Author's Note: I'mma try something new here. I wanna be more descriptive or some shit. But I also wanna keep some paragraphs goofy. I like to type all simple but I wanna challenge myself. Chapters are gonna take longer to upload because big boy words!
Estimated Reading Time: 22 Minutes
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Leafstorm
Ness was jolted awake by the sound of his alarm. Groggily, he reached out from under the warmth of his blankets and fumbled for his phone on the bedside table. Squinting against the soft glow of the screen, he noticed the small notification icons stacking up at the top. His fingers swiped across the lock screen, revealing a flood of messages.
[- Bowser
DM
Bowser: HEY SO UH I HAVENT HERD FROM U IN A WHILE JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHATS BEEN GOIN ON
…
Ness let out an annoyed sigh and rolled his eyes so hard, they threatened to orbit his brain. This is fucking annoying. He should block him, but also he doesn't have the heart to do so. Instead he ignored the message like usual and continued on to the next one.
[- Lucas
DM
Lucas: Good morning :)
…
He went from bothered to delighted in an instant. He smiled and blissfully texted his friend back.
[- Lucas
DM
Ness: Good morning!
Lucas: Haha you sound less grumpy this morning
Ness: I got good quality sleep, plus I woke up to see Lucky cuddling me.
Lucas: Aww that's cute
Ness: I'm so glad that I didn't give him away.
Lucas: Me too
Ness: Anyway, how's your morning been?
Lucas: The usual
Ness: What's the usual?
Lucas: YOu know just getting out of bed and then eating breakfast while I watch tv
Ness: Nice! I'm still in bed haha!
Lucas: Of couse you are
Lucas: *Course
Ness: Hey don't judge me. You know I'm like this.
…
Ding!
[- Leaf
DM
Leaf: Guess what lol
Ness: What?
Leaf: Todd got into the green poffin and Ive never seen him so out of it xD
Ness: The green poffin?
…
Ding!
[- Bowser
DM
Bowser: ?
…
Ding!
[- Leaf
DM
Leaf: Yeah the green one. Its a pokemons version of catnip
Ness: Oh my god! I need to see this.
Leaf: I recorded it. Imma send you the vid hold on
…
Ding!
[- Lucas
DM
Lucas: Yeah I know lol
Lucas: Do you have work today
Ness: Yeah later on.
Lucas: You know I've been thinking of getting a jon
Ness: Who's Jon? Haha!
Lucas: THERE'S NO JON!
Ness: Is he your new bff?
Lucas: You're using abbreviations!
Ness: Stop making it a big deal…
Lucas: I'm sorry it's just weird
Ness: I do use them from time to time.
Lucas: NOt rreally
Ness: Yes I do!
…
Ding!
[- 800000
800000: Congratulations! You just earned $10,000! All you need to do to claim your reward is to click on this website and create an account. Here's the link to get started: *Insert fake scummy link*
…
Ding!
[- Leaf
DM
Leaf: *Sends video*
…
He played the video to witness Todd laying on a bean bag. The buff Cleffa was sprawled out. He looked out of it. He kept saying, "CLEFFA… C-CLEFFA…" It genuinely made Ness die of laughter.
[- Leaf
DM
Ness: I can't. I'm crying!
Leaf: Ikr
…
Ding!
[- Lucas
DM
Lucas: Nu uh!
Ness: You're changing the subject.
Ness: Who's Jon?
Lucas: YOu sound jealous
Ness: Oh yeaaaah. I'm SO jealous.
Lucas: ANYWAY yeah I've been thinking of getting a job
Ness: Are you sure you're not thinking of getting a Jon?
Lucas: Shut up!
Ness: Hahaha! Ok, ok, fine. So you're thinking of getting a job? Why?
Lucas: It's simple
Lucas: I'm bored
Ness: No training?
Lucas: No point. There's no tournament this year
Ness: Gotta train or else next year you'll lose all your gains.
Lucas: We're smashers we do lose gains?
Ness: Remember when I was fat?
Lucas: Lmao yes!
Ness: But now I'm not and I win tournaments now.
Lucas: Yeaaaah
Ness: It's because of my gains. I'm still practicing even though there's no tournament.
Lucas: Afraid you'll get fat again?
Ness: NO! I'm not inscure about that!
Ness: *Insecure
Lucas: Mhm suuuure
Ness: It's because it's healthy. You should also care about your health. Hmph!
Lucas: Someone's sassy
Ness: I'm not sassy.
Lucas: I don't have to worry about getting fat so I'm good
Ness: Fine! Be that way!
Lucas: I will~
Ness: Anyway, I should get up now.
Lucas: You're still in bed?!
Ness: Yeaaaah…
Lucas: Omg Ness it's past one!
Ness: I Know…
Lucas: And you call ME the lazy one
Ness: You are!
Lucas: Ok, but at least I'm up
Ness: Hey! I'm up!
Lucas: Now you are! We've been chatting for like an hour now
Ness: I know…
Lucas: You love me that much huh
Ness: I do.
Lucas: Gosh Ness give me space quit being so clingy
Ness: Fine!
Lucas: Good!
Ness: Great!
Lucas: Perfect!
Ness: Immaculate!
Lucas: Stop txting me dummy!
Ness: Oh you're right.
Lucas: You're still doing it!
Ness: Fine!
Lucas: Omg shut up
…
Ness suddenly burst into laughter, his deep chuckles filling the room. He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and shook his head, still grinning as he tossed his phone back onto the bed. Pushing back the covers, he swung his legs over the side and stood, stretching his arms followed by a satisfying yawn.
He walked across the room to the bathroom, where the familiar rhythm of his morning routine took over. The cool splash of water on his face and the taste of minty toothpaste woke him up fully.
Lucky, his loyal companion, was already waiting by the door. The Espeon's eyes sparkled with anticipation, eager to start the day by his owner's side. Ness chuckled, giving Lucky a quick pat on the head before they both headed out to the food court. He ordered them both a meal. They found a table to occupy and happily ate. As they were eating, he debated if he should text Tina.
He didn't want to bother her, but also he really wanted to chat. She's always the one who starts the conversation. What if, by staying silent, she started thinking he wasn't interested in talking to her at all? That thought made him feel anxious. He didn't want her to feel like he was distant or uninterested. Then again he didn't want to be seen as a nuisance. What if she's in the middle of doing something right now?
Ness: "Lucky, what should I do?"
Lucky: "Espii?"
Ness: "Should I just text her, or wait like usual?"
Lucky: "Espeon!"
Ness: "Ok, but what if she's busy? I don't want to be a bother."
Lucky: "Es."
Ness: *Sighs* "I don't know what you're saying."
Lucky: "Espii."
Ness: "Fine, I'll initiate this time."
He took out his phone and stared at her contact.
Ness: (Just send her a hi text. Nothing too crazy. I can do this.)
His finger hovered over the keyboard.
Ness: (God, why is this so nerve-wracking?! We've talked before! Many times.)
Lucky: "Espii?"
Ness: "I'm doing it ok! Just… H-hold on."
Lucky tilted his head in confusion.
Ness: "But what if she ends up getting annoyed?"
Lucky gave Ness an annoyed look.
Ness: "Stop judging me! It's hard, ok."
?: "What's hard?"
Ness: "Aaaah!"
Ness whipped around, heart racing, only to be met with a face he knew all too well. Standing there, in all his infuriating glory, was that hedgehog—his constant tormentor. The creature's eyes gleamed with smug amusement, and, of course, there it was: that insufferable, cocky smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Ness: "S-Sonic?"
Sonic: "Sup, Cheddar Biscuit~"
Ness: "I swear you're obsessed with me."
Sonic: "Can't say hi to my friend?"
Ness: (Him calling me friend is going to take some time getting used to.) "Uh…"
Sonic: "Anyway, what's so hard? Your dick? Hahaha!"
Ness gave him an annoyed look. What an obnoxious laugh he thought to himself.
Ness: "No! It's none of your business."
Sonic: "You tryin' to text a girl or somethin'?"
Ness: "H-how did you know?"
Sonic: "You seem pretty interested in what Tina had to say when the girl's were hangin' out."
Ness: "Only because she was the last one. It's not like I have a crush on her or anything."
Sonic: "Aaaand that said it all."
Ness: "I literally said I don't have a crush on her."
Sonic: "Listen dude, just text her. You know she's chill."
Ness: " I know…"
Sonic: "I can tell you're overthinkin' it like always."
Ness: "I don't overthink things."
Sonic: "Yeaaaah, you do."
Ness: No I don't. You don't know me."
Sonic: "Bro, you're an open book."
Ness: "It's cute that you think that way."
Sonic: "Although, I dunno if you should hang out with her…"
Ness: "What? Why?"
Sonic: "She's the wrong girl to have a crush on."
Ness: "What're you trying to say?"
Sonic: "Dude, she's… Let's just say she has a bad record for stayin' faithful."
Ness: "And I trust your judgement because?"
Sonic: "Bro, I dated her."
Ness: "Y-you, what!"
Sonic: "Yeaaaah. She's… Chill but…"
Ness: "But what?"
Sonic: "Well… I mean she tends to get drunk a lot, and when she's drunk, she does things."
Ness recalled the time when she suddenly kissed him in front of Jelonzo without a single care in the world.
Ness: "..."
Sonic: "Yeah, I dunno, dude."
Sonic is right, but Ness didn't want to accept that. In his head, Tina seemed so perfect. She's sweet. He remembered the time when she said good things about him behind his back to her friends that were being racist. Deep inside she's a good person and he can't see her whoring herself around like that. At least not on purpose.
Ness: "I think she's amazing."
Sonic: "I'm not saying she's not. Anyway if you wanna talk to her, then just send a text. Even if it's a simple hi."
Ness: "What if she's busy?"
Sonic: "And you say you're not an overthinker."
Ness: "Haha…"
Sonic snatched Ness's phone from his hand.
Ness: "H-hey!"
Ness reached out, his fingers stretching toward his phone resting on the table, but just as he was about to grasp it, the hedgehog darted sideways with surprising agility. The sudden movement frustrated the brunet. It was as if the blue blur was always one step ahead, reveling in the playful game of keep-away
[- Tina
DM
Ness: hey wanna head to my room later tonite
…
Ness: "S-Sonic! Give me my phone back!"
Sonic let out a hardy laugh and tossed it back to the frustrated soul.
Sonic: "Good luck."
Ness: "What did you do?"
Sonic: "Read the text, nerd.
Ness read the text.
Ness: "W-why did you do that! My room? Are you serious?!"
Sonic: "I'm gettin' straight to the point."
Ness: "Do you realize what this implies?!"
Sonic: "Oh I absolutely do. I'm helpin' a brother out."
Ness: "That's not helping! That's-
Ding!
Sonic: "Oh shit! What'd she say?"
[- Tina
DM
Tina: hell yeah dude
Tina: wat time sholud i come overr
…
Ness's face heated up.
Sonic: "Bro, calm down. You look like a tomato."
Ness: "S-she's c-coming over t-to… I can't. I… I'm not prepared!"
Sonic: "Hahaha! Good luck~"
Sonic was about to juice, but Ness instantaneously grabbed the hedgehog's arm.
Sonic: "Dude! Let go."
Ness: "No! You're helping me."
Sonic: "I ain't helpin' you."
Ness: "You're the one that got me in this predicament!"
Sonic: "I helped you enough."
Ness: "I didn't ask for her to come over."
Sonic: "Yeah, you did. Check your text."
Ness: "THAT WAS YOU, IDIOT!"
Sonic: "Bro, just be yourself."
Ness: "Myself is a nervous mess."
Sonic: "Hahaha!"
Ness: "It's not funny!"
Sonic: "I dunno how I could help you."
Ness: "Maybe you could… I don't know, give me pointers. Tell me what to say when she's over."
Sonic: "Oh hell nah, you mean you want the stupid wingman walkie-talkie scenario bullshit?"
Ness: "S-something like that."
Sonic: "That's pathetic, man."
Ness: "S-shut up!"
Sonic: "Dude, just offer to play videogames. Get to know her more."
Ness: "That's it?"
Sonic: "Yeah. Just chat it up and if she wants to ya know, get some freak on, who're you to say no? Hahaha!"
Ness: *Blushes* "N-no! I'm not going to do that!"
Sonic: "Why not?"
Ness: "B-because we're not dating."
Sonic: "So?"
Ness: "SO?!"
Sonic: "Yeah, so what?"
Ness: "Well that's… Uh…"
Sonic: "You want to, right?"
Ness: "I mean… Y-yeah, but…"
Sonic: "Then do it."
Ness: "You say it like it's easy."
Sonic: "It is."
Ness: "What're you trying to say? That she's easy?"
Sonic: "Kinda."
Ness: "No, she's not! She's a modest woman."
Sonic snickered. "Yeah ok," he said, his tone dripping with enough sarcasm to flood the cafeteria.
Ness: "She is!"
Sonic: "Fine, fine. Anyway, listen, dude, she's a chill girl. Don't overthink it."
Ness: *Sighs* "Ok."
Sonic: "I'mma juice. Lemme know how it goes."
Before Ness could say anything, Sonic sped off. He hated admitting it, but he's glad that the hedgehog decided to step in. If he didn't then Tina couldn't be coming over. Oh god, wait! She's coming over tonight! He needs to clean his room.
He quickly finished the last bites of his food, barely tasting it in his rush. Then, he rushed over to his place and dove into cleaning as if the world depended on it. Despite the fact that his space was already nearly spotless, he was driven by a desire for perfection. He wiped down surfaces and rearranged items, making sure everything was in its proper place. After a thorough once-over, he paused for a moment and did a double take, judging every corner for any hint of dust or disorder, wanting it to shine just right.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
Oh fuck! That's his alarm. He has to go to work now. He returned Lucky who was in the middle of sweeping the floor back into the ball. He kissed it and said, "good boy, Lucky. You did great. I love you." His tone was as sweet as honey drizzling over warm biscuits. Lucky could feel the love and warmth despite being inside the ball.
Ness grabbed his skateboard and rode it all the way to work. He clocked on and saw Leaf reading a book to the baby Pokemon.
"Hey," he greeted, as he approached her.
Leaf: "Oh hi!"
Ness: "What're you reading?"
Leaf: "Just a kid's book. They love it!"
Ness: "How's Todd?"
Leaf: "He's sleeping on the bean bag."
She pointed in the direction. His eyes followed and saw that the pink buff Cleffa was resting peacefully.
Ness: "For once he actually looks cute."
Leaf: "Hahaha!"
Ness: "But as soon as he wakes up, he's going to pick on me."
Leaf: "Pretty much, yeah."
Ness: "Can I have that whistle for my protection?"
Leaf: "Nope~"
Ness: "What do you mean 'nope'?"
"Nope~!" She said playfully once more, a teasing glint in her eyes as she offered him a cutesy smirk, her lips curving into a mischievous smile that lit up her face.
Ness: "Stop looking at me like that."
Leaf: "Hahaha!"
Ness: "Meanie."
Leaf: "You're a tough boy. You shouldn't be having any trouble with Todd."
Ness: "My life would be easier if Todd didn't bully ME in particular."
Leaf: "But then that'd be boring."
Ness: "No, it would be peaceful."
Leaf: "Peaceful is boring."
Ness: "What if he bullied you instead?"
Leaf: "That would make my life a living hell."
Ness: "Not so fun, right?"
Leaf: "Yeah, not so fun."
Ness: "Ok then! I made my point."
Leaf: "Yeah, but it's fun when he's bullying you instead."
Ness: "I hate you."
Leaf: "Teeehee~"
He rolled his eyes and smiled at her, his eyes sparkling with warmth and mischief. The sight sent a flutter of butterflies dancing in her stomach. It was a smile that seemed to light up his entire face, filling her with a delightful thrill that made her heart race. Each gentle curve of his lips felt electric, igniting a warmth that spread through her like a sunbeam on a cool morning.
The two were scheduled together for once. She didn't have to go to the yard like usual. Someone else took that spot today. It was nice hanging out with her. They both nerded out about Pokemon.
Once their shift was over, Leaf locked the door behind them. As they stepped outside, they were welcomed by the calm embrace of the night sky. The moon was shrouded in soft, wispy clouds, and the stars remained hidden, yet the sky was still beautiful. The air was crisp and cool, adding to the sense of wonder that enveloped them.
Leaf: "The moon isn't out, but it's still bright."
Ness: "Yeah, most people like to talk about the moon and stars, but I've always appreciated the gloomy atmosphere."
Leaf: "You're a weird one."
Ness: "I know."
Leaf: "Well, work was fun. Thanks to you."
Ness: "The feeling is mutual."
Ness noticed Leaf shivering, he saw her breath in the chilly air. With a warm smile, he slipped off his simple black jacket, and draped it over her shoulders.
Leaf: "!"
It caught her off guard, a rush of warmth flooding her cheeks. She felt a mix of happiness and embarrassment swirling inside her. "Y-you don't have to give up your jacket for me. I'm fine," she stammered, her voice a touch shaky.
Ness: "You're shaking."
Leaf: "No, I'm not."
He gave her a cocky smirk and booped her nose. "I know you're lying~"
She blinked a couple times. She was shocked. His tone is so flirty. Are they flirting right now?
Leaf: "F-fine. You win. Yes, I'm cold. Are you happy now?"
Ness: "Yep."
The jacket hung loosely on her, its fabric still warm from his body. The lingering scent of his cologne invaded her nose, intoxicating her with every breath. Not a smudge of dirt or a single stain could be spotted. It was pristine, like him. She slipped her hands into the deep, oversized pockets. Wow, these pockets are huge! She wished girl pockets were as enormous.
Everything about this jacket enveloped her in comfort, as if it were made just for her. She could easily spend the entire day wrapped in its warmth.
The two began chatting as they were heading back to the mansion.
Leaf: "It's so dumb that Solgaleo, the legendary sun Pokemon isn't a fire type."
Ness: "Isn't he weak to fire?"
Leaf: *Snickers* "Yeah, it's so stupid, right?"
Ness: "He's steel, isn't he?"
Leaf: "And psychic."
Ness: "It lacks logical coherence."
Leaf: "Wanna know something even dumber?"
Ness: "Oh god, lay it on me."
Leaf: "You know Manala?"
Ness: "No."
Leaf: "It's a legendary Moone Pokemon."
Ness: "Ok?"
Leaf: "It devours light for the sole purpose of making the world dark, but has a four times weakness to dark type moves."
Ness: *Snickers* "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."
Leaf: "I know right! It's ridiculous!"
Ness: "It's absurd is what it is."
The two finally stepped foot inside the mansion. They were basked in the warmth that the mansion had to offer.
Leaf: "Alright, well, I'll see you tomorrow."
Ness: "Yeah ok!"
The two waved each other off and went separate directions. By the time Leaf got back to her place, she noticed that she was still wearing his jacket. Oh no! She forgot to return it. She took out her phone and immediately texted him.
[- Leaf
DM
Leaf: Omg I'm so srry I still have your jacket
…
He still hadn't texted back. Should she just go over to his place and return the jacket? Yeah, probably. It is his after all.
It wasn't like she wanted to cuddle it to sleep or anything. No, of course not. They're friends and nothing more. That's all they'd ever been.
So why did her heart ache a little at the thought of giving it back? Why did the scent of his cologne still linger in the air around her, making it hard to let go? She swallowed the knot in her throat. Ok yeah, she should definitely return it. It's making her feel weird.
She took off the jacket and held it in her arms as she skipped over to the direction of his room. She wasn't too far, but close enough to see Tina knocking on his door. She witnessed him greeting her. The inkling chuckled and happily walked inside his room.