Author's Notes
This is not really a 'fic' in the traditional sense; it's more of a ficlet or even a drabble. It's rather brief and concise, but I hope it manages to convey what it means to. I love the Link/malon coupling, mainly because I love both of them as independent characters, and I think their dynamic is something special. I hope this short piece does them justice, somehow.
Through Your Eyes
He stopped by to visit the red-haired farm girl several times, and she was genuinely humbled that he found the time. Often, she would try to hide her blushing cheeks behind gloved hands and drown out her pounding heart by dragging her boots on the ground, but sometimes it was just more trouble than it was worth. After all, he knew her better than that. Though then of course, then she didn't know as much about him as she imagined. She had heard the handsome stranger called a 'hero' by cantankerous old women and bright-eyed young men alike, but she found it a bit curious. Curious, in that he never seemed to see himself as one. He had been entrusted with a task by destiny, and while she never heard him complain, she knew it haunted him. From the day she met him in the market, she saw his beautiful, sapphire eyes clouded with worry.
She knew that he hated being depended on, but he seemed determined not to let that show. Though now, with the literal world bearing down upon his shoulders, it was difficult for him to truly relax, to live freely, to be normal. No wonder he didn't speak much, with that much perpetually weighing on his mind. She couldn't imagine being in his position, having everyone looking to your strength, to your courage to see them through. She only had to worry about making her father proud there at the ranch each day, and about taking it over when he was gone. But life outside of Lon Lon...what was it really like? You have to take me with you someday, when this is all over.
They stood by the fence, slowly becoming enveloped in dusk's yellow light. Epona was a chocolate blur behind them, kicking up small clouds of dust as she galloped by. He didn't notice the farm girl looking at him then, watching him stare off into the endless Hyrulian fields. His gaze never shifted, never strayed from the land ahead of him. What do you see out there? She had always heard the eyes called the windows to the soul, and never paid much attention to the allusion, finding it a little unsettling. But as she watched him there, looking so ethereal, she was certain. How can you be so calm? What do you tell yourself? She had to know, and turned to him.
"It'll be okay, fairy boy." Malon grinned, reaching over to pull Link's long cap down over his eyes. "You'll see."
"I know." As he pushed his cap back up, a shy smile emerged through blonde strands.
"Promise me one thing, though."
"...okay."
"The next time you decide to save the world, I'm going with you. Whether you like it or not." I mean, what would I do without my knight...?
He just smiled once more and ruffled her hair, crimson waves flying loose in the wind. In his heart, he wanted to believe there would not be a next time, but nodded all the same.