Disclaimer: I own nothing but the original character of 'Zenzi', Kyara is the property of Keiara, the rest is property of Nintendo; I make no profit from this it is merely for fun.

Rating: T for violence, language, suggestive content and vaguely sexual content later on.

This chapter has edited only to remove unimportant author notes, the actual content has been untouched.

~thoughts~ equal Dark 'speaking' to Link, -thoughts- equal Link 'speaking' to Dark

Link:

As the final notes of the Minuet of Forest faded, dark sapphire eyes opened to be met with a large forested clearing. A tree; a stump, the pedestal he and Dark had landed on. Link knew this place well; he had gone through the Sacred meadow to meet with Saria many a times before, as well as going through here to get to the forest temple.

Link barely had any time to breathe before he was being pulled on and found himself falling backwards. He let out a brief cry of alarm and tried to right himself; only to nearly land on Dark in the process. He landed beside his shadow; their arms had gotten tangled together and it took Link a few moments to get them unstuck, so it took a minute or two for him to realize why Dark fell (Link honestly thought Dark had pulled him down on purpose for some reason he didn't want to think about…).

Dark didn't look so good; he was clammy and paler than usual, there was a thin veil on sweat on his body and his overall posture was that of someone not feeling well. So he asked his shadow if everything was okay; thinking that maybe whoever had landed the blow on his cheek had poisoned the weapon or maybe he was sick… there he went, he was sick.

Link immediately went to his side; guilt biting at his insides over not warning Dark about the warping side effects. The ebony clad male was shaky and ill looking; had just tossed any food he had eaten earlier onto the ground (which was a bad thing in the sense that should the Sages follow them here, they'd see the vomit and know someone was here, most likely them of course.) and looked so vulnerable sitting there with his eyes squeezed shut. The threat that he had uttered did not faze Link; he had gone through worse than having something throw up on him (Lord Jabu-Jabu came to mind… shudder)

He did the only thing he could think to do; whenever he had gotten sick, Saria would rub his back and it would help him either release stomach contents easier, or just soothe him and help his body to relax. So he sat beside Dark and wrapped his arms around him; ignoring the tingles from his fingertips being run along the shadow's spine; he tried to make him feel better. Link cared for Dark; he had no idea why, or the depth of this care, only that he would ensure his shadow was safe and well.

He felt Dark's body stop shaking; so he moved away and stood so Dark could fully test out the extent of his disadvantages at the current moment. Once Dark had stood, Link couldn't help but ensure that it was just the warping that was messing with his body. His hand upon the others forehead, he noticed the blush but was more focused on making sure he didn't have a fever. He didn't; which caused Link to breathe a sigh of relief.

Though Dark didn't seem entirely fine, Link trusted him enough to let him know when he couldn't stagger through something. Dark appeared stubborn; Link had the feeling he wouldn't let something like a bout of dizziness stop him from anything. He seemed confused over why they would go to the Village; in truth he was only planning on stopping there to grab a bottle or two of milk and a few other items. He… didn't think he would have any need of weapons, aside from those he always had with him.

Dark clearly expected a fight (Link did as well, he was hoping to avoid any confrontation with the Sages though… he and Dark were clearly outnumbered and out powered by them); and Link knew from the slash across Dark's face that he had most likely gotten into a fight earlier (along with the pain he felt from sharing a mind with him when he was warned of Zelda's true feelings). Was it from a fight with Malon (highly unlikely) or from with Sheik or Impa?

He moved his hand to trace the bottom of the cut; lightly so as not to cause Dark harm. He withdrew his hand and glanced to the blood on his fingertips; his voice was soft and full of worry when he spoke to Dark. The other male seemed to not be worried about it; Link would have nagged him about it more… but the look on Dark's face told him he wouldn't budge from his answer of 'I'm fine.'

What Dark said was true though; if he had already gotten an infection or if the blade had been poisoned (for the clean and narrow cut was defiantly the work of a blade of sorts), having his blood upon his skin would also get him infected if not treated in time. Dark didn't seem to think he (or his blood for that matter) was poisoned, judging by his next actions.

The shiver sent down his spine from Dark's tongue sliding along his fingers; was one he hadn't felt before. Foreign and unknown; Link wasn't sure if it was merely because it tickled… or if it was something else entirely. Either way; the contact made his insides feel queasy and caused his face to flush. He felt flustered and could tell that the blush on his face would be there for awhile.

Okay, so was Dark worried about him; as his concerned words said, or was he merely being seductive and flirty? Wait… it could be both; he could have merely wiped the blood away with his tunic, but he chose to lick it away. Nrgh, Link was confused; confused over Dark's motives, confused over his feelings for the male, confused over why Zelda didn't see the good person in him like Link did.

Link scurried after Dark; his mind not completely at the task at hand. He… liked Dark; that was for sure, else he wouldn't want him to be around (he was a friend, or a stranger you get used to seeing a lot). He cared for Dark; he had become a friend of sorts, and Link always looked after his friends. Why then, whenever he looked into the crimson eyes of the shadow; his heart twisted and butterflies danced in his stomach? Why, whenever Dark touched him; be it a hug or a helping hand, Link always wished it was more? Why did Dark's voice sound so reassuring; so meaningful, why did the very sound of it capture Link's full attention and ensnare his very soul even?

Dark tripped over the stairs in front of him; wither reflexes or mere instinct Link's hand shot out and caught him without thinking. He managed to tell Dark slightly of the plan before his mind forgot about it; there was a fairy fountain up ahead that they could use to heal and regain their energy. He would feel better once he saw the slash across Dark's face gone. Though; it didn't take away from his attractiveness any, in fact it gave him a dangerous and alluring look, it went with the whole 'angsty shadow being' persona he was giving the world. In short… it was rather hot. (1)

They walked in silence down the rest of the steps; Link was sure Dark was pondering where they needed to stop. Link didn't know about the fairy fountain during the time that Dark had been himself; he hadn't found it until he fell into it after the Forest temple, so he was pretty sure the shadow didn't know about. He was hoping that it would be a surprise for Dark; make him smile or something instead of being all serious and stuff. He had a nice laugh, and a pleasant smile (when he wasn't pulling his lips into a sexy or all knowing smirk); it was then Link realized that he enjoyed the company of his shadow… when he wasn't being a bitch tit at least.

Dark kept glancing around nervously; Link was sure that he was paranoid about monsters and enemies. Link smiled warmly and explained the situation; now that the source of the evil was gone, the monsters were dying off and retreating into goddesses know where. They were leaving, and that was what was important.

The venom in Dark's voice when he spoke of Impa, lead Link to believe that it was the sage of Shadow he had gotten into the fight with. A real smart idea on the shadows behalf; Impa could easily rip Dark apart with minimal effort. He asked and he got an answer; though he still wanted to know why Dark got into a fight with the elder Sheikah. He suspected it had to do with showing off or proving his power; so he was thoroughly pleasantly surprised when Dark revealed he was defending Sheik. His sister? Well… it wouldn't surprise Link if Dark were also a Sheikah; but he was pretty sure Dark meant the bond they had was one of family (probably to Sheik's disappointment, the revelation of Sheik loving Dark was still strange to Link) ties.

It… surprised Link of course; but it also showed him what he already secretly knew. Dark was a good person when he chose to be; he could be kind or passionate, loving and loyal. He just chose to be an arrogant, flirtatious prick most of the time. Link hoped that he could wear off on Dark; make him a little more open to the better side of himself. Just to be sure Dark was serious about why he was fighting; Link asked him again. He was proud that Dark had fought for a purpose, he had fought because Sheik would not fight for herself (only against Impa, Zelda, Dark or Link would she not fight Link was sure.); and fighting for someone else was one of the few reasons to fight for.

When Link hugged Dark; he didn't mind the arms around his waist, he breathed in and found himself memorizing his scent. He wasn't quite sure how Dark managed to smell good after throwing up, being in battle and just being sweaty earlier from racing with Malon (Link had caught snippets of what Dark was doing in the form of vague dreams)… but he did. A light scent of roses; strawberries, vague coco with the hint of lingering sweat and blood (2)… it was rather enticing to say the least.

Link resisted the urge to nuzzle into Dark; his ears flicked as he strained to hear anything from the meadow they had just left… the Sages could be upon him at any time… Link's body stiffened in surprise (3) as he felt soft lips tenderly caress his ear; he froze as Dark's warm breath fluttered across his sensitive ears and down his neck. Dear Din what the hell was this? Dark ran his tongue teasingly slow along the length of his ear; causing the Hero to shiver in delight. Wait? Delight? Fuck! This male was taking everything Link thought he knew about himself and completely twisting it inside and out!

Either way; Link stumbled back from Dark; his face flaming and his hand reaching up to clean his ear off. His eyes widened in both embarrassment and shock when Dark spoke to him through their mind link; sure he was him in a sense… but that didn't mean he knew Link inside and out! Yes, Dark was attractive (for a guy) and yes he was a pretty cool person… his voice was alluring and drew Link in without even trying to… just because Link happened to agree with everything Dark had just said; didn't mean Dark had to know!

His annoyance (and other newer, unknown emotions) started to fade when Dark commented on the fans he had. Link grimaced; it was rather annoying the mass amount of girls who had deluded themselves into thinking they loved him! Equally annoying was the mass amount of girls; who wanted him merely because he was a Hero and wished to explore various items with his body. There might be a few guys here and there; but it was the females that made their attempts at him more obvious.

Ignoring that, he focused on pretending to be pissed at the use of his common nickname; Fairy boy. It didn't really bother him when his friends used it; it was better than 'Sir Link' or 'Hero'. He didn't want all of the attention he got; and when people he didn't know tried to act as if they were friends with him, it rather irked him (not that he would tell anyone, he was too kind to 'reject' anyone… save for maybe dark when he got really annoying). If anything… Dark's use of the nickname merely twisted Link's insides with joy.

The silence was slightly welcome after the awkward events a few moments ago; it gave Link time to mull over his thoughts, all the while sneaking glances at the on edge shadow he was traveling with. He was only slightly taller than Link; his hair was longer and more untamed, he appeared to be slightly more muscled as well. They looked so much alike; they were alike in some differences… people said that one needs to love oneself before they can love others; Link didn't often think of himself, he was too busy looking after others… perhaps Dark was the part of himself… he was missing in order to truly 'love' himself?

With this thought thrown into the mix of his mind; Link was more confused than ever. He gladly welcomed the distraction that presented itself to them as they reached the entrance (or exit, depending on which way you were going) to the maze. Lying at the bottom of the ladder leading to the top part of the maze; was a small skull child. Link swiftly went into helping mode, and dropped to their side; vaguely realizing Dark scouting the area for possible enemies.

Link helped them to sit, relieved they didn't appear to have any broken bones; else they would have been screaming in pain. Their tired cough went to his heart, and his gaze upon them became even softer. He helped them to their feet; with every scratch he saw his heart gave a squeeze, he vaguely wondered if the fairy in the child's hands was a sick healing fairy (could they even get sick? He had never seen a red nor purple fairy… nonetheless a mixture of the two).

He understood what the girl meant (her voice was obviously feminine) and nodded to her. So, it would seem that the fairy fountain wasn't so secret after all? Or maybe the fairy had told her? He couldn't tell what the fairy looked like; he only saw a small purple light (tinted slightly red) with a paler red light around it. Link cast a glance to Dark; who was looking at the fairy… could… could he see her? Interesting; Link would find this out later though, he had to worry about this small child right now.

Link wondered why the skull kids were picking on the child here; what had she done to make them harm her like this. He doubted she had done something wrong; her eyes were innocent, so they must just have been jerks.

He caught the look Dark gave him, and offered an explanation to the confused shadow; he forgot that Dark did not know all the things he learned after they were separated. Perhaps, when they had time, they could simply sit and share their experiences? Tell the tales that the other had missed and catch up on the times?

Link carefully cradled the child in his arms and regarded the ladder; who to get them up there… without falling? Very carefully; he gripped one of the ladder rungs, while placing his foot on the bottom one. Alright, things weren't going too bad; he reached his arm up, grabbed the next rung and moved his foot. And then again, though as he went to take the next step; he lost his footing and found himself falling towards the ground.

The child flew out of his arms; and his behind met rather hard with the ground. He winced and hissed in pain; his tailbone screamed its agitation. He stood, grumbling the entire time. Dark could have mentioned his actually logical sounding plan earlier! You know, before Link fell! But, he didn't; and Link was just going to have to deal with a sore butt for the next few hours.

Link turned from Dark and began to climb the ladder again; managing very easily now that he had both his arms. He glanced to his sides a few times; memories of giant pig appearing monster charging at him with spears kept invading his mind. But then he was at the top, and Dark was gloating (of course). And, of course Dark's next words caused him to blush… the thought of Dark's hand replacing his own (which was currently massaging the sore part of his body he had landed on) was rather… tempting. And Link would rather it not be as tempting as it was; he would rather not want to dwell on these strange thoughts.

When Dark fell through the hole leading to the fairy fountain; Link couldn't help but chuckle at the expression on his face, the surprise and brief fear weren't often worn on Dark's face. Link jumped into the hole; landing gracefully on his feet beside a still dumbfounded Dark. He grinned as he took the Skull kid, playfully nudging Dark with his elbow as he explained that this is where he planned to stop before going to the forest.

Link then turned his attention back to the wounded child in his arms; trying to make small talk while she healed, he asked for her name. He smiled as he watched her observe the fairies; he too, had been fascinated by healing fairies when he was younger, he had been around Guiding fairies, but the concept of the fairies healing had been new to him. He tried to reassure her that everything would be okay… but he honestly didn't know what could be done for the fairy in her hands. He couldn't see through the light; so he didn't know what was wrong. Since it was so small, it shouldn't take too long of soaking in the healing waters to fix it; but it would still be nice to know what was wrong with the poor thing.

Link was surprised by the anger in Dark's voice when he spoke; and he had called the fairy a 'her'. That must mean he could see through the light… which could only mean one thing… Link frowned; but was caught smiling as well. If he was right, the fairy was meant for Dark. If he was right, this little fairy was his guardian fairy; which only Kokiri had…. Though, Link had Navi; mind you he was pretty sure that was only because he was destined to be the Hero of Time and wouldn't have been able to save Hyrule without some guidance (no matter how horrible the guidance was at times…)

It would seem Dark was having a hard time believing Link's words as well; he didn't blame the man, it was a strange thought to ponder and behold. Link explained his line of thinking, watching as Dark ever so carefully lifted her from the skull kids hands and into his own (snickering at Kyara's threat against Dark). The gentleness of his actions, the quiet worry on his face; Dark very much cared for the fairy already. That much was obvious; it was much like Link when he met Navi, it hadn't taken very long before he was constantly looking around to ensure she was nearby. Yes, he was very much convinced this purple and red fairy was meant for Dark.

As Dark moved to the edge of the fountain and placed his hands (and the fairy) into the water; Link was removing his boots. He found that so long as part of one's body was in the water; the entire body was healed, just much slower than if a Healing fairy dusted on you or if you were completely in the water. So he sat down beside Dark and dangled his feet into the cool and soothing water.

He took note of Dark's worried tone, sympathizing for the first time Navi had been injured, he had been near hysterical. He answered truthfully; hoping his words and kind smile would help Dark to calm down and relax. They didn't, and Link snorted internally at Dark's mention of tainting the healing water before them. He had used a few of these hidden fountains to bathe in before; and they always appeared as if he hadn't stepped foot in them during and after he was done. That's magic for you!

Dark turned from Link; giving him another look at the cut along his cheek. Grimacing; Link looked for something he could use to clean it and get some healing water onto it. He couldn't see anything… but he realized he had some spare material; as much as he hated to take it off; his hat would make a good rag. So with a sigh, Link pulled his hat off, leaving his golden locks to fall freely to his shoulder, and dipped the green material into the waters of the fountain.

He pulled the soaking hat from the fountain water and reached over to gently press it against the torn skin on Dark's face. The hiss of pain sent daggers through his heart, and he tried to make Dark understand by apologizing with his eyes. He didn't want to cause Dark pain; but he had to apply the healing hat to the wound in order for it to heal the best. He was glad when Dark let him work without problems; he had tilted his head slightly into the motion of the cloth moving over his skin, which Link took as a sign he was enjoying it. Good, the less pain he was caused, the better.

Dark was right again; he was lucky a small scratch to the face was the only injury he got from a fight with Impa… especially when they were fighting over Sheik. She may have been disappointed in the younger Sheikah, and unsure of how to raise her; but Impa cared deeply for her niece. She just had a hard time letting people know she cared.

Link blinked a few times, not quite registering the scene before him. Dark's curved lips taunted him to no end; his smoldering eyes with the silver hair in front of them drew him in like a keese to fire. Link wanted to speak; but he was scared of what would be said. 'You're beautiful'? 'Goddesses, I want you'? 'It-' WHAT? Oh dear Farore he did not think that! He did not want Dark in that way! They were practically the same person for Naryu's sake! No, no, he was merely distracted by the strange crimson eyes before him; it had nothing to do with his attractiveness or certain desires Link was trying to forget about!

He finally managed to pull free of the grip Dark's eyes had over him; a blush spread up his face as he turned from him and tried to hide his embarrassment. He seemed to be feeling that a lot in the past few days; embarrassment. And all of the cases came back down to Dark. There was definitely something going on between the two of them… but Link wasn't sure he wanted to know exactly what it was. Not yet at least.

Link sucked in a startled breath as he felt something cool and wet press against his neck. His first thought was that Dark was nibbling him again; but then he remembered that Dark was always warm, and had to look for himself to know what it was. Link blushed at Dark's words; he had forgotten about the bites, and found himself reminiscing about the soft and slow kiss against his neck the last time Dark had nibbled him. At the time; it was unwanted and creepy, now… now it was something Link found himself wishing would happen again. At least he knew what Dark was doing; he wasn't trying to freak Link out, merely 'playing'… if that made Link feel any better.

There was a silence that followed Dark's guilt filled words; they proved to Link that he was capable of caring, for obviously he had meant them (meaning he hadn't meant to harm Link). Link could only concentrate on the now though; the hand still resting on his neck, his own hand so close to Dark's warm body, the angle at which they were sitting at…

Link was glad the movement of the water distracted them both; he wasn't sure where his thoughts were going but he felt slightly sad that they drew away from each other for some reason.

He heard a voice; clearly female and soft spoken, mysterious and alluring… kind of like Darks' voice, only female and bubblier. Link wished he could see what she looked like; Navi had curly ice blue hair and wore a simple fluttery knee length thick strapped summer dress over her sky blue skin. Her eyes were dark blue; like the color of his Zora tunic, only alive and full of understanding and spirit. What did his fairy look like?

He could tell that Dark was happy, and surprised; from the goofy grin on his face. Link was glad for him; if there ever came a time when he wasn't with Link; at least he would have her with him to be his friend. Zenzi; a name he hadn't heard before. He wasn't all that surprised that she knew Dark's name, after all Navi had known his. He was right; she was his guiding fairy, and Dark looked like he was going to throw up again.

"Dark? Are you okay?" Link asked tentatively, resting his hand on the other males shoulder.

Dark gazed at Zenzi with a look of awe, and suspicion on his face. "I… guess so Link. It's just… strange to know I have a fairy now." He muttered.

"Wait, you're Link? The Hero of Time Link?" Kyara piped up suddenly, springing to her feet.

Link nodded, though he kept his annoyance over the title from his face. "Yes, that I am."

Kyara glared at him. "Saria's looking for you! She was in the forest as I made my way here; her and a bunch of other people are looking for you, and him." She pointed her finger at Dark. "I didn't recognize you earlier because I was hurt and my brain wasn't working."

Link and Dark shared a look; they wouldn't want to hurt this child, but if she ratted them out to the sages before they could get away… "Listen, Kyara-"

"What did you guys do to want Saria after you? She's so nice and gentle; I can't imagine her wanting to hunt anyone down. Cept for that pig headed meany king of course."

"We didn't do anything! Her and the other sages are judging Dark based upon false thoughts and stereotypes!" Link snapped at her; quick to defend his shadow.

"Well… I did try and kill you in the Water temple… and me and Sheik did some pretty bad things whilst we were away from our guiding lights… me and Impa did get into a fight…" Dark mumbled, earning him a glare from Link.

"They are unjust in their reasons to be after you! I believe that you are not some blood thirsty monster hell bent on destroying Hyrule! If anything… you're just lonely and want people to be around." Link's voice grew soft. "And I for one; won't leave you all alone now that I've found you!"

Dark blinked a few times; Link swore his eyes were misty. "But… you do realize that if you stay with me; you'll have to run right? They won't stop until they have me locked away somewhere where I can't hurt people."

Link grabbed Dark's hand in his own and glared fiercely into his crimson eyes. "They can't lock you away if they can't find you! I don't care how long it takes, or what we have to do; but we will prove that you are not a danger to the kingdom!" Link declared; his blazing dark sapphire eyes alit with determination.

For a moment; Dark was silent, but then he spoke and his words were so full of emotion that he couldn't contain them, and tears formed in his eyes. "… Thank you, Link. I… appre-"

"You don't have to say anything! You've been cast away into the shadows because people think you belong in the backround; it's about time somebody stuck up for you and believed you deserve a life of your own!" Link interrupted him; the rest of the fountain had gone quiet, even Kyara and Zenzi had fallen silent to watch the exchange between the two males.

"You don't need to do this Link; I can't ask of you to sacrifice so much for someone who doesn't deserve what you're trying to do." Dark told him; though his voice was weak and it was clear he was merely trying to stop Link from doing what he thought would be a mistake.

Link moved closer to Dark and stared down the watery scarlet eyes. "Then don't ask! I'm telling you I am going to help you, whether you like it or not!"

Dark blinked and shook his head. "No, you're not! You have a purpose and a life here; I exist only to carry the darkness within you, I won't let you throw away all you've worked for just for some shadow that nobody cares about!"

Link moved even closer, barely realizing it. "You're wrong! Sheik cares for you; I could see it in her eyes, she loves you Dark." Dark opened his mouth to object, so Link hurried with his next words. "I care about you! Who else matters but those who are closest to you?"

"But-"

"Dark shut up! There's no getting rid of me! So long as you want me here, so long as you are the shadow to my light, I will be here with you. You're stuck with me Shadow, deal with it!"

"Link i… I'll always want you here with me…"

"So then be quiet, and enjoy the time we have together!"

With those words, the entire world stopped. With those words; Link gripped the front of Dark's tunic and pulled himself towards the shadow. With those eleven words… Link melded his lips with Dark's and kissed him with all the passion of the goddess Din herself.