Estimated Reading Time: 24 Minutes

.

Melodic Discord

Ness jolted awake, his arms instinctively tightening around something soft and spiky. His eyes flew open, and he froze in a moment of disorienting confusion. Blinking rapidly, he looked down to find Sonic, the blue hedgehog, sprawled across his chest, his quills poking into his skin.

"Aaah!" Ness shrieked, his face turning beet red. In a panic, he shoved Sonic away.

Sonic let out a surprised yelp, tumbling backward onto the ground. He shot Ness a sharp glare, his arms crossed in a huffy manner. "Hey!" he yelled, his usual cocky attitude now tinged with annoyance.

Ness: "Stop sleeping on the bed with me. You're welcome to stay here, but sleep on the floor."

Sonic: "I'm not a pet."

Ness: "You are an animal though."

Sonic: "Fuck you. Why does Lucky get to sleep on the bed?"

Ness: "Lucky is somehow cleaner and more respectable."

Sonic: "Ah, I see. You're embarrassed because you were caught bein' gay towards me."

Ness: "Wwhat!" *Blushes*

Sonic: "You were holdin' me and pretended to be freaked out."

Ness: "You know I have a cuddle problem!"

Sonic: "Gaybo."

Ness: "I'm not gay!"

Sonic: "Sure. Keep bein' in denial."

Ness: "Why do you want me to be gay so bad?"

Sonic: "It's not that I want you to, it's just that it's so painfully obvious that you are~"

Ness: "I have a girlfriend!"

Sonic: "Bro's tryin' so hard to be straight."

Ness: "Whatever. Believe what you want."

Sonic: "Dude, I'm jokin'! What? Can't take a joke?"

Ness: "Your jokes aren't funny."

Sonic: "Lucas likes my jokes."

Ness: "Then go bother him."

Sonic: "Nah, it's fun teasin' ya."

Ness rolled his eyes, already feeling the weight of the day ahead. He went through his closet, his fingers brushing over a variety of clothes before landing on something casual—streetwear that felt easy and effortless. His outfit of choice today was simple yet sharp: a sweater with a loose band t-shirt over it, baggy pants, and his signature cap. He grabbed the pieces, then headed into the bathroom.

He stripped out of his pajamas, quickly changing into the clothes. The mirror reflected his routine—he brushed his teeth, then splashed water onto his face. Grabbing his hairbrush, he ran it through his black hair, working to fluff it up a little more than it naturally sat, ensuring it stayed stylish without looking overdone. Finally, he slipped on his signature cap, his personal touch to the whole look.

When he stepped back into the room, he paused in the doorway, noticing Sonic standing near the window, staring out at the world like he was lost in thought.

"What're you doing?" Ness asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sonic's eyes flicked over to Ness, taking in his outfit. He froze for a moment, his eyes widening with a look of disbelief. "What...?" He blinked a couple of times, trying to piece together what he was seeing. Ness looked like one of those Asian skater emo boys—a look that definitely didn't match his usual persona. Sonic couldn't hold back a snort.

"Um, hello? Earth to Sonic?" Ness waved his hand in front of the hedgehog's face, an exaggerated expression of disgust crossing his own. "What, are you just gonna stand there, or...?"

"Huh? Oh!" Sonic snapped back to reality, looking sheepish for a second. He scratched the back of his head. "I'm not walkin' out the door with you, not lookin' like that."

Ness: "What's wrong with my outfit?"

Sonic: "Dude, what happened to your preppy school boy clothes?"

Ness: "I don't always wear that."

Sonic: "But now you kinda look like a fuckboy. You're tryin' to hard. It's cringe, bro."

Ness: "No I don't. It's stylish."

Sonic: "In what world?"

Ness: "It's popular everywhere."

Sonic: "Not in smash."

Ness: "My outfit is normal. People literally go out to breakfast in full body armor!"

Sonic: "Touche."

Ness: "And look at you. You're literally naked all the time."

Sonic: "It's different. I have fur."

Ness: "Still though…"

Sonic: "Sorry, I'm just not used to you wearing this. It's weird. It doesn't match your personality at all."

Ness: "You've seen me wear this style before."

Sonic: "I guess I'm just now realizin'."

Ness: "Whatever. Let's just go pick up Lucas and eat."

Sonic: "I'll meet you there."

Ness: "You're not walking with me?"

Sonic: "Not after the whole Mrs. Pac-man shit. I don't want Snake takin' a pic of us leaving the room together. People are gonna think we fucked."

Ness: "Y'know, I was going to say that you're being ridiculous, but after constantly getting my picture taken out of context, I'll have to agree with you just this one time."

Sonic: "By the way what the fuck happend between you and Mrs. Pac-man?"

Ness: "Oh. I let her in my room because she was injured. I healed her, and asked what happened. Turns out Pac-man is beating her."

Sonic: "So you slept with her?"

Ness: "No I didn't sleep with her! She started sexually harassing me!"

Sonic: "Hahaha!"

Ness: "It's not funny!"

Sonic: "I'm sorry, but Snakes post was hilarious and seeing that horny yellow ball on ya was fuckin' wild!"

Ness: "I hate you."

Sonic: "Don't worry. I believe ya."

Ness: "You do?"

Sonic: "Yeah. Mrs. Pac-man gives desperate."

Ness: "Are you saying that's the only reason why she went after me?"

Sonic: "What'd you think, Cheddar Biscuit~?"

Ness: "Gee—thanks…"

Sonic grinned and winked, flashing a quick thumbs-up. "You're welcome," he said, then leaped out of the window with a fluid motion.

Ness rolled his eyes, grabbing his rucksack and slinging it over his shoulder. He glanced over at Lucky, who was happily drinking his water. He waited for Lucky to finish, and then returned him to his Pokéball before heading out the door.

He made his way to Lucas's house, knocking on the door. When Lucas answered, Ness was met with the sight of Sonic already lounging on the floor of Lucas's room, sticking his tongue out at him playfully.

Sonic: "I won~"

Ness: "It wasn't a race."

Sonic: "Ya still lost."

Lucas: "Hahaha!"

Ness: "Whatever. Let's just go."

The three of them made their way to the food court, the buzz of conversation and the smell of fast food filling the air. Each of them ordered their food, then found an unoccupied table to settle into.

Sonic immediately started teasing Ness, throwing playful jabs that made Lucas laugh harder than he probably should have. Ness pretended to hate it, rolling his eyes, but his lips twitched with a reluctant smile as the laughter continued. The trio was having a blast, even if Ness acted like he couldn't stand it.

But then, Shulk and M. Corrin spotted them from across the court and waved over enthusiastically.

"Dude! C'mere! We gotta show you somethin'!" Shulk called, grinning widely.

Sonic's eyes lit up at the invitation. "Hell yeah!" he said, practically leaping out of his seat. Without another word, he dashed off toward them, leaving Ness and Lucas behind at the table.

Ness: "Wow, what a jerk."

Lucas: "Hehe~"

Ness: "At least I don't have to hear his annoying voice anymore."

Lucas: "I love it when he makes fun of you~"

Ness: "I hate both of you."

Lucas: "Hahaha!"

Ness: "Look at him over there, talking to his 'other friends'."

Lucas: "Are you jealous?"

Ness: "No!"

Lucas: "You sound jealous."

Ness: "I'm not-

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Ness: "Oh! I have to go to work. Oh… I have to go to work…"

Lucas: "Um, are you okay?"

Ness: "Y-yeah."

Lucas: "You sounded upset just now."

Ness: "I'm okay. Just don't want to go, y'know."

Lucas: "Why? You're always excited to go."

Ness: "I'm tired today."

Lucas: "You don't seem that tired."

Ness: "Get off my back."

Lucas: "Hahaha!"

With a chuckle, Ness grabbed his rucksack and waved goodbye to Lucas. The blonde barely looked up, too busy munching on his food as he gave a lazy wave back.

When Ness clocked in at work, he spotted Leaf out in the yard. He pushed open the door and called her name.

She spun around, but the moment her eyes landed on him, her expression soured. With a sharp huff, she crossed her arms and turned her back to him.

Great. She's playing this stupid game again.

Ness rolled his eyes and went back inside, deciding not to entertain whatever mood she was in today. Hours passed as he went about his usual tasks, tending to the Pokémon and making sure everything ran smoothly.

By closing time, he and Leaf were stuck cleaning up together. The silence between them was thick, neither of them speaking a word. Awkward. Uncomfortable. Ness hated it, but at this point, he was used to her mopey attitude.

When they finally finished, Leaf wasted no time storming out. Ness barely reacted—he figured she'd pull something like this.

For a moment, he considered chasing after her, maybe trying to reason his way out of whatever this was. But he quickly dismissed the thought. He'd been in this predicament before. She needed her space, and pushing wouldn't do any good.

With a sigh, he let her go.

As he made his way back to the mansion, the quiet night air was interrupted by the buzz of his phone. A notification lit up the screen, catching his attention.

[- Tina

DM

Tina: yo i want u to be wit me

Ness: I want to be with you too. Where are you?

Tina: at the music hall. u know which room

Ness: We're still practicing? I thought the band was dismissed.

Tina: ill explaine everthing just cmere

Ness: Do I need my guiatar?

Tina: nah just cmere

Ness: *Guitar

Ness: Okay. I'm on my way.

…

He rushed to the music hall, his pace quickening with each step. When he reached the door, he pushed it open without hesitation.

Inside, he spotted Tina, Lin, Riley, and Kip. The moment his eyes landed on the two, his expression darkened. Just great—those two bullies again.

Tina: "Yo, glad you can make it."

Riley: "Hey…"

Ness: "Um, hi?"

Tina: "Riley and Kip wanted to apologize to you for how they treated you in the past."

Riley: "I'm really sorry, Ness."

Kip: "Yeah. I'm sorry."

Riley: "We really thought about how we acted durin' tryouts and realized we were in the wrong."

Ness: (Took you long enough…) "Oh. No worries. Apology accepted."

Kip: "We didn't mean to be jerks to you and Tina. We were just super frustrated and overwhelmed."

Riley: "When we saw Darnell took our song, we lost it! Not to mention we were completely wrong about him. And again, we're sorry, Tina. You've been warnin' us about him, but we didn't listen to you."

Tina: "It's all good."

Kip: "So, are we cool?"

Tina: "To me yeah."

Riley: "Thanks for forgiving us."

Tina: "You know I don't hold grudges."

Kip: "Ness? Lin?"

Lin: ["Sure."]

Ness: "Uh, y-yeah. Sure, okay."

Kip: "Thank you guys. It means so much to us."

Riley: "Are we gonna get the band back together?"

Tina: "I mean tryouts are done. Plus, I'm a lil burnt out from music."

Riley: "Aww."

Tina: "I'll still hang out with you bros everyday though."

Riley: "Yay!"

Ness forced a smile, acting happy for the group, but deep down, it didn't sit right with him. He hated how easily Tina accepted them—like their past didn't matter. Sure, no one was forcing him to forgive them, but the pressure was there. If he didn't, would Tina think he was being petty? Too sensitive?

He wanted to pull her aside, lay it all out—make her see that Riley and Kip still sucked. But what if she took it the wrong way? Thought he was jealous? Controlling?

Maybe later. When things felt easier between them, when the time was right… then he'd bring it up.

Riley: "And we promise to never pick on your boyfriend again."

Kip: "Yeah. We're sorry. It's just we're always on edge whenever you get a new guy. You always break up with them so fast and it makes us worry about you, Tina."

Tina: "Wait, wha?"

Riley: "C'mon, you know what we mean. Like when you dated Curtis last year. He was totally mean. The only one that was 'nice' was Darnell, but turns out he was awful too."

Tina: "Wait, hold on, slow down."

Kip: "Don't you remember Curtis?"

Tina: "Duh. He's one of my exes. What I'm questioning is what you just said."

Kip: "What'd we say?"

Tina: "You guys think Ness is my boyfriend?"

Ness: "!"

Riley: "I thought you two were datin'."

Tina: "No. He's just a friend."

Ness: "What?"

Kip: "Yo, what! Oh my god, I totally just assumed."

Riley: "Me too! I'm so sorry I called him your boytoy."

Tina: "I mean… we're friends with benefits."

Ness: "W-we are?"

Tina: "Ya dude. I thought it was obvious."

Ness: "Uh—y-yeah. Haha… I-I knew that."

Riley: "Wow, we totally just assumed."

Tina: "You're all good. Anyway, I think Ness and I are gonna head out. I'll talk to you guys tomorrow."

Riley: "Okay, byye~"

Kip: "See ya!"

Lin: ["Bye."]

Tina grabbed Ness's hand, leading him out of the music hall as she rambled on about parties. But he wasn't listening. He couldn't.

We're not dating?! His thoughts spiraled. I thought… since we…

A lump formed in his throat, the weight of realization hitting him all at once. He wanted to cry, to ask her what they even were, but instead, he swallowed it down. He forced himself to nod, to chuckle when she laughed, pretending he was still present when, in reality, he was somewhere far away.

Before he knew it, they were at her door. He blinked, barely registering how they got there. It wasn't until she stepped closer, tilting his chin up with a delicate touch, that his daze broke.

Tina's lips curled into a seductive smile. Her voice dropped into something smooth, inviting. "Wanna come in and have a lil' fun?" she purred.

His face burned as his heart skipped a beat. Every part of him ached to step inside, to let her take control, to lose himself in her touch.

But… it wouldn't be the same.

Not now. Not after what she said.

His chest tightened, the weight of heartbreak settling deep. To her, this was just fun—just another game. But to him? It had meant everything. He really thought it was love, real and passionate, shared between them both.

But now, it was clear—it wasn't the same. Everything felt numb, like a lie unraveling inside him.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to shake off the ache in his chest. "S-sorry," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have something to do."

Without waiting for a response, he turned away, his heart heavy with the truth he couldn't ignore anymore.

Tina: "Wait, Ness. A-are you… okay?"

Ness: "I'm fine."

Tina: "You don't sound fine. What's wrong?"

Ness: "Oh, I'm just tired. Didn't get much sleep, y'know."

Tina: "Oh… well okay. I'll see you tomorrow?"

Ness: "Yeah."

With that, Ness walked away, refusing to look back. Each step felt heavier than the last, but he kept going.

The moment he reached his room, he shut the door behind him and collapsed onto his bed.

For once, he didn't try to hold it in. The tears came fast, unstoppable, as the weight in his chest finally spilled over. He buried his face in his pillow, gripping the sheets as quiet sobs wracked his body.

No matter how hard he tried to stop, the pain was too great to ignore.

Fwoosh!

The sound of the window opening, then shutting, barely registered in Ness's mind.

"Yo, Cheddar—" Sonic's voice cut off as he landed inside, his usual cocky grin fading the moment he saw Ness.

The brunet lay face-down on his pillow, unmoving, completely ignoring him. The sight was jarring—Ness never looked like this. For once, the kid with all the snark and bite seemed… defeated.

Sonic plopped down next to him on the bed, his usual energy subdued.

"Yoo, you good?" he asked, poking the back of Ness's head.

No response. No snarky remark. No half-hearted insult.

Just silence.

Sonic frowned. This wasn't like him at all.

Sonic's ears twitched at the unsteady breaths Ness was trying—and failing—to control. The brunet was crying. And that? That almost never happened.

Sonic felt a pang of guilt settle in his chest. Ness wasn't the type to let things get to him, at least not like this. That's how he knew this was really bad.

And honestly… he had a pretty good idea why.

Sonic: "Did Tina dump you?"

Ness: *Sobs*

Sonic didn't hesitate—he grabbed Ness and pulled him upright.

"C'mon, dude—"

But Ness shoved him off, scowling, though the glare lacked its usual bite. His eyes were swollen and red, his lashes damp with lingering tears. His hair, as fluffy as it was, was noticeably messier, strands sticking out in odd directions like he had been tugging at it in frustration. His flushed cheeks only deepened the contrast against his pale, exhausted expression.

Sonic stayed put, watching as Ness wiped at his face with his sleeve, clearly trying to pull himself together.

But there was no hiding it. His puffy eyes, the uneven breathing, the way he wouldn't meet Sonic's gaze—it all screamed how wrecked he felt.

Sonic crossed his arms, ears twitching. "Alright, spill it," he said, his tone softer than usual. "What happened with Tina?"

Ness: "Leave *sniffs* me—alone…"

Sonic: "I know you don't wanna be alone, so I'm stayin'."

Ness: "..." *Sniffs*

For once, the hedgehog dropped the usual cocky attitude, his movements uncharacteristically gentle as he patted Ness's back. He didn't say anything, just let the brunet take his time.

Slowly, Ness's breathing evened out, the shaking in his shoulders fading. The tears stopped, leaving only the occasional sniffle in their wake.

Only then did Sonic finally speak.

Sonic: "What happened?"

Ness: "She didn't dump me."

Sonic: "Lemme guess, you two were never datin', huh?"

Ness: "..."

Sonic: "Damn."

Ness: "What? You're not going to say 'I told you so'?"

Sonic: "No."

Ness: "Just say it. I know you *sniffs* want to."

Sonic: "Dude, c'mon, I'm not just your bully. I'm also your friend."

Ness: "No you're not. If you were, you *sniffs* you would respect my boundaries."

Sonic: "You like it when I disrespect your boundaries."

Ness: "No I don't!"

Sonic: "Do you want me to leave? Cuz, I will."

Ness: "...No."

Sonic: "I'm not gonna bully ya when you're feelin' like this. It's not as fun."

Ness shot him an annoyed look, his brows knitting together in irritation.

Sonic just chuckled, unfazed. "Sorry. Couldn't help it," he said with a lopsided grin, giving Ness a light nudge.

Sonic: "So you're feelin' sad because your heart was broken. Don't worry. You're not alone. All guys go through this."

Ness: "Have you… have you got your heart broken?"

Sonic: "Me? Nah. I never fell for anyone. But I do know that most men go through this. Don't feel ridiculous for actin' this way."

Ness: "I feel stupid."

Sonic: "Hey, you don't choose who you fall for."

Ness: "I know, but I should've asked."

Sonic: "It was your first time bein' intimate with a lady. I don't blame you for assumin'."

Ness: "So I'm not stupid?"

Sonic: "Men in general are stupid, Ness."

Ness: "You're a guy!"

Sonic: "I know."

Ness: *Chuckles*

Sonic's eyes lit up the moment he caught it—Ness, covering his mouth with his hand, letting out the tiniest chuckle.

It was brief, barely there, but Sonic saw it. And it felt like a victory.

Sonic: "Hey, you know what will make ya feel better?"

Ness: "What?"

Sonic: "If we gather up the boys and hang out."

Ness: "I'm not in the mood."

Sonic: "Aww, c'mon. An old fashion hang out will get ya to ignore the pain a bit. It's a good distraction."

Ness: "I don't think that's healthy."

Sonic: "Sulkin' here isn't gonna make you feel any better."

Ness: "..."

Sonic took out his phone and started texting the group chat.

[- Da Boyz 2.0

Group Chat

Sonic: yooo guyz emergency hang out

Popo: OH SHIT WHAT HAPPENED

Sonic: ness is dyin

Lucas: What?

Toon: wat happened

Pit: *Voice message* "What're you guys saying? I can't read."

Toon: *Voice message* "Ness is dying."

Pit: *Voice message* "What! Oh no. We gotta save him!"

Toon: *Voice message* "It's a figure of speech. It means he's sad."

Pit: *Voice message* "Oh my Palutena. Is he okay?"

Toon: *Voice message* "No."

Popo: Shiiiit wat happened

Sonic: dats for him to explain. we should hang out and cheer him up

Popo: wanna come over to my palce

Toon: im down

Lucas: Ok

Pit: *Voice message* "What's going on?"

Toon: *Voice message* "Do you wanna come over to Popo's and cheer Ness up?"

Pit: *Voice message* "Aww I would love to, but I can't. Sora and I are gonna have a sleepover."

Popo: *Voicce message* "Damn. Oh well. We'll tell you how it goes."

Pit: *Voice message* "Sorry guys…"

Toon: *Voice message* "It's okay, Mate. Have fun with Sora."

Pit: *Voice message* "Thank you, I will."

Sonic: damn. oh well. imma bring the sad boy now

…

Sonic: "Alright, Ness, we're goin' to Popo's."

Ness: "I don't want to."

Sonic: "Aww c'mon, yes you do."

Ness: "No I—aah!"

Sonic suddenly grabbed Ness's arm and yanked him toward the door without warning.

"Alright, that's enough sulking. We're going."

Ness stumbled forward, barely catching himself. "H-Hey! What the hell, dude?!" he protested, but Sonic didn't let go, dragging him along with a smug grin.