Author's Note:
This fanfic is of course inspired by Sex And The City but it still is original in the sense that I am not copying any plot lines from the show and that this is the only story of its kind in the Zelda section of fanfic.net (True? I hope so...). Also you don't have to watch the show to read this fic.
This is rated R and intended for only mature readers. Though I think I won't go into as much... how shall I say, bedroom affairs as the show does (Sex And The City concentrates on the girls' sex lives, my fic will focus on the dating aspect more), I will no doubt be mentioning it. Plus be prepared for some foul language! Yesa!
This is somewhat like an alternate universe fic because Ganon was never sent to the Sacred Realm (Hey I had to find some way to hook him and Nabby up didn't I?). Also they have televisions, phones, laundry mats, etc. Possible relationships are Z/L and N/G.
So sit back ~ relax ~ and enjoy the show! (Shhh! No talking!)
1
2 The Singles
By *Jasmine*
*
Relationships may be hard; at times they can be downright painful. There is only one thing worse than sticking it out through all the tough times and that's *not* sticking it out. Yes, I'm talking about the dreaded break up. Whether your ex dumped you or vice versa, you were going out for a year or maybe just a week (Or in the case of some of my less prouder moments, all of happy hour), it is still painful. But maybe this little guide I have can help you to know the different phases of post break-up that you will experience. My friends and I have come up with a rather accurate system of stages we typically go through after a relationship has bit the dust and they are as follows:
Stage 1 – Regret. Remember how when you were a child and your parents would get in a fight? Usually it would end with your mother sobbing and saying she was sorry. Often we end up blaming ourselves for problems in the relationship, even if the past girl or boyfriend was, simply put, an ass. "If only I hadn't been so needy/tried to change him/ hated his mother. Then we'd never have broken up". We laden ourselves with guilt trips, mulling over every little encounter and fight to find something we did wrong. Sometimes though we should just let go of the past, there is nothing we can change about it, and take comfort in the fact that your ex is probably suffering just as much as you are (Or hopefully more).
Stage 2 - Denial. Many people feel after being broken up with are those stupid delusions we wish deep down would come true (And sometimes we believe will come true). How many times have you thought after another creep broke your heart "O we'll be back together tomorrow. I'll see him in the deli/mall/opera and he'll realize how much he misses me". Sickening fantasies of the two of you running through a field of flowers and straight into each other's arms, accompanied by slow sappy music and all, may fill your head. You may even go so far as to plan a trip to the laundry mat just to *accidentally* bump into your ex in hopes of rekindling your lost flame. And, women, we've all received at one time or another a late night message on our machine from a rather intoxicated ex were he slurs that he still loves you and wants to get back together before he hangs up the phone to go puke and then pass out. Whatever you do or dream about doing, it often results in failed attempts and even further pain. The fact is, as much as movies and romantic novels tell us otherwise, a break up is usually final. Nothing, besides maybe a glass of wine, can soften that fact.
Stage 3 – Misery. Ah yes, and now we're at the last, and final stage – all- powerful grief. Do you remember that old saying, "Misery loves company"? Well I'm here now to tell you it's a *lie*. The best thing to do after a break-up is to stay home, hole up like a hermit, and just wallow for a while. Some people think they need to move on and bite back their tears, but how can you ever get past your sadness if you don't face it head on? Rent a good chick/testosterone flick (The kind you could never watch with your boy/girlfriend), eat ice cream, and shred all the remaining pictures of you together, were you looked happy and he/she looked sexy. Make time for your misery and then, after you've had a good cry, move on. After all, there's another relationship waiting for you to cry over.
~ Princess Zelda
2.1.1 "Episode Two: Ex - Ed"
Zelda sat alone cross-legged on her ivory sofa, dressed in a pair of stripped slacks and a white button down shirt. The noon sun illuminated her apartment and high rafters, giving the sparse loft a very ethereal feel to it. Her brown leather messenger bag lay sprawled out on the glossy wood floor and her cordless phone lay several inches from the young woman. Zelda stared at it for a solid moment, keeping her distance as if it was some sort of traceless bomb. Then gathering up her courage, the slender Princess raised her chin in determination and grasped the phone. She pushed a strand of long flaxen hair behind her ear and pressed down the speed dial button, silently praying he wouldn't pick up.
Finally there was a click on the end of the line and a strong low male voice could be heard, "Hello, you've reached Bronton."
Zelda's pale blue eyes went wide and obviously she was less sure of herself than she thought because she spoke in a quivering voice, mentally slapping herself for sounding so weak, "Hey Bronton. It's me, Zelda."
There was a visible change in the mood of her ex and he exclaimed, surprised and almost giddily, "Zelda! How are you?"
"Fine. I'm just calling to thank you for the flowers you sent me. They're beautiful," she replied, glancing over at the bouquet of large white roses, all blooming, on her coffee table.
Bronton said, "O yea, well my secretary sent them. It seems you were still on my date book as a person to send congratulation roses too..."
Zelda's mouth gaped open as she replied, "O..." Her heart did a sky dive and plummeted to the pit of her stomach. So these flowers weren't from Bronton as a sign of his undying love for her, a way of saying he wanted her back. No, they were from his old secretary, Mrs. Basely. Just *peachy*. After a long pause, Zelda finally managed to say, "So your secretary sent them. Of course." She mentally slapped herself again for being such an idiot in thinking Bronton would even care about her anymore.
"Of course what?" the man across the line asked.
The Princess shook her head and sighed, "Uh nothing. Look I have to - " She desperately wanted to hang up the phone and bury her head in the couch cushions.
"Zelda, I'm having this big party at my loft on Thursday. I know its short notice but I'd really like you to come," Bronton suddenly spluttered.
Zelda didn't know what to say. "Uh..." was her most intelligent reply. A party for what? To celebrate their breakup? She could just imagine him toasting with his buddies, laughing about finally getting rid of the ol' ball-and-chain.
Bronton added a little nervously, "It will only be a small thing, friends and drinks. I'd really like you to come though. As, you know, a friend of course..."
The young woman's mind fumbled with the idea of going to his party. She had to bring someone along for emotional support; she couldn't face Bronton alone, not after the way they'd left things on such bad terms. "Would you mind if I brought someone with me?" she inquired.
"O..." came the voice over the line, tinged with an unreadable emotion. "Sure, you can bring a date."
Zelda said softly, "Not a date - just someone."
Bronton seemed to grow a little more enthusiastic, "Ok, we always have room for more people. All right Zel, I have to go now but I'll see you Thursday right?" He used his pet name for her, the one he said when they sat snuggling together, when he'd touch her hair, when he'd smile at her. Goddesses, she hated that nickname right now.
"Ya Thursday. Bye Bronton," she said and then listened as he clicked off the phone. Zelda looked down at the phone and began to dial another number.
*
Link padded out of his bathroom, his strong chest and shoulders glistening from a moist shower. His blond hair lay in soggy tendrils on his forehead and a terry cloth towel was wrapped low on his waist. His apartment was very large, much bigger than that tree house he'd been living in when he was a boy, and it was paid for by the royal family after he'd offered to protect the Princess. The floors were all polished wood and there were tall windows with long curtains, the rafters however were burnished steel, giving his loft a decisively male feel.
Suddenly the phone rang and he walked over to his end table, little droplets of water falling to bead against the floor. Lifting the phone to his ear he said, in typical Link fashion, "Ello?"
"Go to a party with me on Thursday," came the rushed, urgent voice of a familiar female.
Link raised a thick gilded eyebrow and responded dryly, "Hey Zelda. It's good hearing from you too."
The girl on the other line gave a sigh and he was sure she was rolling her eyes at this moment, "I'm serious Link. Please please *please* go to this party with me on Thursday."
The young man asked suspiciously, "Why do you want me to go? We've never gone to a party before together."
Zelda grumbled, "Ugh ok I see your going to force me to confess."
"Hey if you want me to go its gonna cost you. Now spill the beans, dirty Harry," Link replied cheekily.
The Princess began, "You remember those flowers I got on Monday? Well they were from this guy Bronton, who I dated for almost a year..."
Link interrupted abruptly, "How come I never heard about him?"
Zelda responded, "You know we never tell each other the specifics of our love lives. To protect the identities of the innocent and all that."
"O yea true. Go on," the Hero of Time said.
The blonde haired woman continued, "Well we broke up 40 days ago..."
Again however she was interrupted by Link as he asked, amused, "You keep count?"
"Yes! Now may I proceed?" Zelda exclaimed irately and, he was sure, rolled her eyes for the second time.
"Sorry. Go ahead," Link apologized.
The Princess went on telling her plight, "He dumped me because he said we were getting too involved and he didn't want to get tied down just then. So anyway I called him back just now to thank him for the flowers - as a normal, polite person kinda thing and not an ex girlfriend looking for a chance to talk to her old flame kinda thing - and he completely surprised me with an invitation to his party. You know I can't show up alone to this bash and look like a loser in front of my old boyfriend..."
The young man ran a hand through his tousled wet hair and asked with a chuckle, "So you want revenge on the poor bastard huh?"
He could almost hear the sadistic, evil-genius grin slide over Zelda's beautiful face as she replied, "Exactly, show no mercy. And I plan to do that by arriving, looking simply radiant and sexy..."
"Accompanied by a sexy escort of course," Link added.
Zelda said jokingly, "Uh something like that... So will you help me out here Link? I know you don't like the parties I go to but will you do me this one, itsy-bitsy favor? We can go strictly as friends." It was true that Link did not like the galas Zelda and her friends went to, thrown by fashion editors and the like. They were always stuffed with snobby high- society types who probably never drank a beer in their lives and survived entirely on sushi.
Link let out an exasperated sigh, knowing he couldn't refuse Zelda even if he tried, and begrudgingly responded, "Fine. But you owe me so big for this one."
"Yes! Thank you so much! You are the best!" the Princess practically shrieked.
The Hero of Time cringed and said, "I know, I know. I expect your first born to be named after me now."
Zelda laughed and blabbered happily, "Ok, I'll do my best but at the rate I'm going that won't occur until the next millennium. O and Link, wear those black slacks with that dark blue shirt, it really brings out your eyes. No sandals, they just scream poor young college student. Pick me up at eight and don't be late, o ya and bring me a rose, a red one! Now I have to go shopping for something to wear so bye bye!" Then, finishing her whirlwind of words, the young woman hung up the line, busy no doubt by planning every detail of her outfit and what exactly she would say to her ex.
Link pulled the phone from his ear and scratched his head in confusion. What had he just agreed to? He knew somehow though, whatever it was, he'd end up regretting it.
*
Nabooru was running down a path that wound its way through the green landscape, her breath rhythmic and loud in her ears. The sun shown golden and vivid above upon Hyrule Park, as the young woman passed trees and a child chasing her puppy. The tan Gerudo wore tight black running pants and a sweatshirt; her long crimson hair was tied back into a sweeping ponytail that swished with her movements. She wasn't really thinking of anything, this was her release from all the stress of the day. Running was like her own private sanctuary.
She was falling into a nice pace when a man suddenly saddled up to the side of her, running along with her. At first she didn't bother glancing over at him, hoping he'd go away.
However he didn't and finally said cheerfully, "Hi. Nice weather we're having today huh?"
Nabooru chanced a look in his direction and noticed how strikingly handsome he was. The man had short red hair that was combed back neatly and piercing dark eyes that looked at her and held a hint of mischief and arrogance. He had the look of an older mature man without looking too old, he was probably somewhere around twenty-eight or so. He was tall, olive skinned, and well built under that expensive business suit he wore; he looked as if he was no stranger to a gym. The young woman gave a small smirk and said as if she didn't even hear his previous statement, "Do you always jog in a suit and tie?"
Without missing a step, the man began to reply, "No -"
Nabooru finished his sentence with a bit of cynicism, "Just when you want to hit on women then?" If he thought she was going to be some simple giggling nitwit he could easily pick up with a one liner then he had another thing coming.
The handsome man gave her a mock shocked, aghast look and said, "I'm personally offended! How dare you accuse me of abusing my runner's integrity!" Then a dashing smile overcame his features and he chuckled, "My names Ganondorf Dragmire by the way." He outstretched a hand to her in an offer of greetings but she ignored it entirely.
"My name's Nabooru," the red headed woman said and kept up her pace, looking ahead.
Ganondorf pointed over at a tall grey building jutting out against the skyline and said, "I work in that legal building over there and I always see you running during my lunch break. I decided I had to stop admiring you from afar and just talk to you one time, Nabooru."
Nabooru inquired, seemingly unimpressed, "So you're a lawyer then huh?"
"Yup, sad but true," the tall man sighed and then asked, "So what do you do, mystery woman?"
The woman smirked and didn't even spare him a glance. "I only just met you and you expect me to give you my whole life story?" she retorted snidely. She knew exactly how she was coming off and it could be summed up in one word: bitch. Not that she cared; all she wanted to do was jog.
Ganondorf seemed surprisingly undaunted by Nabooru's coldness towards him. He laughed and admitted, "No. All I really want to know, to be honest, is if you're single."
Nabooru gave a smug chuckle and said sarcastically, "Hm you certainly are subtle, aren't you?"
"You didn't answer my question..." the lawyer said, with a smile that showed he was just as stubborn as Nabooru could be.
The red head picked up her pace and yet he just matched suit. In frustration the woman huffed, "Yes I am single, if you must know."
"Join me for drinks tonight," Ganondorf suddenly said.
Nabooru turned her head fully to him for the first time, looking incredulous at the man. "Excuse me?" she asked in surprise.
The man gave her a sincere look and repeated, "Join me for drinks tonight. You're single, I'm single, and I'd really like to get to know you." Then a soft half-smile creased over his lips, so very honest and attractive that Nabooru was disgusted to find herself melting for him. "So join me for drinks tonight please."
Nabooru stared at him for a moment before turning her head again and increasing her jog even more until she was at a moderate run now. "Look you seem like a really good guy, Ganondorf, but I'm not looking to date right now, especially with a man I don't even know. Thanks for the offer but I'm going to have to decline," she uttered bitterly.
Ganondorf knew he could keep up with her but what was the point if she only wanted to run away? He gave it one more chance as he called while slowing to a stop, "Who hurt you?"
The young woman halted almost immediately, digging her sneakered heels into the pavement. She turned around to give him an annoyed glance and snorted, "Wow. You really are the master of abrupt statements aren't you?"
The man continued, "You just seem really defensive, like someone hurt you in the past."
"I don't think that's any of your business - " Nabooru said firmly, though her amber eyes gave him his answer, that she had indeed been hurt. In fact, she'd been killed. By the man who she'd once given her heart to and the only one she'd ever said, "I love you" to. What had all her devotion gotten her? A slap in the face, that's what. He'd ended up cheating on her with some woman and it had killed her. She didn't want that to ever happen again.
Ganondorf interrupted her and his tone was somewhat gentle, as if he too had been there before, "... And if someone did I just want to say you shouldn't write every male off as an asshole because one guy was before. It's just a drink, no tricks, no obligations. Just give me a chance."
The tall, tan skinned woman met his eyes, the depthless black orbs, and found something faint there to trust. Maybe he was right; maybe she had to give the male race another chance. She'd been alone for far too long anyway, and some part of her wanted to say yes to this charismatic man. "... Fine. But just drinks and nothing more," she finally relinquished.
A perfect grin overcame the handsome man's face and he nodded his head of fiery red hair. "That's all I ask. Meet me at McCoy's at eight," he replied joyously.
Nabooru smiled herself and asked incredulously, "Do you always ask random women out that you pick up in parks?"
Ganondorf gave her a swoon-worthy wink and drawled, "Just the ones who are exquisitely beautiful and look like they could be interesting." Then he turned and began to walk away. "See you at eight, Nabooru. You better not stand me up!" the man called over his shoulder as he crossed a rolling hill and was lost from sight.
The young woman watched him go. He seemed like he had a bit of a player streak in him, capable of one-night stands. There was also a side to him she found very alluring; self-confident, courageous, and yet gentle at the same time. What was the harm in a drink anyway? She told herself.
*
Night ebbed over the city quickly, sealing it in a dark veil of stars. The swollen moon hung up high, bathing the buildings in a luminescent glow. The streets of Hyrule were unusually silent; people all clamoring within bars or at late night dinner parties. Two lone souls made their way down a cold sidewalk, side by side, their footsteps echoing eerily against the cement.
Zelda hobbled along in tall platform sandals that tied at the ankle, she was adorned in a short tailored suede jacket and a floral patterned chiffon dress, that reached just about mid thigh to reveal long creamy legs, floating over her slender frame. Her long blonde hair was pulled half up and a piece was plaited into a braid, to give her that sort of hippie look so chic this season. She glanced over at Link and a smile spread over her beautiful face, decorated in minimalist makeup. "Hey, I didn't say this earlier but I'm impressed Link. You actually look very suave tonight," she said in admiration.
Link walked beside her and what she said was very true. He was wearing the outfit she had so adamantly suggested, the black pants and dark blue shirt that matched the color of his opalescent eyes. His hair was still a bit disheveled though but it simply added to his charm. "Thanks. You look very beautiful too," he said as he looked over at her and she thought she saw him blush a pale pink. Then he hastily added, "So how long are we going to stay for?"
"No more than an hour. I just want to make a brief but stunning entrance and then leave," the Princess replied. "Goddesses, I'm freezing! I swear, the things I do in the name of revenge," she exclaimed and hugged her arms to herself, suddenly aware how thin this jacket really was.
The young blond man put a comforting arm around her and pulled Zelda a little closer to him. "Yes but think of the look on this Bronton guy's face when he sees you, hand in hand of course with most handsome man at the party," he joshed lightly and got her laughing. He was so close he could smell her sweet delicate perfume and her hair brushed his cheek gently.
"I hope he dies when he sees us," she admitted with a slight giggle.
Before they knew it, and Zelda was fully prepared, they had come to Bronton's apartment complex. Being as successful as he was in the advertising business, her ex had actually come to own the whole building, giving him more space to throw a great party that would no doubt be talked about for weeks after. They stood before his door and could hear music blasting from inside, mixed with laughter. Zelda gulped, "You do it." So without a word of reply, Link reached over and gave the wood a solid knock, unsure if they would even be able to hear it over the din.
Surprisingly, and to Zelda's dismay, after a moment the door opened all the way, allowing bright light to pour out and the noise to fully wash over them. A man, medium in stature, stood in front of them. He had a mane of full brown hair and thick defined eyebrows that gave him a very manly, exotic appearance, his eyes were a sharp green color that sparkled and became electric. His skin was pale and he dressed in a designer outfit of a thin grey sweater and black slacks, making him appear as if he himself had just come from a clothing advertisement. He gave a big brilliant grin and said, upon viewing the blonde before him, "O hello Zelda! Its so nice of you to come!"
The Princess stood there, dumbstruck. She thought she was over him, but why then was she seeing him now in slow motion, as he placed a warm hand firmly on her shoulder? What was wrong with her; why was her heart racing? Her pallid cerulean eyes were locked with his and she couldn't shift them. Zelda finally managed to stammer out, "H-Hi Bronton..."
They stood like this for a long minute before Link elbowed her slightly and cleared his throat. Zelda broke their gaze then to glance over at Link and she said humbly, "Uh yes and this is my friend, Link."
Bronton looked over at Link and offered him a vigorous handshake. "Hello Link. Any friend of Zelda is a friend of mine. Please come in," he said warmly and moved from the doorway to allow them entrance. The Princess could see Link giving her a hard, confused look out of the corner of her eye but she pretended to disregard it.
They could see women all in expensive fashion and dripping with jewelry standing around chatting with friends and potential bedmates later on. The lighting was soft yet a stark contrast to the darkness of the outdoors and blaring jazz music played from a stereo system.
As they moved their way through the crowd, following Bronton's lead, Link grabbed Zelda's arm and she turned to face him. "What was that? I thought we agreed I was supposed to be your boyfriend for the night?" he whispered and glared at her in anger.
The young woman averted her eyes, feeling a bit of guilt for finding herself falling for Bronton again, and shrugged, "I changed my mind..."
Link's eyes were wide now and he inquired in puzzlement, "What ever happened to getting your fair revenge?"
Zelda glanced back at him now and bite her soft pink lip. "Link, just go get me a drink already ok?" she said and then turned to follow Bronton into the congested room.
The young man stood there watching her go before clenching his jaw in rage and storming over to the drink bar. She had made him go to this boring party and now she was ditching him? He decided though to stick it out, maybe it wasn't entirely Zelda's fault, after all everyone acts weird around their ex. He got them both a Gin and Tonic and then began to walk back to were Zelda was.
The Princess had already disposed of her jacket in a closet and was standing before Bronton, batting her lashes and flirting unabashedly. She flipped her golden hair and was telling some story that obviously had the man in an uproar. Link approached her and said, "Zelda, here's your drink."
The young woman turned to him and took the drink without even really looking at him. "Thanks," she weakly acknowledged before facing Bronton again, smiling charmingly, "... So anyway, were was I?"
Link found himself unable to control his anger anymore and he silently fumed. She was ignoring him and there was also something else infuriating him, he couldn't deny it pained him to see Zelda flirting with another man. "I'm going home," he gritted flatly.
Zelda actually heard this statement and glanced in his direction. "Link, what's the matter? Is everything ok?" she asked in general concern.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just go back to telling your story and I'll see you later," he responded coldly but she knew him long enough to recognize that storm cloud in his intense blue eyes. Then he turned and pushed his way through the crowd.
*
Drake sat on his thickly padded chair, the reading lamp glowing beside him to give off golden light and chase away the lonesome shadows that stayed skulking in the corners. Drake was an impressive looking man with light brown hair and amber eyes flecked with gold. His physique was moderately built and adorned in a comfortable pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, worn loafers on his feet. His apartment was slightly on the smaller side but well furnished, obviously by an interior decorator since everyone knows guys can't furnish a room to save their lives (^_~).
The sound of a key turning in the lock echoed out across the silent tranquil room, bolts gritting against bolts, and Drake looked up to the doorway. He called, "Malon, is that you?"
A young woman entered, long crimson hair glimmering in the sparse light, and she wore a white windbreaker lined with a rim of faux fur and khaki pants. Her smile shown even in the darkness and she hurriedly dropped her shopping bags on the ground, placing Drake's apartment key that he had given her into her pocket. As she unzipped her jacket, she said in her sweet caring voice, "Yes, honey. I hope you don't mind I came over for a visit but I was close by, shopping, and I decided I wanted to pay my baby a visit."
The young man was grinning as he replied, "Of course I don't mind. It was getting pretty boring over here without you anyway."
Malon eagerly let her coat slide off to join her bags strewn on the floor and then walked over to where Drake was, sitting on his lap with her legs draped over his arm and he wound his other arm around her waste. She wrapped her slender arms around his neck and looked into his handsome face, her affection shinning in her dark eyes. "How was your day?" she inquired.
"All right, the stock market is having a good run..." Drake said and then, rubbing her back with his warm touch, he sighed, "I missed you though."
The young woman nodded slightly and said, "I know. I missed you too."
She sat there staring into his eyes and he could see a million feelings all flashing in her. They sat like this for a moment before Drake, silently frightened of what he was almost sure was to follow, questioned with a feigning look of mock happiness on his face, "What are you thinking about, dear?"
Malon kept his gaze as she replied softly, "That I love you."
Drake said nothing in answer, his smile already disappearing from his lips, and he shifted his gaze a bit, as if he too was in thought.
"I knew you weren't going to say anything back," the young red head whispered softly and a sheen overcame her beautiful deep eyes.
Malon's boyfriend tried to comfort her and explain himself at the same time, "Malon, its not that I don't care for you. It's just... I'm not ready yet to say that." There was a hint of guilt in his voice, regret that Drake couldn't be that perfect boyfriend that she so desperately wanted.
The young woman said with a deep breath, holding back tears, "I understand."
Drake's smile returned slightly and he said in a relieved tone, "Good because I care for you so much, Malon. I know in time I'll be able to say it, but if I said it now it would be a lie and I can't do that to you."
Malon looked away, the golden light caressing the gentle curves of her smooth pale cheek. "I care for you too Drake. That's why I'm finding it impossible to do what I'm about to do..." she responded and her voice was trembling uncontrollably. She took a deep breath and willed herself to continue, "But I have to. We are at two different places in our lives right now and I don't see this working. I'm ready to say those three words and you aren't, I'm ready for a real commitment and your not."
"Are... Are you breaking up with me?" the young man asked, his grip on her falling away in shock.
"I think so," the red head said softly and rose from his lap. Walking over to her bags, she put her coat back on and the collected up her shopping bags. Malon looked towards Drake sitting there in the chair and a tear streaked down the white map of her flesh, no matter how intensely she tried to hold back her sorrow, knowing it would be hard enough on Drake as it was without seeing her break down as well. Even if she was falling apart inside. "I'm sorry, Drake," she said and turned to leave the apartment.
As Malon got the door open, the young man called to her, "I ... I love you Malon!" But there was an urgency and unsure quaking to his tone that made her know he had said that because he knew that's what she wanted to hear and not because he truly felt it. He'd said a lie that she'd so desperately wanted to hear but now it sounded so false, hollow.
Malon walked out of the door.
*
Most of the guests had left already, stumbling back out into the chilled night air to hail cabs and head off to their beds. Zelda had stayed, scarcely noticing anything but the way Bronton's eyes glittered as they spoke and that handsome smile that he flashed so readily. They talked together for almost the whole party; barely realizing anyone even existed in the fringes of their self-absorbed world. Now they stood together in the hall; a drink, still yet to be touched, held relaxed in the young woman's hand as she leaned back against the wall and he stood with his arm out by her shoulder, his body dangerously close to hers. They were laughing over matters of the past when finally Zelda looked over at the wall clock and sighed.
"Its nearly one. I'd better start home before they change the doorman and I have to deal with that rude old woman again. Goddesses, with a face like hers, you'd think she would come to realize inner beauty was all she has left," the young woman sighed but she didn't make any effort to move, caught within his gaze like a fly trapped in amber.
Bronton chuckled and seemed enchanted by Zelda, as he always had been when they were together. An eager excited look overcame his handsome face and he suddenly said, "Would you like to dance with me, Zelda?"
The young woman seemed surprised, as if up until now she hadn't even heard the soft jazz music beckoning to them in the den. She was unable to answer; she so desperately wanted to dance with him but it didn't seem right, like it was a forbidden activity. After all, dancing was a 'couples' activity, and as far as she knew they were no longer a couple. "I... I don't know," she managed to stammer in response.
He gave her that charming smile that she was unable to resist and her heart thumped as every sense in her tingled when his hand gently brushed against her lower arm. "Please. For old times sake, will you?" Bronton inquired with a glint of mischief and yearning in his voice.
"Ok," was all the Princess could reply demurely and allowed him to lead her out of the hallway and into a dimly lit room, where the stereo was hidden away in. She felt so pathetic, as if she was playing the role of a submissive puppy, but then again that's how he made her feel – weak. Zelda hated it and yet felt comforted by the fact that for a time she didn't have to be the strong, sassy young woman everyone knew her as.
Bronton went to the center of the room and took her easily into his arms, as if he knew every curve of her long, slender body. They meshed so good together, his hands falling around her waist and her arms draped over his shoulders, like one continues sculpture of welded flesh. They moved together, her following his lead in a gentle rocking rhythm to the soft jazz playing. Nothing else really seemed to exist, besides each other and the beating of their hearts.
"Goddesses, this brings back so many memories," the young man whispered into her silky hair. "Remember the last time we danced like this, at The Juice Bar?"
His words brought a hesitant smile to Zelda's lush pink lips and she giggled a bit as she said, "How could I forget! You were practically wasted and all of a sudden you jumped up on a table. Everybody was cheering and you pulled me up with you to dance..."
Bronton laughed as well and shook his head gently. "The table was slippery from a spilled drink and, like an idiot, I lost my footing. We fell to the ground..." he chuckled.
Now the Princess was fully immersed in a nostalgic reminiscence and held him closer, her soft words finishing his sentence, "- But you let me land on you." Her pale blue eyes held faint traces of a past happiness she remembered now and yearned for, as if wanting to taste it on her tongue again.
"Yea I remember, that hurt like the Dark Realm," the young handsome man said with a playful smile on his face. He too could remember so vividly the warmth that her love had once brought to him.
Zelda said quietly, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Bronton said and pulled back a bit so that he was looking directly into her face, "It was worth it." His voice was so sincere and seductive.
Their faces were so close now that she was sure at any moment they might end up kissing. The Princess felt lost in his smile, in their memories... And yet she knew this wasn't right, she was opening up old wounds. She had to leave now or she never would be able to. "I... I have to go," she finally whispered in a quivering voice before quickly breaking from his magnetic grasp and running out of the room, out of his loft.
The cold air was sobering and rushed over her flushed cheeks, drying the sheen in her pale eyes. She hurried down his cement steps in her high sandals and Bronton followed out the door, staying up on the highest stoop.
"I'm still stuck on you!"
His words froze Zelda in place, her mouth agape. The statement hadn't so much surprised her in its abruptness, but the fact that he had just said in five little words what she had been feeling all this time. She still wasn't over him and she knew it. The young woman turned and asked, "W-What?"
His green eyes studied her as he went on, a bit of a blush on his cheeks, "I didn't want it to come out like that, but I am. I can't stop thinking about you Zelda, I miss what we had. I... I don't know what to do anymore."
A strand of blonde hair fell in her face by a gust of cold, night air. "I thought you didn't want to be tied down?" she inquired, trying to hide her expression of longing by the dancing shadows cast along the sidewalk.
"I thought so too. Until I realized without you I have nothing. I'd rather be tied down then live without you," he said in honesty.
The girl could feel a tear threatening to fall now from the corner of her eye, even as she willed it not to. "I don't want you to live with being committed to me, I want you to *want* it," Zelda responded and the distance between them seemed to grow into miles.
Bronton shook his head gently and said, "I don't know what to say then." He was at an utter loss over the whole situation.
Zelda suddenly became aware that this whole time Bronton and her had been in stage two of a break-up: denial. It was over and yet here they were, trying to join together two completely different people who no longer knew one another. She could feel the last of her resolve breaking up and, not wanting to fall down into sobs here, she said softly, "There isn't anything to say..." Then she turned to leave and put him behind her, put all those happy, cherished memories behind her.
"You're just going to leave then? We have a past together, Zel," he called to her once more, wanting desperately to make her stay. He was scared of being without her, being haunted by the ghosts of her smile and laughter.
The young woman stopped and looked to Bronton. The moonlight glimmered along the wet slippery track of a falling tear against the white map of her face as she gave him a sympathetic, melancholy look. "I know..." she whispered and then went on, a new strength suddenly found in her trembling words, "But I know too that somewhere along the lines we lost sight of each other and grew apart. As hard as it is to face, we don't want the same things anymore.... The past was glorious and wonderful and I was my happiest when I was with you, I admit, Bronton... But there is a future out there too somewhere..." Zelda gave him a gentle, tear-stained smile and finished, "And I know somehow I'll get unstuck."
Then the Princess turned and finally, truly left. She walked on so quickly it seemed as if she was slowly running, sprinting away from him and their history... But even as she tried, she knew that it wouldn't be that easy, it would take time to forget Bronton. It would be hard, but she could do it.
The night street went by in a blur, clouded in tears. Zelda's apartment was only five blocks from Bronton's and she flew the whole way home, distracted by thoughts and worries and emotions. When she finally did come to her own complex she hurried by the doorwoman, who gave her a knowing look and for once didn't make a sarcastic remark at her, and up the stairs.
Tears came now and she found it hard to walk, the sobs finally ebbing over her. She was alone and finally able to humor her sadness, let it wash over her. Zelda stopped in the hallway, knowing her doorway was only a few steps away, and pressed her back against the wall. She brought a shaking hand to her face and murmurs of grief left her lips as she cried.
"Zelda? Is that you?"
The young woman pulled her hand away and looked over at the young man, sitting on her stairs, through a veil of tears. She asked in surprise, still the pain was in her voice, "What are you doing here?"
Link was too far away to see the sheen of tears on her damp cheeks nor the way she shook with each breath, the hallways darkness cloaking her in mystery. "I left and I'm sorry. I should have stayed," he said to her in solemn apology.
Zelda swallowed down her sobs as she said softly and in disbelief, "But... I was a bitch to you." It was true and she became aware of how much she had hurt her friend as she was drowned in her own self absorbed sea.
"I know but so what? I should have handled it. Beside you were around your ex, everyone acts different around a past girlfriend or boyfriend... I know it was probably rough and I should have been there for you but I wasn't..." the blonde man shrugged and then peered at the woman in the shadows, trying to get a better look at her. "Hey, where's your jacket?" he inquired in confusion.
The Princess came into the light of the hallway window, cold metallic light washing her in a melancholy blue, and she went over to sit beside Link on the steps. "I was a bitch to you - and you waited up for me," she mumbled to him, puzzled by his caring. Why had she never seen how kind he could be? Why was it like she was now staring into his intense azure eyes for the first time in her life?
The young man looked perplexed as he raised a strong hand to gently stroke a tear away with his rough thumb. "What's the matter? Are you ok?" he asked, concern heavy in his tone.
"I'm fine..." Zelda lied. Yet she was unable to shift her gaze from his, like she often would do when telling a falsehood, and he knew instantly she wasn't 'fine'. She fell into his touch, it was so comforting and... real.
Link studied her face for any bruises, any pain, and responded protectively, "If that Bronton guy did anything to you I'll go over there - "
Zelda didn't know what she was doing any more; it was as if she wasn't in control. Yet Zelda's small delicate hand was the one that flew up and covered his hand, it was Zelda's face that neared his, and it was Zelda's lips that blanketed his with a gentle, needing embrace. There was an exchange of innocent, bewildered passion as their flesh met, strangely feeling right.
It was Zelda who kissed Link.
As they pressed their soft lips together, her mind raced beyond her closed eyelids. Are you crazy? Her thoughts screamed. She had just run from Bronton's arms into Link's, rebounding from a year relationship and then here she was with her best friend no less. She was still in stage two, for Goddesses' sake! This was too fast, she wasn't ready, and somehow she knew she was using Link as a way to deny her grief.
Before she knew it, she was crying against his lips. A sob poured out as her heart swelled with pain and she pulled away suddenly. She placed a shaking hand over her mouth, as if to prevent any cries from escaping further, and hastily rose to her wobbling feet. "I'm so sorry..." she spluttered and tried to open the door, remembering that her keys were in the pocket of her jacket back in Bronton's closet. By now she just wanted to die from shame.
Link stood as well and inquired, baffled and helpless, "Wait, Zelda. What's the matter?"
"Look, go home," she cried and then went down on her haunches to search under her mat for the spare key. Then Zelda rose again and pressed her palm against her lips to muffle her sob. "O Goddesses, I'm so embarrassed," she mumbled against her hand. Why could she always find some way to make the most horrible situations even worse?
The young man didn't know the cause of Zelda's weeping but it hurt him to see his friend like this. It hurt him even more to think a kiss they shared could drive her to tears... "Zelda, please talk to me. There isn't anything to be embarrassed about. Please -," he said, reaching a hand out to her, but was interrupted.
"I cried in your mouth!" the Princess suddenly exclaimed and chanced a glance at him, her mascara slightly running down her face. Then she buried her head into her hand again to bite back the sobs of shame and heartbreak while with the other hand she turned the key in the lock. The door swung open and Zelda said between fingers and whimpers, "Link just... go home ok?" Then she ran into her apartment and shut the door behind her.
The loft was dark, only the light from the moon hung in the window to guide her as she groped foreword to her white sofa and collapsed on it like a crumpled paper. She'd managed to ruin two relationships and make a fool of herself all in one night. Not to mention, she'd left her expensive jacket back at Bronton's and knew she could never show up to retrieve it again.
There was a knock at the door and Zelda muffled her cries, shouting, "Link, please. Just leave me alone."
There was a pause on the other side of the door and a trembling voice finally called back, "Its me, Zelda. Malon."
The Princess sat up and wiped at her eyes. Thinking it was an emergency; she pushed down the hem of her dress and walked to the door. Opening it she could see the red head standing there in her jacket and khakis, tears running down the slopes of her cheeks.
"I – I broke up with Drake," Malon stammered and she was shaking.
Zelda gave the young woman a sympathetic look and gasped, "O honey..." before enclosing the young woman in a comforting hug.
Malon went on as she sobbed into the blonde's shoulder, "... I'm sorry I came over so late. It's just... well, I couldn't sleep; I kept looking at his picture. I know Ruto and Nabooru wouldn't understand, you're the only one I could turn to."
"Shhh," the young woman said and stroked Malon's hair. "Its alright, I don't mind," she responded. As they hugged and the red head cried, Zelda found herself sobbing uncontrollably against Malon as well.
The young woman with the brown eyes asked, "Zelda, are you crying?" The blonde couldn't reply and continued to weep, tears falling to run off Malon's faux fur trimmed jacket. "Something happened with Bronton didn't it?" she finally said knowingly as she pulled back a bit from the embrace to look into Zelda's mascara stained face.
Zelda gave her a grief stricken look and merely nodded, a sob breaking from her throat.
The red head farmer's daughter pulled the Princess into a hug and soothed, "There, there, sweetie. It will be ok."
They stayed up until early morning drinking tea and crying. The two women talked about what had happened and hashed up their emotions; they sat there on the cream-colored couch and tore up pictures of their exs.
... And Zelda realized that maybe she'd made a mistake in assuming the best way to grieve was alone and maybe that old proverb had been right. Maybe misery did indeed love company... And maybe the only one to be there for you was a friend.
*
Nobody Knows But Me
~ Babyface ~
I pretend that
I'm glad you went away
But these four walls
Closing more everyday
And I'm dying inside
And nobody knows it but me
Like a clown
I put on a show
Pain is real
Even if nobody knows
And I'm crying inside
And nobody knows it but me
Why didn't I say
The things I needed to say?
How could I let
My angel get away?
Now my world is just
Tumbling down
I can say it so clearly
But you're nowhere around
My nights are lonely
The days are so sad
I just keep thinking about
The love that we had
And I'm missing you
And nobody knows it but me
I carry your smile
When I'm broken in two
And I'm nobody
Without someone like you
I'm trembling inside
And nobody knows it but me
Lie awake
It's a quarter past three
I'm screaming at night
If I thought you'd hear me
And my heart is calling you
And nobody knows it but me
How blue can I get?
You could ask my heart
My life, a jigsaw puzzle
That's been torn all apart
A million words couldn't say
Just how I feel
A million years from now I know
I'll be loving you still
*
Closing Note: That's just a lil song that I thought fit this episode. I think I'll be doing that from now on... So this was almost like the first real chapter, what do you think? Did you see how most of the plot line revolved in some way or another around the topic of Zelda's article? You may have noticed also there was no Ruto; and you may be happy about that, I'm not sure. Just count on seeing her in the next installment. Also upcoming, Ganondorf and Nabooru sharing a drink and the aftermath of Zelda and Link's kiss!!! Stay tuned, loyal viewers!
This fanfic is of course inspired by Sex And The City but it still is original in the sense that I am not copying any plot lines from the show and that this is the only story of its kind in the Zelda section of fanfic.net (True? I hope so...). Also you don't have to watch the show to read this fic.
This is rated R and intended for only mature readers. Though I think I won't go into as much... how shall I say, bedroom affairs as the show does (Sex And The City concentrates on the girls' sex lives, my fic will focus on the dating aspect more), I will no doubt be mentioning it. Plus be prepared for some foul language! Yesa!
This is somewhat like an alternate universe fic because Ganon was never sent to the Sacred Realm (Hey I had to find some way to hook him and Nabby up didn't I?). Also they have televisions, phones, laundry mats, etc. Possible relationships are Z/L and N/G.
So sit back ~ relax ~ and enjoy the show! (Shhh! No talking!)
1
2 The Singles
By *Jasmine*
*
Relationships may be hard; at times they can be downright painful. There is only one thing worse than sticking it out through all the tough times and that's *not* sticking it out. Yes, I'm talking about the dreaded break up. Whether your ex dumped you or vice versa, you were going out for a year or maybe just a week (Or in the case of some of my less prouder moments, all of happy hour), it is still painful. But maybe this little guide I have can help you to know the different phases of post break-up that you will experience. My friends and I have come up with a rather accurate system of stages we typically go through after a relationship has bit the dust and they are as follows:
Stage 1 – Regret. Remember how when you were a child and your parents would get in a fight? Usually it would end with your mother sobbing and saying she was sorry. Often we end up blaming ourselves for problems in the relationship, even if the past girl or boyfriend was, simply put, an ass. "If only I hadn't been so needy/tried to change him/ hated his mother. Then we'd never have broken up". We laden ourselves with guilt trips, mulling over every little encounter and fight to find something we did wrong. Sometimes though we should just let go of the past, there is nothing we can change about it, and take comfort in the fact that your ex is probably suffering just as much as you are (Or hopefully more).
Stage 2 - Denial. Many people feel after being broken up with are those stupid delusions we wish deep down would come true (And sometimes we believe will come true). How many times have you thought after another creep broke your heart "O we'll be back together tomorrow. I'll see him in the deli/mall/opera and he'll realize how much he misses me". Sickening fantasies of the two of you running through a field of flowers and straight into each other's arms, accompanied by slow sappy music and all, may fill your head. You may even go so far as to plan a trip to the laundry mat just to *accidentally* bump into your ex in hopes of rekindling your lost flame. And, women, we've all received at one time or another a late night message on our machine from a rather intoxicated ex were he slurs that he still loves you and wants to get back together before he hangs up the phone to go puke and then pass out. Whatever you do or dream about doing, it often results in failed attempts and even further pain. The fact is, as much as movies and romantic novels tell us otherwise, a break up is usually final. Nothing, besides maybe a glass of wine, can soften that fact.
Stage 3 – Misery. Ah yes, and now we're at the last, and final stage – all- powerful grief. Do you remember that old saying, "Misery loves company"? Well I'm here now to tell you it's a *lie*. The best thing to do after a break-up is to stay home, hole up like a hermit, and just wallow for a while. Some people think they need to move on and bite back their tears, but how can you ever get past your sadness if you don't face it head on? Rent a good chick/testosterone flick (The kind you could never watch with your boy/girlfriend), eat ice cream, and shred all the remaining pictures of you together, were you looked happy and he/she looked sexy. Make time for your misery and then, after you've had a good cry, move on. After all, there's another relationship waiting for you to cry over.
~ Princess Zelda
2.1.1 "Episode Two: Ex - Ed"
Zelda sat alone cross-legged on her ivory sofa, dressed in a pair of stripped slacks and a white button down shirt. The noon sun illuminated her apartment and high rafters, giving the sparse loft a very ethereal feel to it. Her brown leather messenger bag lay sprawled out on the glossy wood floor and her cordless phone lay several inches from the young woman. Zelda stared at it for a solid moment, keeping her distance as if it was some sort of traceless bomb. Then gathering up her courage, the slender Princess raised her chin in determination and grasped the phone. She pushed a strand of long flaxen hair behind her ear and pressed down the speed dial button, silently praying he wouldn't pick up.
Finally there was a click on the end of the line and a strong low male voice could be heard, "Hello, you've reached Bronton."
Zelda's pale blue eyes went wide and obviously she was less sure of herself than she thought because she spoke in a quivering voice, mentally slapping herself for sounding so weak, "Hey Bronton. It's me, Zelda."
There was a visible change in the mood of her ex and he exclaimed, surprised and almost giddily, "Zelda! How are you?"
"Fine. I'm just calling to thank you for the flowers you sent me. They're beautiful," she replied, glancing over at the bouquet of large white roses, all blooming, on her coffee table.
Bronton said, "O yea, well my secretary sent them. It seems you were still on my date book as a person to send congratulation roses too..."
Zelda's mouth gaped open as she replied, "O..." Her heart did a sky dive and plummeted to the pit of her stomach. So these flowers weren't from Bronton as a sign of his undying love for her, a way of saying he wanted her back. No, they were from his old secretary, Mrs. Basely. Just *peachy*. After a long pause, Zelda finally managed to say, "So your secretary sent them. Of course." She mentally slapped herself again for being such an idiot in thinking Bronton would even care about her anymore.
"Of course what?" the man across the line asked.
The Princess shook her head and sighed, "Uh nothing. Look I have to - " She desperately wanted to hang up the phone and bury her head in the couch cushions.
"Zelda, I'm having this big party at my loft on Thursday. I know its short notice but I'd really like you to come," Bronton suddenly spluttered.
Zelda didn't know what to say. "Uh..." was her most intelligent reply. A party for what? To celebrate their breakup? She could just imagine him toasting with his buddies, laughing about finally getting rid of the ol' ball-and-chain.
Bronton added a little nervously, "It will only be a small thing, friends and drinks. I'd really like you to come though. As, you know, a friend of course..."
The young woman's mind fumbled with the idea of going to his party. She had to bring someone along for emotional support; she couldn't face Bronton alone, not after the way they'd left things on such bad terms. "Would you mind if I brought someone with me?" she inquired.
"O..." came the voice over the line, tinged with an unreadable emotion. "Sure, you can bring a date."
Zelda said softly, "Not a date - just someone."
Bronton seemed to grow a little more enthusiastic, "Ok, we always have room for more people. All right Zel, I have to go now but I'll see you Thursday right?" He used his pet name for her, the one he said when they sat snuggling together, when he'd touch her hair, when he'd smile at her. Goddesses, she hated that nickname right now.
"Ya Thursday. Bye Bronton," she said and then listened as he clicked off the phone. Zelda looked down at the phone and began to dial another number.
*
Link padded out of his bathroom, his strong chest and shoulders glistening from a moist shower. His blond hair lay in soggy tendrils on his forehead and a terry cloth towel was wrapped low on his waist. His apartment was very large, much bigger than that tree house he'd been living in when he was a boy, and it was paid for by the royal family after he'd offered to protect the Princess. The floors were all polished wood and there were tall windows with long curtains, the rafters however were burnished steel, giving his loft a decisively male feel.
Suddenly the phone rang and he walked over to his end table, little droplets of water falling to bead against the floor. Lifting the phone to his ear he said, in typical Link fashion, "Ello?"
"Go to a party with me on Thursday," came the rushed, urgent voice of a familiar female.
Link raised a thick gilded eyebrow and responded dryly, "Hey Zelda. It's good hearing from you too."
The girl on the other line gave a sigh and he was sure she was rolling her eyes at this moment, "I'm serious Link. Please please *please* go to this party with me on Thursday."
The young man asked suspiciously, "Why do you want me to go? We've never gone to a party before together."
Zelda grumbled, "Ugh ok I see your going to force me to confess."
"Hey if you want me to go its gonna cost you. Now spill the beans, dirty Harry," Link replied cheekily.
The Princess began, "You remember those flowers I got on Monday? Well they were from this guy Bronton, who I dated for almost a year..."
Link interrupted abruptly, "How come I never heard about him?"
Zelda responded, "You know we never tell each other the specifics of our love lives. To protect the identities of the innocent and all that."
"O yea true. Go on," the Hero of Time said.
The blonde haired woman continued, "Well we broke up 40 days ago..."
Again however she was interrupted by Link as he asked, amused, "You keep count?"
"Yes! Now may I proceed?" Zelda exclaimed irately and, he was sure, rolled her eyes for the second time.
"Sorry. Go ahead," Link apologized.
The Princess went on telling her plight, "He dumped me because he said we were getting too involved and he didn't want to get tied down just then. So anyway I called him back just now to thank him for the flowers - as a normal, polite person kinda thing and not an ex girlfriend looking for a chance to talk to her old flame kinda thing - and he completely surprised me with an invitation to his party. You know I can't show up alone to this bash and look like a loser in front of my old boyfriend..."
The young man ran a hand through his tousled wet hair and asked with a chuckle, "So you want revenge on the poor bastard huh?"
He could almost hear the sadistic, evil-genius grin slide over Zelda's beautiful face as she replied, "Exactly, show no mercy. And I plan to do that by arriving, looking simply radiant and sexy..."
"Accompanied by a sexy escort of course," Link added.
Zelda said jokingly, "Uh something like that... So will you help me out here Link? I know you don't like the parties I go to but will you do me this one, itsy-bitsy favor? We can go strictly as friends." It was true that Link did not like the galas Zelda and her friends went to, thrown by fashion editors and the like. They were always stuffed with snobby high- society types who probably never drank a beer in their lives and survived entirely on sushi.
Link let out an exasperated sigh, knowing he couldn't refuse Zelda even if he tried, and begrudgingly responded, "Fine. But you owe me so big for this one."
"Yes! Thank you so much! You are the best!" the Princess practically shrieked.
The Hero of Time cringed and said, "I know, I know. I expect your first born to be named after me now."
Zelda laughed and blabbered happily, "Ok, I'll do my best but at the rate I'm going that won't occur until the next millennium. O and Link, wear those black slacks with that dark blue shirt, it really brings out your eyes. No sandals, they just scream poor young college student. Pick me up at eight and don't be late, o ya and bring me a rose, a red one! Now I have to go shopping for something to wear so bye bye!" Then, finishing her whirlwind of words, the young woman hung up the line, busy no doubt by planning every detail of her outfit and what exactly she would say to her ex.
Link pulled the phone from his ear and scratched his head in confusion. What had he just agreed to? He knew somehow though, whatever it was, he'd end up regretting it.
*
Nabooru was running down a path that wound its way through the green landscape, her breath rhythmic and loud in her ears. The sun shown golden and vivid above upon Hyrule Park, as the young woman passed trees and a child chasing her puppy. The tan Gerudo wore tight black running pants and a sweatshirt; her long crimson hair was tied back into a sweeping ponytail that swished with her movements. She wasn't really thinking of anything, this was her release from all the stress of the day. Running was like her own private sanctuary.
She was falling into a nice pace when a man suddenly saddled up to the side of her, running along with her. At first she didn't bother glancing over at him, hoping he'd go away.
However he didn't and finally said cheerfully, "Hi. Nice weather we're having today huh?"
Nabooru chanced a look in his direction and noticed how strikingly handsome he was. The man had short red hair that was combed back neatly and piercing dark eyes that looked at her and held a hint of mischief and arrogance. He had the look of an older mature man without looking too old, he was probably somewhere around twenty-eight or so. He was tall, olive skinned, and well built under that expensive business suit he wore; he looked as if he was no stranger to a gym. The young woman gave a small smirk and said as if she didn't even hear his previous statement, "Do you always jog in a suit and tie?"
Without missing a step, the man began to reply, "No -"
Nabooru finished his sentence with a bit of cynicism, "Just when you want to hit on women then?" If he thought she was going to be some simple giggling nitwit he could easily pick up with a one liner then he had another thing coming.
The handsome man gave her a mock shocked, aghast look and said, "I'm personally offended! How dare you accuse me of abusing my runner's integrity!" Then a dashing smile overcame his features and he chuckled, "My names Ganondorf Dragmire by the way." He outstretched a hand to her in an offer of greetings but she ignored it entirely.
"My name's Nabooru," the red headed woman said and kept up her pace, looking ahead.
Ganondorf pointed over at a tall grey building jutting out against the skyline and said, "I work in that legal building over there and I always see you running during my lunch break. I decided I had to stop admiring you from afar and just talk to you one time, Nabooru."
Nabooru inquired, seemingly unimpressed, "So you're a lawyer then huh?"
"Yup, sad but true," the tall man sighed and then asked, "So what do you do, mystery woman?"
The woman smirked and didn't even spare him a glance. "I only just met you and you expect me to give you my whole life story?" she retorted snidely. She knew exactly how she was coming off and it could be summed up in one word: bitch. Not that she cared; all she wanted to do was jog.
Ganondorf seemed surprisingly undaunted by Nabooru's coldness towards him. He laughed and admitted, "No. All I really want to know, to be honest, is if you're single."
Nabooru gave a smug chuckle and said sarcastically, "Hm you certainly are subtle, aren't you?"
"You didn't answer my question..." the lawyer said, with a smile that showed he was just as stubborn as Nabooru could be.
The red head picked up her pace and yet he just matched suit. In frustration the woman huffed, "Yes I am single, if you must know."
"Join me for drinks tonight," Ganondorf suddenly said.
Nabooru turned her head fully to him for the first time, looking incredulous at the man. "Excuse me?" she asked in surprise.
The man gave her a sincere look and repeated, "Join me for drinks tonight. You're single, I'm single, and I'd really like to get to know you." Then a soft half-smile creased over his lips, so very honest and attractive that Nabooru was disgusted to find herself melting for him. "So join me for drinks tonight please."
Nabooru stared at him for a moment before turning her head again and increasing her jog even more until she was at a moderate run now. "Look you seem like a really good guy, Ganondorf, but I'm not looking to date right now, especially with a man I don't even know. Thanks for the offer but I'm going to have to decline," she uttered bitterly.
Ganondorf knew he could keep up with her but what was the point if she only wanted to run away? He gave it one more chance as he called while slowing to a stop, "Who hurt you?"
The young woman halted almost immediately, digging her sneakered heels into the pavement. She turned around to give him an annoyed glance and snorted, "Wow. You really are the master of abrupt statements aren't you?"
The man continued, "You just seem really defensive, like someone hurt you in the past."
"I don't think that's any of your business - " Nabooru said firmly, though her amber eyes gave him his answer, that she had indeed been hurt. In fact, she'd been killed. By the man who she'd once given her heart to and the only one she'd ever said, "I love you" to. What had all her devotion gotten her? A slap in the face, that's what. He'd ended up cheating on her with some woman and it had killed her. She didn't want that to ever happen again.
Ganondorf interrupted her and his tone was somewhat gentle, as if he too had been there before, "... And if someone did I just want to say you shouldn't write every male off as an asshole because one guy was before. It's just a drink, no tricks, no obligations. Just give me a chance."
The tall, tan skinned woman met his eyes, the depthless black orbs, and found something faint there to trust. Maybe he was right; maybe she had to give the male race another chance. She'd been alone for far too long anyway, and some part of her wanted to say yes to this charismatic man. "... Fine. But just drinks and nothing more," she finally relinquished.
A perfect grin overcame the handsome man's face and he nodded his head of fiery red hair. "That's all I ask. Meet me at McCoy's at eight," he replied joyously.
Nabooru smiled herself and asked incredulously, "Do you always ask random women out that you pick up in parks?"
Ganondorf gave her a swoon-worthy wink and drawled, "Just the ones who are exquisitely beautiful and look like they could be interesting." Then he turned and began to walk away. "See you at eight, Nabooru. You better not stand me up!" the man called over his shoulder as he crossed a rolling hill and was lost from sight.
The young woman watched him go. He seemed like he had a bit of a player streak in him, capable of one-night stands. There was also a side to him she found very alluring; self-confident, courageous, and yet gentle at the same time. What was the harm in a drink anyway? She told herself.
*
Night ebbed over the city quickly, sealing it in a dark veil of stars. The swollen moon hung up high, bathing the buildings in a luminescent glow. The streets of Hyrule were unusually silent; people all clamoring within bars or at late night dinner parties. Two lone souls made their way down a cold sidewalk, side by side, their footsteps echoing eerily against the cement.
Zelda hobbled along in tall platform sandals that tied at the ankle, she was adorned in a short tailored suede jacket and a floral patterned chiffon dress, that reached just about mid thigh to reveal long creamy legs, floating over her slender frame. Her long blonde hair was pulled half up and a piece was plaited into a braid, to give her that sort of hippie look so chic this season. She glanced over at Link and a smile spread over her beautiful face, decorated in minimalist makeup. "Hey, I didn't say this earlier but I'm impressed Link. You actually look very suave tonight," she said in admiration.
Link walked beside her and what she said was very true. He was wearing the outfit she had so adamantly suggested, the black pants and dark blue shirt that matched the color of his opalescent eyes. His hair was still a bit disheveled though but it simply added to his charm. "Thanks. You look very beautiful too," he said as he looked over at her and she thought she saw him blush a pale pink. Then he hastily added, "So how long are we going to stay for?"
"No more than an hour. I just want to make a brief but stunning entrance and then leave," the Princess replied. "Goddesses, I'm freezing! I swear, the things I do in the name of revenge," she exclaimed and hugged her arms to herself, suddenly aware how thin this jacket really was.
The young blond man put a comforting arm around her and pulled Zelda a little closer to him. "Yes but think of the look on this Bronton guy's face when he sees you, hand in hand of course with most handsome man at the party," he joshed lightly and got her laughing. He was so close he could smell her sweet delicate perfume and her hair brushed his cheek gently.
"I hope he dies when he sees us," she admitted with a slight giggle.
Before they knew it, and Zelda was fully prepared, they had come to Bronton's apartment complex. Being as successful as he was in the advertising business, her ex had actually come to own the whole building, giving him more space to throw a great party that would no doubt be talked about for weeks after. They stood before his door and could hear music blasting from inside, mixed with laughter. Zelda gulped, "You do it." So without a word of reply, Link reached over and gave the wood a solid knock, unsure if they would even be able to hear it over the din.
Surprisingly, and to Zelda's dismay, after a moment the door opened all the way, allowing bright light to pour out and the noise to fully wash over them. A man, medium in stature, stood in front of them. He had a mane of full brown hair and thick defined eyebrows that gave him a very manly, exotic appearance, his eyes were a sharp green color that sparkled and became electric. His skin was pale and he dressed in a designer outfit of a thin grey sweater and black slacks, making him appear as if he himself had just come from a clothing advertisement. He gave a big brilliant grin and said, upon viewing the blonde before him, "O hello Zelda! Its so nice of you to come!"
The Princess stood there, dumbstruck. She thought she was over him, but why then was she seeing him now in slow motion, as he placed a warm hand firmly on her shoulder? What was wrong with her; why was her heart racing? Her pallid cerulean eyes were locked with his and she couldn't shift them. Zelda finally managed to stammer out, "H-Hi Bronton..."
They stood like this for a long minute before Link elbowed her slightly and cleared his throat. Zelda broke their gaze then to glance over at Link and she said humbly, "Uh yes and this is my friend, Link."
Bronton looked over at Link and offered him a vigorous handshake. "Hello Link. Any friend of Zelda is a friend of mine. Please come in," he said warmly and moved from the doorway to allow them entrance. The Princess could see Link giving her a hard, confused look out of the corner of her eye but she pretended to disregard it.
They could see women all in expensive fashion and dripping with jewelry standing around chatting with friends and potential bedmates later on. The lighting was soft yet a stark contrast to the darkness of the outdoors and blaring jazz music played from a stereo system.
As they moved their way through the crowd, following Bronton's lead, Link grabbed Zelda's arm and she turned to face him. "What was that? I thought we agreed I was supposed to be your boyfriend for the night?" he whispered and glared at her in anger.
The young woman averted her eyes, feeling a bit of guilt for finding herself falling for Bronton again, and shrugged, "I changed my mind..."
Link's eyes were wide now and he inquired in puzzlement, "What ever happened to getting your fair revenge?"
Zelda glanced back at him now and bite her soft pink lip. "Link, just go get me a drink already ok?" she said and then turned to follow Bronton into the congested room.
The young man stood there watching her go before clenching his jaw in rage and storming over to the drink bar. She had made him go to this boring party and now she was ditching him? He decided though to stick it out, maybe it wasn't entirely Zelda's fault, after all everyone acts weird around their ex. He got them both a Gin and Tonic and then began to walk back to were Zelda was.
The Princess had already disposed of her jacket in a closet and was standing before Bronton, batting her lashes and flirting unabashedly. She flipped her golden hair and was telling some story that obviously had the man in an uproar. Link approached her and said, "Zelda, here's your drink."
The young woman turned to him and took the drink without even really looking at him. "Thanks," she weakly acknowledged before facing Bronton again, smiling charmingly, "... So anyway, were was I?"
Link found himself unable to control his anger anymore and he silently fumed. She was ignoring him and there was also something else infuriating him, he couldn't deny it pained him to see Zelda flirting with another man. "I'm going home," he gritted flatly.
Zelda actually heard this statement and glanced in his direction. "Link, what's the matter? Is everything ok?" she asked in general concern.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just go back to telling your story and I'll see you later," he responded coldly but she knew him long enough to recognize that storm cloud in his intense blue eyes. Then he turned and pushed his way through the crowd.
*
Drake sat on his thickly padded chair, the reading lamp glowing beside him to give off golden light and chase away the lonesome shadows that stayed skulking in the corners. Drake was an impressive looking man with light brown hair and amber eyes flecked with gold. His physique was moderately built and adorned in a comfortable pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, worn loafers on his feet. His apartment was slightly on the smaller side but well furnished, obviously by an interior decorator since everyone knows guys can't furnish a room to save their lives (^_~).
The sound of a key turning in the lock echoed out across the silent tranquil room, bolts gritting against bolts, and Drake looked up to the doorway. He called, "Malon, is that you?"
A young woman entered, long crimson hair glimmering in the sparse light, and she wore a white windbreaker lined with a rim of faux fur and khaki pants. Her smile shown even in the darkness and she hurriedly dropped her shopping bags on the ground, placing Drake's apartment key that he had given her into her pocket. As she unzipped her jacket, she said in her sweet caring voice, "Yes, honey. I hope you don't mind I came over for a visit but I was close by, shopping, and I decided I wanted to pay my baby a visit."
The young man was grinning as he replied, "Of course I don't mind. It was getting pretty boring over here without you anyway."
Malon eagerly let her coat slide off to join her bags strewn on the floor and then walked over to where Drake was, sitting on his lap with her legs draped over his arm and he wound his other arm around her waste. She wrapped her slender arms around his neck and looked into his handsome face, her affection shinning in her dark eyes. "How was your day?" she inquired.
"All right, the stock market is having a good run..." Drake said and then, rubbing her back with his warm touch, he sighed, "I missed you though."
The young woman nodded slightly and said, "I know. I missed you too."
She sat there staring into his eyes and he could see a million feelings all flashing in her. They sat like this for a moment before Drake, silently frightened of what he was almost sure was to follow, questioned with a feigning look of mock happiness on his face, "What are you thinking about, dear?"
Malon kept his gaze as she replied softly, "That I love you."
Drake said nothing in answer, his smile already disappearing from his lips, and he shifted his gaze a bit, as if he too was in thought.
"I knew you weren't going to say anything back," the young red head whispered softly and a sheen overcame her beautiful deep eyes.
Malon's boyfriend tried to comfort her and explain himself at the same time, "Malon, its not that I don't care for you. It's just... I'm not ready yet to say that." There was a hint of guilt in his voice, regret that Drake couldn't be that perfect boyfriend that she so desperately wanted.
The young woman said with a deep breath, holding back tears, "I understand."
Drake's smile returned slightly and he said in a relieved tone, "Good because I care for you so much, Malon. I know in time I'll be able to say it, but if I said it now it would be a lie and I can't do that to you."
Malon looked away, the golden light caressing the gentle curves of her smooth pale cheek. "I care for you too Drake. That's why I'm finding it impossible to do what I'm about to do..." she responded and her voice was trembling uncontrollably. She took a deep breath and willed herself to continue, "But I have to. We are at two different places in our lives right now and I don't see this working. I'm ready to say those three words and you aren't, I'm ready for a real commitment and your not."
"Are... Are you breaking up with me?" the young man asked, his grip on her falling away in shock.
"I think so," the red head said softly and rose from his lap. Walking over to her bags, she put her coat back on and the collected up her shopping bags. Malon looked towards Drake sitting there in the chair and a tear streaked down the white map of her flesh, no matter how intensely she tried to hold back her sorrow, knowing it would be hard enough on Drake as it was without seeing her break down as well. Even if she was falling apart inside. "I'm sorry, Drake," she said and turned to leave the apartment.
As Malon got the door open, the young man called to her, "I ... I love you Malon!" But there was an urgency and unsure quaking to his tone that made her know he had said that because he knew that's what she wanted to hear and not because he truly felt it. He'd said a lie that she'd so desperately wanted to hear but now it sounded so false, hollow.
Malon walked out of the door.
*
Most of the guests had left already, stumbling back out into the chilled night air to hail cabs and head off to their beds. Zelda had stayed, scarcely noticing anything but the way Bronton's eyes glittered as they spoke and that handsome smile that he flashed so readily. They talked together for almost the whole party; barely realizing anyone even existed in the fringes of their self-absorbed world. Now they stood together in the hall; a drink, still yet to be touched, held relaxed in the young woman's hand as she leaned back against the wall and he stood with his arm out by her shoulder, his body dangerously close to hers. They were laughing over matters of the past when finally Zelda looked over at the wall clock and sighed.
"Its nearly one. I'd better start home before they change the doorman and I have to deal with that rude old woman again. Goddesses, with a face like hers, you'd think she would come to realize inner beauty was all she has left," the young woman sighed but she didn't make any effort to move, caught within his gaze like a fly trapped in amber.
Bronton chuckled and seemed enchanted by Zelda, as he always had been when they were together. An eager excited look overcame his handsome face and he suddenly said, "Would you like to dance with me, Zelda?"
The young woman seemed surprised, as if up until now she hadn't even heard the soft jazz music beckoning to them in the den. She was unable to answer; she so desperately wanted to dance with him but it didn't seem right, like it was a forbidden activity. After all, dancing was a 'couples' activity, and as far as she knew they were no longer a couple. "I... I don't know," she managed to stammer in response.
He gave her that charming smile that she was unable to resist and her heart thumped as every sense in her tingled when his hand gently brushed against her lower arm. "Please. For old times sake, will you?" Bronton inquired with a glint of mischief and yearning in his voice.
"Ok," was all the Princess could reply demurely and allowed him to lead her out of the hallway and into a dimly lit room, where the stereo was hidden away in. She felt so pathetic, as if she was playing the role of a submissive puppy, but then again that's how he made her feel – weak. Zelda hated it and yet felt comforted by the fact that for a time she didn't have to be the strong, sassy young woman everyone knew her as.
Bronton went to the center of the room and took her easily into his arms, as if he knew every curve of her long, slender body. They meshed so good together, his hands falling around her waist and her arms draped over his shoulders, like one continues sculpture of welded flesh. They moved together, her following his lead in a gentle rocking rhythm to the soft jazz playing. Nothing else really seemed to exist, besides each other and the beating of their hearts.
"Goddesses, this brings back so many memories," the young man whispered into her silky hair. "Remember the last time we danced like this, at The Juice Bar?"
His words brought a hesitant smile to Zelda's lush pink lips and she giggled a bit as she said, "How could I forget! You were practically wasted and all of a sudden you jumped up on a table. Everybody was cheering and you pulled me up with you to dance..."
Bronton laughed as well and shook his head gently. "The table was slippery from a spilled drink and, like an idiot, I lost my footing. We fell to the ground..." he chuckled.
Now the Princess was fully immersed in a nostalgic reminiscence and held him closer, her soft words finishing his sentence, "- But you let me land on you." Her pale blue eyes held faint traces of a past happiness she remembered now and yearned for, as if wanting to taste it on her tongue again.
"Yea I remember, that hurt like the Dark Realm," the young handsome man said with a playful smile on his face. He too could remember so vividly the warmth that her love had once brought to him.
Zelda said quietly, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Bronton said and pulled back a bit so that he was looking directly into her face, "It was worth it." His voice was so sincere and seductive.
Their faces were so close now that she was sure at any moment they might end up kissing. The Princess felt lost in his smile, in their memories... And yet she knew this wasn't right, she was opening up old wounds. She had to leave now or she never would be able to. "I... I have to go," she finally whispered in a quivering voice before quickly breaking from his magnetic grasp and running out of the room, out of his loft.
The cold air was sobering and rushed over her flushed cheeks, drying the sheen in her pale eyes. She hurried down his cement steps in her high sandals and Bronton followed out the door, staying up on the highest stoop.
"I'm still stuck on you!"
His words froze Zelda in place, her mouth agape. The statement hadn't so much surprised her in its abruptness, but the fact that he had just said in five little words what she had been feeling all this time. She still wasn't over him and she knew it. The young woman turned and asked, "W-What?"
His green eyes studied her as he went on, a bit of a blush on his cheeks, "I didn't want it to come out like that, but I am. I can't stop thinking about you Zelda, I miss what we had. I... I don't know what to do anymore."
A strand of blonde hair fell in her face by a gust of cold, night air. "I thought you didn't want to be tied down?" she inquired, trying to hide her expression of longing by the dancing shadows cast along the sidewalk.
"I thought so too. Until I realized without you I have nothing. I'd rather be tied down then live without you," he said in honesty.
The girl could feel a tear threatening to fall now from the corner of her eye, even as she willed it not to. "I don't want you to live with being committed to me, I want you to *want* it," Zelda responded and the distance between them seemed to grow into miles.
Bronton shook his head gently and said, "I don't know what to say then." He was at an utter loss over the whole situation.
Zelda suddenly became aware that this whole time Bronton and her had been in stage two of a break-up: denial. It was over and yet here they were, trying to join together two completely different people who no longer knew one another. She could feel the last of her resolve breaking up and, not wanting to fall down into sobs here, she said softly, "There isn't anything to say..." Then she turned to leave and put him behind her, put all those happy, cherished memories behind her.
"You're just going to leave then? We have a past together, Zel," he called to her once more, wanting desperately to make her stay. He was scared of being without her, being haunted by the ghosts of her smile and laughter.
The young woman stopped and looked to Bronton. The moonlight glimmered along the wet slippery track of a falling tear against the white map of her face as she gave him a sympathetic, melancholy look. "I know..." she whispered and then went on, a new strength suddenly found in her trembling words, "But I know too that somewhere along the lines we lost sight of each other and grew apart. As hard as it is to face, we don't want the same things anymore.... The past was glorious and wonderful and I was my happiest when I was with you, I admit, Bronton... But there is a future out there too somewhere..." Zelda gave him a gentle, tear-stained smile and finished, "And I know somehow I'll get unstuck."
Then the Princess turned and finally, truly left. She walked on so quickly it seemed as if she was slowly running, sprinting away from him and their history... But even as she tried, she knew that it wouldn't be that easy, it would take time to forget Bronton. It would be hard, but she could do it.
The night street went by in a blur, clouded in tears. Zelda's apartment was only five blocks from Bronton's and she flew the whole way home, distracted by thoughts and worries and emotions. When she finally did come to her own complex she hurried by the doorwoman, who gave her a knowing look and for once didn't make a sarcastic remark at her, and up the stairs.
Tears came now and she found it hard to walk, the sobs finally ebbing over her. She was alone and finally able to humor her sadness, let it wash over her. Zelda stopped in the hallway, knowing her doorway was only a few steps away, and pressed her back against the wall. She brought a shaking hand to her face and murmurs of grief left her lips as she cried.
"Zelda? Is that you?"
The young woman pulled her hand away and looked over at the young man, sitting on her stairs, through a veil of tears. She asked in surprise, still the pain was in her voice, "What are you doing here?"
Link was too far away to see the sheen of tears on her damp cheeks nor the way she shook with each breath, the hallways darkness cloaking her in mystery. "I left and I'm sorry. I should have stayed," he said to her in solemn apology.
Zelda swallowed down her sobs as she said softly and in disbelief, "But... I was a bitch to you." It was true and she became aware of how much she had hurt her friend as she was drowned in her own self absorbed sea.
"I know but so what? I should have handled it. Beside you were around your ex, everyone acts different around a past girlfriend or boyfriend... I know it was probably rough and I should have been there for you but I wasn't..." the blonde man shrugged and then peered at the woman in the shadows, trying to get a better look at her. "Hey, where's your jacket?" he inquired in confusion.
The Princess came into the light of the hallway window, cold metallic light washing her in a melancholy blue, and she went over to sit beside Link on the steps. "I was a bitch to you - and you waited up for me," she mumbled to him, puzzled by his caring. Why had she never seen how kind he could be? Why was it like she was now staring into his intense azure eyes for the first time in her life?
The young man looked perplexed as he raised a strong hand to gently stroke a tear away with his rough thumb. "What's the matter? Are you ok?" he asked, concern heavy in his tone.
"I'm fine..." Zelda lied. Yet she was unable to shift her gaze from his, like she often would do when telling a falsehood, and he knew instantly she wasn't 'fine'. She fell into his touch, it was so comforting and... real.
Link studied her face for any bruises, any pain, and responded protectively, "If that Bronton guy did anything to you I'll go over there - "
Zelda didn't know what she was doing any more; it was as if she wasn't in control. Yet Zelda's small delicate hand was the one that flew up and covered his hand, it was Zelda's face that neared his, and it was Zelda's lips that blanketed his with a gentle, needing embrace. There was an exchange of innocent, bewildered passion as their flesh met, strangely feeling right.
It was Zelda who kissed Link.
As they pressed their soft lips together, her mind raced beyond her closed eyelids. Are you crazy? Her thoughts screamed. She had just run from Bronton's arms into Link's, rebounding from a year relationship and then here she was with her best friend no less. She was still in stage two, for Goddesses' sake! This was too fast, she wasn't ready, and somehow she knew she was using Link as a way to deny her grief.
Before she knew it, she was crying against his lips. A sob poured out as her heart swelled with pain and she pulled away suddenly. She placed a shaking hand over her mouth, as if to prevent any cries from escaping further, and hastily rose to her wobbling feet. "I'm so sorry..." she spluttered and tried to open the door, remembering that her keys were in the pocket of her jacket back in Bronton's closet. By now she just wanted to die from shame.
Link stood as well and inquired, baffled and helpless, "Wait, Zelda. What's the matter?"
"Look, go home," she cried and then went down on her haunches to search under her mat for the spare key. Then Zelda rose again and pressed her palm against her lips to muffle her sob. "O Goddesses, I'm so embarrassed," she mumbled against her hand. Why could she always find some way to make the most horrible situations even worse?
The young man didn't know the cause of Zelda's weeping but it hurt him to see his friend like this. It hurt him even more to think a kiss they shared could drive her to tears... "Zelda, please talk to me. There isn't anything to be embarrassed about. Please -," he said, reaching a hand out to her, but was interrupted.
"I cried in your mouth!" the Princess suddenly exclaimed and chanced a glance at him, her mascara slightly running down her face. Then she buried her head into her hand again to bite back the sobs of shame and heartbreak while with the other hand she turned the key in the lock. The door swung open and Zelda said between fingers and whimpers, "Link just... go home ok?" Then she ran into her apartment and shut the door behind her.
The loft was dark, only the light from the moon hung in the window to guide her as she groped foreword to her white sofa and collapsed on it like a crumpled paper. She'd managed to ruin two relationships and make a fool of herself all in one night. Not to mention, she'd left her expensive jacket back at Bronton's and knew she could never show up to retrieve it again.
There was a knock at the door and Zelda muffled her cries, shouting, "Link, please. Just leave me alone."
There was a pause on the other side of the door and a trembling voice finally called back, "Its me, Zelda. Malon."
The Princess sat up and wiped at her eyes. Thinking it was an emergency; she pushed down the hem of her dress and walked to the door. Opening it she could see the red head standing there in her jacket and khakis, tears running down the slopes of her cheeks.
"I – I broke up with Drake," Malon stammered and she was shaking.
Zelda gave the young woman a sympathetic look and gasped, "O honey..." before enclosing the young woman in a comforting hug.
Malon went on as she sobbed into the blonde's shoulder, "... I'm sorry I came over so late. It's just... well, I couldn't sleep; I kept looking at his picture. I know Ruto and Nabooru wouldn't understand, you're the only one I could turn to."
"Shhh," the young woman said and stroked Malon's hair. "Its alright, I don't mind," she responded. As they hugged and the red head cried, Zelda found herself sobbing uncontrollably against Malon as well.
The young woman with the brown eyes asked, "Zelda, are you crying?" The blonde couldn't reply and continued to weep, tears falling to run off Malon's faux fur trimmed jacket. "Something happened with Bronton didn't it?" she finally said knowingly as she pulled back a bit from the embrace to look into Zelda's mascara stained face.
Zelda gave her a grief stricken look and merely nodded, a sob breaking from her throat.
The red head farmer's daughter pulled the Princess into a hug and soothed, "There, there, sweetie. It will be ok."
They stayed up until early morning drinking tea and crying. The two women talked about what had happened and hashed up their emotions; they sat there on the cream-colored couch and tore up pictures of their exs.
... And Zelda realized that maybe she'd made a mistake in assuming the best way to grieve was alone and maybe that old proverb had been right. Maybe misery did indeed love company... And maybe the only one to be there for you was a friend.
*
Nobody Knows But Me
~ Babyface ~
I pretend that
I'm glad you went away
But these four walls
Closing more everyday
And I'm dying inside
And nobody knows it but me
Like a clown
I put on a show
Pain is real
Even if nobody knows
And I'm crying inside
And nobody knows it but me
Why didn't I say
The things I needed to say?
How could I let
My angel get away?
Now my world is just
Tumbling down
I can say it so clearly
But you're nowhere around
My nights are lonely
The days are so sad
I just keep thinking about
The love that we had
And I'm missing you
And nobody knows it but me
I carry your smile
When I'm broken in two
And I'm nobody
Without someone like you
I'm trembling inside
And nobody knows it but me
Lie awake
It's a quarter past three
I'm screaming at night
If I thought you'd hear me
And my heart is calling you
And nobody knows it but me
How blue can I get?
You could ask my heart
My life, a jigsaw puzzle
That's been torn all apart
A million words couldn't say
Just how I feel
A million years from now I know
I'll be loving you still
*
Closing Note: That's just a lil song that I thought fit this episode. I think I'll be doing that from now on... So this was almost like the first real chapter, what do you think? Did you see how most of the plot line revolved in some way or another around the topic of Zelda's article? You may have noticed also there was no Ruto; and you may be happy about that, I'm not sure. Just count on seeing her in the next installment. Also upcoming, Ganondorf and Nabooru sharing a drink and the aftermath of Zelda and Link's kiss!!! Stay tuned, loyal viewers!
