Ike could care less about anything else going on in the world as he strolled through the hospital towards Marth's room. Zelda was busy with patients for a while still, so as he stepped into the tiny room and saw Marth's face light up a grin split his lips. "What's up Little Prince?" he asked and Marth leapt to his feet, running to him and hugging him tightly. "Shit, hi man," Ike laughed happily as he returned the bone crushing embrace with one of his own. "Miss me kiddo?"

"Yeah, I don't like you being over there without me there to save your ass," Marth said and Ike laughed.

"So... You getting out of here soon?"

"Yeah, I think your girly is approving me to get reviewed soon," he said and Ike slapped his back as they stepped from the room. "I'm actually on my way over there for my appointment, wanna walk me over there?" He batted his eyelashes at Ike who laughed and wrapped an arm around his shoulders tightly.

"I love to escort my prince around," he said and Marth giggled nervously. "Now, be honest, how are you?"

"I'm okay Ike, really I am," Ike searched his best friend's face and nodded once. "What about you?"

"Man I will be better when I get outta here and get my arms around my girl," Ike sighed happily and Marth rolled his eyes.

XxX

Zelda paled as Link stepped into her office. She stood up from her desk, happy that she was currently in between patients but not happy to see him. "Hi," he said softly, eyes on his feet as he toed the carpet.

"Hello," she said stiffly and he sighed before finally looking up at her.

"Can I talk to you?" he asked softly and she sighed but nodded. "Zelda, about last night," he stepped forward and hesitated out of arms reach, "I... I'm sorry."

"Why did you kiss me?" she asked and he sighed heavily.

"I think I'm going through some shit and... dammit I love you Zelda," he said seriously. Zelda swallowed nervously. "Like... Seriously I love you."

"Link," she sighed and he stepped up to her, wrapping her in a hug. She tried to wiggle from his arms and he crashed his lips to hers roughly. Zelda tried to push against him, but found herself getting pushed against her desk.

"The fuck?!" Link leapt away from her and Zelda froze in absolute stunned shock at the sight of Ike and Marth at her door. Ike looked hurt, and before Zelda could open her mouth he backed out of the office with a cold chortle. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" Marth demanded. "He's gone less than a fucking week and you're," he motioned between them and shook his head. "Fuck you," he turned on his heel and Zelda went to follow them out.

"Zelda-" she whirled on her friend, anger etched on her features.

"Leave me alone Link!" she snapped and then ran out the door before the two got too far.

XxX

Ike felt like his world was collapsing around him. This. Again. It hadn't even been a week this time... He felt the stinging of tears in his eyes and he rubbed the back of his hand against them, demanding they stay there. "Ike!" Marth's voice was hard to ignore but he tried as he slapped the elevator button.

"Ike," Zelda's voice was like a gallon of lemon juice on a paper cut and he whirled to face her.

"Go away," he said firmly, and she held up her hands.

"Ike-"

"I'm not a fucking mental case! Don't patronize me you... I believed you," he said in a fierce whisper. "All the shit, all the crap, the 'I love you'..." The elevator dinged open and he turned. General Ganondorf stood there and Ike hesitated. "General-" out of nowhere the man raised a gun and instinct took over for Ike. He lunged forward, hands grasping for the gun as he heard a shot fire. Pain ripped through his chest but Ike ignored it as he smashed a fist into the man's large nose. Somehow the gun ended up Ike's hands and he didn't hesitate to aim and pull the trigger. He heard Zelda scream and he staggered.

"Ike!" Marth was there as he fell, catching him. Curious, Ike looked down at his chest and saw the hole gushing blood. "Medic!" Marth's screams were beginning to sound distant as he shouted again, and when Zelda stepped into his tunneling vision, he tried to keep a smile from his lips as he saw her worried expression.

"This hurts," he wheezed and she fell to her knees beside him, Marth's screams drowned out by the encroaching darkness. "Fuck...ing shit man," Ike laughed deliriously as he slipped into unconsciousness.

XXX

to be continued! Much love to my followers and reviewers! Love, Leigh