Estimated Reading Time: 20 Minutes

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Boyz Chillin

Ness pointed at himself.

Ness: "M-me?"

Toon: "YES YOU!"

Ness: "I-I'm sorry?"

Toon Link grabbed another can of beer and angrily chugged it. He then threw the empty can on the floor and got on the coffee table.

Toon: "YOU'RE A FUCKING FLAKE!"

Ness: "Uh…"

Toon: "YOU ALWAYS DO THIS SHIT!"

Lucas: "Hey, Toon I think-

Toon: "OH SHUT IT, BLONDIE!"

Lucas: "S-sorry…"

Sonic: (Damn, ok.)

Toon: "NESS, WHY THE FUCK DO YOU ALWAYS FLAKE ON YER FRIENDS?!"

Ness: "I-I didn't-

Toon: "YES YOU FUCKIN' DID!"

Ness: "I-I'm sorry."

Toon: "PICKIN' YER JOB OVER US! C'MON, MATE! WHAT ARE WE TO YA?!"

Ness: "My friends!"

Toon: "ARE WE?"

Ness: "Yes!"

Sonic: "Yeah, Ness, are we?"

Ness gave Sonic a dirty look. Why is he adding more fuel to the fire?

Sonic: "Because you could've told your JOB that you had plans with your friends every Thursday."

Ness: "You know I had to-

Sonic: "Cover a shift, right? So you would give a good impression because you're new. It's not like you lied about it or anything, right?"

Lucas knew what Sonic was talking about, but Popo and Toon were confused.

Ness: "I… *sighs* I have to confess something."

Toon and Popo raised a brow.

Popo: "Uh, what's that, broski?"

Ness: "I… Lied."

Toon: "YOU WHAT?!"

Ness: "I lied ok! I'm sorry."

Popo: "You lied that you went to cover a shift?"

Ness: "Yes…"

Toon: "MATE, WHAT THE HELL!"

Popo: "What did you really do?"

Sonic: "Tell em."

Ness: "I went to hang out with... Co-workers instead."

Toon: *Scoffs* "Are you FUCKING SERIOUS!"

Lucas: "Toon, please let him explain."

Toon: "STOP ALWAYS BEING ON HIS SIDE!"

Lucas: "I-I… Sorry."

Ness: "Toon, calm down."

Toon: "DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN! I'M PISSED!"

Ness: "I know and I apologize."

Popo: "Whoa, what?"

Ness: "I shouldn't have done that. I should've been with you guys instead."

Popo: "You chose a bunch of randos over us?"

Toon: "DON'T WE MEAN ANYTHING TO YA?!"

Ness: "You guys mean a lot to me. You're my friends, but I take you guys for granted. I-I'm sorry. I promise, I won't do it again."

Popo: "Apology accepted."

Ness: "Thanks Popo."

Lucas put his hand on Ness's shoulder. Ness glanced at him and saw the blonde smiling.

Lucas: "Thank you for telling us the truth."

Ness bit his lip and looked away. He didn't completely tell them the truth. It wasn't a bunch of co-workers he hung out with. It was with Tina and her friends. If he told them it's because of Tina, they would be even more disappointed. Especially Lucas, since he knows that the blonde has a thing for him. He didn't want to hurt his feelings and break his heart.

Toon: "FUCK YOU!"

Ness: "I'm sorry for being a shit friend. I'm still working on bettering myself. It doesn't excuse what I did, but please know that I do feel guilty."

Popo: "It's cool, broski."

Ness: "I dunno…"

He looked over at Sonic, who gave him the thumbies while staring at the ceiling. Everyone seems to have forgiven him. Well, except Toon Link.

Toon: "I AIN'T FORGIVIN' YA!"

Ness: "Toon, please-

Toon: "NO! I-I, OW! M-my head."

Popo laid Toon Link down on the couch.

Popo: "Whoa, there. Take it easy, Broski."

Toon: *Breathes heavily*

Popo put a blanket on the young swordsman. Toon Link closed his eyes and slowly drifted off into sleep.

Popo: "He's ok, guys. He just had a little bit too much to drink."

Sonic: "Damn."

Popo: "It's cool. Shit like this happens. He just needs rest."

Ness: "I'm sorry..."

Ness felt bad. He really hurt Toon Link. He didn't mean for all this to happen. He's never seen the young swordsman snap like that. He really messed up.

Popo: "You're good, broski. He got real drunk before you came over."

Ness: "I promise, I won't do that again. I'll be better."

Sonic: "The important part is that you finally told your friends the truth."

Popo: "Yeah, bro, we're cool."

Ness: "I'm sorry."

Popo: "I get it. It's scary to tell your friends the truth sometimes." *Takes a hit*

Lucas: "Yeah, especially if you think we're going to be upset."

Popo: *Coughs* "Yeah, besides, who doesn't lie from time to time."

Ness: "That's true."

Popo: "I've lied to you guys." *Coughs*

Sonic: "Same here."

Lucas: "Me too."

For once in his life, Ness allowed himself to lighten up.

Ness: "Thanks, guys."

Sonic: "For what?"

Ness: "For accepting my apology."

Popo: "Of course, Broski. We all make mistakes."

A moment of silence filled the room until Popo and Sonic looked at the blonde and chuckled.

Sonic: "Back on the lying part, it's hard to believe you would, Lucas. You're an angel."

Popo: "Bro is too innocent."

Lucas: (I'm not as innocent as you guys think…)

Ness: "Innocent? Ha! That's his charm. He's fooling you all."

Sonic: "Oh? Lucas got secrets? Spill. I wanna know."

Ness: "Hmm, tempting." *Smirks*

Lucas: "N-no! I don't know what he's talking about."

Ness: "Lucas acts all sweet and shy, but this guy is a bully."

Popo: "Whaaaat, no way."

Ness: "My poor ego. He always finds a way to destroy me."

Lucas: "No I don't!"

Lucas gently punched Ness on the shoulder.

Ness: "Ow! S-so abusive."

Sonic: "Damn, Blondie over here showing his true side."

Lucas: "W-what! No! He's overreacting."

Ness: "Aww, I could feel a bruise coming in."

Popo: "Damn, Lucas, all because Ness told a lie? *Coughs* That's cruel."

Sonic: "Yeah, you don't see us hitting him."

Ness: "My poor poor shoulder. Ow."

Lucas: "If you keep acting like this, I'll give you a real reason to say ow."

Everyone did an overexaggerated gasp.

Sonic: "Holy shit!"

Popo: "Lucas is a monster."

Lucas: "W-what! No!"

Ness: "See! His shyness is nothing but an act. He abuses me all the time behind the curtains."

Sonic: "Wow, so Lucas is the dom."

Ness and Lucas: "W-what!"

Popo: "Damn. I can never see you two the same."

Lucas: "T-that's not-

Ness: "He doesn't dom me!"

Sonic: "So you're saying that you're the dom?"

Ness: "No! No one's domming anyone!"

Sonic: "You seem quite defensive."

Popo: "Ooooh, did they two boys finally slip up?"

Ness: "I-I… Shut up!"

Popo and Sonic started laughing.

Sonic: "You are too easy to tease."

Ness: "I… *Sighs* You got me."

Popo: "Although I do kinda ship it."

Ness: "Popo…"

Popo: "Whaaat, it's cute."

Lucas: (C-cute? He thinks Ness and I would make a cute couple? I mean… I don't disagree.)

Ness rolled his eyes and chuckled. No point getting pissy. He shouldn't take these jokes seriously. It's all in good fun. He has to remember that.

The group heard Toon Link snore loudly and they all started laughing.

Sonic: "So, what should we do guys?"

Popo: "Beer games?"

Sonic: "Now that Lucas is drinking we could."

Lucas: "I'm only drinking a little. I'm not planning on getting drunk."

Sonic: "Damn."

Lucas: "Maybe next time though." *Smirks*

Popo: "Say whaaaa?"

Sonic: "Damn, ok, Lucas, I see you."

Ness: "Just don't get angry at me like Toon."

Lucas: "No promises~"

Popo and Sonic: "Ooooooh."

Ness: "Don't be surprised. This is his true face."

The group shared a good laugh.

Sonic: "Aww, but I wanna play beer games. We never get to."

Ness: "You guys can play. I don't mind."

Popo: *Takes a hit* "I mean I don't see why not."

Sonic: "Lucas, you sure you don't wanna play?"

Lucas: "I don't want Ness to feel left out."

Ness: "Don't worry, I'll have fun watching you idiots."

Sonic: "Let's fuckin' party!"

The three started playing beer pong. As Ness was watching his friends play, he started to feel depressed. Deep inside he was feeling guilty because he still technically lied to his friends. Would they ever forgive him if he ended up telling the full truth?

Lucas: *Hiccups* "N-no fair! I had that."

Sonic: "Looks like you gotta drink another shot."

Lucas grabbed the tiny glass and drank it. The party started cheering. They played a couple more rounds and unfortunately the blonde kept going. Everyone else kept pushing him, but Ness's over protectiveness took over.

Ness: "Ok, guys, I think he's had enough."

Popo: "Whaaat! Nah, let's keep playin'."

Sonic: "The night's still young!"

Ness grabbed Lucas's arm and pulled him close.

Ness: "No, no. I'm taking him back."

Sonic: "Aww c'mon."

Ness: "You're all drunk. You guys should be laying down."

Popo: "I ain't drunk."

Ness: "Yes, you are."

Sonic: "This is nothin'!"

Ness: "Sorry if I'm being a wet blanket, but you guys don't look ok."

He grabbed Popo and led him to his bed which was in the same room because everyone's place is a studio except the smashers that could afford the one bedroom.

Popo: "Dude, I'm not tired."

Ness: "You can barely stand."

Ness gently pushed Popo onto his bed and threw the blanket over him. He then went over to Sonic and picked him up.

Sonic: "Hey! Put me down!"

Ness: "This is for your own good."

He placed Sonic onto the love seat. He scanned the area and saw a blanket on the floor. He picked it up and put it over the now sleepy hedgehog.

Ness: "Ok, Lucas, let's take you back to your room."

Lucas: "No!"

Ness: "There's no space for you to sleep here. Unfortunately you gotta go back."

Lucas: "No."

Ness rolled his eyes and grabbed Lucas's hand. He turned off the light and together they left Popo's studio.

It was a long walk back to the blonde's room, but they finally made it. Ness walked him over to the bed and gently laid him down.

Ness: "Ok, well, I'll see you tomorrow."

Ness turned away and was about to walk to the door, but Lucas immediately grabbed his arm tight.

Ness: "!"

Lucas: "Nooo! Don't go." *Hiccups*

Ness: "B-but-

Lucas: "Nooooo stay!"

Ness wanted to sleep alone tonight. He didn't want to be around the person he'd just lied to twice. If he does stay, the shame will only get worse.

Lucas: "Please, stay. I don't want to be alone."

Ness: "Lucas, I'm exhausted. I think I should head back."

Lucas: "Then sleep heeeerre."

Ness: "I…"

Lucas gave him the puppy eyes. Ness blushed. Wait, why is does he feel flus-

Lucas: "Pweeaaase." *Hiccups*

Lucas grabbed Ness's shirt and pulled him into the bed.

Ness: "Ah! H-hey!"

Lucas would not let go. He hugged him tight and smiled brightly. Ness felt awkward. He's not used to Lucas being so touchy. Although, he has to remember that the blonde is drunk.

Lucas: "Don't leaaaave."

Ness: "Ok, I won't."

Lucas buried his face on his friend's chest and started to cry. Ness awkwardly patted his back.

Ness: "You ok?"

Lucas: "No." *Sniffs*

Ness: "What's wrong?"

Lucas groaned and continued to cry.

Ness: "You can tell me. I won't judge. I promise."

Lucas: ["I did a bad."]

Ness: "What?"

Lucas: "Nooo…" *Hiccups*

Ness: "What did you do?"

Lucas: "I… ["No…"]

Ness: "It's ok. You don't have to tell me."

Lucas: "No." *Sniffs*

He gripped onto Ness's shirt tightly and continued to cry on his shoulder. Ness didn't know what to do except continue to pat his back. They sat there in silence for a while until Lucas finally spoke.

Lucas: "I'm sorry."

Ness: "Aww, Lucas, you're ok. I'm not mad."

Lucas: "I'm sleepy."

Ness: "Let's go to bed then."

Ness laid Lucas down. He wanted to leave, but he felt guilty leaving his friend all alone when he promised he would stay. He took off both of their shoes because shoes in the bed is cursed. He put the shoes in the shoe rack. He went over back to the bed and laid on his back staring at the ceiling.

He wondered what Lucas was trying to tell him. What did he mean by he did a bad? He turned off the lamp and closed his eyes. He was thinking about the party and how he lied. God, he's the worst friend. He should've told them the full truth, but it's scary. His anxiety took over and he couldn't. Gah! Why are friends so complicated?

He thought about his best friend Lucas. He wondered if his friend drank because of him. They still haven't talked about their feelings. He wanted to, but what happens if Ness tells him that he's not interested and Lucas doesn't want to be his friend anymore? He can't live without him. They're inseparable. Lucas is his everything. He didn't want to lose his best friend.

Ness combed his bangs back with his hand and let out a frustrated sigh. This isn't fair to Lucas. He's hurting.

He wished things could go back to normal. He wished that Leaf didn't hate him. He wished that Lucas wasn't sad, but he has been, huh? Ness finally woke up thanks to Nate.

His mind continued to spiral downwards until he finally fell asleep

The Next Day…

Shy Blonde

Ness woke up and saw that Lucas wasn't there. He wasn't worried. This is normal every time they sleep together. Lucas would always get up first and head to the cafe to get them breakfast. Or should he say brunch. It was almost twelve in the afternoon.

He stretched his limbs and yawned. He sat up and put his hat on. He heard the door open and saw Lucas coming in with bag food.

Lucas: "I got us brunch."

Ness: "Thanks!"

They both sat on the floor in front of the coffee table and started eating.

Ness: "How are you feeling?"

Lucas: "I woke up with a horrible headache."

Ness: "Yeah, alcohol will do that to you."

Lucas: "I know. I'm sorry I drank last night. I didn't know what came over me."

Ness: "Yeah…"

Lucas: "S-sorry. I shouldn't have."

Ness: "You're ok. You have every right to drink. Don't let me get in the way of your fun."

Lucas: "You're not upset?"

Ness: "No. But… Um…"

Lucas: (He's upset.) "I'm sorry."

Ness: "I was thinking last night."

Lucas: "About what?"

Ness: "You got pretty drunk and I was thinking as to why you drank so much."

Lucas: "I-I'm sorry."

Ness: "I think it's my fault."

Lucas: "W-what! No, it's not you."

Ness: "Lucas, do I… Do I make you happy?"

Lucas: "Yes!"

Ness: "Are you sure? I tend to be an asshole and I flaked out on you guys."

Lucas: "We all make mistakes."

Ness: "But I do this all the time."

Lucas: "At least you're aware of your mistakes. Before you would've never thought about this and continue to talk about whatever else."

Ness: "I'm trying to be better. I really am."

Lucas: "I can tell and I appreciate you for that."

Ness: "But I'm still shit."

Lucas: "No, don't say that. Progress takes time."

Ness: "I know, but I don't want to keep making mistakes and making my friends upset."

Lucas: "You won't be perfect overnight. It takes a while. Give yourself credit."

Ness: "I know. I'm sorry. I just feel guilty. Toon was really mad. I've never seen him that angry before."

Lucas: "I was shocked too."

Ness: "Even Popo was a little upset."

Lucas: "We all forgave you."

Ness: "I still feel bad."

Lucas: "All you can do is move and keep showing up every Thursday. We love it when you're around."

Ness: "Yeah, but why?"

Lucas: "Because you're fun."

Ness: "Not as fun as Nate."

Oops. He didn't mean to say that. It slipped out. He didn't want to bring Nate up around Lucas.

Ness: "S-sorry, I didn't-

Lucas pulled Ness into a hug.

Ness: "!"

Lucas: "Don't say that. It's not true. We all love being around you because you're you! You're fun to be around and I love seeing you and Sonic banter. I love that you're fun to poke fun at because you have the funniest reactions. I love that you plan things ahead and that you're over prepared. I love listening to you rant about your favorite video games. I love that I kick your ass in Street Fighter and you don't give up and keep trying to find ways to beat me even though you can't."

Ness: "Hey!"

Lucas: "I love that now you're trying to improve. You're trying to be more outgoing and it's nice seeing you hang out with the group. I've noticed that you've been smiling more and seeing you smile makes me incredibly happy. You have no idea."

Ness: "I-I…"

Lucas pulled away and smiled a bright smile at his friend. Ness went from feeling down to unbelievably happy. Hearing all that from Lucas was overwhelming. He didn't know how to process it. They never talked like this before.

Could this mean that they're getting closer? He didn't exactly trust Lucas one hundred percent, but the percentage is getting higher. He should tell Lucas the full truth. The real reason why he flaked out on them last Thursday.

Ness: "Lucas, I-