Estimated Reading Time: 22 Minutes
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Leafstorm
Squirtle leapt onto Leaf's stomach with a playful yet forceful bounce. The sudden weight pressing into her abdomen jolted her awake, her eyes snapping open as she let out a sharp gasp. The morning sunlight filtering through the window illuminated the mischievous gleam in Squirtle's large, dark eyes as he peered down at her.
"Squirtle…" Leaf groaned, her voice heavy with irritation. She propped herself up on one elbow, staring at her Pokémon with an annoyed glare.
Unfazed, Squirtle puffed out his chest and jabbed a stubby blue paw in the direction of his bowl. "Squirt!" he barked with unwavering determination, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. Breakfast was not a request—it was a demand.
Leaf rubbed her eyes with a tired sigh, trying to chase away the lingering fog of sleep. With a resigned groan, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and pushed herself up. "Okay, okay," she muttered, giving in to Squirtle's unrelenting demands.
Crossing the small room, she opened her mini fridge, the cool air brushing against her skin as she reached inside. She pulled out a can of wet Pokémon food, the familiar sound of the lid popping echoing in the quiet space. Carefully, she divided the food into four small bowls, drawing the attention of her eager team.
As soon as the bowls hit the floor, the Pokémon rushed over, their excitement obvious. Squirtle led the charge, digging in with gusto, while the others quickly followed, their happy sounds filling the room.
Leaf moved through her morning routine with practiced ease, the familiarity comforting in its predictability. After tidying up and getting herself ready, she grabbed her bag and headed out. Her first stop was the cozy Lofi-Café, a quaint little spot with a relaxing vibe that always seemed to soothe her. She ordered her usual—a matcha latte—and sipped it slowly, savoring the creamy, earthy flavor as soft, mellow beats played in the background.
Once her cup was empty, she made her way to the local PokéPark. The vibrant greenery and playful chatter of trainers and Pokémon filled the air, setting a cheerful tone for the day. She let her Pokémon loose, watching with a smile as they scattered across the open field. Squirtle joined a group of other water-types splashing in a shallow pond, while her others explored, chasing each other through the grass.
Leaf pulled out her phone, capturing short videos of her Pokémon at play. She laughed as Squirtle struck a dramatic pose after splashing his companions, looking far too proud of himself. After a few edits and some witty captions, she uploaded the clips to Twitter.
Finally, the clock nudged her toward the next part of her day—work. She unlocked her bike, hopped on, and pedaled through the bustling streets, enjoying the crisp air against her face. Arriving at the Pokémon Care Center, she parked her bike in the usual spot and clocked in.
As expected, her schedule had her in the yard department again. With a practiced eye, she surveyed the Pokémon under her care. Some were roaming freely in their designated areas, while others were relaxing in the shade or interacting with each other. Leaf got straight to work, distributing food and checking water supplies, keeping a close watch to ensure the Pokémon were happy and healthy.
A sudden yelp drew her attention. Two larger Pokémon were circling each other, their postures stiff and aggressive. Leaf moved quickly, stepping between them with a firm voice and confident stance. "Hey, break it up!" she commanded, her tone calm but resolute. The Pokémon hesitated, their tension easing as she redirected their focus with gentle guidance.
By the time things settled down, the sun was higher in the sky, and Leaf found herself slipping into the rhythm of her work. It was just another day, but she wouldn't have it any other way.
As the afternoon wore on, Leaf caught sight of a familiar figure through the window. Ness had just arrived, his black hair tousled from the wind as he clocked in with his usual casual demeanor. A grin spread across her face, and she eagerly made her way inside to greet him.
"Hi!" she beamed, her voice light with excitement.
Ness glanced up, his expression softening into a small smile as he noticed her. "Oh, hey," he replied, his tone warm but laid-back, as always.
The two fell into an easy rhythm, chatting about their day so far. Leaf shared a funny story about Squirtle's antics at the PokéPark, while Ness recounted a small adventure he'd had with his own Pokémon that morning. Their laughter mingled as they spoke, a comforting sound that made the day feel a little brighter.
Eventually, Leaf gave him a playful wave. "Better get back before the yard falls apart," she teased, earning a chuckle from Ness.
"Yeah, can't have that," he replied with a smirk.
With a light skip in her step, Leaf returned to the yard. The Pokémon were still lively but growing calmer as the day began to wind down.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the yard basked in a golden glow. Trainers arrived to collect their Pokémon, their laughter and farewells fading as the space emptied.
With the day winding down, Ness appeared, hands in his pockets and a familiar grin on his face. "Ready to finish up?" he asked.
Leaf grabbed a broom and smirked. "Let's get it done."
The two worked side by side, putting away equipment and tidying up the yard. They exchanged jokes and playful banter, their teamwork smooth and effortless.
By the time the stars began to peek through the twilight, the yard was spotless, and their work was done.
They left the building together, their footsteps falling in sync as they walked toward the mansion. The gentle hum of evening sounds surrounded them—rustling leaves, distant murmurs, and the soft chirps of nearby Pokémon. As always, their conversation drifted to Pokémon, an easy and familiar topic that made the walk feel shorter.
When they reached the mansion's grand doors, Leaf glanced at Ness with a hopeful smile. "Hey, want to hang out at my place?" she asked, keeping her tone light and casual.
For a moment, he hesitated, and Leaf's heart sank before he even spoke. "Oh, sorry," he said, scratching the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. "I've got plans tonight. Next time for sure."
Leaf forced a smile, her voice light as she replied, "Yeah, okay, no worries." But inside, a bitter thought crossed her mind—"Next time for sure." She almost said it out loud, sarcasm thick in her tone, but she bit it back. She was glad she hadn't stooped that low, but a small part of her wished she had.
With a quiet sigh, the two parted ways. Leaf returned to her room, the weight of the moment lingering in the back of her mind. She released her Pokémon, feeding them their dinner and watching them eat. Afterward, she settled in front of the TV, the hours slipping by unnoticed. Eventually, the steady comfort of the evening lulled her into a peaceful sleep, her Pokémon curling up beside her on the bed.
The Next Morning…
Leaf woke to the familiar feeling of Squirtle bouncing onto her bed, his little feet landing on her chest with a soft thud. She groaned, ruffling his head as he chirped excitedly. It was the same routine as always—feeding her Pokémon, changing into a cute outfit, and heading out to the Lofi-Cafe to start her day.
The café was cozy as usual, and Leaf smiled as she stepped inside, ordering her usual matcha latte. She found a quiet spot by the window, her favorite place to relax and watch the world outside. Settling into the booth, she unwrapped a breakfast sandwich and sipped her coffee, the warmth of both comforting her as she took in the peaceful ambiance of the café.
Out of habit, she pulled out her phone and logged into Twitter, eager to check on her post. Her smile widened as she saw the likes and shares accumulating, the positive comments giving her a boost. For a moment, the world felt calm and right—her day was going smoothly, and she couldn't have asked for more, even though there were some lingering messages—harsh comments and rumors that refused to fade away. Leaf had learned to ignore them, focusing instead on the truth and the support from her friends.
Ness had been kind enough to address the rumor about her pregnancy, publicly clearing up the misunderstanding. He'd handled it well, explaining everything with a level-headed approach.
It wasn't Ness's fault, and Leaf knew the storm would eventually pass. She just had to wait it out.
Leaf's thoughts shifted to Ness as she sipped her coffee. She couldn't help but wonder how his Twitter was holding up. Though he rarely posted, his name always seemed to pop up in the feed, usually in connection to something controversial. Curiosity piqued, she opened his profile and scrolled down.
That's when her eyes landed on a recent notification—Ness had been tagged by Solid Snake. Her heart skipped a beat. She stared at the screen in disbelief.
Her jaw dropped, and her phone felt suddenly heavier in her hands. A wave of anger and sadness surged through her, washing over her like a cold storm. Her hands began to shake as she read through the tag, but the words blurred, her mind racing to understand what had just happened.
Her eyes darted across the screen, scanning the photos and videos Solid Snake had posted. Ness—at a party? The realization hit her like a punch to the gut. Is that why he didn't want to hang out with me? The thought gnawed at her. Was he too busy trying to get with women?!
Her heart sank as she watched the videos unfold before her. There was Ness's face all over Robin's boobs. He argued with Mythra and let her fall while he rolled his eyes. The worst of it, though, was the clip of him getting way too close to Tina—his actions crossing every boundary, his behavior nothing short of creepy.
Leaf felt a knot tighten in her chest as her fingers trembled. How could he? She couldn't believe what she was seeing, but the proof was right in front of her. The anger bubbled up, mixing with the sharp sting of betrayal.
She stared at her phone, the urge to call him overwhelming. She wanted to demand answers, to hear his side. But she couldn't—she didn't want to hear his voice right now. It would only make the ache in her chest worse.
Tears pricked at her eyes, but she forced them back, swallowing the lump in her throat. Instead of breaking down, she stood up, left the café, and stepped into the cool air. Her thoughts were a blur as she walked, her mind reeling with everything she had just seen.
At the PokePark, she watched her Pokémon play, the simple joy of their antics offering a small distraction. But even as they tumbled and ran around her, the weight of the betrayal lingered. Eventually, the time came to head to work. But it didn't feel like any ordinary day—everything was clouded by the sting of what she'd learned.
Leaf hopped on her bike and rode to the Poke Daycare Center, the familiar rhythm of her pedaling doing little to calm the storm brewing inside her. She clocked in and made her way outside, settling into her usual spot to watch over the Pokémon in the yard. The hours passed in a blur as she tried to lose herself in the routine, but when she glanced up, she saw him.
Ness walked into the daycare room, the door swinging closed behind him. Her heart skipped a beat, the anger that had been simmering now flaring to life. She wanted to storm over, to demand answers about the party, to ask him why—why he'd acted that way.
But she didn't move. She simply turned her head, pretending she hadn't noticed his arrival, her focus returning to the Pokémon, even as her mind raced with questions.
Ness spotted Leaf through the window, her gaze fixed on the Pokémon outside, her expression unreadable. He sighed deeply, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. She saw the posts... everyone has. He knew it was only a matter of time before the rumors reached her. At least he had managed to get Lucas on his side—thankfully, the conversation with the blonde had been relatively easy.
But Leaf... He knew her well enough to understand how stubborn she could be. She was going to be hard to convince that everything had been taken out of context.
Ness decided it was best to give her space, at least for now. She needed time to cool off, and he needed time to figure out what to say. But as the hours dragged on, her silence was deafening. She never came over to greet him, and that confirmed everything. She was upset—deeply.
By the time nine-thirty rolled around, Leaf finally stepped inside to start cleaning. They worked in silence, the tension between them almost unbearable. It ate away at him, but he held back, not wanting to push her further.
Together, they swept the floors, wiped down the tables, and tidied up the daycare. The rhythm of their work felt mechanical, like they were trying to ignore the storm brewing just beneath the surface. When they finished, they clocked out and stepped into the cool night air.
Without a word, Leaf sped off, her brisk pace leaving no room for conversation. But Ness quickened his steps, matching her stride. "Hey, can we talk?" he asked, his voice cutting through the quiet.
Leaf: "..."
Ness: *Sighs* "Ok, look. I know you know about Snake's posts."
Leaf: "..."
Ness: "Please let me explain. Tina invited me to a party. She asked me first thing in the morning yesterday. That's why I said I was busy. I didn't want to cancel on her, and she really wanted me to go. I didn't want to be a downer. I do apologize that we couldn't hang out last night."
Leaf: "That's not why I'm mad."
Ness: "I know, it's because of what you saw online. Look, those pictures were taken out of context."
Leaf: "How is your face all over Robin's boobs taken out of context?"
Ness: "She started flirting with me and-
Leaf: "And so your perverted brain went straight to her boobs."
Ness: "No! She suddenly took off her top."
Leaf: "Why would she do that?"
Ness: "I don't know! Ask her! She just did it out of nowhere. She said that was her trick into getting me to sleep with her or something."
Leaf: (Robin did admit that she had a thing for him…)
Ness: "I said no, and she flashed me!"
Leaf: "How does that explain your face in her tits then?"
Ness: "I was pushed!"
Leaf: "Mhm, suuure."
Ness: "I was! I was in a crowded area, and someone pushed me. I know that sounds very anime, but that's what happened."
Leaf: "I'm sorry, Ness. That's hard to believe."
Ness: "I promise. I would never go after Robin."
Leaf: "Why not? She's cute."
Ness: "She is, but I'm not into her."
Leaf: "How so? You just admitted that she's cute."
Ness: "I don't know her. I can't be with someone if I barely know them. I'm not a fuckboy, Leaf. You know very well that Isabelle is the one that made social media think I am."
Leaf: "That's true…"
Ness: "And about Mythra, the camera angles made me look like a cruel person. However, what really happened was that I asked if she could check on Tina, because Tina suddenly left to go to the bathroom. I was worried about her since she was there for so long. I saw Mythra and asked if she could check up on Tina, since I didn't want to be seen as a creep, but she ended up calling me slurs."
Leaf: "Mythra? She's usually composed."
Ness: "She was drunk."
Leaf: "Oh."
Ness: "She ended up falling over, and when I asked if she was ok, she flipped me off and called me a whore."
Leaf: "I didn't see that in the video."
Ness: "That's because it's edited. Snake is making me look like a bad person on purpose because I'm trending and profitable. It's really fucked up and I wish I could find and beat him up."
Leaf: "What!"
Ness: "Okay, not actually. But I would love to talk to him face to face."
Leaf: "..."
Ness: "Anyway, yeah so that's why I rolled my eyes there. I know I should've helped her, but I was already frustrated. So I broke open the lock to the bathroom because I'm anxious and my intuition was right. There was vomit everywhere. She looked sick."
Leaf: "Oh my god…"
Ness: "Somehow she was okay enough to grab a tiny bag of cocaine and wanted me to do that with her."
Leaf: "What!"
Ness: "I know! I was shocked too. Obviously I didn't. Instead I healed her and told her no. She got mad and left. I pursued her because I was worried if she was going to do cocaine behind my back."
Leaf: "I mean she struck me as a party girl, but a drug addict?"
Ness: "It's bad, Leaf. Her friends are a bad influence too. I mean, I can tell that Riley and Kip do care for her but… I'm still uncomfortable being around her friends."
Leaf: "Riley and Kip?"
Ness: "They're her friends. They're also in the band."
Leaf: "Do they do drugs too?"
Ness: "I've seen them drink, but besides that I'm not sure. I assume so. They're also party animals."
Leaf: "I see."
Ness: "I carried her back to her place and watched over her making sure she's alright. Then her friends came in, told me about Twitter, and kicked me out. I saw that Lucas had called me earlier and immediately went to his place to clear up the misunderstanding."
Leaf: "You told him the same thing?"
Ness: "Yes."
Leaf: "Did he believe you?"
Ness: "Yes, actually."
They made their way back to the mansion in silence, the tension between them lingering like an unspoken shadow. The warm air inside greeted them, a sharp contrast to the chill that hung between them. Without needing to discuss it, they instinctively headed to the food court, their footsteps echoing in a quiet rhythm.
Both grabbed something to eat, a simple distraction from the weight of their emotions. They settled at a small table, the space between them feeling both close and distant. Ness took a steadying breath, glancing at Leaf as she picked at her food.
Ness: "So… Are we cool?"
Leaf: "Yeah, thanks for explaining it to me."
Ness: "Oh thank god. I couldn't sleep tonight knowing that you were angry with me. I'm glad I was able to clear up the misunderstanding."
Leaf: "I'm sorry about Snake. What he's doing is really messed up."
Ness: "He's a gossiper."
Leaf: "Maybe you can camp out in front of his door. He'll have to come home eventually."
Ness: "That's—not a bad idea."
Leaf: "I know I'm so smart~"
Ness: "The smartest!"
Leaf: "Hey, uh, d-did you wanna come over? I've been wanting to play that game with you."
Ness: "Yes! We can do that."
After finishing their meals, they headed to Ness's place to grab his laptop. As they entered his room, Leaf glanced at him and offered, "We can just stay at your place. We're already here."