Author's Note:

Oh my gosh!!! 58 reviews! Thank you so much people, I have OVER 50 reviews! This is great, honestly, you guys are the best! If I ever become a famous rock star, or movie actress, or author (which would be awesome), I'll be sure to dedicate either a song, a film, or a book to you! I love you!!

But, in a friendly way of course, haha.

Now, the most anticipated chapter nine…

Enjoy!


Chapter Nine – Love and Hate

School Thursday and Friday was torture. I had been avoiding Link the entire day and Ruto was avoiding me. Twice Link tried to get me alone to talk but I rushed away, the embarrassment of Wednesday night's event too much for me to handle. Hylian History and Physics was awkward but, luckily, he didn't bring it up since we were in a place that was way too public for such a conversation. At lunch, Ruto was sitting with Ralis, some boy that her and her cousin Mikau have known since they were babies, while Link had to go discuss drills to use for the tryouts with Tetra. Saria and Malon didn't question me about the movies and I was grateful for that. The next day at lunch I had gone to the library to work on our essay for our Triforce project. I didn't tell him I was doing it because I prefer to work alone on something like that, and, if it wasn't obvious enough, we aren't exactly getting along well at the moment.

But now all of my thoughts of Link are being shoved out of my head as I rush towards the door, fixing my blonde hair and making sure that there isn't anything I missed in my cleaning.

It is seven o'clock Friday night and the doorbell has just rung. I'm wearing my shortest white skirt (on order of Ganondorf) and a light blue, V-neck sweater.

As I open the door, the Autumn air chills my bare legs and light pours out from the house, illuminating the front steps. Standing there is a man, not much taller than me, with long silver hair and bangs that cover one of his blood red eyes. The night casts a shadow on his immensely pale face, giving him a sense of mystery and hostility, and the wind makes his dark purple cloak flap around.

Who the heck wears a cloak these days?

I bow down low, like I always do, and stare at his shiny black shoes.

"Hello, Mr. Vaati," I greet him without any emotion, "May I take your cloak?"

"Yes," he murmurs softly but with arrogance as he drapes his cloak over my back like I'm some kind of chair.

I listen to him walk past me and I continue to stare at the floor, rage building up inside me. I hear Ganondorf greet him, pretending to be thrilled, and lead him into the dining room.

Come on, Zelda, I tell myself, don't kill him yet. Don't kill him yet!

I now straighten up, whipping his silk cloak off of my back and hanging it on the coat rack where it belongs. I rush to the kitchen and grab a silver tray with two wine glasses and a bottle of Ganondorf's most expensive selection. Walking carefully but quickly, I make my way to the dinning room and slow down to an elegant stride once I reach it before kneeling by Vaati's side.

In the light of the house, I can see him much better here. He's wearing jet-black pants with a large gold belt that gleams maliciously and a dark purple suite with a white tie. A matching plum hat sits on his silver head and stretches down to his back. Vaati's a very odd man with a very odd sense in fashion.

And why does he wear so much purple?

"Would you like some wine, sir?" I ask, hating that I have to be so polite to this lavender bloke, and I feel him look at me with disdain, keeping his head held high and his back straight.

"Yes," is all he says in an icy voice and I notice glumly that he didn't use a "please" or a "thank you."

I get off the floor and carefully pour him a good portion of the liquor, its red as bright as his eyes. Placing the glass in front of him, I quietly move along the oak table and pour one for Ganondorf. We pass a glance at each other, both saying "I hate him almost as much as I hate you."

The empty tray still in hand, I shuffle into the corner of the room and press myself against the cold white walls. We only use dining rooms whenever Vaati is over, so it collects a lot of dust if left alone for a while.

The dinning room has marble tiles and fake green plants on pedestals along the snowy walls. A large, crystal clear window opens up to the forest beside our house, the night making the tall trees looking like sinister giants.

"I must say, Ganondorf, your doll is coming along quite nicely," Vaati comments in his esteemed voice and eyes me, looking like he is considering whether or not he could get me alone.

Ew.

He always calls me "Ganondorf's doll" – which drives me crazy - and by "coming along" I know he's talking about my physical form. I'd be much happier if he'd quit staring at me, probably trying to see through my clothes.

Ugh, I want him dead so badly!

"Yes," Ganondorf agrees reluctantly but he masks it well with a small smile, "She has been very helpful."

"And she cooked this meal, I'm sure. Speaking of which…" he snaps his fingers at me, the sound commanding my presence. "Food," he demands coldly.

I place the tray down on a nearby pedestal and grab the tongs. Rushing to his side, I take his plate and begin placing the appetizers on it using the tongs. He shakes his head when I go to reach for something he doesn't want and nods when he does wants it. At one point, he doesn't do anything so I decide to take the food but I instantly regret it.

"What are you doing?" He hisses, anger blazing in his crimson eyes. "Did you not see me shake my head?"

I want to retort back that all he did was blink but I hold my tongue and place the pear back in the dish from which it came from. Once finished, I put the plate back in front of him but he doesn't do anything with it, as if nothing had even happened.

You could at least eat your food, I growl silently in my head. What a waste of time.

Slowly stepping backwards into my corner again, I watch as Ganondorf and Vaati discuss weapons and possible locations of the Triforces.

"We are having difficulty finding the location of Power and Wisdom," He explains with a frown, unhappy to admit such a defeat. "Though I'm sure that we'll find them with your help."

Ganondorf smiles but, to me, I know that it is a smirk of delight. I don't know how he does it, but he manages to keep his Triforce a secret from the most threatening man on the planet when it comes to Triforce hunting.

"Whatever you wish for is what you will receive," he replies calmly and takes a sip of his wine. I bet Ganondorf hates being so polite to this man, but he does enjoy toying with people. He probably loves getting this bloke's money so easily.

Every now and then Vaati will snap his fingers and point to a piece of food for me to get. I'd rush over to him, place the desired food on his plate, and go to give it back to him when he'd say, "That wasn't what I want! I pointed to the bread, you fool!"

Ganondorf chuckles from across the table and says in jests, "You know blondes."

Ganondorf isn't as bad as Vaati when it comes to demanding food, but I wish he could just stretch out his big meaty hands and grab it himself. For crying out loud, it is only five inches from him!

"Grapes, Zelda," he orders and I hurry over to give him the fruit when he shakes his head in aggravation.

"No, Zelda, I don't want that many grapes! Only a few."

Using all of my might not to roll my eyes, I put back most of the grapes and place the remaining in front of him.

"Here you go, Lord Ganondorf," I sneer at him while Vaati cannot see my facial expression. And although he was just mocking our guest by asking for less grapes, I don't find it funny.

"I'm now thinking of getting myself a doll," Vaati muses to himself, a wistful yet malicious gleam in his eye. "They seem to be quite enjoyable."

What am I? Some kind of dog that you want to buy at the pound?

There is then a loud, ringing noise sounding from the kitchen and it takes me a moment to realize it is the house phone. That thing never rings. Who could possibly be calling?

Ganondorf and I exchange a puzzled glance before he orders, "Answer it, Zelda, but I will not speak to anybody at the moment. That would be rude when we have such an important guest."

I can tell Vaati enjoys the attention he is getting because he demands that I bring some more wine when I am done dealing with the person on the line.

Giving a hasty bow and mumbling quickly, "Yes, Lord Ganondorf," I rush out of the room and into the kitchen.

"Hello?" I whisper into the phone, my breath rapid from running around so much.

"Zelda?" Somebody questions and I recognize the person instantly.

"Link?" I gasp, keeping my voice low and flicking a glance towards the dining room. Moving as far as I can on the wired phone, I ask in shock, "How'd you find my phone number?"

"It was really difficult, you aren't listed in the phonebook," he explains briefly in a hushed tone. "But why are we whispering?"

I'm silent for a moment, contemplating on what I should do. I know I can't avoid him forever but right now I have more important things to do, like getting stupid Vaati's stupid wine.

"My guardian has a guest over at the moment, I have to go-," I attempt to say goodbye quickly, ready to slam the phone back on the receiver when he yells from the phone.

"Wait!" He cries and I hesitate in my motions, hanging around to hear what he has to say. He is silent though and all I can hear is his breathing.

After a couple of seconds or two, I try again. "Listen, Link, I really have to go -,"

"I'm sorry, Zelda," he blurts out and keeps going in his nervous tone, as if he can't control himself. "Lulu explained to me why you were so uncomfortable and I'm sorry that I tried to kiss you in public, I never wanted you to be so embarrassed. I shouldn't have done that."

I want to say something but I'm at a loss for words. My mouth opens and closes three times before I whisper his name, "Link…"

"I want to make it up to you," He tells me, his voice still hasty and uneasy. "I know you have company and I can tell that you don't want to be there, but if you can get out of it I'll take you somewhere, dinner or something…you know, just so you can get away for a while."

By the sound of it, he seems like he is asking me out on a date. But none of that matters, I know I'll never be able to escape being a servant to Ganondorf and Vaati. And although he apologized, I'm still too embarrassed to go alone with him anywhere. "I'm sorry, Link -," I begin to reject his offer when I hear a deep voice from behind me.

"Who's on the phone, Zelda?"

I turn around, covering the bottom portion of the telephone with my hand so Link can't hear my upcoming conversation with Ganondorf.

"Nobody, just a friend of mine," I shake my head but now Ganondorf's irritated expression dissolves into one of interest.

"Who?" He inquires, excitement in his voice.

"Just Link, you know, the boy I am working with for my project-,"

"What does he want?" He interrupts me, anxious for an answer.

"Well…" I mutter and hesitate for a second, "I guess he is asking me out on a…date."

He doesn't say anything, merely stares into the distance and ponders what I have just told him. His face is smooth, showing no emotion, and I stand there, waiting for his response.

"I can get out of it-,"

"No," he snaps, averting his demanding yellow gaze back to me, "go with him tonight. This will certainly impress our guest."

"How is me going on a date with Link impressive?" I question, my eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.

Ganondorf smiles and looks quite pleased with the turn of events. "I'll be able to tell him you are going on a date to help get closer to the other kids at school. This will show how productive you are and my great judgment in picking you to be my 'doll,'" he explains, smirking at his little joke.

I scowl as I watch him snap his fingers and, in a small puff of smoke, appears a new, unopened wine bottle in his large hands.

"Now say yes to that boy and I'll give him the wine. Stay out as late as you want, I don't care," He instructs before walking back into the dining room, getting ready to explain to Vaati about my leave.

Shrugging at his odd behavior, I take my hand off the phone and bring it to my face again. "O-okay, Link," I mutter, "I'll go with you."

"I'm glad," he replies and I can hear the smile in his voice, "We can leave now if you want. Just walk down to the bottom of the driveway-,"

"What?" I interrupt, puzzled, "walk to the bottom of the driveway…?"

"Or you can you drive to the bottom of the driveway, but that is sort of a waste of gas-,"

"Are you waiting at the bottom of my driveway?" I interrupt again, now more bewildered than before.

"Hopefully…I'd hate to be waiting at the wrong one…" he mumbles to himself and, despite my sour mood from Vaati's visit, I feel myself smile.

"Alright stalker, I'll be there soon," and with that, I hang up on him and begin to walk down the hall and towards the door.

"Zelda will be going on a date with this boy named Sam…" I hear Ganondorf explain to our guest, and I want to go in there and correct him that his name isn't Sam but Link. However, if I do that it will look bad in front of Vaati and then Ganondorf will most likely beat me.

The night air makes me shiver but I begin my journey down the driveway nevertheless, my white sandals clopping against the pavement.

It isn't until I reach the bottom and see Link's silver car, waiting for me by the curb, do I realize how lucky and strange this is. Never in a million years would I think that Ganondorf would let me go out on a date, especially when Vaati is over. I guess he has his reasons, as weird as they are, but it all almost seems too good to be true.

Link steps out of the car and walks towards me, a charming grin on his face. I eye his clothing, which consists of a nice white dress shirt and kaki pants. His hair is actually combed for once and, even in the darkness, his blue eyes are vivid.

"Are we going somewhere nice?" I ask, crossing my arms against the cold. Thanks to Ganondorf's decision about my skirt, I'll freeze in this weather.

"A little," he admits with a sheepish smile before turning around and opening the passenger door. "But you are dressed perfectly for it."

I pause, not sure if that is supposed to be a compliment or him merely reassuring me. Either way, I murmur a thanks and slip into the car. I watch him walk quickly around the car and into the driver's seat. Snapping the door shut and putting on his seatbelt, he turns up the heat before driving away and into the darkness of the night.

"Where are we going?" I inquire, gazing at him inquisitively. He may have said sorry for almost kissing me, and I do forgive him and it isn't really his fault anyways, but that doesn't take away from the fact that I still feel awkward around him.

He turns his head to me and grins, "It's a surprise."

"A surprise?" I echo, eyeing him curiously. "I don't entirely like surprises."

He turns his eyes back on the road and steers the car around a bend. His expression softens and his grin forms into a warm smile.

"I want to make it up to you," he breathes as we move onto a busier street that leads to downtown, the lights and shadows dancing across his face. "And that starts with food."

Well, at lest it isn't a Harry Potter movie. That didn't work out so well last time.

We continue to drive in silence, passing through the center of down town and continuing past it. By 8:30, Link has slowed his car down into a small parking lot and we exit into the chilly air.

"You're taking me to dinner…here?" I gasp, staring up at the restaurant in astonishment.

We're on top of a huge cliff and a wooden building with brightly lit windows is right next to it, so close to the edge that it scares me. I can see many people moving about in it and beautiful, fresh flowers border a stone pathway that leads up to the entrance. Lush green vines slither up the walls and smoke comes out of a wooden chimney. Above the large double doors is a sign that reads, "Seabreeze."

Link and I can barely enter the restaurant because it is so full. A giant mob of people wait by the front doors and, peering past them, I see waiters in fancy black suites hustle from table to table. The place is extremely fancy, with polished wooden floors and multiple chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Every table is covered in a red cloth and candles are alit in the center of them.

Gently taking my hand, Link squeezes past the waiting people and toward the podium at the head of it.

"Link Jones, sir," He says to the waiter as the man instantly scans a list of names, looking for his.

"You have a reservation?" I whisper, being forced to stand close to him due to the packed place. I really hate crowds.

He merely nods while the waiter says in a polite voice, "Right this way, Mr. Jones."

We follow the man between rows and rows of tables, the clamor of the place making it hard to hear much of anything and the throng of people shoving between Link and I, creating some difficulty in following our waiter.

Just when I start to dread eating in a place with so much racket, the man leads Link and I into another section of the restaurant. This area is surprisingly quieter, with only a few people at the red clothed tables. But the best part of it is the large window stretched out along one of the walls. It gazes over the cliff and views our entire town, the lights down below shining like yellow stars against the night.

I marvel at this for a second before I notice a table stationed right next to it. While all the other tables have a cheery-colored cloth, this one is a pleasant light blue. I follow Link and the waiter towards the table, confused by the sudden change of color, and sit down across from Link.

The man leaves without a word, walking back through the archway and into the din of the crowded room.

Guess I'm not getting a menu tonight.

"Link…" I begin to say, glancing around at the room and eyeing the other couples. The women are well past their teen years, with silk dresses and sparkly jewelry, while the men wear nice suites and expensive watches. "Are you sure you can afford this? I don't mind eating at a diner."

I turn my gaze back to Link and he just smiles at me, probably very pleased that I asked this question. "It normally would be too much money, but I pulled some strings and managed to get us in."

"You…pulled some strings?" I echo, very puzzled and curious now.

He nods and lifts up his drink, taking a long sip of his water. I look down at the glass in front of me, also about to take a sip, when I realize something odd about it.

"Is that apple cider?" I question, flicking my gaze between Link and the orange liquid.

He puts down his glass and smiles that knowing smile at me again. Instead of answering my question, he simply says, "Listen."

Now very bemused, and assuming that my drink is apple cider, I stop all movements and listen intently to the sounds around me. At first all I hear is the couples talking next to us and the distant sound of the bustling room nearby, but, as I strain my ears…

…I hear something.

"Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. She took the midnight train going anywhere…"

"Is this…" I mumble but trail off and continue to follow the familiar lyrics.

"Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit. He took the midnight train going anywhere…"

"'Don't Stop Believin'?" I finish and stare at Link curiously, awaiting his answer.

"That is one of your favorite songs, right?" He grins victoriously as I feel my lips tug up into a smile.

"You remembered?" I breathe, my heart melting slightly at the thought.

"Well, it would have been pointless to ask you all of those questions if I wasn't going to remember them."

I reach out for my drink and take a sip, the familiar feel of the apple cider running down my throat.

"I would have asked the owner to play 'Saving Private Ryan' too but I felt that it might disturb the other guests," he adds in nonchalantly but I practically choke on my drink.

"You know the owner?" I gasp, coughing up the liquid.

"Actually, I know the owner's daughter," he corrects me, "and you do too."

"Really?" I raise my eyebrows, placing the drink back down. "Who?"

"Ruto."

"Ruto?"

"Ruto," he nods and grins at me as my eyes grow wide. He, unfortunately, reminded me of Wednesday night and now I'm starting to feel uncomfortable again.

"I-I don't understand," I mumble, worried and surprised by the turn of events.

"Ruto actually planned this whole thing," he begins his explanation and gestures to the restaurant we're sitting in. "She said she felt bad for stealing your physics book and ruining…well, our time at the movies…"

He trails off for a moment, looking just as nervous as I do, before continuing:

"She said that I could take you out to her father's restaurant and I contacted him – he's very nice – and I asked him to arrange everything."

"You mean the blue table, the song, the drink-," I start to clarify but he interrupts me with his charming grin.

"And the food."

I go to question him on this when the same waiter appears practically out of nowhere with two dishes of food in his hand.

"Chicken for you, Mr. Jones," He announces as if he is a servant talking to a king - similar to the way I had to speak to Vaati - and places a plate of perfectly cooked chicken in front of him.

"And ravioli for you, Miss Harkarian," He says in the same polite voice while putting a steaming hot plate full of the delicious pasta in front of me.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice quiet from another blow of shock, before he walks away again.

I stare at my ravioli for a moment, the tomato sauce and basil looking very fresh and making me want it so badly, and then I gaze up at Link. He watches me patiently, anxiously awaiting what I have to say.

I want to tell him how sweet I think this all is. I want him to know that this is the nicest thing anybody has ever done for me. It's almost too good to be true.

So instead of confessing that his plan has really moved me, I smirk and ask teasingly, "Do you do this for all of your dates?"

He looks startled for a moment but soon smiles and replies calmly, "Who said this was a date?"

My grin falters for a moment and disappointment washes over me. I knew this was too good to be true.

"This isn't a date?" I clarify, a little hurt.

"Only if you want it to be," he affirms me and, by the tender look in his brilliant blue eyes, I know that he wasn't meaning to be rude, just trying to be all clever sounding. "I told you I wish this to be anything you want it to be."

My frown disappears and I take a bite of my ravioli. Mmm….it is so much better than the one at the museum.

"What, no buffalo chicken?" I joke, gesturing towards his food with my fork and changing the subject.

"Apparently buffalo chicken isn't a dish for the fancy folk," he admits sadly, "though it is still very good. Do you like your food?"

I nod but don't reply, my mouth currently busy chewing my pasta.

"I was a little worried about pre-ordering everything," he adds while cutting his meat. "I'm not sure apple cider and ravioli go well together."

I chuckle after swallowing and take another sip of my drink, testing it out. Not bad…

"I think it goes pretty well, but I notice you didn't get a root beer float," I observe, glancing at his glass of water.

"Another thing about rich folk, they don't serve root beer floats," he lets out a sigh of mock despair while staring at his drink sorrowfully.

"So you managed to get me a blue table cloth, play my favorite song, and serve me the best meal in the world but couldn't even get a root beer float?" I summarize while he shrugs his shoulders.

"I felt bad asking Ruto's dad for so much. I was lucky that he was nice enough to give me a discount on the bill," he confesses.

Placing my hands in my lap and crossing my legs, I plead, "Please, let me pay for it. This is probably very expensive-,"

"Nope," he shakes his head and grins at me again, "it was my idea to take you out so I have to pay for it."

"But I want to pay for it," I persist, "you said I'd get anything I want."

"Nice try, but no," he stays strong, not falling for my trap.

I snicker at him playfully before returning to my meal. Although everything seems to be going well, I still can't help but feel random bursts of embarrassment when I think back to that night. I can still recall his lip skimming mine, and some may consider that a kiss, but I wanted more. Thankfully, it appears that Ruto has gotten over Link relatively quickly. Or it just might be her way for apologizing, though it wasn't her fault that they came in on our…well, almost-kiss.

Dinner flies by faster than I want it too and we sit there talking for about an hour before our waiter comes back, wondering if we would desire anything for dessert.

We decide to split a chocolate molten cake and now, hunched over the dessert, we continue one of our many discussions.

"So have you looked at any colleges lately?" He asks me casually while I take a bite of the cake, savoring the taste of perfected chocolate for a moment before swallowing.

"No," I admit rather sadly. My dream is to go to college, a place where I can finally be free of Ganondorf, but in order to do that I have to find the wielder or else he'll never let me go. I've gotten some letters but he won't let me even look at them, let alone visit schools. "And you?"

He nods and swallows a large bite of chocolate. "I looked at a few over the summer though nothing has really caught my eye yet, I don't even know what I want to do with my life."

I've never really thought much about it, considering that I'll probably never go.

Once dessert is finished, Link asks for the bill and I attempt to read the amount off of it but he hides it well. He still won't let me pay, much to my annoyance, though I reluctantly allow him to lead me outside and back into the cold air.

I shiver against the chill, silently cursing at Ganondorf again for making me wear this stupid skirt, and hastily get into Link's warm car. He cranks up the heat but we don't move, just sit in the car for a while.

Crossing my arms to keep some warmth inside of me, I glance at the clock above the radio. 10:30. Wow, we were in that restaurant for a really long time.

"Here," Link's voice breathes from next to me, sympathy and concern easily detectible in his tone. I watch as he reaches behind him and pulls up a light brown jacket. I take it from him with a grateful smile and wrap it around my legs.

I see him glance at me with another pitying look before pulling out of the parking lot and back down the hill.

"Thanks for dinner, Link," I finally speak up after regaining some of my warmth. "It was really nice, though I still wish I could have at least paid for the tip."

He sends me a genuine smile and says in a friendly tone, "You're welcome. I hope you liked the song choices."

"Oh yes, you managed to remember all of the songs I listed and thought of a ton that I hadn't even mentioned. How did you know I liked those songs?"

He shrugs and looks back at the road. Rubbing his bandaged hand, he mumbles, "I just guessed from the genre of your five favorites and chose a few of my own."

I eye his bandaged hand with distaste, remembering how it sent me on an emotional break down. Goddesses, that was so humiliating.

A few minutes later, I ask another question, "Where are we going?"

"I thought you'd learn by now, it's a surprise," he teases me and I scowl at him.

"I told you I don't like surprises."

"But you said you liked dinner," he replies confidently, "I think you'll like this too. Though you might be a little chilly." He eyes my coat-covered-legs for a moment, worry in his eyes, before averting his gaze back on the road.

We continue the rest of the ride in silence as I lean against my window, watching the trees and lights of houses pass by in a blur. Once we have left downtown, I recognize the road going through the large grass meadows to be the route to Link's house.

"Are we going to your place?" I question, looking back at him curiously.

"Somewhere near there," he replies mysteriously, most likely enjoying leaving me in the dark.

Pft, men.

It is 10:50 once we finally arrive at his house. The windows are completely dark and the only light is from a lantern hanging next to the front door. It isn't as cold as it was up on the cliff and I'm grateful for that as I step out of the car.

"Are your parents sleeping?" I question him, my imagination starting to whirl as I think about what Link would want to do at his house with no supervision…

"Yeah," he answers, grabbing the coat I had just discarded and locking the car. "They are old people, they go to bed early."

Coming to stand next to me, he hands me the coat and I drape it over my shoulders. I can now smell Link's fresh scent on it and I cling to its warmth, smiling slightly.

"So where are we going?" I inquire once more, hoping to finally get an answer.

He holds out his hand, palm up, and grins at me, "I'll let you know when we get there."

I place my hand in his and he gently begins to lead me behind the house. The grass tickles my feet and the building casts a large, dark shadow, obscuring most of my vision.

"Do you always change your last name when you go to a new foster home?" I randomly ask, remembering how the waiter had called him Mr. Jones.

"It just makes things easier," he responds and we begin climbing up the hill behind his house. Where in the world is he taking me? "You know, that way I don't have to explain to everybody why I have a different last name from my parents."

"Do you not like talking about your foster home?" I question, unsure of why I am suddenly so inquisitive. But from what I remember, he told me about it like it was just everyday stuff.

My eyes a bit more adjusted to the dark of the night, I see him stare off into the distance, not looking at me. "With some people it is best not to."

I don't have a clue as to what he means by that but I'd rather not question it.

"So what is your original name?" I inquire and jog up to walk next to him. I'm tired of following people.

He hesitates for a moment, as if contemplating the pros and cons of telling me this information. In the end, he reveals it. "Oakwood," is all he says.

"Link Oakwood…" I mumble to myself, testing out the name. "It suits you," I smile at him and he turns to me with an appreciative grin.

"Thanks, it's all I have left of my father before he died," he tells me sadly and his eyes glaze over for a minute, most likely remembering his passed on dad.

"Oh," I murmur, unsure of what to say. "I'm so sorry."

He shakes his head and carries on the topic, "He actually wasn't my real father, but I felt like he was since he adopted me. I'm not sure who my parents are, or what my name would be if they were alive. My adopted father died when I was ten."

He stares at his feet and we continue to make our way up the hill. Goddesses, this thing goes on for a while.

I'm curious as to how he died, but I know that I've already asked too much from him and he's told me the truth while I keep it hidden. Maybe, for just one time, I don't have to lie.

"My parents died in a car crash," I remark sadly, watching his blank face fall into a frown. "If they had lived my life would've been very different."

I used to think about all the possibilities my life could have been without Ganondorf in it. I could have a normal family with normal problems rather than an abusive "father" and worrying about whether I'll get beat that day or find the dumb Triforce. I could join school teams, hang out with friends after school, and go to parties. I wouldn't have to cook all of the meals and I could actually watch TV for once.

I need to stop imagining such impossible dreams; it is never going to happen.

Link doesn't say anything and suddenly stops once we have reached the top of the hill. The long, uncut grass sways in the breeze and rustles a lone tree with yellow and gold leaves.

"We're here," Link sighs in relief, probably glad to be off topic of such sad things.

I scan the area around me, looking for something that might give me a clue as to what he is planning on doing here. A moment passes and I come up with nothing.

"You brought me on top of a hill to admire a tree?" I venture though I know the answer is wrong.

He smiles and shakes his head, "No. I brought you on top of a hill to admire the stars."

I instantly cock my head back and stare up at the diamond sky. Sure enough, a thousand silver stars are sprinkled throughout the blanket of black. There isn't a cloud in sight and everything is perfectly clear, especially the bright white moon.

I turn my gaze back down to Link, who is now on his back, hands resting on his stomach, and staring up at the sky with his wonderful blue eyes.

I know I'm supposed to lie down next to him and admire the stars like in those romance movies, but I simply stand there. Waiting for him to say something.

He doesn't do anything but continues to watch the sky, as if waiting for a UFO to zoom across.

"Um…" I mumble, "this is very…"

"Cheesy?" He finishes for me and finally snaps his eyes away and looks at me.

"Well, I was going to say corny," I correct him and huddle deeper into his coat.

He chuckles at me, the grass obscuring most of his face. "I know this isn't exactly something people do besides in books and the movies and you probably think I'm some kind of sissy, but I always liked the stars. It's really great for just thinking…"

I find myself sitting down beside him, my legs pulled up to my chest with my hands. "Sometimes thinking isn't the best idea," I mutter, finally gazing up at the sky with him.

"If we didn't think we'd all be morons crashing into each other," he tries to reason with me, a playful smile on his face.

"Not like that, silly. You know what I mean."

He pauses and I can feel him staring at me. "Have you ever tried it before?"

"Thinking or stargazing?" I clarify, averting my eyes to him.

"Stargazing."

"Well, no," I sigh, knowing what will happen next.

"Then maybe you should try," he suggests but I'm already lying down next to him, my hands also resting on my stomach.

We lie in silence for a while and simply gaze up at the stars. I wish I know what he's thinking because all I can think about is him. He's so confusing sometimes and there is definitely something more to him. His life story is complicated and intriguing and he himself is a pleasure to have around. I like his laugh, and his charming grin, and, of course, those eyes.

Ugh, I'm so annoyed with myself. I sound like some obsessive fan girl.

I turn my head to the side and look at Link. His eyes are locked onto the sky and he doesn't notice me, that is, until he also turns his head and stares right back at me.

"What?" He blurts out with a friendly smile.

"Do you do this with all of your dates?" I repeat the question and he chuckles at me.

"Only with you," he assures me.

"Ha!" I suddenly exclaim, jumping into a sitting position and pointing a finger at him. "So you admit it, this is a date!"

He laughs again and sits up straight. Grinning, he corrects me, "Like I said, only if you want it to be."

I roll my eyes and bring my knees up to my chin again. Folding my arms across my legs and placing my head on my hands, I smile and say nothing.

After a while, Link whispers from next to me, "Zelda…about Wednesday night…"

I stiffen at these words and I feel my heartbeat in my ears.

"We've already talked about this," I attempt to avoid the subject but he doesn't falter.

"Lulu told me you were embarrassed when they came in on us," he begins to explain, sounding nervous like he did on the phone. "But you never actually agreed on that so I just want to know if that is true."

"You want to know if I was actually embarrassed?" I ask, a little annoyed that we have to discuss this, while Link nods.

"Yes, I was," I sigh out my answer, my eyes fixated on Link's house, now a black silhouette in the night.

He's silent before continuing with his questions. "I just want to know…were you embarrassed because you were about to kiss me?"

I snap my head to him, surprised by what he is assuming. He looks uneasy, his blue eyes worried and his gaze flicking between his limp hands and me. He honestly thinks I was embarrassed because I was with him?

"No, Link," I reply softly, shaking my head. "I just wasn't comfortable…you know…kissing you in public. I prefer not doing stuff like that in the middle of a movie theater with all of our friends watching.

I can't stand to look at him anymore and let him see my blushing face. Turning my head back to its original position, I mentally slap myself for acting so childish. I can't even say the word "kissing" without going red.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see him inch closer to me, invading my personal space, but I find myself not minding it so much anymore. Besides, it is a tad chilly.

"So, say we went out to a really nice restaurant," he starts to say, his voice a little rapid and nervous yet hopeful. "And then I took you up on top of a hill and showed you the stars, like in the movies. I then told you that I think you are a very interesting and nice person and are really pretty and we were alone, would you let me kiss you then?"

I turn my head back to him, my eyes wide and my mouth hanging open slightly. He's much closer to me now, his face only six inches or so away from me.

Is he suggesting…

"I guess so," I murmur, still startled by what I think he is hinting at.

His head moves a bit closer to mine and I feel his warm breath on my face while I feel like I can't breathe at all. My heart beats faster now as he whispers,

"So you won't kill me if I try again?"

I shake my head and reply softly, "No."

The next thing I know his lips are caressing mine in a very gentle kiss.

He's being careful now, I can tell. He's worried that I'll pull away, but not anymore. Not when I have finally gotten what I want.

My hands come up to his face and I pull his head closer to me, pressing his lips harder against mine. He seems to pick up the hint and kisses me more passionately than before, and I can now taste the chocolate from our dessert in his mouth.

I shift my position on the grass so that I'm kneeling right next to him, still gripping his face, while his arms wrap around my back.

We break apart for a second before I lock his mouth back onto mine again. All of my stubborn frustrations with trying not to fall for his jokes and adorable grins don't seem to matter anymore. Screw my personal space. This is a heck of a lot better.

I'm not sure how long we go for. All I know is that I don't want anything to stop it and I receive warmth from his body.

At one point, he pulls me closer to him and I slide my hands down onto his shoulders. Still kissing him, I gently bring one of my hands down his arm, the smooth fabric of his shirt feeling cold against my palm.

Something strange happens then. He moves his hand backward, probably going to place it somewhere else, when my hand grazes his bandage and one of my fingers gets a little bit underneath the cloth. He immediately jerks back and pulls away from our kiss.

My face flushed and my breathing a little irregular, I pant out, "Sorry. I didn't mean too."

He merely smiles at me reassuringly and pulls me into his lap, hugging me closely. I snuggle into his chest and let his heat spread through my body. For the first time tonight my legs aren't numb.

During our kissing, I hadn't really gotten the chance to think right. I wasn't aware of anything but him though I am now. I can't stop smiling, and, looking up at him, he can't seem to wipe away his grin either.

"I'm sorry I was so stupid before," I apologize, wrapping one of my arms around him. "You know, about Wednesday."

I feel him kiss the top of my head and whisper into my ear, "I'm kind of glad we were interrupted. I much prefer kissing you here rather than in the movie theater."

I nod in understanding, all of my nerves suddenly gone. Now, huddled up against him and his arms holding me up, everything just feels right. It's like that final kiss broke some kind of barrier.

I must have dozed off in his arms, because the next thing I know I'm blinking them open again. It's still nighttime and the sky is covered in the same diamonds I was staring up at earlier.

But right in my line of vision are Link's hands. Groggy from just awakening, I don't say anything and simply watch as Link starts to remove the bandage from his hand, twisting it around and around until it is completely off.

It's then that I finally realize the importance of this moment. He must think I'm still asleep or else he wouldn't have removed it, but it is just a surgery wound so there isn't really anything to hide –

Except there isn't any scar or stitches or anything.

All that is there is a golden triangle…

Three golden triangles…

"Goddesses," Link groans from above me, oblivious that I have just awoken. "This thing has been itching like crazy!"

He starts scratching at it furiously as my eyes grow wide and I feel my breath starting to go faster and faster. It is like watching a horror movie. I want to look away, but I can't. It's right there in front of me...the Triforce symbol is right there!

I involuntarily gasp, my heart pounding painfully against my chest, and Link immediately covers his hand with the normal one.

That can't be...it isn't possible...

"Zelda!" He exclaims, fearful and surprised. "I thought you fell asleep!"

"I did," I whisper, my eyes glued onto his hand. I'm too shocked right now to do much of anything, though I know what is to come. I have to make a decision: hand him to Ganondorf or never be free. My voice quivering along with my trembling hands, I can't help but say, "I just woke up. What's on your hand?"

"What?" He blurts out and I look up to his face. He's pale and his eyes are wide as if he saw murder only seconds ago. His breathing comes out short and there is no more warmth in his body. He's colder than the night. "There isn't anything on my hand, j-just a scar and such."

"Link," I breathe coolly, my voice alarmingly demanding but the rest of my body still shaking uncontrollably. "What. Is. On. Your. Hand?"

He stares at me, terrified, for a long time. I keep my gaze unflinching, hiding most of my nervous emotions inside of me, while his are shown so plainly. His breathing is coming out in short gasps and he's biting his lip with so much pressure I can see a trickle of blood sliding down his mouth.

There is a silence. A very tense silence where neither of us does anything. I follow the blood with my eyes as it slides down his chin and hangs there, as if waiting for permisson to fall. He turns his head away suddenly, the drop of crimson flinging to the side, with his eyes squeezed shut like he can't bare to see me.

And I can't bare to see him anymore either. I let out a shuddering breath and tears begin streaming down my face out of nowhere. I can't breathe right...can't think right. I imagine Ganondorf standing before Link, clutching his neck in his meaty hand and brandishing a razor sharp knife while I sit in a corner, knowing that this is all happening because of me.

Can I really do that? Send Link to his doom while I walk away with my freedom? Is it really worth it...?

Link brings his head back at me, his face whiter than the moon and another trail of blood coming from his mouth. His eyes are downcast, gazing uneasily at the long grass, while he breathes heavily and unevenly.

I wish he would lie to me, tell me that it is nothing. But he can't do that and I know that his lies will never work. I already know too much.

And I'm mad at him too. He just had to take off his bandage and he just had to scratch it. After all of this time he had revealed it because he had an itch! A stupid itch! And I had to wake up at that exact moment! Honestly, goddesses, what did I do wrong to deserve all of this? Did you even give me a chance for a better life?

And, letting out a defeated sigh, he slowly uncovers his hand and holds the other in front of my face.

I bring my hands up to my face and cover my mouth while tears come out in torrents. Goddesses...I hate you!

"I'm tired of hiding who I truly am," he whispers to me, his voice shaking so much that there must be an earthquake happening right now. With another rasping breath, he closes his eyes again and confesses quietly, "I have the Triforce of Courage."


Author's Note:

Gasp! Didn't see that coming!

Haha, I'm totally kidding. I am sure that EVERYBODY saw that one coming! It definitely wasn't a mystery that Link had the Triforce. Now it is all about what Zelda decides to do about it (which will be revealed next chapter. Yes, a cliffhanger, I am so evil!)

And what's this? Link and Zelda FINALLY made out! No, it wasn't a kiss, it was a make out session. About time, right?

There is a lot in this chapter that has happened and a lot for you to remember. I added in tons of subtle hints about future events, but, don't worry, I'm sure that you'll remember them when I recap on it. Well…hopefully.

There may not have been as much focus on Vaati as I'm sure that some of you would've liked, which I apologize for. But, if I had added more about him, this chapter would have been 20 pages or Link and Zelda would never had gone on their date!

And I REALLY wish to thank my super, amazing, better than you (haha, just kidding), beta reader Legend of Zelda 4 Life! She saved my butt in this one my friends and, without her, you probably would have killed me over the ending. Hopefully it is better than the original.

Okay, I'm done talking for now. I have to get working on the next chapter!

Thanks for all of your reviews! Feel free to do it again! ;p

~~Wave~~