Warning: Chapter rated T-16 for mild adult content.
Chapter 6
The Garden
Shocked, amazed and appalled: these were the only expressions in the crowd around the dance floor that night. Pipit's face seemed to be a mixture of all three.
The only exception was Link, who stood with eyes searing and face as hot as fire. He glowered at Pipit with the look of a best friend scorned. Dozens of witnesses looked on.
Even the music had come to a screeching halt, as if the sheer anger projected from one friend to the other had pulled its plug.
Slightly unsteady on his feet, Pipit rubbed his forehead and glanced at his boots. A few feet away, Link continued his stare. "Why did you just do that?" Pipit asked, his voice shaking.
"What?" Link asked, waiting for his friend's blue eyes to join his own.
"What? Are you serious?" Pipit stood up taller and looked at him coldly. "You're really on a roll tonight. First you're stressing too much over a girl, then you're punching somebody for no reason, and then you're demonstrating to everyone in this entire damn building how to give your buddy—who is a guy, let's not forget—a lap dance?"
"Isn't that what you wanted?" Link asked, as rigid as could be.
Pipit tossed up a hand. "Huh?"
"After grabbing me earlier like you did."
Pipit looked around at a couple of the bewildered faces. "Man, that was just recompense for earlier. And that's not nearly as bad as—"
"Then consider this payback," Link added. He couldn't be happier to see Pipit so discomfited.
Obviously exhausted and fumbling for coherence, Pipit blinked several times. "Nobody even saw that," he said. "No one that matters."
"Oh, someone saw it," Link said.
Pipit scoffed. "Oh, that girl. Whoopie."
"I was mad before I found out she thought you were my boyfriend."
Pipit swallowed a snicker. "Who cares? She's just one person. Look how many people you just made both of us look like a couple of total asses in front of. That's what you should care about."
Link shook his head and turned to leave the dance floor.
"Now where're you going?" Pipit called, his eyes drifting from Link to the many curious stares. He cleared his throat and pursued his friend.
Link kept going until he reached the corner by the front door. With arms crossed he tilted his chin up to meet what he already knew was going to be an accusatory look.
"Man, I just wanna…" Pipit pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes.
"What?" Link asked. "Fight me?" Pipit looked at the ceiling. "Because that's exactly what I had in mind."
"What? I'm not fighting you."
"Why not?" Link asked. "It's been building to this point since last night, hasn't it? You getting me in trouble with Owlan? Telling embarrassing stories about me? Helping me with that stalker?"
"And I suppose you acting all indignant in flight class, jeopardizing my knighthood and smashing my foot are all completely excusable?"
"I say we bring this to the sparring ring."
Pipit chuckled. "Yeah right, pal."
Link shoved him in the chest, sending him back a step. "You need to challenge me."
"I said no," Pipit almost growled.
"I'm not taking no for an answer."
"What's it gonna prove?"
"I'm just tired of this game," Link said. "Whatever your problem is, it needs to be straightened out."
"My problem?" Pipit paused for a second. "Look what you just did. I'd say you're the one with the problem!"
"Then let's settle this once and for all," Link said, holding his hands out.
Pipit leered at him. "No."
Nodding to himself, Link walked to Pipit's side. "I cleaned the first floor of your mom's house a few days ago." He watched his friend's ears perk up. "And she paid me."
Pipit tugged at his collar. "Not gonna work."
Grinning, Link walked around to face him. "She asked me to come once a week from now on." He rocked on his toes. He could've sworn that Pipit was a hair's breadth away from baring his teeth. Link leaned forward. "I'm thinking of saying yes."
Pipit sighed. "All right, fine," he mumbled. Link smiled. "Guess we should do it all formal-like." Spreading his arms to the sides he bent into a shallow bow. In a most deep and sarcastic voice, he stated, "I challenge you, Link, to a duel of the sword in ye olde sparring hall. What say you?"
With his hands behind his back, Link offered a knightly bow. "I accept your challenge." Watching each other, the two straightened up. "Tomorrow morning. Early. Before anyone in their right mind is anywhere near there. We use metal swords, not wooden ones. And wear your chain mail. You're gonna need it."
"Fine," Pipit said. "Now get outta my face before I disembowel you."
"You sure you don't want another dance?" Link asked, stepping away. Pipit's face suggested he was dangerously close to losing his temper, so Link left him alone.
Satisfied that he had finally pushed Pipit over the edge, Link sauntered his way back to the enlivening dance floor. He didn't bother to extinguish the smile on his face or the gratified hop in his gait, even as his peers looked at him as if he were nuts.
He grinned wider. His vision might have been fuzzy but one thing was clear—he had gotten what he wanted.
Back at his table he checked to make sure that his instrument was safely underneath. He picked his head up and scanned the crowd. I wonder where Midna went? Wonder if she's inside.
He swallowed, suddenly afraid. I hope she didn't see what I did… His heart beat heavily a few times. His gaze dropped to his unfinished drink. He quickly swept it up and downed what remained. With a sigh he put down the glass, feeling better.
No… he assured himself. If she'd seen that she would've already been here asking me about it—
"Hey."
Link leaped to the side. There she was.
"Sorry," Midna said. "Scared you, did I?"
"Oh, no…" Link brushed a wisp of hair out of his eyes.
Midna looked at him questioningly. "You all right?"
"Yeah," he answered.
"Did you reconcile with your friend?"
Link's mouth started to move before he'd decided what to say. "We…came to an agreement, so…yeah."
"Well, good."
Just like outside, Midna was inscrutable. Did her grin mean that she had seen what happened a few minutes ago? Or was she just…grinning?
"How long have you…been in here?" Link asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.
"Not long."
Link waited. "Not long?"
"Nope."
"So, like…a couple minutes?"
She looked up thoughtfully. "Maybe."
"Did you come in after the music stopped?"
"Yes, I did."
Link sighed and rubbed his face. "Good." Midna's eyebrow came up. "Well, I mean, okay."
"You sure you're all right?" she asked, searching him.
"Yeah, why?" He blinked.
"You seem worn out or something."
"I am a little, from not enough sleep, and a long day—"
"Too bad, because I was gonna ask if you'd like to dance." Midna leaned on her hands at the table's edge. With a mind of their own, Link's eyes dipped to her chest; it was being subtly presented by her stance.
"Um," he said, looking her in the face. "I'm always up for a dance."
She gave a soft yet pleased-sounding laugh. "Good." She cast an eye over the table and all of its empty mugs. "You had more to drink, didn't you?"
Link looked at his chest as if the proof was plastered there. "A little."
"Well, no more," Midna said, taking his hand. "I need an unspoiled dance partner."
"Right…"
With a fluttering heart, Link weaved in and out of people with Midna on his arm. He couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her.
As if what occurred with Pipit hadn't even happened, no one sent any ogles in Link's direction. With his sights set on Midna, he wouldn't have noticed anyway. He was already too enthralled to pay any mind to anything; not even the curious and perhaps jealous stares aimed at his new lady friend.
As fast as Link's annoyance over Pipit had subsided, he and Midna entered their own little world. Whatever sort of music was being played, it didn't matter. All he knew was that the stress on his overburdened brain was lessening, as if she was removing it bit by bit.
With heavy eyelids and swimmy vision, Link closed his eyes, relishing the feeling of her arms over his shoulders and her fingers on his neck. He had never danced so closely with a woman, not even Zelda. Cautiously, his hands traveled to her waist where they touched black lace for the first time. He opened his eyes again. Her bright sorrel irises burned in the dim firelight. He took a moment to appreciate her smile and fair skin.
She smelled amazing, she looked amazing, and her dancing was amazing. Link couldn't believe how lucky he was.
Bouncing back-and-forth between high-spirited and lethargic, he moved with her. Sometimes they were close, other times they didn't touch at all. No matter what, he was having the time of his life, and he didn't want it to end for anything in the world.
They laughed and held hands. He twirled her around and she twirled him in return. They mirrored each other's steps and got lost in each other's eyes.
Growing more and more tired, Link felt as if a time warp had sucked him in. He had no idea if minutes or hours had passed. The only thing he could be sure of was that he and Midna had, at some point, knitted themselves together. With their bodies attached from the hip up, he was losing his breath, and not just because he was getting fatigued.
Midna's skin was damp from exertion. Her expression was happy, antsy and inquisitive all at the same time. Link looked at her lips, expecting her to say something.
She brought her mouth to his ear. "Would you like to go outside?" she asked.
Link's breath came out in a huff as she brushed his earring. "Outside?"
"Yes."
He immediately found himself being led by the hand through masses of people. Before he could ask himself why he had so easily complied, he'd left the building behind.
The moist night air hit him in the face, forcing him to come to his senses. He could feel Midna's hand more as she pulled him through the raucous and past loud groups of people gathered here and there. She brought him past the area near the drop-off where they had met and into a lush, colorful, sweet-smelling garden. The music, although slowly fading as they furthered themselves from everyone else, thumped in the distance. The euphonious chirping of insects became the dominant sound as the music gave way to it.
The two crossed over a bubbling brook by way of a stone bridge. They passed several iron gates and walked beneath an ornate archway. Thick, deserted woods surrounded them on every side.
Link dropped heavily to the bench beneath the arch, sighing and groaning to himself.
"I could fall asleep right now," he said, rubbing his eyes and leaning onto his knees. "I can barely feel my feet."
Midna looked at him. "I can take you home," she said. He looked over at her. "And you wouldn't even get in trouble."
He laughed. "It depends what sort of trouble you're referring to." He eyed her slowly. "Well, have you taken night patrol classes? Do you have night escort training?"
"Of course. I wouldn't offer otherwise, silly."
"You like to call me that. Am I really that silly?"
Midna giggled lightly. "You are." She reached up to rub his upper back.
"And you like to touch me a lot, too," he added with a weak chuckle.
"Well, you seem to like it. Don't you? Unless it's just my imagination." Link clammed up for a few seconds. With no response to give, he glanced at her over his shoulder. "Hah. Okay, then." She bowed her head to look him in the eye. "Your mouth might be slow to admit it, but your body doesn't lie."
The way one side of her mouth curled made Link's toes do the same. He knew what she was referring to, and it was too embarrassing to think about. He turned his face away and pressed a finger to his forehead, wishing he could propel himself under the nearest rock. He thought for a moment and would have been quicker to respond, but his face was burning. He just shook his head.
A cold gust of wind whipped past, offering whatever relief it could.
"Hoping I wouldn't notice?" Midna asked. Link grimaced. "It's impossible not to notice something that's that, well…" She shrugged.
"You were rubbing against me for…" Link cleared his throat. "A while."
"Oh, I wasn't blaming it on you."
Link turned to her. "No?"
She smiled and balanced his chin on her finger. "No matter how you slice it, you…" she began, placing her hands around his face. She looked into his eyes and stopped.
Link stared back. "I what?"
Midna studied his lips like they held a secret. In a slow, careful motion her head came down until her mouth was resting on his. Rattled, Link pulled back.
Midna's hands came down. She waited a moment. "If you don't want me to…"
Ambivalent looks were exchanged in the thick darkness. A myriad of thoughts hurtled through Link's mind.
"You've never really done this before, have you?" Midna asked.
I guess the question isn't, 'Am I really that silly?', but, 'Am I really that obvious?' Link sighed.
Midna's eyebrow came up. "I feel like I'm robbing the cradle."
Scoffing, Link stood up, staggered for a moment, and then gained his footing. "I'm almost twenty-one. I'm not a child or anything. I've just chosen to avoid it, that's all."
"Why?" Midna asked, standing up next to him. He slid back on his heels. "I know how many women are after you. The fact that you've avoided it—that's impressive."
Her approval wasn't lost on him in the slightest. "I just haven't wanted to," he said. "Not…" He took a breath. "…Yet." Her eyes seemed to encase him. He rubbed his neck.
Midna folded her hands. "You must be the opposite of every guy I've ever met."
"I'm not sure whether to think that's a good thing or a bad thing."
"It's not good or bad," Midna replied, stepping closer to him. Link felt every muscle tense. "It's wonderful."
Link's mouth opened as if to allow a response, but no words were afforded him. All he could focus on was how fervent her last two words had sounded. The way she was looking at him certainly wasn't assisting him in bringing forth any sort of articulation, either.
The soft sounds of the forest at night did little to soothe Link's nerves. His attraction for her was doing battle with his convictions. Midna was gorgeous and enticing, and he felt so utterly drawn to her, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that he was playing with fire.
He took a hasty breath and shut his eyes, denying that that clutching, squeezing feeling was trying to overtake him again. Worse still, he knew that Midna recognized his discomfort.
She bit her lip. "I'll back up and give you some space. If I'm encroaching, then—"
"I didn't say that," Link said faster and more forcefully than he'd intended. As he watched her start to smile, he wondered if he had indeed interrupted her like that—and with such a flagrant word choice.
Midna stepped closer. "What do you mean?" she asked, her chest lightly grazing his. He held his breath, blinking a few times as he looked at her. Was she taller than him?
He couldn't tell. He looked down. Did it really matter?
His mind floated back to his verbal slip-up. She must have really thought he was obvious now. "Uh…" he began. Wishing he knew how to stall for time to come up with an explanation, his thoughts jumbled, rendering his excuse-concocting ability useless. "Ugh," was all he managed to say.
Link jumped as one of Midna's hands took his shoulder. The other slipped behind his head, urging his eyes up; they locked with hers.
There was no question what she was communicating—one of two things had to happen straightaway: either they had to share something, anything, in this moonlit garden tonight, or they had to turn themselves around and get out of here. Quickly.
Nodding, Link couldn't agree more.
His heart pounded in his ears. He looked at her mouth again, deliberating whether or not it was as soft as it looked.
"Why do I feel like I've known you forever?" she asked in a near-whisper.
Link's eyes dropped. "I—" But Midna's finger had settled on his lips.
"Ssssshh." She cocked her head. "I like it better when you're silent."
Link just gaped, not understanding why her teasing was such a turn-on. His mouth was faintly open but he held his thoughts back.
Instead he breathed in the fresh breeze and fragrance of the forest. Maybe it would clear his head. It was then that he noticed Midna again—truly noticed her, just as he had when he'd seen her for the first time. His eyes traced from the top of her head to her shoulders, admiring the gentle glisten of her porcelain skin. One particular sight snagged him: the thin black strap of her dress had slid down.
He looked into her face again, and she looked into his.
When Link leaned closer, she did the same. As she took his hands, he closed his fingers around hers.
In one fluid motion, their lips came together. Link was sure he'd seen sparks fly—before he'd shut his eyes and got completely lost in the moment.
Her lips weren't as soft as they looked. They were softer. It was remarkable.
All around them, the breeze turned to a bluster.
With grips tightening and heads tipping for better access, the kiss intensified. Spurred on by the scent and feel of this magnificent girl, Link drew her to him, taking her in his arms. Her surprised yet pleasured breathing sounded in his ears. He pulled, wanting her closer.
Midna tasted so good and felt so warm. On top of that, she was wriggling in his arms as if she couldn't keep still. He planted his feet and inhaled, relishing every one of her movements.
In the midst of enjoying her restlessness, Link didn't realize that he was being circled around until his back hit the stone of the arch. He gasped, feeling the air leave him in a rush. It was quickly replaced as he reacted to the touch of her palm on his chest. Her lower body pressed to his. He opened his eyes to see the subtle smile on her face. His heart thudded.
Feeling the brush of her other hand, his eyes lowered. When she slid her hand inside his pants pocket, his breath burst from him faster than the first time. Soon, he was the one squirming under her watchful eye.
Riveted, Link felt powerless to move. He wasn't sure he wanted to. His gaze remained contentedly on hers as she explored his pocket. His eyelids quivered shut when her hand swept his thigh.
Even with closed eyes he could feel Midna's penetrating stare. Hands that moments ago had an unrelenting grip on her retreated to the arch. Curling his fingers around its rough surface, he sighed in surrender.
His tired eyes opened and met hers, conveying what he wished he had the guts to say: please, just take control.
Before he had time to decide whether he truly wanted that or not, she came closer, this time by taking his leg between hers. Soon she was squeezing and moving, sinking further into him. Intensely curious, he held her, watching, growing more tingly by the second.
Sensing his mind trying to drift, Link glanced around. Was this really happening?
A subtle sound from Midna pulled him from his brooding. He peeked at her closed eyes.
Together they swayed. Link's back pressed hard against the arch, making him feel trapped, but in a good way.
All he could do was observe. But his concentration was wavering. His head started to spin.
It was all a blur. Midna was moving, and he was moving—not only moving but holding her around the waist and heaving her against him. His eyes broadened as he felt her fingernails dig into his shoulders. She was panting and he couldn't help but do the same.
"Midna?" he whispered, unsure of what he was asking of her.
Her skin shone in the moonlight. She was sounding better and better.
What am I doing? he wondered, caught between confused and enchanted.
Soon, Link's face was thrust over Midna's shoulder. Yanked forward, he yielded to her strength. Feeling her entire body stiffen up, he gawked at the ground. He jerked at the bite of her nails.
The way she twisted and groaned just screamed pleasure. Link felt a warm wave wash over him.
Still, he wrote the sensations off as a dream—but a highly enjoyable one.
For a brief time Link watched in wonder as Midna's movements reached a fever pitch. A few rapid breaths were followed by a moan of such urgency that he petrified, not wanting to spoil what was happening by doing something wrong.
He'd scarcely had enough time to stew over what the incredible thing was that just happened and how it had happened so easily when he felt Midna's hand in his pocket again. His thoughtful expression turned nervous. This time, there was no hiding what she had been joking about earlier. Her small, breathy giggle indicated that she knew. Link blushed and pulled back.
But the glimmer in her eye was so intriguing that he simply couldn't look away, even when her hand shifted in his pocket. His eyes widened and he gulped. With nothing but a thin lining separating him and her palm, he just stared at her.
The most spectacular feeling overcame him. With a shaky exhale he melted against the arch, blinking slowly and marveling.
Midna seemed bent on making him as breathless as she was. And she was doing a fine job. She inched closer, sandwiching her hand securely between them.
Every gentle stroke claimed more of Link's uncertainty. He took hold of the arch again, wanting to release himself to her, to let her do what she wanted.
"Midna—" he whispered, cut off by his breathing. She just shook her head, resting the thumb of her other hand on his lips. Sweeping them, she came forward and pressed her own to them, flooding his mouth with more warmth.
Her hand was unceasing as she rewarded him with another slow kiss. His closed eyes rolled and his back curled. Thoughts he'd never had before entered his mind—words of desire, things that he wanted to ask her to do, things that he wanted to do for her.
Enamored, he took pleasure in every one of her touches. Pleasant feelings turned to pressure, and pressure turned to need. It spread through him like wildfire.
Feeling better than he'd ever felt, he stopped the kiss to breathe, unsure. Midna's eyes seemed to study him.
Don't stop… Don't stop… he begged, leaning his head back.
"Are you all right?" Midna asked.
Link gaped at the starry sky for a moment, listening to the rustle of trees. Perhaps concentrating on something other than the intense buildup would slow it, and him, down. "Mm," he said with a nod.
"Relax, then," Midna whispered, guiding his head toward her for another kiss.
This wasn't helping.
He brought his arms around and hugged her, stepping back just a little to give her hand more freedom. She took the invitation.
At that moment the buildup turned to a deep burn. It was undeniable—the end was coming.
From his head to his toes he felt overwhelmed by a powerful yearning. It was strange and rapturous.
The swirling thoughts continued. He reflected on Midna's talent for effortlessly rocking his world tonight. Was she always like this?
Control was not something that he easily gave. It was not something that he typically had to give. Control normally resided with him, in his sword, his instrument, his schoolwork, his loftwing, his…everything.
But right now, handing the reins over was the most thrilling thing imaginable.
Never before had he wanted to embrace reckless abandon so much.
She was so adept at what she was doing, and he wanted more. He needed more—more of her and everything about her. He was in love.
In love. The words hit him like a brick. But I just met her.
Breathing heavily, they shared a look of passion.
Goddesses, no one is as beautiful as her. No one.
Beginning to smile, Link decided that there was no one he'd rather hand himself over to.
Answering Midna's silent demand for another kiss, he leaned in.
As his nose brushed hers, a memory came to him—one of a cool, early summer morning on an islet in the Main Island's shadow.
A pretty blonde girl flashed before him.
Zelda….
Link's eyelids flipped up.
Suddenly, guilt welled up in his stomach. It snaked outward, causing his excitement to plummet.
In a moment, Midna had broken away from him. Link looked down, sad to feel her hands leave him. "Something wrong?" she asked, lifting a single brow.
About to speak, Link almost allowed a stutter to escape. Midna's face didn't change. "Uh," he murmured. "I, uh—"
"You don't feel right doing this," she said.
Link pursed his lips and rubbed his neck. He shook his head.
Midna gave a firm nod. "Okay." She turned toward the path to the Lumpy Pumpkin, fixing the strap of her dress. Link stared solemnly at the back of her head until she looked back. "You coming?" She cracked a mischievous smirk.
Link felt more blood rush to his face. He started following.
The walk back was somber; for him, at least. He watched her, wondering what she was thinking. Had he disappointed her? Offended her beyond reparability? His eyes sunk to his feet.
The starlight was brighter out in the open around the restaurant. As soon as Link stepped out of the trees, he squinted.
Seeing a crowd of loud people gathering outside, the two of them slowed down. Midna stopped entirely.
Behind her, Link started to speak, but stopped. He looked away, then at his hands, then at her. He sighed, rolling his eyes at himself. Midna's head turned ever so slightly.
"Midna," he said, feeling prickly all over.
She faced him, looking as unreadable as before. Unreadable, but absolutely dazzling. "Yes?"
"Um…." Link tapped his toes on the ground. He had so much to say. Where would he even start?
It didn't matter. He had to say it.
But just as he was about to, a silhouette appeared before him. His eyes went fuzzy again.
Whoever the person was was of a familiar height and build: short and small. The hair was recognizable as well. Its golden hue streamed down to waist-level. An unexpected gust of wind picked it up, sending it flowing along with a white skirt.
Link studied it. He'd seen the dress before. It was something worn only on special occasions, by someone he knew very well.
If the dress and hair didn't confirm it, the flute and displeased expression most certainly did.
It was Zelda.
