A/N: Yeah, while Vincent going against Maxi would've been sweet and part of the original chapter, it didn't make the cut. That is best left to the end.
Sick
Malon opened her eyes. It took a few seconds for them to adjust to the morning sunlight that seeped through the window. She felt that she had overslept but she didn't want to move. Her eyelids felt heavy and she ached to just stay in bed under the warm sheets. Malon craved for the warmth but she felt heat radiating from her skin. Reluctant, she sat in bed and noticed how her clothes stuck to her sweaty body. Her head felt woozy but Malon felt that it was nothing. She showered and clothed herself, taking a little longer than she usually did and she was out the front door.
It was hot outside. Severely hot. Malon felt like she was being cooked but she had work to do. The sun was high above in the sky that didn't help with the heat. Malon wiped the sweat from her brow as she walked to the corral. She noticed all the horses already in there as she neared it. She stopped and looked to the side to see Vincent under the tree, eating an apple.
"Vincent?" Malon said. She walked over to the relaxing Vincent.
"Good afternoon, Malon," Vincent said. He bit into his apple just hard enough so he could hold it as he got up. With his hands he brushed himself off and took the apple from his mouth. "Had a nice sleep?"
"Did you… did you do all of the chores?" Malon asked. He was impressing her more and more as time went on.
"Well, most of them anyways," Vincent answered. "I caught your father sleeping in hay and Ingo went back to his lazy self once again. I have no idea where he went. So I ended up doing practically everything. The only thing left is to wait until its time to bring in the horses."
Malon looked up into is eyes. He bit into his apple once more and smiled at her as he chewed. He kept his mouth shut too, thankfully. Vincent was getting good at running the ranch. But one thing did bother Malon. "How come you didn't wake me up this morning."
Vincent could see the heat was starting to get to Malon. Small beads of sweat were collecting on her brow and her breathing became a bit to shallow for his liking. "Malon, are you sure you don't want to continue this conversation inside? It's pretty hot outside, don't you think?"
Malon nodded. Vincent signaled for her to go on ahead as he walked next to her. After returning back to the ranch house, Vincent pulled a seat out for Malon as he went to the kitchen counter. He took another apple from the basket that wasn't there the night before and bit into it.
"Well?" Malon asked.
Vincent swallowed the fruit in his mouth. "In all honesty Malon, you work your butt off and you hardly get time for yourself. I figured that when you didn't get up early this morning that you would like to sleep in. Seriously, you shouldn't worry about the ranch right now. I mean, you're the one who taught me what to do and I've done it all." He took a seat next to her at the table. "Okay?"
Malon coughed. "Excuse me," she said. She cleared her throat, "Is this your way of saying sorry after that day we went into the castle for the games?"
"As much as I hating dwelling in the past…" Vincent said. He sighed and looked at Malon. She wasn't improving much even inside. "Maybe it is. Look, Malon are you feeling all right? You look like you've caught something."
Malon didn't realize it before. She did feel awful. She had woken up late and that was something unusual for her. The real reason why Malon didn't count herself as sick was because she never suffered from anything that could've rendered her in bed. But she did have something and all she wanted was to go back under her bed covers and sleep. "I- I don't know, Vincent."
She saw Vincent rise from his seat and threw his apple away. He returned to Malon and placed his backhand to her forehead. After a few moments, his hand retreated. "By my guess, you're getting a fever or flu… something. I guess I should've paid more attention to my mother. Anyways, you're going to have to get to bed and stay there. Can't have you in the sun, your already burning."
"Vincent, but what about the ranch and dinner?" she asked.
"The ranch will be fine. Trust me, I'll keep it running smoothly. As for dinner… guess I'll just have to make do with what I can make." Vincent gently pulled Malon out of her chair. "As of right now, my top priority is getting you into bed and getting you well again."
He was calm and cool. Vincent usually was most of the time. That'd make him a great contender for actor of the year. No one else could've put on such a façade to hide his or her real selves. Underneath that doctor making a routine diagnosis was a very scared and frantic young man. Vincent's heart was racing because he knew that, left unchecked, Malon could've become very sick. What she had said was true; he could never control everything. And the icing on the cake was that Vincent hated that. Unlike some people, Vincent only wanted to keep things from going out of control. Any other person would seek dominance but all Vincent wanted was to stop things from hurting. But he found out that that is sometimes isn't the best thing to do.
Malon found herself out of her seat and very close to Vincent. Her face may have been already flushed but that didn't stop it from getting redder. Inadvertently, she took a whiff of Vincent due to their proximity. Malon loved the soft, sweet fragrance that always accompanied him. Her mind constantly tried to catch the name of his delicate scent. She began to wonder what would happen if she found herself in a closer, more intimate position with Vincent.
Of course, Vincent is always full of surprises. Being the forward gentleman that he was, Vincent scooped Malon into his arms and began to walk to the stairs. Saying that Malon was surprised would be an understatement. And of course she was confused by his actions. While Malon didn't resist, she did look up to Vincent who wasn't aware of Malon looking at him. He was firmly set on his goal in getting her to bed. Malon had her head against his chest, hearing his heartbeat. She heard it beat rapidly and she just want to ask Vincent why was he nervous.
Vincent turned sideways and ascended the stairs. Not once did he had to adjust his arm or falter in step, he carried Malon perfectly up the stairs. But then came an obstacle… the closed bedroom door.
"Times like this is when I'd like an extra arm," Vincent said. He looked down to Malon, "Don't you think three swords would be cooler than two?"
Malon smiled at his remark. "Don't worry I got it." Malon grabbed the doorknob and turned it. With a little help from Vincent, they managed to swing the door open.
Vincent continued inside and made his way to Malon's bed. As much as he didn't like to admit it, he had never been in her room. Per courtesy of Malon's privacy and her respect, Vincent didn't allow himself inside. That and the subject was never brought up. Vincent went over to her bed and set Malon down gently on her bed. He stood up and stared down at her.
"I know you just woke up but…" Vincent said. "You need your rest."
"Your sweetness never ceases to amaze me," Malon said.
Vincent smiled and went around the bed to the end. He lifted Malon's right foot and began to take off her boots. "Well, Malon, I'm not about to let yourself get too sick. After all, this place has flourished with a woman's touch after all. You know, in the mindset of men, women can be divided into two classifications. Depends on what kind of man your talking about. Some see them as women, the one's who forgot mothers and wives, and see them as objects. Not very utopian, huh? The others remember mothers, the strength of a gentle, caring person. Seriously, I remember when I get sick but never my mother. Hell, as of yet, I still think of mother as some immortal goddess.
"Sorry, I ranted for a long time," Vincent said. "These boots were a pain to get off."
"Don't I know it," Malon said. "You didn't have to that."
"No, I didn't have to," Vincent said.
"What are you going to do for dinner?" Malon asked.
"It looks like I have to fend for myself for tonight," Vincent said. He chuckled and looked down to the floor. His once polished boots have been worn and tarnished but it didn't bother him much. He could always afford a new pair, a very little small price to pay to stay near Malon. "You know, I'm starting to think that learning only how to cook soups and stews is a blessing right now. I'll whip up a pretty mean cucco noodle soup that we can both enjoy."
Malon smiled, "I'll enjoy that, very much."
"I'll come and check on you in a few," Vincent said. He walked over to the door, "Now get some rest. I know that you're a bit stubborn and will probably try to do something but just do it. I can only help you so much if you don't cooperate." Vincent closed the door as he left.
"Thank you, Vincent," Malon said. She rested her head on the pillow and closed her eyes.
Vincent returned after he managed to get a soup simmering. He opened Malon's bedroom door softly and walked inside. He found her sleeping peacefully. Vincent went over to her and raised his hand to her forehead again. He wanted to check up on her quick illness.
"Vincent…" Malon asked, opening her eyes slowly.
Vincent sighed disappointedly. Her temperature was rising slowly. It worried Vincent that it was. He decided that it would be best to get a doctor. "Shh, I'll bring up some soup as soon as it's done. Get some sleep Malon, you're going to be all right."
( . ) -----------\
Dressed in medical garb, the physician checked the thermometer that was in Malon's mouth. After a few seconds, he shook it and turned to his bag. He returned the thermometer and closed up his carrier. He stood up and looked over to Vincent.
"Are you going to stay quiet while I worry myself into insanity?" Vincent asked, agitation and fear caught in his voice.
The doctor raised his hand to stop Vincent. "There is no need to worry."
"Stop the chit-chat, doc, how is she?" Vincent asked.
"I can understand your concern," he replied. "Calm yourself, Malon has succumbed to an epidemic that has just begun to infect this part of Hyrule. As of right now, only women seem to be affected, so you have no nee-" He caught the look Vincent was giving him. A bit threatening, a bit scared. "You can stay safe while tending to your wife, Mr. Aegis."
Vincent was about to correct the doctor but the physician didn't give him the chance to.
"So far, it only acts as a fast acting fever. Like a fever, she will have a high temperature but the diagnosis is the same. Bed rest and fluids should do it. Make sure it doesn't rise any higher though, that's always a no no. Message me if that's the case. I know the way out, good day."
Vincent sighed and turned to Malon, "Doc says your going to be all right. Boy, am I thankful. I wouldn't know what to do if you- never mind. Best if I go make more of the broth."
( . ) -----------\
Malon walked around in a wide field of cold snow. As far as she could see, there was only the pure white of the snow. She took a step forward and the snow crunched under her feet. Malon wondered what she could do but with no real answer, she just started to walk. After a few steps, Malon encountered blood in the snow. She was beginning to get terrified and started to speed her walking.
There were more stains on the white blanket of snow as she moved forward. Malon then noticed a collapsed body in the snow. If it weren't for the bright red hair, she would've never seen them with their white jacket on. Malon slowly walked over and as she did, she found bloodied wings lying on the floor. She counted six before she reached the body. It didn't strike her until then that the body was Vincent. She fell to her knees and shook the body.
"Vincent!" she yelled. "Wake up!"
"Malon…" he groaned. "I'm sorry, I failed."
"And fail you did," said another voice. Malon turned around to an imposing figure. He stood tall and menacing in his black armor that hid his identity. "Did you really believe that you could beat me? Pitiful…"
Vincent managed to get up but Malon pleaded with him to stay down. He got to his feet and stood eye to eye with the dark knight. "I know I can. With my last breath, I swear that you'll never harm her. If I have to go with you, then so will I."
"Stop Vincent," Malon said. "You're too wounded. Your wings…"
"Wow, wings," Vincent said. "They may have been majestic but I don't need them. All I need is my blade and my heart."
"Yeah, you wish," the dark knight. Like a flash of lightning, he stood in front of Vincent and grabbed him by his collar. With his awesome strength, he raised the 5'11'' three inches into the air. He drew his sword from his waist and plunged deep into Vincent.
Malon watched in horror and shock as the tip of the blade erupted from Vincent's back. His reddened backside began to become darker as blood seeped into the jacket. The sword retracted and Vincent fell to the floor. He coughed up blood on the snow and held his side.
"Yes, lie down, kneel, fall to me," the knight said. "It was insane of you to think you could ever beat me. I am inevitable. You will always lose to me."
"Vincent?" Malon yelled. He lay perfectly still. He didn't respond. He didn't do anything. He simply lied there and…
Talon shook Vincent awake. The redhead sat in Malon's room by her window. The moonlight flooded inside and basked Vincent. He rubbed his eyes and looked up from his seat to Talon. His eyes slowly became accustomed to the low light and all the opaque objects came into focus.
Talon noticed the worried look in Vincent's eyes. He could also see the weary in them. The lad had been spending each of his night awake in Malon's room, all in the name of getting her well soon. While Talon admired his dedication, it was also becoming too much for Vincent's body to continue the sleepless nights. "Vincent, lad, why don't you go down and sleep? Its remarkable to see how you could do so much considering the circumstances. For a week you kept the ranch going, you visit her on the hour, every hour, you have time to cook a hearty soup, and somehow come up here and watch over her. And with what? Three hours of sleep if I'm not mistaken."
"I don't need sleep," Vincent said sternly.
"Then explain how you were just nodding off right now," Talon demanded. Before Vincent could reply with a smart answer, he continued. "Running yourself nonstop isn't any good. If you keep it up, you're going to end up much worse then Malon. Get some sleep."
Vincent sighed. He figured that he would be defeated sooner or later. He looked to Malon's sleeping body. "Her temperature hasn't gone down, not at all. I think we should get the doctor in tomorrow if it hasn't gone down by at least something." Vincent looked down to his feet. "She didn't wake up today at all. I'm just really worried, sir."
"I know you are," Talon said. "Now up, get to bed before you pass out."
Vincent groaned and got up from the chair. He stumbled his way through the darkness and went down to his room.
Day finally decided to break the darkness brought on by the night. As birds sang and the dew began to dry, so did Malon awaken. She sat up in her bed. The first thing she noted was the hunger pangs in her stomach. She felt ravenous and was close to emulating Vincent's eating habit. Malon didn't feel to well rested but she felt better than before. And then the dream entered her mind.
She wished she could erase it from her memory.
The light from her window was blocked. Malon could tell. Years of sleeping in the same room gave someone an advantage when something was wrong with it. She looked over to see Vincent sitting on a chair, fast asleep. He had bags under is eyes, dark rings that contrasted his porcelain skin. He breathed softly and his head lay cocked to one side.
Malon threw the covers and stepped onto the floor. She walked over to Vincent and bent down to look at him. He must've been dead tired by the way he didn't wake up. Of course, Vincent was a deep sleeper and Malon knew that. But it bothered her that he didn't. She stood up straight. She figured it out that he had stayed with her since she had gotten sick. That explained his tired condition and deep sleep.
"Oh, Vinnie," Malon muttered. "Why do you push yourself so hard?"
Her name escaped his lips.
"Your almost too good to be real. How can you just forget yourself and just take care of me? Am I- am I that important to you? Am I important to you?" Malon asked. She bent down once again, "Just tell me how you feel Vinnie. I just want to know." She leaned forward and was going to kiss him on the cheek before she thought it over. Malon kissed Vincent softly on the lips.
She pulled back and watched Vincent for a while. "Get some rest, Vincent."
A/N: Last chapter was a disaster. Never will I try such a feeble attempt. No more bull shit writing any more, I'm pulling my act together.