Estimated Reading Time: 24 Minutes

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Shy Blonde

A week had crawled by since the chaotic emergency party at Popo's, and it was driving Lucas to the brink. His teeth tugged anxiously at his nails as he stole nervous glances at Ness, who sat across from him, staring blankly into space as he absently chewed his food.

Lucas: "So uh, how's League been?"

Ness: "I'm still stuck in Plat meanwhile Nate rose to Diamond without me, so that's fun."

Lucas: "I'm sure you'll be able to get to Diamond before the season ends."

Ness: "I doubt it."

Lucas's eyes drifted to Ness's restless movements—his feet bouncing under the table and fingers tapping a steady rhythm against the wood. Something was definitely gnawing at him. Lucas's stomach twisted as a thought crept in—was it about the kiss they'd shared?

Lucas: "Um, a-are you doing okay?"

Ness: "I'm fine. I just don't want to go to work. It's been a week and Leaf still hasn't talked to me."

Lucas: (You still haven't talked to me about the kiss either…) "I'm sure that's frustrating."

Ness: "Leaf is just so infuriating, y'know? I don't know why she's always acting like this. Over one dumb argument."

Lucas: "What'd you guys argue about?"

Ness: "Well she…"

Lucas: "She what?"

Ness: "Asked me out."

Lucas: "What!"

Ness: "And I said no."

Lucas: "She… likes you?"

Ness: "I guess."

Lucas: "I told you! It was so obvious, Ness…"

Ness: "Sorry? I thought she had a thing for Robin."

Lucas: *Sighs*

Ness: "Are you mad? I'm sorry. I'm a dumbass."

Lucas: ["Yeah."]

Ness: "Gee—thanks."

Lucas: "Sorry, I didn't mean to be mean there. You're not a dumbass, it's just… I wish you would listen to me more."

Ness: "I know. I'm sorry."

Lucas: "So you said no. Why?"

Ness: "I'm not into her."

Lucas: "But she's pretty."

Ness: "She is. I just… I don't know."

Lucas: "Is it because you're scared to be in a relationship?"

Ness: "No. I'm just not into her."

Lucas: "Oh. C-could it be because you're into… uh…"

Ness: "Huh?"

Lucas: ["Someone else?"]

Ness: "Sorry, I didn't catch that."

Lucas: "Um… n-nevermind."

Ness: "Tell me."

Lucas: "No, it's awkward."

Ness: "Lucas, I'm your best friend. I promise I won't be upset, or weirded out."

Lucas: "I um… d-do you like someone else?"

Ness: "Oh. Uh—no." (Not that it matters if I do. Tina doesn't like me like that.)

Lucas: "Well um…"

Ness: "Yes?"

Lucas: "Ness, you uh… at the party…"

Ness: "Oh! Haha… y-yeah. I got drunk. I'm sorry about that. See, this is why I don't drink because you never know how you'll act."

Lucas: "S-so you do remember?"

Ness: "I remember Sonic being annoying as ever, haha…"

Lucas: "Do you remember us playing truth or dare?"

Ness: "Uh…"

With a subtle flick of his psychic energy, Ness adjusted his alarm to chime at that exact moment. The shift was seamless, unnoticeable to Lucas, as Ness kept his gaze trained on the table, his expression unreadable.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Ness: "Oh! My alarm. I uh—sorry I have to go to work. You know how I am when it comes to tardiness. It'll keep me up all night, haha… anyway, let's put this conversation on hold for now. I'll see you later."

Before Lucas could utter a word, Ness abruptly stood and bolted, leaving the rest of his food untouched. The blonde froze, a cold realization settling in—Ness knew about the kiss. Of course he did. He was such a terrible liar. Anger bubbled in Lucas's chest, sharp and unrelenting. Why was his best friend avoiding this? Didn't he care? What was the kiss to him? The unanswered questions gnawed at Lucas, each one cutting deeper than the last.

"Yo, why'd Cheddar Biscuit take off like that? You two have a fight or somethin'?" Sonic's voice cut through Lucas's spiraling thoughts. He turned to see the blue blur strolling over, a chili dog in hand and a curious tilt to his head.

Lucas: "Sonic?"

Sonic: "That's me~"

Lucas: "H-hey. How are you?"

Sonic: "Perfect as always. But seems like you ain't doin' so hot."

Lucas: "I-I'm fine. Really."

Sonic: "Are all Earthbound characters just bad at lyin' or what?"

Lucas: "What?"

Sonic: "I saw the whole scene. You two are definitely avoidin' some shit."

Lucas: "Well, I…"

Sonic: "Didya mention the kiss to him?"

Lucas: "You know about it?!"

Sonic: "Duh. Everyone saw him kiss you at the party."

Lucas: "Oh, right." (He's not talking about the other one.)

Sonic: "Lemme guess, you talked to him about it and he dodged the question and left."

Lucas: "Yeah…"

Sonic: "Yup. That definitely sounds like him. So, when are ya gonna ask him out?"

Lucas: "!... I-I don't like him like that!"

Sonic: "Yes you do. It's painfully obvious."

Lucas: "I… y-you're right. I really like him. But I know he doesn't feel the same way."

Sonic: "You sure about that?"

Lucas: "I was. Until he kissed me, but that could've been because of the alcohol."

Sonic: "Maybe."

Lucas: "What'd you think?"

Sonic: "Bro's in love."

Lucas: "Ah! Y-you really think so?"

Sonic: "It's so obvious he's afraid of bein' bi. That's why I'm always teasin' him about it."

Lucas: "So you see it too."

Sonic: "I know people think I'm this chill laid-back guy, but I'm quite perceptive. Always watchin' people."

Lucas: *Snickers* "Creep."

Sonic: "Nah, observative."

Lucas: "What do I do? I wanna talk to him about it, but I'm scared."

Sonic: "Go for it."

Lucas: "Everytime I try to mention it, he somehow dodges it. Like now for example."

Sonic: "Ya can't let him get away."

Lucas: "But he's good at it."

Sonic: "Be assertive. Chase him down."

Lucas: "I'm too scared."

Sonic: "Ya gotta get him to talk about it, otherwise you'll always feel miserable."

Lucas: "But…"

Sonic: "Only you can do it."

Lucas: "I can't…"

Sonic: "Well, you'll have to eventually or else."

Lucas: "Or else what?"

Sonic: "That's for you to figure out. Anyway, I'mma go bother some other smashers. Good luck~"

With that, Sonic zipped off to another table, effortlessly diving into conversation. Lucas watched as the other Smashers welcomed him with open arms, their laughter echoing through the food court at Sonic's corny jokes.

A part of Lucas envied how outgoing he was, how easily he could fit in anywhere. Lucas wanted to follow, to join in, but his nerves tightened like a knot in his chest. Besides, he wasn't in the mood. His appetite had vanished entirely. With a quiet sigh, he pushed away from the table and left the food court.

He meandered, his feet carrying him without direction. He didn't care where he ended up; what weighed on him was Sonic's casual advice. It rang in his head, and the realization that he couldn't bring himself to follow through left him feeling hollow.

.

Leafstorm

As usual, Ness found himself in the baby Pokémon department, leaning against the wall as he watched Lucky play with the little ones. It was the one bright spot in his day, a small comfort while Leaf continued to ice him out with her silence.

When closing time came around, Leaf stepped into the room to help clean, wordless as ever. The quiet between them felt heavier than the sound of their tasks. Once the work was done, she stormed out without so much as a glance.

But this time, Ness didn't just sigh or roll his eyes. Instead, a spark of determination flared within him. Tightening his fists, he followed her out, matching her pace, his jaw set with resolve.

Ness: "Leaf, we need to talk."

Leaf: "..."

Ness: "Can we please slow down."

Leaf: "No."

Ness: "That's it."

As much as he despised resorting to it, Ness reached out with his telekinetic power, halting Leaf mid-step. Her eyes widened in shock as her body froze, held firmly in place by an invisible force.

Leaf: "Ness, what the fuck! Release me!"

Ness: "No."

Leaf: "This is assault!"

Ness: "I don't care. I'm tired of this shit always happening between us. I've given you your time to mope, now we're talking. Got it."

Ness's voice cut through the air, firm and commanding, with an authority she hadn't expected from him. Leaf's first instinct was to lash out, to scream at him for daring to use his powers on her, but something about his demeanor made her pause. There was an intensity in his stance, in his refusal to let her walk away, that demanded her respect—even if she hated to admit it.

And yet, to her dismay, the boldness he showed stirred something else within her. The way he stopped her, the way he demanded they talk, refusing to let her go—it sent an unwelcome heat coursing through her, turning her on. The feeling she so desperately tried to ignore.

Leaf: "Fine."

Ness: "I'm sorry about that night. I just… I've been going through a lot of stress lately, and I really don't want to lose you."

Leaf: *Blushes* "You don't want to lose me?"

Ness: "No! Of course not! You're one of my closest friends."

Leaf: "Oh…"

Ness: "I want things to go back to normal. Please."

Leaf: "Nothing can go back to normal. Even though we fought, I still like you! I don't know what to do about that."

Ness: "You still like me?"

Leaf: "Yes! That's why I've been ignoring you… It hurts."

Ness: "I'm sorry…"

Leaf: "It's too painful to be around you."

Ness: "So we can't be friends?"

Leaf: "I…"

Ness: "If that's what you truly want, I won't bother you anymore. But please at least let me know. At least give me that."

Leaf's mind swirled with confusion. Every time she was around Ness, she felt a warmth she couldn't find anywhere else—safe, understood, like he truly saw her. For the first time, she had someone she genuinely connected with, someone who made her feel whole.

But the thought of not having him, of him slipping away, was unbearable. It gnawed at her, leaving an ache so sharp it made her chest tighten. The misery of wanting him but feeling like she couldn't have him was almost too much to bear.

Leaf: "I… I don't know."

Ness: "What'd you mean you don't know? Do you want to be my friend or not?"

Leaf: "I don't know, okay!"

Ness: "What am I supposed to do with that information?"

Leaf: "..."

Ness: "So do I continue to bother you, or give you space?"

Leaf: "Space. I need space. I want time to think."

Ness: "Fine…"

Ness released his grip, and Leaf stumbled slightly as her body regained its mobility. His eyes looked hollow, lifeless, as he brushed past her without a word. She turned to watch him walk away, her heart sinking further with each step he took.

Regret consumed her, clawing at her insides. Why did I say all that? The question replayed in her mind, sharp and unforgiving. I'm such a fuck-up! she berated herself, her frustration building with every step she took on the way home, cursing herself for ruining the one connection she had.

.

SNES

As Ness trudged back to his room, the familiar sight of Sonic sprawled across his bed greeted him, controller in hand, eyes glued to the TV as he mashed buttons.

"Hey, Sonic," Ness muttered with a heavy sigh, kicking off his shoes and sinking into his gaming chair.

"You good?" Sonic asked, barely glancing his way, one brow raised while his focus stayed on the game.

Ness: "No."

Sonic: "Damn, ever since you found out Tina wasn't your girlfriend, you've been out of it."

Ness: "I miss her…"

Sonic: "You two don't hang out anymore?"

Ness: "We do. But it's awkward."

Sonic: "She's like the chillest person I know. How's it awkward?"

Ness: "I guess it's just awkward for me. She still acts normal and that's the problem."

Sonic: "Sorry, bro. I tried to tell ya."

Ness: *Sighs* "It's not just Tina that's been stressing me out. I finally had the guts to talk to Leaf about our issue."

Sonic: "Oh shit! What'd she say?"

Ness: "She doesn't know if she still wants to be friends."

Sonic: "Bitch really can't handle rejection."

Ness: "Yup."

Sonic: "Eh, you don't need her. She's a red flag anyway."

Ness: "Dude! Not cool. I still like her. When she's not acting like this, she's amazing to talk to."

Sonic: "Sounds like you two got chemistry."

Ness: "Didn't you just tell me to stay away?"

Sonic: "Yup."

Ness: "I'm confused. Should I stay away or not?"

Sonic: "I mean I would stay away. But you know her better than I do. Clearly there's somethin' there."

Ness: "You're contradicting."

Sonic: "Go whatever your heart tells ya. I'm just sayin' I wouldn't."

Ness: "I'll just wait until she comes to me. Who knows how long that'll be."

Sonic: "Sounds like a plan."

Ness let out a long, drawn-out sigh, slumping further into his chair. His head tilted back as if gravity itself was pulling him down.

Sonic finally glanced his way, his fingers stilling on the controller. After a moment, he paused the game and frowned. "I got a question."

"What's that?" Ness said, his eyes still staring at the ceiling.

"Why're you still hangin' around Tina if it's tearing you up like this?" he asked, his voice laced with uncharacteristic seriousness.

Ness: "I still like her."

Sonic: "Do we need another emergency meeting?"

Ness: "No. I'll be fine. I'm hoping that the more I hang out with her, the more she'll see that I'm a perfect match."

Sonic: "Dude, that's pathetic. She's not that kind of woman. She doesn't just settle down."

Ness: "You don't know."

Sonic: "I do. She gotta lot of issues."

Ness: "I can fix them."

Sonic: "Bro, you sound like a white knight."

Ness: "There's nothing wrong with trying to help her."

Sonic: "She doesn't want help. She's all about doin' her own thing. If anyone needs help, it's you."

Ness: "I'm already working on myself."

Sonic: "Can't improve if you're too busy worrying about her and Leaf. Ya needa focus on what makes you happy."

Ness: "Tina makes me happy."

Sonic: "It's just cuz you have an unhealthy crush on her. Go hang out with your closest buds."

Ness: "I don't have an unhealthy crush."

Sonic: "You don't know yourself that well."

Ness: "Oh trust me, I do."

Sonic: "You sure about that? 'Cause it seems like you've got some feelings you haven't figured out yet."

Ness: "Like what? Hm?"

Sonic: "Like Lucas."

Ness: "What about Lucas?"

Sonic: "I mean… you two clearly got issues."

Ness: "Tch! No we don't. We're best friends. If we had issues, we would both know."

Sonic: "He dated your clone. Have you forgotten?"

Ness: "N-no, but..."

Sonic: "You kissed him last week!"

Ness: "I was drunk!"

Sonic: "Are you sure it was because of that or did the alcohol give an excuse to do somethin' you've been wantin' to do?"

Ness: "Yes! It was because I was drunk. Nothing else."

Sonic: "Ya gotta tell him that."

Ness: "No. I—it's fine. We're fine."

Sonic: "He's not fine."

Ness: "If he wasn't, then he would talk to me about it. I've changed and he noticed. We've talked about stuff before."

Sonic: "Oh yeah? Like what?"

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

Sonic: "You guys didn't talk about the fact that he has a crush on ya, huh?"

Ness: "That's none of your business! Why do you care about my drama?"

Sonic: "'Cause it's interesting."

Ness: "So what you're saying is, you view my life as a tv show?!"

Sonic: "I'm tryin' to help, though I gotta say, it is entertaining'."

Ness: "Some friend you are."

Sonic: "I give you good advice."

Ness: "No you don't. You're telling me that Tina isn't worth it because she's a slut, and that Leaf is a red flag. For some reason you want me to be gay, which is fucking weird! What kind of friend are you?"

Sonic: "A real one. Also I don't want you to be gay. It's obvious that you are."

Ness: "I'm not gay! Also no, you're not a good friend. Good friends don't break into people's room and insults them constantly."

Sonic: "You like it."

Ness: "For the last time, no I don't! Leave me alone."

Sonic: "Excuse me? Who's been there for you when you were cryin' about Tina? I'm always here to cheer you up. You'd be a mess without me."

Ness: "I never asked for your help! I would've been fine even if you weren't there. It's just crying. I easily get over things like that."

Sonic: "Right. That's why you've been mopey this whole week."

Ness: "I wasn't mopey."

Sonic: "All you've done was sulk. I mean I've seen you talk to Lucas, but the rest of your friends, you've been ignorin' them. Popo tried sayin' hi three days ago and you went out of your way to ignore him."

Ness: "I didn't notice."

Sonic: "Oh but you did. I was there, remember? I saw everything."

Ness: "What? No you weren't."

Sonic: "You were too busy bein' all depressed that you didn't see me hangin' out with your friends by the way."

Ness: "Why're you saying my friends like that? They're your friends too."

Sonic: "They were your friends first. Yet I'm the one hangin' out with them more than you? That's messed up."

Ness: "I hang out with them every week. What's the big deal?"

Sonic: "The big deal is that they wanna hang out with you outside of the weekly hang outs. Toon Link is always complainin' about ya. How you two aren't close anymore. It deeply upsets him."

Ness: "Toon is too clingy. He needs to get over it. Sometimes I don't want to hang out. Plus I'm busy."

Sonic: "Doing what? Hangin' out with Tina instead?"

Ness: "N-no! Not just Tina. I do my own thing too."

Sonic: "Okay, but the moment Tina wants to hang out, you're down. Whenever the boys wanna hang out, it's a chore."

Ness: "It's not a chore. I still hang out with you guys."

Sonic: "You make it seem like it's a chore. Not to me. I know you like it when I'm here, but to Popo and Toon, they noticed how uninterested you are whenever they greet you outside of the hangouts."

Ness: "Sorry I can't be perfect all the time! I've been dealing with stuff."

Sonic: "Then tell them that!"

Ness: "Why do you care so fucking much?! Get off my back!"

Sonic: "I care because… ya know what, nevermind. I'm outta here."

Ness: "Looks like you're being a bitch too."

Sonic: "I like how you said you've changed, but clearly you haven't. You still got this dickish attitude. It's always gotta be about you and your fuckin' problems. Then when I try to help, I'm the fuckin' bad guy."

Ness: "If I'm such a dick, why do you even bother?!"

Sonic: "Because you're not all bad."

Ness: "!"

Sonic: "You can be really cool to hang out with. There's somethin' about ya that makes you I dunno—unique compared to the rest of the smashers. I like how competitive and snarky you can be. You got this pretentious attitude which makes you fun to tease. We got this real cool dynamic, you and I. It's fun bein' around ya, but then there are times like these where you're the biggest asshole."

Ness: "…"

Sonic: "I've seen you improve. I've noticed you joke more. You try to be more outgoing, even though you're uncomfortable. I can tell you're tryin' to make Lucas happy too when the three of us hang out. You even ask where he wants to go or do. There's kindness in there. I know there is. I believe you can change to be a better you, but then you pull this shit. I'm startin' to think you're just a narcissist. Only pretendin' to be nice because it benefits you in some way."

Sonic rolled his eyes, a hint of exasperation crossing his face as he hopped onto the windowsill. "Whatever. I'll let you figure it out," he said, brushing off the tension with a casual wave of his hand.

Ness wanted to stop him, to shout, "Wait!" but the words caught in his throat. He could only watch helplessly as Sonic disappeared through the window, leaving him behind. The emptiness that followed was crushing. Sonic never left him like this—not without a parting joke, a grin, or some reassurance. Now, with the hedgehog gone, Ness felt truly alone.

Even he gave up. The thought pierced him like a dagger. Am I really that hopeless? Am I really a narcissist? He clenched his fists, his mind racing. No… I-I've been doing better. He said it himself. I've done nothing wrong!

But the voice of doubt clawed at him. He doesn't understand what I've been dealing with. He thinks he's so wise, thinks he knows everything. Thinks he knows me. Ness let out a bitter laugh under his breath. Ha! Laughable. He doesn't know me. He-

Ding!

[- Da Boyz 2.0

Group Chat

Popo: hey whatzzup fuckerrrz

Toon: wats up m8

Lucas: Hi

Sonic: Sup

Popo: just remindin ya that were hangin out tmrrw

Lucas: Thanks for the reminder

Sonic: dw ill be there

Popo: #Ness u cumin?

Sonic: yeah are u comin ness

Sonic: its ok if u cant. i know youve been stressin. takin care of your mental is more improtant

Sonic: how about u sit this one out

…

He's mocking me…

[- Da Boyz 2.0

Group Chat

Ness: I'm perfectly fine. I'll be there.

Pit: *Voice message* "Hey guys, what're you guys saying? I can't read remember."