Estimated Reading Time: 26 Minutes

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Leafstorm

Leaf's heart plummeted, a sharp pang tightening her chest as Ness's words hit her. "W-what?" she whispered, her voice trembling, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Ness: "I'm sorry, but I don't… feel the same way."

Leaf: "B-but I thought…"

Ness: "Leaf, you're an amazing girl and I really love spending time with you. I do! It's just…"

Leaf: "Just what, huh?"

Ness: "There's…"

He hunched his shoulders slightly, biting his lip as he avoided her gaze. The sight of her crestfallen face made guilt claw at his chest—he felt like a complete dick.

Leaf: "There's what? Somebody else?"

Ness: "Y-yeah."

Leaf: "What?"

Ness: "I'm sorry…"

Leaf: "Who?"

Ness: "Um… I-I don't-

Leaf: "Is it Tina?"

Ness: "!"

Leaf: "I knew it…"

Ness: "..."

Leaf: "Why her?!"

Ness: "S-she's well…"

Leaf: "Oh I get it now."

Ness: "Get what?"

Leaf: "It's because she's 'your type'."

Ness: "Wwhat! N-no, that's not why."

Leaf: "Then why? Why her and not me?!"

Ness: "Because her and I we just—click! Y'know."

Leaf: "No, I don't know. I thought we clicked!"

Ness: "We do! As friends."

Leaf: "!"

Ness: "I think we make amazing friends."

Leaf: "Are you being serious right now?"

Ness: "Yeah. You're one of my closest friends. I never usually go out of my way to hang out with someone as much as you do besides Lucas of course."

Leaf: "Wow."

Ness: "What?"

Leaf: "This whole time I thought you were into me."

Ness: "Why would you think that?"

Leaf: "Because of how you act when we're together."

The brunet tilted his head, brows knitting in confusion. "Do I act weird?"

Leaf: "I've seen you stare at me. Not in a way a friend would, but someone who has a crush."

Ness: *Blushes* "I-I didn't mean to stare—in that way."

Leaf: *Scoffs* "Wow… Just wow… I can't believe I got my hopes up."

Ness: "I'm sorry."

Leaf: "I'm just curious. If it weren't for Tina, would you have gone after me?"

Ness: "Leaf, please let's not do this."

Leaf: "Answer the fucking question!"

Tears slipped down her cheeks, each one striking him like a blow to the chest. He had no idea she saw him that way. If he'd known sooner… maybe things would have been different.

Ness: "Y-yes…"

Leaf: "Really?"

Ness: "Yeah."

Leaf: "Or are you just saying that because I'm crying?"

Ness: "I—genuinely love being around you. I've thought about you… once or twice, even before we started talking."

Leaf: "Y-you have?"

Ness: "Y-yeah. I remember talking to you once at the library, and the whole time I—kept thinking about how cute you were."

Leaf: "You think I'm cute?"

Ness: "Yeah."

Leaf: "T-then what's wrong? Why can't we?"

Ness: "I have feelings for Tina. I'm sorry."

Leaf: "Why?"

Ness: "Because she's amazing! We have a lot in common, and she always has my back. She even challenges me to get out of my comfort zone. I need someone like that."

Leaf: "I do that too."

Ness: "It's different."

Leaf: "How?"

Ness: "It just is okay."

Leaf: "Are you two dating?"

The brunet hesitated. Should he tell her? She was already emotional, and the last thing he wanted was for her to vent online or spread it around—he'd never hear the end of it.

Besides, he wasn't even sure where he and Tina stood. Ninten claimed they were basically dating, but doubt still lingered. Less than before, but still there. Tina had never actually said they were official, and he'd never asked. Then again, maybe asking was old school. Who knew? He sure didn't.

Ness: "I don't feel comfortable talking about this."

Leaf: "Ah, so you two aren't."

Ness: "Can we not?"

Leaf: "Tina gives me bad vibes."

Ness: "Excuse me?"

Leaf: "She's always out partying and no offense, but you're not the type that seems like you would enjoy parties."

Ness: "I like parties."

Leaf: "Do you though?"

Ness: "Yeah."

Leaf: "You're an introvert."

Ness: "She's helping me out with that."

Leaf: "There's nothing wrong with being an introvert."

Ness: "I know there's nothing wrong with it. What if I just want to go out more and explore?"

Leaf: "Because I know you. You're not into that stuff."

Ness: *Scoffs* "No offense, Leaf, but you don't know me that well. We've been hanging out for months, not years."

Leaf: "I'm good at observing people. Even though it's been months, it's not that hard to know who you are. You're an open book."

Ness: "I'm not an open book."

Leaf: "You kinda are though."

Ness: *Scoffs* "Okaay."

Leaf: "And let me tell ya, from what I've seen and heard about Tina, you don't wanna go down that path."

Ness: "That's a little rude, don't you think?"

Leaf: "Have you not heard about her allegations?"

Ness: "She has allegations?"

Leaf: "You thought it was just you?"

Ness: "I mean yeah kind of."

Leaf: "You're not the main character."

Ness: "I never said I was!"

Leaf: "Don't raise your voice at me!"

Ness: "You're-

He drew in a deep breath, steadying himself before frustration could take over. Their friendship meant too much to him—he couldn't let things slip back to when she was ignoring him. Yelling would only make it worse. He had to be the bigger person, just like always.

Ness: "I'm sorry. Please explain to me why you think she's toxic."

Leaf: "She sleeps around!"

Ness: "She used to."

Leaf: "How do you know? She's constantly at parties. You don't think she's going out there meeting people for a hookup?"

Ness: "No."

Leaf: "Ness, wake up. She's a party girl!"

Ness: "Her and I hang out almost everyday. She's not sleeping around. I would know."

Leaf: "You would know?"

Ness: "Yes. I walk her back home after band practice."

Leaf: "Did you—did you learn guitar for her?"

Ness: "N-no! I was always interested in it."

Leaf: "I feel like you're lying."

Ness: "Okay, maybe a part of it was because of her. She really needed a guitarist, and I wanted to help. It just so happened that I was also interested in playing an instrument. It worked out, haha…"

Leaf: "I can tell this is a white lie."

Ness: "No it's not."

Leaf: "You're not even looking at me, and you're sweating. You keep fidgeting your fingers. I can tell you're not telling me the full truth."

Ness: "T-that's not true."

Leaf: "I need to know. Have you two—done stuff?"

Ness flinched at her question—this woman had no chill. His mind scrambled for an answer, but nothing came. She'd already seen through his white lie, and unlike his other friends—Popo, Toon Link, Lucas, and Sonic—Leaf was sharp. Too sharp. There was no wriggling his way out of this one.

Lying was pointless. Even if he tried to play it off with some cheesy remark to lighten the mood, she wouldn't buy it. Leaf could see right through him, and there was nowhere left to hide. He felt trapped, backed into a corner with only one way out—the truth.

Ness: "Y-yeah."

Leaf: "What!"

Ness: "..."

Leaf: "You two… already…"

Ness: "I'm sorry."

Leaf: "You fell for her fucking charm."

Ness: "What're you talking about?"

Leaf: "She's manipulating you!"

Ness: "She's not! She's always backing me up when her friends say awful things about me. She's always including me in her plans. She doesn't have to, but she does. And she always encourages me when I'm doubting myself. How is that manipulation?!"

Leaf: "She's sweet now, but watch, she'll start asking you favors."

Ness: "I get that you're jealous, but there's no need for harsh comments."

Leaf: "I'm not jealous!"

Ness: "Yes you are."

Leaf: "If she wasn't Tina, if you were into someone like… like Peach, I wouldn't be saying anything bad. I like Peach. She's a nice person. Genuinely. Tina isn't. She's a woman who loves to sleep around and then use guys as entertainment until she gets bored of them."

Ness: "Where are you getting this?"

Leaf: "I've heard about her from other smashers and online."

Ness: "People are saying awful stuff about me. Do you believe them too?"

Leaf: "Well no, but-

Ness: "Face it, Leaf. You're jealous, and I understand why, but you need to understand that I'm not interested in you like that. I still want to be friends, but not if you're going to keep disrespecting Tina like this."

Leaf: "Wow… I tried to warn you, and you just won't listen."

Ness: "You're just being mean."

Leaf: "I'm not being mean! I'm being realistic. I'm being... you know what, get out."

Ness: "Are you being serious right now?"

Leaf: "I need to be alone."

Ness: "You're really doing this."

Leaf: "Yes. Now get out."

Ness: "Why do you always do this shit?!"

Leaf: "!"

Ness: "Whenever you don't get your way, you always tell me to fuck off!"

Leaf: "The first time I got mad at you was because you mentioned abortion at such an inappropriate time, asshole!"

Ness: "And I apologized! But you looove to hold grudges. That's so immature."

Leaf: "What's immature is you constantly bothering me when I made it clear before that I didn't wanna talk to you. If someone says 'go away. Leave me alone' then get the fuck away and leave them alone!"

Ness: "Okay, I'll leave, but before I go, I deserve at least one question."

Leaf: "What?"

Ness: "Do you still want to be friends?"

Leaf: "Why would you ask me that?"

Ness: "Because when I did one thing wrong, you hated me for months."

Leaf: "You asking me that question makes me second guess our friendship."

Ness: "And why is that?"

Leaf: "It just goes to show how much you don't trust me."

Ness: "Well, when you hold a grudge for one mistake for months at a time, yeah I think it's safe to say that I don't completely trust you."

Leaf: "That one mistake really showed how much of a fucking dick you are."

Ness: "I'm not allowed to make a mistake?"

Leaf: "It was common sense!"

Ness: "So are we not friends anymore?"

Leaf: "I…"

Ness: "You?"

Leaf: "Just leave me alone! Get out of my room!"

Ness: "Fine."

Ness stormed inside, slamming the door so hard it rattled in its frame. His footsteps pounded against the floor as he marched to his room, only to find—of course—Sonic sprawled across his bed, completely absorbed in his console.

His scowl deepened at the sight. He wasn't in the mood for this.

"Get out," he snapped.

Sonic: "Yooo, you good?"

Ness: "No. I'm not in the mood for your shit tonight, so get the fuck out."

Sonic: "Damn. Cheddar Biscuit got claws today."

Ness: "Sonic, I swear to god."

Sonic: "Dude, okay, okay. I'm leavin'. Chill."

Sonic hopped onto the windowsill, ready to make his exit, but his ear twitched at the sound of uneven breathing. He hesitated.

Ness had gone into the bathroom, and though he was trying to be quiet, Sonic could hear the faint sniffs between shaky breaths. He was holding back tears.

Instead of leaving, Sonic stayed. He leaned against the bathroom door, arms crossed, silently keeping him company.

Sonic: "Hey… what happened?"

Ness: "Go away."

Sonic: "Dude, c'mon, talk to me."

Ness: "No! I'm tired of you always coming in here like it's your fucking room!"

Sonic: "You like it when I'm over."

Ness: "No I don't!"

Sonic: "Yes you do~"

Ness: "Get out!"

Sonic: "Not until you tell me what happened?"

Ness: "It's none of your business."

Sonic: "Well I'm makin' it my business."

Ness: "You're so annoying."

Sonic: "And you're crying. So I know this shit is serious."

Ness: "I'm not crying!"

Sonic: "Dude, I hear you sniffling in there."

Ness yanked the bathroom door open, sending Sonic tumbling to the floor with a startled yelp. The brunet's face was tight with anger, his eyes sharp and cold.

"See? No tears," he growled, voice rougher than usual. "Now get the fuck out."

Sonic: "Let's be real, you wiped your tears away."

Ness grabbed Sonic's arm, yanking him up with a harsh pull, his grip tight and unforgiving. Without a word, he shoved him toward the door, pointing sharply at the window.

"Out." His tone left no room for argument.

Sonic: "Ow! Goddammit that hurt."

Ness: "You deserve it for breaking into my room uninvited."

Sonic: "I'm not leavin'."

Ness concentrated, his psychic powers flaring as he lifted Sonic effortlessly into the air. "Whoaaa!" Sonic screamed, panic evident in his voice as he was flung out the window.

Ness watched, a smirk tugging at his lips as he saw Sonic crash face-first into the ground. It was hard to suppress a grin, but he quickly caught himself, forcing his expression back into a frown. He turned away, shutting the window with a sharp motion before flopping onto his bed, arms crossed.

Ness squeezed his eyes shut, trying to calm the storm of frustration still swirling inside him. But then he heard it—bang, bang, bang—coming from his window.

He opened his eyes, groaning in annoyance, only to see Sonic's face squished up against the glass, his muffled voice barely audible.

"Dude, let me iiiinnn! I'm gonna keep botherin' ya until you let me in!"

Ness sighed, rolling his eyes as the constant banging at the window continued. It seemed like this wasn't going to end anytime soon. In a strange way, he appreciated Sonic's antics—it was a distraction, something to pull him away from the ache that lingered from Leaf's outburst.

He could use his psychic powers to fling Sonic further away, but what would be the point? The hedgehog would just show up again seconds later. He could call the guards, but after the last time, he knew they wouldn't take him seriously.

So, after an irritated grunt, he shouted, "Fuck off!" and insulted him just to get it out of his system. But Sonic, as always, didn't let it faze him. He was relentless, only caring about getting the scoop on Ness's drama.

After a moment of silence, Ness finally gave in, pushing the window open and letting Sonic back inside.

Sonic: "It's s-so cold out there."

Ness: "Whatever…"

Ness climbed back onto his bed, flopping down and throwing the blanket over himself, hoping to escape into the comfort of his sheets. Sonic, unfazed as usual, kicked off his shoes and socks before settling beside him, lounging casually like he owned the place.

Sonic: "What happened?"

Ness: "If I tell you, will you shut up and leave me alone?"

Sonic: "Yup."

Ness: *Sighs* "Leaf and I got into an argument."

Sonic: "Whaaaat!"

Ness: "She confessed to me."

Sonic: "What the hell is wrong with her?"

Ness: "Okay you know what, nevermind. Fuck off."

Sonic: "No, no, no, no. I take it back. Keep going."

Ness shot Sonic a sharp, rude glare, but he didn't let it stop him from continuing his story. His voice was quieter now, heavy with frustration.

"She asked if I felt the same, but I said no."

Sonic: "Dude, what! She's hot though."

Ness: "I don't care about looks."

Sonic: "That's right, you'll fuck anything that'll give you a chance. Hahaha!"

Ness: "Gee—thanks."

Sonic: "You're welcome. Keep goin'."

Ness: "Telling you my feelings is bad for my mental health, so no. I'm done."

Sonic: "Wait! No, I'm sorry!"

Ness: "Wow, you actually said sorry."

Sonic: "Yes, I'm sorry. I'll stop interrupting ya."

Ness: "No."

Sonic: "I'll buy you food."

Ness: "You don't give food, you take food."

Sonic hopped out of the windowsill without a word, and forty seconds later, he returned, casually munching on a bag of barbecue chips. Ness's mouth watered as his gaze locked onto the bag. He hadn't realized how badly he craved them until he saw them right there.

Sonic tossed the bag of chips to Ness, who caught it with ease, a genuine grin tugging at his lips despite his best efforts to hide it.

"You're lucky I like barbecue," he said, his voice light, trying to suppress the smile that was creeping up on him.

Sonic: "I know you too well~ Now spill the tea!"

Ness: "She got mad at me when I rejected her, and asked if there was another girl. I told her there was, and she immediately knew it was Tina."

Sonic: "I mean yeah, you talk about her a lot."

Ness: "I know… she caught onto it right away. She even asked if we did stuff and when I said yes, she freaked out."

Sonic: "Damn, she jealous. I bet that feels kinda good, huh?"

Ness: "No. The argument was bad. She started insulting Tina left and right."

Sonic: "What'd she say?"

Ness: "She talked about how Tina is a party girl which makes her a slut."

Sonic: "I mean…"

Ness: "She's not like that anymore!"

Sonic: "Dude, even Leaf knows…"

Ness: "Stop. I don't want to hear it. I really like her, and I know she has issues, but I can fix her. I know I can."

Sonic: *Snickers*

Ness: "I know you don't believe me, but I have faith that I can make her life turn around. She did it for me, so I'll try my best."

Sonic: "I mean I guess."

Ness: "Leaf was relentless though. She wouldn't stop."

Sonic: "She just got rejected. All women act like that."

Ness: "Really?"

Sonic: "Yup. They're emotionally immature. That's why I'm taking a break. Can't deal with that shit. Every girl I've been with was psychos."

Ness: "Even Tina?"

Sonic: "No actually. She was different. She never got mad or jealous. She gave absolutely no fucks at all."

Ness: "See! She's perfect~"

Sonic: ["I mean I wouldn't say that…"]

Ness: "Leaf is just jealous and doesn't know Tina like I do. So we argued and she ended up kicking me out."

Sonic: "Damn. Are you guys still friends?"

Ness: "I don't know."

Sonic: "Do you even wanna be?"

Ness: "Y-yeah."

Sonic: "You hesitated."

Ness: "You sound like Gordon."

Sonic: "Hahaha! I miss that son of a bitch."

Ness: "I still want to be friends with Leaf. She and I get along so well, but…"

Sonic: "But?"

Ness: "When shit like this happens, it's bad."

Sonic: "She sounds intense."

Ness: "She can be. Like today for example."

Sonic: "Yeesh. I'd ghost her."

Ness: "Should I?"

Sonic: "I mean I would. I'd be afraid every time I had to hang out with her. Like if I say somethin' she don't like, is she gonna freak out? Nah, Amy was like that and I couldn't handle it anymore. Leaf sounds toxic as fuck."

Ness: "You think?"

Sonic: "Yeaaah. She's a bit of a red flag from how you're describin' her. Didn't she ignore you for months because she didn't like what you said?"

Ness: "To be fair, I was out of line."

Sonic: "Still though. Months? That shit's crazy."

Ness: "No, that one I do understand."

Sonic: "Yeah but she about to ignore ya again."

Ness: "She's angry now, but I'm hoping she'll get over it."

Sonic: "I dunno. Every girl I've known always brought bad memories up even though it's been a long time. She doesn't sound any different."

Ness: "So should I just stop talking to her?"

Sonic: "I would."

Ness: "I feel like you give up on people easily though."

Sonic: "Eh, probably."

Ness: "I'm not giving up on her, but I think I will give her space."

Sonic: "Whatever floats your boat."

Ness: "I still like Leaf. I like her a lot. She just has her moments where she can be a little… difficult at times."

Sonic: "Ooooh, you like her~"

Ness: "Not like that."

Sonic: "Hahaha!"

Ness: "But y'know, in another world I can see us together."

Sonic: "No offense, homie, but the girls you go after are questionable."

Ness: "You don't know them like I do."

Sonic: "I mean I know Tina pretty well."

Ness: "She's different now."

Sonic: "Fair. I haven't hung out with her in a hot minute."

Ness: "See! You don't know."

Sonic: "But also… I did used to date her. She's uh… she's a lot. Especially since you two live different lives."

Ness: "No we don't."

Sonic: "You're not a party guy."

Ness: "I can be."

Sonic: "Dude…"

Ness: "She's bringing me out of my comfort zone."

Sonic: "Which can be a good thing, but I know you're doin' it for pussy."

Ness: "That's not true! I genuinely like her."

Sonic: "C'mon, you're a guy. You're after her because she's a girl."

Ness: "If that was the case, then why didn't I go with Leaf?"

Sonic: "Because you already have a girl. If Tina didn't talk to you, you'd go after Leaf. You just admitted to that."

Ness: "Touche."

Sonic: "Do you even connect with Tina?"

Ness: "I do."

Sonic: "Cuz like if you're just doin' things because she's into it, doesn't mean you guys have things in common. It just means you'll do anything to get her to like you. Meaning, you're not really bein' you. I mean have you shown her stuff you like?"

Ness: "N-no, not really."

Sonic: "And you don't see this as a problem?"

Ness: "I don't mind getting into things she's into."

Sonic: "But it should be both ways."

Ness: "I'll get there. Right now, I'm just not comfortable."

Sonic: "Because you know she won't be into it."

Ness: "No, that's not it."

Sonic: "Do you really think she's into reading books?"

Ness: "No…"

Sonic: "Do you think she'll be into League or video games at all?"

Ness: "I mean we played Street Fighter together."

Sonic: "But are you into Street Fighter?"

Ness: "No. I only got the game because Lucas likes it."

Sonic: "See! You two don't got anything in common. With me that's fine because I don't wanna be in a committed relationship, but you're such a loverboy."

Ness: "We both are into music, art, and skateboarding."

Sonic: "Did you do those things because of her though?"

Ness: "Y-yeah… well, except the art. I've always like drawing."

Sonic: "You drew her, didn't you~?"

Ness: "N-no!" *Blushes*

Sonic: "Degenerate."

Ness: "Stop."

Sonic: "Hahaha! Yeah, you're cooked, buddy."

Ness: "What?"

Sonic: "You're cooked."

Ness: "What does that mean?"

Sonic: "You're fucked. You're done. You're hopeless."

Ness: "Slang is ridiculous."

Sonic: "You're just old."

Ness: "You're older than me!"

Sonic: "And autistic."

Ness: "That's you!"

Sonic: "Hahaha! Well, I would love to bully you more, but I'm sleepy."

Ness: "Cool. Go home and sleep."

Sonic: "Do you really want me to leave?"

Ness: "Yes."

Sonic pushed himself up from the bed, his eyes scanning the room for his shoes. He found them near the window and began slipping them on.

"W-wait, you're actually leaving?" Ness asked, caught off guard.

"Yeah," Sonic replied casually. "You want me out, and you're not feelin' well, so for once, I think I'mma respect ya." He finished tying his laces, glancing at Ness with a rare hint of sincerity.

Ness: "I mean… [I feel better."]

Sonic: "Oh? Does Cheddar Biscuit want me to stay~?"

Ness: "N-no! It's just… weird, y'know? You never listen to me."

Sonic: "Well I'm listenin' now."

Ness: "I mean… y-you don't have to…"

Sonic: "Aww, does tsundere-chan want cuddles?"

Ness: "Eww!"

Sonic: "Well since you're so lonely and pathetic, I suppose I'll stay and keep you company."

Ness: "I'm not lonely and pathetic."

Sonic: "Yes you are~"

Sonic chuckled, kicking off his shoes and socks once more before climbing back onto the bed, settling in with his arms crossed behind his head.

"Goodnight, Cheddar Biscuit," he said with a smirk.

"Stop calling me that," Ness grumbled, reaching over to switch off the lamp.

The room dimmed into darkness, but the two kept talking—small, tired exchanges that slowly faded as drowsiness took over. Before long, they both drifted into slumber, the night wrapping them in quiet companionship.