Estimated Reading Time: 21 Minutes

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Shy Blonde

The next morning, Ness woke up to find himself curled around Lucas, their bodies snug against each other. His cheeks burned, but he didn't move. Instead, he lay still, staring at the blonde's peaceful face, taking in the slow, steady rhythm of his breathing.

Lucas's eyes fluttered open, hazy with sleep, only to find Ness already awake—blushing, wearing a sheepish smile.

Before Lucas could say anything, Ness quickly got up, mumbling something about the bathroom. He disappeared for a moment, splashing cold water on his face, trying to shake off the flustered feeling.

When he stepped back into the room, Lucas was still sitting on the bed, his eyes half-closed, clearly not fully awake yet.

Ness: "Good morning, sleepyhead."

Lucas: "Nggnn…"

Ness: "Weird. Usually it's the opposite."

Lucas: "Yesterday was exhausting."

Ness: "It was."

Lucas: "Wanna get breakfast together?"

Ness: "Yeah!"

After freshening up, the two headed to a nearby café for breakfast. Ness, as always, ordered a breakfast sandwich, while Lucas—predictably—went for an omelet. They chatted between bites, their conversation effortlessly flowing from video games to random thoughts, just like old times.

After finishing their meals, they decided to take a leisurely walk with Lucky. The energetic Espeon immediately took off, dashing ahead, rolling in the grass, and kicking up small tufts of dirt. He was a blur of purple, filled with mischief, his tail flicking as he pounced on unseen enemies.

Ness and Lucas couldn't help but giggle at Lucky's antics, watching him cause harmless chaos all around them.

But as all good things do, their walk eventually had to come to an end. Lucky, not quite ready to stop, threw a little tantrum, his paws digging into the ground as he whined. Lucas, ever patient, crouched down and spoke softly to the Espeon, his soothing voice calming the little Pokémon down. With a huff, Lucky reluctantly gave in, his tantrum fading away as he trotted back to them, ears drooping in quiet defeat.

Ness: "I don't know how you do it."

Lucas: "I'm charming."

Ness: "I'm charming too."

Lucas raised a brow, shooting Ness a sarcastic look. "You sure about that?" He teased.

Ness scoffed, crossing his arms. "How dare you."

They both burst into laughter, their banter filling the air as they made their way back to Lucas's place. Once inside, they lounged around, chatting and enjoying each other's company—until Ness's phone buzzed.

Lucas watched as Ness's smile faded slightly, his eyes scanning the screen. Without a word, the brunet stood up, heading straight for the front door. He slipped on his shoes with a sense of urgency.

Lucas sat up. "Where are you going?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Ness: "Oh uh—I'm meeting up with a friend."

Lucas: "Who?"

Ness: "Just y'know…"

Lucas: "No I don't know. That's why I'm asking."

Ness: "Leaf! I'm hanging out with Leaf."

Lucas: "Isn't she ignoring you?"

Ness: "Yeah, but she says she wants to talk it out."

Lucas: "That's a bit sudden."

Ness: "I know right. How odd. Anyway, I'm going to speak with her. I'll tell you how it ends."

Lucas: "Okay…"

Ness flashed Lucas a quick smile before slipping out the door, leaving behind an air of mystery.

Lucas frowned. Something about the whole scene felt… off. Ness had looked way too eager to leave, like he couldn't get out of there fast enough.

Could he be meeting up with Tina?

The thought sent a wave of anxiety through Lucas. He tried to shake it off, but the idea clung to him. His first instinct was to follow, to see for himself—but it was already too late. Ness was long gone.

Besides, stalking him? That's insane. What if Ness wasn't doing anything suspicious, and Lucas got caught tailing him? He'd look like a fool. Worse—an obsessive creep. And the last thing he wanted was to ruin the progress they'd made.

With a deep breath, Lucas sat back down, forcing himself to trust Ness. Even if it hurt not knowing.

.

The Clone

Ness sighed, sinking into his chair at Smashbucks. The rich aroma of coffee filled the air as he scrolled mindlessly through his phone, waiting. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, typing out a Reddit reply, when the sound of a chair scraping against the floor caught his attention.

Someone had sat down in front of him, pulling their seat in a little too close.

Ness glanced up, and there he was—Nate, his clone, grinning from ear to ear.

Nate: "Nessss! How's it goin'~?"

Ness: "Oh wow. Hi."

Nate: "Excited to see me?"

Ness: (This is so weird seeing him again.) "Y-yeah."

Nate: "So how's life? Whatcha been up to?"

Ness exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "Life is… well, life. I have a lot to talk to you about," he muttered, his eyes lingering on Nate's hair.

Nate caught the stare and smirked, winking playfully. "Like the new hairstyle?"

Ness: "Now I know I couldn't pass as a blonde."

Nate: "Aww, what! C'mon, it's nice."

Ness: "It's not."

Nate: "I've only gotten compliments. You're the first one that didn't like it."

Ness: "It's just… *shudders* I'm not used to it. Maybe it'll grow on me."

Nate: "Was the shudder necessary?"

Ness: "Yeah~"

Nate: "Damn, bro. Shit hurts."

Ness: "Wow, we have the same voice too. This is weird."

Nate: "Duh, I'm your clone. We talk to each other all the time when we play League."

Ness: "Yeaaah, but it sounds a little different online. Hearing it now is… uncomfortable."

Nate: "Quit complainin' and say you miss me."

Ness: "I miss you. I really do!"

Nate: "Sure."

Ness: "Haha… so uh—about Tracy…"

Nate: "Right… you know what she did."

Ness shifted uncomfortably, his fingers tapping against his cup. "I… I can't believe she'd do that. I'm so sorry." His eyes flickered over Nate's face again, and he tensed. "T-this is really messing with my head. You look exactly like me, which means—my own sister…" He trailed off, shaking his head, the unease settling deep in his chest.

Nate: "Yup. That's a big reason why I wanna get as far away from her as possible; it's too traumatizing. I can't stand seeing her face or even sharing the same roof as her."

Ness: "I can imagine. I'm sorry that happened."

Nate: "Wow, you're actually bein' supportive."

Ness: "Why're you shocked?"

Nate: "Because to be honest, I didn't think you'd care."

Ness: "I care about you. I've just been busy."

Nate: "You can be honest about it. I did ruin your life after all."

Ness: "You didn't…"

Nate gave Ness a pointed look. "I mean—it wasn't exactly your fault," Ness averted his eyes, forcing a smile.

Nate: "I didn't have to sleep or date them. But I did anyway."

Ness: "You didn't know any better."

Nate: "I did… sorta. I knew it was bad, but I didn't know it was that bad."

Ness: "You're like what—a year old? I can't fault you for that." (Weirdest thing I've ever said.)

Nate: "Thanks… still though. I'm sorry for all the terrible shit I've done."

Ness: "I forgive you."

Nate: "Thank you. That means a lot to me.

Ness: "No worries."

Nate: "What's been goin' on with you? How's everyone?"

Ness: "Well…"

Nate: "Uh oh. This sounds long."

Ness: "It is. I don't even know where to begin."

Nate: "I guess I can help by asking, how's Lucas?"

Ness: "Oh, Lucas? He's doing fine."

Nate: "That's good to hear. I'm glad he's okay. What about Leaf?"

Ness: "Well—we started off rocky."

Nate: "Oh god, wait! T-the baby?"

Ness: "Aborted."

Nate let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank god. I—I mean, it's awful that it had to happen, but…"

Ness: "Don't feel bad. I'm also relieved. Has it been keeping you up?"

Nate: "Definitely. That and my frequent nightmares."

Ness: "Nightmares?"

Nate: "Yeaaaah. It's somethin' that's been happenin' to me. Don't worry about it. So are you two friends now?"

Ness: "Yeah..."

Nate: "That's nice. I'm happy she forgave you for my mistake."

Ness: "I mean—I was kind of a jerk about the whole abortion thing in the beginning, but we made up eventually."

Nate: "What'd you say to her?"

Ness: "Haha… the first thing I said to her was about scheduling the abortion."

Nate: "Dude…"

Ness: "I know, I know. I realized how fucked up that was."

Nate: "How'd she ever forgive you?"

Ness: "I'm charming~"

Nate: "No you're not. You bothered her until she couldn't take it anymore, huh?"

Ness: "Sort of."

Nate: "I've barely hung out with you, and I already know what you're about."

Ness: "I didn't bother her too much!"

Nate: "Mmhmm."

Ness: *Sighs* "But lately, she's been ignoring me again."

Nate: "What happened this time?"

Ness: "She—asked me out."

Nate: "What!"

Ness: "Yeaaaah."

Nate: "No… don't tell me you..."

Ness: "I did…"

Nate: "You dumbass. She's hot! Why not?"

Ness: "I love someone else."

Nate: "Wha? Oh, the squid girl."

Ness: "Did you seriously forget her name?"

Nate: "Haha…"

Ness: "Her name is Tina. You slept with her. How could you forget?!"

Nate: "I slept with a lot of people."

Ness: "In my image too…"

Nate: "I'm sorry."

Ness: "You're lucky I'm a forgiving person."

Nate: "That's why you're the best~"

Ness: "I thought I was a dumbass?"

Nate: "That too. I dunno why you would turn her down."

Ness: "Because I don't love her. When I told her the truth, she got angry, and now she's acting immature by refusing to speak to me."

Nate: "Oh damn. Yeah, that's a bit immature."

Ness: "It's ridiculous!"

Nate: "So… did you and Tina ever—ya know…"

Ness immediately knew what Nate was referring to. Heat rushed to his face, and as soon as Nate noticed his reaction, his eyes widened. He shot a finger at him, accusation clear in his expression.

Nate: "No way you actually did it!"

Ness: "Shh! Keep it down."

Nate: "How was it?"

Ness: "I'm not telling you."

Nate: "Whaaat, c'mon, why?"

Ness: "Because it's private."

Nate: "All dudes share their experiences."

Ness: "Not me. I don't like to talk about how women are a trophy."

Nate: "Nah, dude. It's just guy talk."

Ness: "Guy talk disgusts me."

Nate: "You don't know how male friendships work."

Ness: "Yes I do. I hang out with other guys every Thursday."

Nate: "Riiight your hang out sess that you were forced to go."

Ness: "That's not true."

Nate raised a brow and snickered.

Ness: "Okay at first it was a bit forced, but lately I've been enjoying my time with them."

Nate: "Mhm suuure."

Ness: "Give me a break, I was stranded on an island with those guys. I saw them at their worst, and I'm still willing to go to the Thursday hangouts."

Nate: "Fair nuff. So, how does it feel to finally have a girlfriend~?"

Ness: "Uh…"

Nate: "Shut up, no way! Hahaha! You hit it, and still got rejected. This is priceless~"

Ness: "Shut up!"

Nate: "I love you, dude, I swear~ But this is fuckin' hilarious. Aren't you the romantic type too? You probably thought you two were dating."

Ness: "I mean how could I not? She was all over me."

Nate: "Ever heard of friends with benefits? The moment I saw her, I knew she was the type who just wants fun."

Ness: "By just looking at her?"

Nate: "She's a party girl. Look at the way she dresses."

Ness: "Assuming is wrong."

Nate: "I mean… I was right though."

Ness: "..."

Nate: "How exactly did the rejection went down?"

Ness: "In the beginning, we hung out almost everyday. Eventually we got close and well—y'know, did that. So I thought we were dating. Her friends asked about us, and she casually said no…"

Nate: "Daaamn. Did you ask about it later?"

Ness: "No."

Nate: "Why?"

Ness: "I was scared."

Nate: "It's still not too late."

Ness: "Yes it is."

Nate: "What'd ya mean?"

Ness: "I think she's dating someone else now."

Nate: "What!"

Ness: "One of her friends."

Nate: "That's messed up."

Ness: "I never truly asked her out. It was my bad."

Nate: "Yeaaah you should've just gone for it."

Ness: "I know…"

Nate: "Now what?"

Ness: "I don't know. I'm confused."

Nate: "Do you still have feelings?"

Ness: "Yeah…"

Nate: "You're such a loverboy~"

Ness: "I'd rather be that, than a cheater."

Nate: "Haha…"

Ness: "..."

Nate: "Hey! I'm not like that anymore."

Ness: "Didn't you sleep around in Onett?"

Nate: "Yeah…"

Ness: "I find it hard to believe that you're still not a cheater."

Nate: "First of all, I didn't cheat. Second, I haven't slept with anyone in months."

Ness: "Wow, months. That's a new record for you."

Nate: "It is, and I'm proud of it."

Ness opened his mouth to throw out another sarcastic remark, but then he saw the look on Nate's face—pure happiness. His stomach twisted. Why would anyone be proud of this… unless…

Ness: "Are you addicted?"

Nate: "Yeah… I'm a nymphomaniac."

Ness: "Well the correct term is satyriasis."

Nate: "Wha?"

Ness: "It's the male version. A nympho is for a woman."

Nate: "Nobody calls it that."

Ness: "I do."

Nate: "That's 'cause you're a nerd."

Ness: "I'm just trying to educate you."

Nate: "Hahaha! You're ridiculous. But yeah, it makes sense now, huh?"

Ness: "Yeah, wow. You're nothing like me. I don't have that issue."

Nate: "I'm defective as Mario would say."

Ness: "You're not defective."

Nate shot him a sarcastic look, and Ness couldn't help but chuckle.

Nate: "I'm defective."

Ness: "Maybe a little."

Nate: "But still better than you~"

Ness: "Ha! You wish. I kicked your ass."

Nate: "Yeah but I still get more pussy than you."

Ness: "You actually went there."

Nate: "Hahaha! Sorry, dude. You're too easy to tease."

Ness: "Great. Once you move in, I'll have two idiots constantly bullying me."

Nate: "Two?"

Ness: "Remember Sonic?"

Nate: "Yeah."

Ness: "He's been breaking into my room every night."

Nate: "What the fuck?"

Ness: "It's annoying."

Nate: "I mean I thought I heard him sometimes when we played League."

Ness: "Mhm, and he's just as annoying as you."

Nate: "Why not tell him to leave?"

Ness: "I have! I even kicked him out a couple times. He won't leave me alone."

Nate: "Does bro got a crush?"

Ness: "Sonic? No. He just enjoys annoying me. It's his hobby."

Nate: "I think he's got a crush on you."

Ness: "He's straight."

Nate: "You sure about that?"

Ness: "Yes."

Nate: "Suuuure."

Ness: "He's known for dating women."

Nate: "Mhm, suuure."

Ness: "It's not like that."

Nate: "Okaaay. Can't wait to room with you and your boyfriend."

Ness: "Knock it off! We're both straight."

Nate: "You're definitely bi."

Ness: "No I'm not."

Nate: "Can't wait to point it out when we live together~"

Ness: "Yeaah. Can't wait."

Nate: "I just miss you so so much! We haven't really been able to get to know each other~ This is gonna be an exciting new chapter in my life!"

Ness: "Hey, um…"

Nate: "Hm? What's up?"

Ness: "D-do you… ah, nevermind."

Nate: "Ya dude. I'd still be willin' to fuck."

Ness: "That's not what I was going to ask! Also, what the fuck, dude?!"

Nate: "C'mon, I'm your clone. Everyone would do it. I'll even dye my hair black again to really fulfill that fantasy."

Ness: "No! Why're you always like this?"

Nate: "I dunno."

Ness: *Sighs*

Nate: "What were you gonna say?"

Ness: "It's not important."

Nate: "Nooo tell meeee."

Ness: "I forgot."

Nate: "Lies!"

Ness: "I'll tell you when you move in. When's that by the way?"

Nate: "Oh, uh, I have to do my two weeks first."

Ness: "Why? You're never coming back."

Nate: "I like my boss."

Ness: "That's fair. I respect that."

Nate: "Can't wait to see you in two weeks~"

Ness: "Me too."

Nate: "I'm so excited, I could scream."

Ness: "Please don't."

Nate: "Hahaha!"

The two boys stood up and left Smashbucks, strolling inside the mansion. When they reached the Travel Machine room, Ness came to a stop and turned to Nate.

"Well, here we are. It was nice chatting with you," Ness said, extending his hand for a shake.

Nate glanced down at his brother's hand and let out a snicker. Ness raised an eyebrow, confusion clear on his face.

"Why so formal?" Nate teased before yanking Ness into a tight hug.

"Ah—!" Ness's eyes widened. He stiffened for a moment before awkwardly patting his clone's back, forcing a small smile as they pulled away.

Nate: "Okay, bye. I love you~"

Nes: "M-me too."

Ness waved his brother off, watching as Nate disappeared in a flash of light. The moment he was gone, the lingering anxiety in Ness's chest faded. Back in his room, he let out a breath, sinking into his chair before pulling out his phone.

[- Lucas

Ness: Hey! I'm still alive.

Lucas: Hi. How was your outing

Ness: Nothing really happened.

Lucas: How so

Ness: She's still upset with me. You know how she is.

Lucas: I feel like your lying

Ness: I'm not!

Lucas: Are you sure

Ness: Yes, Lucas.

Lucas: K.

…

Ness didn't know what else to say. Guilt gnawed at him—he had straight-up lied. But he wasn't ready to face Lucas's reaction, not yet. He was already overwhelmed, and the last thing he needed was more stress.

Maybe I shouldn't have invited Nate.

But it was too late to back out now. His brother had been so excited, his face lit up with pure joy. Ness didn't have the heart—or the confidence—to take that away from him.

Besides… a small part of him was actually looking forward to rooming with his brother. Hanging out at the café had been nice, easy. He could see why everyone liked 'the new Ness.' Unlike him, Nate was effortlessly outgoing and funny. He wasn't a loudmouth like Sonic, always making a spectacle of himself, but he also wasn't as laid-back as Popo. He was that perfect in-between—a chill, outgoing, ordinary guy.

Despite liking Nate's vibe, Ness also feared it. A part of him envied his brother's effortless confidence, the way he could just exist without overthinking everything. It gnawed at him, an invisible weight pressing down on his chest. He was stuck in a constant battle with himself, and the longer it went on, the heavier the stress became.