Thanks for the reviews! I enjoy reading them!

I'm going to try to update faster. :)


Throughout the morning, the princess kept the hero company, and they chatted about what was going on in Hyrule. It felt like old times again as they reminisced about their past adventures. This gave great joy to Zelda, seeing Link act like his warm self again.

At lunch, Ike dropped by, bringing two lunchboxes with him. The Hylians thanked the mercenary as they each took their respective meals.

"Thank you," Zelda said sincerely.

"No problem," Ike nodded, and then proceeded to leave.

"You're-you're not eating with us?" Link blurted out in surprise.

Ike blinked and turned around, giving a small smile, "I already ate. You two enjoy." And then he left.

Zelda saw the disappointment in Link's face as the hero watched the mercenary go out the door, and she frowned, internally conflicted.

In the afternoon, the two Hylians received many visits from the rest of the fighters. Princess Peach and Mario placed a vase of fresh flowers from the garden next to Link's bed. Samus brought a bag of freshly baked cookies from the dining hall, much to Link's delight, and with one working arm she ruffled the hero's locks of hair affectionately, emitting a giggle from Link. Sonic and Snake came by with flowers as well, although the two ended up getting kicked out by Zelda upon entering an argument with one another and nearly wreaking havoc in the infirmary, much to the doctor's dismay. By dinner, Link was in high spirits. Having so many people visit him made him happy, and he thought to himself how Ganondorf was wrong about the fighters here. They can be friends with each other. Ganondorf was even wrong about Ike-

The hero stiffened at the name. His heart skipped, and his fingers curled around the edge of his blanket. Was Ganondorf wrong about that?

To me, you…are the very person I fell in love with.

Link held his head, feeling feverish. What is that supposed to mean?

"Are you okay, Link?"

The hero glanced up, embarrassed. "Oh, yea, I'm fine." He scratched his head with a chuckle.

Zelda blinked, and then she saw Link stare at the door again. Frowning, she thought to herself how the hero probably does not know himself that he had been quite preoccupied with the door throughout the day, only to be distracted when their friends came to visit. What bothered her more was that she knew very well who he was looking out for, those blue orbs waiting.

Around evening, Marth and Ike entered the room carrying platters of food.

"Oh dear, you two didn't have to bring so much," Zelda stood up in surprise to help them as Link drooled at the delicious meal coming towards him. And then, she noticed the grim look on Marth's face. "What's wrong?"

"Bad news," the prince stated in all seriousness, as though disgusted about something. "I think you should come with me for a moment. I need to discuss something with you."

Zelda nodded. "Okay." She turned around and looked at Link. "I'll be back in a moment." She carefully glanced at Ike, who was blinking in surprising, realizing that he was going to have to be left alone to keep Link company. And as much as this thought was not comforting to Zelda, the princess knew that Link had been wanting to see him, whether the hero realizes it or not. And so, she left with the prince out the door.

Ike began clearing the small table next to the bed and arranging the food before setting a tray on Link's lap. "Here are some of your favorites," he said kindly.

Link looked down and saw his favorite meal. Stomach grumbling, he immediately dove in when he noticed Ike not eating. "Um, are you going to eat?"

"I already ate," the mercenary smiled.

Link frowned and then stared down at his food, chewing his meal rather dejectedly. There was an awkward silence between the two. Ike watching him was starting to unsettle the hero. Finally, Link spoke. "Um, anything new happen today?"

Ike blinked. "Well, there was…" and the mercenary began describing the day's events, including how Wario has proceeded to bully Kirby now that Link was not available, and Sonic and Snake developed a new rivalry with one another. He added how the fighters were all worried about him, further proving to Link that everyone cared about him, and Samus continued to train in the gym despite her injured arm and Marth's protests. As this conversation went on, the two felt like it was old times again, like the two buddies they were who chatted into the late hours of the day. There was some laughter and chuckles and amusement, but hidden behind the conversation still remained a rift of unanswered questions, unspoken words, and a lingering memory of what transpired just three nights before. So at times the two found themselves in a state of awkwardness, unsure of what the other was thinking, and right now happened to be such a moment.

Link finished his meal, and Ike helped set the tray aside.

"Oh, you got something on the corner of your mouth." The mercenary leaned over to wipe it off with his thumb when he noticed Link stiffen, and then he stopped midair before slowly backing away. Grabbing a napkin, he handed it to the hero. "Here," he smiled gently yet dimly.

Link took the napkin and wiped his mouth before handing it back to Ike to toss away. Again, more awkwardness. The hero stared at his hands once more, unsure of where to look, while Ike shifted in his seat and decided to glance around the room.

Wanting to break the ice, the mercenary decided to speak. "I wonder what's taking Zelda so long-"

"I'm not that naïve you know."

Ike shook, startled by the sudden remark. He looked at Link, who still had his head lowered, staring down at fingers now curling around the blanket.

"I mean, granted that I didn't know how to touch myself, but I do know what sex is! I…just didn't know that's how two men did it…" the last part left Link completely red, and the hero squeezed his hands tighter within the cloth and hid his blushing face.

Ike's own face turned a shade of pink as well, and he frowned as the guilt wrenched his heart.

"And just so you know," Link continued, "I'm not so nice as to forgive you so easily. I was really mad at you. I was really scared that night." Link was firm despite the slight trembling in his voice as hidden emotions began pouring out.

Ike looked at him with regret in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said softly.

The two didn't say anything else further.

Finally, Zelda came back, her face flushed with anger. "Great goddesses! This is just unbelievable! It's ridiculous that they made such a decision."

Ike and Link looked at Zelda in curiosity.

"What happened?" Ike asked.

"They're definitely letting Ganondorf stay, and they're giving him another chance!"

"What? That's preposterous!" Ike stood up from his chair, not believing what he was hearing.

"I know!" Zelda sighed. And then, walking over to Ike, she whispered to his ear, "I suggest you check out the new matchup list downstairs next to the dining hall. It was just posted up."

"Huh?" Ike blinked, surprised.

"I just want to eat now," the princess breathed as she collapsed in her chair, tired. She watched as Link began grabbing her tray from the table next to him and hand it over to her. "Thank you, although I should be attending to you."

"Nonsense, you're my princess," Link beamed charmingly.

Zelda felt her heart calm down by this warm kindness so unique to the hero. And then, she saw Ike already head out the door.

The mercenary quickly went down the stairs to the first floor, heading in the direction of the dining hall. What does Zelda mean? Ike thought to himself. Upon seeing the all too familiar paper posted on the wall near the large doors, Ike made his way to it and read the matchup list excitedly.

It was the posting for his own next tournament, and the other contestants were King Dedede, Ness, and…

Ike's eyes immediately flashed darkly upon seeing the final name on that list. Squeezing his fists tightly until his knuckles turned white, he glared at the poster.

Ganondorf.


That night, Zelda stayed with Link again in the infirmary, watching over him. She slept uncomfortably in her chair, and a few times noticed Link staring up at the ceiling, wide awake as though thinking. She wondered what was on his mind, but didn't want to be nosy and disturb his rest. So she left it alone. By morning, she found herself relieved when Ike arrived with breakfast for them. Realizing that she was in a desperate need of a shower and proper sleep, having been in the infirmary for over two days straight, she reluctantly excused herself to go rest and told Link that she would be back in the afternoon. However, before leaving, she whispered quietly to Ike with a warning tone, "Remember, you got less than one week before you must leave this place. I know Marth's conditions with you." And then she exited the room.

Ike lowered his eyes to the floor, remembering his predicament, and then glanced up upon seeing Link giving him a questionable look. Putting on a smile, he sat down and had breakfast with the young man. The two conversed like old times again, with Ike giving him more updates on the other fighters, and the progress of Samus's broken arm. At lunch, the bounty hunter joined them, bringing them food, and the three chuckled about the news on how Wario bit off more than he could chew when he decided to pick on Kirby. Link laughed freely upon hearing this, and he appreciated at that moment that he was lucky to have so many friends with him, never leaving him alone.

In the afternoon, Zelda dropped by, feeling refreshed and clean, and she took over keeping Link company while Ike went to the gym to train. As she talked to the hero, she noticed on occasion the young man glancing periodically at the door, slightly absent-mindedly. This pained the princess a little as she watched those blue orbs subconsciously peek at the door, waiting. At dinner, Ike came back, fresh from his training. In his hands were more food, and the three ate together before Zelda retired to her room, with an unspoken understanding between her and Ike that they would be the two to switch shifts when it came to keeping Link company. As she walked out the door, she thought about the eager look on Link's face when the mercenary showed up, those blue orbs lighting up brightly the moment he arrived. Sighing in defeat, she walked out the door.

That evening, Ike first proceeded to change the bandages on Link, preparing new ones that would have ointment on them to further sooth the bruises now that most of the open cuts had healed. Even Link's black eye was finally starting to fade. When Ike reached out a hand to Link's shoulder, the hero suddenly tensed. Noticing this, Ike retracted his hand and said with a sad, gentle smile, "Link, you don't have to push yourself. If you're uncomfortable with me doing this, then we can have one of the nurses do it. I think the doctor got lazy seeing how good I was at this and just never bothered getting the nurses to change the bandages." The mercenary gave an uneasy chuckle at the last line before falling back into a solemn slump upon seeing Link just stare at his hands. It was hopeless. Link probably hates him still.

But then, the hero glanced up and said in a small voice, "No…I…don't mind if you do it."

Ike blinked, and then, carefully, he reached out a hand and placed it on Link's shoulder. The contact with bare skin made Link shiver, and Ike let his hand sit there for a moment to allow the hero to adjust to it. This whole changing bandages thing was always an awkward moment for the two, especially since Link is practically naked save for his undershorts. But upon seeing the hero stop stressing, which barely happened, Ike proceeded to remove the bandages. As the mercenary worked, he noted how Link never looks at him when he is doing this, and the two don't talk at all until the whole process is finished.

By bedtime, Ike felt compelled to mention to his friend, "Link, I can leave if you want me to. I know I must make you uncomfortable right now at the thought of me watching you sleep when it's just the two of us."

The hero flinched, surprised that Ike read his thoughts. And then, he watched the mercenary get up.

"Good night, Link." Ike leaned over, ready to brush away those adorable locks of hair when his hand stopped an inch away. And then he slowly pulled back, smiling sadly before turning around to leave.

Link gaped, surprised, and reached out a hand towards that large back turning away when he lost his voice, and Ike shut the lights and closed the door behind him.

The infirmary suddenly felt large and empty, and Link pulled up the sheet to his chin, finding that he did not like being alone all of a sudden. He turned to his side, his thoughts churning over and over again in his mind. He remembered those long fingers that always brushed his bangs away from his face before the taller man left his room in the late hours of the night just a week before. Link curled deeper into himself and snuggled within the white bed sheet, his eyes wide awake. And it was a long while before he finally fell asleep.

Meanwhile, that night, Ike was tossing in bed, agonizingly restless. He grappled with his mind and body as his heart ached to embrace the hero, to shower him with affection, to cradle him gently in his arms and comfort him. But fear kept Ike at bay, and the mercenary was afraid to hurt his friend again and do unspeakable things. So he had purposely forced himself to go back to his room when he felt he was at his limit. Those blue eyes still looked at him wearily at times, and Ike didn't want to ruin whatever he had left with Link right now. He was like a poor man salvaging the bits and pieces left on a plate that was once full with healthy fruition. And so, he locked himself in his room and wrestled with his heart's desires in silence.

The next morning, Zelda brought some breakfast for Link and Ike, and was surprised upon finding the mercenary absent. "Where's Ike?"

"Oh, he went back to his room last night," Link responded, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

This surprised Zelda, for she was sure that Ike would stay to watch over Link (even though the thought unnerved her the whole night since she was not sure if Ike would lose control again and take advantage of the hero in his injured state). However, she had a small hunch that Ike would be on his best behavior as well, and he fulfilled that prediction by not even bothering to stay in the infirmary the whole night. Sighing, she began arranging the food on a tray for Link. "I guess I'll just bring Ike's portions back to the dining hall later."

But just as she was mentioning that name, the mercenary arrived, and Link's blue orbs lit up.

"Morning," Ike greeted.

"Oh, just in time. Here's your breakfast," Zelda handed him his meal.

The day went on like usual, with Zelda and Ike switching shifts as one went to rest and the other went to train for his upcoming match. The occasional fighters dropped by as well, especially Samus, who Link was always very fond of seeing. Unfortunately, the visits also included the few unpleasant fighters who decided to stroll by the door with sneers and mean jests, only to be shooed away by Ike, Zelda, or even Samus herself. The doctor came by once to do his daily check up on Link, and reported that the hero was making good progress and should be able to leave the infirmary in a couple days. He also brought up the topic of Link needing another bath, making both Zelda and Ike blush, but once again Marth happened to walk in at the right moment and felt compelled to volunteer for the duty for the sake of Link and his comrades. Both Ike and Zelda began wondering why Marth was always in a rush to leave after bathing Link, his face always exaggeratedly sterner than usual before he quickly excuses himself from the room.

The doctor debated to himself if he should start hiring male nurses.

On the fourth day of Link's residence in the infirmary, the hero learned from Samus that Ganondorf would be in the next match with Ike.

"He's been training hard, Ike that is," Samus smiled warmly. "I can't wait for him to kick Ganondorf's ass for what he did to you, you poor thing." She tucked a strand of Link's dirty blond locks behind his Hylian ear. "And as much as I know that you want to see the match tomorrow, unfortunately, the doctor says you have to stay here until your body is mostly healed."

"It's okay, I can watch it on the portable," Link smiled back. "Snake said he would lend me one, although I'm not quite sure what it is."

"Snake, huh?" Samus felt her eyebrow twitch. And then, she saw Link fall into some deep thought. "Are you worried?"

"Huh?" Link blinked blankly, glancing up.

Samus chuckled. "You're so easy to read. You're worried about Ike, aren't you?"

"What? No! Of course not! Ike can take care of himself," the hero spoke too passionately, flustered as he feigned indifference.

"Really? Hm, sometimes I wonder if you have a crush on that man."

The comment made those Hylian ears turn a bright shade of red, and Link gripped his blanket in embarrassment at the comment. "O-of course not! Why would I?"

Chuckling in amusement, the bounty hunter patted Link on the head as Zelda walked back into the room with books in her hands. "Enjoy storytelling, Link."

That afternoon, Zelda read to Link to keep him from feeling bored and restless. At times, she noticed that Link's mind was not totally there, his thoughts seeming to be far away, and she saw him glance out the window on occasion. Curious, she glanced over and was caught by surprise to see Ike in the courtyard below, practicing his sword maneuvers. Noticing Link's attention drawing more and more to the mercenary, the princess grew slightly jealous, feeling that Ike had no right to deserve Link. But she also felt pained at seeing Link staring yearningly at the door, waiting. And she couldn't deny how happy and earnest the hero looked whenever the mercenary arrived. There was still a bond the two shared, despite everything that had happened that week.

By dinner, the blue-haired man returned, and Zelda left Ike and Link alone to chat excitedly amongst themselves. Feeling left out, she quietly retreated to the dining hall, deciding to eat alone.

Meanwhile, the mercenary and the hero laughed like old pals, with Ike exchanging more humorous stories of Wario's mistake of picking on Kirby, who has now turned the tables on the grotesque man and refused to stop. Upon discussion about a possible match between Wario and Kirby in the future, the hero closed his hand into a fist.

"I can't wait to be out of bed. I'm getting restless," Link complained, throwing a pout.

"But you need time to recover."

"Not that much time. I'll be ready in no time, ready for my next match." He beamed.

Ike blinked at this determination, entranced by the hero's high spirits.

"I can't wait to go back to training," Link said, more to himself.

The mercenary smiled, admiring the hero's refusal to give up on anything.

The two then proceeded to discuss possible matchups involving the other fighters, and debated who would win or who would have the advantage. After a few more good hearty chuckles, there was an awkward silence that fell on them again. And then…

"Link."

The hero glanced up at being addressed with a strange tone.

"This…everything…it's all my fault."

Link blinked in surprise, his mouth falling partially ajar as he watched Ike speak to him with eyes filled with regret and despair.

"I…I'm sorry for everything. I know I messed up, and I know that you may never forgive me. But, I want you to at least know this," his hands tightened on the sides of his chair. "I know what Ganondorf said to you on that platform, and I want to make clear to you that you are not a toy. You are my friend. My very good friend. And I care about you very much. What I said that day, about my feelings-" Ike felt his throat get caught as he swallowed. "I meant it. I am in love with you, and I understand that you may feel disgusted by another man confessing to you, and even more disgusted by what I did. But please, at least understand that I never treated you as some toy, and that my feelings for you are true."

The speech overwhelmed Link, and the hero found himself wavering, unable to form any coherent thoughts. And before he could react at all, a hand reached out and pulled him into a tight embrace.

Ike hugged the hero, squeezing him yearningly with a last desperate plea. He closed his eyes and rested his head on top of Link's head, breathing in deeply that wonderful scent of silky, soft dirty blond strands.

Blue orbs quivered against the mercenary's chest, and Link felt his heart racing as he nearly melted into the warmth of those strong arms. And then, much too quickly and unexpectedly, Ike pulled back abruptly and got up.

"It's getting late now. You should get some rest. I'll be preparing for the match." He threw a charming wink. "And I'll be kicking Ganondorf's ass for you. The man is going to get what he deserves." He turned around, heading for the door.

Momentarily stunned, Link shook himself back to his senses and opened his mouth, gasping and struggling for a single sound as his lips silently spoke. His desperate eyes watched as the back of that man went further and further away. The vocal cords tightened, emitting a small gasp as his lungs contracted.

Ike was almost at the door.

Finally, feeling his voice coming back to him, Link reached out his hand and forced the words out of his throat. "C-come back!"

Ike froze on the spot and glanced over his shoulder.

Surprised by his outburst, Link stuttered embarrassingly and said, "Come back…after the match tomorrow. I want you to come back here."

Ike felt his heart flutter at this. And then, throwing his well known confident smile, he nodded his head and left.


Strolling through the third floor, Ike was in high spirits when he saw a box in the middle of the hallway.

Hm...

Eyes narrowing suspiciously, he kicked the box hard with all his might. "HAH!"

Much to his surprise, the box turned over and fell on its side, empty. Ike gaped blankly, confused.

"HAH!"

"GAH!" Ike nearly fell, tripping on his own feet as right next to him another box flipped over and Snake appeared right before him.

What the fuck? Since when did that other box get there?

"As Sonic would say, still too slow," Snake shook his head, lighting a cigarette. "You disappoint me, mercenary. I thought you would've improved by now."

Ike glared at him, still shaken by the encounter. This dumbass is going to get it one day!

"You ready for your match tomorrow?"

"Huh?" Ike blinked.

"You deaf? I said are you ready for your match tomorrow?" Snake blew a puff of smoke. "You better not let us down, considering we're all rooting for you to beat Ganondorf's ass."

Ike nodded, letting a small smile appear on his face. "Hm."

"By the way, have you and Link hooked up yet or what?"

"What?" Ike gasped, caught off guard by this question. Does Snake know?

"Gosh, ever since Link got injured, you two are even more gay for each other."

"I don't appreciate the comment," Ike said through gritted teeth.

"It's true," Snake blew smoke at Ike's face, ignoring the coughs of irritation. "The way you two always hang out together ever since you got here, I thought you both would've wound up together by now."

Ike blinked, and then silently breathed out in relief. So Snake doesn't know about what had happened between him and Link. And then, realizing, he responded, "Wait, Link and I are just friends. What are you talking about?"

"I'm a special ops agent. It's my business to observe people." He talked with the cigarette nabbed between his teeth. "It's obvious that Link has a crush on you, although that boy is way too oblivious to realize that himself."

"Huh?" Ike gaped, surprised by this comment.

"Don't tell me you never noticed that? From day one, you were the only person Link really talks to that much other than Zelda. And the way that boy looks at you all excitedly every time he sees you – that's much too unhealthy for a normal man."

"Hey, there is nothing abnormal about being gay. And I don't appreciate you talking about Link that way. Besides, you don't even know if he sees…um…men in that way."

"Well, I'm a pro, and I know what I see." Snake tapped the butt of his cigarette, annoying Ike with the sight of ashes falling onto the ground. "I'm not talking about him being that way per se. I'm just pointing out that Link is extremely fond of you, and I don't mean in a straight way." Snake stuck his finger out at him before blowing another puff of smoke. "Anyway, I'll let you be. Better win the match tomorrow before I laugh at your face." And he smacked Ike in the butt, both surprising and exacerbating the mercenary.

Ike rubbed his bottom grumpily and glared as he watched Snake walk away. And then, his heart fluttered at the possibility of Link having similar feelings for him. But that hope was quickly dashed away upon the realization that he most likely ruined his chances with Link after what he did a few nights ago. Sighing dejectedly, he dragged himself back to his room.


"Another match tomorrow? Already?"

"But of course."

"How did you do it?"

"I'm a charming man."

"Hm. So you think," Bowser shuffled the new deck of cards at the small round table in the recreation room. "I must say, I am quite surprised by how you managed to pull this off."

"Easy. I merely…talked to the committee," Ganondorf sneered with an ugly grin.

The lizard's large, guarded eyes watched the Gerudian across from him. He began dealing the cards.

"Wario's not too happy about the last match."

"Not my problem."

"Heh. As usual." Bowser cut the deck and flipped the cards. "I thoroughly enjoyed watching it live. If only I can do that to Mario."

"So what are you waiting for?"

The lizard hissed at his companion. "In due time, I'll have my opportunity."

"Likewise."

"Poker again?"

"Why not?"

"Just the two of us."

"As always."

"Two wins for you?"

"Of course."

"After tomorrow."

"That is the plan."

Bowser's reptile tongue slithered outward before retreating back into his mouth. "The mercenary will most likely seek revenge in tomorrow's match."

"Ah, I expected as much," Ganondorf closed his eyes with an eager smile. "But tomorrow," he opened his eyes to reveal mischievous gold orbs excited with delight, "I have my own set of fun prepared just for the hero's little friend."