Needs
Sometimes it was hard to ignore the slip ups Link did.
Sometimes he had to step out for a moment.
And sometimes he just wanted to give up.
But then he would remember that expression when he pried too deeply.
And he knew if he gave up, that face would haunt his memories for the rest of his days.
.xxx.
While Link never did take up his offer, Kafei was not surprised.
Link did not do things for himself.
He always did things for others, but when others offered to do things for him he declined politely, and soon people stopped offering. Because they knew better. Some did jokingly comment on it, saying they would offer to do something but they knew the answer anyway. Perhaps it was still their way to offer and yet not be declined. To let Link know that they cared. That the offer was still there.
But Kafei knew he need not offer again. Link knew that he was there. For whenever Link needed him, he was there.
He did think it was odd that Link never asked for things, that Link never used the words "want" or "need" when it came to himself.
What person didn't want anything?
What person didn't need anything?
Nobody else noticed such things (although Kafei never did bring the exact topic up either. Sure, he sometimes brought Link into a conversation of wants, but everybody just shrugged it off. "Link's more selfless than selfish." They reasoned.
But they also didn't see what he sees.
They don't see the sadness that he knows is real. They don't see the smiles that he knows are feigned.
They don't see the emptiness hidden on the inside.
They don't want to see.
They were just children.
They couldn't see.
.+++.
No matter how hard he tried, Kafei could never figure out whether or not Link really needed or wanted anything. For gifts were given back with a shake of a head and a statement of that it was not necessary.
Which was a truth.
As if Link knew exactly how to avoid his gaze.
Even if he kept searching for it.
Some days it was a game, and others Link didn't even put an effort into it.
Where Kafei would hide his eyes somehow, and Link struggle to keep their gazes locked.
Or he'd just close his eyes and not try.
He liked the good days. He liked seeing Link laugh. He liked seeing Link smile and giggle.
It made him laugh, it made him giggle. It made him smile. It made him happy…
He didn't like seeing that coldness in Link's eyes.
It made him cold inside.
.+++.
It was winter, and once again they were playing that stupid, silly game that they enjoyed.
But something was different. The way Link froze when he moved a certain way. Worried, Kafei moved the hair away from his eye and leaned in, pulling down his scarf. "Link? Are you alright?"
Those blue eyes closed and Link took a few breaths. "Y-Yeah… I'm fine."
He sighed and placed his hand on Link's shoulder. "You certain you don't want anything to help?"
A lower lip was bitten and nibbled on, as if the blond-haired teen was contemplating something.
"Actually…" He started – and Kafei waited. Finally! Something Link wanted! "There… is something I do want…" He leaned in a little bit towards his friend.
"Wha—" Kafei didn't even have the chance to ask.
Link kissed him.
.xxx.
"I need you."
And so would those words.