Estimated Reading Time: 22 Minutes

.

Leafstorm

Leaf's sobs wracked her small frame as she clung to Ness's shoulder, her tears soaking into his shirt. He stood frozen, unsure of how to comfort her. The raw, broken sounds of her cries pierced the air, heavy with sorrow. Finally, he guided her to the edge of his bed, his movements slow and deliberate.

He lowered her gently onto the soft covers, her trembling form curling slightly as she held herself. He sat beside her, keeping close but not imposing. His hands rested awkwardly on his knees, fingers fidgeting as his gaze dropped to the floor. He wanted to say something, anything, to ease her pain, but words felt inadequate. Instead, he remained silent, his presence a quiet offer of support.

Leaf: *Sobs* "I-I'm so sorry. I'm s-such a terrible person!"

Ness: "That's not true."

Leaf: "I know you're just *sniffs* doing this t-to be nice."

Ness: "What?"

Leaf: *Sobs* "Y-you don't wanna be my f-friend!"

Ness: "Leaf, you need to calm down."

Ness hesitated, his hand hovering awkwardly in the air before he finally let it rest gently on her shoulder. He wanted to comfort her, to let her know he was there, but the moment his fingers made contact, she recoiled.

"NO!" she screamed, her voice raw and cutting through the room like a knife. Her hand lashed out, smacking his away with a sharp sting that left his palm tingling.

SMACK!

Her tear-streaked face twisted in anger, her chest heaving as she glared at him. "YOU'RE ONLY ACTING LIKE THIS BECAUSE YOU WANT ME TO GET AN ABORTION!" she spat, her words dripping with betrayal and pain.

Ness flinched, the accusation hitting him harder than any slap could. For a moment, he couldn't find his voice, the weight of her distress suffocating him.

Leaf: "You can't even deny it…"

Ness: "..."

Leaf: "WELL I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY I'M NOT g-good enough for you…" *Sobs*

Ness: "LEAF!"

The tension snapped as Ness's voice rose unexpectedly, sharp and forceful. She flinched violently at his tone, her entire body tensing as if bracing for impact. Her tear-filled eyes widened in shock, locking onto his face. She looked so small and fragile in that moment, her vulnerability cutting through the air like glass.

Ness froze, the anger in his expression melting as he took in her frightened stare. His brows softened, and the hard lines of his face eased into something gentler. He inhaled deeply, steadying himself, before speaking again, this time in a quieter, calmer tone.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I didn't mean to yell."

Leaf: *Sobs*

Ness: "I know we started off on the wrong foot. I shouldn't have brought up abortion the second I saw you after the calamity."

Leaf: *Continues to sob*

Ness: "The baby isn't the reason I value our friendship. I genuinely enjoy spending time with you—talking about Pokémon, sharing ideas, and just being around you. You're a remarkable person, and I'm sorry if it ever felt like I was neglecting you. The truth is, I struggle with being a good friend. As an introvert, social interactions can drain me, but that's entirely about me, not you. Please don't ever think you're a burden. I'm aware of my shortcomings, and I'll make an effort to be more present."

Leaf: "I…"

Ness: "Truth to be told, I am afraid about the whole baby situation. But, I'll—help as much as I can."

He bit his lip, his gaze shifting to the floor as he fought to suppress the churn of emotions rising within him. A knot of unease twisted in his stomach, and he had to resist the urge to grimace. The words he needed to say felt foreign and heavy, like they didn't belong to him.

If he said anything else, anything less than what she needed to hear, she might shatter completely, leaving him behind. He was afraid if he spoke honestly that their friendship would end.

Leaf: "R-really?"

Ness: "Y-yeah…"

He couldn't mask the distress carved across his face. His furrowed brow, tight jaw, and the faint quiver in his lips betrayed the turmoil he was trying so hard to contain. She noticed it immediately, and a wave of guilt crashed over her.

The silence between them grew thick, almost suffocating, as she wrestled with her thoughts. Words hovered on the edge of her tongue, but she hesitated, afraid her emotions might spiral out of control and lead her to say something she'd regret. Instead, she closed her eyes, took a slow, steadying breath, and waited—giving herself time to let the storm inside her settle so she could speak with clarity and care.

Leaf: *Breathes in and out*

Ness: "..."

Leaf: "Ness…"

Ness: "Yes?"

Leaf: "Did you really mean that?"

Ness: "Yeah…"

Leaf: "You're a good person."

Ness: ["Not really…"]

Leaf: "You are! I-I can't believe you'd do this for me even though we're not together."

Ness: "Yup…"

Leaf: "But…"

Ness: "Hm?"

Leaf: "I… I haven't been fair to you."

Ness: "What'd you mean?"

Leaf: "The real reason why I'm here is not to apologize for how I acted earlier."

Ness: "Huh?"

Leaf: "I've been doing some thinking and… I think you're right."

Ness: "Right about what?"

Leaf: "I think I should get an abortion."

Ness: "W-what! Really?!"

Leaf: "I don't wanna ruin our lives. I'm sorry for being selfish about this whole mess."

Ness: "No no no, you're not selfish! I totally understand."

Leaf: "I just…" *Sighs*

Ness: "What made you—want to do this?"

Leaf: "I logged onto to Twitter and… Everything sucks. My secret got out. Everyone is talking about us. I even got a death threat."

Ness: "WWHAT!"

Leaf: "You got a lot of fans."

Ness: "I'm so sorry. This is my fault."

Leaf: "None of this is your fault. You're the victim."

Ness: "I…"

Leaf: "This is a lot for both of us."

Ness: "Yeaaaah."

Leaf: "I don't wanna ruin your life. I was just afraid that the only reason why you're hanging out with me was because of the baby. I dunno I guess I thought if the baby was born, you'd always be there. I don't have to worry about being alone anymore. I don't have any friends besides Red, but he's changed. He's not the same."

Ness: "You two aren't friends anymore?"

Leaf: "We are… But I'm afraid that we'll soon drift apart. I mean what he said earlier about me being pregnant is making me double guess our friendship."

Ness: "I know you're still mad at him, but you should give him another chance. He feels guilty for what he's done."

Leaf: "I dunno… He's a different person now."

Ness: "I think he's back to normal."

Leaf: "How'd you figure?"

Ness: "I mean, he and I are friends now, so maybe that might be an indication."

Leaf: "What!"

Ness: "We made up. He doesn't hate me anymore."

Leaf: "When did this happen?"

Ness: "The day we fought."

Leaf: "That's crazy!"

Ness: "Us men get over things quickly."

Leaf: "No kidding! I wish girls were like that."

Ness: "Hahaha~"

Leaf: "Talking to you always feels nice…"

Ness offered her a gentle, sincere smile. "Doesn't this prove that I'll be here for you, no matter what you decide about the baby?"

Leaf: "I just… I dunno. I'm sorry. I always think of the worst case scenarios."

Ness: "I'm not leaving. I promise."

Leaf: "You sure?"

Ness shifted closer to her, his movements careful but deliberate, before wrapping his arms around her in a firm embrace. She flinched slightly, startled by the unexpected gesture. This isn't like him at all, she thought, her heart skipping a beat.

Earlier, his hug had been stiff and awkward, as though he wasn't sure how to comfort her. But this time, it was different. There was a warmth and sincerity in the way he held her, a quiet intensity that spoke volumes. His grip was firm, almost desperate, as if he was afraid to let go.

Ness: "Remember when we first talked?"

Leaf: "Of course. It was at the library."

Ness: "I really did enjoy our time together. Honestly, I did. I'm sorry for just walking off like that, leaving you by yourself. I... I don't always know how to handle these things. People, I mean. But even as I was walking to Lucas's place, all I could think about was how amazing it was talking to you."

Leaf: "Really?"

Ness: "I panicked a little. I know, embarrassing."

Leaf: "Why'd you panic? I thought everything was ok."

Ness: "Yeah, well, I'm an awkward boy. I don't know how to talk to women haha!"

Leaf's face flushed with heat at his words, her mind racing. Is he complimenting my looks? she wondered, her heart skipping a beat. She felt a flutter in her chest, uncertainty swirling inside her. Is he saying he gets nervous talking to me—because I'm a girl? The thought made her stomach tighten. A thousand questions ran through her mind. Was he just being kind, or was there something more to his words?

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, trying to read his expression, but it only deepened her confusion. Was he interested in her... in that way? Or was she just overthinking it all?

Leaf: "Oh?"

Ness: "Don't give me that look. Does it look like I talk to girls? Haha~"

Leaf: *Snickers* "No."

Ness: "Gee, thanks."

Leaf: "Hahaha!"

Ness: "Hahaha~!"

Leaf: "I'm feeling better. Thank you."

Ness: "Me too."

Leaf: "Well, I still feel bad about the baby. I feel like a murderer."

Ness: "It's not. And you know this'll be better for the both of us."

Leaf: "You're right."

Ness: "And again. I don't plan on leaving. You're a good friend of mine and I would be crushed if we fell apart."

Leaf: "Thanks."

Ness: "I mean that."

Leaf: "Am I better than Lucas?"

Ness: "Well…"

Leaf: "Wow ok. I see how it is."

Ness: "Come on, it's Lucas. Everyone knows we're inseparable. He's like my brother."

Leaf: "You mean boyfriend?"

Ness: "Wwhat! No!"

Leaf: "Hahaha~! I'm just kidding."

Ness: "Ha ha very funny."

Leaf: "I bet you hear that all the time, huh?"

Ness: "You have no idea."

Leaf: "I wonder if everyone thinks we're dating too."

Ness: "Wwhat!"

Leaf: "Since my secret got out, I bet people are thinking we did things."

Ness: "Oh god… Yeah, probably. Sorry about that…"

Leaf: "You don't have to apologize. It's not the worst thing in the world. The rumor could've been worse."

Ness: "Like banging half the roster…"

Leaf: "Hahahaha! I can't believe that rumor is still going on."

Ness: "It's annoying."

Leaf: "Um…"

Ness: "Hm?"

Leaf: "Nevermind."

Ness: "You can't back out now. What were you going to say?"

Leaf: "It's a little embarrassing."

Ness: "Tell me."

Leaf: "D-do you—have you ever dated anyone?"

Ness: *Blushes* "Wow, I… Uh…"

Leaf: "Sorry! I know, weird question. I was just curious. You don't have to answer."

Ness: "N-no…"

Leaf: "Wha?"

Ness: "I've never been in a relationship."

Leaf: "Oh."

Ness: "Y-yeah…"

Leaf: "Is it by choice?"

Ness: "Uh…" *Averts eyes*

Leaf: *Snickers*

Ness: "Why're you laughing!"

Leaf: "Sorry I just… Hehe…"

Ness: "Yes, it's by choice. [Mostly…"]

Leaf: "Mostly? Have you tried to ask a girl out before?"

Ness: "Uh… I…"

Leaf was definitely getting bolder with her questions, and Ness couldn't help but notice it. There was a newfound confidence in her curiosity that made him shift uncomfortably in his seat. He wasn't used to people—especially girls—taking an interest in his personal life like this. Most people didn't care, and those who did, like his small group of friends, only cared enough to tease him about being single. Especially Sonic, who seemed to take endless joy in poking fun at him for it.

But Leaf... and Tina too, now that he thought about it—they both seemed genuinely curious. The idea that they might be interested in his love life felt strange and foreign to him. He shook the thought from his mind, feeling his stomach twist. Could they possibly be… Interested in me? His mind quickly shot down the idea. No, that's ridiculous. Tina had made it clear she didn't care who he dated, and Leaf probably thought the same way. They were just getting to know him better. After all, they weren't exactly close, and this was likely just her way of breaking the ice, of learning more about the guy she was spending time with.

He couldn't help but think back to the time he'd been hanging out with the boys, eavesdropping on the girls' conversation. Leaf had casually mentioned that she was into Fire Emblem guys, and the memory stuck with him. He couldn't help but laugh to himself. He definitely wasn't a Robin or Marth—those guys legit looked like they were anime characters.

Meanwhile, people liked to call him a "pretty Asian K-popper" or a "TikTok fuckboy," but those types of labels never felt right. He wasn't that kind of pretty—the boys from Fire Emblem were in a league of their own. Their beauty wasn't just about how they looked; it was almost like they existed in a permanent state of cosplay, as if they were characters straight out of a fantasy world. Well, they are, aren't they?

He knew he wasn't her type. Leaf's taste was more aligned with the kind of beauty that felt almost ethereal, a different kind of masculinity that was way out of his league.

Leaf: "Sorry, am I prying too much?"

Ness: "No no no. You're good. I'm just shocked."

Leaf: "Why?"

Ness: "You seem so interested in my love life. I didn't think you would be."

A wave of panic hit Leaf as she watched Ness shift uncomfortably. Oh no, am I making it too obvious? Her heart raced as she mentally replayed the conversation, wondering if she'd said something wrong. He looked like he was trying to avoid the subject, his unease practically radiating off him. Maybe he's not into me like that...

The thought hit her like a physical blow. She felt a tight knot form in her chest, a mix of disappointment and frustration bubbling up inside. She'd been so sure of her feelings for him, but now—seeing the discomfort on his face—doubt started to creep in. Maybe she had misread the signs all along. She wanted to tell him how she felt, how much she admired him, how attractive she thought he was, and how she hoped for something more than just a friendship. But in that moment, as she saw his discomfort, her courage faltered.

What if he doesn't feel the same way? The thought was like a weight pressing down on her chest, making it harder to breathe. She had always been afraid of rejection, but now it felt more real than ever. The heaviness in her chest returned, that familiar ache of longing mixed with the sharp sting of fear.

Leaf: "Sorry, I just wanted to get to know you more."

Ness: (Oh, so I did read that correctly.) "Ah, I see. Well to answer your question, um… Y-yeah I tried... Once. It didn't end well."

Leaf opened her mouth to ask who it was, but the words caught in her throat. What if I don't like his answer? The thought made her hesitate. She wasn't sure when this other confession had happened—whether it was something from his past, long before they'd gotten close, or if it was recent, still fresh in his mind. If it was from when he was a kid, then it wouldn't matter. She could let it go, no problem. But something about the way he'd said it made her feel like it wasn't too long ago.

Leaf: "Oh I see."

Ness: "Yeah, I know. Pathetic. Hahaha~"

Leaf: "At least you tried."

Ness: "Yup and I never tried again."

Leaf: "That bad?"

Ness: "Yeaaah."

Leaf: "Oh."

Ness: "It's ok. You can laugh."

Leaf: *Giggles* "I think it's cute."

Ness: *Blushes* "That I failed?"

Leaf: "That you tried."

Ness: "Is this an insult or?"

Leaf: "It's a compliment."

Ness: "How is that cute? It's sad."

Leaf: "It's both~"

Ness: *Sighs*

Leaf: "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get a girlfriend one day."

Ness: "Probably not. I'll just die alone."

Leaf: "Lucas is always on the menu."

He nudged her playfully, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm not gay," he said, half-teasing.

Leaf giggled, the sound light and carefree, and for a brief moment, Ness couldn't help but notice how genuinely adorable she looked. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, her lips curling into a smile that made his heart do an unexpected flip.

The realization hit him like a wave. He was staring—gawking, even—and immediately, a flush of heat rose to his face. He quickly averted his gaze, his hands fidgeting uncomfortably in his lap, his eyes fixated on the floor.

Don't be a perv! He scolded himself, but the thought didn't seem to ease the uneasy flutter in his chest.

Sure, she was pretty—really pretty—but he quickly shook off the thought. He shouldn't be looking at her like that. She's my friend, he told himself again, trying to ground his thoughts. He felt his pulse quicken, a mixture of guilt and confusion tugging at him. This wasn't how he was supposed to think about her.

He pushed the thought aside, replacing it with something more comfortable. Tina is more my type, he reasoned. Who knows? She might even be interested in me, he thought, clinging to that possibility for comfort.

And then there was Leaf. She isn't interested in me like that. He was sure of it. She was kind and funny, but she'd never given him any indication that she saw him as anything more than that.

They were strictly friends, and that was something Ness was perfectly okay with. However at the end of the day, he was still a guy, and guys noticed when someone was attractive. He had to remember that.

It's not a crime to think she's cute, he reasoned, trying to justify his thoughts. He shouldn't beat himself up for it. It was natural, wasn't it? She was easy to look at, funny, smart... He couldn't help that, right? As long as he didn't let himself cross any lines, as long as he didn't start seeing her as anything more than a friend or let those thoughts drift into something pervy, he was fine. It should be okay, right?

He exhaled slowly, still uneasy. Maybe it wasn't as simple as he wanted it to be, but for now, this was his reality. He'd keep things in check, stay focused, and not let simple attraction ruin his chances with Tina.

Leaf: "Well this has been a good talk. I'm glad I came over."

Ness: "Me too."

Leaf: "I'm going to get the abortion. This whole situation made me realize how selfish I've been."

Ness: "I don't think you're selfish for wanting to keep your baby."

Leaf: "Thank you, Ness. I appreciate you. I'm glad I have you as my friend."

Ness: "The feeling is mutual."

Leaf: "Well anyway, I should get going."

Ness: "Ok! I'll see you at work tomorrow?"

Leaf: "Yep, see ya there."

With a soft click, the door shut behind Leaf, and Ness felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him. She's getting an abortion. The thought echoed in his mind, almost like a victory chant, but there was a strange weight to it. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty for feeling this way—sure, it sounded messed up, even to him—but the relief was undeniable. It was like a massive weight had been lifted from his shoulders.