Estimated Reading Time: 28 Minutes

Leafstorm

Leaf's face softened when she heard Ness apologize.

Leaf: "For what?"

Ness: "For yesterday. I didn't mean to snap at you like that."

Leaf: "It's fine."

Ness: "No, it's not fine. Look, I was frustrated yesterday and I took it out on you. I shouldn't have done that. I was being a dick. I truly am sorry."

Leaf looked down and didn't say anything.

Ness: "I… Y-yeah. Ok, well, I'm gonna head back and check where I am today."

Ness walked back inside and went over to where the front door was. He saw the schedule on the wall. He checked it. Baby department once again. How annoying.

He went over to the area and saw that the Pokemon made a huge mess. The Happiny threw up again. He put on gloves. Next he grabbed a cleaning spray and a trash bag. He grabbed a handful and almost threw up. In the end, he did end up getting the area squeaky clean.

The baby Pokemon started demanding playtime from him. He smiled at them and grabbed a toy from the toybox. He started playing fetch. They were doing that for a while until Lucky came out of his ball and wanted to play as well.

The baby Pokemon surrounded Lucky. They all haven't officially met. Lucky got nervous and took a few steps back. However, the baby Pokemon wouldn't leave him alone. The Espeon put his paws on Ness and begged to go back to the ball, but his trainer smiled at him.

Ness: "Well, I did need an assistant."

Lucky: "Espiiii. Espeon. Espii." (No, wait, I changed my mind. I want to go home.)

Ness: "Thank you, Lucky, for coming out to play."

An Igglybuff grabbed Lucky's tail and pulled him into the mob. The baby Pokemon started slobbering all over Lucky.

Lucky: "Espii…" (I made a mistake…)

Ness started to chuckle and returned Lucky back inside his ball. He wanted to show his Pokemon that sometimes coming out of his ball randomly without permission can result in unpleasant experiences.

The baby Pokemon were sad when the Espeon disappeared. They looked at Ness and went up to him for play. He walked over to where the toy he used earlier was, and tossed it in the air. The Pokemon immediately went for it. He played with them for a couple more hours until they tuckered themselves out.

He led them to the nap area and made sure to give them pillows and blankets. As they were sleeping, he went to the play pen area and started cleaning up. It sucked. There was shit and other bodily fluids everywhere.

After he was done cleaning, he immediately washed his hands. He went back to the nap area and sat on a rocking chair while being on his phone.

Leaf saw him through the window. Is he kidding? He's on his phone while working? She was about to waltz over there and yell at him, but the Umbreon stopped her. She squatted down and petted the cutie.

Leaf: "What's wrong?"

Umbreon: "Umbri!"

The Umbreon had a toy in its mouth. It wanted to play. She couldn't deny the Eeveelution. So instead of yelling at the new guy, she played fetch with the Umbreon for a bit.

At one point she looked back at the window and saw that Ness was holding a Happiny while feeding it a milk bottle. He had a cute smile on his face while rocking the chair back and forth. She stared a little too long for her liking.

The toy hit Leaf in the back of her head. She snapped out of her daze and grabbed the toy from the ground. She shouldn't be distracted.

Leaf tossed the toy and the Umbreon, including other Pokemon, went after it. They started playing tug-of-war. She watched them and giggled to herself. These Pokemon are so adorable. It makes her happy seeing them play. A time for them to forget about the real world and be their silly selves.

She wished she could be a kid again and enjoy simple things like playing with a toy. Now life is dull and full of complications. She has to deal with other adults who like to betray and use each other for their personal gain. Like Nate…

She balled up her fists. She was feeling angry. She trusted that guy, and he used her. What did she do to deserve that? He was going behind her back and cheating on her with so many people. He even lied about who he was. Now he's gone, thank god. She doesn't have to see him, but also, she cannot believe that he left without saying anything.

A part of her wanted to talk to Ness about Nate. She wanted to understand more about the guy and why he did all that. Well, she has an idea. It's because of Mario. Something about him being killed if he told people that he was a clone, but he didn't have to form relationships. It meant everything to her. He was her first lover. She trusted him.

.

-Flashback-

Clone Ness (Nate) knocked at her door. She opened it and a smile tugged at her lips. He looked so handsome. He was wearing his signature red and blue hat, a V-neck T-shirt, a vest over it, and jeans.

He extended his hand toward her and she grabbed it. Together they walked out of there and went to the mall.

Leaf: "I'm so excited~"

C. Ness: "Yeah, yeah, let's just get this over with…"

Leaf: "Not excited to wear your cheerleader outfit?"

C. Ness: "No, I'll look stupid."

Leaf: "You mean cute."

C. Ness: "Ugly."

Leaf pulled him to a sports shop. There she saw a yellow and blue cheerleader outfit. She picked that one out and made him try it on. When he got out, she couldn't help but laugh. The cashier gave them a look when they approached the counter.

Leaf ripped off the tag and gave it to the cashier who scanned it.

Cashier: "You're gonna wear that out?"

Leaf: "Yes, he is~"

The cashier looked at Clone Ness up and down. He gave him a weird look and took the money. Clone Ness was embarrassed, but a deal is a deal. He lost a bet and now he has to pay the price.

They left the store. Leaf jumped when she saw a makeup store called Smashphora. She grabbed his hand and pulled him inside.

C. Ness: "What're we doing here?"

Leaf: "We're going to turn you into a girl."

C. Ness: "What? No! That wasn't part of the bet."

Leaf: "Pleaaaaase."

C. Ness: "No."

Leaf: "I'll wear a cute outfit for you later~"

C. Ness: "What kind?"

Leaf: "One with cutesy lingerie."

C. Ness: "Cutesy lingerie?"

Leaf: "Yes!"

C. Ness: "The one with the pink and white polka dots?"

Leaf: "I'll wear whatever you want~"

C. Ness: "F-fine."

Leaf: "Whoohoo!"

An employee went up to them and asked if they needed any assistance.

Leaf: "Yes, he would like a makeover."

Employee: "Oh my god, yaaaas~"

The two girls squealed. The employee motioned Clone Ness to follow and sit on a chair in front of a large mirror. He did and boy did he regret it because after she was done with him, he really did look like a girl. She even put a wig on him and said it was free of charge.

As they were walking around the mall window shopping, a lot of guys were staring at them. He felt embarrassed. Man, why'd he have to stoop so low? He looked over at Leaf who was rambling about Pokemon. She was smiling and having a good time. That's why he did this. He enjoyed seeing her happy. Setting his pride aside was worth seeing Leaf being an adorable bundle of joy.

The two went to the food court and he gladly paid for both. She went to secure a table, while he waited for his order.

A man approached and checked him out.

Stranger: "Hey."

C. Ness: "Hi."

Stranger: "What's the cheerleader outfit for?"

C. Ness: "Oh, uh…"

Stranger: "Still in high school?"

C. Ness: (What's high school?) "N-no. I just… Haha… I don't know. Just wanted to wear it."

Stranger: "Tryin' to attract the males here?"

C. Ness: "No! I just… Ya know. Wanted… To."

Stranger: "Well, it's workin'."

C. Ness: "I-is it? Haha…"

Stranger: "Yeah, it's workin' on me real good."

C. Ness: "Oh, thanks for the compliment."

Stranger: "Wanna get out of here? I can treat ya to a nice place. We could go to a hotel. An expensive one. I'll pay."

C. Ness: "That's ok. I'm good."

Stranger: "Aww, c'mon. Don't be like that."

C. Ness: "Sorry, I'm with a friend. I don't wanna ditch her."

Stranger: "She can come too~"

C. Ness: (Eww.) "N-no, I think we're ok."

Stranger: "I'll pay for you two."

C. Ness: "I… Sorry, it's a no."

Clone Ness's food was called out. He quickly grabbed and went to the table that Leaf was occupying. She gave him a worried look.

Leaf: "Who was that guy?"

C. Ness: "Just some creep."

Leaf: "Eww, did he come onto you?"

C. Ness: "Yeaaaah."

Leaf: "That's the life of being a woman."

C. Ness: "Seriously? That sucks."

Leaf: "You get used to it."

C. Ness: "I'm so sorry. That genuinely sucks."

Leaf: "It's not a fun experience."

C. Ness: "Yeah, that was awful. He wanted us to go to a hotel with him."

Leaf: "Us?"

C. Ness: "I may have mentioned you."

Leaf: "Why?"

C. Ness: "He asked me if I wanted to leave with him, but I said I was with you, so it would be rude to leave. Then he said that we should both go with him. Sorry, I didn't mean to tangle you in this mess."

Leaf: "It's ok. Buddy system works."

C. Ness: (What's buddy system?) "You're not mad?"

Leaf: "No, of course not, silly."

She elbowed him.

Leaf: "You need to loosen up."

C. Ness: "You're right haha!"

Leaf: "Although, I don't blame the guy. You're really cute."

C. Ness: *Blushes* "No way. I make an ugly girl."

Leaf: "Every guy keeps staring at you."

C. Ness: "That means nothing. Men are desperate."

Leaf: "Are you saying I'm ugly?"

C. Ness: "What? No!"

Leaf: "You said men are desperate. Does this mean you're desperate?"

C. Ness: "I have standards."

Leaf: "But you're a guy."

C. Ness: "Ok, listen, most men are desperate. I was lucky enough to pull the cutest girl."

Leaf: "Same here."

C. Ness: "I'm not a girl!"

Leaf: "You are now."

C. Ness: *Sighs* "Yeaaah."

Leaf: "Don't worry, you're a cute girl."

C. Ness: "I think I look better as a guy."

Leaf: "As a guy, you're awkward looking."

C. Ness: "Hey!"

Leaf: "Hahaha! I'm kidding. You're one of the best looking guys on the roster."

C. Ness: "Hell yeah I am."

Leaf: "I'm not used to you being all cocky and confident like this."

C. Ness: "Can't deny the truth~"

Leaf: "You're right. You are the best looking."

C. Ness: "But as a girl, I think that title belongs to you."

Leaf: "Shut up~"

C. Ness: "Whaaat. I only tell the truth. No other girl can compare. I truly got lucky."

Leaf couldn't stop smiling. He's so charming. She never would've guessed that Ness would act like this. He has such a way with words and he's funny. Not to mention he went out of his way to dress up as a cheerleader for her. Most men would never stoop this low. He truly is in love with her and she felt it.

After eating, they walked around a little more. He bought her a cute necklace and a Pokemon plushie. A couple hours went by and their feet hurt, so they left the mall and sat on a bench that was near the entrance.

Leaf: "This has been so much fun."

C. Ness: "It has."

Leaf: "Thank you for the gifts."

C. Ness: "No worries."

Leaf: "It's so sweet of you."

C. Ness: "You know what else would be sweet?"

Leaf: "What?"

C. Ness: "If I got a gift."

Leaf: "Of course. What do you desire?"

C. Ness: "I'll do a simple one for now since we're in public."

Leaf: *Blushes*

C. Ness: "Can I kiss you?"

She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.

Leaf: "There, that's all you get."

C. Ness: "I'll take it."

The two got up and went back to her place. They started making out and were planning on having sex, but Squirtle came out of the ball and was 'sick'.

Leaf: "Aww, Squirtle, what's wrong?"

Squirtle: "Squuirrt." (I don't feel good. Give me attention.)

Leaf apologized and told him that she has to take Squirtle to the hospital. He was a little annoyed, but respected it. They hugged and he left the room.

-End of Flashback-

.

Their relationship back then felt genuine. Tears started to fall from her eyes. The Umbreon went up to her and gave her a sad look. It didn't know what to do.

Umbreon: "Umbreon…"

Leaf: "Oh, *Sniffs* I'm ok. Go back to playing."

The Umbreon refused and laid on her foot. She wiped her tears and forced herself to smile to show the dark type that she was ok. The Umbreon didn't buy it and continued to cuddle her leg.

Leaf: "It's ok. I'm ok."

The Umbreon refused to leave. She sat down on the grass and started petting it. What a caring creature. The Umbreon laid on its back for a tummy rub and that's when Leaf realized it was a girl. She thought about a name for her.

Leaf: "It feels weird to call you Umbreon all the time. Would you like a name?"

Umbreon: "Umbri!"

Leaf: "How about Fate?"

Umbreon: "Umbreon!"

Leaf: "Fate it is."

Fate: "Umbri!"

She continued to rub Fate's tummy until she fell asleep. She looked back at the window and saw that Ness was gone. She got up and walked inside.

Leaf: "Ness?"

She didn't see him anywhere. Where could he have gone? Does he know that he still has a job to do? Leaving the Pokemon unattended like this is a big no.

Leaf: "Ness!"

She called out again, but still no response. She scoffed in disbelief. Did he seriously leave work?

She felt a tap on shoulder. She let out a yelp and quickly turned around to see him.

Ness: "Yes?"

Leaf: "Where did you go?"

Ness: "I was in the bathroom."

Leaf: "You can't just leave the Pokemon unattended. You need to come tell me. The baby Pokemon are unpredictable, ya know."

Ness: "They're still sleeping so I thought it was ok."

Leaf pointed at the now rowdy Pokemon.

Ness: "Oh…"

Leaf: "You need to be more careful. They could wake up any second and do something. The baby department is the most demanding position. They are the ones that need the most care."

Ness: (Then why me the new guy is doing the most demanding fucking… Ughhh.) "You're right. I'm sorry."

Leaf: "It's fine. Next time, please come to me."

Ness: (If you were easier to talk to, then yes, I would come get you, but talking to you is the worst.) "Ok."

Leaf turned around and went back outside. He wanted to stop her, but he didn't. She was already annoyed with him and he didn't want to make it worse.

He continued to do this job until they both had to close the daycare. Closing was tense because she would be there watching him making sure that he was doing everything right. It wouldn't be that bad if it wasn't complete silence. She barely spoke to him. She didn't even give him tips anymore because she figured he knew how to do everything.

Once he was done closing, the two walked out of the room and she locked it. Usually he would start walking back home, but he waited for her this time. He loathed the awkward tension and wanted it to stop. The only way to do that is to have a serious conversation with her.

She finished locking the door and she fast walked out of the building. He followed behind. Once they exited, she stopped and gave him a confused look.

Leaf: "What do you want?"

Ness: "C-can we talk?"

Leaf: "No."

She was about to take another step, but he grabbed her hand. She quickly yanked it away.

Leaf: "Don't fucking touch me."

Ness: "Sorry."

She rolled her eyes and started walking back home, but he followed behind.

Leaf: "Ness, I swear to god, stop following me."

Ness: "Can we please talk."

Leaf: "I already said no."

Ness: "Look, I'm sorry! I just… I don't like this."

She stopped in her tracks, but didn't care to turn to face him.

Ness: "I don't like that there's tension between us."

Leaf: "..."

Ness: "I'm really trying, Leaf. I-I know things will never be the same, but I at least want us to be neutral. I know you're hurting, and I'm sorry. You didn't deserve to get hurt because of my mistake."

Leaf: "Your mistake?"

Ness: "I was the one that got kidnapped and then cloned because I miscalculated. Then my clone decided to hurt you. It wouldn't have happened if I didn't trust Luigi."

Leaf: "Your clone isn't the only one at fault here. You also hurt me."

Ness: "But I didn't do any of that."

Leaf: "Think, Ness. What was the first thing you tried to say to me after all the crazy shit with Mario happened?"

Ness: "I-I… What?"

Leaf: "Tch! Your apology isn't genuine then."

Ness: "It is! I feel bad for what you've been through."

Leaf: "I know you're not the fucking clone, Ness."

Ness: "I know you know. But I can tell you still view me as Nate."

Leaf: "No, it's because of what you fucking said to me!"

Ness: "What?"

Leaf: "At the PokeMart! Don't you remember?"

Ness: "Oh."

Leaf: "There was no, 'hi Leaf, how are you doing?'"

Ness: "I did ask how you were."

Leaf: "No you didn't!"

Ness: "I did though!"

Leaf: "You wanted to talk about what happened."

Ness: "Well, yeah, I think that's important."

Leaf: "Maybe later sure. However, that was the first thing you wanted to talk about. The clone situation and…"

Ness: "And what?"

Leaf: "Aborting my baby."

Ness felt guilty. She's right. None of that should've been brought up. He's not used to talking to people about these sorts of things, but he desperately wanted her to get rid of the child. He shouldn't have come in too strong. He was being insensitive.

Ness: "You're right. That was terrible of me to bring that up first."

Leaf: "I can't believe the first thing you brought up was abortion."

Ness: "I was only trying to help."

Leaf: "How is that helping me? Have you once considered how I felt when you said that?! Abortion is a big topic, Ness. You don't just casually bring that shit up!"

Ness: "I'm sorry."

Leaf: "You don't know what it's like to be a woman. There's a lot of pressure. We're the ones that have to carry the baby. Aborting makes me feel like a murderer. I'm the one that has to decide the baby's fate. It's a lot mental stress."

Ness: "I didn't mean to be insensitive. I should've thought about how you would take it."

Leaf: "Why are you like this?"

Ness: "To be fair, I wasn't trying to hurt you. I was trying to look out for you because being a single mom is no joke. I didn't want to see you suffer."

Leaf: *Scoffs* "Single mom, huh?"

Ness: "I…"

Ness averted his eyes. A part of him knew that he would try to help her as much as he can because he feels guilty, but if he told her that there's a possibility of him being there, she'll definitely keep the baby.

Leaf: "I don't know why you care so much. Obviously you're not going to help me raise the child."

Ness: "I still care about you."

Leaf: "Do you?!"

Ness: "Yes!"

Leaf: "If you truly cared about me, then you would respect my decision and be there."

Ness: "You mean raising the child with you?"

Leaf: "Yes."

Ness: "But we're not ready. Also I don't like you like that. It would feel like… I don't know, we were in a relationship."

Leaf: "Wow."

Ness: "I mean doesn't it? If we raise the child together people would see us as a couple."

She felt like crying. She knows he's not into her like that and she doesn't want him either, but it still hurts. Hearing that she wasn't desired made her feel unattractive. This was the guy who she had a crush on. This was the face who once said that she was the prettiest girl.

The worst part is, she still found Ness attractive. She knows she shouldn't because it's shallow, but she couldn't help it. She loved his features and every time she sees him, she remembers the good times they shared. The sweet nothing he would say to her which made him more attractive in her eyes. It was a clone, but they shared the same face. It was hard to differentiate the two whenever she saw Ness.

She has to remember, the two are completely different. The clone was a sweet talker but at the end of the day, he hurt her. Ness is socially inept which caused him to hurt her as well. Even now that he's trying to apologize it feels like he views her as a cockroach. He doesn't want to deal with the awkward tension because it makes HIM uncomfortable. It feels like he doesn't care for her at all.

Leaf: "You don't have to help me. In fact, I don't want your help."

Ness: "Leaf, c'mon. It's not that. I just… Look, I want us to start over. I promise I won't talk about abortion anymore."

Leaf: "Too late for that."

Ness: "We don't have to be enemies."

Leaf: "You're the one that brought up abortion the second you laid eyes on me. That was your first thought and it will always be. You only want to be friends, so that you can somehow convince me to get an abortion. You're being manipulative."

Ness: "No, that's not my plan."

Leaf: "Yes it fucking is! I know you don't care about me!"

Ness: "Yes I do."

Leaf: "You're willing to leave me once the baby is born."

Ness: "We're not ready!'

Leaf: "That's not my point! The point is that because you don't care enough to be there for me and the baby."

Ness: "I… *Sighs* Look, it's…"

Leaf: "You're not really sorry, are you?"

Ness: "I am!"

Leaf: "No, you view me as a pest. It's all because you don't want work to be awkward and you want to get close so I'll abort the baby. Once I abort it, you get to quit this job because there's no point in being close to me anymore. You did your part and now you can freely ghost me."

Ness: "N-no! That's not-

Leaf: "Well guess what? I'm not going to fall for your charm."

Ness: "Charm?"

Leaf: "Yeah, you're trying to be the victim and act all friendly with me. I don't buy it. Now leave me alone."

She started walking away, but Ness ran in front to stop her.

Ness: "You got it all wrong. I like you, Leaf. You're cool and you're the only other person who talks about Pokemon. We have that in common and I do think we would be good friends."

Leaf: "Stop acting fake."

Ness: "I'm not! I mean it."

Leaf: "Leave me alone."

Ness: "Leaf, please. Can you at least give this a chance?"

Leaf: "No."

Ness: "I'm not trying to deceive you!"

Leaf: "I said LEAVE ME ALONE!"

She screamed at his face and that got him to stop. He's being too pushy. He needs to back down. It's frustrating. He wanted to scream at her back for being a complete bitch. She's not even trying to work things out. He never thought Leaf of all people would act immature, but then again, Lucas did point out that she's pregnant. She's still dealing with a lot.

If he yells at her, she'll never ever like him. It seems that way already, but a part of him still has hope. He has to play the patient game like he did when he was trapped in the cave. The only problem is, once she delivers the baby, their lives will change forever. And it's going to be bad.

Ness: "Fine. I'll go."

With that he moved out of the way and made it back to his room. He sat on his desk and felt like crying. However, he didn't. Instead he played a game of League to help him forget about his problems.