Well, I've stayed focused on Link, Samus, and Lyn for quite a while now, so I decided to shift my attention to Solid Snake and Zelda for bit. I thought about this pairing several times, but I never got around to writing about it. So, here I am with a short one-shot. I will be writing more of this pairing in the future, so keep an eye out for it. Enjoy.

"Fearless"

The annual picnic was right around the corner, but he was not even ready. Why bother to have something as trivial as a food gathering? With people like Kirby and King Dedede, a picnic was more along the line considered an open buffet. Not to mention their table manners weren't exactly the best either. For his own safety, it'd be best to avoid the gathering all together.

After a short argument with himself, Snake decided to just go for a walk during the captivities. It'd be much more peaceful, not to mention, safer. He reached for his black leather jacket, threw it over his shoulders, and quietly left the sanctions of his bedroom without as much of a peep. His trip to the front door was short and sweet, yet there was this lingering doubt in his head. During his time with the Smash Bros Core, he had made the unfathomable reception of being quite frosty towards his associates. Due to his cold demeanor, gruff nature, and blunt attitude, he was feared and avoided by the entire Smash Bros crew.

Well, that is, except for one individual. Her will power and wisdom were respected immensely throughout the core and her kingdom in the land of Hyrule. Her name was Princess Zelda.

For more than one reason, Snake had been fascinated with the brunette. Zelda had now and would always be a considered a mystery. Every time he watched her fight, he couldn't help but wonder if the fire that came from her hands or the way she teleported about was in fact magic. Throughout his entire life, Snake had been a realist, perhaps a bit too much of one. Was it magic? What was so unique about her physiology that allowed her to do most of the things that she did? For a human, it was impossible. Yet, considering she had the ears of an elf, it was easy to assume that she was not human to begin with. It was clear that Snake should not have been this interested on a such a matter.

Yet... he was.

While the Smash Bros Core had been in commission for eight years and Snake had only been a full-time member for one, his reputation spread at an alarming rate. Naturally, it had gotten to where no one questioned the man. Link, normally known for his boundless courage, also fell into this category. The elf always kept a cool head around the spy, but naturally, he couldn't help but cringe at the thought of what Snake was truly capable of.

Despite this, however, Zelda always came to his side, not fearful in the slightest. Snake's growl could frighten the largest bear, his glare could be one associated with death, but that never stopped Zelda. Where everyone else had avoided him, she only got closer. Deep down, he was actually scared of her. Not of her magic or abilities, but of what she was doing to him. She made him feel different in a good way.

At least he hadn't seen her at all today. After what seemed like an eternity, Snake had finally reached the front door of the Smash Bros Core. He patted his pockets down, sighing lightly when he found his cigarettes in his front jacket pocket. Sadly, fear took a hold of the man when he noticed Zelda in the living quarters with the Mushroom Princess, Peach Toadstool. The pink-clad princess rambled on about how nice it was outside and how great the food smelled. It was apparent how excited she was about the gathering, and judging from the wide smile on Zelda's face, the feeling was mutual. Yet, as much as Snake wanted to leave, he felt himself drifting away into the woman's smile.

Now he definitely had to get away. Unfortunately, he daydreamed for just a moment. He had not the wherewithal to see that Peach had silently noticed him. She giggled softly, gave Zelda a simple nod, and walked away, thus leaving the brunette alone with the spy. Once Snake heard the conversation end abruptly, he proceeded to leave the premises without question.

"Hi, Snake," Zelda politely greeted, stopping the spy dead in his tracks.

He didn't respond. Luckily, he quickly recollected his cool and took a step outside, trying not to pay the princess any mind. Unfortunately, it was for naught, and Snake felt the chains of dread begin to pull at his spirit when he saw Zelda approaching him.

"Are you doing okay today?" she asked softly.

Again, he was quiet. He turned to glare at the innocent woman. It was heated and venomous all the same. Most people with a little sense would have ran at the sight. At least, that's what Snake was hoping for. Sadly, she was not affected in the least.

"I'm fine, Princess," he coldly answered.

With such a tone, most people would have shivered from the chill in his voice. Zelda didn't. In fact, she continued to close the distance between herself and the spy. Snake's heart began to beat at an erratic pace. Was he truly afraid of this woman?

"I'm glad to hear that," she nonchalantly replied. Before he knew it, she moved away. Snake sighed inwardly, feeling that he finally avoided a bad scenario. Unfortunately, it was a faint hope. "So, where are you going?"

Snake continued to hold his death glare in place. "Out."

Once again, it failed to affect the girl. "Mind if I come with you?"

Was this really happening?

"No," he stoically responded.

"Are you positive?" she asked, somewhat in a playful tone.

"Very," he harshly stated.

Her silence was a clear enough signal for the spy. He knew he had finally gotten to her. Unfortunately, his over-confidence proved to be his downfall. His hazel eyes wandered too far and caught sight of the woman's face. Instead of a frown and tear-felt expression, he was greeted with a smile. His mind started to play tricks on him, and for a moment's notice, Snake lost all clarity. He wanted to return the woman's smile with one of his own, but he regain his senses before it came to that.

To make matters worse, her smile continued to grow. "Are you completely sure?"

It couldn't be helped. Not even Solid Snake could find a way out of this situation. He shrugged his shoulders and let out a defeated sigh. "Fine... let's go."

Just a few seconds after she joined him, a harsh wind brushed against her exposed arms, causing the girl to shiver involuntarily. However, before she knew it, Snake took his jacket off and offered it to the woman without hesitation. What was an ignorable deed on his part, was a highly respectful act of chivalry to Zelda. Out of gratitude, the brunette stepped towards the man and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. While it was intended to be good, Snake in fact felt a bit worse than he previously had. No. That was lie. It was just a huge grandiose lie on his part, but he'd never admit it under his own power. He liked it. In fact, he'd go as far to say that he really liked it.

With time, he'd come to understand why Zelda was as fearless as she was. Unfortunately, for the time being, he'd have to sort this out with a very confused mindset. At least he'll have the most beautiful woman in the world by his side while he did so.

It's going to be a long walk...