Estimated Reading Time: 20 Minutes

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SNES

Leaf: "So wait, are you and Tina not hanging out anymore?"

Sonic: "Nope~"

Ness: "Will you stay out of this!"

Leaf: "What?"

Ness: "She uh…"

Sonic: "Went with somebody else."

Ness: "Dude, get out!"

Leaf: "Oh really now."

Ness shot Sonic an annoyed look, his eyes narrowing in exasperation. In response, Sonic shrugged and offered a sheepish smile.

Ness: "I don't know if she actually did. It was never confirmed."

Leaf: "She slept with you and considered someone else. Am I correct?"

Ness: "It's more complicated than that."

Leaf: "I don't think it is."

Ness: "It is! Let's just… Can we drop her? Why do you always bring her up?"

Leaf: "Because it's frustrating seeing you go after her when we could… nevermind."

Sonic: ["Oh shit… drama."]

Ness: "Leaf…"

Leaf: "Sorry. I went too far again."

Ness: "It's okay. Can we—I don't know, talk it out or…?"

Leaf: "I just wanna be alone for now."

Ness: "Okay…"

With that, Leaf opened the door and walked out, leaving behind an air of unspoken tension. Ness let out a heavy sigh as he slumped into his chair, running a hand through his hair before staring up at the ceiling in pure frustration.

Sonic, sensing the awkwardness lingering in the room, wordlessly grabbed a controller, switched on the console, and flopped onto the bed. The familiar sounds of the game filled the silence.

Ness: "Sonic."

"Uh… yeah, you're right. I should leave," Sonic muttered, setting the controller down.

Ness: "No, no. I need to scold you."

Sonic: "Yeah nah, I'm out."

Sonic made a beeline for the window, ready to make his usual quick escape—but before he could leap, he felt an invisible force stop him mid-air.

"What the—?!" he yelped, flailing slightly as he hovered.

Ness, still slouched in his chair, held up a hand, his fingers glowing faintly with psychic energy. His expression was flat, unimpressed.

Ness: "Sonic."

Sonic: "Dude, I'm sorry. I really am! I didn't know she'd be here."

Ness: "You didn't know and the first thing you say are inappropriate sexual comments?!"

Sonic: "You're right. That was super wrong of me. Can you put me down now?"

Ness: "NO! You fucked everything up! Things were finally getting better between us and you ruined it!"

Sonic: "I'm really sorry!"

Ness: "I hate you! You're a piece of shit, you know that, right?"

Sonic: "Okay, in this case I'll agree with ya. I did a bad. I'll admit I'm wrong this time."

Ness: "Give me a reason why I shouldn't kill you right now?"

Sonic: "Uh—because I'm your best friend."

Ness: "We're not friends."

Sonic: "I give you company! You're less lonely without me."

Ness: "I have Lucas."

Sonic: "Um… because I get discounts on chili dogs at the food court and I'll definitely hook you up."

Ness: "Not. Good enough."

Sonic: "Dude, I'm sorry. I actually feel bad this time. I dunno what came over me. Sometimes I don't know how to shut up."

Ness: "Clearly."

Sonic: "Okay, how's this? I won't break into your room anymore. I promise."

Ness: "Sure, like I'd believe that."

Ness's psychic grip tightened around Sonic, holding him in place like an unrelenting vice.

"Ow, ow! Alright, alright, I get it!" Sonic complained, wincing as he squirmed. "I won't bother you anymore."

Ness rolled his eyes before finally releasing his grip, sending Sonic tumbling straight to the floor.

"I deserve that," Sonic muttered, his voice muffled against the carpet. He didn't bother getting up right away, just laying there in mild defeat.

Ness: "Wow, I've never seen you so pathetic."

Sonic remained silent, his face still pressed against the floor. Without lifting his head, he simply raised a hand and gave Ness a lazy thumbs-up, as if to say, You're right.

Sonic peeked up from the floor, one eye slightly open. "Oh no… I don't like that tone," he mumbled.

Ness smirked, crossing his arms as he loomed over the hedgehog. "Hmph~! I know how you can make it up to me."

Sonic groaned, lifting his head up already regretting everything. "Why do I feel like I'm not gonna like this…?"

Thirty Minutes Later…

Sonic: "This fuckin' ass."

Ness: "Keep going, pet."

Sonic: "Pet? I'm not your pet. You're the pet."

Ness: "Mhm, yup. That's why I'm the one playing video games while you're cleaning my room, right?"

Sonic: "Tch! Only because I genuinely feel bad. I would never do this for you. It's for me."

Ness: "Shut up and keep cleaning."

Sonic muttered a curse under his breath as he wiped down the window sill, his ears twitching in annoyance. This was the last task on his so-called "punishment list"—the price he had to pay for being a jerk and ruining Ness's chances with Leaf.

With a dramatic sigh, he scrubbed harder. "This is so dumb," he grumbled. "I don't even live here, why am I doing chores?"

Ness: "What do you mean you don't even live here? You sleep on my bed almost every night!"

Sonic: "Your bed is comfier than mine."

Ness: "Then get a better bed, dumbass."

Sonic: "I don't wanna. My room also stinks."

Ness: "And who's fault is that?"

Sonic: "Dude give me a break. I'm already cleaning your room."

Ness: "It's basically our room at this point. You won't leave me the fuck alone. So if you're going to stay here, you have to help keep this room nice and tidy."

Sonic: "Ugh, I should just leave."

Ness: "I swear to god if you do, I'll never talk to you again."

Sonic: "Eww. You're actin' like I'm your wife or somethin'."

Ness: "Ha! You and me? Never in a million years."

Sonic: "Now that's somethin' we can agree on."

Ness: "Then why do you insist on bothering me? You're obsessed."

Sonic: "No I'm not! I just like your room."

Ness: "So if I was gone, you wouldn't care?"

Sonic: "I mean I'd be a little worried, but then I get to have two rooms. And this one's bigger and cleaner than mine."

Ness: "Oh so it's the room you love. Not me."

Sonic: "Aww, is someone jealous~?"

Ness: "Ha! As if. It's just nice to know that you're a narcissistic asshole."

Sonic: "I ain't a narcissist. I've been there for you when you cried and shit."

Ness: "You're the most confusing person I've ever met."

Sonic: "I'm a hedgehog~"

Ness: "Quit being a smartass."

"Alright, I'm done," Sonic announced, tossing the rag aside before hopping onto the bed next to Ness. He crossed his arms, an annoyed pout on his face as he watched the brunet casually play video games, completely unbothered.

"Happy now?" Sonic grumbled. "Or are you gonna make me dust your entire room next?"

Ness: "You're giving me a good idea."

Sonic: "Dude nooo."

Ness rested the controller on his lap, his expression shifting as he leaned on one arm. With his other hand, he rubbed his forehead, letting out a quiet huff.

Sonic blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in mood. Just moments ago, Ness was smug and teasing—now, he looked… stressed.

"You good, dude?" Sonic asked, his tone softer than before.

Ness: "I'm frustrated."

Sonic: "Yeah I got that. But why? Is it because of the Leaf thing? I'm sorry."

Ness: "No—I mean yes that's part of it, but also there's something else."

Sonic: "And what's that?"

Ness: "I—may have invited my clone back into Smash."

Sonic: "Yes! Better Ness! Better Ness! Better…"

Ness shot Sonic an irritated glare, his eyes narrowing.

"Hehe…" Sonic chuckled nervously, offering a sheepish grin as shrugged his shoulders.

Ness: "Yes, better Ness is coming back."

Sonic: "Dude, that's crazy! Why?"

Ness: "Because he's been dealing with stuff and he wants my support."

Sonic: "Ya know, you're a nerdy loser, but to help someone who ruined your life? That makes you pretty cool, not gonna lie."

Ness: "Was the insult necessary?"

Sonic: "Can't help it."

Ness: "Gee—thanks."

Sonic: "So what's the problem? Isn't this a good thing?"

Ness: "Yes and no."

Sonic: "Oh I get it. You're afraid everyone will like him more than you. Hahaha! Valid reason. He's you, but fun."

Ness: "Alright, I'm done venting."

Sonic: "Wait, no! I was kidding!"

Ness: "Stop kidding. I'm being serious this time. I just need someone to vent to."

Sonic: "I'm surprised you're pickin' me."

Ness: "Only because you're already here. I would've with Leaf, but you ruined it. You're nothing special, just convenient."

Sonic: "Wow. Harsh."

Ness: "Shut up and listen. You're sorta right about everyone picking Nate over me, but my biggest concern is Lucas."

Sonic stared at the brunet, his expression completely blank—but the way his lips twitched gave him away. It was painfully obvious he was holding back both laughter and a barrage of snarky comments.

"I swear to god, if you laugh, I'll kick you out right now," Ness warned, jabbing a finger in his direction.

Sonic pressed his lips together, his shoulders trembling slightly. "...I won't. I promise."

Ness: "As I was saying, I'm worried about how Lucas will react. He and Nate used to date, and I don't think Lucas ever wants to see him again. Inviting Nate to live with me… it feels like I'm betraying Lucas."

Sonic: "When's Nate comin'?"

Ness: "In two days…"

Sonic: "And you haven't told him?!"

Ness: "I haven't told anybody."

Sonic: "Dude!"

Ness: "I know, I know. I messed up."

Sonic: "You should've said somethin' sooner."

Ness: "Now you know why I'm stressed."

Sonic: "For a smart guy, you're an idiot."

Ness: "Lay off the insults. I'm freaking out. What should I do?"

Sonic: "Tell them."

Ness: "Right now?"

Sonic: "Yes right now! The sooner the better."

Ness: "No, how about tomorrow? The hangout's then anyway. It'll be better to tell everyone in person."

Sonic: "I feel like group text is easier, but whatever floats your boat."

Ness: "They're going to be mad."

Sonic: "Yup."

Ness: "They all hate Nate."

Sonic: "Haha! Hate Nate. That rhymed."

Ness: "And then they're going to hate me."

Sonic: "Dude, are ya spiraling?"

Ness: "Oh god, and the look on Lucas's face—I can see it now. I'm not ready. I'm not ready. I'm not ready."

Sonic: "Yup, he's spiraling."

Sonic shook his head and darted out the window in a flash of light. The gust of wind sent Ness's hat flying off, but before he could even react, Sonic was already back, casually waving two movie tickets.

"Wha—aaah!" Ness barely had time to process before Sonic suddenly scooped him up.

Sonic dashed out the window, Ness flailing helplessly in his grip.

It all happened so fast—before Ness even knew it, they were already at the theater.

Sonic flashed the tickets at the receptionist, who barely had time to react before letting them through. By the time they reached their seats, there was already a large bag of popcorn and soda waiting for them, as if Sonic had orchestrated it all in mere seconds.

Ness blinked at the perfectly arranged snacks. "How—?"

Sonic smirked, kicking back in his seat. "Fastest thing alive."

Ness, his mouth still slightly open in shock, slowly lowered himself into his seat. He sat there for a moment, trying to process everything.

Meanwhile, Sonic, completely unfazed, plopped the popcorn onto his lap and happily started munching.

"Mmm! Nothing beats fresh movie popcorn," Sonic said through a mouthful, glancing at Ness. "You good, or did I break your brain?"

Ness: "I-I-I—

Sonic: "Hahaha! Yup, I broke it."

Ness: "Why?"

Sonic: "To cheer you up, duh."

Ness: "You paid for all this?"

Sonic: "Yeah. You were havin' a mental breakdown, plus I kinda ruined your night, so this is my way of fixin' it."

Ness was about to say something, but the theater lights dimmed, and the movie began.

It was pure, ridiculous comedy—the kind that didn't take itself seriously for even a second. At first, Ness wanted to hate it, still bitter about being dragged here against his will. But as the scenes played out, he found himself stifling a laugh… then another.

Against all odds, the movie was actually pretty funny.

As the movie let out, the two strolled through downtown, still cracking up over the absurdity they had just witnessed.

"I loved it when he broke his foot, and they did a perfectly cut scream," Ness laughed, wiping a tear from his eye.

"Dude, and then he broke his foot again!" Sonic doubled over, slapping his knee as he wheezed with laughter. "I swear, that timing was perfect!"

They continued walking, reenacting their favorite moments and making each other laugh even harder.

"Stop, stop, I can't breathe," Ness gasped, clutching his chest between fits of laughter.

"My face hurts," Sonic groaned, massaging his cheeks.

The two took a moment to catch their breath, still grinning like idiots as the lingering giggles refused to die down.

They both let out a satisfied sigh as they found an empty patio table and settled into their seats.

Ness glanced at Sonic, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks. I needed this."

Sonic leaned back, propping his feet up on the table with a smug grin. "Heh, I know. That's why I didn't give you a choice."

Ness: "How'd you know this would cheer me up?"

Sonic: "Because I know you~"

Ness: "No you don't."

Sonic: "I was stuck with you in a cave for eight months."

Ness: "That doesn't mean anything."

Sonic: "I dunno, dude. We've been through a lot together."

Ness: "True but…"

Sonic: "You love being pulled into fun adventures 'against your will.'"

Ness: "No, I find it rather annoying."

Sonic gave a half-lidded, cocky look, laughing loudly. His mouth was wide open, and Ness couldn't help but notice how sharp Sonic's canines were, gleaming mischievously as he grinned.

Ness: "Ew, your breath stinks. Also put your ugly vampire teeth away."

Sonic: "Vampire teeth?"

Ness: "It's uncanny."

Sonic: "Nah, it's sexy~"

Ness: "You got dog teeth."

Sonic: "Women love men with fangs. They're perfect. White and shiny. Also your teeth are sharp too, so I dunno why you're bullying me about it."

Ness: "No they're not."

Sonic: "For a human they are."

Ness: "They are?"

Ness glanced over at the window of a nearby café. The lights inside were off, but the glow of the streetlamp illuminated the glass just enough for him to catch a glimpse of his reflection.

He opened his mouth, inspecting his teeth closely. "Oh, wow. Yeah, you're kind of right. I never noticed," he said, his tone a little amused as he examined his own canines.

Sonic: "Dog teeth."

Ness: "How come my insults for you also apply to me? I can never win."

Sonic: "You're not clever with your insults."

Ness snapped his attention away from his teeth and looked up, suddenly realizing his head felt unusually light. "Oh no, my favorite hat!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening. "It's missing!"

Panic flickered in his gaze as he quickly scanned the area, as if his hat might suddenly appear out of thin air.

Sonic: "Oh, is that why you seemed uglier than usual?"

Ness: "Fuck you! Help me find it!"

Sonic: "Okay, okay geez. It's probably in your room."

Ness: "No I doubt it. Go check the theater while I search around here."

Sonic gave a quick nod, then dashed off in a blur, leaving Ness standing there in a mild panic. Ness's eyes frantically scanned the area, frustration bubbling up as he retraced his steps.

He looked under tables, around the sidewalk, and even checked inside places he never went to. But it was no use—his favorite hat was nowhere to be found.

Ness sighed in defeat and sat back down at the patio table, his mind racing through possible places his hat could've gone.

Just as he was about to give up completely, Sonic came running back, looking a little out of breath. Ness stood up quickly, hope rising in his chest. "Did you find it?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

"No…" Sonic shook his head, his expression matching Ness's frustration.

"Oh goddammit…" Ness muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose, the frustration creeping up his spine. But as the realization sank in, he knew there was no point in stressing over it. He was drained, both mentally and physically. "Let's go home," he said, his voice tired, the weight of the day settling in.

The two walked back to Ness's room in silence, both feeling the weight of the day. When they finally settled into bed, the exhaustion of it all hit them.

"Bittersweet day, huh?" Sonic broke the silence, his voice a little quieter than usual. His words hung in the air, reflecting the mix of laughter and frustration they'd both experienced.

Ness: "Yeah."

Sonic: "Sorry about Leaf and your hat."

Ness: "It's okay."

…

…

Ness: "Thanks for being here."

Sonic: "Thought you hated my guts~"

Ness: "I do."

Sonic: "But?"

Ness: "But you're also my friend, so I'm stuck with you."

Sonic: "Hahaha—ow."

Ness: "What is it now...?"

Sonic shifted his body a little, then paused. "I'm laying on something…" he muttered, sitting up to figure out what was pressing against his back. His eyes widened when he turned and saw Ness's hat.

"Dude, I found it!" Sonic grinned, holding the hat up triumphantly like he'd just discovered treasure.

Ness: "What!"

Sonic: "It was here the whole time."

"Oh my god! My hat~" Ness exclaimed, snatching it from Sonic's hand with a relieved grin.

"I told ya~" Sonic teased, crossing his arms and leaning back with a smug look.

Ness rolled his eyes, smiling despite himself. "Yeah, yeah. You were right. I was wrong. Whatever."

"You should listen to me more," Sonic said with a smirk, laying back on the bed and pulling the blanket up over himself. "Now go to bed. I need my beauty sleep for tomorrow."

Ness: "Oh god, tomorrow…"