Chapter I: Zelda

Another sleepless night. I've been tossing and turning for hours, trying to calm my mind enough to sink into the coma-like state we call sleep. But it just won't come to me.

I glance over at the clock. It's 3 AM, the dead of the night. I might as well stop trying. I walk over to the mirror. Casting Din's Fire, I hold up the fireball in my palm so it lights up my face. As usual, the brilliance of my diamond eyes is marred by dark circles. Sighing, I close my hand into a fist, the fireball winking out of existence. Walking back to my bed, I stare longingly at the window.

No. I told myself I'd never go up there again if I could help it.

But I can't help it. Climbing out the window and scaling the brick walls, I pull myself onto the roof of the Smash Mansion, the one place where I can truly be alone. I took a deep breath of the clean night air, a welcome change from my stuffy room. Even a room fit for a queen was nothing compared to the beauty and serenity of the night sky.

But as calm and beautiful as it was, I still couldn't sleep. Instead, I connected the stars into complex constellations, the ones I've been studying since my childhood. The Triforce, the Goddess Harp, the Spirit Flute. I saw new constellations too, that my friends taught me, ones that weren't visible in Hyrule. I let myself get lost in the faraway beauty of the stars, leaving all my troubles behind.

"Come here often, Princess?" A familiar voice chuckled, scaring me out of my wits.

"Link!"

"That's my name, Princess." He smirked

"Please. Call me Zelda." I told him. My heart was going a mile a minute...I've always been a blushing wreck around Link. Right when I need my royal air about me, it abandons me.

"Well what brings you up here, Zelda?" He grinned like a child who just got a bag of candy when he said my name.

Should I tell him? I know I can trust Link. No...I shouldn't be telling anyone. "I couldn't sleep." It's not a lie, but it's not the whole truth either.

Link sighed. He looked disappointed. "I've seen you here before." He said bluntly.

What?!

"You have...?" I trailed off uncertainly.

"Yes, Princess. Don't deny it." Link said seriously, the laughter in his eyes long gone.

"I'm not." I sniffed, feeling years buildup. "But I didn't know that anyone knew about it."

"Why do you come here in the middle of the night?" Link asked.

I shook my head mutely. I wouldn't say if I could avoid it...but would it really make a difference if someone knew? They could help me.

"Princess. Zelda, I mean. It's for your own good. Please tell me. Tell me, so that I can help you."

I could feel the tears building up in my eyes.

"Insomnia." I sobbed finally. "I have a horrible case of insomnia, and I'm so stressed I can barely sleep."

Link stared at me for a second, then, much to my surprise, wrapped me in a tight hug.

"I'm always here for you, Princess."

"Like I said. Call me Zelda. It's the least you deserve, after all you've done for Hyrule."

"Oh Zelda." Link chuckled. "I didn't do it for Hyrule. I did it for you."

"For me?"

"For you. Hyrule can sink into a fiery wasteland, as long as I have you by my side. I've been smitten with you since we met."

No way.

"You're just saying that to make me feel better." I accused mercilessly.

Link, being the jokester he was, took it all in good humor. "You wound me with your harsh words, Princess!" He exclaimed dramatically, with the hand over his heart. He immediately sobered up though. "I'm telling the truth, Princess. How everyone man on this Earth isn't enamored with you is truly a mystery."

"Why didn't you say sooner?"

Now Link was the one who clammed up.

"Link. Please tell me. If you're always here for me, then I'll always be here for you, too."

Links face was troubled. "You're a princess. I'm a commoner. We're in completely different worlds."

It was my turn to hug him. "Do you really think that matters to me, Link? I've liked you for the longest time now, and I pity anyone who tries to get in my way now."

Link smirked. "Oh really?"

I grinned back. "Really."

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*Cue romantic kiss I can't write to save my life*

Ahem...don't hate, appreciate.

6 more chapters on the way!