Estimated Reading Time: 20 Minutes

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Angel Wings

Sonic tapped his foot in a steady rhythm, his impatience practically echoing off the ground. "Well, I'm waitin'," he said, a teasing edge to his voice.

Dark Pit clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath his calm facade. He exhaled sharply, his glare cutting like a blade. "Why do you care?" he muttered, voice low and biting.

Sonic: "You sound kinda sus right now, Darkie~ Anyone would be questioning you after they saw you staring at Ness through his window."

Dark Pit: "What about you, huh? What're you doin' around his place?"

Sonic: "Me? I'm on a late night run. I'm everywhere. I just so happened to be in this area."

Dark Pit: "That's—fair."

Sonic: "Also, I like breakin' into his place unexpectedly."

Dark Pit: "What the fuck?"

Sonic: "Don't worry, he's into it~"

Dark Pit: "I didn't need to know that..."

Sonic: "We're close, so it's pog. But you of all people, now that's somethin' I needa know. You got a thing for him or somethin'?"

Dark Pit: "Eww no."

Sonic: "Mkay, well, if you ain't gonna explain, then I guess I'll let him know that you were stalkin' him."

Dark Pit: "W-wait!"

Sonic: "Yes?"

Dark Pit: "He gives me bad vibes."

Sonic: "Is it because he's a lil shit?"

Dark Pit: "See! You understand. He's hiding something."

Sonic: "Hahaha! Sure, but why do you care?"

Dark Pit: "Because Pit doesn't believe me. He thinks Ness is such a good guy. In fact, everybody does! It's bullshit that he gets to be painted as this nice innocent sweet boy."

Sonic: "News flash, buddy. He's gettin' a lot more hate than ya think."

Dark Pit: "I'm not talking about his fanboys online. I'm talking about his friends."

Sonic: "Ah, so you wanna ruin his life."

Dark Pit: "I want them to know."

Sonic: "Wow, and I thought Ness was petty."

Dark Pit: "I'm not being petty."

Sonic: "Then why do you care about his friends knowing?"

Dark Pit: "Because-

Sonic: "Because you just wanna be right. This is for your own sake."

Dark Pit: "!"

Sonic: "I knew it. Gotta say, Darkie, this is fuckin' weird comin' from you."

Dark Pit: "I know my intuition is correct."

Sonic: "Are you jealous of him?"

Dark Pit: "Hell no."

Sonic: "Is it because you two have certain things in common, yet he has more friends than you?"

Dark Pit: "We're nothing alike, and I don't care about making friends."

Sonic: "I feel like you do. Nobody likes being alone."

Dark Pit: "..."

Sonic: "Could it also be because he's stronger than you?"

Dark Pit: "Tch! He's not stronger than me."

Sonic: "Face it, emo wings. He's stronger and more popular than you, and that drives you mad, doesn't it?"

Dark Pit: "I don't care about popularity. That's not what this is about. I'm just worried for Pit. He really thinks highly of his new friends that he's made in the group. He's been hurt by a friend in the past, and I don't want that happening to him."

Sonic: "Oh, so this is for Pit. Not for you."

Dark Pit: "Yes it's to protect him. Pitstain really likes Ness. He likes all of you. The rest of you are cool, but Ness rubs me off the wrong way. I just don't want Pit getting betrayed."

Sonic: "Just for Pit, huh? Then why did you keep staring at Lucas? Got a soft spot for him?"

Dark Pit: "I felt bad for him okay."

Sonic: "Does someone got a crush?"

Dark Pit: "Hell no."

Sonic: "Then why do you care about Lucas in particular?"

Dark Pit: "I dunno. I guess I feel kinda bad for him. Specifically because he came crying to me. People tell me their secrets all the time. That's what it's like to be a bartender. However, when I walked him back home, he really spilled everything. Well… mostly everything. I can tell he was still hiding some stuff. But regardless, it was a sad sight."

Sonic: "What'd he say?"

Dark Pit: "He mainly talked shit about Ness. How fake he was, and how much it hurt him."

Sonic: "Yeah. I've noticed that about them. They're friendship is pretty fake once you focus on it."

Dark Pit: "Oh, so you knew?"

Sonic: "Duh. I'm around them all the time."

Dark Pit: "Interesting."

Sonic: "Anyway go on."

Dark Pit: "I dunno. I just felt bad for him. And when Pit didn't believe my intuition about Ness, it made me feel like I had to prove myself."

Sonic: "So stalkin' was the best way?"

Dark Pit: *Sighs* "I'm sorry about that. I've never done anything like this before. And I promise to not do shit like this again."

Sonic: "Eh, honestly I don't really care. I was just nosey."

Dark Pit: "So, you're not gonna tell him?"

Sonic: "Nah, he's paranoid enough."

Dark Pit: "Thanks."

Sonic: "Don't mention it. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna steal his food."

Dark Pit: *Chuckles* ["What the fuck."]

Sonic winked, his grin as cheeky as ever, before leaping effortlessly onto Ness's balcony. Sliding through the open window, landing with practiced ease.

"Sup, Cheddar Biscuit~" Sonic greeted, his voice dripping with mischief.

"Aaah!" Ness yelped, startled, clutching his chest.

Sonic cocked his head. "Got any food?"

Ness sighed in exasperation, already resigned to his uninvited guest. "You know where it is…"

"Sweet! Rice balls!"

Outside, Dark Pit overheard their playful exchange, a rare smirk tugging at his lips. Their banter was annoyingly infectious. With a small shake of his head, he turned and headed home.

Once back in his room, Dark Pit paused. Pit sat at his desk, deep in conversation with his friend Sora over a video call.

"Oh, hey, Pittoo!" Pit chirped, spotting him. "Sora, my brother's back. Hold on a sec—I'll just say hi really quick."

Pit took off his headset and dashed over, wrapping Dark Pit in an enthusiastic hug.

Dark Pit grimaced, shoving him off and brushing himself down. "Do you mind?" he grumbled, glaring at his counterpart.

Pit just laughed, utterly unbothered.

Pit: "Soooo, how was the party?"

Dark Pit: "It was okay."

Pit: "Just okay? What about Ness? I can see you two becoming good friends."

Dark Pit: "Hell no."

Pit: "Aww, what!"

Dark Pit: "My intuition still tells me that he's off, but I have no proof. So, I can't say that it's true."

Pit: "You just gotta get to know him more."

Dark Pit: "No thanks."

Pit: "Does this mean you're not coming to the next hangout?"

Dark Pit: "No."

Pit: "Aww…"

Dark Pit: "Although, I am a little worried about that blonde fellow."

Pit: "Toon or Lucas?"

Dark Pit: "Lucas. He was ignored for most of it."

Pit: "Oh, he's just quiet."

Dark Pit: "No. He was definitely upset."

Pit: "Oh! I know. Why don't you go say hi to him right now?"

Dark Pit: "Why would I do that?"

Pit: "C'mon, this is your chance to make a friend. You're quiet. He's quiet. There's no way he'll be able to annoy you like the rest of us."

Dark Pit: "I'm good."

Pit: "Pleaaaaase."

Dark Pit: "Stop."

Pit: "Pleaaaaase! Do it for meeee."

Dark Pit: "Why do you care?"

Pit: "Because I want you to have friends! I know I can be a lot."

Dark Pit: "No."

Pit: "You'll make his day!"

Dark Pit: *Sighs* "I do feel bad for him…"

Pit: "Go talk to him~"

Dark Pit: "Yeah ok. Why not."

Pit: "Yaaay~! Pittoo!"

Dark Pit: "Yeah, yeah, whatever."

Dark Pit rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he left the room. The halls were quiet as he made his way to Lucas's place, the walk giving him too much time to think.

He stopped just outside the door, his hand hovering near the frame. His brow furrowed as doubts crept in. What if he's sleeping? I probably shouldn't bother him, he thought, glancing down at his shoes.

With a sigh, he turned on his heel, ready to leave, when his phone buzzed. A message from Pit lit up the screen.

Dark Pit groaned. "What now?"

[- Pit

DM

Pit: *Voice message* ("Don't do you dare think about backing down. You'll make his day, I promise.")

…

What the...? How'd he know? Is he stalking me now? Dark Pit glanced around, scanning the area for any sign of his brother. Nothing. His jaw tightened. Goddammit. He knows me too well.

With a reluctant huff, he stepped back to Lucas's door and gave a gentle knock.

A moment later, the door creaked open, and Lucas appeared. His wide, startled eyes locked onto Dark Pit's. "H-hi… Um, w-what're you doing here?" he stammered, his voice soft and uncertain.

Dark Pit shifted awkwardly, crossing his arms and looking off to the side. "I, uh… just wanted to see how you were doing," he muttered, his usual confidence faltering.

Lucas: "I'm fine."

Dark Pit: "Are you… sure?"

Lucas: "Yes."

Dark Pit: "Because during the party, it seemed like you weren't having a good time."

Lucas: "Oh, I'm just quiet."

Dark Pit: (That's not what you said to Ness…)

Dark Pit's gaze dropped to his shoes, his mind clouded with uncertainty. He could practically hear Pit's teasing voice echoing in his head: "Go hang out with him. Who knows, you might finally have a new BFF~"

His fists clenched at the thought, but a small part of him couldn't shake the idea. What was it like to hang out with someone who wasn't Pit? The thought gnawed at him, curiosity mingling with reluctance.

Dark Pit: "Did you… Uh…"

Lucas: "Yes?"

Dark Pit: "Did you wanna go on a night hike with me?"

Lucas: "What?"

Dark Pit: "It's okay if you don't."

Lucas: "S-sure!"

Dark Pit: "Uh, y-yeah ok."

Lucas: "Let me just put on some warmer clothes."

Dark Pit: "I'll be here."

The broody angel leaned against the wall, arms crossed and eyes fixed on nothing in particular. His thoughts swirled as he waited, the quiet hallway amplifying his restless energy.

His daze shattered at the creak of the door. Dark Pit straightened slightly, his gaze snapping to Lucas, who stepped out bundled in layers. The blonde's scarf was wrapped snugly around his neck, and his coat seemed a size too big, making him look even smaller.

"Perfect. Let's go," Dark Pit said, motioning for Lucas to follow as he started walking.

They left the mansion behind and headed toward Melee Mountain, their footsteps crunching softly against the path.

The silence stretched between them, thick and almost unbearable. He wasn't used to this kind of quiet—at least, not when he wasn't alone. Pit always found something to ramble on about, filling the void effortlessly.

This is too awkward, he thought, resisting the urge to groan out loud.

Dark Pit: "So uh, w-what do you like to do?"

Lucas: "I um, I like to play video games."

Dark Pit: "What games?"

Lucas: "Street Fighter."

Dark Pit: "I—didn't expect that from you."

Lucas: "Hehe. I know right."

Dark Pit: "Anything else?"

Lucas: "I like to knit and crochet."

Dark Pit: "Anything else?"

Lucas: "I like planting flowers and collecting bugs."

Dark Pit: "Well, there's a lot of bugs here in the mountain."

Lucas: "That's true."

The silence returned, heavier than before. Only the faint rustle of leaves and distant animal calls filled the void, creating a quiet symphony of the night.

Suddenly, Lucas broke the stillness. "So, uh… what do you like about night hikes?" he asked, his voice tentative but curious.

Dark Pit: "It's a nice atmosphere. It feels alive to be out and experience the wild. I often camp here when I don't feel like dealing with Pit's energy."

Lucas: "That's nice. Every time when Ness and I go camping, he always makes sure to pack three tents. He always comes over-prepared. He's funny like that."

Dark Pit: "Sounds like you two are really close."

Lucas: "Yeah. People say we're inseparable for a reason, haha."

Dark Pit: "And there's nothing going on between you two?"

Lucas: "W-what do you mean by that?" *Blushes*

Dark Pit: "N-not in a weird way! Um, I'm sorry. Do you remember when you vented to me in your room?"

Lucas: "Yeah."

Dark Pit: "Did you mean everything you said about Ness? It seems like you have a lot of pent up energy toward him."

Lucas: "Oh. N-no. I guess the buzz made me angrier. Sorry you had to see that."

Dark Pit: "You're good. I'm happy you two are close." (Goddammit! Was I really wrong about Ness?)

Lucas: "Sometimes he makes me upset, but it's bound to happen when you're that close with someone."

Dark Pit: "I see."

Lucas: "Yup."

The rest of the hike passed in relative quiet. Every now and then, Lucas would spot a cool bug and point it out, but that was the extent of the conversation. Dark Pit half-expected the blonde to launch into some enthusiastic rant about them, but no—he was surprisingly subdued.

The quiet continued to gnaw at Dark Pit, digging into him like a persistent itch. He wasn't used to this stillness. It felt off—like something was missing, and he couldn't quite place what it was.

Eventually, they reached a cliff, and Dark Pit decided it was time to stop. This is far enough, he thought. He'd reached his destination—the spot he usually went to when he needed to be alone.

There was a secret place deeper in the forest, a hidden gem of scenery just shy of the cliff's edge. He often sat there, letting his legs dangle off the side while he gazed up at the night sky.

It was his spot, his retreat, and no one had ever seen it. It was his pride and joy. For a fleeting moment, he considered showing Lucas, but the thought quickly faltered.

Lucas didn't show much emotion. Would he even care? Dark Pit wondered. If he took him to the spot and Lucas didn't react, if he didn't show any amusement or awe, it would sting more than he wanted to admit.

"Alright, let's go," Dark Pit said, his voice steady as he turned to head back.

Lucas nodded, and the two made their way back to the mansion. When they reached Lucas's room, the blonde smiled faintly. "That was nice."

"I agree," Dark Pit replied, his voice unusually soft.

With a nod, Lucas retreated into his room, leaving Dark Pit standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he lingered in the silence, reflecting on the walk and how it went. Then he walked back to his room.

As soon as Dark Pit opened the door, Pit's eyes shot toward him, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Sooo, how'd it go?" he asked, practically bouncing in his swivel chair.

Dark Pit: "It was—awkward."

Pit: "Awkward in a good way?"

Dark Pit: "It wasn't the worst."

Pit: "What did you two talk about?"

Dark Pit: "Nothing much. He's pretty quiet."

Pit: "Yeaaaah. He barely speaks when we're at Popo's."

Dark Pit: "Yeah I got that."

Pit: "But he's sweet. I don't really hang out with him, but according to Ness, he's a bully. At least to him. It seems like he only opens up once he's comfortable."

Dark Pit: "I get it. I'm like that too."

Pit: "I'm sure you two will become close one day."

Dark Pit: "I dunno. He doesn't talk. It gives me anxiety."

Pit: "I thought you like quiet people."

Dark Pit: "I thought I did too."

Pit: *Gasps* "Are you saying—you like it when I don't shut up?"

Dark Pit: "No! I'm just used to a lot of noise. I dunno, you made it comforting somehow."

Pit: "Pittoooo! I love you too!"

Pit, grinning like a maniac, swung his arms around Dark Pit and tried to plant a kiss on his cheek.

"Gah! Get off of me!" Dark Pit hissed, his face flushing with irritation. He quickly shoved Pit away, using his arm to block the unwanted affection.

Meanwhile with Lucas…

After changing into comfortable clothes, Lucas flopped onto his bed, phone in hand. His thumb scrolled absentmindedly through social media, but his thoughts were elsewhere, replaying the outing with Dark Pit over and over.

Why did he suddenly hang out with me? Lucas wondered, biting his lip. Is it possible that maybe Dark Pit might be interested? He quickly shook the thought away. No, that can't be it. He probably noticed I was quiet at the party and felt sorry. Which is nice of him. But then again... it's Dark Pit. Doesn't he like being alone? He doesn't seem like the type to care about anyone else, per se.

His mind wandered again, drifting from one thought to the next. He was really nice, but I don't know how to talk to him. Everything felt so awkward and uncomfortable. We don't have much in common. Dark Pit didn't seem interested in the bugs I pointed out. He was dismissive, like he didn't care about the walk either.

If I was with Ness, we'd be talking about video games. And every bug I'd point out, Ness would go off on a random rant about them. Facts I already knew, but it was cute watching him ramble.

He sighed, turning the phone over in his hands. Dark Pit is cool, and he's nice enough. I would definitely hang out with him again. But I wouldn't go out of my way for a hangout. It's hard to talk to anyone, especially someone like him—silent, mysterious... He rolled onto his side, staring at the ceiling. I don't know how to figure him out.