Snow fell in a downward spiral, blanketing the world in a gleaming coat of white as Ness reclined back on the couch, studying the outside quietly. A soft fleece blanket was pulled around him, making him quite comfortable. It seemed as though he had no reason to be discontented, but a small sigh escaped him nonetheless as he stared out the window, looking at the picturesque scenery but not truly seeing it.

Link, of all people, noticed Ness's strange mood first. Lightly tapping him on the shoulder from his position beside him on the couch, he tilted his head and made a small, questioning noise.

"Oh, uh, I'm fine. Just thinking about some stuff." Ness replied, reading the questioning emotions coming from the Hylian.

"What kind of stuff?" Samus asked, looking up from her book. She was situated in the right recliner.

"I don't know... I guess I'm feeling kind of homesick." The psychic admitted after a moment of silence. "I miss my mom and my sister. It's been a long time since I've seen either of them, and I know I can call them or write them, but it's just not the same as being able to see them face to face." He fidgeted with his blanket for a moment, looking downcast. "And I miss my dad too, but I'm pretty used to that feeling. I haven't actually seen my dad in what, two years? He promised to come home for my 14th birthday. But," Ness gave a moody shrug, "He wasn't able to make it. It's ok. I'm used to him not keeping his promises." After a moment he shook his head. "Sorry. That sounded super bitter."

Pikachu, who had been curled up in the left recliner, raised his head and sprang down to the floor. He walked over to Ness and jumped up in his lap, touching his cheek with his nose. The electric mouse was careful to not shock him. Running his hand lightly through Pikachu's fur, he smiled faintly. "Thanks." He spoke softly. "Do you have a family, Pikachu?"

"Pika! Kapi-ka!" He squeaked back, affirming Ness's question. Amid the rodent's thoughts, he caught a glimpse of a memory. A lush, green forest, carrying the smell of clean air and the sound of animalistic cries he had never heard before. He saw Pikachu in the memory, playing with what looked to be a baby Pikachu, and instinctively, Ness knew they were brothers. The memory faded from his mind's eye as Pikachu made a tiny noise of happiness.

"Well, does he?" Samus asked.

"Yeah." He replied with a nod. "A little brother." It was clear Ness's instinct about the two's relationship was accurate as Pikachu made a noise that almost sounded like purring. Leaning back, he glanced at Link. "What about you? Got any folks back home?"

Link shook his head no. "They died when I was young. There was a war. My mother fled with me into the woods, but her injuries were too bad and she died." His voice was quiet, as it always was when Link chose to talk, but it seemed even softer now. Ness could sense his emotions - Link had clearly accepted this event long ago, and didn't have much trouble talking about it, probably since it happened when he was a small child. That didn't mean that he was unemotional to it, however - there was sadness lurking behind those words.

Samus lowered her head in sympathy. "I know the feeling." She admitted quietly after a moment. "I was three years old when my parents died. Space pirates invaded and my mother died creating a diversion so I could get away." The emotions Ness caught here were intense - much stronger than any others from Samus he had ever picked up on. Grief was one, heavy as a stone. The other was a hatred so strong and so bitter it almost made Ness gag. He feared what he would see if he tried to follow those emotions and see their source in memory - something that was hard for him to do with humanoids anyway. Regardless, Ness could mentally see one image in his head - a strange, monstrous beast, with gleaming eyes that showed a sickening bloodthirst. Forcing mental shields up to block out emotion and memory, the psychic took a minute to compose himself.

"I'm so, so sorry." He managed after a moment. "I feel so stupid now, complaining about my father. At least he's alive..."

"Don't feel stupid." Samus said, turning her head to look Ness in the eyes. "You're allowed to feel upset with him. He may be alive, but he still should be there for you."

"...I guess you're right, but I still feel bad." Ness mumbled, staring at the snow again.

Link seemed thoughtful for a moment, debating whether to speak or not. Finally deciding to give voice to his thoughts, he looked at Ness as well. "...don't have family back home...but I do here." Taking Ness's raised eyebrows as a cue to keep talking, he carried on. "We're like a family. A big, chaotic family."

"You're all my brothers." Samus confirmed with a small smile at Link's words. She seemed to like his take on their living situation. "I don't think it's possible to live this long in close proximity to all of you without declaring you my brothers at some point, so guess I'm doing that now." She chuckled softly.

"Wonderful. I've gained an additional 11 siblings. I mean, there were times I wished I wasn't the oldest child in my family...guess I got my wish!" Ness laughed warmly at the thought.

"Gained? You've had us for a while now." Samus remarked. "I mean, we're the Super Smash Brothers, aren't we?"

"True." Ness replied, Pikachu squeaking his confirmation too. "A family of 12 people who literally beat each other up on the daily. I mean, I know there's a thing called sibling rivalry...but this takes it to the next level!" He grinned widely, barely restraining a laugh.

"Hold on - you're forgetting someone in our family." Samus spoke, holding up her right hand.

"Master Hand! Of course!" The psychic brightly agreed. "If we're the Smash Brothers, is he the father?"

Link nodded, a grin on his lips. Samus raised an eyebrow, barely hiding her own smile. "Come on, Ness, think logically - can you really have a tournament with a bunch of intetgalactically renowned fighters and not become their father?" Ness burst out laughing at that.

"I'd say it's pretty easy to avoid doing that, actually. Or do you frequently have that problem yourself?"

"Oh, all the time. Don't you know? I often hold tournaments, and I just can't stop myself from going full on paternal." The sarcasm was mirthful as Samus spoke, evidently having fun with their subject.

Pikachu squeaked out a question which stopped Ness's laughter. "Pikachu just asked who our mom is if Master Hand is our father." He mused. Suddenly the psychic's violet eyes went wide as a thought struck him. "Oh my gosh - is there a Mistress Hand in the picture?"

Link and Samus both lost it, laughing at the mere mental image such a name invoked. "Can you imagine?" Ness continued, thoroughly entertained. "Just picture their dates! Would hand-holding be like a hug to them or something?" Pikachu cried out with amusement, nearly falling off Ness's lap. "What if they got engaged? Imagine the size of that ring!"

"Stop, you're killing my sides!" Samus tried to catch her breath. It wasn't often Ness saw her so amused - especially to the point of laughing so hard. After the gloomy topic of earlier, he felt a bit of pride that he could turn the mood around.

"I don't feel so homesick now." He said after the laughter died down. "I mean, how could I? This place is my home just as much as Onett is - and you're my family. Doesn't matter it's not by blood."

"You should still call your mom." Samus advised. "I'm sure she misses you."

"I will." He smiled. Pikachu crawled into Link's lap as Ness got up, shoving aside his blanket and stretching. "Thanks, guys."

"No problem. What's family for, but to help each other?" Samus spoke as she picked up her book again.

"True." As he headed out of the living room to where the phone in the hallway was located, he felt peaceful, all discontent gone.

Maybe I just needed a mind shift, after all.

I had this idea at around midnight and it wouldn't go away, so as soon as I had time I wrote it. I think it turned out really cute!

I've never played Metroid and the last time I played Ocarina of Time was eight years ago. I hope it's not too obvious - I spent an hour reading up on both to try to be accurate. Metroid seems fascinating- maybe I should play the series... I used to watch my older brother play, and it seemed cool.

I can't believe the amount of support this fanfic has gained in the past year. Why do you guys like my writing so much? Regardless, I am so glad I get to share my interpretation of these characters with you. Your ongoing support means the world to me, and for all those who continue to support me, I thank you.

I admit - I LOVE doing more serious chapters. I hope I get the opportunity to do more of them.

Thank you so much for reading!

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-EBC