Chapter Four: If Loneliness Would Move Out, I'd Fill The Vacancy
"Link, you don't have to say that." Zelda's expression got dark as she glared at him.
Link looked at her questioningly as she launched into a speech.
"Ever since we were little, you've always just seen me as that tomboy. I'm just the girl with the ribbons in her hair that you wrestled with when you were five. For a long time, you were just a guy friend to me, but that all changed when we were ten. I just started feeling like you… like me… like we should be more than friends. I kept that to myself until this afternoon. The way you rushed to save me I thought maybe…" Zelda's voice cracked as her eyes welled with tear. "Just maybe. You felt the same way, but you don't. I made a fool of myself and you only kissed me because you didn't want to embarrass me in front of everyone." An unexpected tear rolled down her face, but she didn't bother to wipe it away. "I don't even know why you asked me out tonight. Probably just to break it to me gently, but Link… you don't have to say anything or do anything to try and preserve my emotions. Just tell me how you feel. I'll get over it." With a defeated sniffle, she crossed her arms and turned her head to the left, avoiding Link's gaze.
"Zelda…" Link swallowed and slowly extended his arm to offer the white flowers to her. "You are that tomboy. The one that I wrestled with as a child. The girl who always wears the ribbons in her hair. I love that girl, though. I kissed you because I wanted to; not because I thought you'd be upset if I didn't. I know you've been lonely for a long time and I had a big part in that by leaving you down below, but if you will open up and let me into your heart, I promise I will do my best to make you happy." Still holding the flowers, Link took a deep breath and struggled to think of something to say. "I know that you've liked me since you were ten and I haven't always seemed to feel the same way, but Zel, I've liked you since we were nine."
The girl slowly turned her head back and looked into the boy's blue eyes. Without warning, she snatched the flowers from his hand and wrapped her arms around his neck. Just like their earlier embrace, Zelda placed her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I apologize for snapping at you, Link. It's just…"
"Shh." Link gently placed his finger on her lips. "I'm not upset. Let's go get something to eat."
"Okay." Zelda smiled and let go of him. They simultaneously broke into mad dashes off the island and called to their Loftwings.
The teenagers entered the Lumpy Pumpkin in comfortable silence and were immediately greeted by the owner.
"Link! Not here to break my chandelier today, are you?" Pumm jested.
"No sir!" Link laughed.
"I see you've got a lady friend with you! How you been doing, Miss Zelda?"
"Good, sir." She offered Pumm a kind smile.
"That's great! Well, you crazy kids can take that table over in the corner."
Zelda and Link quietly took their seat at the table set for two in the extreme left corner of the pub and waited for Kina to serve them.
"Can I ask you something Link?"
"Anything."
"This probably sounds kind of selfish… and petty, but if you like me back… why'd you take so long to kiss me?"
Link suavely slipped his hand into Zelda's under the table. His laced his fingers through hers. "I was a foolish teenage boy nervous about my first kiss. It's only been a few hours, but everything is different now." He lightly squeezed her hand. "I'm not afraid anymore."
"That's good." Zelda blushed. Everything was happening so fast, but she was ready. This is what she'd wanted practically her whole life.
Kina arrived at the table with two huge bowls of hot pumpkin soup. "Hey guys!" She grinned placing them on the table. "What do you want to drink?"
"Hmmm…" Zelda thought. "I haven't had a good glass of Lon Lon Milk in a while, so I think I'll have one now!" Kina marked on her small notepad.
"I'm feeling a little tired so I'd like some red potion please."
"Okay!" Kina retreated to kitchen and quickly returned with the beverages.
After thanking the waitress, Link and Zelda voraciously inhaled their soup and beverages barely having time to exchange words. Link left the twenty-six rupee emolument on the table along with an eight rupee tip for Kina. He said goodbye to Pumm and opened the door for Zelda. They were greeted by the setting sun.
"Wow… This is beautiful." Zelda was captivated by the purple and orange chiaroscuro sky.
"You're beautiful." Link gently stroked her face with the back of his hand, then once again interlocked his fingers with hers.
Gazing lovingly into Link's eyes, Zelda quietly spoke. "So, is this it? Are we… official? Are you my… my boyfriend?" The word felt new and interesting on Zelda's tongue.
"Do you want me to be?" Link gazed back with equal intensity.
"More than anything I've ever wanted in my life."
"Then, of course." And for the second time that day, their lips met.
Thanks for reading guys :) As always, review, favorite, and/or follow if you want to. This chapter's title came from the song Heart Vacancy by the Wanted. It is one of the sweetest, most heartfelt songs I've ever hear. If you are a hopeless romantic (like me) I suggest you listen to it!
Note to my followers: There will be no update until Monday. I tried to get the next chapter done today, but I just felt like it was sub-par… I'm really sorry, but I've got a busy weekend ahead. I'll do two chapters on Monday just to make up for my delinquency :)
Thanks for understanding. megurinewindwaker