Author's Note: I'm switching the rating to M because of an erotic dream. It is not explicit but I rather be safe. Although I don't think anything sexual will happen anytime soon (I think, I might change my mind) we'll see what happens...

Shad was in his small kitchen preparing a small meal for himself and Link. It was the hero's second day staying in Shad's apartment, much to the scholar's delight. Shad was stirring a cucco soup and was adding a few ingredients when he heard coughing and sneezing coming from his bedroom. Dearest Link is catching a cold... thanks to that blasted mountain and its weather. He stopped, grabbed a glass of water and went into his room where he found Link blowing his nose furiously, he then groaned and put his hand on his chest to calm his throbbing pain because of that injury.

"Ow," Link whined as he closed his eyes.

"Are you alright?" Asked Shad as he approached the bed and sat down. He gave Link the glass of water.

"Yes, I just overdid it a little, I guess."

"Hmm, be careful, old boy, we can't have you getting more injured than you already are."

Link closed his eyes, he opened them again to give Shad an incredulous look. "I know that," he smiled.

"Are you hungry? Soup is ready."

"Oh yes, it does smell good. I didn't know you could cook."

"Well one must learn after all these years of being alone... say, you need some help walking?"

"I think I'm fine," Link said as he sat up and got out of bed. He started to walk but stumbled. Shad went to him and caught him but fell to the ground. Shad knelt to his side.

"Link!" The scholar exclaimed.

"I think I overdid that too," Link giggled.

"You are weak, my friend. Here, let me help you up."

Shad stood up and put his arms around Link's waist, Link put his arms around Shad's shoulders and both stood up. Link stumbled again and this time he fell in Shad's arms, his face was buried in his chest. They stayed like this for a few seconds. Finally, Link raised his head and looked int Shad's eyes. Their faces were mere inches apart.

"Uh... thank you," Link said softly. "I don't know what I was thinking."

"No harm done," Shad replied almost in a whisper. His arms moved to lay flat on Link's back. "You're going to need help walking after all", Shad smirked. The slowly walked to the kitchen where Shad helped Link sit down. The scholar handed the hero a bowl of soup and went to get one for himself. They sat across from each other and started to eat.

"Mmm, this is really good, Shad."

Shad blushed and smiled, "thank you. It's nothing really."

"Oh yes it is, this is really good. One day, when this is all over, I'm gonna bake you one of my signature pumpkin pies," Link smiled and continued eating.

"The mighty hero can cook too?" Shad teased.

"Of course I can," Link said in mock offense. "You'll see."

Shad laughed, "all right, old boy. I believe you."

"Oh and by the way, I have made up my mind on what I'll do after this is all over," Link looked at Shad.

Shad put his spoon down and looked at Link. "Oh? And what is that?"

"I decided to stay here in Castle Town. I like it," the hero smiled.

Shad felt his heart warm up at the news. This is by far one of the best things I've ever heard, I'll get to see him more. "That's a great decision, Link. What will you do?"

Link frowned in thought. "I haven't thought of that, I just thought of me staying here in town. I don't even know what I'll do for work or where I'll live."

"Well, you are welcome to stay with me as long as you want," Shad smiled in reassurance.

"Thank you," Link blushed.

They both went back to eat, Shad would steal glances of the hero. He felt really happy.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Shad was doing the dishes. He was wearing his regular attire, but his vest and bow tie were missing and he had a few buttons undone. He was busy scrubbing a plate when he saw two arms snake around his waist and held him tight. He could feel a body press itself against him and felt the person behind him breath behind his ear. Shad closed his eyes and moaned softly when he felt a kiss behind his ear.

"Come back to bed," a voice said huskily.

"I had to come do the dishes, I don't like to see my kitchen like this," breathed out Shad.

"They're not going anywhere... they'll be here in the morning."

Shad turned off the faucet and wiped his hands dry and placed his hands on top of the ones that were holding him and laced their fingers together. He felt himself get swayed from side to side slowly as if they were slow dancing. The lips that were behind his ear moved down to his neck and started to nip and suck gently making the scholar tremble and a shaky breath left his lips. Shad let his head fall back and rest on his attacker's shoulder.

"Are you ready for another round?" The voice said as he thrusted his hips against Shad's behind in a teasing way.

Shad gasped. "Aren't you tired?"

"For you? Never. I can't get enough of you."

"Hmm... ohhh," moaned Shad.

"That's it, let me hear that beautiful voice of yours."

"Link... I want you so... aahh..."

"I want you too... again, Shad. That's why I came to fetch you, to claim you one more time... to make you mine," Link said as he sucked on Shad's neck and began to thrust his hips harder making them both moan...

Shad opened his eyes and he was panting and he was covered in sweat.

"Shad, are you alright?" asked a concerned Link. "You were moaning in your sleep and I had to wake you up. Were you having a nightmare?"

Shad blinked several times and looked into Links eyes. "Yes," he lied. "I was." No, my dearest Link, in fact, you were about to make love to me in my kitchen until your actual self decided to wake me up from that brief bliss! It felt so real... And right now I wish I could ravish you.

"I'm sorry for waking you up," Link said as he placed a cloth on Shad's sweaty face.

"That's quite alright, I'll go into the bathroom and clean my face." Having said that, Shad got out of the bed and felt something wet. He patted the front of his pants and silently gasped. Oh. My. GODDESSES! I released in my dream, oh my goodness, how was I moaning?! He thinks I had a nightmare... that's all that matters.

Mortified, Shad closed the bathroom door and leaned against it. How am I going to explain me changing my trousers? Just do not say anything, Shad. He changed his pants and tossed the dirty ones into the laundry basket and got out of the bathroom.

Link had fallen asleep again. He was facing Shad's eyes and was breathing deeply. Shad sighed in relief, he wouldn't have to explain his embarrassing situation to Link after all... or so he thought.

When Shad got into bed and faced Link, the hero said with eyes closed, "are you alright?"

"Yes, of course, thank you for asking. Do not worry about me," Shad smiled in the darkness.

"Why not? I'm entitled to worry. Nightmares can be cruel. I just want to make sure you're okay," Link said as he rubbed Shad's shoulder gently.

He has no idea how torturing this is! "Thank you, I'm quite alright," Shad said as he patted Link's arm. "Let's go back to sleep."

"Mkay," Link said as he closed his eyes and sleep claimed him one more time. As usual, Shad loved to watch Link sleep, although he couldn't see his face in the dream, but he did recognized Link's strong hands holding him and his scent... Shad loved the way Link smelled. He smiled at the thought. Everyday his feelings for Link grew stronger and stronger. I have to tell him... but I am so afraid of ruining everyting that we have, I will scare him away. He sees me as a friend, why would he want me anyway? I got nothing to offer. Shad felt sad and a tear escaped his eyes. He will never want me. Still he laid there and caressed Link's cheek gently. "I love you."

-o-o-o-o-o-

Six days have gone by and the hero and the scholar have gotten closer and closer. Link had shared some of his adventures with Shad, as well as his life in Ordon. Shad had share some of his histiry knowledge in Hyrule to Link. He would read to the hero every night. The scholar also shared his life after his father had passed away. Both agreed that they were living lonely lives and were both greatful of having found each other and have this friendship.

Link and Shad were talking about possible options for Link's future life in Castle Town.

"Do you wish to marry and have a family?" Asked Shad.

Link shook his head. "No, I don't want a wife or children. I don't think I would be good at that."

"Alright, then that is out of the question."

With that answer, Shad wasn't sure if Link was probably afraid of a commitment like that or he just wasn't interested in a wife and children.

The truth was that Link was feeling better and it was time for him to leave again. That afternoon, they were standing by Shad's front door, Link was already dressed in his hero clothes. Shad felt his heart heavy with sadness. I have to tell him... now is the time.

"Link?"

"Yes, Shad?"

"There is... something that I need to tell you," Shad said as he looked to the ground and closed his eyes. I can do this.

Link was immediately concerned and put his hand on Shad's shoulder, "what is it, Shad? You know you can tell me anything."

Shad took a deep breath and opened his eyes. "I just wanted to... wish you good luck and please come back safe." I can't do this.

Link chuckled, "I'll do my best, my dear friend."

The hero leaned in and hugged the scholar gently. Shad couldn't help but hug Link tight. He buried his face in Link's neck and breathed in his scent.

"Shad... hey, it's okay. I'll be back," Link said as he rubbed Shad's back.

Shad nodded as he tried to hold back his tears. "I know you will, I just want you to be careful, that is all."

Link let go of Shad and patted his shoulders gently. "I have to go."

Shad smiled and nodded. "Of course you do."

"I will see you later."

"See you later."

Shad saw Link disappear in the corner and closed the door to his apartment. This is getting more difficult than I thought.