Irene tapped her foot against the floor, anxious to go back to her home. The sun had begun to rise, filling the small house with a dull light. Luckily the downpour evaporated, just drizzling. She briefly wondered if it'd be raining in Hyrule too, or if it wasn't. But whether the weather correlated or not didn't matter to her. She let out a little impatient hum, and looked around. The house was familiar as she'd remembered it from her visits, yet something seemed different. The rug was the same color, Sheerow was sitting in the corner on its perch, and the fireplace had dull embers in it. Not able to place it, she decided it was more of a feeling she got from her surroundings, rather than a visual appearance. Not to mention, either Link slept on the floor or...

The door opened, and Link held it open for Ravio. She frowned as she saw them, watching as they came in, Link gently helping Ravio in, who looked extremely pale. "Everything okay?" she asked nervously, glancing between them.

"Just peachy," Ravio muttered, walking past her. He went to one of the jars beside the fireplace (which luckily Link hadn't gone sadistic with yet, much to Irene's surprise), and scooped some water out into a cup. When he caught both of them staring at him, he grinned at them, though it was more of a grimace. "Really, peachy keen."

Irene glanced at Link, who shook his head ever so slightly. That answered her question. "Is it like how it was before?" She asked Ravio, looking over her shoulder at him.

"Kind of but worse. Don't really want to talk about it," he grumbled, sitting down on his bed.

She frowned. "Well if you're up to it, if you come to Hyrule with us, I can have my Grams check you out and see if she can help."

"That actually sounds like a good idea," Link cut in before the other could speak, gaining a pout from him. "I imagine the Blacksmiths will want to talk to me when I go back too, so... Instead of hanging around waiting for me," he glanced to Ravio. "You could go ahead and go with her?"

Ravio begrudgingly nodded, sipping at the water. Like he really had a choice.

"Well, that sounds like a plan," Irene said, tapping at her chin. "Though I think the Princess had said she wanted to talk to you when there was a way back. Just to know how things are over here. I might be wrong... It's still a good idea to check in with her though, I guess."

"All the more reason for you guys to go, eh?" Link grinned at the both of them, seeming excited to get to go home.

Irene hummed her approval, but Ravio's was rather subtle, not seeming incredibly thrilled with the arrangements. Then again, it could be just because he didn't feel good, Irene reasoned. "Well, whenever you two are ready, we'll be on our way," she said.

The portal back to Hyrule was down south, just outside of the swamp. It had started to rain again as they made their way to the bog, causing their feet to begin to sink into the soft ground. It was a sudden yet welcome change in relation to the clear skies that they found themselves under back in Hyrule. The portal had no need to make them merge into the wall as it had before, as it was a bit wider, more like an ajar door. A Hylian soldier awaited them on the other side, seeming jarred up by their sudden appearance. The poor boy was so flustered that he was barely legible with his words, but gave brief orders for Link to head to the castle, confirming Irene's idea.

As he started towards his destination, Irene rushed off with Ravio to the witch's hut, excited to see her grandmother again.

"Grams!" she shouted as she pushed the door open, nearly startling the poor old woman out of her skin. "I'm home!"

Without giving her even a moment to register what was going on, Irene rushed forwards and flung her arms around the older woman, who eagerly returned the gesture. "My sweet, you're home again," the woman cried, her voice cracking. There was no doubt that she was worried about her granddaughter the whole time she was gone. She pulled away, her clothes still clinging to her. "...And soaking wet as well, I see."

"It was raining back in Lorule," Irene said with a giggle. "It's so much warmer here too." She glanced behind her, and Ravio was hesitantly standing at the door, Sheerow tucked into his scarf. "Oh, Grams, I do need your help with something." She stepped back and pulled him over, though he reluctantly dragged his feet. "I'm not sure if you've met him yet, but this is my friend Ravio."

"You've told me of this boy before," the witch said curiously, leaning over the cauldron of potion she'd been stirring, her piercing blue eyes focused on the merchant. He squirmed uneasily, glancing between them. "What's wrong with him?"

"That's what we were hoping to find out with your help, Grams," Irene admitted, pulling the other just a little closer, much to his dismay. "He's been sick and we're not sure what's wrong with him."

As if on cue, Ravio broke free of her hold and nearly bolted out of the house, startling both Irene and her grandmother. "Oh dear, he's got a bit of a fear there?"

Irene stared at the door before answering with a little huff, "I'm not too sure." She hadn't expected that, and she wasn't sure if she was concerned or maybe a little upset. "He's been hesitant about this whole thing. I'll go check on him and make sure he's alright, he might just be nervous." She paused. "Or he might've had too much last night, if you know what I mean," she muttered, casting a glance to her grandmother as the woman chuckled.

What she found outside was a bit of a different story, as Ravio was making his way back. He looked pale again, and had the back of his hand pressed against his mouth. Sheerow flit above his head making little chirps, obviously distressed. Before Irene could comment, he whispered quietly to her, "Please tell me I don't have to go back in there. The potions smell awful."

She blinked. Be it that she was already used to them or not, she was certain there wasn't any scent in the hut at the moment. Well, maybe a little sweet, as she had recognized the usual red potion being cooked up. But that was healing, not sickening. "It stinks in there?"

"D-don't get me wrong," Ravio stuttered. "It smells familiar but for some reason... Today's just not my day." He let out a sigh, his shoulders sagging. "No matter what I eat I can't keep down, which hasn't... happened before. With feeling as I've been, I mean. I've been sick but not like this."

"Right. And that's exactly why we're here, Ravio. To see what's wrong so we can get you feeling better."

Ravio hesitated, then let out a sigh, giving up. He wasn't getting out of this one. "Alright... But can't we do everything out here?"

She gave him a sympathetic smile and patted him on the shoulder, then lead him back to the hut. "I don't think so, but I can try and convince her." One way or another she was determined to get him something, whether they had to do it in the sun or not.

Link, unaware of the duo's situation, made his way back out of the castle. It had been a brief meeting, as the Princess had mostly just asked about the well-being of the other land... And handed him a letter to give to Hilda. By the sounds of it, it was both an apology letter for the sudden access between the lands, and an acceptance letter. With how vague Zelda had been, it sounded to Link that it was among the lines of wanting to become allies. Ravio would probably be all for the idea, knowing that the two lands would likely adopt each other's customs and beliefs. Maybe not some as much as others, he rationalized, but it'd be better than none.

Thinking of Ravio, he briefly wondered if he was okay. Hopefully it was something that would be curable and go away within the next few days. Following where his feet led him, he started towards the Witch's hut, but something made him look over his shoulder. Plumes of smoke rose from the trees behind him, and his heart nearly skipped a beat, fearing the worst. However, his fear was quickly dispelled as he realized it was coming from the chimney of the Blacksmith's house.

He stopped, frowning. He hadn't... Let them know he was leaving, had he? With his luck, they'd probably thought he'd gotten lost, or worse. He glanced back to where he'd originally been going. Surely it wouldn't take too long for him to drop in and visit the Blacksmiths. Besides, they already agreed that he'd head over there... And the two probably would need more time to figure things out anyways.

Turning on his heel, Link made his way back to the Smithy's house. Up at the door, only the sounds of hammers on metal were audible, as they must have been working on a new project. He opened the door and stepped inside hesitantly, not sure what the reaction to his return would be.

Before he really had a glance to look around, the sound of a plate clattering to the ground rang through the room, rivaling the sound of the hammers. "Link?" Gwen muttered, the woman staring at him in disbelief.

He gave her a sheepish smile, starting to feel guilty he hadn't let them know he was leaving. He'd been so caught up with the fact he'd finally found a way back to Lorule that he hardly even had time to let Zelda know he was leaving. Luckily for him, had he not, he wouldn't be standing where he was.

"Sorry I didn't say anything before I disappeared," he apologized meekly. Within seconds she'd crossed the floor and swept him up in a hug, nearly squeezing the life out of him.

The clanking of metal died down to the side as Griff and his old man stopped their work. Gwen set him down and pinched his cheeks, a relieved yet angry expression on her face. Lucky for him she rarely yelled, and certainly wouldn't with a situation like this. "I thought you'd up and keeled over somewhere, Link! You can't do this to me, I'm getting too old for this." She let go of him, prompting him to rub his face as she turned to the side. "Griff! Look! The boy's back!"

Griff, looking ever so gruff, wiped his hands down on a towel and walked over to the two. "Well it's about time," he huffed, causing Link to shrink back away from him nervously... Only to have his hair tousled. "Welcome home, kid," he said with a grin.

The old man in the back, slightly hard of hearing due to his work and also a bit distracted, gave a sudden shout. "'Ey Griff! The boy's back!"

Link couldn't help but laugh, letting himself be pulled into a hug by the woman again. It felt right. This was home.

"So what did you do while you were gone?" Gwen asked him, still holding him in a grip that'd nearly suffocate him.

"W-well uh... I was trained by the captain in Lorule," he stammered out, remembering the conversation they'd had the day he left. Griff hardly believed he'd make it to see Zelda, yet when he mentioned his situation in Lorule, the man did a double take. Gwen stepped back, letting Link breathe. "He's actually a lot harsher than our captain here too. Haven't officially beat him in sparring, but I did do good with the little match they had at the festival!"

"Festival?"

He nodded enthusiastically, and began to tell them of the festivities that their land lacked in. He told them of the music and decorations, the chaotic dancing... All of it. Yet stalled with the part where Ravio had beaten him, skipping the part about his thoughts.

"So the bunny boy beat you?" Griff asked him, hands on hips. Link felt the heat rise to his cheeks, and started to stutter. "You weren't going easy on him, were you?"

"N-No it's not that!" His hands went up defensively, and he cringed as he remembered what really happened. What... Would they think of him in the light he shed on himself? His face flushed more with the guilt, panic-stricken.

Gwen gave her husband a light shove. "Oh Griff, be sensitive. Can't you tell he fancies him?" The man huffed with a little shrug, turning around to head back to his work. Gwen turned back to Link, grinning at how impossibly red his face was. "You can't keep it a secret forever, Link," she said with a wink. "I could tell when you'd mention him before." Link tried to stammer out a reply, but failed. She put her hand on his shoulder and leaned in, whispering, "You ought to make it official before anyone else tries to steal him."

At this he recoiled, rubbing his blushing cheeks. "Th-that's not fair, Gwen! We're already kind of together and-"

She cut him off with a knowing, "That's Auntie Gwen to you, mister." She gave him a wry grin, and went to pick up the plate she'd dropped earlier.

Goddesses above. He took a deep breath, trying to stabilize both his thoughts and his blood pressure. Had she not cut him off, he might've rattled off into too much detail.

"I wonder what your mother would have thought. She was always the matchmaker 'round here. She got Griff and I together, you know." She peeked up at him, and couldn't help but chuckle at his condition. "Sorry dear, it's too easy to fluster you. Can I fix you anything to eat?"

Snapping out of it, he shook his head with a sigh. "You're too good at embarrassing me, Aunt Gwen," he said, stressing the part she had earlier. "But no thanks, I actually should get going."

She frowned, putting the plate down. "So soon? Gully's not home yet, but he will be any second now... You can't go back to that other land without seeing him first. He's been missing you, you know."

Link grimaced, scratching the back of his head. Other land. As if it was bad... Well, it was bad. It'd taken him away from them. "I-I know. I'm not leaving for Lorule immediately though." He watched as she let out a breath of relief. "Ravs is actually sick so Irene took him to her grandma... I don't know if they're done yet or not, but I had things to do, like visit you guys." He gave her a little smile, and got one in return.

"Well sweetie," Gwen sighed, putting the plate down and waving him over. He shuffled over to her, letting her hug him one more time. Her hands thumped his back audibly, before giving him a squeeze. "If you ever need anything, you know you can always come back to us."

"Thanks, Gwen."

"Oh and Link?" She stopped him from pulling away, and tilted his chin up to look at him. "You be sure to formally introduce us to your friend, okay?"

Another blush. "R-Right."

She chuckled and patted him again, then let go. "Alright then, you go rush off and see how they're doing, hun. If he's really sick I'll make you something to give him."

Link nodded with a grin. "I'll see you after a while." They waved him off, Griff not too enthusiastically with his as usual, and Link turned heel and started back towards his prior destination.

It had been the right decision to go see them, he decided.

He hadn't realized how long he'd been in the small house, but the morning sun was clearly higher up in the sky now. "They're probably waiting on me," he muttered under his breath, his lax walk turning into a brisk jog.

What he found only confirmed his thoughts, but instead of being angry or excited that he had finally arrived... They looked somber. Ravio sat on the steps of the hut, his face hidden behind his arms. Irene sat beside him, and looked over to see Link. Ravio didn't budge even as she leaned over and whispered to him, which made her frown. She slid off the steps and walked over to Link, who had slowed down to a near stop.

It didn't look good. Link swallowed hard and looked at Irene. "Sorry I'm late... Got caught up in things. Everything okay?"

She raised her brow as she sighed, her hands on her hips. "Well, one thing you can put to rest. He's not dying." Link let out a barely audible laugh. At least that was good. She glanced up at him, seeing the expression of worry on his face. "As for what's wrong... That's something I think he should tell you, not me."

"No?" Link glanced to her, and she shook her head in response.

"It's not my place." She took a deep breath, looking away as she scuffed her heel on the ground. "Let's just say we've ruled every single thing out, and he's probably sick and tired of being poked and prodded. Just take him home and have him relax, and hopefully he'll tell you."

"Doesn't sound too promising," Link sighed, then walked over to Ravio. When he didn't glance up when stopped next to him, Link took a seat on the steps beside him. It wasn't visible from where he had been, but up close, Ravio was quivering. "Ravs?" Link questioned quietly, leaning forward to try and get a better look at him.

Ravio looked up at him hesitantly, his face pale yet his eyes reddened. Cutting off any words before they were spoken, he leaned over and pressed his face into Link's shoulder, hugging his arm.

Link leaned his head against the other's dark hair, giving him a little pat. "Let's go home, okay?" There was a soft nod beneath him. At the agreement, he stood up and helped Ravio to his feet, who seemed more than a little shaky. He steadied him with an arm around his back, and glanced over to Irene. "Do you want a ride home?" he asked Ravio, thinking it'd be easier for him. Surprisingly, Ravio shook his head. Then again, Link realized, he probably had enough of being around her from earlier, by the sounds of it. "Okay, we'll just walk then," Link said lightly, patting the other.

As they passed Irene, Ravio glanced up at her. She watched them both with a look of concern, yet she made eye contact with him. "Tell him," she mouthed, which got a begrudging nod from him.

Ravio had been silent the whole walk home, only making Link more anxious. Now, he sat at the table, staring at his hands while the blond took inventory of his house. He didn't find much other than spoiled food and a few cobwebs here and there, as well as a worried bird flitting around the house. Not liking how quiet the other was, he started to tell Ravio about what happened with the Princess, showing the envelope to him. He told him of the possible plans for the two Princesses to become allies and how it'd benefit their lands. Ravio just nodded softly, seeming to be in a daze.

With the fact he didn't really get the reply he'd expected, Link sat across from him and tried to tell him about the Blacksmiths, joking about how how they need to come out officially to them. Again nothing. Link sighed and reached out, pulling the other's hands into his own. "Ravio, you've been quiet this whole time. What happened earlier?"

Ravio stared at their intertwined hands, not making eye contact. He inhaled slowly, trying to calm his mind. "It's... It's nothing." He abruptly shook his head, looking up at Link and trying to give him a convincing smile. "Just... A lot to take in." He broke the gaze, not able to hold it long enough as his smile faltered.

"Ravs..."

"S-sorry, I'm freaking out a little." Like it wasn't obvious. He pulled his hands away and intertwined them, leaning his chin against his thumb. He unconsciously drummed his fingers, trying to find words. "I don't even know how I'm supposed to say it."

"Hey, it's alright," Link murmured, scooting his seat over to sit next to him. He reached out and pushed some of the hair from Ravio's face, but when it fell back, he settled on putting his hand on the other's shoulder. "Just tell me, it's okay."

Green eyes peeked out from under the dark mass of hair. "I don't think you'd believe me if I told you."

"Try me."

It seemed as though Ravio deliberated it for a moment before shaking his head, cringing. "I really don't think so," he muttered, dropping his hands to the table with a little thump. "I don't get how it could happen, nor could Irene or her grandmother. The best guess we have is you're from here and I'm not." He glanced up, and saw Link was completely lost. He shook his head again, and rubbed his temple. "I just can't wrap my mind around it, sorry."

Frowning at him, Link scooted just a bit closer, enough that he could put his arms around the other. He could tell Ravio was worse than he showed, if not just by the tears that were starting to form. "It's alright, Ravs," he murmured quietly, pulling the other against him. "If it's something that doesn't make sense right now, it just means we'll find out later, right?" Ravio leaned his head against him with a little nod, trembling.

"Like I said, I don't think you'll believe me if I told you."

"Yes I will," he retorted. "And I promise I won't laugh either."

Ravio gave him a hesitant smile before nestling back against him, the expression fading. He was quiet for a few moments, before he sighed. "You want to officially introduce me as your partner to the Blacksmiths, right?"

"Yes...?"

"The gal, Gwen was it? She'd probably be incredibly doting to the both of us if we were to go there... I don't know what the blacksmith or the older guy would say, but I imagine Gully would be happy as well, but-"

"Ravio," Link sighed, causing Ravio to stop his ramble. "What does this have to do with it?"

He took a moment, as if trying to find a way to word it. "Well... they're probably going to freak out once they find out you're going to be a father too."

Silence hung in the air for a good long moment before Link finally pulled back to look at him. He couldn't even find any words to say, as that wasn't even close to what he was anticipating. Ravio kept his eyes downcast, a faint look of both bemusement and fear on his face.

"I-I told you it's hard to get your mind around." He took a shaky breath, trying to reel in his emotions.

Link, completely confused, muttered a quiet, "But who's the mother?" Then he sat up a little more, grimacing. "I don't think I did anything with anyone else, unless it was one of the times I passed out. How did you-"

Ravio pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "Link." The blond shut his mouth, turning his attention back to him. "I'm the one having it. Irene and her Grandmother couldn't come up with any other reason as to why I've been sick and moody." He let out a huff and risked a glance up to the other. Link's face was blank. "And before you ask, I'm not lying."

It was quiet again save for the occasional sniffle from Ravio. Link was silent, letting the news sink in. Ravio, terrified that it was going to go downhill, grasped his hands together again. A good long moment passed before Link reached out and put his hand over the other's knee. "When I talked- Er... Listened to that girl, Lilya... Her logic behind why I shouldn't be with you was due to Lorule's low numbers. That it wasn't anything against us personally, but people would be afraid there wouldn't be anyone to..." He hesitated. "Have kids. From the sound of it, anyway."

"So this... This is supposed to fix that?" Ravio asked, his voice squeaking. Link was taking it a lot better than he had.

"I don't think it will... But just think." Link leaned in a little, seeming excited. "This happened right after Lorule's Triforce was restored. I'm not saying it was the cause of it, but things happen for a reason, Ravs."

"Mhm."

Undaunted by the other's lack of enthusiasm, Link hopped out of his seat, nearly scaring the other off his. "Ravio! This means we could actually start and have a family!" He picked up the other's hands and held them tight in his own, beaming. "Who cares what or who we are, we can have a lineage all our own. Better yet, they'd be both Lorulean and Hylian!"

Link mistook Ravio's grin for happiness at first, but it slowly became more obvious as a wide grimace. More like he didn't look like he felt too great. His grin faded slightly, his brow drawing together.

"...Got carried away there. Are you okay?"

"I'm terrified."

"Sorry," Link said with a sheepish grin, reaching over to help pull him to his feet. He still wobbled a bit, so Link pulled him close in a hug. "I'm just... Excited. I never thought I'd even dream of having someone to raise after I decided to stay with you." There was an apathetic hum from the other. "But enough about me..." Link shook his head a little, mentally scolding himself. "You said you were scared, but of what?"

"How it'll come out," Ravio said flatly. "And raising it. No one in Lorule has raised a kid for at least eight years."

"Oh," Link said with a cringe. He hadn't even thought about those aspects, let alone from the other's point of view. "Well, we have Gwen and Griff to help us. Mostly Gwen. And we'll worry about that first part when it comes, okay?" Ravio nodded a little, leaning into him more. Link rubbed the other's back, feeling that protective instinct start to rise up in his chest again. Now he had two people he had to keep safe, and he hadn't even met one. Nonetheless, it excited him. It felt right. "Did they say when it might be due?"

"Late winter into early spring," Ravio sighed.

There was a beat of silence. "That's... Kind of soon, Ravs," Link muttered, leaning back to look at him. He could see the other's cheeks flush a deep flustered red as he looked him over. Ravio looked healthy by all means, having always been more chubby than Link. But he lacked the tell tale sign of his condition, as his stomach was flat. Mostly, anyways. "You're sure about that?"

"Y-yes I am, now stop."

"Alright, alright, sorry," Link chuckled, starting to guide them back to the bed. Ravio progressively became shakier throughout the conversation, clearly stressed by the very idea. He sat him down beside him, and pulled him close.

Ravio found himself curling up against him, clinging to his shirt. "...If we go by how long I've... Been in this condition... How long has this been going on?"

"I think it's around when I first came back. It's the only thing that really makes sense."

"That's what I was thinking," Ravio sighed, leaning into him a little more. "Just... Trying to figure out how this happened."

"I know, Ravs. Some things are probably better left unknown, however. Who knows what people would do if they figured out how we did it."

How we did it. Ravio frowned, hearing Link speak of it as an achievement. Well, let him have his happiness. Though he himself wasn't pleased by the idea of something leeching off his life for the next few months, Ravio was glad that at least one of them was happy. His feeling was short lived as he tensed, feeling Link's hand slide down to his waist. He abruptly blushed and looked up at him, almost in alarm.

"You're sure there's something in there?"

His panic fled, and instead snorted and gave him a nudge. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so much of an enigma of how it happened. But as they sat on the bed together, Ravio's mind drifted back to the days Link came back. Particularly that night where'd they'd been intimate for the first time, which was enough to make his temperature rise. The more he thought of it the more he blushed, and the less he could deny it to his prying partner. He was playfully -albeit carefully- pushed over, and he felt the soft, relaxing touches he'd been dreaming of since they'd split up.

He let Link strip the shirt off of him and lazily drop it to the side, feeling him trail his mouth down his neck. Link went lower before stopping to press a particularly direct kiss above the other's navel, much to Ravio's immediate chagrin, batting at him. Link merely laughed, trying to block the light attacks. They continued further, until Link leaned back with a sudden thought, stuttering about not knowing if he had oil or not.

As Link started to fumble around his house in barely anything but his under clothes, if that, Ravio couldn't help but laugh. They were both unprepared for everything, it seemed. Yet, they'd make do, just as the blond said he would as he returned. As they picked back up where they left off, Ravio had an image of the potion they'd used that one night appear in his head. As he pieced two and two together, Link slowed, watching him as it was only obvious he was distracted.

"The potion, Link," he muttered, looking up at him. "When you came back. The potion."

Link stared at him blankly for a moment, his mind definitely elsewhere with the thoughts of the liquid. He blinked finally, his brow furrowing as he understood what the other was getting at. "I thought you were acting a bit off that night."

Ravio snorted again and sat up, nearly bashing heads with his partner. "We should go back to Lorule so I can ask Hilda just what was in that thing-" He was nearly out of bed before he was stopped.

"Not till after I'm done," Link nearly growled, grabbing him with a wry grin. Needing no more convincing, Ravio complied and laid back, pulling him down with him.

"Fine," he murmured, leaning up to kiss him. "But we'll go tomorrow."

A/N: MAN it's been too long since the last update. I've been trying to stock up on chapters, so I've got another one, maybe two stored up. It's hard to believe that this fic is close to the end? Saying that doesn't even feel real!

Ahaha but this chapter though. Oh man. If you weren't prepared for that last bit, you obviously didn't read the description. Going to try and find the happy medium for those who don't like it and just want the story, versus those who only read for this particular reason.

Stay tuned, and hopefully I'll have the next chapter up soon!