After the Water Temple

by tir-synni

All right, this is my first Legend of Zelda fic, so go easy on me. I personally don't think there's enough Zelda yaoi going around, so I'm writing this Link/Sheik one (read, boy/boy romance). If anyone does know where I can find some, please, e-mail me! This takes place between the Water Temple and the Shadow Temple.

(Extra note, for all the people I've been confusing. I know in the end of the game--spoiler warning!-- it turns out that Sheik is Zelda. I didn't like that, so for my fics, Sheik's a guy. Sorry to confuse everyone!)

"Aw...Farore..." Link gasped, collapsing on top of the small island above the Water Temple. All right, it was now assured. Water was for drinking only, not for fighting in.

With a low groan, the blond Hylian rolled onto his back and did a mental inventory of his injuries. Easy--one big bruise. Simple enough. Nothing broken, though his ribs felt close. Could see fine, so his headache wasn't a sign of a concussion. He could move his toes, so there was no permanent damage to his right leg. Could move fingers, so no permanent damage to his right arm. Why did that thing have to throw him so hard into that wall, anyway?

"By the Triad," Link cursed, pushing himself to his feet. He was being a wuss. Heroes shouldn't whine over their injuries.

But then, heroes shouldn't be chosen from the town outcast, either, Link reminded himself, stretching slightly. Ouch. Mistake.

All around him, water was beginning to fill the lake once more, and the sight brought a brilliant smile to Link's face. Despite how much it hurt, it was worth it. Another curse of Ganondorf's broken. Perhaps now Ruto could help her people.

"You are wounded, Hero," a soft voice spoke up behind him. Link didn't start. He recognized that voice, had been expecting it.

"Just enough to hurt," Link quipped, turning around to face Sheik. "You should have seen me when I first started doing this. Then I was getting my ass whupped."

Though the lovely Sheikah's face was hidden, Link could detect the frown in Sheik's crimson eyes. Link softened. From the first time he had seen the mysterious creature, when he had first returned to Hyrule, Sheik had had the power to soothe him. It made him feel strange, in a way Saria had never accomplished. He was beginning to understand why, analyzing it as he did any other puzzle. He wondered if Sheik was looking at it from the same perspective he was. Only way to tell was to go with the flow.

"I'm fine, Sheik, and look." Link waved a hand at the lake. "It was worth it. The lake is filled again, and Zora's Domain is no longer cursed to be frozen for all time."

Sheik nodded silently and took a step forward. Link blinked as the youth walked to his side and examined his cheekbone. That was strange. Sheik had never come so close before.

"Your cheek is gashed open," the Sheikah pointed out quietly. Link envied him somewhat. Even after the seven years had passed, Link's voice was still soft and possessed an almost musical quality. Sheik's was deeper, more important sounding. That and Sheik looked far more masculine than Link believe he ever would. He just looked like a pretty girl.

"It's nothing," Link assured him, raising a hand to his cheek despite himself. When he pulled his hand away, blood covered his fingers. The petite youth made a face at it. He had not even felt it.

"You had better get it checked out," Sheik insisted, taking another step. They were so close. Link felt strangely warm. "I can clean it for you, and check your other wounds."

Link paused for a moment and considered his offer. Well, it wasn't that often Sheik stayed around for long, and Link wanted to get to know him better. This would be a good opportunity. Besides, it would be better than bandaging his own injuries.

"All right," Link agreed. He allowed a small yawn and smiled sheepishly at Sheik. "You know someplace good to rest as well?"

By his shimmering, crimson eyes, Link knew Sheik was smiling. "Of course. Please follow me."

The young Sheikah led the blond back to Kakariko Village. Epona energetically followed Sheik's black stallion, not missing a step even as the sun began to set, but Link was beat. The Water Temple had exhausted him more than he originally thought.

Concerned, Sheik glanced behind him at the weary warrior. I knew the legendary Hero would have great strength and cunning, but I was never aware that he possessed great beauty, as well, Sheik thought, sneaking a quick look at Link's delicate features. I had never imagined that he would be like this. As I had waited for the Hero of Time to awaken from his slumber, I had never believed he would be so lovely, so gentle. I was expecting...different...to say the least. Not this.

* "It was worth it. The lake is filled again, and Zora's Domain is no longer cursed to be frozen for all time." *

That was his response, Sheik mused. Not something braggart, or boasting. He was just happy that he had helped. He did not even think of his own injuries, or weariness.

Sheik looked again at the young Hero. Link was resting against Epona's mane, his blue-violet eyes closed. It was only by his slender hands clinging to the reins that let Sheik know that Link was still conscious.

Sheik smiled behind his mask and led Epona to the entrance of Kakariko Village. "We're here, Link," he called softly.

Link raised his head wearily, blinking. "Oh, already?" he murmured, patting Epona's neck once before swinging his leg off. The mare nuzzled him tenderly, and Link stroked her between the eyes. "I'll see you later, all right, girl? You just have fun in the field."

The mare neighed as if in understanding, and Link watched her run off. All the while, Sheik was watching Link.

This is the child of destiny I am fated to watch over, Sheik thought, watching a loving smile play on Link's lips as he watched his horse gallop. A warrior, as my mother Impa is destined to watch a scholar, the Princess Zelda. I am proud to be the one chosen to watch over you, Link.

After Epona vanished from sight, Link turned to Sheik with a soft smile. "Lead the way."

The gash in Link's cheek had been cleansed at the lake. It hadn't been as bad as Sheik had supposed it to be. As he watched Link remove his blue tunic, he prayed the darkening bruise on Link's chest wasn't as bad as he supposed, too.

"Is this all?" Sheik questioned, concerned. He kneeled before where the warrior sat on his bed and examined the bruise. He tried not to dwell on the idea that Link was sitting half-naked in his bedroom, not his bed. Link had enough to worry about. He didn't have to know of Sheik's crush, too.

Link shrugged. "The worst. The rest is just bruised. It'll be fine."

Sheik fingered a rib, in awe over the silken flesh under his bare fingers. It was only Link's cringe that kept his imagination in check. "I take it that hurt."

Another shrug, another wince as Sheik moved onto the next rib. "Well, I guess a little pain is better than no pain at all with a bruise that size," Link answered.

Sheik smiled under his mask, than examined the other ribs. "I suppose you're right."

Link seemed to study him, even as he looked over the younger man's chest. "You know," Link began conversationally, "I bet you look a lot better without your mask on."

Unable to help himself, Sheik froze. Did that sound like what he just thought it sounded like? No, he must have misinterpreted it. "Is that a request?"

The other blond nodded. "Unless there's some sacred reason you have to have it on, yes."

Sheik couldn't help but smile. He leaned away from Link and began undoing the straps that held his mask on. "Actually, no. It just protects my face in certain areas."

As Sheik undid the final strap, Link leaned back and examined the Sheikah. Sheik froze uncertainly under his perusal. Did he like what he saw?

Finally, Link grinned, and something melted in Sheik's chest. "I was right. You look better with it off."

Thank you, Nayru... "Thank you," Sheik managed politely before returning to Link's chest. He was so close to him! He could smell Link, the scent of leaves and wind that incessantly clung to him. It was an effort not to inhale deeply. "I do not believe any are broken, just bruised. Still, I would be careful until you can find a faery fountain."

Link smiled sweetly at him, and Sheik sucked in a breath. "Thanks. It's nice not having to take care of myself for a change."

Sheik swallowed hard. "Well, um...since you're wounded, you can take my bed. I'll sleep on the floor."

At this, Link hesitated. "It's your home...."

Sheik waved it off. "It's all right. You're my guest. You're weary, and you must rest."

Once again, Link hesitated. "All right. Sheik, just one more thing, though."

"What?" Sheik turned around from where he was about to lay down on the floor.

"This." Then Link's lips were pressed lightly against Sheik's, and Sheik couldn't breathe. Oh, by the Triad!

After a long moment, Link pulled away, staring at Sheik with his deep, blue-violet eyes. His soft lips were parted, his eyes hopeful.

"Link," Sheik breathed.

Link had known exactly what he was doing when he had kissed Sheik. He knew what a kiss was, what it stood for. While he had aged from eight to fifteen in a seeming heartbeat to him, he had learned much in this time. He knew why Sheik caused such a warm feeling in his chest. When Link parted from Sheik, he gazed at him hopefully. This might be his last chance to be with him. Who knew what tomorrow would bring. If Link knew anything, it was to take advantage of the present.

He only hoped Sheik agreed with him.

"Link," Sheik breathed.

Link silenced him with another kiss, and something seemed to break in the young Sheikah. Sheik yanked the slender elf to him and deepened the kiss, his tongue eagerly exploring Link's mouth. Link clung to him, falling back onto the bed with Sheik in his arms. This was what he wanted.

Sheik pulled away, but Link's strong arms kept him from going too far. Sheik studied Link's flushed face. "Are you sure you want this?"

Link smiled brilliantly at him. "Would I have started it if I didn't?" he pointed out.

Sheik still hesitated. "But--"

Link stopped his words with his lips. "No more words," he murmured. "Unless you wish to stop."

There was no more hesitation from Sheik.

A wild sense of evil awoke Sheik in the morning. He started in bed, only to still as the slender figure in his arms stirred.

"Link," Sheik whispered, brushing his lips against his lover's. "I've wanted you since the first, but I never imagined I would have you."

Sheik kissed him again before climbing out of bed, pulling on clothes that had been hurriedly discarded the night before. He glanced out his small window, a chill racing up his spine.

Mother, he thought in horror. The demon from the Shadow Temple has escaped!

Sheik glanced back at where Link still slept in bed, oblivious of Sheik's turmoil. I'll go out and investigate. Please, Mother, be all right.

And please, Link, when you go to fight this creature, be careful.

Then Sheik ran out of the hut.

I know, I know, no lemon. If you want me to turn this into a lemon, it's going to have to be by request. And if you want some more Zelda yaoi's, tell me!