Himmels: Oh, my God, it is amazing peoples! We actually updated! Ha!

Draculina: Took us long enough, jeez...Heh, by the way, we just finished The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice and the last Harry Potter book. They were both great.

Himmels: -sigh- I like happy endings...

Draculina: We will not say which one she is referring to. I liked the Lestat's ending! -swoon- Louis...

Himmels: -swoon- Armand...

Himmels and Draculina: -swoon- Vampires...

Chapter 25

A Few Confessions

I lost count in the times I've given up on you

But you make such a beautiful wreck, you do

There's a tavern on the corner called the Milky Way

And you look so at home there it makes me afraid

And at the dark end of this bar

What a beautiful wreck you are

--Shawn Mullins

I sighed into the pillow as I slowly woke up from a kind of nice dream. Wait…pillow? I fell asleep on the couch! Does that mean…that the dream was real? I dreamed that Dark Link carried me gently, emphasize on gently, back to the bedroom where he set me down and murmured soothing words until I fell back asleep. Is it possible for Dark Link to show compassion like that? I'm going to have to doubt it until he does it again, which I don't think he'll do until I'm either not looking or asleep.

Groaning, I roll over unto my back and sigh as I look up at the barely visible ceiling. I just lay there for a while staring at the shadows above until I finally sit up and swing my lets over to the edge of the bed. I yawn and stretch my legs out and lifted my arms above. When it felt like my muscles were loosened enough and my bones were done creaking I stood and wobbled. I blinked and walked trying to ignore the soreness of my thighs and calves. I twisted the door knob and staggered into the living room. I stretched once more by extending my arms and closing my eyes relishing the feeling. When I opened my eyes I stared at the sleeping figure of Dark Link on the couch. His face was placid and he breathed deep and steadily. I watched him and wondered what he was dreaming about. He seems so peaceful.

Dark Link shifted slightly and mumbled, "God damn, little damn fairy…damn."

I covered my mouth to stifle the giggle that erupted. Poor Ivan; where is he anyway? I looked over Dark trying to find the little one, but his red glow was no where to be see. Strange…I smile as an idea came to me, "I wonder if Dark is hungry."

I silently made my way into the kitchen and searched around. I eventually had to get down unto my knees and stick my head in the cabinet to try and find the skillet Dark Link used last night. Have you ever tried to search for a pan or something with out making a clatter of metal? It is harder then hell, because sooner or later something is going to slip. I picked up a pan and set it aside on top of another one.

Bad idea.

CRASH!

Bang!

"Ow!"

I shot up off the couch just in time to see Shema hit her head rather hard on the top of the inside of the cabinet. My face contorted trying to hold back the laughter. I wanted to ask if she was alright but…

"That was hilarious!"

I hid my face in the cushion and laughed hard. When I managed to raise my red face and look at her I found her holding the top of her head and staring at me with narrowed eyes.

"Sorry,' I strained to say, "Are you alright?"

She nodded slowly and asked as I got up to join her, "Are you hungry?"

"Sure," I said still smirking, "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm just peachy…"She said still clutching her head, "Where is the frying pan?"

I walked over to the basin and held up the skillet.

"Damn it!" Shema stormed.

I held back another laugh, but it was apparent in my voice, "It's alright, I'll cook."

'But-,"

"I'll do it. You are kind of a guest aren't you?"

"Exactly, I should return the favor in some way."

"No, you don't. Besides, you shouldn't be on your legs that long."

"Actually, you are wrong in the latter. I have to build my strength in the legs, so I can get out of your hair."

My grinning face fell quickly and I said, "Oh…yeah…"

Shema lifted her eyebrow at my, "What?"

"Nothing," I answered quietly, "What would you like?"

"I'll take an omelet." She said taking the frying pan out of my hand.

"And I'll make it." I said taking it back.

"I insist." She replied snatching it and quickly crossed to the stove setting it on the burner.

I smile and roll my eyes where she started to search the cabinets for where I kept the foods. I leisurely paced over to the cabinet next to the ones she was searching and pulled out six eggs and cheese. While I turned to get a fork out of the drawer, I heard Shema chopping cheese. I turned my head and watched her fast hands. She was pretty good… I got a bowl from under while I was in that direction and started to break the eggs. At the sight of me trying to help her, she sped up the chopping. I just continued my egg cracking with a smile. When I was done whisking I went to the stove and lit up the fire. Shema walked forward and stepped in front of me so she was at the stove. She turned her head and stared at me when I continued to stand close behind her. I raised my hands as if in surrender and backed away. She poured the eggs into the skillet and sprinkled the cheese on one side. She then let the bottom heat and cook slowly. Eventually, she used a spatula to flip the side without cheese and folded it. She let it settle for a bit before she looked around the kitchen. I strode to the cabinet with the plates and took two down. Shema let the omelet slide down unto it, but a corner caught on the side and ripped it.

"Ah, damn!" Shema hissed, "this one will be mine."

"Why?" I asked taking a fork and picking up the plate.

"I ripped it."

"So! Ripped omelets are still omelets too, you know!" I pretended to whisper to the dish, "Don't listen to her."

Shema rolled her eyes and laughed. She stopped with a sigh and stared at me with confused eyes.

It was my turn to raise an eyebrow and ask, "What?"

She blinked and shook herself as if she was in a trance, "Nothing." She said and quickly poured the rest of the egg batter into the pan. It touched the heat with a sizzle and she concentrated on cooking. I frowned and took my plate to the counter and sat on the stool. I did as she did and waited for her to finish making her omelet and sat next to me before I started to eat.

"You didn't have to wait." She said.

"Yes, I did." I corrected with a smile.

She gave me a strained smile and put her focus back on her food. She at slowly, without enthusiasm, and didn't look at me.

"You all right?" I asked leaning down trying to catch her eye.

"I'm fine." She answered quietly.

"You don't seem fine." I argued still trying to get her to look at me, this time by leaning closer and cocking my head.

"I'm fine," she snapped finally looking at me except with an unwelcome glare. I recoiled preparing to throw back anything that was about to fly at me from her mouth.

After a second her glare faltered suddenly and she looked down, "Sorry…"

"It's all right." I said cautiously, "Sheikah thing?" I asked.

"No…its not…it's just…" she broke off.

"What?"

"…Nothing…"

"All right then…if you don't want to tell me that is fine…" I said nodding still confused.

She put down her fork and picked up her plate of half-eaten omelet and placed it by the basin.

She turned to me and said nervously, "Do you mind if I go for a walk?"

I blinked, "Of course, I don't mind."

"All right, uh, bye." She quickly exited.

I watched her disappear into the trees.

That was strange…

I flew with a smile on my face as the castle came into view. The thought of Navi made me bubbly. I flew over the castle gate and glided down to the roof tops. I quickly made my way over the last roof and then over the guards' heads. I gained altitude and passed through a window. I then slowed down and looked inside the open doors I went by.

"Hey, Navi! Where are ya?" I called happily.

"Ivan?" I heard her voice yell somewhere inside.

I grinned and sped up, "Where are you?"

"I'm in the hall!"
I also was in the hall, "What part?"

"I'm in the northern part?"

I continued to fly down the hall and soon enough I saw Navi's blue glow. She smiled and hugged m when I got closer. I felt my glow grow redder and I laughed nervously as I returned the hug hesitantly. When we were through we flew together down the hall and to the gardens. That is where we usually spent our time when I visited. We went into a room and through a window as a shortcut and floated down to the gardens. We were surprised to see Zelda, Link, Impa, Khema, and Sheik there. They seemed to be talking quietly together and Link constantly looked at Zelda as if trying to read her face. She was smiling brightly and listened carefully to what Impa was explaining to them. Our glows caught the Sheikahs attention swiftly and Impa cut off.

"Oh, hi Navi." Link greeted her and smiled at me, "Hey Ivan, what's happening?"

"Eh, nothing much," I replied, "Am I interrupting something?"

"Uh…" Impa started, "Could you just give us one more minuet?"

"Sure." I flew off quickly into the bushes so I was out of hearing distance.

I watched them discuss something really important, for all their faces were serious…well, almost all of them; Zelda, Link, and Navi were grinning like mad. With a few more words they concluded their little meeting. Zelda and Link looked up as I popped out of the bushes and waved at me as they started to depart. I waved and bobbed up and down to signify what I was doing. Instead of following, Impa, Khema, and Sheik came towards me with Navi perched on Impa's shoulder.

When they reached me, Sheik started out with, "How is Shema doing?"

Before I could respond, Khema blurted, "Is she eating enough? Can she walk yet?"

Then Impa interrupted, "Is Dark Link treating her ok?"

I took a deep breath and said, "Shema is doing fine, she has been eating and walking for a while. It is actually Dark Link who makes her meals, so he is treating her fine."

"Oh, good," said the three of them in unison.

"How did you think she was?" I asked amused and curious.

"I don't know." Impa stared, "That's the problem."

Tension. Silence.

"I'm sorry," I replied, "Just, you know, playing…"

Navi nodded to her with a fake smile.

"Yeah…"

"Anyway…" Sheik interjected, "Will she be coming home anytime soon?"

"Oh, I don't know." I replied apologetically.

"Hmmm…Can we visit her sometime?" Khema asked.

I laughed, "You don't have to ask!"

"All right, I'll get Kheisho and we'll head out!" Sheik said uncharacteristically happy.

They all waved and ran away with out another word.

"…O…K…" Navi said slowly.

"Yeah…" was all I could think of to reply.

We stared off absentmindedly in the direction they sprinted then looked at each other.

"They don't care about anything if one of their fellow Sheikah has something wrong with them." Navi said with approval.

"Yeah…I would be afraid to battle them in like a war or something." I commented nodding.

"Why?"

"Because if you battle one, technically, you battle them all. One gets hurt, the other gets pissed."

Navi thought about then said, "Sheikahs are kinda scary."

"Yeah."

And we flew off into the lily patch where we usually spent our time. We talked about random little things with really no meaning and chit chatted about our past, present, and futures. You know you got a friend when you can talk about the size of your wings to them…

A smile couldn't help, but wander into one's face at the sight of all of us working together to build a house. The centaurs had roused up and came all the way from the Lost Woods just to help me. Everybody seemed so different since I last saw them. These centaurs were looking marvelous! The freedom did its course on how shiny their coats were their bodies were more defined, their muscles have grown stronger; they were overall just looking great.

"Hey, Saphiraugen! Stop daydreaming and help us with this pole!" Azraff shouted throwing a hunk of wood at me.

I cringed and quickly dodged it, "All right, all right, I'm coming, sorry!"

"Don't you use that tone with me, I'll kick you all the way back to Rosestadt!" Azraff shook his finger at me struggling not to grin.

I just laughed and grabbed the rope dangling from the pole and tugged backwards to help pull it up. Along with their appearance, the centaurs' personalities have gotten lighter and now they were less stressed since the loss of the anxiety of not knowing when they would get sold. Krähe flew unto the top of the pole we were trying to center and yelled, "Perfect! You guys are doing great!"

"Yeah, unlike someone!" Sacudir called up to him. He was busy on the ground fixing up a roof for me with Habano helping out.

"I'm sure I don't know who you are talking about," Krähe said with a sigh.

"Oh, sure!" Orive jumped in.

Krähe rolled his eyes, "And what exactly would a person my size do?"

Orive groaned and said, "I don't know!"

"My point exactly."

"Maybe you could-," Habano started.

"Quiet Habano." Krähe said quickly.

"Ok."

"How do you get him to listen to you that easily?" Raposa asked.

"I 'unno."

I couldn't help but laugh quietly. These types of conversations have been going on all day. From morning we have been working and working hard. Time flew by and before we knew it we were looking at a half finished house. All we now had to do with it was add the door and windows, paint it, and get stuff for the inside. The centaurs and I looked at it proudly. Truthfully, it wasn't much, but to me it would be my little paradise. It was small little cottage pretty much. Fit for one person or maybe a couple. I smile imaging all the things I planned on doing to this little place. I knew I was going to plant flowers…a lot of flowers…mainly roses…and I was thinking about making a fence…So much stuff is running through my head with this place. Yeah, I had my own home back in Rosestadt, but I wasn't happy there. It was filled with all the things I thought would make me happy, but I wasn't happy until I met Shema. I don't know what it is, but whenever I look into those onyx eyes, I just melt at the spot. Her strength amazed me when I first caught her and her resilience astonished me. Most slaves fell apart after their first day, but not Shema…not my Stärke…my Strength. I wonder how she is doing…I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm worried about her. Once this house is finished with construction, I'll visit her! I know! I'll run to the castle and buy her some flowers! I bet they have a flower stand somewhere in there! I'll buy her red roses. Ugh, I have had a sighing fit all day…does she know what the rose of red means? I gave her one before…but she didn't react…she didn't say anything! I'll try again…

One more time.

Well that was embarrassing! I just made a fool of myself in front of Dark Link. He probably thinks I'm an idiot now…oh, yeah…he's always thought I was an idiot. I guess it doesn't matter…I can't help but feel guilty about snapping at him like that though. He was being all nice and then I just got frustrated by his constant asking of if I was all right. When I say I'm fine, I'm fine! I guess that is something that he's going to have to get used to…Gah, what am I saying?! He's not going to have to get used to it! It's not like I'm going to live there! I'm going to stay there for a while longer and then leave. He will probably never see me again and be happy alone and back to his usual routine. I'm disrupting his life! I bet he can't wait until I leave.

…

Why do I care?

I just need to rehabilitate and then go home to Arborvitae, that's it. I will never see him again after this.

I do not feel sad…I don't!

Well…I've been wandering around this forest for quite awhile now, so I better go back to him…even though I bet I'm not welcome. I bet he hopes I get lost coming back or decide that I'll go home…

Maybe I should.

I pause staring into the direction of Dark Link's home: torn between going back to him and going home. He might not want me back…

"Shema?" asked a very familiar voice.

I turned surprised, "Kheisho? What are you doing here?"

He smiled his usual grin from behind the cowl and embraced me. My other family members also appeared in the trees, along with Impa. It was a nice surprise having them there! Now I don't feel that bad about having someone sneak up on me. As long as it's a Sheikah.

"What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be resting?" asked my mother.

"No, I need to build my strength." I told her gently.

"Yes, I know but…"

I guess even a Sheikah gets a strong maternal instinct.

"Don't push yourself too hard, ok Shema." My father warned.

"I know, Dad." I told him nodding slowly with a strained smile.

"Yeah, Sheik," Impa laughed, "Don't you know that teenagers know everything?"

We all laughed.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Visiting, why else?" Kheisho said punching my shoulder slightly only to get scolded by Dad.

"She's my twin! If I can take it, she can take it!"

Dad glared.

"Anyway…" Impa said impatiently, "We just wanted to see how you were doing, but it seems like you are doing fine."

"Yeah," Mom agreed, "You'll be home in no time at all."

I nodded with a fake smile that seemed to have fooled them. I can't believe I feel said for leaving the dark bastard…

"Dark Link is taking care of you?" asked Impa.

"Yeah," I said but added quietly, "Even though I don't need to be taken care of…"

"We know, but we're worried." Ma said.

I looked at her in disbelief. Mothers and their stupid super hearing…

"It seems like we have traveled out here for no reason." Dad laughed.

"But I like seeing you all!" I said disdainfully.

"No not that…" Father shook his head and waved his hand, "Dark Link."

"What about him?"

Dad seemed to have hesitated, but Kheisho stepped in, "Nothing, we are just worried, doting, family members! You know how we are!"

I laughed and smiled, "Ok then, I'm fine, just to let you know."

"We see that." Impa smiled, "How is Dark Link handling this?"

"Uh…" I said unsure, "I don't rightfully know."

"Not surprising," Impa sighed. They all agreed.

"Well, since we are no use, I guess we'll be off again." Dad laughed.

I smiled genuinely, "It is nice seeing you all. I've missed you."

Mom gave me a hug and said, "Come back when you are fully recovered. By the way, why isn't your face covered? You always cover it."

I gasped and clutched my face. I forgot to put that traveling cloak back on! "Damn it! I always cover my face!"

Kheisho laughed, "It's all right to show your face to who ever you want to see it you know."

"The only people I want to see it," I told him, "Are you all and…"
"And…" Dad repeated with smiles in his eyes.

I looked at them all suspiciously, "And no one." I finished.

"Can't think of anyone else?" Ma asked.

"Nope."

Impa quirked an eyebrow and asked in disbelief, "Really?"

"Yeah."

Even Kheisho seemed to stare at me with confusion, "Ok…Time for us to go then…I guess…"

"Bye!" I said cheerfully.

"Bye," they said with less enthusiasm. Apparently, they were still bemused by the fact the only people I wanted to see my face was them and…who?

I waved at them as thy disappeared into the trees and I slowly made my way back to Dark Link's. I took as much time as possible so I wouldn't take up his time when I reached my mini hospital. I paused in my tracks when I stood in the clearing where Dark Link's cave rested. Half of me wanted to proceed, but the other half told me…just stay away from him. I crossed my arms and continued to debate in my mind when I sensed another presence and felt a hand upon my shoulder. Without the briefest hint of hesitation I grabbed the hand and let out a yell as I hurled him over me.

"It's me! It's me!"

My face went completely red, "D-Dark Link?" I stuttered.

Dark stared up at me, "Who else?! Do you mind?!" Indicating my hand still enclosed on his wrist.

"Sorry!" I said quickly, releasing him and backing up.

He got up with a scowl and glared at me, "What's your problem?"

"I'm sorry." I said quietly and sincerely.

He opened his mouth to let out an insult that threatened to erupt, but suddenly his face softened and he bit back whatever he was going to say, "Its fine…lets just go inside."

"Ok…" I said in my still whisper-like voice.

I followed him back inside without another word, but inside I was screaming at myself for being so stupid.

"What was that for anyway?" he asked without a grudge in his voice as he sat down.

I still couldn't help but fell bad, "Sorry." I repeated.

"I know you are."

I gritted my teeth, but answered his first question, "Instinct took over, I guess…"

He scoffed and then stared at me, "You gonna sit down or what?"

I quickly sat down, seeing that my moronic stunt angered him. I was already on this ice with this guy as it is. I don't want him to kick me out and then I would have to walk on these freaking weak legs over that mountain and through that forest…

He poked my shoulder, "Hey, you don't have to look that guilty over it. Damn, I probably would have done the same thing."

I looked into his eyes. They still held a little annoyance, but they also looked as though they have softened.

"What took you so long anyway?" he asked leaning back and propping his legs unto the coffee table.

"Oh, I ran into my family in the woods." I said.

"They visited?"

"Yeah…"

"What did they have to say?"

"They just wanted to see how I was doing."

"Why? Do they not trust me or something?" asked Dark Link suddenly.

I blinked, "No, I don't think that is it."

He remained a little tense.

"Who cares?"

Dark visibly forced himself to relax and continued casually, "How are they doing?"

"They are fine."

"Good."

Uncomfortable silence.

"Uh?" he both said at the same time.

"You go first." Dark said turning away.

"No you can."

He shook his head and motioned to me.

"Um ok, well, I was going to ask…when do you want me to leave?"

Dark Link faced me and seemed at a lost for words then he stuttered, "Why are you asking me that?"

"This is your house…and you don't want me here…"

"Who told you that?" he demanded.

It was my turn to be at a lost for words, "Well, you don't want me here right?"
His face contorted in bafflement. I seem to be confusing everyone today.

"Why do you get the notion that I don't want you here?" he asked a little bitterly.

"I assumed…wait you so don't mind me here?"

"Of course not!"

"Of course?" I repeated.

It was his turn to be embarrassed today, "Uh…well, you know. I don't mind you here, that is all I'm saying. You don't have to leave so soon."

"So you don't mind if I stay for a full recovery?" I asked happily.

"No," he said exasperatedly, "I want you to stay."

I raised an eyebrow.

"I mean!" he corrected himself quickly, "It don't want you to stay-,"

"What?"

"Wait, I mean, uh, I, you…ah!" he fell back unto the couch in weariness.

I couldn't help, but giggle at his frustration which caused him to look at me.

"As long as you don't mind.

"Of-," he broke off at my smirk, "I don't mind. Stay for a few months if you want to. I don't care."

"Well, if you want me to stay a few months…All you gotta do is ask…"

"You took it wrong again!"

I laughed full out this time, which made him stop the rant that was about to surface, "I'm only teasing. Now that I know you don't mind me being here, I can relax more."

I prepared to get up and head to the bedroom, skipping dinner and going straight to bed before Dark Link stopped me, "Shema…you are very welcome here."

I turned and looked at him. His eyes were like…Saphiraugen's whenever he thinks I do something endearing…

I blush and quickly turn back around, "Good night or…day…"

"Good day, Shema." I heard the smile on his face, "I hope to see you in the morning."

I paused at the door and turned my head very slightly to see him at the corner of my eye before I went into the bedroom and quickly shut the door.

Himmels: Everybody seems happy in this chapter! Yay!

Draculina: Heh heh, yeah I know.

Himmels: -stares- I don't like that look Draculina...What are you scheming?

Draculina: Oh, you have no trust in me Himmels!

Himmels: You blame me?

Draculina: -glares- Well, you know what I do. Keep in mind that we are going to have to bring the little cheerfulness about them down. I'm just the girl to do that! -boast-

Himmels: -signature eye roll-