Like hell you were letting Ness spend the few off days you both got with Kaiser. Just thinking about it made you want to kick another ball at that guy’s face, totally by accident, of course. Did you do it on purpose? Yes. Did Ness know? Also yes.

Luckily, things went your way, and Ness was spending the day with you, just like you planned. Being around you always made him feel a little less anxious, a little more sure of himself. For once, he didn’t have to second-guess his place or his abilities. He could just be. Truly himself. It was a strange feeling, having someone be so protective over him, looking out for him, noticing the way people treated him, especially Kaiser. Oh, you wanted that guy’s head, but whatever.

The ramen you ordered had gone cold a while ago. You were too busy ranting, arms crossed, huffing and puffing about Kaiser. His shitty attitude, his treatment of Ness, and most frustrating of all, Ness’ unwavering loyalty. Ness just listened, watching you get all worked up over it. He found it funny, honestly.

Still, he felt safe here. With you. He could always feel your warmth, even when you were fuming on his behalf. “If you keep slamming the table, they’re gonna kick us out,” he joked, a small smile pulling at his lips. You were just too funny sometimes. He could never help but smile around you.

You sighed, finally cooling off. Ness had a way of doing that to you too. “Now your food’s cold. You can be mad later. It’s our day off, remember?” But Ness still felt warm. Even if his own attachments blurred his potential, at least you’d always be there to carry the weight he couldn’t.