The sun is low over the Gerudo Desert, casting the burnt orange dunes around them into shadows.
Midna reaches out, fingers delicately sweeping over his cheek, as if to draw him closer. Because after all she has said, all the horrible truths laid bare, she is waiting for him to abandon her. For who in their right mind would want to continue on with her? She, who is of an outcast people, shunned and hated by his world. She, who is descended from the wretches the goddesses abhorred enough to force into an entirely different realm. She, who the Spirits of Light mistrust as she wields a magic so ancient and dark that they seem sure it will corrupt her. She, who has dragged Link all over the kingdom, risking his life again and again, suffering injury and terror beyond what any man should have to stand. And yet…
"You'll come with me… won't you?" The words tumble from her lips, more desperate than she ever meant to allow.
Those crystal blue eyes widen minutely. "Of course, why wouldn't I?"
Her hand trembles against his skin.
Link smiles, leaning his head into her fingers. And then his own hand rises to cover hers. His lids drop, and the smile fades slightly.
"I'm not leaving you alone again." Again, she wants to ask? Her mind spinning to think of a time he has not been there protecting her, fighting for her. And just as she remembers his wolf form lying too still, bloodied and bruised after Zant's mistreatment, he turns within her grasp so that his lips press softly to her palm.
"No. Not again," he says simply. And Midna dissolves into his shadow, before she forgets that there are more important things to do than revel in the feel of his mouth against her skin.