Hena X Link chapter, written by msfcatlover

Every day. Every day he came and took a boat out. Sometimes he'd bring back a fish or two, but mostly he just sat there and stared at the water.

And Hena'd watch.

She'd asked around. The sweet boy who came and fished had as many stories and good deeds as he had admirers, and that was not a small number. And one that had increased a bit recently, she could tell.

She did have the feeling he was in mourning. Something had happened that no one had seen, and it had shattered that innocent heart of his. So she kept the fluttering beat her heart took on whenever he was there a secret. Let him mourn, she told herself as she stared out the window at his hunched figure, right now, the last thing he needs is another fangirl.

And so she kept quiet.

-S-

Every day. Every day he sat out on that lake. Sat and stared and wished he could forget.

He knew she watched.

She watched and worried about the boy who'd been her friend. Who'd come and gone during his adventure, happy, joking. But ever since the mirror broke… he didn't have a purpose. There were no duties he was shirking to come here and fish. No Midna silently fuming at how carefree he managed to act.

Midna… She was a great friend. Had she been something more? He still couldn't figure that out. Maybe, he thought with a sigh. I should probably talk to someone about it all… but who could I unload that burden on?

And so he kept quiet.

-S-

Hena sighed as he paddled his boat to the edge of the lake, forcing her to return to her post behind the counter. He tried to smile as he handed over two tiny trout. He failed.

Dumping the fish into the tank, Hena tried to find their old connection. "Hey, aren't you ever going to try out that game? I just got a new level for it, but you have to work your way up, you know."

He blinked. "I…guess?"

"Here." She thrust the first level, the one he'd tried twice and given up on, into his hands. "Occupy yourself. It'll be good for you."

Occupy… wasn't that just what he'd needed? Something to focus on, a goal? Without knowing it, Hena had given Link the first real step towards recovery.

He smiled again.

This time he succeeded.

-S-

Hena laughed when he cheered, showing that he'd completed another level. Ever since he'd started playing, he'd been more like his old self. More cheerful, enthusiastic. It was good to see him smile again.

"Careful there!" she joked, watching him shoot off the bench to come beg her for the next level, "You'll break the pots. Those cost money, you know!"

"I could pay you back," he responded, picking u the next board.

"I know. Maybe I should charge you for those games; I'd certainly pull in a larger profit than I am with the fishing hole."

He paused, letting that sink in. "You don't make a lot?"

She sighed. "It was a joke… but no. You're really my only customer." Then, with a frown, "But I don't want any charity, mind you!"

He nodded slowly, taking in the information. And trying to figure out how to help without it being obvious.

I have a new goal.

-S-

She could never figure out how he did it, but suddenly there were many people stopping in for a quick spin around the lake and "maybe some fishing. While I'm here." Hena just knew he was behind it, but she could not see how. And everyday he sat on the bench and played the game. Looking very smug.

At least he's happy, she told herself.

-S-

"What's next?"

She gave him a sad little smile. "Sorry, Link, that's the last level. I don't have any more."

He felt the void begin to open up again. "Really?"

Hena nodded. "Really."

"But…but…then what do I do?"

She pulled up her courage and reached out to gently touch his cheek. "Fish. Make friends. Heal. Be happy. You're good at that."

He blinked, remembering another, tinier hand that had touched his cheek in much the same way. Another girl he'd known too well to see clearly, until it was too late.

He swallowed, and she quickly pulled her hand away. "You're good at lots of things, Link," She continued, as though nothing had happened. "You just need to let yourself see them."

"And…you?"

She laughed. "I'm good at fishing. I like to think I'm a good friend. I'll always be here if you need me at all during your travels."

He nodded slowly, trying to sort out his thoughts. That night, when he went to bed, he was still confused. But one thing stood out.

Hena's hand had been warmer.