A Quiet Life

A ZeLink Fanfiction

A/N: I've always been interested in writing a BOTW ZeLink fic. I thought I should make one because I've (finally) finished the game a week ago.

"Link? Dinner's ready!" Zelda's voice rang through the quaint little house in Hateno.

Link – who was polishing his shield – looked up from his desk at the sound of her voice. He could smell the aroma of peppers and other various spices, his hungry mind eager to devour whatever Zelda had whipped up.

It had been a few weeks since the two had finally vanquished Ganon, and they had settled in quite nicely in the landscape of Hyrule. Of course, they'd had to reacquaint themselves with each other, 'I guess we have 100 years worth of conversation to catch up to,' Zelda had said before. Not only that, they'd had to deal with living arrangements – seeing as Hyrule Castle had been pretty much uninhabitable.

So naturally they had agreed that Zelda would live with Link in the meantime, settling in the house that he'd managed to purchase before facing Ganon to the delight of Bolson. 'Ah, it's always wonderful to see young couples such as yourself spending time with each other!' Needless to say there'd been a few red faces for the rest of that day.

"Link? I made curry!" Zelda's call roused Link from his chair, having been lost in his memories. He gave a content sigh as he relished in the joy that living with Zelda brought.

"So, do you like it? I consulted Ivee today on some cooking tips and she gave me some helpful advice." Zelda leaned forward, excited to receive Link's response.

Link gave a nod and a grin that warmed Zelda's heart. Ever since they had started living together, Link had been teaching Zelda how to cook various dishes, using the recipes that he had learned living in the wild. The early attempts had been disastrous, with Zelda almost burning the kitchen down once. 'She's getting better,' he thought.

"I'm so glad to hear it! I managed to pick up some Goron spice today and I think it really elevated the dish! Plus I found this frog today and-"

Link's eyes widened at her words, and Zelda burst out with laughter.

"Oh Link I'm only kidding, I remembered that time in the field and I couldn't help but tease you." Zelda gave a wild smile that weakened Link's knees – the same smile she gave him after defeating Ganon.

The smile that he fell in love with.

"Is something the matter? You can always talk to me if you need anything." Zelda inquired

Link simply shook his head and held her hand.

An hour later, Link was washing the dishes while Zelda was taking a shower. He pondered over her words during dinner.

'You can always talk to me if you need anything'

Despite living together and knowing each other for practically 100 years, Link had never actually talked to Zelda before.

It wasn't personal, he barely talked to ANYONE. He'd never been comfortable with the idea of conversing with anyone, not even with Zelda – whom he loved dearly.

'I'm sorry, Princess. I sincerely wish that I could talk to you, I really do,' he thought sadly.

Suddenly he felt two small arms encircle his body, and he looked over his shoulder to find Princess Zelda, who was wrapped in a towel and leaning on his shoulder. He was intoxicated by her scent - like flowers and fresh fruit

"You look like you're deep in thought," she gave a small chuckle.

"I uh-" Link tried to form words in his head, but he found himself to be completely distracted by how the Princess felt against his body.

"Link?" She gave a curious glance and he couldn't help but notice how beautiful her eyes were, immediately losing himself even further.

"I'm sorry for not speaking more, Princess."

Zelda was surprised by Link's admission. She had never heard him speak before. 'He has a wonderful voice,' she thought.

"It's fine Link, you don't have to do it if you're not comfortable with it. I love you either way." Zelda immediately shut her mouth after speaking. Had she just said that last part out loud?

Link felt Zelda shaking behind him. "P-princess?"

"I-" Zelda felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she fumbled for words. "M-my apologies, Link," she mumbled out as she ran towards the bedroom.

Link felt his heart warm up at her words, processing the fact that Zelda might return his feelings. 'She loves me?'

What had she done? Had she just made everything awkward between them? Had she just ruined their relationship as roommates through a slight slip of the tongue? Oh she was absolutely mortified.

Zelda felt tears spring into her eyes as she hid her face in her small hands.

"How could I be so stupid!"

Zelda's head turned at the sound of knocks at the door. She wiped her tears on her towel and made sure to calm her sniffles. She wasn't exactly dressed at that moment, but she couldn't care less about her presentation.

"Come in."

Link's heart skipped a beat as he walked into the room. Zelda was only still dressed in a towel. He took in her petite form subconsciously, suddenly feeling his chest tighten up. 'What's wrong with me? I can't think of the Princess like this!'

Zelda must have noticed something, as she brought her hands to her chest. Her face heating up as she did so.

Link saw her movements, and he promptly tried to excuse himself, not wanting to make her even more uncomfortable.

"Wait!" Zelda called out.

Link stopped, and moved back towards the bed.

"I suppose we have a lot to talk about, don't we?"

Link nodded in affirmation.

Zelda tried to speak up, but all that came about was a small whimper.

"Hmm?" Link put his hand on her shoulder for reassurance, giving her a small smile as he did so.

Zelda took a deep breath before finally admitting, "I've had these feelings for awhile now. If you can call 100 years that." She let out a small chuckle. "I think you've known too. I think my feelings are pretty obvious."

Link thought back to the last thing he'd seen before passing out. The scene of Zelda manifesting her powers to protect him from the Guardian that had been ready to murder them on the spot.

"It's fine if you don't feel the same way. I know I wasn't exactly very kind to you in the past, so-mmph!"

She felt a pair of lips crash down towards hers, bringing her into a fierce kiss. Her eyes fluttered for a moment before closing. She stiffened for a moment, before wrapping her arms around Link's neck in order to bring them closer together.

Link was fully immersed in her presence. He couldn't take his mind off of how soft her skin felt on his, or how sweet her mouth was against his own. He never wanted the moment to end.

They parted a few minutes later when the need to breathe overwhelmed them. They were both heavily blushing, with Zelda's arms still wrapped around Link.

Link looked down and gave Zelda the widest grin she had ever seen. "I love you too, Princess."

If anyone noticed, the loud squeal that appeared seconds later would attract some interest in the normally quiet state of their Hateno home.