Estimated Reading Time: 23 Mintues

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Leafstorm

Tina stirred awake, her vision still hazy as she blinked away the remnants of sleep. She rolled onto her side, expecting to find Ness beside her, but the bed was empty. A flicker of confusion crossed her face as she sat up, scanning the room. Then she spotted him on the floor, fast asleep. She watched him for a moment, feeling confused as to why he's there.

Tina slipped out of bed and knelt down beside him. "Hey, Ness," she murmured, giving his shoulder a gentle poke. He let out a low groan, shifting his body away from her touch, clutching the blanket between his legs as he buried his face deeper into the fabric. His eyes remained shut, and a hint of a frown appeared on his face as if he were determined to cling to sleep just a bit longer. Tina couldn't help but smile, amused by his stubbornness.

Damn, he's out, she thought, watching his steady breathing and the way he clung to the blanket. Maybe I shouldn't bother him. With a soft smile, Tina leaned down, her face close to his, and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. His expression softened just a little, but he remained fast asleep. Satisfied, she stood up quietly and slipped out of the room, ready to start her own day, leaving him to his well-deserved rest.

HOURS LATER…

Ness slowly woke up, blinking against the morning light as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Sitting up, he felt a dull ache in his back from sleeping on the floor. With a small sigh, he instinctively used his healing powers, the discomfort fading away as he got to his feet. His gaze drifted to the bed, only to find it empty—Tina was gone. His eyes flicked to the open bathroom door, confirming it. She left… he thought, feeling a twinge of disappointment. Frowning slightly, he grabbed his phone, relief softening his expression when he saw a message from her waiting on the screen.

[- Tina

DM

Tina: i didnt wanna wake u up so i left

Tina: i had a lot of fun last night

Tina: i def wanna do that agin

Ness: Oh you could've woken me up.

Tina: nah u looked so peacefullll

Ness: Aww, I appreciate that. Thank you.

Ness: Is that why you left?

Tina: i felt awkward waitin for ya to wake up besides i got a band to prep forrr

Ness: Right! When did you want me to come listen?

Tina: give me tomorrow

Ness: Ok! That works.

Tina: cool see ya tmrw ill be practicin all day

Ness: I can't wait!

…

Ness felt a warmth spread through him after texting her. He was glad to hear she'd enjoyed their time together—he had too. Well, sort of. He thought back to last night, feeling a mixture of fondness and lingering nerves. The whole time, he'd been on edge, worrying about how he should act around her, overthinking every word, every move. But knowing she'd enjoyed it made it all seem worth it, even if he hadn't been completely at ease.

Ness moved through his morning routine, each task helping him shake off the remnants of sleep. He took a quick, refreshing shower, brushed his teeth until they felt spotless, and pulled on his usual clothes. Afterward, he filled Lucky's bowl with wet food, smiling as the Espeon happily dug in. Once Lucky had eaten his fill, the two headed out together.

Normally, Ness would go straight to Lucas's, and the two of them would grab a bite to eat, but today was different. He couldn't shake the thought of Leaf and how quiet she'd been lately. He decided to head over to her place, hoping to check in and see how she was holding up. When he reached her door, he knocked, waiting for any sign of movement inside. But, just like the last time he'd tried, there was no response. The silence felt heavy, and his heart sank a little as he stood there.

He turned his heel and went to Snake's place. He knocked on his door, but he too didn't answer. This is seriously annoying, Ness sighed in frustration. He went over to Lucas's and knocked on his door.

Knock!

Knock!

Lucas answered. At least someone responded to me today. He grinned as he saw his best friend.

Ness: "Ready to grab something to eat?"

Lucas: "Yeah!"

Ness and Lucas made their way to the food court, the scent of freshly cooked meals filling the air. They ordered their favorites and scanned the bustling area until they spotted a quiet, empty table tucked off to the side. Sitting down, they unwrapped their food, and began chatting.

Lucas: "So, were you able to talk to Leaf or Snake?"

Ness: *Sighs* "Nope."

Lucas: "Lots of people are tweeting about you on Twitter."

Ness: "I know."

Lucas: "I've never seen you get this much attention before."

Ness: "I hate it."

Lucas: "I never would've thought this would happen to you."

Ness: "My life sucks, Lucas."

Lucas: "It's kinda funny."

Ness: "Gee, thanks. I'm glad someone's enjoying my drama."

Lucas: "Haha~ Cheer up. It'll die down."

Ness: "People are calling me player of the year now. I don't think it's going to die down any time soon."

Lucas: *Snickers* "Ness, player of the year is wild."

Ness: "This is literally the worst year of my life."

Lucas: "Aww, it can't be that bad."

Ness: "I got KIDNAPPED this year."

Lucas: "Yeaaaah."

Ness: "And molested by Luigi."

Lucas: "Wait, what?"

Ness: "And I had to fight a zombie apocalypse."

Lucas: "Wait, I'm still on the Luigi part."

Ness: "I fought a wendigo. That was fun."

Lucas: "A what?"

Ness: "I saw you…"

Lucas: "Me?"

Ness: (Die…) "Nothing."

Lucas: "What were you gonna say?"

Ness: "I don't want to be reminded."

Lucas: (Must be about Nate and I…) "Ok…"

Ness: "A lot has happened to me this year. All because Kirby turned into a cute girl. Wow, if this isn't the weirdest thing I've ever said."

Lucas: "I mean who would've thought Kirby would turn into a human in general."

Ness: "This legit sounds like a cringy terrible fanfic that nobody asked for."

Lucas: "Hahaha! It does."

Ness: "Yet because of that bizarre event, my life hasn't been the same since. It's awful. I wish I could have my old life back. Drama free."

Lucas: "But you're hanging out with people now."

Ness: "That's… True."

Lucas: "You're nicer too."

Ness: "I was nice before."

Lucas: "You were a little controlling."

Ness: "I'm sorry…"

Lucas: "It's ok! It's all better now. Honestly I feel happier being around you."

Ness: "You're not just saying that?"

Lucas: "Nope~ I'm happy that you're hanging out with others. Plus you got a cute Espeon now. It's nice seeing you do different things for a change."

Ness: "Thanks, I think."

Lucas: "Despite you hanging out with others, I love that we still have our time together."

Ness: "I wish it was just us all the time."

Lucas: "You still hang out with me the most?"

Ness: "Of course! I only hang out with the group on Thursdays and you're there too, so yeah. I guess things haven't changed that much."

Lucas: "I feel special~"

Ness: "Hahaha! Oh hush up."

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Lucas: "What's that for?"

Ness: "Work! I better get going."

Lucas: "Oh! This is perfect. You can talk to Leaf there."

Ness: "That's true!"

Lucas: "Hopefully she's not mad at you. I mean none of this is your fault. Red was the one that told everyone."

Ness: "And Snake… That bastard."

Lucas: "He and Isabelle are kinda the worst."

Ness: "Ya don't say."

Lucas: "Mkay, well, I'll see you later."

Ness: "Yeah, I'll probably come over later tonight."

Lucas: "Ok!"

Ness gave Lucas a quick wave goodbye before heading back to his room. He grabbed his skateboard, feeling the familiar weight in his hands, and with a quick push, he was off. The wheels hummed smoothly against the pavement as he cruised down the path, the breeze brushing past him as he made his way to the daycare.

Ness stepped inside, glancing at the schedule board and confirming, as always, he'd been assigned to the baby Pokémon department. He peeked outside, hoping for a glimpse of Leaf, and spotted her in the yard. Just as he reached for the door to join her, a small army of baby Pokémon swarmed around him, their eyes wide with hunger and their stomachs growling. Their sad expressions tugged at his heart, and he couldn't resist their pleas for food and attention.

With a sigh and a smile, he grabbed their food bags and began filling their bowls. The moment the food hit the bowls, they dove in, jostling and shoving each other in their eagerness. Ness tried to calm them down, but his voice was drowned out by the noise. The hungrier ones grew frustrated, and soon enough, they turned their tiny claws and teeth toward him. Before he knew it, he was fending off their playful, but surprisingly fierce, little attacks.

Eventually, the baby Pokémon ate their fill, their excitement fading as they grew calm and drowsy, their little eyes beginning to droop due to food coma. Ness gently guided the sleepy bunch over to the nap area, arranging soft blankets and cushions into cozy beds for each of them. One by one, the Pokémon curled up, some already half-asleep as they nestled into their spots. Ness watched over them, making sure each one was comfortable, his own heart feeling a warm sense of peace as he saw them drift off.

With the baby Pokémon finally settled and peacefully asleep, Ness took a moment to steady himself before opening the outside door. The soft daylight filtered in, casting gentle shadows across the room. Taking a deep breath, he called out clearly, his voice carrying through the quiet space, "LEAF!"

Startled by the sudden call, Leaf whipped around, her eyes wide with surprise as she turned to locate the source of the voice. She saw who it was and immediately averted her eyes.

"Hey! Can we talk?" Ness called out, waving his arms to make sure he had her full attention. His voice was filled with a mix of eagerness and a touch of nervousness, as he tried to catch her focus once again.

Leaf's expression shifted into a frown, and without a word, she turned away, leaving Ness standing there, surprised. Great. She's mad at me. Again, he thought, slumping his shoulders in frustration. I didn't even do anything this time. Sighing, he pulled out his phone, hesitating for a moment before typing out a message. He hoped a text might break through the wall that had come up between them.

[- Leaf

DM

Ness: I wanted to apologize for what happened the other day.

Ness: I'll also talk to Snake. I'll convince him to delete that post.

…

Leaf didn't reply, and the silence gnawed at Ness's insides, each passing minute adding to the uneasy knot in his stomach. Great. Just when things were going well between us, this shit happens, he thought bitterly, rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. With a heavy sigh, he sank into the rocking chair nearby, letting it sway gently beneath him as he stared at the peacefully sleeping Pokémon. Their soft breaths and serene expressions offered some comfort, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Leaf, the unanswered message a reminder of the distance now hanging between them.

In the middle of his anxious thoughts, a small Pichu stirred, waking from its nap. It toddled over to Ness, then hopped onto his lap, looking up at him with wide, expectant eyes. Demanding attention, the tiny electric mouse nudged his hand insistently. A reluctant smile tugged at Ness's lips, the tension easing just a bit as he began to gently pet the Pichu. Its soft fur and contented squeaks brought him a moment of comfort, helping to pull him out of his spiral, if only for a little while.

Knock!

Knock!

Ness: "!"

A sudden knock at the door startled Ness, making him jump slightly. His heart raced as he rose slowly from the rocking chair, and the Pichu hopped off his lap, scurrying back to the nap area. He approached the door cautiously, wondering who would visit this early. When he opened it, his eyes widened in shock—it was Sephiroth, standing there with a wide smile.

Sephiroth: "I'm here to pick up my little Piipi."

Ness: *Shudders*

Sephiroth: "What?"

Ness: "Do you have to say his name like that?"

Sephiroth: "What's wrong with my cute nickname for him?"

Ness: "It sounds like you're saying… Uh…"

Sephiroth: "What? I'm just here to pick up my Piipi."

Ness: "Stop saying his name like that."

Sephiroth: "That's his name."

Ness: "Why'd you name him that?"

Sephiroth: "There's nothing wrong with his name."

Ness: "Do you realize what his name sounds like?"

Sephiroth: "Like what?"

Ness: "It sounds like you're talking about a…"

Sephiroth: "A what?"

Ness: ["Penis…"]

Sephiroth: *Gasps* "How dare you say that. It does not!"

Ness: "It definitely does…" *Averts eyes*

Sephiroth: "I won't take this disrespect from you. I love the name I gave him. Now if you don't mind, I would like to have my little Piipi back."

Ness: (Gross.) "R-right. Sorry."

Sephiroth: "You better be."

Ness walked over to the nap area and gently scooped Piipi into his arms, the little Pichu nuzzling against him happily. What an unfortunate name, he thought with a small frown as he carried Piipi over to his ridiculous yet undeniably beautiful owner. "Here you go," he said, holding the Pichu out to Sephiroth.

Sephiroth snatched Piipi from Ness's arms with a look of disgust. "Hmph!" he scoffed, turning on his heel and striding away without another word, his long silver hair trailing behind him like a cloak.

The sass in that guy is crazy, he shook his head with a hint of amusement as he returned to the rocking chair. Settling back down, he glanced over at the sleeping Pokémon, their quiet breaths bringing a calmness to the room. With a sigh, he pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts until he found Red's name. His fingers tapped out a quick message, hoping to find a distraction in their conversation.

[- Red

DM

Ness: Leaf refuses to speak to me.

Red: Same herre

Ness: Seriously?!

Red: Yeaaaah. Idk what to do

Ness: I'm not sure either…

Red: She's never ignored me liek this b4

Ness: Should we both try to talk to her at the same tie?

Ness: *Time

Red: No. I think we should give her space

Ness: What if she never talks to us again?

Red: She will

Ness: How do you know?

Red: At least she'll talk to yu again

Ness: Me? What about you?

Red: I really fcked up

Ness: You seriously did. Why would you scream that out loud?!

Red: I was passionate

…

Ding!

Ness eagerly checked the other message hoping it was Leaf, but it was Lucas instead.

[- Lucas

DM

Lucas: Did you and Leaf talk it out

Ness: No… She's ignoring me. Again!

Lucas: But it wasn't your fault

Ness: I know. This is ridiculous!

Lucas: I'm so sorry

Ness: This keeps happening between us. I don't know what to do.

Lucas: I don't think she's mad at you in particular. I think she's just upset in general becaus her secret got uout

Lucas: *out

Ness: I'm afraid for the future.

Lucas: Becaus of the kid?

Ness: Yep! :)

Lucas: Whoa a smiley face

Ness: Knock it off.

Lucas: IT's wweird when you do that

Ness: Shut up.

Lucas: Lol

Lucas: Is she ignoring Red too

Ness: Yep.

Lucas: Geez

Ness: Now its awkward at work. Again.

Ness: *It's

Lucas: Is tehre anything I can do to help

Ness: No. Red says it's best if we give her space.

Lucas: You don't have a lot of time to convince her

Ness: I KNOW! It's frustrating.

Lucas: I'm sure you wil though. Things will get betterr

Ness: I sure hope so. If not, I'm screwed.

Lucas: Dont think like that. I'm sure she'll get overr it or at least realize it wasn't your fault. She's a smart girl

Ness: She's also petty…

Lucas: Lol! Never would've thought

Ness: It's because back then we didn't hang out with her. He didn't know her at all.

Lucas: So much has changed since the calamity

Ness: I want my old life back…

Lucas: No this is better

Ness: How is THIS better?

Lucas: Becaus you're improving

Ness: I might be a father soon and it's not even my kid!

Lucas: You wooont

Ness: You don't know that!

Lucas: I do. DOn't worry about it

Ness: It's like telling a fish to not swim. I'M WORRIED ABOUT IT!

Lucas: The more you worry the worse it'll get

Ness: Hhhhhh.

Ness: You're right.

Lucas: I always am

Ness: Stop that cockiness.

Lucas: Lol. CockiNESS

Ness: Stop.

Lucas: Never!

…

[- Red

DM

Red: I was passionate

Ness: It's ok. I would be too if I were in your predicament.

Red: I'm sorry

Ness: You're ok.

Red: I feel really bad

Ness: It's ok. I get it.

Red: I just hope she'll talk to me again

Ness: Same here, buddy.

Red: I'm afraid for teh baby. She's not ready

Ness: Something we both agree on.

Red: If she does give birth are yu gonna help her?

Ness: Unfortunately yes.

Red: Yur a good man

Ness: I thought I was a ching-chong motherfucker.

Red: Fck yu

Ness: Hahaha! I'm messing.

Red: I'm surprised you would kid at a time like this

Ness: I'm coping.

Ness: I'm internally freaking out.

Red: Same here. I don't want her to be a mother. But I'm glad yu'll help her

Ness: We both gotta convince her to get an abortion. I don't want this.

Red: Agreed but I don't think she'll wanna be my friend again

Ness: Don't say that.

Red: Like I said earlier she's never ignored me like this

Ness: It's because you really messed up.

Red: I know. I'm such a pos

Ness: You can say that again.

Red: Fck off

Ness: It's kinda true.

Red: Yur one too

Ness: I can agree to that.

Red: Lmao

…

Ness chuckled quietly to himself, feeling a bit lighter as he texted back and forth with Red and Lucas. Talking to these two seemed to help the time pass more easily. At least he knew Leaf wasn't just ignoring him alone; though it left him feeling anxious. The uncertainty about where they stood still killed him inside, but he took a deep breath, reminding himself that he'd won her over once before. I can do it again, he thought, a newfound determination settling in.

As closing time approached, Leaf finally walked into the room. The air between them felt heavy with unspoken words, a tense silence hanging as they exchanged brief, awkward glances. It reminded Ness uncomfortably of the days when she couldn't stand him, when every interaction had been thick with resentment. Pushing down the unease, they went about their usual closing routine: sweeping the floors, tidying up after the Pokémon, ensuring each one was settled in for the night. They moved almost mechanically, each task familiar but somehow feeling distant, the unspoken tension making even the simplest tasks feel strained.

After locking up, the two began the walk back to the mansion, each step weighed down by the quiet tension between them. Ness glanced at Leaf from the corner of his eye, surprised to see that she was matching his pace instead of hurrying ahead. The silence between them lingered, yet she stayed right beside him, her expression unreadable. He couldn't make sense of it—did she hate him, or was there something else? The uncertainty messed with his head, but he couldn't bring himself to break the silence.

As they reached the mansion, still wrapped in silence, Leaf gave him a small wave before heading inside. Ness waved back, feeling a bit lighter. At least she acknowledged me, he thought, a flicker of relief easing the tension he'd been holding. Maybe she didn't hate him after all. Lucas is probably right—she's just upset about the situation, he reasoned. Maybe her way of handling bad news is to keep to herself. It made him uneasy, but he realized he needed to respect her way of coping.

He thought back to the old days how whenever something was wrong, he'd rush to fix it immediately, sometimes forcing solutions without thinking. God, I was obnoxious back then, he admitted to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips. I still am, but at least I'm not as bad as before.