Estimated Reading Time: 22 Minutes

.

Boyz Chillin

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Ness turned off his alarm on his phone. He laid there for an extra twenty minutes and then finally got up. He put on a sweater and a shirt over it with baggy jeans.

He went over to his mini fridge and gave Lucky wet Pokemon food. Lucky happily ate. He smiled watching his adorable Pokemon eat and actually enjoyed it. Was he being abusive feeding his Pokemon dry kibble? He thought it was normal, but seeing how happy Lucky is made him think that he was being a bad owner.

He went over to his bathroom. He took a shower and brushed his teeth. He felt fresh and ready to start his day.

He took out his phone and went through his contacts. His immediate thought was to text Lucas, but he remembered what happened last Thursday. He felt bad and wanted to have some closure with Toon Link.

[- Toon Link

Calling Toon Link…

.

.

Toon: "Yello?"

Ness: "Heyyy. Uh, so last hang out was kinda nuts, huh?"

Toon: "Yeah…"

Ness: "Look, I wanted to talk to you in person."

Toon: "Really?"

Ness: "You were drunk and I wanted to apologize to you now that you're sober."

Toon: "Wow, I uh, didn't expect that from you."

Ness: "Can I come over?"

Toon: "Yeah."

Ness: "Ok, I'll be on my way."

Click!

Alright, he has to mentally prepare for this. He didn't want to go, but he's trying to be a better person. He returned Lucky inside the ball and left his place.

As he was walking down the hall, he saw Lucas. The blonde's face brightened and he ran up to him.

Lucas: "Hey! I was just about to knock on your door."

Ness: "Oh, hi!"

Lucas: "Want to go on that adventure? I found a good place."

Ness: "Right now?"

Lucas: "It doesn't have to be. We can go later tonight."

Ness: "Where is this place?"

Lucas: "I found a cool trail in the lost woods."

Ness: "Are you trying to get us lost?"

Lucas: "Despite it being called the lost woods, we won't get lost. It's a good trail."

Ness didn't want to go anywhere near the woods because of his trauma in Melee Mountain. The scenery will trigger him, but he also didn't want to let Lucas down. Maybe he can suggest something else.

Ness: "Well… I…"

Lucas frowned.

Lucas: "We don't have to."

Ness: "It sounds like a fun idea, but I don't know if I'm ready to go to the woods."

Lucas: "Oh, is it because…"

Ness: "Y-yeah."

Lucas: "That's ok, we can go somewhere else."

Ness: "Are you sure?"

Lucas: "Yeah, I'll have to think of another place. Oh, actually I think you should decide."

Ness: "No, I always decide. You should this time."

Lucas: "I don't mind you deciding."

Ness: "I don't want to seem controlling."

Lucas: "You're not controlling. I don't want you to go to a place that will trigger you like the lost woods for example."

Ness: "Ok, I'll think of a place."

Lucas: "Cool."

Ness: "Alright, well, I'll see you later."

Lucas: "What? Where are you going?"

Ness: "Oh, uh… I'm going to Toon's."

Lucas: "To Toon's? That's odd. You never go out of your way to see him."

Ness: "I want to see how he's doing."

Lucas: "Right, he collapsed last Thursday."

Ness: "Exactly."

Lucas: "Alright, let's go."

Ness: "Let's?"

Lucas: "Yeah. Let's see if he's doing ok."

Ness: "Oh, uh, no."

Lucas: "No?"

Ness: "See, I was going to visit him alone."

Lucas: "Why?"

Ness: "Because I wanted to apologize to him."

Lucas: "Again?"

Ness: "Well he wasn't really sentient to understand what I was trying to say."

Lucas: "Oh."

Ness: "Yeah, I want to talk to him alone about it."

Lucas: "Ok, well, I'll be waiting for you in my room."

Ness: "You're not upset, right?"

Lucas: "No, I understand."

Ness: "Ok, sorry."

Lucas: "It's ok. See you soon."

Lucas was secretly upset. The way Ness was acting right there was a little strange. It sounded like he was hiding something from him. It was his tone. He was being awkward about it too.

No he's reading too much into it. Toon Link was upset with Ness in particular. He wants to formally apologize to him. He gets it. With that, Lucas went to his room and played Street Fighter.

Ness finally arrived at Toon Link's. He knocked on the door and the blonde swordsman let him in. Wow, his room has changed a lot since that last time he's been here. In fact, when was the last time he visited Toon's place? It's been years. Wow, it's been years. He's such a bad friend…

Toon Link and Ness sat on the couch together. There was an awkward silence for a bit until Toon decided to speak.

Toon: "So, how's it goin', Mate?"

Ness: "Listen, Toon, I'm sorry that I flaked out on you guys."

Toon: "..."

Ness: "It wasn't cool of me."

Toon: "It's ok."

Ness: "No, it's not ok. I've been a bad friend. I promise, I won't flake out on you guys again."

Toon: "Ness…"

Ness: "Yeah?"

Toon: "What happened, Mate?"

Ness: "What do you mean?"

Toon Link balled up his fists and looked down on the floor. He could feel his anger rise, however it wasn't as bad as last Thursday. This time he can actually tell Ness how he feels without blowing up.

Toon: "We used to be close."

Ness: "..."

Toon: "We used to hang out all the time. You were my best friend. Then suddenly we became distant."

Ness: "Distant? No, we still hang out."

Toon: "Once you turned sixteen, you stopped coming to my place. All you wanted to do was hang out with Lucas. Why him, Mate? I-I WAS YOUR FRIEND FIRST!"

Ness flinched when he screamed at him.

Toon: "WE WERE… S-sorry."

Ness: "Don't apologize. I deserve it."

Toon: "I just… What makes him better than me?"

Ness: "I'm… Sorry."

Toon: "Even with Lucas, you still ignored him sometimes and did your own thing. What happened to you?"

Ness: "I don't know."

Toon: "You used to be outgoin'."

Ness: "I know…"

Toon: "YOU were the one that went over to my place to hang out."

Ness: "Yeah…"

Toon: "Why did it stop?"

Ness: "I don't know."

Toon: "And for once you finally ask to come over and it's to fucking apologize so that you could feel better!"

Ness: "N-no, that's not why."

Toon: "Then why else are you here, huh? To hang out? To chill like the old days?"

Toon Link is right. The only reason why he's here is because he wanted to apologize. He wanted to be a good friend and admit his wrongdoings. If it wasn't for Toon Link blowing up on him, he would be spending time with Lucas.

Ness: "I… You're right."

Toon Link was caught off guard. He could've sworn that Ness would try to defend himself. It's good that he's owning up to it, but it also made him upset that he was right about Ness's intentions.

Ness: "I'm a bad friend."

Toon: "You can say that again."

Ness: "I'm selfish, stubborn, a flake, and stupid."

Toon: "..."

Ness: "The truth is I didn't even want to hang out every Thursday. Sonic was the one that pushed me to go."

Toon: "Figures."

Ness: "But I did end up having a good time! I-I do want to have friends. I want to become outgoing again."

Toon: "You do?"

Ness: "I do. I miss having friends."

Toon: "..."

Ness: "I promise, Toon. I'm going to change. I'll try to be better. It'll take a while, so will you please be patient with me?"

Ness extended his hand out for a handshake. Toon Link felt the tears in his eyes build up. He slapped Ness's hand away and instead pulled him into a hug. The psychic was caught off guard and awkwardly hugged him back.

Toon: ["You better not flake again."]

Ness: ["I promise I won't."]

Toon Link pulled away. Ness saw that he was crying tears of joy.

Ness: "Are we cool now?"

Toon: "We're cool, Mate."

Ness: "Um, so Lucas and I are thinking of going somewhere tonight if you want to join."

Toon: "I would, but actually Popo and I are gonna go to a restaurant together."

Ness: "A date."

Toon: "D-don't say it like that!"

Ness: "Mkay, well, I hope your date with Popo goes well."

Toon: "It's not a date!"

Ness chuckled to himself and left. As he was walking down the hallway heading to Lucas's place, Tina texted him.

.

Melodic Discord

[- Tina

DM

Tina: nessssss

Ness: Oh, hi!

Tina: watcha up to rn

Ness: I'm thinking of a place to go with Lucas later.

Tina: im super fkin bord rn

Tina: can i come

Ness: You want to hang out with us tonight?!

Tina: ya dude

Ness: Yes! It'll be so much fun!

Tina: FCK YA DUDE

Ness: Where are you right now?

Tina: in my room

Ness: Want me to get you?

Tina: ya

…

Ness felt a burst of serotonin through his veins. This is a perfect opportunity for Lucas and Tina to get to know each other. Maybe if he mentions Tina in the future, it'll be less awkward or he doesn't have to feel as bad because hopefully today they will become friends too.

He turned around and ran to Tina's room. He knocked on her door. She answered. He gawked at her cute outfit. She was wearing a tank top with booty denim shorts. God, she's so hot!

Tina: "Like what you see?"

Ness: "Huh? Oh! Uh, haha… I wasn't you know trying to... Haha... I-I like your outfit."

Tina: "I like yours too."

Ness: "Oh! Haha! T-thank you." *Blushes*

Tina: "Anyway, let's surprise your boyfriend."

Ness: "B-boyfriend?!"

Tina: "Ya dude. Let's go pick up your cute boyfriend."

Ness: "Hahaha! You're funny."

He playfully elbowed her.

Tina: "I know."

As the two were heading to Lucas's place, they started chatting.

Ness: "Hey, so uh, I'm actually not sure where to go to hang out."

Tina: "There's a farmer's market going on at the smash plaza."

Ness: "Oh! I've been there once."

Tina: "Only once?"

Ness: "Yeah, I don't go out much."

Tina: "Riiight, you're a house cat."

He raised a brow and chuckled.

Ness: "House cat?"

Tina: "A cute lil kitty cat."

She patted the back of his head. His heart skipped a beat when she touched him.

Tina: "So kitty cat, what do you say? Wanna go there?"

Ness: "Y-yes!"

The two finally made it to Lucas's place. Ness knocked on his door. He had a smile on his face when he answered until he saw Tina.

Lucas: "O-oh. Hi."

Tina: "Wassup, blondie."

Ness: "Hey, Lucas! We found a place."

Lucas: "Oh yeah?"

Ness: "Yeah, Tina wants to go to the smash plaza."

Tina: "There's a farmer's market goin' on."

Ness: "What time does it end?"

Tina: "There's the farmer's market and then there's the midnight market."

Ness: "Midnight market?"

Tina: "Ya, it goes on until like two in the morning."

Ness: "That sounds fun."

Tina: "Midnight market isn't today unfortunately. Only during the fall."

Ness: "Aww."

Tina: "The farmer's market closes at seven I believe."

Ness: "What time is it now?"

Tina took out her phone and checked the time.

Tina: "It's three. We got four hours."

Ness: "Perfect! Lucas, how does that sound?"

Lucas: "It sounds… Great…"

Ness: "Nice! Alright, let's go."

Lucas, Tina, and Ness made their way over to the farmer's market. There were lots of cool vendors everywhere. It reminded Ness of the time when he went there with Lucky. Aww, that's right! Lucky was still an Eevee at the time.

He sent out Lucky. The Espeon looked at the place with stars in his eyes.

Ness: "Remember when we stayed at that motel?"

He pointed at the location. Lucky saw it and smiled.

Lucky: "Espiii!"

Ness: "You ate my sandwich."

Lucky: "Espeon!"

Tina: "What a rascal."

Ness: "I hid here in the smash plaza for a couple days while Mario was planning his schemes."

Tina: "That's fuckin' metal."

Ness: "It was crazy. Never thought I'd be a fugitive."

Tina: "Fugitive?"

Ness: "Yeah. Mario was after me. I couldn't just waltz in there without a plan."

Tina: "True, plus your clone was there, right?"

Ness: "Yeah, no one would've believed that I was the real Ness at the time."

Tina: "That dude looks exactly like you. I don't think I would've believed you either."

Ness: "It's ok. I don't blame you. I think we're the exact same when it comes to physical appearance."

Tina: "Everything the same?"

Ness: "I'm pretty sure, yeah."

Tina bit her lip and glanced at his crotch. Ness didn't notice but Lucas sure did. He gave Tina a mean look and frowned. It looks like she likes him too.

Tina: "That's good to know~"

Ness: "Around that time I was extremely stressed. The most stressed I've ever been."

Tina: "I bet."

Ness saw the vendor where he bought Lucas the adorable bread plushie. He tapped on the blonde's shoulder and pointed at it.

Ness: "Look! That's where I got you that bread plushie."

Lucas: "Oh!"

The three walked over to the vendor and stared at all the cute plushies. Ness saw the bread one and picked it up.

Ness: "I thought this was the cutest."

Lucas: "It is!"

Ness: "I couldn't help but think this was so you."

Lucas: "You thought about me in your most stressful moment?"

Tina: "You know he did~ This guy fuckin' loves ya."

Lucas blushed. He held his elbow and did a shy pose. Ness thought about him despite all the stress he was feeling.

Ness: "I couldn't help it. Doesn't it scream Lucas?"

Tina: "It really does~"

Lucas: "Haha… I guess so."

Tina grabbed the plushie from him and rubbed it against her cheek.

Tina: "It's sooo soft. Lucas you're lucky."

Lucas smiled. He felt so special. This was something that Ness thought of Lucas specifically. The bread plushie is so cute. Does this mean that maybe Ness might think that he's-

Ness: "I can buy it for you!"

Tina: "Whaaat. Shut up."

Ness: "I can!"

Tina: "Nah, you don't gotta do that."

Ness: "I want to. Here."

He grabbed the bread plushie from her and gave it to the cashier to scan. The cashier scanned it and put it in a cute paper bag. Ness handed it to her and she squealed in delight. She gave him a big hug and Lucas saw that Ness was blushing. He could feel his tears building up, but he held them back and forced a smile.

Tina: "Aww, Ness, you're so sweet~"

Ness: "Haha… I try."

Tina: "I need to get you somethin' now."

Ness: "No, you don't have to do that."

Tina: "I want to." *Winks*

His heart was thumping. She's so cute and kind. She's so perfect!

Tina went over to a boba vendor. The two boys followed her.

Tina: "I'm orderin' it for both of ya."

Lucas: "Thank you."

Ness: "Tina, you're the best!"

Tina: "I know~ Now tell em what you guys want."

Ness: "Can I have matcha?"

Cashier: "Certainly. Anything else?"

Lucas: "I'll take banana strawberry."

Tina: "Gimme cookies and cream."

Cashier: "Of course. Your total is $27.18."

Tina paid and the cashier handed them their drinks.

Ness: "Thank you!"

Lucas: "Thank you."

Tina: "No problem, guys."

Ness and Tina did most of the chatting while Lucas kept quiet walking behind them.

?: "Ness, is that you?"

The trio turned to where they heard the voice. Ness immediately recognized the guy.

Ness: "Ninten!"

Ninten: "Hey, Ness! I missed you! How's it going?"

Ness: "It's going well. How about yourself?"

Ninten: "Loving life."

Ness: "That's good! How's Ana?"

Ninten: "Everyday with Ana is a blessing."

Ness: "I'm glad."

Ninten: "Oh hi, Lucas!"

Lucas: "Hi."

He extended his hand for a handshake. Lucas awkwardly shook his hand. It's weird seeing Ninten. He looks so similar to Ness. They legit looked like siblings.

Ninten: "And who's this lovely lady?"

Tina: "The name's Tina."

He shook her hand.

Ninten: "Nice to meet you. I'm Ninten."

Tina: "Nice to meet you too, bro."

Ness: "Are you busking?"

Ninten: "You bet I am!"

Ness: "Oh! By the way, here's your yo-yo back."

Ness dug in his rucksack and pulled the yo-yo out.

Ninten: "Nah, I don't need it. It's my gift to you."

Ness: "Oh! Thank you."

Tina: "Wait, you busk?"

Ninten: "That I do~"

Tina: "What do you play?"

Ninten took out his ocarina.

Ninten: "This."

Tina: "Can I hold it?"

Ninten: "Of course~"

He handed it to her. She happily took and examined it.

Tina: "Wow, you and Young Link should play together."

Ninten: "I've never had a chance to talk to him. He doesn't come here."

Tina: "Come to the mansion."

Ninten: "Haha~ You're right. Maybe I should."

Tina: "Ok, I can't anymore. I have to say it."

Ninten: "Say what?"

Tina: "You and Ness look so alike."

Ninten: "Hahaha~! Yes we do."

Ness: "Yeaaaah. Except Ninten is cuter."

Ninten: "Aww, shucks, Ness. You me blush, but I think you're the cuter one."

Ness: *Blushes* "Ah... Haha... T-thanks."

Tina: "Do you put gel in your hair?"

Ninten: "I do!"

Tina: "I like it~"

Ninten: "Thanks! But I can't beat Ness's adorable fluffy hair."

Tina took off Ness's hat and roughed up his hair.

Ness: "Ah!"

Tina: "It is cute."

Ness: "Huh?" *Blushes harder*

Ninten: "My hair can't get like that. It's too spiky."

Tina: "Yours is stylish. Love it! Anyway, why don't you play a song for us?"

Ninten: "Of course."

Ninten played a short song for them. When he was finished he bowed and the trio did a round of applause.

Tina: "That was pretty good."

Ninten: "Thank you~"

Ness: "Yeah, that was awesome!"

Ninten: "Thank you, thank you."

Ness: "Anyway, we're gonna go. It was nice seeing you, Ninten."

Ninten: "Yes! It was nice seeing you. Drop by anytime!"

The trio waved goodbye and continued to window shop. They did that for a while until it hit seven pm. They took the train.

Tina: "It was nice seeing your friend."

Ness: "Ninten is pretty cool, huh?"

Tina: "He's talented. I loved hearing him play."

Ness: "Yeah, he's been playing that ocarina for a long time."

Tina: "I wonder who's better, him or Young Link."

Ness: "I kind of want to see them have an ocarina duel."

Tina: "Saaame. Music battles are so fun to watch."

Ness: "What do you think, Lucas?"

Lucas: "Wha?"

Ness: "Who do you think is better at the ocarina?"

Lucas: "Oh, uh, I'm not sure."

Tina: "Guess we gotta hear it to judge."

Their destination finally arrived. They got off the bus and walked back to the mansion.

Tina: "Who are we dropping who off first?"

Ness: "Um, we can drop you off first if you like."

Tina: "Nah, I'm gonna be the last one out. Gotta protect my two princesses."

Lucas: "Princess?"

Ness: "Yeah, we're her princesses."

Tina: "Mhm, my two princesses need their knight in shining armor."

Lucas: "Oh."

Tina: "Let's drop you off first." *Points at Lucas*

Lucas: "Me?"

Tina: "Ya dude."

Ness: "It's settled."

The trio walked over to Lucas's door.

Ness: "That was fun."

Lucas: "Yeah, it was."

Ness: "I'm glad the three of us were able to hang out together."

Tina: "It was awesome. We should def do this again."

Lucas: "Y-yeah…"

Tina grabbed Lucas's arm and pulled him closer.

Tina: "I like ya, blondie. You're fuckin chill."

Lucas: "T-thanks."

She let Lucas go. He went to his room and waved them goodbye. As he was closing the door, he peeked a little and saw Tina and Ness chatting away. He looked happy… It made Lucas jealous.

He sighed and shut the door. He changed to comfier clothes and brushed his teeth. When he plopped on his bed, he noticed the bread plushie next to him. He picked it up. This present didn't seem so special anymore. He tossed it to the floor. He stared at the ceiling and he could feel the tears building up again. He tried to fight it, but it came pouring down.

Lucas: "Ness... W-why..." *Sobs*