Once Urbosa assured the paramedics that Zelda would be okay in her care they took down her information before leaving. She exhaled, looking at her slate and hovering over Rhoam's contact info before putting it away. After Mipha had been consoled she went back to the car, promptly passing out. Urbosa found Impa and Zelda sitting next to each other on the curb talking.
"Zelda, I think it would be wise if you contacted your father. He'll be worried sick, but I'm sure it would be better than him finding out when you got home. Are you okay to get home yourself? I don't suppose your hero can drive a car."
Zelda nodded her head in agreement. "I know Urbosa. I will contact him as soon as I'm ready to head out. I'm okay to drive. Impa still has to get home and you need to take Mipha back. Although," She looked over her shoulder at him. "it would be a nice surprise if he could."
Impa snorted and looked behind her. "Hey handsome!" He barely reacted to her, the only indication that he heard her was his eyes narrowing. "Can you drive!?"
He exhaled through his nose then shook his head.
"I'll teach you how to drive my scooter! I'll even give you a discount for the lessons!"
Zelda slapped her arm, scolding her behavior. "Stop teasing him! And no, you're not charging him. Do you really think he even has money? He's kinda dead."
Urbosa regarded him warily. "I'll take you to your car. Is he, going with? How does he even travel with you both?"
Impa and Zelda looked at eachother. Zelda spoke first. "We uhh, assume he walks?" She looked at him, receiving a single nod in return.
Zelda watched him for a moment before standing up. "We'll head out soon, I just need a second."
Urbosa nodded, motioning for Impa to get in the car, herself getting into the driver's seat. She watched Zelda approach him, trying to get a better look till Impa tapped her shoulder.
"Oi, no invasion of privacy."
Mipha snored from the passenger seat.
"See? She agrees."
She shot her a glare through the rear view mirror then leaned back in her seat.
He watched her warily, tensing up. He hadn't been one on one with her since the night she yelled at him.
"Pri- er, Zelda" He began cautiously, "I wanted to apologize for my actions that ni-" He was interrupted when she threw her arms around hold, pulling him close. He froze, hands hovering over her sides before returning the embrace hesitantly.
"Don't apologize. Thank you so much for saving my life." She blushed a bit as he hugged her, noting that he smelled faintly of a rainy forest. "I treated you so horribly yet you came back and protected me. You were only trying to protect me, I shouldn't have yelled at you." She pulled back, smiling at him nervously, not used to him being visible, his intense gaze roaming her face, lingering on her lips.
She looked back, seeing Urbosa watching with a teasing smirk before she gasped and cleared her throat. "N-now that that's cleared up, why don't you join us for the ride? It'll save you the walk, not that you get tired. Presumably."
He nodded again, a faint blush staining his cheeks at her flustered state.
"Oh, and, please refrain from calling me princess near Urbosa or my father, should you reveal yourself to him. I'll say you're a friend from school. But.. maybe in private, you can call me that." Her cheeks reddened at the implication. "Not like that! ugh, nevermind, come on." She stomped off embarrassed, Impa snickering in the car.
He watched her for a moment before following, feeling happiness for the first time in a very long time. He was quickly shoved in to take the middle seat, squished in between her and Impa. Urbosa's eyes followed him like a hawk through the rear view mirror but he kept a straight face, returning her look till she broke and looked away. He certainly felt tired, never having a solid form for this long. He remembered becoming semi corporeal when he hurt Impa, it hadn't been done consciously by him, maybe it was tied to his emotions, he reasoned.
The drive to Zelda's car was fairly quiet, excluding Mipha's snoring and occasional sleep talk. Impa kept glancing at his face, eventually he turned to face her. She merely grinned then gestured her head to his other side and winking, he looked over to see Zelda had rested her head against his shoulder, her slate was in her hand and she had her father's messages open, trying to figure out how to tell him what happened.
He reached over and tapped the call button, one that he had seen her use several times to call others. She gaped at him in shock, he shrugged his shoulders in return, gesturing her to just go for it. Her father picked up on the second ring.
"Zelda? Is everything alright? Did you forget your keys? I thought you would've been home by now."
Her heart sank, realizing he had been worried about her this whole time.
"Ye- No, father. I'm not okay. I was attacked by some Yiga clan members when I stepped out from the event to get some fresh air."
His startled gasp quickly had her trying to continue.
"But I'm okay! Nothing happened, I fell when I ran but that's the extent of my injuries. Impa scared them off." She glanced at him, he shook his head, knowing she wouldn't been able to explain him.
"Thank the Goddesses!" He sounded on the verge of tears. "Are you okay to drive home? Where are you, I can come get you!"
"Its okay father, really, I'm not even hurt, just some very minor scraps. I promise I'll be home soon and we can talk about it together, okay?"
He exhaled shakily through the phone, his voice wavering. "Please get home safe, I'll be waiting for you. Give Impa my sincerest gratitude. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you too."
Zelda swallowed, the implications of his words not lost on her. "I know father, but I'm safe, and I'll be home soon. I love you so much."
"I love you too, dear."
She hung up, setting her slate in her lap. Impa reached across and took her hand, rubbing it gently with her thumb. Her phantom nodded his head in approval, moving his leg to press against hers. She relaxed under both their silent comfort, inhaling then exhaling deeply to gather herself.
"Thank you both, truly. I can't imagine the pain my father would go through if he lost me. I will make sure you both and always treated with the utmost respect in our home. I won't let him say or do anything to insult or inconvenience you." Impa immediately asked if her father would let her sleepover again, Zelda pointing out that she's never officially asked him, and to avoid the word 'again' when asking him.
He was lost in thought. Remembering the hall and the talk with the past king. He knew exactly what would've happened if he her lost. A sense of pride and atonement running through him for being able to spare her father that pain. He smiled a bit, imagining how it would've been like for his king to have a daughter as brilliant and amazing as her.
Urbosa brought the car to a stop, parked side by side with Zelda's car. They all climbed out except for Mipha, Urbosa nudging her awake so they could say goodbye.
Mipha gave Zelda and Impa her number in case they ever wanted to talk or hang out at Zora's Domain. She paused, looking up at the handsome blonde guy that was with them now.
"Did.. we pick up a male prostitute at some point?" His eyes widened before he looked away in embarrassement. "Oh my Hylia did *I* pick him up? That's so embarrassing! Why didn't you guys stop me?!" She practically yelled, drawing the attention of a handful of pedestrians.
Urbosa quickly shoved her back into the car, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'm never taking her out drinking again, she becomes a totally different person."
Impa finally finished laughing, wiping a tear from her eye. "I'm absolutely inviting her out for a drink again! Are you kidding!? She's the best!"
Zelda was blushing, clearing her throat. "You're too young to get liquor remember? Urbosa had to buy it for you."
She tapped her chin thoughtfully then leaned over to the passenger window. "Hey Mipha, if I give you the money, would you buy us both drinks?" Mipha shot her a thumbs up before covering her mouth and gagging, Ubrosa rushing over. "I swear to Hylia if you vomit in my car!"
Impa cackled, calling shotgun before hopping into Zelda's car. He leaned against the car, waiting patiently for Zelda to get in first. She shot him a smile before giving Urbosa a hug.
"I'll let you know when I get home safe. But in return, you better get home safe as well, okay?. I love you."
Urbosa held her close, stroking her hair. "I love you too, if there's ever anything I can do to make up for my actions tonight, just let me know."
Zelda scowled and rolled her eyes. "I've already forgiven you, now get Mipha home before she vomits."
Zelda got into the driver's seat, waving goodbye to Urbosa who waited for her to leave first. She backed out of the parking space and started the drive home. Shortly after, Impa looked back at him.
"Wanna play I spy?"
When Zelda pulled into her driveway, she wasn't surprised to see the lights were still on in the house. She stepped out the car, Impa following with a yawn and stretch. They both turned around, surprised to see he was missing. A deep voice muttering behind them. "Its probably best your father doesn't know I exist yet.."
Zelda nodded in agreement. "Yes, that would be wise."
Impa stared at him, "Holy hell you got a nice voice. You're really just the whole package huh?"
She received a withering glare before Zelda walked to the door and unlocked it with her keys. Before she could open the door it flew open, an anxious Rhoam pulling her into his arms.
"Thank the Goddesses, I was so worried about you! Are you sure you're okay Zelda?"
Zelda hugged him tight, nodding and trying to stop herself from crying. "Yes father, I'm just tired."
Rhoam looked over her shoulder, seeing Impa standing a few feet away, she waved awkwardly at him. He beckoned her over and reluctantly pulled away from his daughter.
"Impa." She stood up at attention. "I may have had my reservations about you, but I see they were unfounded. I cannot thank you enough for keeping my dear Zelda safe and bringing her back to me." He nodded his head, giving them a smile. "I give you both my blessing."
The meaning behind his words flew right over Impa's head, she beamed excitedly. "Does that mean I can sleepover?"
His eyes widened in shock, Zelda rushing between them. "We're not dating! She's just my friend!" Impa realized what she had just asked Zelda's father, refusing to look in his direction.
"Oh," He sounded unconvinced. "If you say so, dear. Impa, you may stay the night, although I expect you to ask before you do so in the future."
She nodded, still refusing to speak or look him in the eye. He moved aside for them to enter, closing the door and locking it. He bid them a good night then went to his room. Zelda walked to her room and collapsed on the bed and exhaled tiredly, the events of today catching up with her, feeling exhausted. Impa flopped onto the bed next to her.
"You should shower, it's your shower so you get dibs."
Zelda stayed still, groaning a bit before she sat up, grabbing a change of clothes and heading to the bathroom, the sound of the shower running a few seconds later. Impa looked around the room.
"You in here or what?"
He appeared, only semi visible, leaning against Zelda's desk. Impa smiled before noticing his tired expression.
"Woah, you okay dude?"
He crossed his arms, sitting up a bit straighter but she saw right through it.
"That was your first time being corporeal wasn't it? Well you really made it count." She sat up on the bed then pat edge. He looked uncertain until she patted it harder. "I'm her best friend and you saved her life. She won't mind, trust me. Relax."
He hesitated before sitting down, his weight causing a small depression in the mattress. She yanked the hood on his back, he glared at her but it was deflected by her reassuring smile. She kicked her feet up, kicking her sandals off then gently ran her hands through his hair, he tensed up, but she didn't stop, scratching his scalp.
"It's okay, you deserve to relax. She won't be out for a bit anyway." Impa continued her movements, noting the way it felt soft to the touch and tangle free, able to run her fingers through his dirty blonde hair. It took him a few minutes but eventually he closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax, the tension leaving his features. She frowned as she watched him, wondering just how much hell he went through when he was as old as her and Zelda. They both lost track of time, only stopping when the shower turned off. He pulled away, shooting her an apologetic look, as if he was sorry she had to comfort him. She scowled and waved her hand dismissively.
"A hero deserves a reward every so often."
She paused, deciding to try and break his poker face. "Although it is my turn to shower next, assuming you want a bigger reward." He narrowed his eyes at her implication, glaring but unable to hide the faint tint on pink on his cheeks. She giggled, but when he turned even more pink then vanished from sight, it turned into a full blown cackle, clutching her stomach as she laughed till she had tears in her eyes. The door to Zelda's bathroom opened, she stepped out in a fresh change of clothes and a towel wrapped around her hair.
"What did I miss?"
Impa fought to catch her breath, grabbing her bag which contained a change of clothes this time and walked into the bathroom.
"Nothin, just a little teasing~" She closed the door behind her.
Zelda huffed and sat on the foot of her bed. "Don't mind her, she loves to make people lose their cool. I'm sure she sees your stoicism and silence as the ultimate change to try and make you break."
He reappeared, his blush having mostly gone away, before he let out a quiet chuckle. Zelda gaped, looking over at him.
"I didn't even know you could laugh."
He watched her then smirked, crossing his arms. "No one has said anything funny till just now."
She pointed a finger at him, an exaggerated gasp of indignation following.
"How dare you! I am the most hilarious person this side of Hyrule!"
He grinned, reaching out and holding her hand. She bit her lip, not pulling away from the contact.
"I'm glad you don't hate me." He knelt down to face her in her seated position. "I know I don't remember much, but you're the one thing that's ever felt right."
In her head, her brain short circuited, not used to him even talking this much, let alone the meaning behind his words. Did he even realize how that sounded, especially with that Goddess damned sexy voice of his?
"I, er, yes. Quite."
He cocked an amused eyebrow.
She stared at this face before pulling him closer, nearly making him lose his balance.
"If I'm supposed to be your princess, then surely that makes you a knight, correct? Especially with you originating from the castle." He nodded in response, not trusting his voice. "Very well, then your princess demands that you hold her. Can you do that, knight?"
It was his turn for his brain to cease functioning, nodding dumbly. She nodded in return and gestured for him to lay down before doing so as well. She rested her head on his shoulder, grabbing his hand and squeezing it tightly and yawning out a tired yawn.
"Thank you for saving my life."
"Anytime princess."
When Impa came out from the shower and found them like that she froze. Then she proceeded to take forty pictures, half of which were selfies with funny faces. Then she kicked him and told him to get out so she could get her cuddle buddy back. He reluctantly listened.
Note: I probably got a couple more chapters in me. This was definitely longer than I had imagined it being for my first attempt at a fanfic. But I fell in love with the characters and their interactions. Impa was definitely my favorite to write, along with drunk Mipha. I had originally planned on this being only zelink, but I think I put a little too much casual flirting for zelda/impa and Impa/link. What can I say, chaotic bisexual Impa is fun. #noregrets