Author's Notes: I wrote this back when I beat Breath of the Wild months ago, I remember wanting to make a collection for one-shots of this pairing but I never did. I suppose I'll write more should inspiration strike, if that happens I'll rename the story and change the summary, but until then enjoy this short little thing.
"Well, I'm embarrassed to say…" Zelda said softly, as quietly as she possibly could, pausing only to stare at the steaming hot dish in front of her. She flushed bright red, the color showing stark contrast between her now pale complexion and her golden hair. "It has been over one hundred years since I had a hot meal such as this, I fear that this all seems rather overwhelming to me."
She looked across the table to see her silent knight and recent savior staring at her with eyes full of mirth. His memories had returned fully as he had gazed upon her form after sealing away the Calamity, and she wasn't sure, in that moment, if that was such a good thing.
For one, it meant he recalled exactly how much they meant to one another. For another… Well, it meant he recalled exactly how much they meant to one another.
They were close; so close in fact that they used to tease each other constantly during happier times.
Zelda remembered all the times she laughed at his expense, and right now those were not good memories. They were memories she regretted, though not in any real manner, purely because she was sure he remembered those times too now.
And what with his plate being empty, and hers being full, even still after so long with her just staring at the food suspiciously… It spoke of ill tidings indeed.
"Please do not look at me like that, Link," Zelda said, shivering slightly as she looked away from him and about the stables they were staying at. "It makes me feel odd. And didn't your father ever teach you that you're not supposed to stare at ladies? Let alone royalty…"
They both knew she cared little for her title, and indeed it bore little relevance anymore. Hyrule may have been at peace, at least in some respects, but the kingdom was still in shambles, and no king or queen reigned. Thereby making her title defunct.
"Royalty can eat," Link said bluntly, making Zelda's face light up even brighter.
"Of all the times you choose to speak! Expressions and silence I can handle, but what words you do use you simply use too well!" she replied loudly with a huff, turning her cheek to him and closing her eyes.
Link crossed his arms, raising his eyebrows and smirking slightly. Zelda just turned her cheek further, but opened her eye slightly, giving Link a feeling as if he had seen the expression from her before. Though, he knew he hadn't.
Zelda slowly turned back to him, sighing in defeat and looking back down to her food. The damned dish looked so tasty, and yet… she just couldn't bring herself to eat it.
For whatever reason, it just felt so weird. Over one hundred years with no sustenance whatsoever. Not so much as a single drop of water. And here it was before her. Something she used to see as one of life's pleasures. A hot meal, and a cup of water.
A far cry from perfectly roasted meat and wine for sure, but nothing could hold a candle to the feasts she had had at the castle.
Her expression fell, and Link suddenly thrust his hand over the table, resting it on hers.
"I… It feels so wrong. Just going back to living. Going back to this. I'm so hungry, and yet I can't bring myself to even think about eating the food in front of me. I'm so weak, I could barely stay on the horse on the way here. This water feels so strange going down my throat, I can't help but wonder how the food will feel; and not only that but I just feel so tired, and I'm certain that I couldn't even sleep if I were on Hyrule's most comfortable bed!
"How am I to just pretend as if nothing happened? How am I to return to the world in this state? I'm haunted by a hundred years of torment, of pain, of struggle, and I'm only seventeen. We're still so young, you and I, and we've been through so many terrible things!
"Link… How am I-"
She was silenced as she felt his hand squeeze hers tightly. His grip was firm, as if he were holding onto her hand like he held onto a sword.
He didn't need to say a thing. All it took was one look into his eyes and she understood everything he wanted to convey.
"I, er… I understand. It won't be easy will it?" she asked. He responded with a soft shake of his head. "I see… But you'll be with me from now on, won't you…?"
Silence ruled over the stable, the only sound being the soft, rhythmic beat of the rain starting up outside, hitting the roof as a few other guests rushed inside.
"Always," he replied with a smile.