Chapter 2
The ride to Lake Hylia was about a thirty-minute journey. Link filled the silence by explaining the story of he and Mido to Kafei.
"What did that little Kokiri girl whisper in your ear?" Kafei asked.
"Oh that was Mido's sister, Avana. She told me that she had sat down Mido and had a very serious talk with him about me. Somehow she managed to change Mido's opinion of me, if only a little bit, and demanded he be nice to me when I come visit." Link paused to chuckle. "I dunno how she did it."
The remaining ride was calm and silent except for when Link warned Kafei they'd be jumping some high fences. However, when they reached the Lake, Kafei gasped.
"What is it?" Link asked him, turning slightly.
"It's stunning," Kafei replied.
Link slowed Epona down and hopped off her back. Kafei followed suit and Link couldn't help but smile at his face. The other man was in absolute awe once more, his crimson eyes wide in amazement as he regarded his surroundings. The slight breeze that never left Lake Hylia blew around them and gently tugged Kafei's hair around his face. Link could think of no other word for Kafei at that moment except…beautiful.
He smiled again and took Kafei's hand. "Are you ready?" he asked.
Kafei turned to him and it was evident he was scared. "Yeah…sure."
Link looked at him affectionately. "Kafei, I promise, no harm will come to you. This lake is sacred and has no monsters. The Goddess Nayru did well when creating the water of this land."
"Goddess Nayru?" asked Kafei.
"Yes. The land of Hyrule was made by three goddess: Din, Nayru, and Farore. Din created the actual land. Nayru filled it with sky and water. And Farore created the life forms - the little glowing things flying around were the first. And Nayru never intended there to be monsters, therefore there are none."
Kafei nodded and Link saw he was a bit more reassured. Link smiled at him once more before moving towards the water. He began undoing his belt on the beach.
"What are you doing?" Kafei asked.
Link looked up at him. "Getting undressed. You don't expect me to swim in my tunic do you?" Kafei's eyes widened and Link laughed. "I'm leaving my pants on, Kafei. I suggest you take off some clothing as well."
Kafei grinned and his eyes darkened. "I bet you do."
Link chuckled but continued taking off his tunic and shirt. He folded his garments on the ground beside his weapon bag that had been tied around his waste. Looking back up at Kafei, he frowned. "Well, are you going to undress?" he asked. "The less fabric weighing you down, the better." Kafei only stared with a torn look.
Link sighed in amusement before walking over to Kafei. He took Kafei's belt in his hand and very gently began undoing it. He let his fingers brush softly against Kafei's waist, and he felt the man shudder at the sensation. When the belt came loose Link let it slide off. He gathered the fabric of Kafei's shirt in his hands, pulling it and his undershirt off over his head. Instead of stepping back, Link allowed his eyes to roam the perfect body before him. The muscles that were invisible under his clothing now stood out on his porcelain skin, defining his body in a mouthwatering way. His pants were hanging low on his hips and Link let his eyes rest on the v-shape just above the drawstring. He felt his fingers twitch in longing to undo that tie and slowly tease Kafei's bare skin as he worked…
Link's breath hitched a bit which brought his focus back to earth. He locked gazes with Kafei and saw a deep intensity shinning out from his ruby eyes. Electricity cackled between them but neither moved save for their sudden erratic breathing.
Another moment passed before Link remembered the task at hand and took a deep breath. "Okay," he said, clearing his throat of a rough tone. "We'll take it slow and only go in a little at a time."
Kafei nodded, his eyes beginning to clear as fear quickly replaced the previous expression.
"Kafei it'll be fine, I'll make sure of it," said Link in - what he hoped was - a reassuring tone.
Kafei nodded again but he did not move. He was regarding the water as if it were a disgusting, terrifying disease. Link thought he could see him shaking a bit. "Come on my friend," said he, reaching for Kafei's hand. "We'll take it one step at a time."
Kafei stared at Link's hand for a moment before nodding a final time and taking the hand in his. Link smiled and pulled him slowly into the water. He kept them near the shallow end for a while, allowing Kafei to get comfortable. Link couldn't help but think how amazing the water felt. It was never too cold - always the perfect temperature. And he could tell Kafei thought so too. "So…how are you feeling so far? Do you like it?" Link asked.
Kafei was still holding his hand. "Honestly, yes. The water feels amazing."
Link smiled again. "Yeah, it always has. It's as if the lake is alive and knows the temperature that's best."
Kafei smiled in return. "I'm sure it does on some level. All of Hyrule seems very magical in that way." His eyes were scanning the area, sparkling with wonder and excitement.
Link took advantage of Kafei's distraction, gently tugging him farther into the water. He was surprised when Kafei didn't fight him and they moved deeper until the water lapped at their chests. He didn't dare push it farther than that, Kafei seeming quite content where they were. Link began to gently withdraw his hand and Kafei tightened his grip like a death grasp.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
Link chuckled. "I was going to show you some swimming techniques." He regarded the change in Kafei's eyes and sighed. "You have my word, Kafei, that you will be fine. My sword and shield are just right on the shore if need be and I'm an excellent swimmer. Remember, I took on this water temple once in life."
Kafei looked to be weighing what Link said carefully. He took on a slight frown and his hand traveled up to the key around his neck, idly twirling it as he thought. Link smiled at that, patiently awaiting Kafei's decision. Ruby eyes locked on his with a resigned look and Kafei dropped Link's hand.
...
"That was wonderful, Kafei!" said Link excitedly and plopped onto the bank. Kafei had proved that he was, once taught, an amazing swimmer. It was as though all he had to do was overcome that fear, and he became as agile as a Zora.
Kafei smiled and settled down next to him. The thrill from his accomplishment left him breathless. "Thanks. For everything. For teaching me and being patient. It was incredible!"
Link shifted onto his knees to gaze into Kafei's shining eyes. "No, you're incredible. I'm so proud of you, Kafei."
"I'm proud of me too. I can't believe I actually did it!" He laughed. "My parents would be thrilled."
Link laughed as well before waving his hand and drying their clothes and hair.
Kafei frowned. "I wonder if I'll ever get used to that."
"In time you will," Link shrugged. "And we have forever."
Kafei smiled and kissed him softly. "I can do forever."
The sun was beginning to set so Link laid down on the bank to watch. Kafei joined him and laid his head upon Link's chest. Link began twirling a piece of Kafei's soft hair through his fingers absentmindedly while Kafei intertwined his free hand with his. Although the mood seemed peaceful, Link was trying to mask his nervousness. As the sun slowly set behind the mountains, he knew when it was gone it would be time to return to the ranch, return to Malon. The sigh slipped out before he could stop it.
Kafei shifted slightly. "Link," he asked, "what's wrong?"
Link stopped twirling Kafei's hair. "I'm just preparing myself."
Kafei sat up, his eyes serious. "We're going to the ranch after this?"
Link didn't respond right away and instead looked out across the water and watched the last rays of orange, yellow, and red disappear as night fell. He sighed once more and turned to Kafei. "Yes."
Kafei nodded silently and placed his soft lips on Link's in a reassuring way.
Link closed his eyes and let the kiss absorb him and, if only for a moment, take away all pain, uncertainty, fear. He allowed Kafei to deepen the kiss and Link brought his hand up to the back of the other man's neck. It was not a passionate kiss but a one full of comfort and encouragement.
They pulled apart after a few moments and regarded each other in silence. Kafei's eyes were shinning in the moonlight like dark rubies. Link found himself totally entranced and did not move for several minutes.
"Are you ready?" Kafei eventually asked.
Link snapped back to reality and gave himself a mental shake. "...No, but let's go."
...
As they reached the ranch Link slowed Epona down and took one last deep breath. Kafei tightened his grip around Link's waist and nuzzled against his neck. Link smiled and moved Epona forward. It was time...
They entered the ranch and Link was surprised to find everything still. He looked around as a warm feeling suddenly ballooned in his stomach. He hadn't realized he had missed the ranch. When they neared the gate to the corral, Link heard a familiar song whisper in his ear. Epona heard it too and grunted impatiently at the tight hold Link had on the reins. He and Kafei jumped down and she charged towards the voice. There was a faint squeal and then...
"Link? Have you come home to me?" a voice called.
Hearing her voice made Link forget everything in the blink of an eye. "Yes Malon, I'm home," he called back.
Malon moved into a patch of moonlight and Link grinned. His mind had not done her beauty justice. Malon stood still for a moment before smiling herself and running into Link's now open arms. Link caught her and spun her around. She squealed again and with a laugh she ordered to be put down. Link chuckled and complied but pulled her in for an embrace.
Malon took that moment to glance around and with a gasp she pulled back. "Link, who is this?" She was breathless.
Link's eyes widened and he silently cursed himself. Upon seeing Malon again he had forgotten Kafei was standing right next to them. "Malon," he said hastily, "this is Kafei."
Malon's eyes flashed with recognition and she smiled her perfect smile. "Oh wow! It's great to meet you finally! I've heard so much about you. My Link hardly ever stopped talking about you, you're held high up in his book!" She hugged Kafei and kissed his cheek.
Kafei smiled back at her but concealed his surprise at such a welcome. "It's great to meet you, too. Link spoke of you often."
Malon blushed. "I hope it was nothing bad," she giggled.
"Don't worry, milady. It was all praise from a man in love."
Malon's blush deepened and she looked at Link adoringly. "Thank you, Kafei."
Link smiled at their exchange. "Malon, he is going to be staying with us a while. You don't mind, do you?"
"Oh don't be silly!" she cried. "I'd love to have him here with us! The more the merrier, I say, but let's go inside now. I'm sure you are both hungry and dinner is mere moments from being ready."
Link nodded. "That sounds wonderful. Kafei and I will get our stuff and put Epona away. We'll be in shortly."
"Okay!" Malon rushed off into the house.
Link chuckled at her before walking back to the corral. Kafei followed silently behind him and Link noticed an odd tenseness in his friend's shoulders and stride. "Kafei, what's wrong?"
Kafei stayed silent for a few seconds. "You seemed rather happy to see her."
Link frowned at the slight bitterness in Kafei's tone. "Of course I was." There was a beat of silence. "Don't tell me you thought I wouldn't be?"
"I didn't think you'd forget me in your joy."
Guilt lanced through Link's heart as he reached up to untie some things from Epona's back. He handed them to Kafei before answering. "I'm really sorry about that, Kafei. It won't happen again, I can assure you. I just...momentarily forgot myself. It's been a few days since I've seen her and I let my emotions get the better of me."
Kafei said nothing for a few moments. "No, it's alright. I'm sorry, I shouldn't be bitter, I know. It's just... It was hard to see you with her like that. I didn't realize it would bother me so."
They finished with Epona's riding gear and headed towards the barn. "Trust me, I completely understand. I'm sure the feeling is the same for when I watched you and Anju together."
"If so then I apologize for every time we touched."
Link chuckled before leading Epona to her stall in the barn. He gave her some food and water, "I promise I'll brush your coat off tomorrow, okay?", and put up her riding gear.
Then Link turned to Kafei. "I should warn you now before we go inside, Malon has never minded showing her love for me around people. She has always had a need to touch me, whether it be something simple like holding my hand or full on clinging to my waist. My absence will have intensified this trait of hers, and I want you to be prepared. She will be constantly touching me or kissing me and will think nothing of it, even with you sitting there. I'll do what I can to prevent this, but I want you to know ahead of time."
Kafei nodded. "Okay, thanks."
Link was not fooled; he heard the tone Kafei tried to hide. He stepped forward to close the distance between them and brought their foreheads together. "Trust me when I say this," he whispered, "no matter how many times I have to kiss her or touch her, I'll be thinking only of you."
Kafei smiled and pressed his lips against Link's for a moment before stepping back with a sigh. "Let's go," he said.
"You're sure you're ready? It will only get harder from here on..."
Kafei gave a nod. "The pain will be worth it in the end."
When they entered the house a few minutes later, Malon had already set the table for three, dished the soup into the bowls and filled the glasses. Her head snapped up when the door closed.
"Oh good, you're done. Please sit down, I'll handle everything." She looked sheepishly at the soup. "I'm sorry I didn't make anything else...I thought it would just be me."
"Malon, don't be silly. This is perfectly fine," Kafei replied.
"Really, dear, you've already outdone yourself," Link agreed.
Malon flashed a smile his way and her cheeks pinked. She quickly finished up dishing out the meal and took her seat at the table. Link sat down as well and gestured Kafei take a seat across from him. He took a sip from the drink and his eyes widened at the taste. "This is Kokiri Leaf isn't it?" he asked in shock.
Malon nodded. "I was just going to have water, of course, but I figured since you were home you'd like something...stronger."
Link smiled. "Good call."
Kafei took a sip as well. "Oh wow," he said, smacking his lips a bit, "this is good."
"It's one of the strongest drinks found in Hyrule," Link explained. "Be careful."
Kafei nodded but took another sip. Link could see on his friend's face that he really enjoyed the drink. Link chuckled softly with an affectionate smile.
"Link?"
"Malon?" Link replied as he turned towards her.
She grabbed his hand in excitement. "Tell me about this other world you visited! Tell me about the landscape, the people, the creatures! What about them is different from us? Would I ever want to visit? How far away was it? Did they have –"
Link laughed and held a hand up to stop her questions. "Easy, sweetheart, one at a time!" Malon blushed but quieted. "Of course I'll tell you about it. You recall the name, Termina...?"
