Estimated Reading Time: 20 Minutes

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Shy Blonde

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Ness groggily rubbed his eyes as the sharp sound of the alarm clock filled the room, his hand fumbling for the off button. With a soft click, the noise ceased. He stretched his arms high above his head, his shoulders popping softly, and let out a yawn so deep it made his whole body tremble.

As he lifted the blanket, his gaze landed on Sonic, nestled into a tight, familiar ball beside him. Sonic's quills shimmered faintly in the soft glow, rising and falling gently with his rhythmic breathing.

Ness: "S-Sonic?!"

Sonic: ["Keep it down, will ya?"]

Ness violently shook the hedgehog awake.

Sonic: "Aaaah! Stoooop!"

Ness: "What're you doing in my room?!"

Sonic: "Dude, chill out. It's too early for this shit."

Ness: "Dude, get out!"

Sonic: "Ok, ok, geez."

Ness: "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Sonic groggily rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his gloved hands moving in slow, deliberate circles. With a quick stretch and a flick of his quills, he hopped off the bed in a single fluid motion, his movements light and effortless. Without so much as a glance in Ness's direction, he brushed past the brunet's curious gaze and padded straight toward the bathroom.

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Ness sitting there, blinking in disbelief. His brow furrowed as he tried to process the abrupt exit. Did he seriously just go into my bathroom instead of just leaving? He groaned and went on his phone waiting for his turn to use his own bathroom.

[- Leaf

DM

Leaf: Hey!

Ness: Oh, hi.

Leaf: I made an app.

Ness: Oh! When is it?

Leaf: Tomorrow

Ness: That quick?!

Leaf: Yeaaah I'm freakin out

Ness: I'll come with you.

Leaf: Youd on't have to

Ness: I want to support you as much as I can.

Leaf: Thank you I apprecate that

Ness: Of course!

Ness: Have you talked to Red yet?

Leaf: No

Ness: You should. He's really upset for what he did.

Leaf: Shouldn't he text me frist

Ness: He doesn't want to bother you. He's scared of making another mistake.

Leaf: You're right. Thanks for telling me

Ness: For sure!

…

Ness's attention was pulled away from his phone when he heard his bathroom door open.

Sonic: "Your bathroom is super clean. That was the best shit I've ever experienced."

Ness: "I didn't need to hear that."

Sonic: "Relax, bro, I complimented you."

Ness: *Sighs* "Get out."

Sonic: "Before I go, can I have a rice ball?"

Ness: "No."

Sonic: "So cruel."

Ness: "You literally broke into my room last night and refused to leave. I'm not cruel, I'm justified."

Sonic: "I didn't break in. Your window was open. It's basically an invitation."

Ness: "No it's not! Anyone with brains would know that."

Sonic: "C'mon, you love it when I'm here."

Ness: "No I don't."

Sonic: "Yes you doo~"

Ness: "It's like the cave all over again."

Sonic: "Haha! Cave mates. I kinda miss those days."

Ness: "You—MISSED it?!"

Sonic: "A little."

Ness: "How?!"

Sonic: "Chillin' with you, Kawasaki, and Gordon was a vibe."

Ness: "That's Stockholm syndrome. You actually have Stockholm syndrome."

Sonic: "Or I just enjoy hangin' out with my buddies."

Ness: "Buddies? It was against our will. You never even thought about me before we got kidnapped!"

Sonic: "Truuue. But I do now."

Ness: "You... Think about me?"

Sonic: "If I didn't, I wouldn't be here now would I?"

Ness: "What're you into me or something?"

Sonic: "Haha! You wish~"

Ness: "Eww."

Sonic: "Nah, I love messin' with ya. You're fun to bully."

Ness: "Thanks, you can get out now."

Sonic: "Fine, fine, I'm goin'."

Sonic stuck out his tongue in a playful yet dismissive gesture before turning and striding out of the psychic's room. Ness watched him go. He didn't even shut the door behind him. He shook his head and used his psychic powers to close the door.

He turned his attention to the corner of his room where his mini fridge sat. Opening it, he pulled out a small container of food and poured its contents into Lucky's bowl.

The Espeon's forked tail flicked eagerly as he bounded over, his shimmering fur catching the morning light. Lucky let out a content purr as he began to eat, his delicate movements filled with enthusiasm. Ness smiled softly, crouching down to stroke his Pokémon's sleek fur. "Enjoy, buddy," he murmured.

Once Lucky finished his meal, the two of them headed out, stepping into the crisp morning air. With practiced ease, they made their way toward Lucas's place, just as they did every day.

Knock!

Knock!

The door creaked open, and Lucas's gentle face appeared, framed by the warm glow of his home. The two exchanged smiles, the kind that spoke volumes without the need for words—a shared comfort between old friends. "Morning," Lucas greeted softly, his voice carrying a calm familiarity.

Ness: "Morning."

Lucas: *Snickers* "It's not actually morning."

Ness: "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, ready to head out?"

Lucas: "Actually, I got us breakfast already."

Ness: "Wait, wha?"

Lucas: "Yep! I cooked it not too long ago."

Ness: "Aww, that's so sweet of you. Thanks~"

Lucas stepped aside, holding the door open as Ness and Lucky entered. The warm, inviting scent of breakfast greeted them instantly, wafting through the cozy home. Ness's eyes drifted to the coffee table in the center of the room, where the plates were already laid out, each one neatly arranged with golden hash browns, slices of buttery toast glistening under the light, and perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs.

The sight made Ness's stomach rumble faintly, and he couldn't help but smile. "You didn't have to go all out, Lucas," he said, his tone light with gratitude.

Lucas: "I was in a cooking mood."

Ness: "Well, thanks! I appreciate it."

The two began digging into their meals, the aroma of warm food filling the room. Lucky, perched nearby, grew visibly restless. His tail twitched, and his large, jewel-like eyes fixed on the plates with a pleading intensity. At first, he simply stared, hoping to guilt-trip the diners into sparing him a bite. The blonde glanced at him, his resolve wavering under the Espeon's piercing gaze, but his owner quickly intervened.

"No, Lucky," Ness said firmly, snapping Lucas out of his moment of hesitation.

But Lucky wasn't one to give up so easily. Desperation flickered in his expression, and with a swift, agile leap, he landed squarely on the coffee table. Before anyone could react, he darted toward the plates, his tongue swiping up a few bites of food.

"Lucky!" Lucas exclaimed, reaching for him, but it was Ness who acted first. With a sharp gesture, his eyes glinted, and a soft, ethereal blue glow enveloped the Espeon. Caught mid-chew, Lucky found himself suspended in the air, his legs kicking in protest.

"You're in time-out," Ness said flatly, his tone laced with playful annoyance. The psychic energy carried Lucky across the room, putting him gently but firmly onto the bed. The Espeon sulked, his ears drooping, as he watched the others continue their meal from afar.

Ness: "Sorry about that."

Lucas: "He's a mischievous one, isn't he?"

Ness: "He's been behaving lately, but he's still Lucky."

Lucas: "Wow, he's actually been listening?"

Ness: "Ever since I almost got rid of him, yeah, he's been a good boy."

Lucas: "He's probably afraid you'll try to send him away again."

Ness: "I feel bad. His new behavior might be due to trauma…"

Lucas: "Sometimes trauma helps improve yourself."

Ness: "Never thought of it that way."

Lucas: "I mean, Lucky seems fine for the most part. Sure he's a little traumatized, but it's something you two need to figure out. Besides him listening more is better than how he used to act."

Ness: "Have you ever considered being a therapist?"

Lucas: "Hahaha~! You know I'm socially awkward."

Ness: "You're right. You're my therapist only~"

Lucas: *Blushes* "O-oh! Uh… Thanks."

Ness: "I love that I have you to talk to. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do if you weren't a part of my life."

Lucas: "R-really?"

Ness: "Spending time in that cave gave me a lot to think about—especially about how I've treated you in the past. I realize now that I've taken you for granted, and for that, I sincerely apologize. Moving forward, I'll make a conscious effort to be a better friend to you."

Lucas: "Gee, Ness, you sound so corny."

Ness: "Haha! Yeah, well, I'd rather be corny than an asshole."

Lucas's smile grew as a warm, weightless feeling spread through him. Ness had such a way with words—it was as if every compliment the brunet offered carried the power to light up his entire world. The rush of serotonin Lucas felt from just a few kind phrases was unmatched, a high only Ness could deliver. Yet, alongside the joy came a bittersweet ache, a unique cocktail of happiness and longing that only Ness could bring. Was this emotional rollercoaster healthy? Probably not. But Lucas didn't care.

All that mattered to him was the distant hope that, one day, he might convince Ness they could be something more. The thought of waiting—of enduring the quiet pain that came with unspoken feelings—didn't scare him. If anything, it felt worth it. The blonde was semi-confident that day would come because Ness had been acting... different lately, almost as if he were in denial of something. The way he spoke to Lucas sometimes, the little moments of vulnerability, made him wonder: was Ness hiding a secret part of himself? Could he be grappling with the possibility of being bi—and, just maybe, harboring feelings for him?

Ding!

Ness: "!"

Ness checked his phone to see who sent that message.

[- Red

DM

Red: Leaf texted me she wants to meet me in person

Red: I feel nervous

Ness: Do you want me to come?

Red: No. This is somethin I have to do alone

Red: Im prepared to face the consequences. If she doesn't want to be my friend anymore I'll have to accept that

Red: But I'm also scared because she's my only friend. I dont' know what I'd do without her

Ness: She's a reasonable person. I'm sure you guys will continue to be friends.

Red: Yu think so?

Ness: I know so.

Red: How?

Ness: She forgave me. I'm sure she'll forgive you. Especially since you were just looking out for her.

Red: Yur right. I shouldn't be thinking about the neg. Thanks for cherrin me up

Ness: No problem~

…

Lucas: "Who was that?"

Ness: "Red."

Lucas: "It's so weird that you two are talking."

Ness: "I know!"

Lucas: "Whatcha two talking about?"

Ness: "Leaf wants to talk to Red. He's afraid that she'll end their friendship."

Lucas: "Oh no."

Ness: "But I told him that he has nothing to worry about."

Lucas: "That's swell of you."

Ness: "Thanks! I mean it too. From what I learned about her, she likes to hold a grudge for a bit, but eventually she bounces back."

Lucas: "Pretty mature of her."

Ness: "Yeah, she's not so bad. I'm glad I was able to patch things up with her."

Lucas: "No kidding."

Ness: "Oh! I forgot to tell you!"

Lucas: "Tell me what?"

Ness: "Leaf is getting an abortion."

Lucas: "What!"

Ness: "She showed up to my place and we had a long talk about it."

Lucas: "She's actually doing it?!"

Ness: "Yes!"

Lucas: "Wow! I can't believe it!"

Ness: "I feel so relieved."

Lucas: "That's kinda fucked up, but I too feel relieved."

Ness: "I know it's fucked up. But we're not ready to be parents. Also, the baby isn't mine. Not to mention, I don't have feelings for her and she doesn't with me either, so co-parenting would've been awkward."

Lucas: "Are you sure she doesn't have a crush on you?"

Ness: "Positive."

Lucas: "I disagree…"

Ness: "Why?"

Lucas: "I think she does."

Ness: "Wwhat! How did you come to that conclusion?"

Lucas: "She dated your clone."

Ness: "Yeaaah, but that was Nate."

Lucas: "She thought he was you."

Ness: "T-true, but—She fell for his personality."

Lucas: "I guess..."

Ness: "I act nothing like Nate."

Lucas: (Debatable.)

Ness: "Besides, why would she have a crush on a guy who looks exactly the same as her ex who shattered her heart? It doesn't make sense."

Lucas: "Love doesn't make sense, Ness."

Ness: "You're overthinking it. Trust me, I hang out with her quite a bit and she has shown no signs."

Lucas: "You're also kinda clueless."

Ness: "Hey!"

"Just sayin'," Lucas muttered, shaking his head with a dramatic roll of his eyes. Ness paused for a moment. Is he jealous? The tone Lucas had used made it almost obvious, though Ness found it hard to believe. His friend was never the jealous type. That was more Ness's territory—a flaw he'd struggled with for years.

He remembered how he used to get jealous so easily, especially when anyone tried to come between him and Lucas. It wasn't just petty possessiveness; it came from a place of insecurity, a deep-seated fear that Lucas might one day find someone better—a better friend, a better connection. God, I was so toxic back then.

But things were different now. Ness had worked on himself, made an effort to let Lucas live his life freely, to spend time with whomever he wanted without interference. Yet, now that the jealousy seemed to be coming from Lucas's side, he couldn't help but find the role reversal a little ironic.

He doesn't want me hanging out with Leaf, Ness realized. He didn't know whether to feel amused, confused, or flattered.

Ness: "Are you ok?"

Lucas: "I'm fine."

Ness: "Are you sure? You sound… I don't know, upset?"

Lucas: "I'm not upset. I'm just pointing something out."

Ness: "Ok, well, thanks I guess. I just want to let you know that she only thinks of me as a friend."

Lucas: "Sure…"

Ness: "You don't have to worry."

Lucas: "No offense, Ness, you're really smart, but when it comes to people, that's where you usually fail."

Ness: "Wow, ok. I mean, I've been getting better."

Lucas: "You have. But you still struggle in that department."

Ness: "Dude!"

Lucas: "S-sorry, I didn't mean to sound harsh."

Ness: "Are you sure you're ok? You've never attacked me like this unless you were joking, but clearly you're not."

Lucas: "I'm fine."

Ness: "Lucas… You can tell me. What's bothering you?"

Lucas: "Nothing!"

Ness: "Is it because of Leaf?"

Lucas: "No. I'm glad she's your friend and that you two are hanging out."

Ness: (His tone sounded harsh.) "If you want, the three of us can-

Lucas: "No! I… I don't care if you two hang out alone. I just wanted you to be more aware. You tend to not realize hints and…" (It's frustrating.)

Ness: "And?"

Lucas: "Nevermind."

Ness: "Please tell me."

Lucas: "I'm sorry I don't feel comfortable right now."

Ness: *Sighs* (Don't push it, Ness. Just leave it alone. Don't be like your old self and force the problem to be fixed.) "Ok, I… I-I…" *Sighs* (Just let it go. Just… Let it go.)

Lucas: "..."

Ness: "I promise we're just friends! And there is no replacing you. I could never."

Lucas: "Yeah, ok."

Ness: "Lucas… W-what am I doing wrong? You wanted me to hang out with people, right?"

Lucas: "I do. Nothing is wrong."

Ness: "Then why aren't you being honest with me?"

Lucas: "I am. Can we please stop talking about this?"

Ness: "No! I… (Just leave it alone!) I want to fix this! I want… I don't want you to be upset. Please, talk to me."

Lucas clenched his fists, his throat tight as he fought back tears. Every part of him screamed to let it all out, to tell Ness everything. That he was jealous—so jealous. That he wanted more than friendship. That it tore him apart to watch Ness remain oblivious to the fact that Leaf had a crush on him.

He wanted to yell, to shout, to shake some sense into Ness. To make him realize how much it hurt that they still hadn't addressed the elephant in the room: Nate. How he dated his clone and believed it was him the whole time. The humiliation, the confusion, the heartbreak—it still lingered, unresolved. They hadn't talked about any of it.

Lucas wanted to unload it all, to make his crush face the mess they'd buried. But the words lodged in his throat, stuck behind the wall of emotions that threatened to spill over. No matter how much he wanted to lay it all out, his voice refused to cooperate. All he could do was stand there, his silence louder than any outburst could have been.

Lucas: "I can't. Not right now."

Ness: "Why?"

Lucas: "I just can't ok."

Ness: "But-

Lucas: "I need to be alone."

Ness: "Lucas!"

Lucas: "Please."

Ness: "No, I'm not leaving."

Lucas: "I NEED SPACE!"

Ness: "!"

Ness flinched, completely caught off guard. Lucas's voice had risen—sharp, raw, and unexpected. Lucas almost never raised his voice. In fact, Ness couldn't recall a single instance where the blonde had been this forceful, this... vulnerable. The intensity in the blonde's tone sent a chill through him, and when Ness looked at his friend's face, the sheer distress in his expression hit him like a brick wall. He'd pushed too far.

Guilt washed over the brunet, heavy and unrelenting. He couldn't meet his friend's eyes anymore. Instead, he dropped his gaze to the floor, his chest tight as regret settled in. "Fine," he muttered, his voice quiet and somber. "I'll go."

Without another word, Ness turned, his steps hesitant, carrying the weight of an unspoken tension that neither of them had been ready to confront. And with a soft click, Lucas was left all alone in his room. He sat down on his bed and began crying. Why did I yell? I was being such an asshole. I pushed him away. I'm such an idiot...