a/n; this was easier to do for some reason idk why. maybe because it's the 2nd chapter or because I've actually played both these characters' games. I was gonna make link mute but I don't have time to think of a way to progress a story with a mute character lol enjoy

llllll

Link/Peach

llllll

Her noble sky blue eyes were squinted with confusion as she restated the request she received into the form of questions.

"You need tips? For Kart racing?"

"Well, yeah... My skills there aren't as great as my skills here, and I would like some lessons from you personally," The Hero of Time, Link, answers awkwardly. He rubs the back of his neck as he continues, "I would ask Mario, but he's busy. I'd hate to ask him for something as small as this."

The pair could be located outside in the garden on a typical bright and sunny day. Link had asked to talk to Peach in privacy, thus no one else was there. She truly didn't know what to expect from her colleague, but this would be near the end of her list of assumptions.

"Are you saying Mario is above such small superfluous favors, but I am not?" She teases him, giving him a small soothing smile. The banter completely goes over the Hyrule Hero's head, as he assumes the princess is legitimately upset with him.

"Oh, excuse me, princess!" He solemnly apologizes, putting his hands up in a defensive manner, "I don't mean to degrade your position, I assume you wouldn't mind because I--"

With a giggle, she interrupts him; "Link, darling, I'm just joking.."

"...Oh."

With a small moment of silence behind them, they headed to the nearby racetrack.

It was specifically made for Captain Falcon and his Blue Falcon, for whenever he felt the need to test out his vehicle. Peach saw no problem using it and knew the speed racer wouldn't mind much.

Link sat in the stationary Standard Kart with Peach sitting behind him, on top of the Kart's seat. Peach's elegant snowy-gloved hands laid on the hylian's toned shoulders as she instructed him, somewhat flustering him.

"Okay, I assume you remember the basics?"

"Uh, yeah," Link nods.

"Wonderful," She pats his shoulders in a benevolent manner, "Let's have a test drive."

And so they went.

To say it went fluidly would be a lie, as Link's drifting and turning could use some work, but they had fun.

Whenever Link was able to stay on the track consistently, the wind flowed mercilessly against their faces. They both found it to be an exhilarating feeling, despite the rough treatment. Princess Peach's blonde locks and earrings danced through the air as she gripped onto his shoulders more firmly. Whenever they weren't laughing with ebullience, Peach informed Link of multiple ways to improve his karting prowess. He took all her notes to heart with a big smile, just enjoying her company. Peach would easily say the same.

Time flew, and before they knew it, the sun started to set and the sky filled with dusky shades of orange, red and brown. The Standard Kart comes to a smooth halt. Peach was the first to step out, heels clinging against the pavement as she fixed up her dress. Link watches her tidy up, as he steps out and speaks.

"We should, erm, do that again sometime. It was really fun."

"...I don't know," She crosses her arms, lips forming a pout as her blue eyes looked up into his own blue ones. She's teasing him again, putting on the same small soothing smile as before, "It might be beneath me as a princess, you know?"

Link blinked for a bit, but fortunately got the message this time and hit back.

He swept her right hand into his left, holding the magnificent gloved hand up with finesse and care, just as any hero would to their fair princess. The hylian's fingers caressed her delicate knuckles, with his lips pressing gently against them.

"I assure you, I don't believe our time together is beneath you."

This guy got moves.

Peach snickers as an almost noticeable blush spreads on her face, "I never expected teasing to come from you. You've always come off as... not too vocal."

Their hands leave each other as Link decides to let go, on the assumption that if he held it any longer he'd probably just embarrass himself.

"Will I learn this mysterious side of Hyrule's hero as we spend our time together?" Peach bats her eyelashes attractively.

"You'll have to stick around and find out."

And she did. They spend the rest of the day accompanying each other casually, they learned small things about each other that day. Peach learned that Link wasn't a big fan of chickens, but tolerated them. Sometimes, he even enjoyed feeding them. Peach thought the fact was pretty cute, coming from a hero like Link.

The two had a great time together, becoming even closer than ever. As they parted ways, they both acknowledged that they would definitely have to do this more often.