Estimated Reading Time: 30 Minutes
.
Shy Blonde
The soft glow of the morning sun seeped through the curtains, casting gentle patterns across the room as Lucas stirred awake. His eyelids fluttered open, his body instinctively stretching against the warmth of his blankets. A contented sigh escaped him, followed by a wide yawn that seemed to echo throughout the room.
Reaching over to his bedside table, Lucas grabbed his phone, its cool surface contrasting with the warmth of his skin. The screen lit up, and a familiar notification greeted him: a message from his best friend.
[- Ness
DM
Ness: Goodnight! Will I see you tomorrow?
…
The message was from last night. Lucas hadn't even noticed Ness had texted him. He stared at the screen, the words glowing softly in the dim light of his room, and wondered how he'd missed the notification. Maybe he had been too distracted, or maybe he'd just been too caught up in his own thoughts.
For a moment, his thumb hovered over the reply box. He considered typing out a quick "good morning," but the memory of their last conversation resurfaced, tugging at his chest. He cringed inwardly, the embarrassment still fresh.
Lucas sighed and set the phone back down on the table. He wasn't ready to face that just yet—not now, not with his head still foggy from sleep. Besides, he didn't feel like chatting anyway.
Lucas pushed the covers aside and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, the chill of the floorboards nipping at his feet. Shuffling to the bathroom, he began his usual morning routine: a long, steaming shower to shake off the remnants of sleep, followed by a few hurried strokes of gel through his hair to keep it looking effortlessly styled. He brushed his teeth methodically, staring into the mirror as if the steady rhythm might clear his thoughts.
On most mornings, he'd wait by the door, listening for the familiar knock signaling Ness's arrival. Their routine was as predictable as the sunrise—walking Lucky together before grabbing brunch. But today, Lucas felt a strange heaviness, a tugging desire to be alone.
Mornings for Lucas were always slow, a quiet ritual of waiting for his body to wake up fully. He wasn't the type to eat right away—it always felt too soon. Instead, he reached for his console, the familiar weight of the controller grounding him as he booted up his favorite game.
The next hour blurred into a haze of tense focus. He was locked in a heated ranked match, his hands moving instinctively, his eyes darting across the screen. Every second was critical. He was barely able to win the match. Lucas let out a loud breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
He set the controller down for a moment, wiping the sweat from his palms. The room is thick with the heat of his own frustration and adrenaline. Mumbling a quiet curse, he walked over to the window and shoved it open. A gust of crisp, cool air rushed in, brushing against his flushed face.
Satisfied, he returned to his bed, flopping down and picking the controller back up. Time slipped by again, the sound of the game filling the room, until his stomach finally made its presence known with a low, insistent growl.
"Guess it's time," Lucas muttered to himself, setting the controller aside and pulling himself to his feet.
Lucas slipped out of the mansion, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets as he wandered through the crisp morning air. He gravitated toward the unfamiliar, eventually stumbling upon a café-bar hybrid tucked into the corner of a quiet street. The place had an understated charm—a moody, dimly lit interior with polished wood and the faint aroma of roasted coffee beans mingling with something stronger, maybe whiskey.
He hesitated for a moment, scanning the room for any familiar faces. The last thing he wanted was to bump into Ness or anyone from their circle. The obscurity of this new spot felt like a small refuge, a deliberate escape from the usual haunts.
Approaching the counter, he ordered a coffee and a plate of pancakes, his voice low and unassuming. The barista nodded, barely looking up, and Lucas turned to survey the seating. A lone table near the window caught his eye, tucked away from the soft murmur of other motherfuckers.
Sliding into the chair, he pulled out his phone, its glow stark against the café's dim atmosphere. The endless scroll of social media filled the space while he waited, his thumb flicking through posts without really absorbing any of them. The world outside the window blurred into the background, the sound of clinking plates and low chatter forming a soothing hum around him.
After what felt like an eternity of mindless scrolling, the soft clatter of a tray pulled Lucas's attention away from his phone. A waitress approached, balancing his order with practiced ease. She set the plate and cup down with a polite smile.
"Here you go. Enjoy," she said.
"Thanks," Lucas replied, his voice quiet but polite.
He picked up his fork and knife and dug into the pancakes, cutting a neat piece before popping it into his mouth. The taste was... fine. Not bad, not great—just average. Exactly what he'd expected from a place like this.
Lucas took a sip of his coffee, its slightly bitter edge hinting at a blend that leaned more practical than artisanal. He smirked faintly to himself. Café-bar hybrids weren't about food, after all. They thrived on their ambiance, the dim lighting, and the hum of quiet conversation—a space where people came to meet, to talk, to enjoy the vibe rather than the menu.
Still, he appreciated the solitude. For now, average was good enough.
?: "Hey, good lookin'~"
He looked up from his plate, and his heart jumped from absolute fear.
Two women were seated across from him at his small, solitary table, as if they'd materialized out of thin air. Their presence was anything but subtle. One of them, a tall woman with flowing black hair and an aura of confidence, adjusted her glasses with a playful smirk. The other, a platinum-haired woman clad in intricate robes, rested her chin on her hand, her eyes glinting with intrigue.
Bayonetta and Female Robin.
They didn't say a word at first, just exchanged a knowing glance before turning their attention back to him. Their expressions were teasing, deliberate—a shared smirk that radiated charm and mischief.
Lucas froze for a moment, caught off guard by their sudden appearance and the unmistakable energy they carried. His fork hovered mid-air, forgotten.
"Mind if we join you?" Bayonetta purred, though her tone suggested she wasn't really asking.
Robin chuckled softly, tilting her head. "It's not often we see someone dining alone in a place like this. You don't mind some company, do you?"
Lucas: "Uh… I-I…"
Bayo: "So, how's your day going?"
Lucas: "It's fine?"
F. Robin: "Say, how's your friend Ness doin'?"
Lucas: "He's fine."
F. Robin: "Is it true he got Leaf pregnant?"
Lucas: "Uh…"
Bayo: "Robin, manners."
F. Robin: "Whaaat."
Lucas: "He didn't…"
F. Robin: "So it's just a rumor?"
Lucas: "Something like that."
F. Robin: "I dunno, Snake is usually pretty reliable when it comes to gossip."
Bayo: "Robin…"
F. Robin: "Shiiit, I wanna ask Ness himself. Where is he? Why aren't ya hangin' out with him?"
Lucas: "I wanted to be alone."
F. Robin: "Did you two get in a fight or somethin'?"
Without warning, Bayonetta reached over and delivered a sharp slap to the back of Female Robin's head.
"Knock it off," she snapped, her tone sharp but laced with her usual sass.
Robin yelped, jerking forward as her hand instinctively flew to the back of her head. "Ow! That hurt!" she whined, rubbing the spot with an exaggerated pout.
Bayonetta rolled her eyes, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her chair. "Oh, please. Don't be so dramatic," she drawled, a smirk tugging at her lips despite her feigned irritation.
Robin muttered something under her breath, still massaging the back of her head. The brief exchange left a charged energy lingering in the air, a mix of tension and familiarity that made Lucas glance between the two with equal parts confusion and unease.
F. Robin: "Just wanna get to know the nerd more."
Bayo: "Are you trying to date or something?"
F. Robin: "Nah. I just find him cute."
Bayonetta rolled her eyes, a playful smile creeping across her face as she turned her attention back to Lucas. Her eyes locked with his, the playful glint in them unmissable.
"You know who I find cute?" She teased, her voice soft and enticing, her stare never leaving his blue eyes.
Lucas shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his face flushing as his gaze faltered. He gave her a shy submissive look, clearly caught off guard by the sudden intensity of her attention.
Bayonetta couldn't help but let out a quiet, satisfied hum, her smile widening as she took in the way his expression shifted. There was something irresistible about how nervous he seemed—how his vulnerability only made him more endearing in her eyes. The blonde's hesitance was utterly charming, and Bayonetta found herself drawn to it more than she expected.
"Absolutely adorable," she murmured to herself, her voice thick with amusement and admiration.
Lucas: "Uh…"
Bayo: "Lucas, honey, would you care for a drink?"
Lucas: "Um, no thank you."
Bayo: "Aww, c'mon, a little wine won't hurt~"
F. Robin: "Yeah, drink with us! You know my girl Bayo is super hot, right? And I think she likes youuu~"
Lucas: "What?"
Bayo: "Hmm~ Well, if she's just gonna say it."
Lucas: "Y-you think I-I'm hot?"
Bayo: "Absolutely. You're one hundred percent my type~"
Lucas: "I-I… Wow, I… T-thank you."
Bayo: "So, how about it, blondie? Wanna come over to my place~?"
Lucas: "Uh—n-no thank you."
F. Robin: "What! Are you kidding me?"
Bayo: "Aww, why's that, dear?"
Lucas: "I don't know you."
Bayo: "Well, then let's get to know each other~"
Lucas: "I'm sorry, I… I'm not interested."
F. Robin: "What're you gay?"
Lucas: "Um…"
F. Robin: "So are you and Ness a thing? I thought that was just a dumb rumor everyone teased you two about. I didn't think it was true."
Lucas: "N-no."
F. Robin: "So you're not actually gay?"
Lucas: "No…"
F. Robin: "Then why turn down my girl?"
Lucas: "I just… I'm not interested. Sorry."
Bayo: "Aww, someone's playing hard to get. This makes me want you more~"
Lucas: "I-I… Oh…"
Bayo: "C'mon, darling, I'll show you a good time. I promise I'll be gentle. At first~"
Lucas: ["Oh my god…"]
F. Robin: "Bayo over here is a dominatrix."
Lucas: "I can tell."
Bayo: "I'll tie you up and have my way with you. I promise you'll enjoy yourself~"
Lucas: "This is… Uh…" *Blushes*
F. Robin: "Aww, look at him blush. He's so cute."
Bayo: "I know. I can't wait to make him scream."
Lucas: ["S-scream?"]
Bayonetta leaned in closer, her chair scraping softly across the floor as she moved until she was right next to him. With a delicate touch, she cupped his chin, gently guiding his face toward hers. Her voice lowered to a near-whisper, smooth and seductive.
"I can't wait to dominate you in bed~" she purred, her breath warm against his ear.
A jolt ran down Lucas's spine, a mix of discomfort and something else he couldn't quite place. His stomach twisted. He froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to pull away, to escape, but his body felt trapped in the moment.
The words hung in the air, but Lucas's mind was elsewhere. The reality of the situation hit him hard. He had no desire for women, no attraction to the female body—none at all. He had tried, he really had. He'd tried to force himself to like them, to feel something, but the truth was clear: he didn't.
The thought of telling her the truth—of saying, "I'm gay"—felt like a weight on his chest. He wanted to be honest, to finally say it out loud. But the fear gripped him tightly. Being gay was frowned upon in Smash. When Marth had come out, it had been nothing short of a public spectacle. The negativity, the stares, the whispers—it had all been too much. But Marth had shrugged it off, facing the judgment with a kind of strength the blonde couldn't summon.
Lucas wasn't strong like that. He wasn't brave like Marth. He didn't want the attention, the questions, the ridicule. He wanted to be left alone, unnoticed, just... normal. But the truth was suffocating him, making his chest tighten with every passing second.
Lucas: "I-I… Um…"
Bayo: ["C'mon, let's head over to my place~"]
F. Robin: "You'll have a good time. Trust me. My girl will take care of you."
?: "Hey! You two, can't you tell he's uncomfortable? Back off."
The trio's attention snapped to the voice that had interrupted the moment. Standing just behind Lucas and Bayonetta, his presence cutting through the air like a cold breeze, was the dark angel himself: Dark Pit. His expression was one of barely concealed annoyance, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his wings folded in a way that made him appear even more imposing.
Bayonetta and Female Robin exchanged a quick glance, the briefest flicker of surprise passing between them. They turned back to Dark Pit, their playful smirks faltering, replaced by the realization that their fun was about to be cut short.
"Need something, Pittoo?" Bayonetta purred, though her voice was tinged with the slightest edge. She tilted her head, not intimidated, but certainly acknowledging his sudden arrival.
Dark Pit's glare intensified, his eyes narrowing as he studied the two women, then flicking down to Lucas, who was still visibly uncomfortable. "Yeah, I need you two to leave" he said coldly, his voice cutting through the air with icy precision.
Bayo: "Oooh, sassy. I like it~"
Dark Pit: "Out."
Bayo: "You know, Pittoo, you're a handsome guy. Would you care for a drink?"
F. Robin: "Damn, you switchin' targets now?"
Bayo: "You know I'm into twinks."
Dark Pit: "First of all, my name isn't Pittoo. It's Dark Pit. Get it right. Second of all, I work here. I can get all the drinks I want for free. And third, I'm not interested in sluts."
Bayo: "Slut?"
Dark Pit: "You heard me."
F. Robin: "Damn, this guy is hella sassy."
Bayo: "What a brat~ I like that."
Dark Pit: *Blushes* "Get your ass out."
Bayo: "Fine. I'll leave. But now I know where you work, cutie~"
Without a word, Bayonetta and Female Robin stood up, their chairs scraping against the floor as they made their exit. The air felt lighter as they moved away, leaving a quiet tension behind them. Lucas watched them go, still shaken by their earlier behavior, but grateful for the interruption.
As the door swung shut behind them, Dark Pit let out a long, exasperated sigh. He ran a hand through his dark hair, shaking his head in annoyance.
"Women…" he muttered under his breath, his tone a mix of disbelief and frustration. His wings rustled lightly as he shifted his posture, clearly irritated by the entire situation.
Lucas, still trying to regain his composure, offered a small, relieved smile. "Thanks, Dark Pit."
Dark Pit just shrugged, rolling his eyes. "Someone had to do it."
Lucas: "You really saved me there."
Dark Pit: "Yeah, whatever."
Dark Pit turned without another word, his black wings rustling as he made his way back behind the bar. Lucas found himself instinctively watching the dark angel as he worked, mesmerized by the fluidity of his movements. With every bottle he picked up and every glass he poured, Dark Pit demonstrated a skillful precision that made it seem like he was performing a subtle kind of magic. The way he flipped the bottles with practiced ease, the calm focus in his eyes—it was almost hypnotic.
Lucas couldn't tear his eyes away, fascinated by the way Dark Pit made the craft look effortless, as though bartending was second nature to him. Every trick, every flip of the wrist was executed perfectly, the glass in his hand always landing exactly where it needed to.
The blonde's gaze lingered a moment too long.
Suddenly, their eyes met—Dark Pit's sharp gaze locking with his, catching him in the act.
Lucas froze, his heart skipping a beat. His eyes widened in surprise, and before he could think, a sheepish, embarrassed smile spread across his face. He quickly averted his attention, feeling the heat rush to his cheeks.
"Crap…" he muttered under his breath, standing up from his seat. He checked his pockets to make sure he had his keys and wallet, then made a quick escape, heading toward the door.
As he stepped outside, the cool air hit him, a brief relief from the warmth inside. He looked up at the sign hanging above the bar: Raven's Coven.
He couldn't help but chuckle, the corners of his lips curling into a smile. The name suited the place, dark and mysterious, with an edge to it. It suited Dark Pit so well. It was like that place was meant for the dark angel.
Lucas found himself standing outside Raven's Coven, lingering for a moment longer than he should. He almost wanted to go back inside and ask Dark Pit for his number. Almost. But the thought faded as quickly as it appeared. He didn't know anything about the dark angel. Dark Pit had this sharp, intimidating vibe about him—like he could cut through anyone's facade without a second thought. It made him difficult to approach, especially for someone like Lucas, who was used to staying in his own comfortable space.
Still, curiosity gnawed at him. Was Dark Pit a lone wolf, or did he have a few friends tucked away somewhere? Maybe he was like his best friend, someone who preferred being on their own.
Lucas's mind wandered again, drifting from the dark angel to Ness. A strange thought occurred to him. Dark Pit kind of looked like Ness. In a way. It was more than just the way their dark, raven-colored hair fell—both had that fluffy, straight style that made them look effortlessly cool. But as he examined it more, the similarities seemed to vanish.
They both had this "emo" aura about them—like they belonged to a world of sad Tumblr boy aesthetics. But Dark Pit's cold, distant presence couldn't have been more different from his best friend. Ness's aesthetic was more of a nerdy skater gamer boy rather Dark Pit was more punk and alternative.
His thoughts shifted to Pit. The angel was everything Dark Pit wasn't: cheerful, bubbly, a little dim-witted at times but always endearing. It was like comparing a sunrise to a storm cloud. Then Lucas's mind drew an unexpected parallel. Pit reminded him of Nate—Nate's personality, to be specific. Outgoing, fun, always up for an adventure, a little reckless but always making people laugh. Maybe if Dark Pit had Pit's personality, he'd basically be Nate—just without the flirty attitude.
Wait, why was he thinking about Nate?
Lucas's shoulders slumped at the thought of his ex. He didn't want to go there. Not now, not when everything still felt so unresolved. The truth was, as much as he hated to admit it, he missed Nate. He missed the way his ex made him laugh, the adventures they'd had together. He missed the way Nate was always so confident, always pulling Lucas into his world.
Even with the lies, the deception, even with Nate pretending to be Ness—he still wanted to see him again. Could he possibly still have feelings for the clone? That thought felt dangerous, like a door that shouldn't be opened, but Lucas couldn't stop himself.
No. That was impossible, right? He was in love with Ness. He had to be.
But the thing was, Nate's personality was magnetic. The teasing, the confidence, the way Nate had this effortless charm that made Lucas feel like he was the only one in the room. He was adventurous, spontaneous, carefree—everything Lucas wasn't. And yet, it worked. He and Nate fit together like puzzle pieces, even if it was only for a moment.
And Ness. Ness was different. Lucas loved how they could geek out together about anything for hours, lost in their own world. He adored Ness's sarcasm, the way it was always so sharp but somehow endearing. He loved Ness's possessiveness, how he could be fiercely protective. He loved Ness's small quirks, his mannerisms, how he was always trying to be better, to improve himself—not just for Lucas, but for his own sake. He loved how easy it was to be around the brunet, how comfortable he could be without fear of judgment.
But as much as he loved Ness for all these reasons, Lucas couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in the back of his mind. Would things have turned out differently if Nate hadn't lied? If Nate wasn't pretending to be Ness all along, would he and Lucas be together? Would Lucas have been able to get over his fixation on Ness and move on?
Probably not.
Because no matter what, he loved Ness. Even if his best friend didn't love him back. He still couldn't help but love the brunet. He was irreplaceable in his eyes.
Lucas walked back to his room, his feet dragging a little, as if the weight of his thoughts was pressing down on him. He flopped onto his bed, letting out a sigh as he stared up at the ceiling. His phone felt like a lifeline, and yet, it seemed like it was taunting him. He unlocked the screen, his thumb hovering over the messaging app as he considered texting Ness.
But he hesitated. Again.
His fingers slid across the screen as he opened Twitter instead. It wasn't like he was stalking Ness; it was just… He wanted to know how he was doing. Just a glance, nothing more.
He saw the post that Snake had spouted recently. It was bad—really bad. The rumors were worse than anything Lucas had seen in a while. His stomach twisted as he read the comments. Harassment, insults, and false accusations flooded the posts. Ness had always been strong, but even Lucas could see how it was weighing on him.
Poor Ness.
Lucas felt a pang of guilt deep in his chest. He knew that Ness had dealt with this kind of thing before, but it didn't make it any easier to watch. The brunet had always brushed off the negativity in the past, but seeing it escalate like this…
Then he saw it. His friend had posted something today. It was him addressing the rumor and calling Snake out.
Ness Loch #NessLoch . October 25th 2024
Firstly, I want to clarify that I did not get Leaf pregnant. I kindly ask that you cease harassing both of us, as this is none of your business. I am not in a relationship with anyone, and I would appreciate it if the inappropriate sexual comments could stop, as they make me deeply uncomfortable. The rumors created by Snake are false. Additionally, I ask that you refrain from involving Red in this matter—there is no animosity between us. We are friends, and the situation was simply a misunderstanding. #SolidGossip Lastly, I request that you stop recording me; it's intrusive and unsettling. Please, respect my privacy and leave me alone.
88 Comments, 57 Shares, 9K Likes
…
Holy shit, Lucas thought, staring at the screen in disbelief. The comments were incredibly toxic. He felt a knot form in his stomach as he read through them, but at least Ness was standing his ground. That's my guy, Lucas chuckled quietly to himself, shaking his head. Sassy and strong. It was one of the things he liked most about his crush. He couldn't help but admire how the brunet had handled the situation with such confidence, even when the world seemed to be turning against him.
A fleeting thought crossed his mind, and before he could stop it, he found himself wondering how Nate would deal with a situation like this. He could imagine it now—Nate either ignoring the whole thing or trolling the people online who were talking about him.
Lucas mentally slapped himself. He promised he wouldn't think about Nate anymore, but it seemed to be an impossible vow. I guess forcing myself to stop will only make it worse, he reasoned with himself, trying to push the thoughts away. What? No! I can't give in to this toxic thinking! Nate needs to go. Stop thinking about him, me!
Suddenly, a light thud broke his concentration, and Lucas flinched. His heart skipped a beat. What if someone was in his room? He wasn't sure if it was his imagination or something more, but the sound had been distinct.
With a cautious breath, he slowly got up from his bed. His heart was racing, and his palms felt clammy. He tiptoed toward his closet door, his hands shaking as he grasped the handle. The tension in his body was tense as he cracked it open.
He peered inside, his eyes scanning for anything out of the ordinary. His clothes hung neatly, and nothing seemed out of place. He let out a relieved sigh, feeling foolish for overreacting.
Man, my closet is a mess, he thought to himself. He couldn't remember the last time he cleaned it out. Maybe later, but for now…
He walked over to a box tucked in the corner, pulled it out, and opened it. Inside, there was a bunch of sex toys. He smiled to himself. I'm not planning on hanging out with anyone today, so… He shrugged, feeling a little guilty but indulging himself anyway.
He flopped back onto his bed, a dildo in his hand. He lay down and got comfortable, letting himself relax for the first time that day.