Estimated Reading Time: 25 Minutes

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Leafstorm

Leaf woke up the next day. She grabbed her phone and saw that she had a message. Oh! Could it be Ness? Does he finally want to hang out like he promised?

[- Red

DM

Red: hey yur off today right

…

A wave of disappointment crashed over her when she saw that the message wasn't from Ness.

[- Red

DM

Leaf: I'm off today

Red: mkay just wonderin bc i wanted to hang out

Leaf: Really?

Red: havent bung out with my friend in a bit been feelin lonely

Leaf: Me too honestly…

Red: wat time should i come overr

Leaf: Let me do my daily routine first

…

She got up from bed and fed her Pokémon breakfast before heading out to the Lo-Fi Café. The cozy aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods greeted her as she walked in. She ordered a breakfast sandwich and a matcha latte, finding a seat by the window where she could watch the rain fall.

As she took a sip of her warm drink, a sense of peace washed over her. The gentle patter of raindrops against the glass was therapeutic, each droplet casting a sparkle on the street outside.

She savored her quiet morning, but as afternoon rolled around, she headed back to the mansion. Inside, the place was as lively as ever. Smashers filled the halls, chatting, laughing, and greeting one another in high spirits. She paused, a smile forming as she watched the happy scene unfold. But soon, her smile faded into a soft frown.

Surrounded by so many friendly faces, she couldn't ignore the pang of loneliness creeping in. As much as she enjoyed seeing others connect, she wished she had more friends of her own to share in the laughter.

She sighed, stepping into the elevator with a sense of heaviness. Her hand hovered over the button for the fourth floor, where Ness's room was, but she hesitated, eventually pulling her hand back. She convinced herself that he wouldn't want to hang out with her; after all, she was just one friend among many in his world. Feeling a pang of disappointment, she pressed the button for the fifth floor instead.

With a soft ding, the elevator doors slid open, and she stepped out, making her way down the hall. Her footsteps echoed quietly in the empty corridor as she walked back to her room.

Once inside, she released her Pokémon, and they eagerly joined her on the bed, filling the room with joy and companionship. She pulled them into a cozy cuddle, feeling her spirits lift a little. Her Ivysaur reached over with his vine whip, gently handing her the remote.

"Thank you," she murmured with a soft smile, giving him a grateful scratch on the head before taking the remote. The familiar comfort of her Pokémon eased her loneliness, reminding her she was never truly alone with them by her side.

Knock!

Knock!

Leaf got up and opened the door, greeting Red with a warm smile. He returned the gesture, his eyes bright with a familiar friendliness as he stepped inside. Without hesitation, he took a seat beside her on the bed, settling in as if it were second nature.

Red: "So how've things been?"

Leaf: "Honestly, Red, I haven't been doing well."

Red: "Why? What's been going on?"

Leaf: "If I tell you, will you promise not to blow up?"

Red: "I promise."

Leaf: "It's about Ness…"

Red: "WHAT DID THAT CHING-CHONG MOTHERFUCKER DO THIS TIME?!"

Leaf: "Red!"

Red: "S-sorry… I just care about you. I don't want you gettin' hurt again."

Leaf: "I get that but please calm down."

Red: "Ok, I'm sorry."

Leaf: *Sighs*

Red: "Please, continue. I promise I won't interrupt."

Leaf: "Ness has been—distant towards me lately."

Red: "Why?"

Leaf: "I dunno. We were supposed to hang out yesterday, and he canceled."

Red: (That fuckin' bitch!)

Leaf: "He said it's because something came up. When I asked what it was, he said that it was private."

Red: "Does he not trust you?"

Leaf: "He didn't even tell Lucas. At least that's what he said, but I can't help but feel like he's lying."

Red: "He strikes me as that kind of guy. I mean I heard he used to flake out on his friends all the time."

Leaf: "Where'd you hear that?"

Red: "From the Ice Climbers and Toon Link. Those guys are supposed to be close to him, yet he constantly pushes them away. All he wants to do is hang out with that blonde boy."

Leaf: "Yeah…"

Red: "Those two are probably datin'."

Leaf: "He told me he's straight."

Red: "That's a fuckin' lie."

Leaf: "I don't think it is."

Red: "Tch! I seriously doubt it. He's shady as fuck."

Leaf stared down at the floor, Red's words slowly chipping away at her confidence. Doubt crept in, growing stronger with each passing thought. What if Ness IS lying? The fear that he was only acting friendly to sway her toward an abortion depressed her. What if, once he got what he wanted, he'd stop talking to her altogether?

Her chest tightened with the familiar sting of past wounds, memories of being used by Nate surfacing in her mind. She couldn't bear to go through that again. She'd opened her heart once before, only to end up feeling discarded and betrayed. The fear of repeating that pain made her hesitant, and she wrestled with whether to trust Ness's intentions or to protect herself from further heartache.

"I just... *Sniffs* Ness and I get along so well," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Who else do you know that loves Pokémon as much as we do?" Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. She blinked, trying to hold them back, but the sadness was too much. It wasn't just about Pokémon—it was about the bond they shared, something that felt rare and precious. The thought of losing it, of everything falling apart, tore at her. She hugged herself tightly, feeling vulnerable and unsure of how to hold on to something she didn't want to lose.

Seeing her on the verge of tears filled Red with guilt. He shifted closer, gently wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into a comforting hug. "I-I'm sorry," he stammered softly, his voice laced with regret. "I didn't mean to be so pessimistic."

He rubbed her back soothingly, hoping his presence might ease some of her worries. He hadn't meant to plant seeds of doubt, and seeing her hurt made him wish he could take his words back. For now, he held her close, silently letting her know she wasn't alone.

Leaf: "W-what if he *Sniffs* is l-lying?"

Red: "Hey, you'll always have me. You're not alone."

Leaf: "But I don't wanna lose him as a friend. I want him to tell me the truth. I wanna know his real intentions."

Red: "You think he's using you?"

Leaf: "A little."

Red: "You think he's trying to get into your pants?"

Leaf: "What! N-no, not that kind of using."

Red: "I wouldn't put it past him. He slept with half the roster."

Leaf: "He didn't. Isabelle lied, remember?"

Red: "S-sorry, sometimes I forget it's a rumor because of how men are."

Leaf: "It's not all men. Look at you for example. I've never heard you talk about women."

Red: "That's because I'm ace. I'm not interested in bein' intimate with anyone."

Leaf: "Good point…"

Red: "From what I know about most men is that they're a bunch of creepy ass perverts."

Leaf: "I don't think Ness is like that."

Red: "I guarantee he's thought about you lots of times."

Leaf knew she should be upset, but a flutter of excitement stirred in her at the thought of Ness thinking about her sexually. The idea made her heart race. She felt a small smile tugging at her lips. She'd had her fair share of fantasies about him—moments she'd crafted in her mind that left her blushing even when she was alone. They weren't exactly thoughts she was proud of, but they were hers, and the idea that he might feel something similar left her feeling more than a little flustered.

Red: "Ugh, you good? Your face got all red there."

Leaf: "Y-yeah I'm good. I just can't see him thinking about me."

Red: "I'm ace and I think you're pretty. I'm sure most men here think you're attractive; especially that motherfucker."

Leaf: "You really think he has dirty thoughts about me?"

Red: "One hundred percent. That's why you should be aware of him. I bet he's only tryin' to get close is because he wants to have sex with you."

Leaf felt a rush of warmth as her thoughts drifted. She couldn't help the excitement bubbling up inside her as she imagined Ness leaning close, pinning her down with an intensity that sent her heart racing. The idea left her feeling both nervous and exhilarated. She knew it was just a fantasy, but it was enough to make her cheeks flush, filling her with a giddiness she couldn't quite shake.

Leaf: "I don't think he would want me like that."

Red: "I'm confident he does."

Leaf: "Then why's he being distant now?"

Red: "Probably because you haven't given him what he wants."

Leaf: "W-what he wants?"

Red: "At one point, a man will eventually give up and move on to another target. Fuckin' absolute pieces of shits!"

Leaf: "You think because I haven't slept with him yet, he's starting to give up on me?"

Red: "Yes."

She did recall the time when Ness's gaze wandered down to her breasts when she was wearing that tight black dress. Maybe that was him telling her that he wanted to fuck. It makes sense that after their hang out he started to become distant. Constantly making up excuses to not stick around after work.

Leaf: "If that's the case, then why didn't he say anything?"

Red: "Probably too shy."

Leaf: "Too shy?"

Red: "I dunno! I'm not him."

Leaf's mind raced with curiosity as she pondered Ness's romantic history. Was he still a virgin? Has he ever had a girlfriend? His quiet demeanor and aloof nature often left her wondering about his personal life. He seemed so easy to fluster, his cheeks turning pink at the slightest compliment, which only added to his charm. It really does seem like he's not experienced with anything romantic.

Maybe Red was onto something; perhaps Ness was too nervous to bring up anything serious between them. If she could somehow convince him that she's safe maybe then there was a chance for something more than friendship.

Leaf: "I think you're right."

Red: "I am? I mean, I am. See, I told you. He just wants to get in your pants, but he's too much of a pussy to actually ask you out. So he's gonna go for someone else who's a hoe. You're too modest for him. What a fuckin' bitch ass loser."

Leaf: "What? No. That's not what I was talking about."

Red: "Wait, huh?"

Leaf: "You're right about the shy thing."

Red: "I'm lost."

Leaf: "I think maybe he does have a crush on me. It makes sense now! He's too embarrassed to tell me because he thinks I'll reject him. That also explains why he hasn't even told his best friend Lucas. It's so obvious that Lucas has a crush on him, but Ness is straight and doesn't feel the same way. He's probably afraid that Lucas won't want to be his friend anymore if he and I start dating, that's why he's being distant. He's at a loss on what to do."

Red: "Y-you got all that from what I said?"

Leaf: "Doesn't it make sense?"

Red: "I guess?"

Leaf: "Red, you're a genius! I can't believe I never thought of that."

Red: "You seem too happy about it. Do you have a crush on him or somethin'?"

Leaf hesitated, holding back the words she wanted to share with Red. She knew he wasn't exactly Ness's biggest fan—quite the opposite. Red's unpredictable reactions and strong opinions often left her feeling guarded, especially when it came to Ness.

If she confessed her true feelings, she could already picture his reaction: the harsh words, the accusations, calling her naïve or worse for caring about someone he saw as unworthy. She didn't want to hear those things, not when she felt so strongly. So, for now, she kept her feelings locked away.

Leaf: "No I…" *Blushes*

Red caught onto her hesitation. Her face became all flustered and he noticed that when he suggested that Ness had a crush on her, her whole demeanor changed to hopeful. "So you don't?" He asked, raising a brow, not believing her completely.

A sudden wave of nausea hit Leaf, and a sharp pain twisted in her stomach. Her eyes widened in alarm as she covered her mouth, barely managing to hold back the urge long enough to rush to the bathroom. She dropped to her knees, hunching over the toilet, and felt her body shudder as she finally let go. The sickness left her weak, her hands gripping the sides of the toilet as she struggled to steady her breath. Each wave left her feeling drained, her mind racing with anxiety hoping Red won't find out her big secret.

Oh god, the awful sharp pains are coming back. She hunched over the toilet once again and vomited. A couple minutes went by and the sharp pain finally subsided. She propped her back against the wall.

Her entire body felt like it was on fire. She took off her jacket and sweater, so her skin could breathe the cool air. She was so busy focusing on her breathing that she didn't notice Red walking in the bathroom.

Red's eyes widened as he took in Leaf's appearance. She looked utterly worn, her face pale and her expression strained, but it was her stomach that left him speechless. Beneath the layers she had worn before, her belly had grown noticeably rounder. A change he hadn't picked up on until now. A swirl of emotions passed through him: shock, worry, and a pang of realization.

It all clicked for Red. The way Leaf's face had lit up when he mentioned Ness's supposed crush, the hidden smiles, her guarded answers—she and Ness had to be dating in secret. She must have kept it from him, knowing how much he despised that stupid nerd. And the fact that Ness had been avoiding her lately suddenly became crystal clear. Ness had gotten her pregnant, and now he was slipping away, leaving her to deal with everything on her own.

A surge of anger coursed through him. That piece of shit, he thought bitterly.

Leaf looked horrified when she watched Red's expression darken with each passing second. His jaw was clenched, fists tightening at his sides, and the rage in his eyes made her heart race.

"R-Red?" she whispered, her voice trembling with worry and a hint of fear.

Red: "How long have you been pregnant?"

Leaf: "Red, please-

Red: "HE GOT YOU FUCKIN' PREGNANT!"

Leaf: "N-no, it wasn't him!"

Red: "WHAT THE FUCK YOU MEAN IT WASN'T HIM?! IT'S CLEAR NOW THAT YOU TWO ARE SECRETLY DATIN'!"

Leaf: "What? That's not true."

Red: "Then how DO YOU EXPLAIN THE FUCKIN' STOMACH! I KNOW YOU GOTS A FAST METABOLISM!"

Leaf: "I've been stress eating."

Red: "Nah, I don't believe you one second. You seemed too fuckin' happy when I mentioned that Ness had a crush on ya."

Leaf: "It's because…"

Red: "Because what, huh?"

Leaf: "I…"

Red: "That's what I fuckin' thought. You didn't want me to know about your dirty lil secret. You knew I was right about him all along and you didn't wanna hear the reality. Now he's tryin' to abandon you because you're pregnant."

Leaf: "No, that's not what's been going on!"

Red: "Oh I know what's goin' on. No wonder why you always back him up. It all makes sense now."

Leaf: "We're not dating! Ok, hold on, I haven't been honest with you."

Red: "Clearly. You've been hidin' this shit from me."

Leaf: "Ness and I aren't dating. The reason why I was acting all hopeful earlier is because-

Red: "Save it. I don't wanna hear more lies. I know you're just making up excuses for him. You always do."

Leaf: "Red, let me explain!"

Red: "No, I'm tired of hearing the same shit. I wanna hear it from him instead."

Leaf: "What?"

Red: "Right after I beat his face in."

Leaf: "No! Red, don't go to him!"

Red: "STOP TAKING HIS SIDE! HE'S A FUCKIN' PIECE OF SHIT! WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT! WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT HE'S USING YOU!"

Leaf: "P-please… *Sobs* listen to me. He's not-

Red: "I'MMA TEACH HIM A LESSON!"

Leaf: "Red-

She couldn't finish her thought. Red was gone, disappearing down the hallway with a sudden, determined energy that left her words hanging in the air.

"RRREEDD!" Leaf's voice echoed down the hallway, but the Pokemon Trainer was already gone. Her heart pounded as she struggled to push herself up, only for another wave of nausea and pain to force her back down. She clutched the edge of the toilet, breathing heavily, trying to keep her composure, but her stomach twisted in agony and panic gripped her mind.

["Red is going to ruin everything…"] she whispered, fear clawing at her insides.

Meanwhile with Ness…

Ness lay sprawled across his bed, a soft smile on his face as he happily petted Lucky, who was curled up on his lap, purring contentedly. The glow from his tv screen illuminated his relaxed expression as he watched a video on YouTube, fully absorbed in tips and tricks for climbing the ranks in League. The video guided him through optimized paths for clearing jungle camps, and he nodded along, mentally noting the strategies.

Ness: "Mhm, oh! That's a good idea. Maybe I should ward there more often. What'd you think, Lucky?"

Lucky: *Continues to purr*

Ness: "Eh, whatever. You're too simple to understand what I'm talking about anyway."

He took out his phone and texted Lucas.

[- Lucas

DM

Ness: Hey, how's your day going?

Lucas: Doing ok so far. I'm about to play some Street Fighter

Ness: Ah, your escape.

Lucas: You know it~

Ness: Why not play League with me instead?

Lucas: Becaus I hate that game

Ness: But it's so fun…

Lucas: Yeah if you're a masochist

Ness: I'm a bit of a masochist…

Lucas: Good for you. I'm not

Ness: But suffering is fun!

Lucas: Only you would think that

Ness: Hey! Plenty of people play League.

Lucas: You don't even heal yourself when you're hurt. You have healing powers! These other ppl that play the game are depressed. You're depressed and mentally insane

Ness: I'm the most sane person in Smash.

Lucas: Rofl

Lucas: You can't be serious

Ness: I am serious!

Lucas: Noooo you're not

Ness: Look at me! I'm glowing with health.

Lucas: Stop I'm crying

Ness: IT'S TRUE!

Lucas: Mkay well I'm gonna let you keep believing that lie. Anyway I gotta date with climbing the ranks

Ness: I guess I will too.

Lucas: We both know you're forever plat

Ness: That's not true! I almost reached Emerald that one time.

Lucas: But you didn't

Ness: It's possible, just you wait and see.

Lucas: Can't wait to never see it

Ness: Ha! You won't be laughing once it happens.

Lucas: I promise you I'll treat you to whatever thing you want if you ever reach diamond

Ness: Whatever I want?

Lucas: Whatever you want

Ness: You shouldn't say that to me, Lucas. You'll regret it~

Lucas: I'm confident that it won't happen so…

Ness: Fuck off.

Lucas: Lol! Anyway good luck see ya

Ness: I'm saving this conversation for evidence.

Lucas: DOesn't mattr you won't reach diamond

Ness: You asshole.

Lucas: Byyyyeee

…

Ness chuckled to himself as he got up, gently moving Lucky off his lap. "What does Lucas know?" he muttered with a smirk. "If he thinks he's got the upper hand, he's got another thing coming." Determination flickered in his eyes as he clenched his fists, already envisioning himself climbing to Diamond. "I definitely have to reach Diamond now," he said, rolling his shoulders back, feeling his competitive spirit rise. "My pride is at stake."

Ness paused mid-step, spotting his guitar by the chair. "On second thought..." he murmured, eyes fixed on the instrument. "The climb to Diamond can wait. I've got to get good enough for the band." Smiling, he grabbed his guitar and settled back onto his bed, fingers already starting to play.

KNOCK!

KNOCK!

KNOCK!

KNOCK!

Ness flinched at the thunderous banging on his door, heart racing as a flurry of worst-case scenarios flooded his mind. Who could it be? The relentless knocking felt aggressive. "Whoever it is, they're being a bit much," he grumbled under his breath. Panic bubbled up. What if it was Bowser? He had been avoiding the turtle monster, and the thought of facing him sent a chill down his spine. That guy is pretty tough. He was not in the mood to go toe to toe with Bowser.

But then another terrifying thought struck him. Could it be Mario? Had that psychotic plumber somehow regained all his memories? Was he about to get bellosumed and kidnapped all over again? The mere idea made him shudder, and he felt the urge to jump out his window.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Nope! He wasn't taking that chance. Ness quickly lifted up his window, ready to make a hasty escape. This way he can go get reinforcements. But just as he was about to leap, he heard a familiar voice coming from behind the door.

Red: "NESS! OPEN UP YOU COWARD!"

Huh? Red? What could he want with him? Also why does he sound pissed? It was probably about Leaf—something must have happened. Curiosity got the better of him, and against his better judgment, he closed his window. He walked over to his door and opened it.

Ness: "Red? What brings you-

WHAM!