaf off the ground, fixing his gaze upon it. "He fooled me. With his promises of pushing the boundaries of science - of high wages, instead, he just… ugh," he shivers. "He did all sorts of things. He fitted that chip to my neck, and I was… his."

"He's a bad 'un, alright."

"...I wonder how many others… How many other ordinary people like me…"

"Countless," I grit my teeth. "Countless. He's already won. He's been at work for years, planning his city, planning his economic domination."

Roy's eyes widen. "Then we should run - run somewhere far from all of this!"

"Not when there's people that can be saved in Onett."

"What-? If what you say is true, then that's suicide!"

"There's people that we might be able to save."

Roy shakes his head. "No way. I just want a quiet life."

"A quiet life can come after what must be done," I declare.

"...Responsibility… never really been my thing."

"I lead people in my normal job, it's hard. Well, was, before I was captured. But, I know, that it's my responsibility, for all of the people that I know, that I love, that I am indebted to…"

"I'm just a chap from Tazmily," bemoans Duster. "How can I sort somethin' like all this?"

"I'm just a guy from Onett," I reason.

"Y' were a leader though, people know you."

"It doesn't make me any better."

Roy looks down. "You said that when we arrive at Onett, we'll just settle down, try to live normally."

"It'd be impossible," I admit. "But I couldn't tell the others that. The only thing we can feasibly do is to help as many people as we can, and then try and do something about this."

Roy looks up. "But what's the point? What's the point of trying, when Porky is going to win, either way?"

"Because it's right! I chose to save all of you people in the carriage, because it was the right thing to do. I'd have had a much better chance of surviving out here, on my own! I've always believed in two things - equal opportunity, and doing what is plain right."

Roy sighs. "Fine. Fine, then. You win. Let's all go to Onett and get slaughtered, whilst trying to help people somehow."

"..."

…

---

(Ness)

Villager runs - and Toon Link follows swiftly after him.

Pit curses. "Everyone's falling apart, suddenly!"

"We should follow," I decide, and a muted Lucas and I head towards the main corridor.

I'm especially worried about Lucas now. Since the attack, he's been even more gloomy than before - and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. He carries a dark, grey cloud around with him, brooding throughout dinner, brooding since…

I hate them - Meta Knight and Olimar - hate them! For anyone to have the nerve to do that, to Lucas of all people, is despicable. But then, I'm torn - now their chances at a future are ruined - but then, they hurt Lucas. I don't know what to think, and it's slowly mashing my brain into a pulp.

Bayonetta cuts us off as we attempt to catch up with the others. "Heyy! You still coming tonight?"

I frown. "The party is going ahead? Isn't it disallowed?"

"Well, we're technically in a dorm by 8pm. Most people were gonna spend the night anyways."

"Is there enough room?"

"Trust me - I lucked out, biggest dorm in the school. No worries about space! It's gonna be at half 7, so see ya there!"

She bounces off, and I turn to Lucas. "Do you think you're up to going?"

"Sure. I guess."

"Really? You don't think you should rest-?"

"I keep resting. It never seems to do anything good. Maybe a party will brighten my mood."

I hug him. "I hope so!"

We catch up to Villager and Toon Link, who seem to be talking by the graffiti.

"-And, they offended you, and I had to stick up for you, didn't I?"

"It just brought me to the attention of more other people - I didn't want that. I didn't want you to have to defend me."

Toon Link hangs his head. "I'm sorry. I was thoughtless."

"It's… fine. It's fine. You meant well, I guess. Besides, not like I need to fall out with another friend."

"Where did Red even go?" Pit asks, catching up to us.

"No idea. Probably our dorm. Probably throwing all my clothes out the window, or something."

Toon Link balls his fists. "I swear, if he did-!"

"Toonie, please-"

"Sorry, sorry. I'll stop."

"But anyways," Villager puts a hand to his neck. "I don't think I should come to this party tonight."

Toon Link's face falls. "Aw - c'mon, you have to come!"

"I can't. I'd just continue to be bullied for supposedly being a homosexual, all night long."

Toon Link looks unhappily at the graffiti. "I wished you'd left the name as mine."

"Nah. It's alright. I'm dealing with all this so that you don't have to."

"Who cares about that though - you're not ditching us! It'd be so dull without you."

"Really? I'm not exactly a party animal…"

"Really. We might even play spin the bottle!"

"But-"

"And if anyone gives you abuse, we will defend you, ain't that right?"

Lucas, Pit and I all nod vehemently.

Villager sighs, his face reluctant. "Alright - fine, I'll come along, but first sign of trouble, I'm out. Ok?"

Toon Link claps him on the back. "That's fair enough. Awesome! I need to get ready."

"Ready?" Villager asks blankly.

"It's a party! Gotta look my best!"

Pit nods with agreement. "You bet - and so do I! C'mon, Toonmeister, let's get fancy." The pair head up the dorm stairs.

Villager pulls a face, still bemused. "Ready?"

"They're weird," I conclude.

"You bet… When is the party, even, and where?"

"7:30, in Bayonetta's dorm," I reply. "She said that you keep going up the dorm stairs, instead of going into our corridors, and then at the top you take a left and it's the first dorm on the left… or was it right?"

"Alright. Well, I've got to take all the extra screws and stuff from bolting down your trapdoor back to the Trades classroom, so I'll see you there, I suppose."

I wave. "I'll see you there."

Lucas and I opt to walk up to our dorm, to kill the 10 minutes or so before the party begins. I'm strangely quite looking forward to it, even though parties aren't really my thing. I hope there isn't any alcohol though, I don't drink because of bad experiences with a drunk Father, and Lucas doesn't drink because, well, he's just too pure.

...

Lucas walks towards the wardrobe. "You know what's weird?"

"What?"

"Meta Knight and Olimar - it just doesn't seem like the kind of thing they'd do. Tricks, sure, for attention… but nobody saw."

I frown. "What are you suggesting?"

"I feel like… they must've had another motive. Like, money… or something. Or maybe they were threatened! Then it wouldn't be their fault at all!"

I shake my head. "C'mon, Lucas, you just see the best in everyone. They're rotten."

"Not that rotten though…"

"Well then... say you're right. But what good is that?"

"Maybe they didn't deserve to be expelled…"

I turn, aghast. "Lucas, they slashed up your arms! Even if they were being threatened, or it was for money, they hurt you!"

"Yeah… I guess…"

I feel a sting of sympathy. "C'mon, Lucas. It'll be okay."

"Hopefully."

"Definitely."

Lucas flops besides me on my bed, after examining the now bolted trapdoor. "It's pretty secure. Villager did a good job."

"I'm glad."

Lucas leans back. "...It'll be nice to have a party, after all of this chaos."

"Yeah. Do you, uh, do you think we should get 'ready'?"

Lucas holds out his bandaged arms. "I'm going as a mummy. Fancy dress, wasn't it?"

I laugh. "No, you goof. I meant like, if we should wear anything fancy-"

"Ness, you're forgetting that all of our decent clothes got burnt by the fire, covered in magenta paint or ruined by an outside excursion."

I laugh again. "Yeah. Okay, that's true."

There's a pleasant pause, before Lucas turns to me again. "Hey, Ness, are you ready?"

"Ready for what?"

He throws my teddy bear into my face. "Ready for Teddy!"

I facepalm. "Lucas, that was a terrible joke."

"Too bad."

"Just as well we didn't sign up for the comedy routine at the talent show, in the end."

"Hey!"

I ruffle his hair, and he pouts, and it's adorable.

"Do you reckon we should invite Red?" Lucas asks, out of the blue.

I mull it over. "He's not really a party person, let's face it. Plus, I think him and Villager need a lot of space."

Lucas nods sadly. "His outburst was kinda out of nowhere…"

"They've been friends, like, forever. I dunno what Red's problem is."

"You know… I've always thought, even though he's really smart and stuff, Red is actually quite… immature."

I turn, in surprise. "You know, you might be right."

Lucas nods, continuing. "If he wants to throw his toys out the pram, just because Villager isn't doing what he wants, then he can - he can sort himself out!"

I marvel at him. "Wow, I never thought you could sound so… badass."

"Shush, you."

"You've cheered up," I note.

"I have."

"Howcome?"

"No idea. Teenage mood swings? An awesome best friend?"

I laugh, a soaring sensation racing through me. "I'm glad."

He prods me. "D'you think it's time?"

"Time?"

"For the party, you goof."

"Hmm, we really should get a clock in here…"

"Well, you're the rich one."

I look down at the floor, guiltily. "Sorry."

Lucas's eyes widen. "Oh - oh, I didn't mean-"

"It's ok. C'mon, let's get… partying."

"Partying."

We walk out of our dorm - and we're instantly met by Toon Link, and - woah-

He's all dressed up, in a dapper shirt and tie, that sharply outlines his frame. The tie is bright yellow - where on earth he got something that auditious from, I don't know. His usually scruffy hair is swept to the side with remarkable neatness, with what appears to be a fancy hat on top, though he still wears his casual demeanour remarkably well.

Villager arrives, his mouth open with surprise. "Whose wedding is it, then?"

Toon Link rolls his eyes. "Oh, Shush, you. You should see what I'm wearing underneath. Or maybe you will, later on-"

Villager splutters. "I swear-"

"I tried to tell him," Pit sighs, arriving in much more casual attire. "It's just a house party. Well. Dorm party."

"I gotta make an impact though!" Toon Link protests.

"Why? Someone you're trying to impress?" Villager slyly asks, looking him up and down.

Toon Link blushes. "None of your business, short stuff."

"Hey! I'm not that short!"

I laugh. "C'mon. Let's just go."

"What was it - first dorm on the left?"

I put a hand to my head. "It might be the right. I can't remember."

Toon Link laughs. "Great. 50-50 - a party, or we burst in on some poor bird doing her homework."

"Most people have been invited," Lucas reasons. "The wrong dorm would probably be empty. Besides, Bayonetta would probably be welcoming people at the door."

We leave our dorm corridor and ascend the stairs - and sure enough, a remarkable amount of people seem to be entering the dorm on the left - I find myself wondering exactly how everyone can possibly fit in there, but I don't worry too much about it.

Toon Link takes the lead, approaching Bayonetta with a buoyant smile. "Hello! Is this the place?"

"Oh wow!" Bayonetta exclaims. "I don't think I've ever seen you before."

"I'm Toon Link! I just, dressed up a bit, is all."

"Oh, really? Well, c'mon in! Hey, Ness!"

Her and I high five, and we make our way into her dorm - wow!

It's immense. I guess three people must share it, or something, because there's a remarkable amount of space - and it appears all the beds have been taken away somewhere. A number of people - probably around 35 of them - mull around, chatting, and - oh… great, there's a load of bottles of alcohol on the chest of drawers. I have to wonder, how do these people even get all this alcohol, in school? Whatever. Either way, I won't be having any of it.

Lucas looks shyly to me. "Uh, what are we supposed to do?"

"Mingle!" Toon Link cheers. "C'mon, wallflowers. Interact with people!"

But our first interaction isn't what I'd hoped for - Popo saunters over. "Well, fancy seeing you all here!"

"Yeah, most of our grade was invited, can't say it's the biggest surprise of my life," Toon Link breezily comments.

Nana arrives too. "Popo isn't to drink any of the alcohol this time. We all know what happened at Link's party, last term.

I shudder, thinking back to Popo trying to perform a strip routine after getting very, very drunk. That had definitely been Lucas and I's cue to leave. I'm not sure why people that hold these parties still invite Popo, but there we go.

"Ah, don't worry, no alcohol for me!" Popo proudly proclaims. "How about you lot though?"

Toon Link adjusts his hat. "Later. Don't wanna ruin everything too early!"

Toon Link isn't really a heavy drinker - he'll have a glass or two, but he's never gotten drunk or anything, to my knowledge.

Link saunters by, a glamorous Zelda by his side. "Good day, small people."

Popo squares up to him. "Hey! Who are you calling small?!"

"Popo - no fights!" Nana scolds.

"You're no fun!"

She folds her arms. "I can be fun, can't I, Lucas?"

Lucas flounders. "Uh - yeah! Lots of fun, painting… fruit, and veg!"

Nana winks, blushing slightly. "Yeah, you bet."

Popo groans. "C'mon Nana… just one drink?"

"No! Zero drinks. Mom said-"

"Do I care what mom said?"

"You should! She went through the agonising labours of childbirth to bring you to existence!"

"Pff. Can't have been that bad."

Nana's eyes flash dangerously. "Want me to replicate the pain by punching you in the head?"

Popo pales. "I'm good, thanks."

Nana laughs. "Superb. Anyways, see you around Lucas. Oh, and, and Ness."

Lucas waves slightly, and we make our way over to where most people have congregated. Villager's found Mega Man, and the pair are laughing in a corner - Toon Link's entertaining a whole crowd of people suddenly. I glance towards the door, where the last stragglers seem to be arriving, including-

Oh no.

Red?

What's he doing here?! He's the least likely person to show up at a party like this - I point him out to Lucas, and we hastily walk over.

"Hey Red, I'm surprised you came," I say, cautiously.

"Good to see you too," he grumbles.

He seems to be wearing a bizarre outfit - a red shirt, and red trousers, as well as a red cap.

"What's with all the red?" I ask.

"It's a pun," Red explains. "Because my name is Red."

Lucas shifts me a confused glance, before staring back at him. "Uh - yeah. I didn't think you were really… about puns?"

"Oh no, of course I'm not. Puns are a disgraceful art!"

"Then why-"

"No reason!"

Red surges into the crowd, and Lucas turns to me in surprise. "That was probably the weirdest conversation I've ever had."

"Villager won't be pleased," I mutter.

"Well, maybe they can make up?" Lucas suggests hopefully.

"Red said some harsh things though…"

"Villager is very forgiving."

"Red isn't."

There's a moment of pause, as we contemplate the potential downfall of our friendship group.

"...I hope it's all okay," Lucas mumbles.

I hug him. "It always will be."

He hugs back. "Yeah."

Smiling, I glance around the room again - Popo seems to have made his way to the alcohol, as Nana has managed to become distracted by Toon Link's antics - I watch Popo take out a bottle of something from who knows where, and add it to the table. I hadn't even considered that maybe we were supposed to bring a gift or something like that. Nervously, I try to pick out Bayonetta - just as she comes right up to us.

"Hey!" She beams, and Lucas jumps a mile.

"Hi," I wave back. "We weren't supposed to bring anything, were we-?"

"Oh, na, 'course not! Besides, all your stuff got burnt by a giant fire, which is definitely a reasonable excuse."

"Ah, good."

"You enjoying yourselves though? Everything good?"

"Yeah," I nod. "Seems to be."

"Are you gonna be staying the night? As I said, most people are."

Lucas and I look to each other nervously. "Sure."

"Fab! Alright, I better make sure nobody's getting too drunk. I've got a couple plans for later, so watch out!" She winks, and hurries over to the table of alcohol.

"Plans?" Lucas echoes.

I shrug, just as confused. "Never been any 'plans' at any other parties."

"That we've been to," Lucas reminds me. "It feels weird to be invited…"

I ruffle his hair. "Cool, yeah?"

"I suppose."

We make our way over to where most people are making noise - Bayonetta's room is revealed to be even bigger than I'd initially thought. It seems to be a kind of L shape, with a great, oaken wardrobe tucked away in the corner of it. I wonder how she lucked out with such a good room? I shiver, thinking about it. I realise that I might not want to know - before I remind myself that HeadMaster Hand wouldn't ever take such bribes.

"Alright?" Villager comes up behind us, covered in flour, to my surprise.

Lucas's eyes widen. "Oh no - did the homophobes-"

Villager rolls his eyes. "It was Mega Man. He set up a trap - told me to open the wardrobe, but there was a bag of flour on the door."

"Villager!" Toon Link appears. "Bit early for the drugs, don't you think?"

Villager flushes. "Toonie, it's flour."

"Aw, he calls him Toonie!" Diddy Kong calls out, cackling.

Toon Link turns, raising his fists. "Hey! Shut it!"

"To be fair, that's the first comment of the night," Villager sighs. "I think people are starting to get bored."

"Or they're planning something," Lucas mutters darkly.

"Well, let's hope not."

Toon Link sighs. "Red's here, by the way."

I nod. "We saw. All dressed up in crimson."

Villager turns sharply. "He is?"

"Quite the centre of attention," I note, observing a crowd starting to form around him.

"That can't be good," Villager mutters. "C'mon. Let's check that out."

"I'm gonna get a drink," Toon Link decides. "See you all soon."

Villager, Lucas and I make our way over to the circle of people around Red, expecting the worst - but to our surprise, they're cheering, and… clapping?

"What's going on here?" Villager asks, concerned.

"Oh, Villager is here to ruin things," Red sighs.

"...Red?"

"I was just reciting Shakespeare's Sonnet 14, when suddenly, this crowd gathered. I am most puzzled."

Villager looks at us, shocked, before looking back to Red. "I - well, so long as they're not all, uh, being mean-"

"No! They are not."

"...Okay then…?"

Villager, mystified, turns back to Lucas and I. "That was weird."

I shrug. "He is weird."

He frowns. "But that was really quite out of character- oh my God, what's going on over there?!"

I swivel round - Pit seems to be frantically trying to support a flopping Toon Link. We run over as quickly as we can.

"What's happening?" Lucas asks, as Toon Link coughs madly.

Pit struggles to keep a hold of him. "He had a drink - just one - and he seems to have gone completely wild!"

Toon Link giggles. "Like… the wild animals! I love giraffes, do you love giraffes? Let's get a giraffe!"

"Which drink was it?" I ask.

Pit points to the bottle that Popo brought along - I snatch it up, and my eyes widen. "90% alcohol?! What the-"

"90%!?" Villager explodes. "Is that even legal?"

Popo saunters over. "Oh, this? Yeah. Thought that given Nana probably won't let me have many drinks, best thing to do is to have it super concentrated-"

"That's really dangerous!" Lucas quivers. "Toon Link had some - and look-!"

Toon Link spins around on the floor. "Wheeeeeeee! I'm a fan! Wheeeeeeeee!"

Popo folds his arms. "Ugh, c'mon, dude! That was supposed to be mine!"

"Never mind that - you need to get rid of that, right now!" I instruct.

"Or what?"

"Or we'll call Nana over," Lucas interjects.

Popo groans. "Fine. I'll get rid of it, ok?"

Pit nods. "Good."

Popo leaves, and we move our attention back to Toon Link, who suddenly has a huge grin plastered over his face.

"Are we gonna have to babysit him now?" Villager complains.

Toon Link huffs. "HeY! I ain't a bABY!"

"You are, like this."

"I'm finE! Gosh!" He tries to stand up, and falls down, giggling again.

"Just as well I caught him when I did," Pit mutters darkly. "I dread to think what too much of that stuff would do…"

I grit my teeth. "This is why I don't drink."

Bayonetta walks over. "What's happening here?"

"Toon Link's drunk already," Villager explains.

"nO I'm noT! Gosh!"

Bayonets laughs. "Aw, man, we're just about to start our first game!"

"Game?" I ask, warily.

She winks. "Wait and see!"

"Villager?" Toon Link says.

"...Yes?"

"Is it getting hot in here? Can you feel the walls closing in?!"

"..."

"Villager!"

"What?"

Toon Link holds his hands out dramatically. "It's meaningless! Everything!"

"I think you need to go and calm down somewhere," Villager decides. Come on, let's take you over to the side."

Villager starts walking with Toon Link - but suddenly, he trips on a small wire, between the table and the curtain - and another bag of flour falls on both of their heads!

"Haha!" Mega Man laughs. "2-0!"

Villager grumbles. "I am getting you back for that."

Lucas gives me an alarmed look - but suddenly, Bayonetta's voice fills the room. "Everybody! It is time for a lovely game of… roulette!"

"Isn't that a type of gambling thing?" I whisper to Lucas.

He shrugs. "I don't know that stuff."

"Everybody, please sit in a circle," Bayonetta instructs. People start moving about, and soon enough, I find myself with Lucas on one side, and a stranger on the other. Bayonetta places a big sheet of paper in the middle of the group, along with a bottle, and varying sized cups of what looks to be alcohol. Lucas pales.

"We can leave," I whisper, but Lucas shakes his head.

"...Something's wrong. We need to stay."

I'm taken aback, a chill dribbling down the back of my neck. "...What - wrong? What do you mean?"

"I can feel it. Something's off."

"...Are you sure?"

"Yes. Keep your eyes out. Sensory checks. We need to stick together. Every little detail - count it up."

"Count it up," I repeat with acknowledgement. I shiver slightly. I guess that means we'll have to play this… game.

"Alright!" Bayonetta announces. "So, I'll spin the bottle, and then whoever it lands on has to come to the middle. Then, that person can spin the bottle again, and whichever cup it lands on, they have to drink as quick as they can. As you can see, some are bigger than others…" Her eyes linger on what must be a whole litre cup of something unpleasant.

People stare around the circle, nodding in agreement. A few shyer looking people eye the giant cup with trepidation, but most seem to be excited to get the game underway. I can't say I am, though.

Not at all.

Bayonetta spins the bottle - it lands on Diddy Kong, who comes to the middle. The bottle is spun again, and Diddy Kong ends up with the smallest cup of all. I count, and to my relief, there's less cups than people here, so we'll probably be in the clear - but I don't want to jinx things. Nevertheless, I join in the cheering and clapping as Diddy Kong coughs and splutters on the drink- serve him right, the prick.

Across from us, Villager winks, as Toon Link seems to be staring blankly at the ceiling. I realise that the bottle has been spun again - but luckily, it lands on some unfortunate young-looking girl, who ends up with a moderately sized cup to drink. However, to everybody's surprise, she manages to down it in a quicker time than Diddy Kong, which earns some significant cheers, but they're quieter than I expect...

"I think I know what's wrong," I whisper to Lucas, suddenly clocking something.

"Oh - what?!"

"Meta Knight and Olimar aren't here, so it feels a lot nicer and safer."

Lucas rubs his bandaged arms. "I think there's something else."

I grimace. "Ah."

A few more spins of the bottle go by - nobody I know gets chosen, but the giant cup remains untouched. I keep a general eye out for anything weird, but I can't see what he's getting at - all I can hear is the general lull of laughter and enjoyment, and nothing smells or appears weird either.

Link is the next one chosen by the bottle, and he walks smugly up to the centre of the crowd. I opt not to join in the cheering for this one, especially as he ends up with one of the smaller remaining cups. He downs it in one, much to the amazement of everyone who actually cares, and he sits gladly back down next to Zelda again.

"We're going to change things up!" Bayonetta announces suddenly, and there's some interested muttering. She rearranges the drinks in the middle, in such a way that all the bigger ones are on one side, and the smaller ones on the other.

"For dramatic effect!" She explains, as she steps back, spinning the bottle around. I watch the neck of the bottle move past me… and again… and I can suddenly almost sense that it's going to be my turn…

But to my surprise, it stops on Villager.

He wearily stands, leaving a flopping Toon Link on the ground, making his way to the centre of the room.

"Gonna get lucky, homo boy?" Diddy Kong jeers, to applause and cheers.

"We'll see," Villager replies smoothly. "Given you couldn't even handle a tiny cup, I'd say there's some good luck going spare at the moment."

Toon Link claps wildly from the floor, which causes laughter. I notice Red visibly looking away from the scene.

"Careful you don't get too drunk and try to shag one of us!" Link calls.

"I'd like to think I have a little more restraint than you," Villager utters calmly, spinning the bottle round. To his evident relief, it lands on a smaller cup, which he makes relatively easy work of, to a smattering of applause, most of all from Toon Link.

I count - only 4 cups remain. With luck, Lucas and I will be safe, though, well, I know this can only end badly. Suddenly uncomfortable, I shuffle nearer to Lucas. I don't want to drink. I've never drunk before. And even the thought of a crowd of people around me… The pressure…

The bottle is spun once more, and it lands on Red, to sniggers. But, he effortlessly makes his way to the middle.

"I just have to spin the bottle, yes?" He asks Bayonetta.

She nods, smiling. "Yes, go ahead."

"With what technique?"

There's some titters.

"Any you like," Bayonetta instructs, and Red opts for a very powerful spin, that ends up on a reasonably sized cup. Red takes it, and makes surprisingly light work of it, much to the delight of Diddy Kong and his gang. Red takes a bow, and returns neatly to his seat.

The penultimate spin - Nana. Good, that means at least one of Lucas and I are going to be safe, but of course, by dramatic coincidence, only the giant cup remains. I can't imagine forcing all that down. It makes me sick to think about.

Nana winks at Lucas, before having her drink - I think people are getting bored, as there's no applause, but I frown, suddenly mildly suspicious, as Nana blushes, her eyes awfully fixated on my best friend's face…

But now's not the time for those sorts of worries, Lucas grips tight onto my hand, as Bayonetta takes the centre.

"The best until last! Who's going to be drinking all this? Let's find out…"

The bottle is spun. I feel my heart pound, everytime it passes me - again, and again, and again, my gaze forced around, and around… Please not me. Please not me! A rising nausea starts to creep up my throat, as the bottle starts slowing, just round the last 180 degrees before me… and then there's just a right angle left, and it's still going, but, but not for long - and I can already taste it in my throat-! Lucas tenses, and I tense too. Please no - please no - all that alcohol -

It's so slow now - just a few degrees left, at least, at least it will be me, and not Lucas - I screw my eyes tight shut-

Bayonetta cheers. "The bottle has decided!"

I can already feel myself, drifting away, under the heavy weight of the drink, and I-

"Popo!"

...Huh? I open my eyes, and to my enormous relief, the bottle seems to have stopped just shy of me, and it has benevolently selected Popo instead. Crisis over! Lucas smiles divinely at me, and I hug him tight.

"Woo!" Popo cheers. "Take that, Nana!"

I suddenly realise that a drunk Popo might actually be a worse scenario, as he takes the huge cup - and it all goes down - and everyone claps wildly-!

"Oh yeah!" Popo cheers, sitting back in the circle. "That's what I'm talkin' about! Ah, I feel amazing… I could do anything!"

"Thanks for playing," Bayonetta laughs. "More games to come later, though, so please stick about!"

The circle disperses - Lucas and I make a beeline for Villager, who seems to be trying to keep Toon Link from falling over.

"Nice comebacks there," I comment.

"Problem people, the lot of them," Villager sighs. "I won't let them get to me."

"There's something wrong here," Lucas quickly informs him. "Something's not right."

"...Not right? What do you mean?"

Lucas flaps his arms nervously. "I dunno… something's off…"

"Well, I'll keep an eye out then, when I'm not babysitting this one…"

Toon Link appears to be sitting on the ground, staring at nothing at all, completely dazed.

"I'm glad I wasn't picked for that game," I comment, trying to make some conversation.

"Oh?"

"I hate drinking."

Someone turns around. "Aw, you hate drinking? Maybe you're at the wrong party… maybe you were expecting some pass the parcel, or pin the tail on the donkey?"

Someone else turns too. "Hey man, don't diss pass the parcel."

"Fairs."

"Everyone's acting really weird," Lucas realises.

Villager shrugs. "Everyone is weird."

"Everyone's had alcohol, too," I remind him. "Maybe there's nothing spooky going on. You're just not used to being around tipsy people."

He quivers, evidently unconvinced. "I guess you're right…"

Toon Link suddenly catches everyone by surprise, by throwing up all over the floor.

Bayonetta sweeps over. "Oh, first casualty? Don't worry, I'll get that cleaned up."

Villager sighs. "I might need to take him away…"

"No…" Toon Link mumbles. "I'll be fine…"

"You sure?"

He doesn't reply, instead just sitting against the wall. Villager tries to tug his shoulders, but he doesn't budge.

"Come on," Villager chides.

Toon Link screws his face up. "Nooooooooooo! I don't wanna go yet!"

"We should look around," Lucas whispers to me suddenly.

I frown. "C'mon, isn't that a bit of an invasion of privacy?"

"No, not like opening stuff, just… looking."

"But-"

"Ness, I really feel it, I really do! Something's wrong, I swear!"

He hops on one foot - evidently very distressed. I sigh. "I believe you - come on. Let's look around."

But our search is fruitless, there's not a sign of anybody doing anything suspicious, and the party moves slowly on. The atmosphere gradually shifts, as more people consume more alcohol. Ugh. People seem to be enjoying themselves, at least, but even I'm on edge now.

Villager fails to get Toon Link to move anywhere at all, but Toon Link does seem to be doing somewhat better. Maybe throwing up got rid of some of the alcohol. At the very least, he can talk in full sentences now… but it's absurd that Popo would bring something so dangerous along to a public party!

Lucas and I resign ourselves to sitting in a corner, just watching everyone go by. Link and Zelda talk animatedly, Red steals the show with his sudden swarms of impressed fans, and Pit is who-knows-where… he probably left, come to think of it. I want to leave too, but then again… that 6th sense, it tells me that I should almost certainly stay.

Nana wanders over. "You two alright? You seem… out of it."

"Yeah - yeah, fine," Lucas stammers.

"You don't seem too fine… come on, Lucas! Come join the party!"

"I don't… feel well," he lies.

"Aw… well, feel better soon."

"I'll try," Lucas says, and Nana blushes. My suspicions heighten significantly.

She sits besides us. "You know, it's actually quite nice over here…"

"Not really," I say, but she ignores me. Of course.

"I prefer it away from the crowd," Lucas admits.

Nana smiles. "Aw, I get that. But don't worry! It's alright."

I sulk. "Nana, have you had much to drink?"

"Yeah, a thing or two-"

"Lucas doesn't drink."

"...Okay? Good to know, I suppose?"

I fold my arms, feeling stupid, but I shut up nonetheless.

"Anyway," Nana continues, putting an arm around Lucas. "It'll be alright, come join everyone!

He shifts slightly. "I'm okay here, but thank you."

"Shame. If you ever wanna talk though… I'm available."

Lucas nods. "Okay. Uh, yeah. Okay."

Nana finally gets up and walks away, and I sigh. "Good."

Lucas frowns "Huh? I thought you didn't mind her?"

"She's fine."

"But-"

I hug him protectively. "She's fine."

"Oh!" Lucas exclaims, comprehension dawning on him. "You're jealous - because you think she's gonna replace you as my best friend."

I grimace. "Something like that."

"Well, she couldn't replace you, you goof. You don't need to worry."

I nod, not at all reassured. "Sorry."

"It's okay."

But we're interrupted. "Everyone! Time for our next game!" Bayonetta announces, happily.

I close my eyes for a moment, before clambering off of the ground with Lucas, to join the others, who are once again sitting in a circle.

"What do you think it's gonna be this time?" Lucas whispers to me.

I shrug. "Dunno. Better not be another drinking game."

"This is not a drinking game!" Bayonetta announces. "Though, who's enjoying the drinks?"

There's some cheers - oh dear.

"Excellent! Well, this game, is called 7 minutes of heaven - except, well, it's going to be 2 minutes, because we don't have that much patience-"

I groan. Of all of the stereotypes… and I just bet the bottle will lland on Lucas and I too, that's the kind of dumb thing that I have absolutely come to expect at this point in time.

"To those who don't know," Bayonetta explains, "a bottle will be spun, twice, and the two people the bottle lands on must enter the wardrobe… where they can do, well, whatever they like, if you know what I mean."

There's some excited whispers from the guys - Villager grumbles besides us. "Horny jocks, the lot of them."

I laugh. "One way of putting it."

"What does that mean?" Lucas asks, and I can't help but giggle at his innocence.

I pat his head. "Don't worry about it."

"Alright!" Bayonetta exclaims. "Let's spin!"

She spins the bottle around - it lands on Diddy Kong who cheers loudly, egged on by some of his friends. It's spun again, and it lands on a girl who I don't recognise. Come to think of it, I don't recognise most of the girls, except for Zelda, Bayonetta herself and Nana. I'm not even sure if I can name any of them.

"Two minutes has begun!" Bayonetta proclaims, once the pair have entered the wardrobe - and sure enough, two minutes later, the pair emerge, red faced. Hopefully, it's from embarrassment, but that's unlikely, let's face it.

I swear, I'm getting bored.

The bottle is spun again - oh, great. That was quick. It's landed on Lucas.

Lucas stands nervously. "Erm-"

Bayonetta doesn't hesitate in spinning the bottle again, and I can feel it coming for me. But no way am I going to tell Lucas how I feel inside of Bayonetta's wardrobe! Much less have our first kiss there - ooh, the thought of kissing Lucas, heh, it makes me quite dizzy - wow, that'd be… wow.

Heh.

The bottle starts to slow round the final corner - and, of course, it lands on me, because that's just how life seems to work. I stand, to some giggles.

"Ah! Ness and Lucas!" Bayonetta announces. "Sadly, no can do for this one."

"What?!" I cry out, indignantly. "What do you mean?"

There's more laughter around the room, and I blush.

Bayonetta shrugs. "What can I say? It would be illegal, and I'd rather not get you two locked up in jail. Ness, sit down, we'll spin again."

I sit, suddenly worried - who's Lucas going to be put with!? They better not hurt him - it better be someone nice! Bayonetta makes quick work of spinning the bottle and - oh no - oh no.

Nana.

A spike of jealousy strikes me, out of nowhere. It's not fair! Anyone but her! She totally likes him - and - and who knows what will happen!

I pause, trying to get my heartrate down, trying to control myself - ngh - Maybe it's good - I shouldn't be crushing on my best friend anyways! No, not crushing. In love with. Because he's perfect. But…

Villager senses my discomfort, as Lucas and Nana enter the wardrobe. "You good, Nesster?"

"I'm not freaking out," I say, without any subtlety. "But-"

"Ah, I see."

I flush. "No! No, not like - no!"

I sigh, rubbing my forehead. I don't reserve the right to hope that nothing is going on in there. That is not my place. It's not right - Lucas can do whatever he wants, and even if that involves kissing a girl, on the lips or, or doing whatever else, or-

They burst out of the wardrobe, once Bayonetta calls the two minutes to be up. Lucas hurries over, evidently very flustered.

I try to smile at him, despite the sudden weight that promises to butcher me. "Get up to much in there-?"

Lucas's eyes widen, fixed on my face. "She - she kissed me-"

Time freezes.

Time gives up completely.

This is wrong.

Villager swears besides me, and I try not to freak out - I try to stay calm - I try not to think about their lips, interlocked together, maybe with tongues-

"Cool," I utter, my throat completely dry.

It's not fair.

Just like that, just like that… That's happened.

Lucas has been kissed, and not by me.

Ness, you dirty pervert, you-

Buttercup, go die.

Bayonetta clears her throat. "Ness, since you were also chosen by the bottle, it wouldn't be fair if you were missed out… Let's spin the bottle again, to see who you'll be getting in the wardrobe with!"

My stomach lurches - there is no way in hell that this can get any worse. The bottle is rapidly spun - landing on some unfortunate girl that I don't know - and I'm being forced into the wardrobe and, and it's slammed shut, and it's dark, and, and, and-!

"You look as if you're about to throw up," says the girl, worried. "I'm not that terrifying, am I?"

I gasp for air. "Sorry. I-"

"It's alright. I'm Isabelle, who are you?"

"N-Ness, I-"

"Now, what's wrong?"

I'm surprised how easily the words flow out of my mouth. "I'm - Lucas - Lucas, he, I'm, I love him, but, but he kissed - Nana, and-"

Isabelle nods her head, understanding the dilemma. "Ah, I see. So, you're homosexual, then?"

I nod shakily.

"Ah… shame, why are all the good looking guys gay?"

I blush. "I'm not good looking-"

"Point is, well, that kinda sucks. Lucas, was that his name?"

"Yeah-"

"Well, does he know that you like him?"

I shake my head, not even entirely sure what's going on.

"Tell him, as soon as possible."

"I-I nearly did, earlier, but, but I chickened out-"

"Tell him! Before someone else does."

"But- Nana-!"

"Ah. Well, I'm sure the kiss with Nana was just a one off… but don't forget that if he's not into you, that's okay."

I nod. "Definitely! He's - he can do what he wants, and-"

The door is thrown open again, and I realise that I've just confessed some of my deepest secrets to a complete stranger. I tumble out, thanking Isabelle, who must be very confused by my dizzy state, and I make my way back over to the others, Isabelle's advice in hand. Lucas seems to be sitting, relatively motionless, on the floor, staring across at the opposite wall. His hair's still ruffled, and his cheeks still seem to have a pink flush to them.

I need to calm down, and stop being so hormonal

"Hey," I wave, quickly sitting.

"Hey," he waves back.

"That was awkward."

"What happened in there?"

I shrug. "Talked."

"Nice."

I find myself suddenly curious to find out more about the kiss, even if it does make my head spin with jealousy. "How about you though - with Nana-"

Lucas doesn't move. "Yeah... She kissed me - I wasn't really expecting it, and then..."

Villager sniggers slightly, and I glare over. "Everything good?"

He nods. "Yeah - Lucas, you might wanna tell Ness, where did Nana kiss you?"

"On that hand - why?"

…

Feeling extremely foolish, I breathe a massive sigh of relief. There had been me, imagining lips, tongues - but…

I shouldn't be so relieved. It's not right. "Did you like it?"

Lucas pulls a face. "No, it was kinda scratchy."

I hug him, beaming in spite of myself. "Shame."

"It was weird. I think you're right - she's had too much to drink."

"Yeah."

I'm an idiot!

The game ploughs on. Pair after pair get sentenced to the wardrobe, and for anyone not involved, it's quite dull. Lucas and I resign to recounting old memories, back from when everything was simpler, when there was less madness. Villager listens, intrigued, whilst Toon Link continues to lie on the floor, eventually falling asleep. Red seems to have built up quite the social following, sitting amongst all of the popular kids, chatting and laughing - it completely bemuses me. It's not like him at all. I suppose everyone is a little different when they're drunk. I imagine that I'd become quite loud and hyperactive - I'd probably try to make out with Lucas multiple times, and cause a big scene. Lucas meanwhile would probably hide from everybody.

...

Suddenly - "HELP!" Someone screams, and dizzily I stand - what's going on?! Lucas grabs my hand, and I try to focus - two people running out of the wardrobe, and behind them…

My stomach lurches. An unmistakable form - a Future Human - how can it be here?! Blood pressure rises, and there's screaming as the creature makes a lurch -

I burst into action, adrenaline colouring my vision. "Everyone, get back!"

Villager pulls Toon Link behind him, and Lucas and I run forwards. It must've been in the wardrobe - but we hadn't seen it! Both Lucas and I - we didn't even hear it! The crowd clamours behind us. I quickly take the Future Human in. It's different, again, another upgrade - it doesn't tick, anymore, that's why we didn't notice it, and - and it doesn't smell as bad, because the rotting face is covered with a metallic helmet, and-

"Placet Auxilium!"

I jump, as mass screaming comes from behind. Villager tries to shepherd everyone to the corner, whilst Lucas and I advance. We need to keep it occupied, to keep all these others safe!

"You take the left, I'll take the right," Lucas whispers, before breaking apart from me, dashing to the side. I can only do what he says. My heart pounds.

"Over here!" I shout to it - it turns around, to face me.

"Et non morieris."

I don't even quiver, as I dive to the right, to avoid a metal fist. Lucas turns swiftly, keeping behind it, keeping hidden, and I duck, as the Future Human attempts to grab me around the neck.

'Now!' Lucas mouths - and I throw myself down, sliding around it, and Lucas thrusts his hands forwards-

"PK FIRE!"

There's an almighty blast, I shield my eyes, and there's more screams - but there's no heat, no damage, but…

The burnt out creature topples to the floor, flooding the room with a flurry of smoke. Thinking quickly, Villager throws the window open, and Lucas and I exchange a victorious glance.

"Is it over?" Someone whimpers.

"It's safe, now," Lucas assures the crowd.

Instant uttering breaks out:

Did you see-?

From his hands-

It was all metal, and-

I didn't feel any warmth though, did you?

Crazy-

This must be a dream!

Breathing heavily, Lucas comes over and takes my hand. "Good work, there."

I smile, feeling pretty good about myself, all of a sudden. "Says you. You were like some kind of ninja, with all that skill."

He shrugs. "It sorta felt… natural. I dunno."

"You certainly destroyed it, though."

Lucas's gaze lingers on me, despite the nearby smouldering corpse. "We're a good team, you and me."

"You bet! We're the best team out there."

Lucas examines his bandaged arms. "I'm surprised that... considering… this…"

I grin. "You're just that awesome."

"That was - scary, though."

I ruffle his hair. "Yeah… it looked different again, did you see?"

"I did… they're slowly being… upgraded."

"But, after Saturday, Wario will be stopped. Everything's gonna be alright again."

Suddenly, the crowd surrounds us.

"How did you do-"

"What was that thing?!"

"The fire-"

"Practice for the talent show!" Villager announces, loudly. "It's a trick - with mirrors, and light, and, something-"

Too consumed by alcohol to question it, a lot of people cheer.

"That was seriously impressive-"

"Wow, for real? I was terrified-"

"Well, I wasn't scared at all-"

'They bought that?' Lucas speaks in my mind.

'Looks like it-'

Applause breaks out, and Bayonetta shakily retains her control of the situation. "I think that game is over now… and, that's our last game of the night, as it's pretty late, so… enjoy the partyl, everyone."

The crowd dissipates, as if nothing happened at all.

Lucas frowns. "Odd."

"They're mostly all drunk, or at least a bit tipsy," I remind him. "They move on fast."

Lucas prods me. "I was right. Something was odd."

I prod him back. "Howcome neither of us noticed it when we were in the wardrobe?"

"We were distracted, I guess."

Villager comes over. "That was seriously impressive, I don't even know what to say to that."

Lucas blushes. "Thanks."

"But how did one of those get in here?"

"Well, it certainly didn't come in through the door," I say lightly.

"It must've known we'd be here, and it must've shown up and hidden before the party," Villager reasons. "So, that means Wario must've somehow known about it."

My eyes widen. "You're surprisingly smart, even when you've had alcohol."

He socks me in the arm. "Enough of that. Someone has to be smart around here."

Lucas nods. "You bet."

"Heyyyy!" I whine, but it's in good humour, as Lucas softly giggles. I swear, he's trying to make me fall even deeper for him at this point.

"How's Toon Link?" Lucas asks, bracingly, glancing over at the plastered blonde.

"Dead on his feet," Villager says, seriously. "I'm not sure he even realised that a big massive evil creature had entered the room. He's just… standing there, staring at the wall."

"Maybe he just really likes walls?" I vaguely suggest.

"Maybe. C'mon, let's see if we can crack into his mind."

It's a brief walk over, and Toon Link doesn't even register our arrival. Rude.

"Hello, Earth to Toon Link," Villager waves. No response.

"Is he still alive?" I ask, and Lucas giggles again, earning himself a nuggie.

Villager tries to align himself with Toon Link's vision. "It's literally just a wall, he's staring at. Completely blank."

"Hello," Toon Link says, suddenly.

"...Hello."

"Where's Pit?"

Villager frowns. "I don't know."

"He left," I comment.

"Oh."

Toon Link stares round at Villager, and suddenly, Villager becomes very interested in his shoes. Toon Link's face appears devoid of all emotion. "I don't feel too good."

"I dare say."

"No - Villager-"

Lucas and I exchange a hasty glance.

"Villager - I don't feel so good."

"Toon Link, you're hammered. Of course you don't feel good."

"You-You don't understand!" He actually starts weeping, to the alarm of everybody.

Villager pulls him into a cautious hug. "Everything's okay, Toonie."

Toon Link buries his face into Villager's shoulder. "Help me."

"Toon Link - everything will be fine, you're just emotional because you're drunk, yeah?"

"Everything sucks."

"No it doesn't, c'mon buddy-"

Toon Link shakes with renewed sobs. "Everything sucks!"

Villager glances at us, lost, and I can only stand there, just as puzzled.

"Toon Link, maybe it's best not to talk about this when you're drunk."

"Yes. Yes, you are clever. Clever Villager. Very clever Villager."

"Come on. We should get you back to your dorm."

"But - but no! Don't leave me!"

Villager drops his voice down. "Come on. You've had a rough night. I won't leave you."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Villager turns back to us, a faint smile etched on his face. "Don't stay too long if you don't want to. I'd better keep this one under some protection."

I find myself grinning. "Yeah. See you tomorrow."

...

Lucas grabs both of my hands. "It's getting late."

I grin. "Ya think, you dork?"

He pouts. "You're mean."

"You bet."

Retreated in our little corner, Lucas takes a minute to survey the crowd. "It's getting intense out there."

I glance over, and my eyes bug out as all sorts of intense scenes meet me - people making out, people chugging copious amounts of alcohol (how haven't they run out of the stuff yet?) and a couple guys trying their hands at some quite provocative dances. "Almost as if we didn't just defeat a big monstrous beast."

Lucas glances nervously at the corpse, as if it's going to come back to life and eat us. "What do we do with that thing?"

I wave a hand. "Ah, nothing. Bayonetta will clear it up."

"Or hang it on display, knowing her."

I stifle a laugh. "Maybe."

"At least we know that the PK Fire only damages the target now."

I make a dramatic pose. "Finally! Our powers are actually useful."

"We can save the world, now."

"Pff. It doesn't need saving."

"Not yet."

There's a momentary pause, before I frown. "How do you mean?"

"Tazmily is being ravaged, as we speak. I don't want to think too much about it, but…"

"Ah, that'll all be fine."

But Lucas's voice takes a darker turn, as he stares into my eyes - blue meeting black. "Forget the Future Humans, forget that. I'm worried about what Porky is doing."

"Ew. Porky."

Lucas laughs. "Yeah. Ew. But, he's got himself a city, he's building an empire… why would he do something like that?"

"To take over the world!"

Lucas's eyes shine. "Ness, please…"

"Sorry."

"No, don't apologise. I'm just… worried, I guess."

"Well, hey. We'll stick together, right? Porky can't separate us."

Lucas hugs me, tight. "He can't separate us, ever."

I think back to being inside the wardrobe, mild embarrassment coming over me as I recall venting my secrets to Isabelle, but I remember…

'Tell him! Tell him, before someone else does!'

My breathing increases speed, and all of a sudden, the ceiling is fascinating, in fact, everywhere that isn't Lucas's face is actually super interesting.

Grow up, Ness.

Heh. Hah. Me, telling Lucas how I feel? What even is that? Is that even a thing? Impossible. What if he said no - what if he, even worse, decides we shouldn't even be best friends anymore-!

I'm an idiot. A stupid idiot. Heh. Haha.

"Ness, are you okay?"

That caring, lovable goof. Of course I'm okay, I'm with him! Everything's super okay when I'm with him. Maybe it's the late night, but I'm possessed with an absolutely beaming smile, all of a sudden. Where did this moment come from?

"Ness-"

I grin. "Lucas, Lucas, there's something that I really, really need to tell you. Hah, I can't back out now! Now I've said that, I can't back out! Take that, me!"

Good clothes - check. Hair looking alright - check. Throat not blocked up - check. Energy - I'm bursting to the seams!

Lucas frowns. "Ness, you look like you're going to explode! What's got you so worked up?"

I take his hands in mine, trying not to shake or tremble. This needs to be happy. This can't be sad. This needs to be a happy moment, and it needs to be right, if I'm really going to say…

Food, Ness. Ground yourself. Think about food. A nice steak. A good steak. Lovely, juicy steak.

Oh great, now I'm just hungry.

Why isn't there anyone to ask for advice?! Where are all the people who know about this sort of thing?! I-

"Ness, you're totally freaking out, are you okay?"

"Lucas-"

I have a sudden coughing fit, from inhaling too quickly, and Lucas has to hit me on the back.

Breathe.

Come on, you can do it, Ness.

Screw your father.

It's not that scary - it's really not-!

It is.

It's not!

Ngh~

Come on-

Just say the words-

My cheeks heat up, my body heats up.

Alright, I'll count myself in

3…

2…

1…

…

Silence.

Dammit, me! Come on, this time, let's try again-

Lucas shuffles closer to me. "Ness, you look… very nervous."

"Ye-heh-" I manage.

"You don't have to tell me anything that you don't want to."

…

Fatal words.

I hesitate. Do I want to? What would that mean? My mind drifts to more negative things - Father. He'd be so disappointed. He'd be angry. He'd be so angry to have a homosexual son. He'd hurt me - he'd hate me. Everyone would hate me! It'd be a disaster.

I'm suddenly not so sure I want to tell him anymore.

The moment - the courage has gone in just a flash. I wish I had the courage of others.

I'm disappointed in myself.

"...Ness?"

I falter. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't say what I was going to. It's a bad idea."

Lucas tenderly thumbs my palm.."...I wouldn't judge you…"

"No. No, it's my mistake - my problem."

"...Is this what you were trying to tell me earlier?"

I flounder. "Huh?"

"Earlier, you looked like you really wanted to say something, but you didn't, and you listed 12 good things about me, instead."

I nod slowly. "...Yeah. I'm sorry, it's-"

"Ness, it's okay."

"But, I'm keeping secrets, and I-"

"There's no rush. You're not entitled to share anything-"

"B-But-!"

"Ness, don't beat yourself up."

There's another pause, and I rub my head. "It's wrong. I'm wrong. I'm sorry."

"...Ness, it's late at night. We should leave this party. We should go to bed."

I moan slightly. "Bed sounds good."

"It's been a tiring day."

"...Yeah."

Lucas takes my hand, and we trawl through the door, down the stairs, and it's one of the longest walks of all time.

I got so close. I got so close to telling him that I love him and want to spend every second of my life with him, and yet, I chickened out. Again. I need help. I need advice. I don't know how I'd say it - I don't know what to do!

...I don't know if it's even right. It feels wrong. I shouldn't be lusting after my best friend.

You're disgraceful.

Torn, I roll into bed, and Lucas rolls in besides me. Even this, sleeping side by side, suddenly feels sinful, like I'm taking advantage of him. Even though he initiated it.

I don't know what to feel, anymore.

"I hope you feel better about it in the morning," Lucas whispers, wrapping tender arms around me, that I scarcely notice.

"...Yeah."

…

…

Oh God, help me.

---

A/N

Writing this took so many drafts, I'm sorry for the repeated lateness. I hope I didn't bait you out too hard there at the end…

I'll be honest here, I've not been feeling great lately. I've been trying to write, but I am getting slower, and I'm trying to combat that. I apologise if that's coming through and the writing isn't as good, or something.

Also, hopefully this wasn't too historically inaccurate, and hopefully it didn't show that I never go to any parties like this, and that I've never drunk any alcohol in my entire life-

But anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Reviews:

Guest: 'noice'

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See you all next time,

~ReadyForTeddy

(QUESTION! This isn't urgent, or important, but I was having a nose at the traffic stats, and I noticed chapter 20 (Think) has a ton of views and visitors compared to every other chapter, does anyone know why? Thanks, love u all-)