Estimated Reading Time: 28 Minutes

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Leafstorm

Ness groaned as the shrill beeping of his alarm clock broke through the silence of his room. Rolling over with a sigh, he fumbled for his phone on the nightstand, squinting at the glaring screen as he silenced the relentless noise. Tossing it back onto the bed, he collapsed onto his pillow, staring at the ceiling as the weight of morning laziness pinned him down.

Minutes ticked by—thirty of them, to be exact. He finally sat up with a reluctant grunt, rubbing his hands through his messy fluffy straight hair. His room, dimly lit by the soft morning glow seeping through the curtains, felt cool against his bare feet as he shuffled toward the bathroom.

He splashed his face with cold water, shaking off the remnants of sleep, then brushed his teeth, his reflection staring back with faint disinterest. After running a comb through his hair and deeming himself passably presentable, he made his way back to his room.

Slumping onto his unmade bed, he reached for his phone again. A single notification glowed on the screen—a text message. His brows furrowed slightly as he opened it, curiosity breaking through the haze of his morning routine.

[- Leaf

DM

Leaf: Hey! Today is the day

Ness: Oh right! You want me to come with you?

Leaf: Duh

Ness: Haha! I know, dumb question.

Leaf: Oh also Red and I are ok if you wanted to know

Ness: I'm glad you two made up.

Leaf: I can't hold a grude forevr

Ness: That's very mature of you.

Leaf: Thanks!

Leaf: Also ddi you notice that his voice changed

Ness: Yeah it's back to normal. Why did he sound so scratchy before?

Leaf: No clue

Leaf: Anyway I'm nervous but I'm gonna get ready. Where should we meet

Ness: I need to take Lucky out for a walk. You can meet me at the Pokepark if you'd like.

Leaf: Sounds perfect!

…

Ness smiled softly as he read the message, the corner of his lips tugging upward. Sliding his phone into the pocket of his jacket, he turned his attention to Lucky, who was lounging nearby. The Espeon perked up at the sight of Ness approaching with the familiar sound of food being poured into a dish. Lucky eagerly padded over, his forked tail swaying as he began to eat.

While Lucky finished his meal, Ness grabbed the leash from the hook near the door. The psychic Pokémon's ears twitched in excitement as he swallowed the last bite and skipped over, his gem gleaming in the light. Ness crouched to clip the leash onto Lucky's collar, giving him a quick pat. "Alright, buddy, let's get going," he said with a chuckle.

Outside, the crisp morning air greeted them. The streets were quiet save for the occasional distant bark or the faint rustle of leaves. Man, this is boring without Lucas here to keep me company. He considered knocking but decided against it. Yesterday's events were still fresh, and his friend probably needed some space. He sighed, brushing off the thought.

It's fine, he reassured himself. Leaf didn't need Lucas for this anyway. She only really trusted her close friends to help her through something like this. A small pang of guilt surfaced, but he pushed it away. It wasn't personal; Lucas and Leaf just didn't know each other that well. It would've been awkward, and Leaf didn't need extra stress right now.

Lucky nudged his leg, breaking his train of thought. Ness smiled again, focusing back on the path ahead.

The Pokepark buzzed softly with activity. Trainers chatted in groups, their Pokémon running in the open spaces. Lucky darted across the field, his sleek figure weaving playfully around another Pokémon—an excited Growlithe. Ness sat cross-legged on a bench, idly scrolling through his phone. The thought of texting Lucas tugged at his mind. His fingers hovered over the keyboard as he pieced together an apology in his head.

Before he could start typing, a familiar voice broke through his concentration. "Hey, Ness."

Startled, he looked up from his phone and spotted Leaf approaching. Her faint smile eased the tension in her expression, though her eyes carried the weight of unspoken thoughts. She looked as effortlessly stylish as ever, her black tank top snugly fitting her frame, paired with a flowy pink skirt that fluttered slightly in the breeze. A few strands of her brown hair framed her face as the rest fell neatly down her back.

"Hey, Leaf," Ness greeted, sliding his phone back into his pocket. He straightened up slightly as she sat down beside him on the bench. Lucky, still dashing about, didn't seem to notice yet.

For a moment, the two sat quietly, the sound of distant laughter and Pokémon calls filling the space between them.

Leaf: "I'm nervous."

Ness: "Me too."

Leaf: "I feel like a monster."

Ness: "I can assure you that you're not. You're doing the right thing."

Leaf: "Are you sure?"

Ness: "Positive."

Leaf: "Thanks."

Ness: "Is Red joining?"

Leaf: "No."

Ness: "Oh."

Leaf: "Call me crazy, but I trust you more than him."

Ness: "But you've known each other for years."

Leaf: "I'm still a little hurt because of what he did."

Ness: "That's fair."

Leaf: "Besides, I just wanna hang out with one person today. Less pressure."

Ness: "I completely understand. Socializing in a group setting can be overwhelming and mentally taxing."

Leaf: "Usually I'm all for socializing, but today I feel anxious and exhausted."

Ness: "Didn't get any sleep?"

Leaf: "I did. Kinda…"

Ness: "I feel that."

Leaf: "It was a little difficult for me to pass out because my brain wouldn't shut up about the whole abortion."

Ness: "I'm sorry…"

Leaf: "It must be done unfortunately."

The silence settled between them once more. Ness shifted slightly, his mind racing for the right words but finding none that felt safe enough. Leaf was in a fragile place right now—her emotions unstable—and the last thing he wanted was to say something that might upset her.

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, her faint smile now replaced by a far-off gaze. She looked like someone holding herself together with sheer willpower, and he realized how much she needed someone steady by her side. I want to be that person for her, Ness thought. Someone she can lean on without fear.

Still, he knew better than to rush in. For now, the best thing he could do was choose his words with care, keep some emotional distance, and let her set the pace. Sometimes, comfort wasn't about saying the perfect thing—it was about being there, steady and patient, while time did its work. At least that's what he read in a book he finished not too long ago.

After a stretch of quiet, the sound of an alarm chiming broke the stillness. Leaf startled slightly before pulling out her phone. "Oh! It's time for my appointment," she said, standing up from the bench and brushing off her skirt. Her voice carried a mix of urgency and determination.

Ness nodded, rising to his feet as well. He turned his attention to the field, where Lucky was still darting around in energetic circles with the Growlithe. "Lucky! Come back!" he called out, cupping his hands around his mouth for emphasis.

The Espeon glanced his way, his gem glinting in the sunlight, but gave an unmistakable look of defiance before returning to his playful chase. The brunet let out an exasperated groan, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright, fine. Have it your way," he muttered.

With a flick of his hand, his eyes narrowed in focus, Ness activated his psychic abilities. Lucky's movements halted mid-step as an invisible force lifted him gently off the ground. The Espeon wriggled in protest, his tail flicking in annoyance, but Ness floated him over with ease. "You had your fun," Ness said as he clicked the Pokéball, recalling Lucky in a flash of red light.

He sighed and turned back to Leaf, giving her a small shrug. "Ready when you are." The two began walking to the hospital.

Leaf: "Still havin' a hard time training him, huh?"

Ness: "Like you said before, Eeveelutions are difficult to tame, right?"

Leaf: "Yeah. I'm lucky Fate listens to me. She's well-behaved. I was shocked."

Ness: "You got really lucky."

Leaf: "It's funny because your Espeon's name is Lucky. I feel like it should be opposite."

Ness: "Of course I had to get the bad one."

Leaf: "Dang, Ness."

Ness: "Ok, ok, I didn't mean it. I do feel lucky to have him with me. That's why I named him Lucky in the first place."

Leaf: "It's such a cute name~"

Ness: "Thanks! I remember naming him when we took a break from walking down the mountain. He was just a little Eevee running and rolling around in a clover field."

Leaf: "Aww, that's cute!"

Ness: "That's how I thought about how lucky I was to find an Eevee who knew where to go. Plus four leaf clovers, am I right?"

Leaf: "That's actually genius."

Ness: "Thanks~"

The pair arrived at the hospital, its white exterior gleaming under the midday sun. Leaf approached the reception desk, her voice soft as she checked in with the nurse.

Once the formalities were done, she joined Ness in the waiting area, settling into the chair beside him. The room was mostly empty with only a few other patients to be spotted, the muted murmur of conversations blending with the occasional beep of machines in the distance. Leaf's hands gripped the edge of her seat, and her foot tapped a relentless rhythm against the tiled floor.

Ness shifted his gaze toward Leaf, catching the way her eyes darted nervously from one corner of the room to another. Her tapping foot and tense posture spoke volumes, even without words.

"Hey," he said gently, his voice cutting through the soft din of the lobby. "It'll be okay."

He thought about reaching out, maybe placing a comforting hand on her shoulder—but the thought of how awkward that might feel stopped him. Instead, he settled for offering her a reassuring smile, hoping it was enough to calm her nerves. Sometimes, a small gesture was all that was needed.

The nurse called out her name, her voice gentle but firm. Leaf rose from her chair, her fingers twisting nervously in the hem of her shirt. She glanced back at Ness, her eyes betraying the storm of doubt swirling inside her. He caught her gaze and smiled warmly, his confidence radiating like a steady flame in the darkness. With a quick wink, he leaned forward slightly.

"You've got this," he said, his voice low and soothing, as if the words carried a hidden strength meant only for her.

Leaf took a deep breath and nodded, summoning her courage. As she turned to follow the nurse into the other room, the weight of her anxiety lifted just enough to keep her moving. The door clicked softly behind her, leaving Ness to wait in the quiet.

Ding!

Ness eagerly grabbed his phone, the buzz of the recent notification still lingering in his mind. His thumb hovered over the screen for a moment before he tapped it, opening the message with a flick of his wrist. He hoped whatever it was—an update, a text, anything—would be enough to pull him away from the nervous energy coiling in his chest.

[- Bowser

DM

Bowser: HEY ARE U BUSY RN

Bowser: I HAVENT HERD FROM U SINCE WE TALKED AT THE CAFETERIA THAT ONE TIME

Bowser: HELLO?

…

Ness frowned as his eyes scanned Bowser's text, his expression twisting into one of pure annoyance. Why is he still texting me? he thought, the irritation prickling at his nerves. It's so obvious I don't want to talk to him. How dumb can he be? With a sharp breath, he tapped the message away without replying, refusing to let Bowser's persistence sink its claws any deeper.

He resumed scrolling through his phone, but the distraction felt hollow. His thoughts drifted to Lucas. The tension in his chest tightened further as he debated what to do. He knew he should give his friend the space he needed—Lucas had made that clear. Yet, despite his best efforts, every inch of Ness's body screamed at him to reach out, to fix what had been broken.

[- Lucas

DM

Ness: Sorry about yesterday.

Lucas is typing…

…

Ness chewed nervously on his thumbnail, his eyes glued to the screen of his phone. The silence felt deafening as he waited, his mind racing with possibilities. What's he going to say? he wondered, the question looping in his head like a broken record.

He tried to reassure himself. Maybe Lucas has calmed down by now. Maybe we're good again. The hope flickered in his chest, fragile but persistent, as he imagined his friend's response. Still, the uncertainty gnawed at him, making it hard to sit still.

[- Lucas

DM

Lucas: I'm sorry too

Ness: You don't have to be. You did nothing wrong.

Lucas: I feel bad for raising my voice

Ness: It's ok. I was being too pushy.

Lucas is typing…

…

Ness stared at his phone, the minutes stretching into what felt like hours as he waited for Lucas's next reply. The screen remained stubbornly blank, and with each passing moment, the knot of anxiety in his chest grew tighter. He tapped the side of his phone nervously, his mind racing through worst-case scenarios.

Why isn't he replying? Did I say something wrong? The silence felt louder than any words could. Ness shifted in his seat, his heart thudding in uneasy rhythms as he tried to convince himself that Lucas was probably just busy. But no matter how hard he tried, the anxious thoughts refused to let him go.

[- Lucas

DM

Ness: Lucas, are you still there?

…

Lucas's silence gnawed at Ness, his stomach twisting into anxious knots. Panic bubbled up, and the urge to act clawed at him. He wanted—no, needed—to rush over and knock on Lucas's door, to make sure everything was okay. But deep down, he knew he couldn't.

Leaf needed him right now. This moment was crucial for her, and if she woke up after her procedure to find him gone, what would she think? She'd assume he'd only stayed because he had an agenda—to pressure her into an abortion. The thought made his chest tighten with guilt and resolve.

It felt like he was being torn in two, forced to choose between his friends. But as much as his heart ached for Lucas, Ness knew this decision wasn't about fairness—it was about urgency. Lucas's issue, as important as it was, didn't carry the same weight as what Leaf was going through.

It sucks, he thought bitterly, forcing himself to stay seated in the cold, uncomfortable hospital chair. But I have to be here for her. He glanced down at his phone again, half-hoping for some kind of miracle reply from Lucas. When nothing came, he sighed heavily.

It's fine, Ness told himself, though the words felt hollow. Lucas probably just needs time to himself anyway. Even so, the unease in his chest refused to let go.

Ness's feet tapped against the floor in an impatient rhythm, his restless energy bubbling to the surface. He froze mid-tap as the sound of the door opening drew his attention. His gaze snapped up, and there she was—Leaf.

Her steps were slow, her shoulders slightly hunched, and her stomach noticeably smaller. The weight of everything she'd been through was etched into her face, her expression clouded with a deep sadness that made Ness's chest ache.

"Hey," he greeted softly, his voice gentle, careful.

Leaf's eyes, dull with sorrow, flickered with a faint light when she saw him sitting there. For a brief moment, the corners of her lips twitched upward, not quite a smile, but enough to show she was relieved—grateful even—that he hadn't left.

Leaf: "Hi."

Ness: "How're you feeling?"

Leaf: "Not great…"

Ness: "I can imagine. I'm so sorry."

Leaf: "It had to be done."

Ness: "I'm sorry."

Leaf: "My baby…"

Ness: "I know. It's unfortunate."

Leaf: "..."

Ness: "Did you—want to go somewhere? Maybe get your mind off of this situation?"

Leaf: "I'd like that."

Ness: "Ok! Where'd you want to go?"

Leaf: "I'm not sure. You pick."

Ness: "Me? Um, ok. How about—a nice cafe?"

Leaf: "Ok."

Ness stood, motioning for Leaf to follow him as they made their way out of the hospital. The air outside was cool and crisp, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere inside. He led her down the street, their steps quiet, until they arrived at Sugarmoon Café—a cozy little spot Ness had always liked.

As they stepped inside, the warm scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries greeted them, momentarily lifting some of the weight in the air. Ness couldn't help but smile faintly as memories surfaced. He remembered the time he'd seen Tina here, sitting by the window, her tentacle hair catching the sunlight just right. She'd ordered the same sandwich he had, and the coincidence had struck him. It's scary how alike we are, he'd thought back then.

For a fleeting moment, he'd felt like the universe was giving him a sign, like they were somehow meant for each other. That memory still lingered vividly in his mind, even two years later, as clear as if it had happened yesterday. Shaking off the thought, he glanced at Leaf, hoping the familiar warmth of the café would give her some comfort.

Leaf: "Wow, this place is nice. I don't think I've been here before."

Ness: "It's a cute little spot, isn't it?"

Leaf: "It is!"

The two stood quietly in line, their eyes scanning the chalkboard menu hanging above the counter. The soft hum of conversation and the clatter of cups filled the air around them, but neither said much. When it was their turn, Ness stepped up and placed his order without hesitation.

"I'll take a breakfast sandwich," he said, ignoring the fact that it was well past noon.

Leaf followed, her voice softer. "Just a giant cinnamon roll, please. And a coffee."

Once their orders were set, they carried their tray to a table near the middle of the café. It wasn't the most private spot, but the warm, homey atmosphere seemed to wrap around them like a comforting blanket. They sat down, the weight of everything still lingering between them, as the soft melodies of café jazz played in the background.

Leaf: "Mm~ Delicious~"

Ness: I know right! I love this cafe."

Leaf: "Next time we hang out, can I show you the one I go to?"

Ness: "Of course!"

Leaf: "It's a little darker. It kind of looks more like a bar, but it's cozy."

Ness: "I do like dark spaces."

Leaf: "Your room is pretty dark so that makes sense."

Ness: "Yeaaaah. I don't see much sunlight. I'm not sure if that's healthy, but also, meh."

Leaf: "I actually like your room. I love seeing the LED strip lights. It's cool. Also, it's sooo clean."

Ness: "Thanks! I work hard to keep it spotless."

Leaf: "I couldn't even see a speck of dust."

Ness: "I get carried away."

Leaf: "Do you have OCD?"

Ness: "I might."

Leaf: "My room's pretty clean too. You should come over. It's also super cozy."

Ness: "T-today?"

Leaf: "If you want. We could just chill."

Ness: "Y-you want me t-to come over?"

He'd never been in a girl's room before, and though he knew they were just friends—no crush, no hidden feelings—nervousness still settled in his stomach. The idea of being in her space made him self-conscious. What if I do something wrong? His mind raced with doubts. What if I accidentally come off as pervy? What if she finds me disgusting?

There was an unspoken pressure weighing on him, a constant worry about how he should act, what he should say, and whether every little move he made would be under scrutiny. The air around him felt heavier than usual, each thought amplifying the discomfort he couldn't quite shake.

Leaf: "Yeah! I wanna show you my Pokemon scrap journal."

Ness: "A scrap journal?"

Leaf: "I like to draw my Pokemon and then write about their personality. It's like a character card."

Ness: "That's so cute! Wait, you draw?"

Leaf: "A little. I'm not that good though."

Ness: "I'm sure you are. Actually, I like to draw too!"

Leaf: "Really? What'd you draw? I only draw Pokemon."

Ness's mind drifted to the things he'd drawn in the past, most of it featuring cute sexy anime girls. It's not too crazy for a horny young adult to draw, but also it is degenerate as fuck. What's worse is a memory of one particular drawing: Tina in a bikini. He shuddered at the recollection, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment. I'm definitely not going to tell her that, he thought, his stomach twisting.

If she ever found out, there was no way she'd respect him again. He imagined how she'd look at him differently, how the playful, easygoing friendship they shared would shift into something uncomfortable.

Ness: "I—draw people."

Leaf: "Oooh, I wanna see."

Ness: "Uh… It's really bad."

Leaf: "Can't be worse than mine."

Ness: "Oh trust me, it is."

Leaf: "I still wanna see."

Ness: "No no. It's embarrassing."

Leaf: "Aww, why're you backing down now? You sounded passionate earlier."

Ness: "I did?"

Leaf: "Yes."

Ness: "Can I take back that excitement?"

She playfully shook her head.

Leaf: "You sound like you're guilty of something."

Ness: "I-I do not."

Leaf: "Now I'm even more curious."

Ness: "Fine. I'll show you one, but not any time soon. I would like to hone my skills first."

Leaf: "What's wrong with your old drawings?"

Ness: "Not good enough."

Leaf: "I won't care."

Ness: "I care."

Leaf: "Are you trying to impress me or something~?"

Ness couldn't help but notice the tone in her voice. Is she flirting with me right now? The thought caught him off guard, but he quickly dismissed it. No, she's just teasing. He tried to convince himself there was nothing flirtatious about it, but the lingering feeling in his chest told a different story.

Flirty or not, it made him feel flustered—his cheeks warming slightly as his mind raced. Was it because he was still embarrassed about the whole drawing thing, or was it the fact that she was inviting him to her room?

Ness: "Yeah, I'm trying to impress you."

Leaf: "!" *Blushes*

Ness: "I don't want you seeing my old art. It's cringy."

Leaf: "Y-yeah, ok, fine. You have two weeks."

Ness: "You're giving me a deadline?"

Leaf: "Yup. I'm gonna put it on my calendar too."

Ness: "What are you?"

Leaf: "Whaaat? I don't wanna forget."

Ness: *Groans* "Weirdo."

Leaf: "Hahaha! True. Anyway, wanna get outta here?"

Ness: "Y-yeah ok."

The two stood up from their seats, and as they made their way out of the café, Ness could feel the sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. His mind raced, overthinking every step of the way. How should I act? What if I say something wrong? He wanted to come up with some excuse to avoid what felt like an inevitable awkward situation.

But then his conscience tugged at him. She had an abortion today. The thought weighed on him, grounding him. Leaf was vulnerable right now, more than she had been in a long time. He'd already agreed to be there for her, and bailing now would feel wrong. He couldn't do that to her—not after everything.

?: "Yo, Ness, and Leaf, what's up?"

As they walked, Ness's eyes drifted forward, and then he saw her—Tina, waving excitedly at them. She approached with that familiar smile, and in an instant, Ness's heart skipped a beat.

She was wearing a crop top that exposed her navel piercing, paired with denim booty shorts that highlighted her figure. His gaze lingered, his thoughts momentarily derailed. Why does she always look so stunning? He couldn't stop gawking, his eyes tracing every detail of her outfit, the confidence in her stride, the way she seemed to own the space around her.

Leaf, who had been walking beside him, caught his stare. She raised an eyebrow, giving him a pointed look, but Ness didn't seem to notice. His mind was completely absorbed in Tina's presence, her infectious sexy energy drawing him in. The moment felt like it was stretching, everything around him fading except for her.

Tina: "How's it goin'?"

Ness: "Oh, it's good."

Leaf: "I'm doing well."

Tina: "That's dope. Hey, so wanna head to the music room? My band is ready."

Leaf: "We-

Ness: "Yes!"

Tina: "Awesome. Alright, let's go."