YO, YO, YO!

Sorry. I thought I would greet you differently than usually. You know, instead of "Hey, everybody" or "Hey, y'all"? Yeah. I'm feeling spontaneous. And no, I didn't spell it right by myself. The handy-dandy spell-check did it for me!

Anyway, CHAPTER TEN! AAAAA! UH-HU-UH-HU-UH-HU-UH-HU-UH-HU-UH-HU—

*hyperventilates*

*grabs random brown paper bag and breathes into it*

Okay… I think I'm good, now…

Remain… calm… Ocean breezes…White sandy beaches… rain…

AH! RAAAAIIIIINNNNN!

I'm gonna stop here before I start randomly doling out unconscious spoilers.

I'm feelin' the pressure… this HAS to be an AWESOME chapter, truly worthy of your reviews. Cuz so far, I really don't think it is… You guys are too nice to me! But I LOVE you all SOOO MUCH! Like, SOOO MUCH! Whenever I'm feeling depressed, I just read your reviews and it makes me all happy inside! I LOVE YOU! I must write an excellent chapter for YOU!

I hope you love it!

Oh, just read the stupid thing, already.

Disclaimer: *gasp* *pant*… Still… not… *wheeze* …mine… Must… *cough* …have… for my own… …My precious…

This chapter is dedicated to YOU! YES, YOU! THE ONE READING THE STORY! YOOOOOU! I is thinking of YOOOU while writing this! Cuz you has AWESOME points just for CLICKING on this story! (:D

After a few hours of silent walking, we finally reached Ordon. Luke went off to go talk to Zelda, probably to explain why he'd been missing for the past day and a half. I wondered if she'd have him beheaded or something. Seemed suitable.

I climbed the house ladder with a lead feeing in my stomach. Somehow I'm guessing I'm not gonna like what I'll see. I knock softly on the front door (for the first time ever) then creak open the door.

My stomach's right. Link and Ilia were sitting at the kitchen table, holding cups of steaming liquid. Ilia looked the absolute picture of health, the poster girl at the doctor's office labeled 'HEALTHY PERSON" or whatever. The spring had worked its magic yet again. With an unsettled feeling, I noticed her knee was dangerously close to his. They had been talking amiably, but paused when I entered.

"Annie!" Link exclaimed.

"Surprised to see me?" I said, a little icily. Link's face was confused, then a look of realization crossed it.

"Oh, my gosh," he breathed. "Annie, I'm so sorry. I totally forgot-"

"Whatever." I stalked past them and down into the basement. (After having walking that long distance back to Ordon, I was not a happy camper.) Groping about, I found the lantern, lit it, and meandered off to find my stash of writing paper and pencils. Settling myself down in a grumpy corner, I began to write. I had found it was my therapy, which I needed in excess at that moment.

In less than a minute, Link was coming down the ladder. Cautiously he approached me, like I might bite if he got too close (which I just might've). I didn't look up, maintaining my concentration on the paper.

He put his arm out, reaching for me, but when he was about two feet away I growled, "Go away." He ignored this, but lowered his hand.

"Annie, I'm really sorry."

"Save it." I continued writing.

"I feel really bad about forgetting…to picking you up." Link hung his head.

"As you should. Leave me alone."

"…Ilia left," he said, as if it would make me feel better.

"That's nice. Go away."

Link sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. "No."

I looked up at him. He was staring directly at me, a look of determination etched on his face. My eyes narrowed.

"…What?" I questioned.

"I said, no."

"Come on. I just want to be left alone." I looked back down at my papers.

"Too bad." He sat down defiantly next to me.

…I didn't move away.

"…I can't concentrate with you sitting next to me," I huffed.

"Yes, I'm very distracting," he smirked. In spite of myself, I smiled, but hid it quickly. We sat in silence for a while, watching the flickering light of the lantern in front of us.

"I really am sorry," Link said after a spell. I took in a big breath of air, then let it out slowly.

"I know," I sighed. "…I forgive you, though reluctantly."

"YES!" he exclaimed, punching the air with his fist. Another smile played on my lips, and, seeing it, Link put his arm around me and pulled me into his side.

I sighed. "Why did you come down here?"

"To apologize," he said simply.

"And?"

"And because I like you," he smiled.

"Aw… I like you, too," I blushed.

"Good." He put his mouth in my hair. My heart fluttered again. Why did he keep doing that? Did he WANT to give me heart conditions?

As if he heard my thoughts, he took his mouth away. But before I was even able to think phew, his cheek was against the side of my forehead, rubbing, no, caressing it slowly.

Oh, crud. Oh crud oh crud oh crud dang him, now I can't THINK omigosh omigosh omigosh omigosh omigosh-

"Link?" A small voice came from upstairs.

GAH! WHY CAN'T ANYONE LEAVE US ALONE? ESPECIALLY WHEN WE'RE HAVING OUR 'MOMENTS'! WHICH SOUNDS WRONG- BUT WHATEVER! +agony+

"It's Colin! Are you here?" With a quiet sigh, Link dropped his head and then got up, pulling me to my feet.

"What is it?" Link asked once we were successfully on the main level.

"Ilia wants to see you," he smiled, then turned to me. "Hi, Annie! How're you?"

"Hi, Colin," I smiled reluctantly. "I'm fine, thanks." Oh, and I had recently been THIS CLOSE to finally kissing Link when you came in, disturbing the whole thing, but otherwise I'm just dandy.

"Okay, thanks," Link said, and exited through the door. Colin followed him, and I was left to brood in silence.

The next morning, we were having silent breakfast, as usual. I had finally made bacon for the first time in like, forever. But that's because neither Link nor I enjoy cutting up animals. I had finally gotten Fado (who was a really nice guy) to do it for me. (In return, I patched some of his dingy clothes. How do guys manage to get so many holes in one piece of clothing?)

Ilia had persuaded Link to spend most of the day with her. He didn't come back until late last night. This was the reason I was barbarically stabbing my meat and biscuit. I was releasing some of the anger that had been recently accumulating. I figured I would get the rest out during sword practice today. That is, if Ilia could spare Link enough time to get in a few rounds. Sigh, there is a definite issue with that girl. I wished she would break her ankle or something so she would be hauled up in that room of hers and leave me and Link to our own sweet time.

As I was contemplating the pros and cons of her being immobile (con= WHINING!), the door burst open suddenly.

"LINK!" It was Beth, and she was breathing heavily like she had just been running. "Ilia just fell off her horse and broke her ankle!"

…If anyone would like to say "Be careful what you wish for…" now would be the appropriate moment.

"I'm coming!" Link stood so quickly his chair toppled over. I followed him. He did an amazing deer-like leap off the platform, and I was so shocked I toppled ungracefully off, landing on my face. Link didn't even see, he was already disappearing around the bend towards town.

I caught up with him at the ranch gate (no idea how, though… he runs like a gazelle). We sprinted together towards a posse of people amidst the goats, including Rusl, Uli, Mayor Bo, and Fado.

And of course, Ilia, in the middle of the circle, who was dramatically clutching her ankle and ferociously fighting back tears.

"Oh, Link!" she sobbed. "I'm so glad you're here!"

…Does anyone have a bucket I can hurl in?

"Ilia!" Link knelt down beside her. "Are you okay?" Great, now she's gonna answer.

"I-It's my ankle," she sniffed. Like we didn't know. "I-I don't think I can walk." Sob, sob, sob. Try being whipped for two days straight. THEN tell me you can't walk.

Like the gentleman that he is, Link carefully picked her up. Ilia spectacularly threw her arms around his neck, because of course he's not balancing her enough and we must have her make contact with him in every way possible.

Seriously. A bucket. Like, now.

And so, with a procession of solemn mourners, we paraded (dramatically) towards the town, the injured princess and her hunky chauffer in the lead.

We arrived at Mayor Bo's, to be greeted by a concerned Zelda and a rather indifferent Luke. (I briefly wondered where his magical cream was now.) Link carried her up the steps, into the house, and to the second floor to place her on the bed. The mourners crowded around the casket to bid their final farewells.

"Get better soon, Ilia!" they chorused, and departed from the room, leaving me, Link, and the cripple.

Link pulled out a bottle with water in it and yanked out the cork, handing it to Ilia. "Here," he said. I pondered if it would be best to leave or to stay and monitor this activity.

While she took her time drinking it, I wonder how hygienic those bottles actually are. I've never seen them be washed, ever. And they hold all sorts of things, bugs, larvae, beans, and about fifty various potions. AND HE DRINKS OUT OF THEM! It's disgusting enough that he actually eats bee larvae… Ewie.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I think I'll go to sleep, now."

"If that's all you need…" Link started to get up, but Ilia grabbed him on the arm, pulling him back down.

"No," she pleaded. "Stay with me…" I rolled my eyes, but she didn't see.

"…Alright." Link sat back down. Ilia closed her eyes, but didn't let go of his arm.

I'd seen enough. I got up, thundered down the stairs, and ran out the door, ignored Luke again and simply jogged back towards the house. I had some more writing to do.

It was two days since Ilia broke her ankle. She was still clinging to Link like me to a bag full of M&M's. It was bed-rest for her for the remainder of that day, but late yesterday and this morning I saw her limping around the outside of her house, Link supporting her around the waist while she clung to his arm. The sight made me storm off in a jealous flurry, especially when Ilia smirked at me behind Link's back.

Link himself didn't come home until late, and was gone in the morning before I woke up. I figured it was because he still had to train and do his ranch chores.

What had I been doing those days? Not much, really. Keeping busy. Storming around the house. Cooking. Writing. Washing dishes. Taking long, fervent walks, which usually turned into runs. Brooding. Sometimes I tried to teach myself Hylian, but it never went well. Cleaning. Drawing. Sewing. …Pretty much it.

There was two things that kept me from breaking Ilia's other ankle. (A/N: Yes, I am very fond of making lists. There are what, 5 in this story?)

1.) I had nightmares every night, yeah? Well, each time I woke up, Link was always holding my hand and stroking my hair consolingly. Only after I calmed down would he go back to his own place of rest (This was still on the floor, he wouldn't even hear of taking the bed even once) and-

2.) Each morning since the accident, I've descended to the main level to find a gorgeous flower in a vase on the kitchen table. And I'm pretty darn certain Luke isn't breaking in again.

This morning, I looped my hair into one smooth knot, not bothering with a ponytail holder, and carefully stuck Link's flower into it. When I stepped outside, the air was warm but grey clouds reigned the sky, a sign of heavy rain. Defiantly I strolled out into the open.

Let the rain come.

I walked slowly, wandering into the forest. Few birds twittered, but I enjoyed the sound all the same. The air was calming, and I drew deep breaths every few minutes, attempting to clear out my mind. It didn't work too well.

After a long, boring walk that you don't need to hear about, I headed back towards the house, planning to do some writing. (It was a wonder there was any paper left.)

When I reached the front yard, I heard voices behind me and stopped to listen. It was Ilia and Link. From what I gathered, they had just finished "healing" Ilia's ankle at the spring, but it was still "weak". I was in no disposition to talk to them, so I picked up the pace towards town and scrambled up the plateaus, hiding out at the furthest one.

Link and Ilia.

I remembered when I first got here, I was a little hesitant towards Link because I thought that he was in a relationship with her. But once I got there, I got the vibe that he was a little annoyed by her. So I was free to press on.

And, to tell the truth, I thought Link liked me. Like, like liked me. And, of course, I like liked him back. I always had. Or, at least I had like liked my fantasy of him (though fantasies can be deceiving… in the case of Zelda and the Link/Ilia thing).

Which brought me back to my point. I really thought they were together! I mean, I even shipped them for a while! That was just too weird to even think about; that's like shipping real people. And you don't do that. You just don't.

And I kept thinking about the relationship between Link and myself, especially with Ilia. (A/N: Yay, my first-ever two-girl love triangle)! I mean, Ilia and Link had like sixteen-plus years together and I've been here for- what, less than a month? How fast can someone possibly fall in love? And don't give me that 'love at first sight' thing, I don't think it was physically possible for anyone to fall in love with me the first time they look at me. Heck, I didn't even think anyone could EVER be in love with me!

…But something- or rather, some things- made me stop and think twice about Link loving me…

I mean… in the first place, he stayed up all night to take care of a total stranger, then invited me to live in his house. It's sweet and everything, but that's just dangerous! I mean, I could've been a stalker or a rapist or something…

Plus… the whole scene in the pond… if that's not romantic, I don't know what is…

…And… there was the fact that every night he was by my side when I woke up from the nightmares… not to mention the time he actually held me in his arms to keep me warm…

A warm feeling was growing inside me, causing me to sit up straighter and smooth my hair out.

…And when he spent a week searching for me, and then defeating Ganondorf and taking the arrow for me? …Not to mention The Amazing Hug afterwards…

…And…the whole tickling thing? And the fact that he sat outside on the porch for a half and hour in the blazing sun just to hear me sing?

…And the fact that he basically told me he loves my hair when it's down… or up, for that matter…

I started combing my fingers through my ponytail. I felt a drop of rain on my nose, but it didn't make me lose my train of thought.

…And how jealous he got over Luke and Anthony-Ganondorf…

…And the whole thing in the crystal cave behind the spring…

…And the adorable wolf-lick…

…And how he never pushed me for more, he let me make my own decisions in my own time…

…And the flowers…

…And how he buries his mouth in my hair every chance he gets…

I stood up. The rain was really coming down now…

…And his adorable frown…

…And his kind, gentle, caring, strong, protective, forgiving, and gentlemanly personality…

…And the way he stared at me when he thought I wasn't looking…

…And how it felt when he held me in his arms…

…And how my heart always skipped a beat when he smiled at me…

…And…

…And…

…And the many, many times we were so close… So close to kissing… So close to his lips against mine…

That was it.

I had to see Link. I had to get to him, now.

I was going to tell him I loved him. I was going to kiss him so hard he'll get a concussion. I was finally going to end my agony and just spend forever with him…

I was sure of it now.

He loved me.

I leapt of the plateau, onto the roof, and onto the ground. My first instinct was to get to the ranch, as he was probably getting to goats out of the rain. The sky's water blurred my vision but didn't slow my feet.

I dashed up to the gate and hollered, "LINK?"

Fado was closing the barn gate. He yelled over the rain that Link wasn't here.

In my haste to get going again, I slipped in the mud and my head pitched forward, the force of the slide undoing my hair. With a quick maneuver of my powers, I managed to right myself without hitting the ground and grab Link's flower before it got all dirty.

My hair was soaking and plastered to the sides of my face, but I didn't care. Besides, Link said he liked my hair better when it was down…

Again I took off at lightning speed, dashing past Mayor Bo's and over the small bridge. The stream's water rippled under the raindrops in a beautiful way, but I hardly took notice. I was determined to get to Link as fast as possible, as if this passion might run out.

The only thing in the world thumping faster than my feet was my wild heart. It urged me on as I ran faster and faster.

It took me one second to realize I was in the front yard, then I had vaulted the ladder and threw open the door with my free hand, ready to throw myself into Link's arms and never get out-

My stomach turned to lead and disappeared, and my heart exploded within my chest. Link's flower fell to the floor.

Link was backed up against the wall, and Ilia was pressing herself unbelievably close to him, their chests smashed together. Ilia's eyes were closed, and her mouth was tipped toward Link's. Their lips were barely a centimetre apart. His head was as close to the wall as you could get, urging Ilia to lean closer into him.

When Link's eyes widened, Ilia turned around to face me. There was a brief but terrible silence.

"…Oh…I-I-I'm sorry…" I stumbled over the words, then backed quickly out the door and slammed it, whirling to face the rain.

And then they came.

The tears.

I jumped off the platform, sliding about in the mud. The only thing I knew was I had to get way from there, now. I couldn't stay another second. I stumbled about blindly, yet somehow managed to leave the yard. The only sounds I could hear were the roar of the rain and the pounding of my own heart.

Funnily enough, the world is silent as it comes crashing down around you.

Everything I knew was gone. I could no longer stay in Ordon, or even in Hyrule. I stumbled past the first clearing.

He…he doesn't love me…

I didn't even pause for one last look at the spring. My feet clanked on the wooden boards of the bridge, wet and slippery from the rain. I was crying, I was running, I couldn't breathe… and I was alone.

"ANNIE!" I heard someone call from behind me.

Link.

I stopped, trying to muffle my tears and prepare myself for the goodbye.

But when I turned to meet him, the look on his face made the tears come again, full-force. He didn't notice them, as they blended in with the trickles of rain on my face. We stared at each other in silence.

"Annie…" Link's voice was barely audible over the rush of the rain. "I-"

"WHY DID YOU FOLLOW ME?" I exploded. Link's eyes widened… again. "Why are you here? Why can't you just stay with Ilia and leave me alone?"

"Annie…" Link started, but I cut him off.

"Why did you take me here in the first place? Why couldn't you have just left me there to die in peace?"

"Annie…"

"Why did you rescue me? Why did you almost cry when you saw I was with Anthony-Ganondorf? Why didn't you just give me up? Why did you risk your life to save me?" I was blubbering, yes, but I couldn't stop the tears or the words.

"Annie-" Link was sounding more urgent, but I ignored him and barreled on.

"Why did you teach me to sword fight when you really didn't want to? Why did you get so jealous again over Luke? Why did you not want me to come when he kidnapped Ilia?"

"Annie!" Link stepped towards me. "It's becau-"

"Why did you show me your secret place in the spring? Why do you always hold my hand when I have my nightmares? Why did you follow me here? Why won't you just be happy with Ilia? Why won't you just let me go-"

"BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!" Link exploded.

...

...

...

...

...

…I was too stunned to move.

I couldn't blink.

I couldn't breathe.

I couldn't control the pace of my heart.

We just stared at each other for the longest time. The rain came down, oblivious to the heart-changing moment it was accenting.

Then Link's hands moved, slowly, past his waist, then above my chest. They came to rest on either side of my face, fingers spread out across my hair.. Link stepped closer to me, slightly titling my head up to look him in the eyes. Then his face began to move ever-so-slowly towards my own.

"W-what-" I tried to whisper, but could only manage the one word.

Link's face was slowly drawing nearer to mine. My heart was slamming itself up against my chest, fighting to get out. I could feel Link's pulse in his fingers, so I could tell his heart was doing the same thing.

My toes pushed me slightly upwards, and Link took that as a signal to continue. His mouth was coming closer… and closer… and closer… I closed my eyes…

Link's lips were barely a centimetre away when he paused. I could feel his breathing on my mouth.

He… he's not going to-

Then his lips were on mine.

I had no thoughts. Everything just went blank, just like that.

The only thing I knew was Link.

Link.

His touch, taste, and feel, right at that moment. I was totally lost in his kiss, immersed in the joy of being like that with him. It was like magic... no, better... I... I couldn't describe it.

His lips were so tender, so soft and pleasing…

But then Link tore his mouth away, dropping his hands from my face. He stepped back a few paces, staring at me, and then looked at the ground.

"I-I'm sorry…" he mumbled, his wet hair falling in his eyes. "I shouldn't have… I-I wasn't… I mean, you didn't…"

"Link…" I started, finally finding my voice again, though it was weak with the rain.

"It was wrong of me to… I should've…"

"Link…"

"I-I should've asked before… I didn't…"

"Link!" I laughed slightly.

"W-What?" Link looked me nervously in the eyes.

In response, I stepped forward and pressed my lips to his.

My third kiss, and it was so perfect. It was warm and friendly and comforting, especially when Link pulled me into his arms. Lip's Links—I mean, Link's lips caressed mine gently. He tasted like sunshine, if you could picture that.

Third time was definitely the charm.

I broke the kiss to put my head next to his. Sighing contentedly in his arms, I squeezed him tighter with a smile on my face.

We stood there for the longest time, just holding one another. Even in the chilling rain, I couldn't have been warmer.

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OH MY WORD, I JUST SNOGGED A VIDEO GAME CHARACTER!

SOOOOO? DID YOU LIKE IT?

I SPENT 4-EVER ON THIS (I even almost missed my bus one morning because I was in the middle of typing) SO YOU'D BETTER HAVE LIKED IT!

I MUST GO SAVE IT!

…No, this is not the end. They have to get married, right? JK. More fluff is on the way! Plus Link's POV chappie!

…Should I write that next?

I am taking a short two-day break from writing so I can concentrate on the basketball games this weekend. But I'll update ASAIC! ( = As Soon As I Can)

YAYZ! WE IS FINALLY DONE WITH CHAPTER 10!

Eternal Nocturne, typos if you please!

RRREEEEVVVIIIIEEEEWWWW!

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW (not to put any pressure on you but) REVIEEEWWW!

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