LINK
Link let the door slam behind him. He was offended that Tallyn would ask him to stay out of the recovery efforts, as if he were a tourist, a nobody. He paced up and down Impa's kitchen and stopped to scowl at a squash that had ripened too quickly. It would all need to go, to be cooked and eaten if he was to go away. He placed the squash on a board and cut off its head, tail, rind, and soon enough, he had it diced into small cubes and was reaching for the mushrooms, tomato, onion, decimating them as well. Into the pan; onion first. He lit a fire and then unfurled a leg of lamb, then crushed herbs and salt and aromatic roots and sprinkled them onto the meat, rolling it and tying it back up into a neat parcel, seasoning again, tossing it into Impa's cast iron pot. Still fuming, he put the rice to cook.
He knew, was certain that Tallyn felt something toward him; his reaction to the kiss spoke volumes. He recalled how Tallyn had unknowingly gasped, sucking in a tiny bit of Link's breath, and then how he had let himself relax, just for a second, before pulling away. He had acted too soon and startled him; maybe if he had waited another week, things would be different.
A week? A month? What good was it pursuing him at all when he knew he would lose him the moment he read his manuscript?
Link packed a few books, pens, ink, papers, and his copious notes into a travel bag along with clothes, soap, and other provisions. He put aside a small bit of food for himself and packed the rest of the meal up in curved wood containers and left the house, taking the back roads Ilsia had shown him to Tallyn's house. He let himself in easily, spread the food out on the table, and then quickly left town.
He took the southwest road through the plains and found it much as he remembered. Link allowed his shoulders to finally relax as the smell of sweet grass and wildflowers filled his senses; it would not be long now until he reached the lake. The stone walls by the lake came suddenly into view, only they were new and taller and patrolled by two soldiers. When he reached the gates, he asked them politely about the cabins, all while craning his neck around them to catch a glimpse of the glittering water. They were good natured and gave him directions. At last, Link passed through the gates to the hills of the lake valley, where he was astounded to see a few market stalls by the old laboratory, signs for woodland paths, bungalows by the Gerudo Falls, and families playing and bathing in the lake. He picked up a key to a cabin on the far end of the lake that was only accessible through the woods. It was isolated, quiet, and the perfect location for finishing a masterpiece, the clerk explained. Link bought some fresh fruit and bread and started down the woodland path with his horse.
He put down his pack and surveyed the small cabin: there was a bed, a stove, and a table where he could write. He decided he would go for a quick swim and then write a letter to Tallyn.
As he swam out to the large rock ahead of him, he reflected on his time with Sheik, time that added up to a maybe a few hours total, maybe even less. Why was it that he still longed for him in this life? Could he blame Zelda, the gods, or his parentless upbringing? Could it be just another thing that had gotten fucked up from traveling between two Times? Though aware of the social taboos of such yearnings, he felt he would rather die than be dishonest about how he felt, and to be certain, he tested his will with a long, breathless dive. When he surfaced again and the spots disappeared from before his eyes, they were immediately replaced by the shy visage of Tallyn.
Looking back on the weeks and months he saw only a great expanse of wasted time, a scarce resource; he had ultimately abandoned his plan to collect fragments of his other life and to revive Sheik from the depths of Tallyn's mind. He had dawdled through the royal task to which he had been assigned, preferring instead to cause mischief and resurrect ghosts. What was he left with? A manuscript and Tallyn, the gorgeous boy from this world who looked and talked like his Sheik. The princess, whom he did not love, and who did not love him, but who silently loved Tallyn with him, together. Zelda knew that Sheik had loved Link, but was it enough to transmit across Time, and through to an unaware iteration of him? Even if it was, what could possibly come from it?
Link emerged from the water, nude and sulking. He dried himself, dressed, and spread his books and papers across the table, taking a blank sheet to write to Tallyn. He debated whether he ought to be descriptive of the camp, as if a botanist or marine scientist writing to his colleague, or whether he should sound jubilant, or desperate, or pleading, or lonesome. He settled on something he felt was neutral and honest:
Dear T.,
I've just arrived at the cabin in the far north end of the lake. It really is as beautiful and peaceful as you described.
Should you find a break in your work, I would welcome your company. Hoping all is well.
Yours,
L.
He took particular care in writing, "Yours," since he meant it with every fiber of his being. Was it too formal? What sort of tone was most appropriate for inviting the one you offended with a kiss to a cabin in the woods? Link folded the note and walked back to the crowds and market stalls.
After three days of proofing and editing, Link awoke from his nap on the beach when the dark shadow of a cloud fell across him. He opened his eyes, blinking away the blurriness only to find that it was not a cloud obstructing the sun, but the beloved form of Tallyn looming over him with an unsuppressed grin.
"Hi Link," he said, sitting down beside him before Link could stand.
Link was unsure whether he was dreaming. "You—you came?" he stammered.
"Yes, of course I did," Tallyn replied. "Thank you for cooking for me the other day. It was such a nice surprise to come home to." He eyed Link shyly.
"Oh—right. It would have otherwise gone to waste." Link paused. "What do you mean, 'of course you did'?"
"It was sort of my idea, coming to the lake, wasn't it?"
"Yes, but I thought…"
"You thought…?" began Tallyn, but then he quickly closed his mouth and glanced away.
Link stared at him for a moment, baffled by his appearance and insufficient explanation. "Yes, I did."
Tallyn pushed a stone back and forth on the ground. "I see… I'm sorry you thought that. I probably said the wrong thing; I wasn't thinking very clearly a few days ago." His face was calm, but he was blushing noticeably.
"So you didn't get my…" said Link, trailing off.
"Your what?"
"Never mind. What's happening with the library?"
"Well, after we got most of the books from that area to a safe place, they began working on the floors and making repairs in the bindery. There is nothing I can do until they've finished."
"I'm glad you came then."
They both paused and looked out across the lake, at the boulders by the water's edge, the great dead tree on the island, and the waves gently lapping on the shore.
"How's your book?" asked Tallyn.
"It's coming along. I'm down to editing." Link looked over and saw that Tallyn's gaze was fixed on him. He brought his eyes back to the lake, challenging himself not to stare back.
"So, do you think that…?" he began.
"Yes, I suppose," replied Link hastily. He hated to think what might happen after he fulfilled his promise and allowed Tallyn to read his manuscript. He began to compile a mental list of places he could travel to once it was all over.
Tallyn pulled off his shirt and unfastened his shoes. He stood, kicking them off and loosening his pants. "Come on," he said.
Link, feeling anxious and somewhat aroused, followed suit slowly, mentally distracting and counseling himself as he stripped to his undergarments. He did not look up at Tallyn, but walked swiftly toward the water. Tallyn caught up with him and clutched him by the arm.
"No cheating. We'll see who can reach that far island first."
Link smiled faintly, basking in the brief contact. If only Tallyn knew how familiar Link was with the lake, he would never have challenged him.
They reached the island after a few minutes, Link arriving first as he had expected. He watched Tallyn stand and climb ashore, his gray shorts soaked and clinging, leaving nothing to the imagination.
"You went around the reeds," said Tallyn.
"I did." He could not tear his eyes away from Tallyn. Why had he ever asked him to come? "Do you know what's beneath us?" he caught himself asking.
"No," said Tallyn. He sat down next to Link.
"The Water Temple." He reclined back on his arms and closed his eyes. Those slender hips, that smooth skin. Why, why…
Tallyn was quiet. "How do you know that?" he asked at last.
"You can sort of see it if you dive down far enough. Plus, all texts point to this place."
"This place," he repeated, scanning the great dead tree. Tallyn lay down beside him. "I haven't been here since I was a boy."
"Me neither," said Link without thinking. Tallyn caught him instantly.
"You've been here?"
"Yeah. I stayed here my last night in Hyrule."
"Your last night," said Tallyn, "…Why did you ever leave?"
"I was young," said Link, "I wanted to see more. There was a lot I was running away from, too."
"Like fame?"
"That too."
"What could an eleven-year-old boy be running away from?"
Link glanced away and said nothing.
"You can't keep acting so suddenly mysterious, after what we've…" he stopped and looked up at Link, his mouth still slightly ajar, unable to finish his sentence.
This time, Link caught Tallyn's near-slip and stared back at him brazenly, refusing to look away. Tallyn blushed, looked away and looked back, the amber passages in his eyes catching light from the setting sun.
"What?" he asked.
"What do you mean, what?" replied Link.
"What do you mean, what do I mean? You know what." Tallyn shaded his eyes.
Link gauged him curiously. Could he be referring to their kiss? "I have no idea what you're asking."
"Yes you do."
"Maybe you're asking the wrong question." He wondered where this all might be going, and began to mount his defense. There was no way he would cede a confession if Tallyn was still in denial.
Tallyn paused. "Then, why?" he asked, sitting up.
"You know why."
"I don't, otherwise I wouldn't be asking."
"I'm surprised. You're usually more perceptive than this."
Tallyn flinched at Link's words. "How do I know you're telling the truth?"
"Test me, then." He propped himself up on his hands.
Tallyn was unable to hide his shock. "What do you mean?"
Link shrugged, his eyes passing Tallyn a look declaring, 'you know exactly what I mean.' Tallyn looked back at him, his eyes filled with anxiety and indecision.
After a moment, Tallyn leaned in close to Link. "Test you?" he whispered.
He was so close that he felt the heat from his blush and soft breath. As Link began to lean away, Tallyn captured his face with his trembling hand and brought him close again, and then politely kissed him on the mouth. He pulled away after a short moment.
"Do you believe me now?" Link exhaled.
"No," whispered Tallyn, and he leaned in and caught his lips again, kissing him deeply this time. He sucked his bottom lip and explored his mouth with his tongue, alarming Link's more innocent sensibility.
Tallyn broke the kiss before things could intensify, but remained close. "I can't believe I just did that." He closed his eyes and promptly stood. "This is madness. I'm sorry I did that."
Link stood and took his hand in his. "I'm not." He felt the heat of his own blush all the way down his body. They both looked out at the far shore, about a five-minute swim away. "Are you getting hungry?" he asked softly.
The air was cool when they emerged from the water, so Link brought out a pair of towels. He started a fire in the pit in front of the cabin and placed the metal grate over it, covering it until it became hot. Link prodded the flame and watched Tallyn put his clothes back on. He felt around on the ground near the log and located his own discarded clothing and pulled them on too, and then put the lake trout and vegetables to cook over the fire. Tallyn sat down on an adjacent log and took out a book from his pack. He eyed Link wordlessly and then glanced down at his page, soon becoming absorbed by the words illuminated by the flickering fire.
They ate quickly, Tallyn praising Link's cooking skills every time he tried something different on his plate. They talked to each other in soft voices, making small-talk and asking each other easy questions. When they finished, Tallyn insisted on washing the plates, and brought them over to the metal bucket by the side of the cabin. He sat back down beside Link, who handed him a flask.
"To warm us up," he explained. The fire was beginning to die down.
Tallyn scooted closer to him, accepting the flask in one hand and resting his other hand on top of Link's.
"Thanks," he said, taking a drink. He traced the triangular mark on the back of Link's left hand."Tell me again how Ganondorf shattered the Triforce."
"You know the legend." He looked down at their hands.
"He would have had to enter the Sacred Realm," he replied, "but how?"
"I'll tell you another time," said Link, slipping his hand around Tallyn's waist.
Tallyn flinched and quickly moved away. He glanced over at Link uncertainly. "I'm sorry, I…" he mumbled.
"No, no, it's my…" Link dropped his hand. When he finally dared to meet his eyes, he found them smoldering. "…my fault."
Tallyn looked away and took a long drink from the flask. They were quiet for several long moments, until Link noticed the stars. He cleared his throat.
"There's the hunter and the boar. Or, as they see it in Ys, the sea god and the dolphin." Link paused. "What do you call it here?"
Tallyn craned his neck upward. "Where do you mean?"
As Link described the stars, Tallyn inched his way closer. He smiled when he found what Link was describing.
"Oh, that cluster there? I'm surprised you don't know it. That's the goddess Din with her arrows of fire."
He inched closer still, close enough that he could rest his head upon Link's shoulder if only he were to incline his head to the right. Link's pulse quickened, but he dared not make a move again. The space around them felt thick with tension, as if every star and tree and drifting firefly was holding its breath. Tallyn pointed out all the constellations he knew, and told stories about some of them, until he noticed Link's heavy presence against his shoulder.
"Are you sleeping?" he asked.
Link shifted awake. "No. Are you an astronomer?"
"No," replied Tallyn. "I'm a bookbinder."
"Would have fooled me," said Link.
"Are you teasing me?"
"I would never." His heart was racing again. He tried to look at the sky and the black lake, anything but at Tallyn.
"You would," he replied, narrowing his eyes at Link.
Link glanced at him and took the flask from his hand. He drained the liquid and stood up, feeling the warmth spread across his chest.
"Where are you going?" asked Tallyn.
"It's late," sad Link flatly. "I'll get a bed together for you." He stood and began walking toward the cabin.
He had not yet reached the door when he felt Tallyn grab hold of his wrist. As he turned, he sensed Tallyn draw closer until he was only inches away and could feel his soft breath against his cheek.
"Wait," he said, touching his forehead against Link's.
Link shuddered and tried to peer at Tallyn's eyes through the dark, reluctant to act as he feared misreading his actions again. Tallyn nervously breathed a ragged little sigh before taking Link's face in his hands and kissing him.
His doubts from earlier, their surprisingly aggressive kiss, the stars in the sky; they all melted away and he felt the goodness and honesty that attracted him so much to Tallyn, and the sweat and lava and sorrow that was Sheik. He gently backed him against the doorjamb and let out a small gasp of surprise when Tallyn pulled his hips against his own. As Tallyn fluently ran his hands over his arms and back, grasping fistfuls of shirt and dragging his fingers against his skin, Link shyly slipped his fingers beneath the neckline of his shirt and touched his neck and clavicle with trembling hands.
They stumbled into the dark cabin and paused for a breathless moment to meet eyes with one another.
"Is this…" said Tallyn, "I mean, should we…?"
"Hush," whispered Link, placing his lips against Tallyn's. He kissed him again, slowly, and began to unbutton his white linen shirt. He let his other hand trail down his chest, over his nipple, down the smooth contours of his abdomen. He slipped the shirt off completely while Tallyn kissed him and tugged his gray tunic over his head. He lowered to his knees as his mouth wandered down Link's body to the waistband of his pants, and he unbuttoned his fly and kissed all the way down to his smallclothes. Link pushed his fingers through Tallyn's fair hair, anxious of where he was kissing him, and dying to know what would happen if he kept going.
Kissing and undressing, they crept nearer to the bed in the corner of the cabin. When the backs of his knees hit against it, Link sat down and gently urged Tallyn down onto his lap. He closed his eyes and savored the closeness of his hot skin, the weight of his body, and the repressed fierceness in Tallyn's kiss. He fell backward, and felt his hands gently grasp his undergarments and slide them off. He blushed deeply, both ashamed and thrilled to be naked before him, and felt his way up Tallyn's shorts. Tallyn let a moan escape into Link's mouth and writhed out of the rest of his clothes.
Link rolled onto his side and took hold of Tallyn's cock, feeling more sure handed than he ever had with a woman.
"Gods, you're so beautiful," he murmured as he kissed him.
Tallyn, blushing deeply, followed suit and stroked his lover as if it were himself.
Tallyn drew in a sharp breath. "Harder," he exhaled.
He soon came on Link's chest, or on his own chest; they were lying so close and had peaked right after the other that it was impossible to tell. Opening his eyes, Link observed the hot, vulnerable form of Tallyn, out of breath and looking at him with the most intense gaze he had ever seen. All of the coy, playful glances that Tallyn had been sending to him all these weeks amounted only to a flicker, a shade of what his eyes conveyed to Link now.
"I'm sorry for teasing you earlier," said Link.
"Maybe I like to be teased," replied Tallyn in a low voice. He wound his arms around Link and rested his head on his shoulder.
Link lay awake for a few moments longer, wondering if he had finally achieved that which he had so fiercely desired. Intimacy was one thing, but so many words remained unsaid between them.
