Estimated Reading Time: 24 Minutes

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Boyz Chillin

Like clockwork, Toon Link was the first to arrive at Popo's cozy, slightly cluttered place. With one leg crossed over the other, he sipped from a can of cheap beer, his tunic slightly wrinkled from the long day. The sound of the fridge humming and the distant clinking of Popo rummaging in the kitchen filled the otherwise quiet room.

"Another beer already?" Popo's voice called out, amused.

"Gotta stay hydrated," Toon Link replied without missing a beat, raising the can in mock salute.

A little while later, the rest of the crew began to arrive. Popo swung open the door, greeting Ness and Lucas with a grin. The two Earthbound boys exchanged a quick hello before stepping forward—only for a blur of blue to streak between them, accompanied by a gust of wind.

"Comin' through!" Sonic called out as he zoomed past, his timing impeccable as always.

The sudden rush of air sent Ness stumbling forward, right into Lucas. With a startled yelp, the two toppled to the ground in a heap, Ness landing squarely on top of his friend.

For a moment, everything froze. The scene looked like something straight out of a Korean drama. Lucas blinked up at Ness, his face rapidly turning a bright shade of red. Ness, equally flustered, gawked down at him, his blush spreading to the tips of his ears as the weight of the moment hit him.

"OOoooh~!" came the collective chorus from the rest of the crew, their voices dripping with playful mockery.

Ness's embarrassment hit a boiling point. Scrambling to his feet, he hopped off Lucas, brushing himself off with frantic energy.

"Shut up!" he barked at the others, his glare shooting daggers at Sonic in particular.

Sonic, standing a few feet away with his arms casually crossed, smirked. "Hey, don't blame me. It's not my fault you guys have zero balance."

"Maybe it wouldn't happen if you didn't zoom everywhere!" Ness retorted, still red-faced.

Lucas, meanwhile, stayed on the ground for a moment longer, fiddling nervously with the hem of his shirt as he tried to recover his composure.

"I hate you," Ness muttered, glaring one last time at Sonic before offering a hand to Lucas.

Lucas took Ness's hand, his grip light but steady, and hoisted himself up with his friend's help. Once upright, the two quietly moved to the love seat, sitting side by side, their shoulders just barely brushing.

Sonic: "And they sit next to each other too. How cute~"

Ness: "Can you fuck off?"

Sonic: "Nah."

Toon: "There they go again."

Popo: "Haahaahaaa!" *Takes a hit*

Ness: "Sonic, for once, can you not trip me on the way in?"

Sonic: "Nah, it's too funny."

Lucas: "Where's Pit?"

Popo: "Pit? Oh I dunno. He's usually here before you three arrive."

Toon: "Maybe he's runnin' late?"

Sonic: "What a slowpoke."

Ness: "Says the one that's always late for everything."

Sonic: "I'm late on purpose."

Knock!

Knock!

Popo: "That must be him."

Popo stood up and swung the door open, his cheerful voice greeting the newcomers. "Whoa! Dark Pit, I didn't expect to see you here!"

Lucas froze, his heart skipping a beat as his eyes landed on Dark Pit standing just behind Pit. The sight sent a flutter of unease through him. Wait, Dark Pit's here? His mind raced. Why's he here?

As the Pit twins stepped into the living room, they made their way to the floor, sitting side by side. The rest of the group fell silent, eyes flicking between Dark Pit and Pit. No one had expected him—of all people—to show up today.

Ness shifted uneasily in his seat, his discomfort noticeable. His mind replayed the last time he'd interacted with Dark Pit: the shove, the anger in his eyes. It still stung. He couldn't help but wonder if the dark angel was still holding a grudge. His fingers twitched slightly, unsure if he should say anything or just let the tension settle.

Sonic: "What the fuck. Dark Pit, whatcha doin' here? I thought you were like emo or some shit and hated this type of crowd."

Ness: "S-Sonic!"

Sonic: "C'mon, we're all thinkin' it."

Dark Pit: "Pit wanted me to come."

Pit: "Don't worry, guys. Pittoo is really sweet once you get to know him."

Sonic: *Snickers* "Pittoo?"

Dark Pit: *Growls* "I told you not to call me that."

Pit: "Oops, sorry. I can't help it."

Popo: "It's a cool nickname."

Dark Pit: "If any of you call me that, I'll make sure to break every bone in your body."

Toon: "What!"

Pit: "That's his way of saying, 'hi everybody'!"

Popo: "Sup, broskiii. C-can I call you that?"

Dark Pit: "Broski?"

Toon: "It's his nickname for all of us."

Dark Pit: "No. You may only refer me to Dark Pit."

Popo: "Haahahaaa! Alright, Dark Pit it is. Want some beer?"

Dark Pit: "No."

Sonic: "I want some!"

Popo, not missing a beat, tossed a can toward Sonic. With a smooth motion, Sonic caught it effortlessly, the can landing perfectly in his hand. He flashed a quick grin before sinking back into the bean bag chair, settling in with a relaxed sigh. He cracked the can open, taking a long sip, as if the awkward tension in the room didn't faze him at all.

Popo: "So, what's been new?"

Toon: "I've been talkin' to Tetra. Guys, I think she's into me~"

Sonic: "Ha! You gonna finally stop bein' a virgin loser?"

Toon: "Fuck off! And yeah, who knows, maybe next month, I'll finally be gettin' some."

Popo: "Damn, that would only leave Ness to be the only virgin in the group."

Ness: "Well act-

Ness bit his tongue immediately, the words he wanted to say sticking in his throat. The room fell silent, every eye now on him. Sonic raised an eyebrow, an amused grin tugging at his lips as if daring Ness to say it. The rest of the group, however, exchanged glances, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern. They could see the tension in Ness's posture, the unease radiating off him.

Sonic: "Go on~"

Ness: "Uh… N-nevermind."

Lucas: "What?"

Toon: "Mate, are you sayin' what I think you're sayin'?"

Ness: "N-no!"

Lucas: "Did you?"

Ness: "No."

Sonic: "He's definitely still a virgin, hahaha!"

Pit: "Wait, what's going on?"

Sonic: "Bro, wanted to tell everyone he got some, but we all know that's not true. He just wanted to look cool in front of the group."

Ness: "Thanks, Sonic. You're so helpful."

Sonic flashed Ness a thumbs up, his grin widening as he winked. "Always here to help," he said, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm, clearly enjoying the moment.

Toon: "Hmm, I dunno, he could be hidin' somethin'. He's good at doin' that."

Dark Pit: "I agree. Perhaps lying seems to be in his nature."

Sonic: "He was about to lie about gettin' some."

Popo: "I mean it is Ness."

Ness: "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"

Popo: "Sorry, broski. Ya don't really got any game. That girl Robin straight up admitted she liked you, and ya didn't smash." *Takes a hit*

Toon: "His face was on her boobs though."

Ness: "I was pushed..."

Toon: "Why was her tits out?"

Ness: "I don't know. Ask her! She just suddenly flashed me."

Popo: "Bro didn't care about Robin. He was too busing chasin' Tina. What was that about by the way?"

Ness: "She was doing drugs. I stopped her, and she got mad."

Popo: "She does hate bein' told what to do."

Toon: "Ness, Mate, what the fuck happened in that party? Also why'd you go? I know you're not the party type."

Ness: "Tina invited me, and I didn't want to flake on her."

Lucas: (Sounds like she's more important...)

Toon: (Figures when it's a girl, he wouldn't flake, but when it's us guys, who the fuck cares.)

Pit: "Who?"

Sonic: "His crush."

Popo: "Oh shit! Ness got a crush on Tina, and not Lucas?"

Lucas: "Wha?"

Ness: "Wwhat! I-

Sonic: "I know right! Although, let's be real. He's in denial. Bro is gay."

Ness: "I'm not gay!"

Sonic: "He's too defensive about it."

Popo: "Haahaahaaaa! Calm down, Broskii. We're messin' with ya."

The group continued their usual banter, the chatter filling the room with a comfortable noise. But Lucas couldn't help himself—his eyes kept drifting back to Dark Pit, studying the dark angel's features. He hadn't meant to stare, but something about him was hard to ignore.

It wasn't until Dark Pit flashed him a confused, almost concerned glance that Lucas snapped out of his trance. His face immediately flushed with embarrassment, and he quickly averted his gaze, pulling his attention back to the conversation happening around him.

Dark Pit raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the blonde's sudden reaction, but he didn't press it. Instead, his attention shifted to Ness, who was still caught up in the banter. Dark Pit's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the psychic, his mind working. He was hoping to find some sign, some small crack in the façade that would confirm what he believed—that Ness was a two-faced narcissistic manipulative liar.

From the moment Ness began to speak, starting with "well act—" before suddenly cutting himself off, Dark Pit's eyes sharpened. He'd caught it—the slip, the hesitation. It was clear. Ness was a terrible liar.

As he watched, a small, amused chuckle escaped him. The idea that someone like Ness, with his nerdy, sharp-tongued attitude, could actually manage to seduce anyone felt laughable. He was far too bratty, far too full of himself in a way that screamed inexperienced. Dark Pit smirked, the thought amusing him more than it should have.

Ness: "What's that chuckle for?"

Dark Pit: "Hm?"

Sonic: "It's because you're ridiculous."

Ness: "I'm ridiculous? Please, I'm the most reasonable one here."

Dark Pit: (This guy is clearly insecure.)

Popo: "Well anyway, Dark Pit, how's life? Tell us about yourself."

Dark Pit: "I'm just here to watch."

Popo: "Aww, c'mon. We wanna get to know ya."

Pit: "C'mon, Pittoo. Socialize! Pleaaaaaase."

Dark Pit: *Sighs* "Fine. What do you guys wanna know?"

Toon: "What're your hobbies?"

Dark Pit: "I like combat training, reading, blacksmithing, and night hiking."

Pit: *Gasps* "You like reading? So does Ness! I told ya you guys would get along."

Ness's eyes practically sparkled with excitement the moment Dark Pit mentioned enjoying reading.

Dark Pit's stomach sank. He instantly regretted letting that detail slip—because as soon as their eyes met, he knew what was coming.

Ness, ever the curious and relentless type, had locked onto it like a predator to its prey. His gaze was bright, almost gleaming with a mix of intrigue and mischief.

"Really? You like reading? What kind of books do you read?" Ness asked, his voice practically brimming with unfiltered curiosity.

Dark Pit groaned inwardly, already bracing himself for a never-ending barrage of questions. It was too late to backtrack now.

Dark Pit: "Horror."

Ness: "Horror huh? Have you read Into The Corridor?"

Dark Pit: "I… Have."

Ness: *Gasps* "Oh my god! The concept was so good, right? Could you imagine being trapped in the world's longest corridor? If it even was that long. It could've been a hallucination from the main character's point of view."

Dark Pit: "It was… interesting."

Ness: "Oooh! My favorite part was when the main character-

Sonic: "Bruh. Quit your yappin'. We wanna ask emo wings over here some questions too."

Popo: "Haahaahaaa! He called you emo wings~" *Takes a hit*

Ness: "That's rude."

Sonic: "Yeah whatever. So, Dark Pit, you still a virgin or what?"

Ness: "Sonic you can't just-

Dark Pit: "Yes. Next question."

Toon: "Wow, he didn't hesitate at all."

Popo: "Ayye, nuthin' wrong with that."

Sonic: "Unless you're Ness."

Ness: "Gee... thanks."

Sonic: "You're welcome~"

Lucas: "Um… so, what do you do on your hikes?"

Dark Pit: "Sometimes I walk. Sometimes I survive."

Lucas: "Survive?"

Toon: "That's badass!"

Pit: "Isn't my brother awesome?"

Popo: "Oh shit! He's your brother? I thought he was your clone."

Dark Pit: *Growls* "Yes. You're correct."

Popo: "Ayyye~"

Pit: "He's technically my clone, but I don't think of him like that. He's my brother."

Popo: "Hey, just like Ness."

Dark Pit: "What?"

Toon: "Oh, you don't know about the traitor?"

Ness: "C-can we not?"

Dark Pit: "What traitor?"

Sonic: "Ya know, the guy that helped saved smash? Ness's clone. The Hands announced it."

Dark Pit: "I was trapped on an island for a week with Pitstain."

Pit: "Wait, Ness has a clone?"

Ness: "Yes. Can we drop this topic now?"

Dark Pit: "Why don't you wanna talk about him?"

Ness: "Because he's not important."

Sonic: "Damn. That's fucked up."

Ness: "I just don't want to get into that can of worms."

Dark Pit: "Did he do something bad?"

Ness glanced nervously at the group, his fingers fidgeting slightly in his lap. He could feel the weight of their eyes on him, but it was Dark Pit's sharp gaze that burned the most.

The dark angel's eyebrow was raised, his expression calm yet calculating, as though he was dissecting every subtle twitch of Ness's face. Dark Pit's mind churned with suspicion, trying to piece together what the psychic could possibly be hiding.

Ness swallowed hard, forcing a shaky smile. He wasn't sure what Dark Pit was looking for, but the intensity of his stare made it clear—he was determined to find it.

Ness: "N-no. I mean… he's done some bad things, but who hasn't? L-let's just not talk about it, okay?"

Toon: "He just pretended to be our friend for months and lied to our faces is all."

Ness: "It's more complicated than that."

Toon: "He's a pretty bad person. [I wonder who gets that from."]

Ness: "Toon! What the hell?"

Dark Pit: "Hmm. Ness, I don't mean to pry, but I've heard some shady stuff about you."

Ness: "If it's about the 'Ness Allegations', they're all lies."

Dark Pit: "Are you sure all of them are?"

Pit: "Pittoo?"

Dark Pit: "I'm just curious. Gettin' to know the guy, ya know."

Toon Link eyed Ness, his sharp gaze lingering on the brunet longer than it should have. He didn't trust him—not fully, not anymore. Ness's history of flaking out and weaving little lies had chipped away at the bond they once had. It left Toon Link weary, always second-guessing, always wondering when the next excuse or brush-off would come.

So when Dark Pit started questioning Ness, a strange sense of ease settled over Toon Link. For once, someone else shared his doubts, his frustrations. It wasn't just him silently shouldering the weight of suspicion.

But more than that, Toon Link wanted something—anything. He wanted Ness to admit to something, to face the music for once. He was tired of watching everyone around them turn a blind eye, pretending Ness's faults didn't exist.

His old friend needed to own up, to feel the consequences of his actions. And if it took Dark Pit to push Ness toward that breaking point, Toon Link wasn't about to get in the way.

Ness: "Yes, they're all lies. Why would I do any of that stuff?"

Dark Pit: "I dunno. Maybe because people are startin' to like you more. Maybe your fame is gettin' in your head a little."

Ness: "I don't even like the fame. I barely post."

Dark Pit: "Hmm."

Sonic: "Uh, haha! Ness can be a dumbass at times, but he's an awkward nervous wreck who wouldn't do any harm intentionally."

Ness: (Sonic…)

Dark Pit: "I see."

Pit: "See, Pittoo, you have nothing to worry about~ Ness is cool. And hey, you both like to read! Look at that! That's something for you two to bond over."

Dark Pit: "Hmph! I suppose..."

The rest of the night passed without much incident. Dark Pit stayed quiet, keeping to himself as he observed the group. His sharp eyes alternated between watching Ness and, strangely enough, Lucas. The blonde was a bundle of awkwardness, barely speaking and fading into the background.

Dark Pit found himself scowling. It irked him how Lucas was being so blatantly ignored, especially by Ness. The brunet seemed far more interested in fending off Popo and Sonic's relentless teasing than sparing even a word for Lucas.

For a fleeting moment, Dark Pit considered saying something to the blonde. He wasn't sure why—it wasn't like he knew Lucas well or particularly cared. Still, something about seeing him excluded like that grated on his nerves. But before he could act, he stopped himself.

This wasn't his problem. He barely knew anyone here aside from Pit, and even then, he wasn't the social type. He reminded himself why he'd even agreed to come: to prove Ness was the self-centered liar he believed him to be.

With a huff, he shifted his focus entirely to Ness, scrutinizing his every move. But to his frustration, Ness acted completely normal. Laughing with the group, deflecting teasing remarks, and wearing that same cocky grin that made him so insufferable.

Of course, Dark Pit thought bitterly. He's in a group. He's bound to keep up the act.

He knew he'd have to catch Ness in the moments between, outside of the party—when the mask would inevitably slip.

So after the hang out was over, Dark Pit followed him, blending in with the shadows. Ness walked Lucas back to his room. As Ness turned around, the blonde stopped him.

Lucas: "Did you wanna hang out some more?"

Ness: "Ah, I'd love to, but I'm exhausted. All that social interaction really drained me, especially with Dark Pit there. I wasn't exactly mentally prepared to navigate that dynamic tonight."

Lucas: "Oh…"

Ness: "But I'll be sure to knock on your door first thing tomorrow."

Lucas: "Listen, Ness, I…"

Ness: "Huh?"

Lucas: "N-nevermind. I'll see you tomorrow."

Dark Pit: (I bet he's gonna just ignore it and leave.)

Ness: "What is it?"

Dark Pit: (What!)

Lucas: "I-it's nothing."

Ness: "You can be honest with me."

Lucas: "I um, I guess I'm just a little sad."

Ness: "Why?"

Lucas: "I'm always ignored during those hangouts…"

Ness: "Oh my god… I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you. I just… I figured you're still not comfortable with the group."

Dark Pit: (You fuckin' idiot. Of course he's not comfortable. No one is giving him a chance.)

Lucas: "I mean yeah… I guess."

Ness: "I'll talk to you during those times. Besides, defending myself against Sonic's rude commentary is exhausting. I'm sorry about that. I get so caught up in it, like I have to fight back, otherwise he'll win, y'know. But I'll try to not get too emotional about it."

Lucas: "That's pretty mature of you."

Ness: "Thanks. I'm trying."

Lucas: "I can tell."

Ness: "And thank you for being honest with me. Our friendship has come so far thanks to you."

Lucas: "Thanks to me?"

Ness: "Yeah. You're so patient dealing with my bullshit. I really appreciate you for that. I definitely have more growing to do as much as I hate admitting it."

Lucas: "Hahaha! You're the older one."

Ness: "Okay, you don't have to rub it in. I know I'm immature."

Lucas: "Hahaha! Dummy~"

Ness: "Well, this dummy needs sleep. I'll see you tomorrow."

Lucas: "See ya!"

Ness waved him off dismissively before turning on his heel and retreating to his room. The door slammed shut behind him with a thud that echoed through the hall.

Dark Pit lingered for a moment before sighing and making his way around the mansion. His steps were slow, deliberate, as if he were second-guessing himself with every stride. When he reached the balcony, he stopped, staring up at it with a mix of irritation and unease.

What the hell am I doing? he thought, pinching the bridge of his nose. This is creepy as hell.

But curiosity—or perhaps something more stubborn—drove him forward. Grumbling under his breath, he climbed up the side of the mansion, his movements quick and practiced. Reaching the balcony, he paused when he noticed the window was slightly ajar.

Seriously? Who leaves their window open like this?

He crouched low, just enough to peek his head up and glance inside, his dark eyes scanning the room. He wasn't sure what he expected to find, but his heart raced nonetheless as he spied on the brunet.

Dark Pit crouched low, watching Ness with a mixture of fascination and frustration. The brunet was sitting on his bed, guitar in hand, effortlessly strumming a soft, sweet melody that carried through the quiet of the room. Dark Pit couldn't help but admit it—damn, that sounds good. He kept watching, waiting for something that might confirm his suspicions, but there was nothing. Ness wasn't acting suspicious at all; he was just... playing his guitar.

The thought gnawed at Dark Pit's mind. Was I wrong about him? He had expected to see the same manipulative, self-centered asshole Lucas had described, but from what he was witnessing, Ness seemed entirely different. Sweet, even.

And that conversation with Lucas—the brunet was so understanding. He quietly listened to Lucas's complaints and acknowledge that he was in the wrong. Maybe Lucas was just emotional when he said those things when we were together. He was drunk, after all...

With a deep sigh, he dropped down from the ledge, landing silently on the floor. What about those rumors about him online? But then again, people loved gossiping, didn't they? The internet's full of rumors and hate—who can trust any of it? Dark Pit stared at the floor pondering. He had never been one to second-guess himself, but here he was, caught in a web of doubt.

Then came the sound that made his heart leap into his throat.

"What the fuck?"

Dark Pit spun around, his eyes wide with panic, only to be greeted by the unmistakable grin of Sonic. The hedgehog stood there, arms crossed, eyes gleaming with mischief.

"What's Darkie doin' sneakin' around at Ness's window?" Sonic's voice was laced with amusement, and his grin only grew wider.

Dark Pit's mind went blank. "Shit..."