In the gross decayed banana-brown car are two people. Lucas and his father, Flint. The two of them have started their move, staying ever behind the U-Haul truck. Flint decided to move because of what happened to his wife and elder son. Lucas never wanted to move. He doesn't like being so far from their graves, but he decided to just go with it.
Flint followed the U-Haul truck through towns and cities and countries until they made it to their destination, Ultimatum. The large city is known for its large mall and its prestigious high school, Smash High. Flint had to pull a few strings to even get Lucas accepted into the school. Due to the strings he pulled, he couldn't afford a house, but rather an apartment.
The U-Haul truck drove against the curb allowing Flint to drive into the large garage next to the apartment building. There were already a few cars inside. Flint turned off the car and looked back to where Lucas was sitting. Lucas had fallen asleep sometime during the drive. "Psst, Lucas," Flint said. Lucas didn't budge. Flint sighed and exited the car. He opened the middle car door and made the middle chair fold into the floor. This allowed Flint to step in and shake Lucas awake. Lucas sat up and rubbed his eyes. He looked out the window after finishing his eye-rub.
"Where are we? Another pitstop?" Lucas asked. He got used to Flint stopping at nearly every new town to collect "goods". Lucas never saw the point, he never wanted to move in the first place so why would he want to remember it. Flint shook his head.
"We made it to the house, come on." Flint grabbed his keys and closed his door as Lucas jumped out of the car. He closed the door and noticed the other five cars in the garage. All five are better looking. Between the two black, one blue, and two red. The brands of the cars were also notably better than Flint's. Lucas just sighed. He knew what this meant, all those cars. "We had to," Flint said after noticing the annoyed look Lucas was giving to the empty cars. Lucas just shook his head and walked toward the large opened garage door, not even a thought of paying his dad a glance.
Lucas walked to the U-Haul truck that had already started to transport the boxes into the apartment. Lucas looked up at it. He grew more annoyed at the sight. The apartment building looked shady. Some windows were shattered, one had an overly sized AC machine, one even seemed to have blood on it. Lucas just sighed. Flint walked up to Lucas's side and looked up at the building as well. "M-maybe it's better inside." Lucas gave his dad a nasty stink-eye before walking toward the very run-down entrance.
Inside the entrance, Lucas just saw immediate stairs. Two staircases actually. One led upstairs, the other led down. Flint walked in and placed his hand on Lucas's right shoulder as they looked at the puke, alcohol, and other bodily fluids all stained on the cement stairs. "Our room is number 5, it's on the 2nd floor." Lucas shook his dad's hand off his shoulder and started to walk up the stairs. He was half-expecting the stairs to collapse underneath him, and he kind of wished that it would happen. It didn't take him long to get to the second floor. He looked at the door that had the number 5 placed on it. Even this door had some pencil markings and a crack at the bottom. Lucas was a little bit happier that the grounds for the first and second floors are made of rather clean wood. At least clean in comparison to the ground downstairs.
Flint made it to the door and felt bad by how Lucas was feeling about the move. He opened his mouth to try and say something. "Just shut up," Lucas said with little emotion in his voice. He opened the door and saw a few boxes had already been placed in the room. But then he saw the state of the room. It was a mess. Dirty clothes across the floor. The roof had a rather large hole. The window was one of the few that was shattered. Smaller holes across the floor and dead bugs scattered all over. There was even a rat feasting on another dead rat. Lucas stomped on the ground and the rat skidded through the opened door. Flint walked in nervously.
"Lucas, this—" Lucas didn't allow his dad to finish what he was going to say. Lucas just walked toward the boxes, which was clearly the best-looking thing in the room. Inside he was able to grab a few things, the most important was a plush toy. This plush toy was of a brown dog...much like his past dog. Lucas was able to grow a small smile.
"Hi, Boney…" Lucas held it tight as he turned to look at his dad.
"This place is a bit of a fixer-upper, but I'm sure we can do it." Lucas just looked down and saw a dead cockroach.
"...right…." They waited for the movers to bring in the rest of the boxes. After that, they started to unpack the boxes and cleaned the room. This spanned six hours, and they weren't even able to fix up the room exactly. There were still the holes scattered across the floor, the larger hole in the corner of the main room, and the broken window in the same room. There was also an obvious missing door to a smaller room in the left corner opposite the main door. This was to be Lucas's room, with Flint sleeping on the couch in the main room. The main room is the combination of the living room and the kitchen. With the bathroom being the room to the right after entering the apartment room.
Lucas placed a small lamp in the middle of the clean table in the kitchen. His dad walked over to him and picked the lamp up to put a small flannel sheet underneath it. Lucas turned away to walk to his room. "Lucas?" Lucas stopped right at the entrance of his room. "We had to move."
"Oh really?" Lucas asked. He turned to look at his dad. He did notice the sympathetic look he was holding, but Lucas didn't really care. "We had to leave mom and Claus. We had to leave the one place where I had good memories?" Flint shook his head. Flint looked down at the cleaner oak floor.
"I know how you feel—"
"Do you dad!" Lucas yelled. This prompted Flint to look up at his son. "'Cause you sure as hell don't seem like you do."
"Lucas…" Flint walked toward Lucas to try and calm Lucas's anger. Lucas looked like he was going to accept Flint's movements, but once Flint touched Lucas, Lucas pushed Flint back. Flint fell down and just looked wide-eyed at his teary-eyed son.
"You made me leave mom and Claus in that damn graveyard. And you expect me to be fucking happy with no longer fucking seeing them." Lucas was yelling at the top of his lungs. No doubt if anyone is in the nearby rooms they'd be able to hear what Lucas was saying. Lucas looked down. His anger started to turn into pure sadness. "Fuck you dad...just….screw off." Lucas charged into his room, and would definitely slam his door if he had one. He plopped into his bed and covered his entire body in a blanket, after ensuring he had Boney in his bed.
Flint stood up, contemplating if he should go in or not, but decided against it. Flint shook his head and walked over to the couch. From the couch, he was able to get a decent view of Lucas's bedroom. All he saw was Lucas's window, no sight of Lucas himself. Flint slouched back on the couch and looked at the TV. He didn't turn it on, he just looked at it. He started to feel a single tear form in his eye which prompted him to turn the TV on and try to change his thoughts.
That night, before Flint went to bed, he decided to walk into Lucas's bedroom. Lucas was still covered by his blanket, but Flint knew Lucas was still awake. Lucas has been suffering from insomnia, and Flint theorized it came about because of what happened to their family. Flint sat down at the foot of the bed. "Lucas?" There was a rather large awkward silence before Lucas decided to lower the sheets over his head. He laid on his back and looked at his dad. "I'm sorry. I hate this move, and this place, as much as you. But—"
"We had to...don't worry," Lucas sympathized. He sat up and looked down at Boney. He rubbed his fingers over Boney's head as if he was petting the plush dog. He sighed. "I'm sorry for yelling at you." Flint reached into his pocket and grabbed a switchblade. He then tossed it to Lucas. It landed on Lucas's lap. Lucas placed Boney on the nightstand and picked the red switchblade up. "What is this?" Lucas faced his dad.
"That's Claus's. He said he'd always use it to protect you. I want you to explore the city, and use that in case you need defense. Claus will always protect you, even if he's not here." Lucas flipped the switch at the front of the handle and a silver, shining, and sharp blade pops out. Lucas ran his left thumb along the blade and smirked. Lucas looked up at Flint. Lucas was able to get onto his knees and walked over to Flint, giving him a large hug. Flint was caught off guard by the hug but indulged in it. Lucas pulled away and jumped off the bed. He pocketed the closed blade and looked at his dad. Lucas just let out a breath before he walked out of the room.
Lucas stepped out of the apartment building and looked up at the night sky. He got annoyed because he couldn't see the stars. He looked back down and shook his head before deciding to just walk. He didn't really pay attention to where he was walking. He eventually made it to what seemed to be downtown. He stopped at a bus stop and looked around. He saw a sign that directed him toward the large mall. He decided to head toward the popular mall.
It didn't take him much longer to make it to the mall. The mall was still open, despite it being midnight. Lucas tilted his head and walked into the large mall. He instantly got a breeze of the fresh AC and the smells of the restaurants that lined the sides of half of the bottom floor. There were only a few people in the mall doing actual shopping. That was when a security guard walked over to Lucas, noting that Lucas is rather young to be out at this time. Lucas tried to ignore him and turned back to the exit, which he didn't walk too far from. "Hey, kid?" the guard questioned. Lucas turned around and looked at the security guard standing in front of him. The guard crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. Lucas read the nametag on the guard's shirt. The man was named Ike. Lucas looked back up at the blue-haired security guard. "Aren't you too young to be out here this late at night?"
"Aren't you a little too old to be talking to a minor at this late at night?" Lucas didn't hesitate to ask. Lucas just turned around and walked out of the mall. Ike just looked out after him, not really sure how he'd say anything more after that.
Lucas walked back to where he was originally and walked opposite of where the mall was. After about a good mile of walking, Lucas made it to a sign that had the school zone speed limit. Lucas continued forward and when he turned the corner he found the school at the end of the street. His school. Lucas walked down the street and walked around to the front of the school. The school was divided into two, separated by a street. Lucas looked at what was obviously the main building, with it being two stories taller than the other. Lucas just looked at the sign planted on a cement wall surrounding a small garden in front. "Smash High" and there was even a number at the bottom of the logo for the school-which was just a ball with a cross in the lower left. The number was 1999. Lucas tilted his head. "Pretty new…" Lucas said to himself.
"Yup, it got famous quickly," a deeper voiced boy said. Lucas shot around and saw a boy. This boy had a cap on and had some blue and white striped pajamas. The boy's purple eyes are able to cut through the dark atmosphere of the night.
"Who are you?" Lucas asked. He took a step back but the boy just laughed.
"I should be asking you. You do realize it's one in the morning, right?" Lucas looked down.
"Obviously, I-I'm not an idiot." The boy chuckled as he looked at the obviously closed school.
"My mom saw you walk past our house and grew worried, she asked if I could check it out." Lucas looked up.
"Well...you've checked it out. You can leave now." The boy yawned as he put his hands behind his head, interlocking his fingers.
"Maybe, but are you safe walking home by yourself?" Lucas reached into his pocket and brought out the switchblade.
"Trust me, I'll be fine." The boy seemed disappointed. He just sighed and turned away from Lucas.
"Well, I'll see ya around." The boy walked away. Lucas shook his head as he pocketed the switchblade. He was about to walk away until the boy called for Lucas. "Name's Ness, by the way," Ness called out from across the street, at the small building. Lucas glared at him.
"I didn't ask." Ness, for a reason Lucas didn't know, grew a smirk. Ness turned away and started on his way home. Lucas looked down. "...Ness?..." Lucas shook his head again before starting on his adventure to try and find his apartment.
It took him about another hour to make it to the apartment. He walked in and made it to his apartment room. When he entered, he saw his dad passed out on the couch. Lucas closed the door and walked to the TV that was still on. Lucas turned it off and looked at his dad lying on the couch. His blanket, which was a camo style, had fallen off. Lucas grew a smirk before grabbing it and placing it over his dad. Lucas stood up and looked down at him. "Night, dad." Flint groaned but didn't wake up. Lucas walked to his room, changed into his pajamas, and entered his bed with boney.
The next morning he woke up to the familiar smell of eggs. Flint hasn't made eggs for Lucas in a while, so he already grew excited at the smell. Lucas didn't bother with changing into his regular clothes and just exited his room to sit at the table. His dad gave Lucas the omelet and Lucas didn't waste any time to chow down. Lucas looked at his dad as he sat opposite of Lucas. Lucas swallowed the bite he had in his mouth. "You're getting better." Flint smirked.
"That's good to hear," Flint happily took the compliment. It's rare, especially recently to hear a compliment from Lucas, so he was more than willing to take it in stride. Lucas started back up with eating. "Anyway, we've got to head over to the school so we can pick up your schedule and for you to figure the place out." Lucas swallowed his bite.
"I can go by myself, I know the way." Flint sat back in his chair, somewhat relieved that Lucas said that.
"Well, I'll go get your supplies. Just give the principal this." Flint reached into his pocket and grabbed a premade small envelope. He handed it toward Lucas. Lucas simply took it and nodded.
Lucas then got ready to leave. Putting on his red and yellow striped shirt, his blue jean shorts, his red and yellow sneakers, and a pink hoodie over all of it. He made sure to place the envelope in his pocket and give Boeny a kiss on the head before leaving the apartment. He watched as his dad entered the garage, prompting Lucas to start walking toward the school.
It took Lucas around an hour to make it back to Smash High. It was way different than when he came last time, with this time the grounds are full of students. Students were hanging out outside, going from one building to the other, and watering the plants in front of the entrance. Lucas just sighed and walked up to the door. He garnered a few glances but none that were too outrageous.
Once Lucas got in he noticed just how big the school is, and just how crowded it is. But it seemed all of the students were used to it for a while. Lucas gulped and took a step forward. There was a massive open space only a few feet away from the entrance. This massive space was filled with lockers, tables, chairs, and clearly showed that this is a big hang out spot for people. In the small area between the entrance and the large open spot was two halls, one on each side, which led to hallways of classrooms. Lucas just gulped again, not having a single clue as to where the office is. "Oh, it's you…" someone said from behind Lucas. Lucas turned around and saw Ness walking his way with his bag on his back. Ness stopped and tilted his head.
"Oh…"
"You look lost."
"Is it that obvious?" Lucas asked. Ness nodded.
"So, whatcha looking for?"
"The principal's office."
"Ah, well, I can show ya, follow me." Ness turned around and didn't bother to wait for Lucas's response. Lucas decided he didn't have much of a better choice but to follow Ness. They walked up to the second floor where there isn't a massive open space like downstairs, but the halls seem bigger. They end up taking the left halls and eventually make it to the Principal's office. "Here it is." Lucas just looked at Ness. Ness looked at Lucas and grew concerned by Lucas's blank face. "Is everything ok?" Lucas looked down.
"I….uh...thank you, I guess." Lucas didn't bother with saying anything else to Ness before walking into the principal's office. But when he let go of the door, it didn't close. Lucas turned and saw Ness enter the room as well. Lucas shook his head and walked to the counter where there was a secretary.
Lucas explained to the secretary-Pit-about his current situation, and gave him the envelope. Pit nodded and grabbed Lucas's schedule. Lucas had made it online. Pit then stood up and walked over to a small book at the side of the office. Lucas tilted his head. "You'll need someone to show you around before tomorrow," Pit said.
"I can do it…" Ness suggested from behind Lucas. Ness then walked to the counter right next to Lucas. Pit turned to him.
"You sure?"
"Mhmm, it won't be a big problem." Lucas looked at Ness, a tad thankful it's with someone he somewhat was acquainted with. Pit nodded and made up a pass for Ness. Ness received the pass and turned to Lucas. "So, what's first on the list?" Lucas showed the schedule and this brought a smirk to Ness. "Well, well, well. We seem to have a few classes together. Something about this didn't sit well with Lucas. It wasn't the fact Ness seemed excited, but the fact that Ness has a higher chance to befriend Lucas. Lucas planned on trying to stay as friendless as possible, and yet, here he is; not even in school and seemingly made a friend. Ness gave the schedule back. "Let's go."
Ness showed Lucas around the entire school, even though Lucas didn't need to know every nook and cranny of the place. Ness even led Lucas through the second building. Lucas, despite not being too happy that Ness seemed to show interest in him, was thankful for Ness taking time out of his day to do this. They also got a few things situated in the locker room, which was the last thing they did. They exited the locker rooms. "Welp, that should be all." Ness smiled to himself, clearly proud of what he did. He turned to Lucas. "Any questions?" Lucas shook his head.
"No." Lucas started to walk away, not really wanting to talk to Ness any longer than he already has.
"Lucas?" Lucas shot around.
"How do you—"
"It was on your schedule...but there's something I want to say." Lucas fully turned toward Ness. He crossed his arms. Ness opened his mouth. He was thinking of how to word his question. Ness rubbed the back of his neck. "Uhh, could I, well, get your number. I kinda wanna talk further." This is what Lucas was fearing. He didn't want to befriend anyone, and he already has. Lucas was about to say no, but then…
"Sure." Lucas got thrown off by his own answer. He wanted to say no, he was thinking of saying no, he planned to say no. Yet, he didn't. Ness grew happy and pulled out his phone. Lucas sighed to himself and pulled out his phone, giving Ness his number. Ness chuckled, maybe a little too happy for Lucas's comfort. Ness noticed this uncomfort so he cleared his voice.
"I'll, uh, see ya tomorrow." Lucas looked down at his new, and second contact; Ness. The only other number he had was his dad's, and he didn't even use it. Ness patted Lucas's back before running off to do Ness things. Lucas looked out after him. He sighed.
"Ness…"
He walked back home. Upon entering, he saw his dad. His dad had loads of bags full of supplies. His dad shot up from the table in the kitchen and walked over to Lucas. "How was it?" he asked.
"It was...something." Right then, Lucas got a notification. It wasn't a sound Lucas was used to, but still knew what it was for. And so did Flint. Flint crossed his arms and smirked.
"Who's that?" he smugly asked. Lucas took the phone out and saw that it was indeed Ness texting. Flint looked over and saw the name. "You've already made a friend? Wow, I didn't expect that."
"...I didn't want to." Lucas just walked to his room, leaving Flint by himself. Flint rubbed the back of his neck and walked out of the apartment room. Lucas sat on his bed and looked at the text.
Ness: Heyo *Smiley face emoji*
Lucas: Hello…
Lucas: Aren't you in school?
Ness: Eh, it doesn't matter.
Ness: So, what's up?
Lucas: ...um, nothing.
Ness: I see…..
Ness: Well, you doing anything tonight?
Lucas: Sleeping.
Ness: Oh, right, I guess you would.
Ness: uhhh, can I call you Luke?
Lucas: What're you getting at?
Ness: What do you mean?
Lucas: Why're you trying so damn hard to befriend me?
Ness: ...well it's just 'cause you seem like a cool person.
Lucas: Bullshit.
Ness: Luke…
Lucas: Bye.
Lucas turned the phone off and tucked himself into bed, not having anything better to do. In due time, he fell asleep.
He opened his eyes to find himself back home, back in Tazmily. Not only that, but he was also in his bed. He sat up and heard a knock at the door. Lucas got up and walked over to it. Once he opened it, he saw Claus. Seeing Claus alive...forced Lucas to cry. Claus walked up and walked over to sit on Lucas's bed. Lucas just looked at him. "Claus…"
"You've gotta get over me...the past is the past," Claus said. Lucas looked down. He knew he had to get over him, but he refused to do so. He shook his head.
"I can't." Claus sighed. He laid back into the bed and looked at the roof.
"Life isn't happy...It's very unfair. People are taken too soon, and people are ruined for life. I don't want you to be ruined.
"It's too late." Claus jumped up and walked over to Lucas. He then pulled Lucas into a hug.
"Give that boy, Ness, a chance. Do it for dad at least."
"I don't want friends." Claus pulled away from Lucas.
"Lucas...I am in your head. I am the part of you, you don't want to show people...but you need to. I wouldn't exist if you truly didn't want friends...give Ness a chance." Lucas's tears fell faster. He doesn't want to give Ness a chance, no matter who says to do so. He doesn't want people to get close to him, to allow himself to hurt them. He doesn't want to be the reason people are hurt, not anymore. Lucas shook his head.
"I-I'm sorry. I can't." Claus sighed. He shook his head.
"Then relive it." Lucas shot his head up as the ground started shifting. Before long, he was in a car. Flint was driving, with Lucas sitting behind him. Claus was next to Lucas as he sat behind his mom-Hinawa-who sat in the passenger's seat. Claus was asleep. Lucas looked out of Claus's window as the car stopped at a red light. He saw a distant truck driving their way, but decided not to tell anyone since he found no real reason to do so. The light turned green and the car started...the truck T-Boned the car. The impact shot their car through the street, scratching them but not truly scaring. But, the impact of the truck killed Claus and Hinawa on contact. The car finally stopped rolling. Lucas noticed he was upside down, and when he looked at Claus he saw Claus was in a bloody mess...he could see Claus's brain.
Lucas shot up in his bed. His face covered in sweat and tears. He rubbed his eyes to try and get rid of the tears, but they kept on coming. That's when he saw his phone on the nightstand light up. Lucas reached for it and saw that it was just a notification from Youtube. Lucas unlocked the phone to see exactly what it was, but then he saw the texts he and Ness were giving to each other. Lucas read through them and thought about what Claus said. Lucas forced his eyes closed as he looked up, trying to force himself to not text Ness, but his fingers moved by themselves.
Lucas: Ness, you up?
Lucas just looked down as he realized he typed something. The time was midnight. Lucas shook his head and turned the phone off, knowing that there was no way Ness would be up at this time. He tucked himself into bed once more, trying to ignore his sweat and tears. That's when he heard the phone vibrate. Lucas, to his own surprise, shot up and snatched the phone. Once he turned it on he saw that Ness texted him. Lucas didn't realize he grew a smile at the sight of it. He read what Ness texted.
Ness: Yuppers, what's up?
Lucas's smile grew wider. That's when he realized, he didn't have a plan. He texted Ness with zero ideas of why he did. Lucas took a quick peek at what they were saying prior. That's when he knew.
Lucas: I just wanted to say sorry. Sorry for being rude earlier.
Ness: Oh, no need to worry…
Ness: Anyway, there is a reason why I'm trying so hard.
Lucas: There is?
Ness: Yea...but I'm not too comfortable with simply telling it over text. Wanna meet up?
Lucas: You do know what time it is, correct?
Ness: Didn't stop you from texting.
Lucas gave a single chuckle. He surprised himself with it. It has been a while since he genuinely chuckled, or even laughed. That was when he looked up and saw his dad. Flint was clearly sleepy, but he showed some happiness. Flint patted the doorframe and left for his couch. Lucas looked back down at the phone.
Lucas: Sure, but where?
Ness: The mall. You know where it is?
Lucas: Yeah, I'll see you there.
Ness: KK
Lucas turned the phone off, left his bed, put on his shoes, and turned his light on. He then walked to a small mirror hanging on the wall. When he looked in he saw Claus. Claus was smiling. "There you go, you can move on without forgetting me. You're giving Ness a chance, it'll be good for both of us," Claus's voice can be heard, despite the Claus in the mirror not moving his lips. The mirror Claus dissolved into Lucas's reflection. Lucas saw his smile, which caught him off guard, but he didn't bother with forcing the smile away. He simply fixed up his hair a bit and walked out of his room. He saw his dad sleeping on the couch, but knew he was awake. Lucas walked to the door.
"Dad…" Lucas said. Flint didn't respond. Lucas shook his head and left.
It took him about an hour to make it back to the mall, now that he knows where it is. He saw Ness standing in front, out in the cold. He was leaning against the wall next to the door. He smiled when he saw Lucas and ran over to him. "I thought you wouldn't come," Ness said, relieved to see Lucas.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting." Ness chuckled and put his arm behind Lucas. They then walked into the warm mall. "So, where are we gonna sit?" Ness pointed to a small bench against the sidewall, right past the escalator up. They hurriedly walk over and sit on the strangely comfortable bench. The bench doesn't watch anything too amazing. There were only a few people walking around. Ness removed his arm and eyeballed a small ice cream cart that was seemingly closing up. Ness shot up.
"Wait one sec." Ness ran over toward the rather far cart without giving Lucas time to retort. Lucas just looked at his hands as he waited for Ness to finish whatever he was doing. He balled up his fist. That was when Ness ran back and cleared his throat to get Lucas to look up at him. Lucas saw Ness holding a vanilla ice cream cone toward him. That was his favorite flavor. Lucas took it and instantly licked it. He gave a satisfied sigh as Ness sat down next to him with his own ice cream cone. "You like it?" Lucas turned to Ness.
"Yea, but are you ok with spending money like that?" Lucas asked. Ness shrugged.
"Not that big a deal." He grinned before licking his ice cream. Lucas looked at his and thought for a moment.
"I never really wanted a friend…" This surprised Ness. Ness turned to Lucas.
"What…?" Lucas shook his head.
"I didn't want to hurt any more people….I've already hurt two too many." Ness's eyes lowered. He continued licking the ice cream, thinking to himself. He wanted Lucas to continue, and he did. "I don't want to hurt you Ness...so it's probably best if you stay away from me." Ness shot his head to Lucas.
"Like hell." Lucas slowly turned his head to Ness.
"...It's because of me I lost my mom...my brother. I don't want to endanger anyone else." Ness chuckled.
"Well, you won't be able to endanger me any more than I already have done to myself." Ness laughed as he continued eating his ice cream. Ness is able to get down to the cone before turning his face to be serious. "While I can't even imagine how you feel, I do know one thing…" Ness slowly turned to Lucas, who was still looking at Ness and smiled. "The only danger you'll put someone in is by making them fall in love with you." Lucas looked down, loosening his grip on his ice cream. This lack of a grip made Lucas drop the ice cream on his pajamas. Lucas jumped slightly and just sighed in disappointment. Ness just giggled more. He placed his hand on Lucas's shoulder forcing him to stay sitting down. He stood up and kneeled in front of Lucas, in a very subjective appearance.
"N-Ness?" Lucas questioned, his mind instantly going down the dirty road. This thought made him blush. Ness found the blushing boy to be cute. Ness giggled even more.
"Don't worry, like I'd suck dick in public...there's a reason I have a spare bedroom," Ness winked. Lucas's heart started to race, but it's not just because of Ness's comment. Ness cleaned Lucas's shirt up as much as he could. He then gave Lucas the rest of his cone. "I hope you don't mind that I had my tongue all over it." Lucas shook his head and bit into the cone. Ness sat back down. He looked at Lucas. He was smiling and blushing as he ate the cone. This sent a different feeling through Ness than he was used to. His own heart started to race. Ness even started to feel butterflies in his stomach. He decided to not fight against it, and embrace it.
"Ness?" Lucas asked, showing concern that Ness wasn't used to. Ness shot his blushed face toward Lucas.
"Uh, y-yes?" Lucas tilted his head. Ness saw some vanilla ice cream at the edges of Lucas's lips and a bit of chocolate from the inside of the cone on Lucas's nose. This sight Ness also found cute, making him blush even more than he was before.
"You doing alright? You don't look well."
"I, uhhh." Ness shook his head. "S-stay still." Ness sat closer and rubbed the ice cream away from his lips. Ness couldn't help but enjoy his soft lips. But then he had a strange thought of how to get rid of the chocolate. Ness decided to lick it off of Lucas's nose. Ness sat back and licked his lips. "You had s-something on your face." Lucas slowly moved his hand up to touch his nose. He chuckled a few times before looking at what's left of the cone, just the bottom. He placed it all in his mouth.
"Thanks for getting it." Ness gave a sigh of relief that Lucas seemed to be ok with what happened.
"N-no problem." Lucas stood up and looked at Ness.
"I...I'm glad you're here….as a friend." That's when Ness's heart dropped. He knew he had to tell Lucas sooner or later, but he didn't want to. Especially not now, not with the semi-new feelings he had for Lucas. Ness looked down.
"L-Luke, there's something I need to tell you." Lucas looked down at Ness with a slight grin.
"What is it?"
"I-I…" Ness was stuttering. He wasn't sure how to break the news to Lucas. "I was p-paid by your dad to...to be your friend." Lucas's grin slowly disappeared as he absorbed the news.
"..." Ness looked up.
"B-but—"
"You…" Lucas said. He sounded more like he used to than his more happy voice Ness had already gotten used to. "You never really wanted to be my friend?" Ness shot up. This was what he was afraid of.
"N-no—"
"Why would he do this?" Lucas asked himself.
"Luke, please—" Ness stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he saw Lucas shoot an evil glance his way. This glance seemed almost poisonous.
"I can't believe you." Lucas started to walk away. Ness didn't hesitate to walk after him.
"Luke, please wait." Lucas turned around but continued to walk backward.
"Why should I? You clearly care more about the damn money than about me, so why in God's name should I care about what you say?" Lucas shot back around to walk normally.
"Luke, please." Ness continued to try and get Lucas to stop. "LUCAS, STOP FUCKING WALKING AWAY!" Ness yelled. Lucas stopped mere feet from the exit. He turned around with his arms crossed.
"Spit it the fuck out."
"He did pay me at first...but I used the money for our ice cream." Lucas looked away. "FUCKING LOOK AT ME!" Lucas did, and he saw tears streaming from his eyes. This caught Lucas off guard, but he didn't allow it to show. "He did pay me to talk to you that night, and to show you 'round the school...but he didn't pay me to stay up to make sure you stay safe. He didn't pay me to wait out in the cold for you, or to sit and talk with you, to buy ice cream, to make it seem like I'm going to suck your dick, to lick your nose...that was all me and you…" Lucas looked down, clenching his fists into fists. Angrier with his dad than Ness. "Lucas...please look at me." Lucas obliged. When he looked up he saw Ness had gotten closer. "There's one more thing your dad didn't pay me to do…" Ness then walked toward Lucas, prompting Lucas to take a small step back. Ness put his hands on Lucas's shoulders and looked intently into Lucas's deep blue, ocean eyes. "He didn't pay me to like you." Ness then collided his lips softly into Lucas's for a quick kiss. Ness stopped the kiss and walked past Lucas to the exit. He turned his head slightly. "To be honest, I've had my eye on you since Claus and I were friends." Ness then left, leaving Lucas in his surprised state. He raised his hand to his lips and felt them, now wet.
"Ness…"
"Excuse me?" a deep voice called out. Lucas looked around and saw Ike walking towards him with a strict glance. Ike stopped in front of Lucas, looking him up and down. He opened his mouth.
"I'm too young to be here at this late of night...I know." Lucas bowed his head. "Sorry if I caused you trouble." Ike raised an eyebrow.
"Uhh, no problem." Lucas looked up at Ike.
"Um, what would your dad paid someone to be your friend?"
"Huh? Strange question." Ike-despite the question's randomicity-thought intently about the answer. "Well, I guess I'd feel kinda betrayed." Lucas looked down. He expected that answer. "But...if he's willing to waste hard-earned money to make you happy, then he must truly love you." Lucas looked up. He was confused now. He didn't know how he was supposed to be feeling. Should he be mad at his dad? Should he not? Should he be mad at Ness? Or should he not? Should he be acting upon his feelings toward Ness? Or is that too fabricated?
"T-thanks." Lucas slowly turned away and walked out of the mall. Ike raced to the door. He saw Lucas walking away from the mall in a slump.
"Fight for your friend...when you do you'll know if he truly is your friend or not." As he walked away he thought about what Ike told him. "Fight for my friend," he thought constantly. Before he knew it, he made it back to the apartment building. He slowly walked up and to his apartment room.
He entered the room and saw his dad sleeping on the couch. He couldn't help but grow a scowl as he closed the door. He slumped toward his bedroom and sat down. He looked on the nightstand, and next to Boney he saw his switchblade. After kicking off his shoes he sat back in his bed. He leaned against the wall his bed was up against. He popped the shiny, sharp blade Out and in. Out and In. Out and in. "You lied to me…" Out and in. Out and in. "You made him be around someone like me…" Out and in. Out and In. "You made me feel unnecessary feelings…" Out and in. Out and in. "You made him like me...kiss me….want to spend time with me…" Out and in. Out and in. "You made me like him...I don't want to hurt him." Out… "I can't hurt him, I won't allow it." Lucas placed the blade at his wrist. He allowed the sharp point to penetrate his skin. That's when his phone buzzed inside his pocket. Lucas put the blade on the nightstand and reached into his pocket. Ness texted him.
Ness: Hey Boo *Poop emoji*
Ness: Crap, wrong emoji...but you get the point.
Lucas chuckled. He turned to look at the switchblade. He grabbed it and made the blade go into its home. He then put the blade into a drawer. He returned to the phone.
Lucas: Heyyy.
Ness: OOOOOH, the triple Y's.
Lucas chuckled. He looked down at his small incision. There was some blood, but too much. He just decided to tuck himself into bed quickly to allow himself to return to the phone.
Ness: Anyway, sorry about that kiss.
Lucas: Oh, don't worry.
Lucas: Maybe next time warn me before you do it.
Ness: So there's gonna be a next time?
Lucas: If you want.
Ness: OF COURSE I DO!
Ness: I mean, that's cool, I guess I can deal with that.
Lucas: Ness?
Ness: Hmm?
Lucas: I've never blushed before meeting you.
Ness: Really?
Lucas: Can you continue to make me feel this way?
Ness: hehe, it'd be my pleasure.
Lucas: And uh, stop getting paid to do so.
Ness: Well, if you'd be willing to pay.
Lucas: With?
Ness: Well, I'm kinda running low on milk. I heard boys our age have a surplus of it, I 'd like yours…*Devil emoji*
Lucas: As long as you're gentle.
Ness: Oof, not sure if I can promise that, but I'd try.
Lucas: Thank you Ness...for everything.
Ness: Of course, no worries.
Lucas: See ya tomorrow?
Ness: I'm looking forward to it.
Lucas: Night.
Ness: Nighty-night.
Lucas turned the phone off and placed it next to Boney. He then looked up and smiled to himself. He gently, and comfortably, fell asleep.
The next morning he woke up to the fresh smell of eggs, once more. He got off the bed and walked out to sit at the table. His dad placed his omelet in front of him. Flint then sat himself down with his own plate. Lucas started to eat. "So dad…" Lucas started with food in his mouth. Flint gave a small hum as Lucas swallowed the food. "I know you were paying Ness off."
"O-oh. Lucas, I-I'm so—"
"Thanks for that…" Lucas looked up at his dad with a wide, genuine smile. "Thank you…" Flint, seeing Lucas's real happy smile, started to tear up. He covered his wide mouth, stopping himself from crying out loud. Lucas giggled. He stood up and walked over to Flint. He then pulled him into a hug. "Love you, dad." Flint's tears fell faster down his face. He collided his head into Lucas's allowing himself to cry further.
"Lucas…." Flint gulped. "Claus would be so damn proud of you." They separated. "Why don't we take a trip to them? So you can say your final goodbyes." Lucas nervously gulped and nodded.
"Can Ness come?" Flint chuckled. He ruffled Lucas's hair.
"Course he can, Squirt." Lucas liked the nickname, Squirt. Flint used to call him that before the accident, but he liked that he brought it back to life.
Flint drove Lucas and Ness back toward Tazmily. It took a long time, so Ness and Lucas fell asleep. They ended up slightly falling onto each other. This was when Flint found out that their "friendship" was much further than he had initialized, but he couldn't care less. He soon made it to the Tazmily graveyard. He took a deep breath, hoping Lucas is truly ready to say goodbye. He turned his head back to the two boys sleeping on each other. "Boys? Wakey-wakey." Both of them seemed to struggle with opening their eyes. Lucas looked out of the window and gulped at the sight of a grave. He then felt Ness's hand on his own. Lucas turned to him.
"You ready?" Ness asked. Lucas closed his eyes and took a long breath. As he let out the breath he felt calmer. He nodded. The three of them got out of the car and walked toward the side path that led up the cliff where Hinawa and Claus were buried. Each step closer toward their forever homes made Lucas nervous. Lucas looked at Ness as they walked up the path. Ness was also nervous. Lucas had found out that Ness and Claus were close friends, and apparently Ness already had a very faint crush on Lucas when they were younger, despite never truly meeting each other. It just took a single video of Lucas opening gifts during Christmas to spark this faint crush...and Ness is worried to see the grave of the person who made all of his dreams possible.
Lucas soon saw the sunflowers. Not too long after that sight, he saw their graves. "A loving wife and mother, Hinawa", "A loving son and brother, Claus" were written on the graves. Lucas started to tear up, but then Flint put his hand on Lucas's shoulder. Lucas looked up at his dad, noticing he too is tearful. He never truly thought about his feelings. He lost his wife and his own son. Lucas shook his head. He was the first to take a step forward. He stood in the middle of the two graves. He turned to his mom's first.
"Hi, mom. Sorry I don't visit too often, Dad's kinda a bitch about this," Lucas chuckled. "Oh, and don't worry, I've been changing my underwear and socks regularly...but I've been forgetting to clean my room, sorry mom." Flint covered his mouth, proud of his son. Lucas turned to Claus's grave. "Hey, asshat. You freaking left me with all the damn chores, you stingy ass. But at least I seem to make bank." Ness crossed his arms, happy Lucas seems to be in control of his feelings. Lucas touched both graves and closed his eyes. "I love you both, now and forever." Lucas stood up, rubbed his tears away, and turned toward the others. His eyes stopped on his astonished dad. Lucas ran over to him, bringing him into another large hug, this time, Flint was able to hug back. "I'm glad you're here dad. I love you too, of course." Flint smiled and kissed Lucas's forehead before Lucas let go. Lucas grabbed Ness's hand and watched as Flint walked up and said his goodbyes.
Flint stood up and walked back. The three of them started to walk down the cliff, but then Lucas remembered something. He let go of Ness and ran back to Claus's grave. He kneeled in front of it and reached into his pocket. There he grabbed the switchblade. He popped the blade out and gently stabbed it into the ground in front of the gravestone. "You'll need this to defeat those demons invading heaven." Lucas stood up and looked at Claus's name. He took a quick deep breath and winked at the grave. He turned back and ran to the others. He grabbed Ness's right hand and looked up at his dad. He gave a wide smile and nodded. "Let's go home." Flint ruffled Lucas's hair before they started to walk down the path. Lucas's life will forever be different from his losses, but he'll always have his dad. His dad will always be there for him, even if they're far apart. In fact, Claus and Hinawa will also always be there for him too. Lucas knows this now and will be living life with them….even if they're far away.