Estimated Reading Time: 32 Minutes

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Boyz Chillin

Popo: "Yo yo what's up homies!"

Toon: "So Ness, what's up?"

Lucas: "Ness, are you okay?"

Ness: "I'm fine."

Lucas: "You don't look fine."

Ness: "I'm okay. I just had a rough day."

Sonic: "Nah, bro is depressed. That's why we gotta cheer him up."

Popo: "What happened?"

Ness: "Today sucked was all."

Lucas: (How come he doesn't wanna talk about it with me... I'm his best friend!)

Sonic: "He doesn't wanna talk about it."

Lucas: (It sounds like he didn't talk about it with Sonic either.)

Popo: "I'm sorry you had a shit day. But hey! Let's all forget about the bad and start drinkin'!"

Sonic: "Hell yeah!"

Popo handed each of them a drink. Lucas set his down, choosing to stay sober with Ness. But to his surprise, the brunet was still holding his.

"Whoa, dude, are you actually drinking tonight?" Toon Link asked, eyes widening.

"I don't know..." Ness trailed off swirling the drink.

Sonic: "You should! Forget about all the pain tonight."

Popo: "Let loose, broskii!"

Toon: "Bein' drunk is fun!"

Ness: "But..."

Sonic: "C'mon, even Lucas tried and it was fun. Right, Blondie?"

Lucas: "It's nice. Yes."

Sonic: "See! C'mon, it's fun when you're drinkin' with a bunch of buddies~!"

Ness: "..."

The group erupted into a chant.

"DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!"

Even Lucas joined in, grinning. None of them had ever seen Ness drink before, and the idea of him letting loose filled them with excitement.

Pressure settled like a weight on Ness's chest. He didn't want to, but he also did. It was a paradox, twisting inside him. His heart ached, and with every passing second, the urge to cry grew stronger. He hated feeling this way. He just wanted to forget—to numb it all and get through the night.

But what if he lost control? What if he did something he'd regret?

Then again, everyone else was drinking, and they always turned out fine. Even Lucas was okay. Maybe, just this once, it wouldn't be so bad.

Popo: "C'mon, bro, let's get wild!"

Ness: "Y-yeah okay."

Lucas: "!"

Sonic: "Oh shit! Really?!"

Ness: "Yeah why not. I'm curious as to what the hype is all about."

Toon: "Fuck yeah!"

Sonic: "Whooo! Hell yeah! Lucas, you drinkin' too?"

Lucas: "Well if Ness is gonna do it, then yeah~"

Popo: "This is gonna be fuckin' awesome!"

Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as the group downed drink after drink. The buzz crept in fast, loosening their movements, their words slurring together in a messy symphony of excitement.

They were drinking more than usual—probably because Ness was finally joining them. The novelty of it fueled their enthusiasm, pushing them to keep going.

But Lucas paced himself, sipping cautiously. He couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him. Ness had never been drunk before, and that uncertainty scared him. He needed to keep an eye on his best friend—to make sure he'd be okay.

Toon: "Oi, mates, we should play truth or dare."

Popo: "I'm so in!"

Sonic: "I'm down!"

Lucas: "B-but..."

Ness: "Yeah, I'll play."

Lucas: "W-what!"

Ness: "Why not? I'm having fun right now. Let's make it interesting."

Toon: "Alright, who goes first."

Popo: "Oooh me! I wanna pick."

Toon: "Shit ok!"

Popo: "Yo Lucas, truth or dare?"

Lucas: "M-me?!"

Sonic: "He chose ya."

Popo: "Wait, can we do spicy ones?"

Sonic: "I don't see why not."

Popo: "Lucas, can you handle raunchy questions?"

Lucas: "Uh..."

Lucas scanned the group, his nerves tightening. Their faces were alight with excitement, carefree and flushed from the alcohol. He turned to Ness, expecting some sign of hesitation—some reassurance that he wasn't alone in feeling uneasy.

But Ness wasn't uneasy. He wasn't backing him up. Instead, he just laughed along with the others, blending into the chaos like it was natural.

That wasn't like him.

The pressure mounted. Lucas swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their expectations. He didn't want to be the letdown of the night.

So, he nodded.

The room erupted into cheers.

"Hell yeah, Lucas! Alright, truth or dare?" Popo grinned, leaning in.

Lucas: "T-truth."

Popo: "What's the craziest porn you've watched?"

Lucas: "C-craziest?"

Sonic: "Yo, I need to listen to this~"

Lucas: "Uh... I-I don't really watch porn."

Ness: "Yes you do. Every guy does."

Toon: "Ness knows you best, mate. The jig is up."

Ness: "Hahaha~"

Lucas: "I uh, it's nothing crazy. But I guess I'm really into bdsm."

Toon: "Yo, what!"

Sonic: "It's always the quiet ones."

Ness: "That's not too bad."

Toon: "For Lucas it is. What the fuck!"

Popo: "Alright, Lucas, pick one."

Lucas: "Uh..."

Lucas watched as the group continued chugging, each round fueling their energy. The pressure mounted with every drink, and before he knew it, he was following suit, downing glass after glass. The buzz hit him hard, spinning in his head, but even as it took hold, he realized he was still the most sober one in the room.

He thought about speaking up—telling them to slow down, maybe even pulling Ness aside—but the words caught in his throat. He was too shy, too afraid of disrupting the mood. Everyone, including himself, was having fun. And he didn't want to ruin it for Ness.

So, he bit his lip and drank a little more, the warm liquid offering a brief sense of courage.

"Um, Sonic, truth or dare?" he asked, his voice shaky as he pointed at the hedgehog.

Sonic: "Dare."

Lucas: "Uh, I dare you to... dance on the table."

Sonic: "Easy."

Sonic grinned mischievously, leaping up onto the table with a burst of energy. Without missing a beat, he began breakdancing, spinning and popping with a speed that had everyone cheering in no time. The group whooped and clapped, caught up in the sheer spectacle of it all.

When he finally stopped, his movements slowing to a dramatic finish, he struck a confident pose and took a bow, the room erupting into cheering and applause.

Ness: "That was sick!"

Sonic: "I know~"

Toon: "Damn, mate, you got moves."

Popo: "Holy shit that was awesome!"

Sonic: "Good dare, Lucas."

Lucas: "Thanks."

Sonic: "Ness I choose you."

Ness: "What am I, a Pokemon?"

Sonic: "Hahaha yeah! Truth or dare?"

Ness: "Truth."

Sonic: "Who in this room would you most wanna see naked?"

Popo: "Ooooh~"

Ness: "Oh gross."

Sonic: "Ya gotta pick. Although I'm pretty sure the answer is me~"

Ness: "You're always naked..."

Sonic: "I have shoes and gloves on."

Ness: "I guess if I had to choose... probably Popo."

Popo: "Yo, what!"

Toon: "Unexpected answer."

Lucas: (Oh...)

Ness: "You're the least closest to me. No offense. So, it wouldn't be as awkward."

Popo: "Damn, I dunno if I should take that as a compliment or nah."

Sonic: "Hahaha!"

Ness: "Toon, truth or dare?"

Toon: "Dare."

Ness: "I dare you to send a "u up" text to your crush."

Toon: "Aww, what!"

Sonic: "Ya gotta do it. It's a dare~"

Toon: "Arrgh! Fine."

Toon Link took out his phone and started texting Tetra.

[- Tetra

DM

Toon: u up?

Tetra: Yeah. Why whats up

...

Toon: "Okay, I did it."

Ness: "Ask her out."

Toon: "Hell no!"

Sonic: "Ya gotta do it!"

Popo: "Just ask her out to the movies or somethin'. Keep it cas."

Toon: "Arrgh... I hate all of you."

[- Tetra

DM

Toon: didya wanna go to the movies sometime?

Tetra: Oh! Wow

Toon: sorry I didnt mean to make it awkward

Tetra: No no youre fine. I just didnt exepct a text like this from you

...

Sonic: "You're pathetic."

Toon: "Shut up!"

Ness: "Hahaha!"

Popo: "C'mon bro, keep textin' her. I wanna know if she says yes or not."

[- Tetra

DM

Toon: Yeah I dunno. I just really wanna spend somet time wit u

Tetra: Sure! Id love to

Toon: wait really?!

Tetra: Yeah. What kind of movei are you thinking

Toon: maybe a romcom

Tetra: I would like to see just comedy if thats ok with you

...

Ness: "Damn, she really just did that to ya."

Sonic: "Wow, bro got friendzoned."

Toon: "Fuck you, guys!"

Popo: "Hey, it was worth a shot."

Lucas: "At least you still get to go the movies with her."

Toon: *Sighs*

[- Tetra

Dm

Toon: sounds great

Tetra: Cool! Lemme know when

Toon: I will

...

Toon: "I'm so embarrassed. Fuck all of you."

The group burst into laughter, clapping and shouting in excitement, except for Toon Link. His face twisted into a playful scowl as he crossed his arms.

"Grrr. Popo, truth or dare?" he growled, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Popo: "Oh shit, dare."

Toon: "I dare you to swipe right on your dating app ten times."

Popo: "Dating app?"

Toon: "I know you got one."

The rest of the group went: "OOOH~" Causing Popo to blush.

Sonic: "Wait, seriously?"

Popo: "I'm lonely!"

Popo took out his phone and opened the Video game world dating app called Digital Love. He closed his eyes and swiped right ten times. Everyone of course moved closer to Popo, to see who he was swiping on and they all snickered.

Popo: "There. I did it. Sonic truth or dare."

Sonic: "Truth."

Popo: "How does your dick work?"

Sonic: "What the fuck kind of question is that?"

Toon: "You're always naked, and we don't see it."

Ness: "Do you even have one?"

Sonic: "Of course I have one!"

Popo: "Well then, where is it?"

Sonic: "It's retractable."

Lucas: "So it's in?"

Sonic: "Yeah."

Ness: "Weird."

Popo: "Must be tucked in with all that fur."

Sonic: "Yup."

Ness: "That or it's just too small to see~"

Popo: "OH SHIT!"

Toon: "DAMN, NESS!"

Lucas: "HAHAHA!"

Sonic: "Fuck you! It ain't small!"

Ness: "I mean you're like four feet tall. I don't expect big."

The rest of the group erupted into laughter at Toon Link's challenge, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony of amusement. But amidst the laughter, Sonic shot Ness an angry, annoyed glance.

"Oh, trust me," Sonic said, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "mine's pretty big for my size."

The comment hung in the air for a moment, and the room's laughter shifted into an awkward silence before the group erupted into laughter, half in shock, half in disbelief.

Ness: "So like two inches~?"

Sonic: "No!"

Everyone else: "Hahahaha!"

Popo: "Damn, drunk Ness is a menace."

Sonic: "Drunk Ness is a dick!"

Ness: "Now you know how it feels~"

Sonic: "I bet yours is small cuz you're asian."

Ness: "Race has nothing to do with size."

Sonic: "Asians got small dicks. It's a stereotype for a reason~"

Toon: "I heard Japanese men got the smallest ones."

Ness: "That's not true at all!"

Popo: "Aren't you Japanese?"

Ness: "Y-yeah."

Sonic: "No wonder why he's defensive."

Ness: "Shut up! I don't have a small dick!"

Lucas: "How disappointing."

Ness: "LUCAS!"

The whole group burst into a fit of laughter, the sound filling the room with energy. Even Ness couldn't hold back a laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Sonic: "Alright, it's my turn again. Lucas, truth or dare."

Lucas: "Truth."

Popo: "Nah, pick dare."

Toon: "Yeah, you always pick truth."

Lucas: "F-fine okay. Dare."

Sonic: "Make out with the back of your hand for ten seconds."

Lucas: "W-what!"

Popo: "Ya gotta. It's a dare."

Lucas: "Ohh, okay, fine..."

Lucas awkwardly lifted his hand to his face, his fingers trembling slightly. Without thinking, he began making out with the back of his hand, his lips pressing exaggeratedly against it. The room erupted into laughter, the group unable to contain their amusement at his sudden, bizarre action.

He felt the heat rise to his face, but the buzz in his head helped dull the sharp sting of embarrassment. If he hadn't been a little tipsy, he was sure he'd have crawled into a hole and died from sheer mortification. Instead, he just laughed along, pretending to play it off.

Lucas: "Okay, Ness, truth or dare."

Ness: "Uh, truth."

Sonic: "Pussy."

Ness: "Fine, dare."

Lucas: "I... Hmm... I can't think of one."

Sonic: "I can help~"

Ness: "No! I don't trust you."

Popo: "I can!"

Popo slid over to Lucas, leaning in close to whisper something in his ear.

"Um, okay. Ness, I dare you to massage Popo's back," Lucas announced.

Ness shot Popo a 'really?' look, eyebrows raised in disbelief. But the Ice Climber just grinned wider, his voice teasing.

"C'mon, get to it."

Sighing, Ness rolled his eyes and reluctantly walked over to Popo, who had already flopped down on the couch, lying on his stomach like a starfish.

Ness began to knead Popo's shoulders, and almost immediately, Popo let out a contented sigh. "Aww yeah. That's nice… Hey, you're really good at this, actually."

The brunet shot him a sideways glance. "How long do I do this for?"

Popo: "An hour."

Ness: "I'm not doing this for an hour."

Popo: "Aww, c'mon, it feels nice."

Toon: "There's some sexual tension goin' on."

Sonic: "Oooh~ Popo x Ness?"

Ness: "Y'know, at least he's better looking than the rest of you~"

Sonic: "Wow."

Toon: "He didn't deny it. He's definitely gay for Popo."

Ness: "No I'm not. Just because you said that, Toon, truth or dare."

Toon: "Godddammit. Truth."

Ness: "Pussy."

Sonic: "Ooooh~! Ness called you a pussy!"

Lucas: "I mean..."

Sonic: "OH SHIT! EVEN LUCAS AGREES!"

Toon: "Fine! Dare!"

Ness: "I dare you to let me draw on your face."

Toon: "Pass."

Popo: "Pussy."

Sonic: "Hahaha!"

Toon: "F-fine!"

Ness paused, his hands still resting on Popo's back as an idea sparked in his mind. With a mischievous grin, he turned toward his rucksack, pulling out a permanent marker. He crept over to Toon Link, who gave him a nervous look, and carefully drew a detailed dick on his face.

The room fell into a stunned silence before it erupted in laughter.

"W-what! What did he draw?" Toon Link panicked, his hands flying to his face in a futile attempt to wipe away the evidence.

Lucas wiped a tear from his eye, still laughing. "Y-you don't wanna know."

Toon Link's eyes widened in horror before he sprinted to the bathroom. They could hear him scream, "NESS, YOU BASTARD!" and the group completely lost it, their faces contorting with laughter so hard that it felt like their cheeks would cramp.

Toon Link stormed back into the living room, fury in his eyes. He shot Ness with a glare that could melt steel. "Ness, truth or—"

Ness: "Nope. Ya gotta pick someone new~" *Winks*

Popo: "Those are the rules."

Toon: "Since when?!"

Lucas: "Since forever."

Toon: "FUCK!"

Sonic: "Pick me, Toon. Don't worry. I got a perfect one for him~"

Ness: "No, wait. I'm sorry!"

Toon: "Perfect! Sonic truth or dare?"

Sonic: "Dare."

Toon: "I dare you to dare Ness into doin' somethin' embarassin'."

Sonic: "My pleasure. Ness I dare you to make out with Lucas."

Ness: "WWHAT!"

Lucas: "Wait, wha?"

Sonic: "Aww, is Ness gonna be a pussy?"

Ness: "N-no!"

Popo: "Hell yeah! KISS!"

The boys started chanting, "KISS! KISS! KISS!" Their voices growing louder with each round, filling the room with an almost suffocating pressure. Ness could feel it creeping in, tightening his chest. Normally, he would've flat-out refused. But tonight, with alcohol clouding his judgment, he found himself caring more about their approval than his own feelings.

Everyone was having fun, and if he didn't do it, he knew the mood would shift. The last thing he wanted was to ruin the moment.

He glanced at Lucas, whose face was beet red, his flustered expression caught somewhere between panic and shy curiosity. For a moment, Ness hesitated, but then his gaze lingered. The alcohol blurred the usual boundaries of his thoughts, and for once, he allowed himself to really take in Lucas's features.

The blonde wasn't bad-looking—actually, far from it. The pink flush in his cheeks only added to his delicate, almost feminine charm. Ness found his heart beating faster, though whether it was from the alcohol, the pressure, or something else entirely, he couldn't tell.

Sonic: "C'mon, do it!"

Popo: "Fuck yeah!"

Ness: "I hate all of you."

Toon: "This is what you get for drawing a dick on my cheek, asshole!"

Ness: *Snickers*

Toon: "Fuck you!"

Sonic: "Kiss already!"

Popo: "Yeah don't be a pussy."

Ness: "F-fine..."

Lucas: "What!"

Ness turned to face Lucas, his heart pounding against his ribcage. He tried to maintain a stoic expression, but the heat in his cheeks betrayed him, turning them a bright, rosy pink. The room fell silent, the buzz of the group replaced with eager anticipation. Everyone leaned in, their smiles wide, watching the tension between the two unfold like a scene from a movie.

Ness's eyes darted nervously to the group before he steeled himself and quickly grabbed Lucas by the shoulders, pulling him close. Their lips met in a swift, firm kiss.

Lucas braced himself for the awkward recoil, expecting Ness to jerk back, wipe his mouth in disgust, and laugh it off like a joke. But to his surprise, Ness didn't pull away. Instead, the brunet lingered, the kiss deepening slightly as the seconds stretched on. One... two... three seconds passed before Ness finally broke away, his face a mix of flustered confusion and something else.

He turned away quickly, his hand flying to his mouth—not to wipe the kiss off, but to cover the small, bashful smile threatening to appear. His eyes darted to the floor, his flustered demeanor betraying a glimmer of something... enjoyment?

Lucas, meanwhile, was frozen in place, his thoughts a chaotic mess. His lips still tingled, his cheeks burned, and his mind raced with one panicked thought. D-did he... did he like it?!

Ness: "There! I did it. Happy now?"

Popo: "HOLY SHIT!"

Sonic: "Yo, you actually did it!"

Toon: "Ha! Gay!"

Ness: "It was a dare!"

Toon: "You could've passed. I would've."

Sonic: "Nah, this makes you a truth or dare legend!"

Popo: Hell yeah! GO, NESS!"

Lucas: "I-I... Haha... go, Ness."

Sonic: "How'd it feel, Blondie? You hard?"

Lucas: "W-what! N-no..."

Sonic: "Hahaha!"

Popo: "I ship it."

Ness: "We're not a thing!"

Toon: "Ya kinda got into it, mate."

Ness: "No I didn't!"

Sonic: "Alright it's my turn."

Ness: "What? No! You just went."

Sonic: "Nah, that was Toon's dare. He dared me to dare you, so now it's my turn, and I pick you~"

Ness: "But I just went!"

Popo: "Nah, Toon dared Sonic. He can totally pick you."

Ness: "Bullshit!"

Sonic: "Ness dare or dare?"

Ness: "Truth."

Sonic: "Nope. Only dare."

Ness: "It's called truth or dare."

Popo: "Do a dare!"

Ness: "No, you're gonna make me kiss Lucas again."

Sonic: "Fine. Did you like the kiss?"

Ness: "No."

Popo: "Bro is lyin'."

Ness: "I'm not lying."

Toon: "Mate, we saw it. You closed your eyes and everything."

Ness: "I did?"

Sonic: "Yeah. You were really into it."

Ness: "No..."

Popo: "Bro, you like kissed him for five seconds. We never specified how long. That was all you."

Lucas: (Even they noticed.)

Sonic: "Tell us the truth, bro."

Ness: "I didn't like it."

Sonic: "Mhm, suuure."

Ness: *Growls* "Popo truth or dare."

Popo: "Truth."

Ness: "What's the most embarrassing thing you've done to get a crush's attention?"

Popo: "Shiiit. Good question. There was this one time when I sent a video of me dancin' on a pole to a friend by accident. It was meant for Nana, but I got butter fingers."

Toon: "Hahaha! That's amazing."

Popo: "I was so embarrassed, dude."

Sonic: "You pole danced?"

Popo: "Tried to. It was bad. Haaahaa!"

Sonic: "Damn. Hahaha!"

Popo: "Toon, truth or dare."

Toon: "Truth."

Popo: "Who here would you fuck if you had to?"

Toon: "Mate, what the fuck?"

Sonic: "Hahaha!"

Toon: "Ugh, I guess you, Popo."

Sonic: "Gaaaay."

Toon: "Men were the only option, dumbass!"

Ness: "Popo's popular today."

The group carried on, their laughter echoing through the room as they continued to play games and toss out dares. Yet, for Lucas, everything felt like white noise. Ever since Sonic had dared Ness to kiss him, his thoughts had been spinning uncontrollably.

He actually kissed me.

Lucas sat quietly, his cheeks still warm and his mind replaying the moment on a loop. He barely registered the dares or jokes being thrown around—every thought circled back to Ness. The way he'd lingered, the look in his eyes afterward... it all felt surreal.

He stole a glance at Ness, who was casually laughing along with the group, but something about his demeanor seemed different. His face was still faintly flushed, and his hands fidgeted just enough to suggest he wasn't as composed as he appeared.

Lucas bit his lip, trying to focus on the game, but no matter how hard he tried, one question kept surfacing in his mind. What did it mean?

Popo: "Alright, the alcohol is killin' me. I can feel myself blackin' out."

Sonic: "Damn, but we're havin' so much fuuuun."

Popo: "I know, I know, but I'm dyin'."

Sonic: "Okay. I guess it's time to go."

Toon: "Popo can I sleep on the couch?"

Popo: "Of course, broskii. You guys wanna crash too?"

Ness: "No, I'm okay."

Sonic: "I'll crash. Why not."

Popo: "Lucas, you stayin'?"

Lucas: "Uh... no. I think I'm gonna go home too."

Sonic: "They're gonna fuck."

Ness: "No we're not!"

Toon: "Have fun fuckin'! Hahaha!"

The group's laughter echoed behind them as Nes stepped outside into the cool night air. Ness stumbled slightly, catching himself with a low chuckle. "C'mon, Lucas, let's go," he said, waving for his friend to follow.

Lucas nodded and hurried after him. "I'll walk you back to your place," Ness offered, his voice slurring as he swayed on unsteady feet.

Lucas frowned, gripping Ness's arm to steady him. "Ness, are you okay?"

The brunet laughed nervously, brushing it off. "Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little dizzy."

Lucas wasn't convinced. He could feel Ness leaning into him, struggling with every step. Truthfully, Lucas wasn't doing much better—the alcohol was hitting them both hard now. Still, he managed to keep them moving forward, determined to make it back in one piece.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached Lucas's place. Ness didn't even pause to ask; he pushed the door open and stumbled inside, heading straight for the bathroom.

The sound of retching filled the small space, and Lucas quickly followed, kneeling beside his friend. He hesitated for a moment before gently patting Ness's back. "It's okay, just let it out," he said softly, trying to be comforting despite the awkwardness of the situation.

Ness groaned, resting his head on the edge of the toilet. "Ugh… This is the worst," he mumbled, his voice strained.

Lucas offered a small, empathetic smile. "Yeah, but at least you're not alone."

Ness: "T-thanks... sorry."

Lucas: "Are you okay?"

Ness: "I'm fine. I just... drank too much. How about you? Are you okay?"

Lucas: "Yes."

Ness: "Yes you're okay or...?"

Lucas: "Yes."

The two started laughing. After they calmed down a bit, Lucas wet a towel and gave it to Ness, who wiped his face. Luckily he didn't get any vomit anywhere else.

Ness: "Since we're both drunk, can I stay?"

Lucas: "Of course. I'd let you stay regardless."

Ness: "Thanks. You're the best."

Ness splashed water on his face, letting the cool relief chase away the heat from his flushed cheeks. After rinsing his mouth, he stumbled back into the room, his socks and shoes discarded along the way. Without a word, he climbed onto the bed beside Lucas, sinking into the mattress with a heavy sigh.

Lucas reached over and turned off the light, plunging the room into darkness. The faint glow of the moonlight seeped through the blinds, painting soft silver lines across the walls and their faces.

The two laid there in silence, the only sound being the faint rustle of the sheets and their steady breathing.

Lucas's heart was pounding, each beat an insistent reminder of the kiss. His thoughts swirled, the memory replaying over and over. He wanted to say something—to ask Ness if it meant anything, or if it was just the alcohol talking. But fear gripped him, leaving the words stuck in his throat.

Beside him, Ness shifted slightly, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. The quiet stretched on, heavy and unspoken. Lucas glanced at him, his chest tightening. Should he say something? Or would it ruin this fragile moment of peace?

Ness: "Hey, Lucas."

Lucas: "!... Y-yes?"

Ness: "Um... I had a rough day today, and I just wanted to say thank you. For cheering me up."

Lucas: "Of course. That's what friends are for."

Ness: "Yeah um..."

Lucas: "Is something on your mind?"

Ness: "...No."

Lucas: ["Did you..."]

Ness: "Huh?"

Lucas: "Oh uh, the party was crazy, huh?"

Ness: "Yeah, I didn't expect to play truth or dare."

Lucas: "Neither did I. What you did to Toon was crazy."

Ness: "Hahaha! C'mon, it was hilarious~"

Lucas: "It was! I'm glad that didn't happen to me. Where did you draw it again?"

Ness suddenly sat up. With a playful laugh, he turned to Lucas and pointed at his left cheek. "Right here," he said, grinning.

Sitting up as well, Lucas leaned against the headboard, stealing a quick glance at Ness. The brunet still looked a little tipsy, but the soft moonlight caught the glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

The awkward tension melted away as they began talking about the party—Popo's ridiculous antics, Sonic's dancing, and Toon Link's dramatic reaction to the marker prank. Their laughter filled the room, light and easy, as if the events of the night had pulled them closer.

Ness: "Is it me? Or was Sonic too good at this game? Nothing phased him."

Lucas: "He was too drunk to care."

Ness: "That guy..."

Lucas: "I'm not good at truth or dare. Haha!"

Ness: "It's okay. Neither am I. Sonic and Popo were waaay too good at the game."

Lucas: "It's like they played it a thousand times."

Ness: "Next time, I'll think of better dares that'll get even Sonic to feel embarrassed."

Lucas: "Yeah same."

.

.

.

Lucas: "Hey, Ness."

Ness: "Yeah?"

Lucas: "Why did you drink today?"

Ness: "I dunno. Just needed somethin' fun, y'know."

Lucas: "You never drink. Not even when you're feeling bad. Tell me what happened."

Ness: "Oh it's just Leaf."

Lucas: "What happened with Leaf?"

Ness: "She wasn't in a good mood yesterday and we sorta got into a little fight. She's still angry."

Lucas: "I'm sorry."

Ness: "I'm just worried that she'll start ignoring me again. You know her, she loves to hold a grudge."

Lucas: "There's nothing to worry. She's forgiven you before."

Ness: "You think she'll get over it?"

Lucas: "Absolutely."

Ness: "Yeah, you're probably right. Thanks for cheering me up. Again."

Lucas: "I'm always here for you~"

Ness: "Really? Even though I've been mean in the past?"

Lucas: "We all make mistakes."

Ness: "A-and you're not just saying that?"

Lucas: "No. I genuinely love being around you. I'm not going anywhere."

Ness swallowed hard as he felt a wave of emotion hit him. With all the stress of losing Leaf and Tina not feeling the same, Lucas's words were exactly what he needed. For the first time in a while, he felt safe. He hadn't realized how much he craved this—comfort, security, someone who truly cared. It was like Lucas's words had flipped a switch in him, and now, under the dim moonlight, his walls felt thinner than ever.

Lucas's warm, unguarded smile only made things harder. Ness could feel his heartbeat quicken as he tried to look away, but his eyes betrayed him, drawn back to the blonde like a magnet. He hated this vulnerability, this dangerous pull he felt toward Lucas.

Tina had taught him what it felt like to love and be loved, but it was fleeting. Temporary. With Lucas, though, it felt… different. Safer. Permanent, even. And that scared him more than anything.

"You're staring," Lucas said softly, his cute smile still apparent as he tilted his head slightly. "Is… something wrong?"

Ness blinked, snapping out of his thoughts, his cheeks flushing as he quickly rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, n-no, I was just… thinking."

Lucas gave him a curious look but didn't press further. Instead, he continued to lean back against the headboard. "Well, whatever it is, you know you can tell me, right?"

Those words. That tone. Ness felt his resolve cracking even further. He nodded slowly, his gaze dropping to his lap as he clenched his fists.

"Yeah," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "I know."

.

.

.

Ness: "Lucas, I… Uh…"

Lucas: "Ness?"