war of the roses pt. 1

"Hello everyone and welcome to HUTV!" A female Gerudo with brown skin smiled at the camera charmingly. She flipped her luscious red hair back, picking up a small packet of papers that were sitting on the desk she was at. "As you all know my name is Nabooru and I'll be your host for today."

Her eyes scanned the paper momentarily and her eager expression dropped for a split second before she perked up again, putting on the fakest smile possible for the camera. There was an audible sigh, and then she started to speak once more.

"Today we will be discussing the 'Chu Jelly Scandal'!" She looked to the side bitterly. "…Again."

She flipped through a couple of pages before setting the papers down completely.

"We have yet another suspect! Not too many details have been revealed about this mystery character but we do have an outline of his face." She pointed to her left and an outline appeared. It was a man, Zelda figured, looking at how wide the shoulders were. She shuddered at the large piece of hair above his head. Even though his face and body was obscured, only blackness in its place, she recognized that body anywhere. If the culprit WAS who she thought it was then that would be a relief. He had a huge crush on her but he was so gross and grotesque that she couldn't even bother trying to spare his feelings when telling him that she didn't feel the same way.

"Until we know for sure who pulled off what was arguably the greatest prank ever successfully attempted at Hyrule University, the identities of the suspects will not be revealed. In addition, the dean has revealed some great news to us! The consequences for the prank are not as dire as they were before. In fact, if you witnessed any suspicious activity that night and you report it to faculty, you have a shot at winning a purple rupee!" She beamed excitedly. When it came to rupees, Nabooru always seemed happy to talk about the news. "But remember, just because you give us information doesn't automatically mean you win. And if you lie about the information you'll be forced to help clean out the dorms as community service." She eyed the papers in front of her, mulling over whether or not to change the topic.

"Oh!" She said as if she had an epiphany, "I just remembered! We're also looking for volunteers to help clean up the ooze. If you're interested please stop by our headquarters or go to the office for more details."

Zelda sighed, turning her attention away from the TV. She was one of the only people at the student lounge, attempting to study for her exam in Ancient Hylian Studies. The class wasn't difficult by any means, but their current unit was hefty in terms of content and memorization. If she was going to get a stellar grade on it, she would need to put in more effort than usual.

"Ah, Nabooru. The university's temptress."

Zelda looked up and saw Shad smiling at her, taking a seat across from her.

"Shad! …Hi." Zelda said, pleasantly surprised.

"Hi there." He said, leaning forward.

Zelda nodded towards the TV.

"You know her?"

"She's a senior. Gets around. Not that there's anything wrong with that of course, but she does leave a trail of broken hearts wherever she goes. She's nice to other women but absolutely conniving when it comes to men. There's even a scandal that she has an ongoing affair with the dean of the school."

Zelda gasped.

"Dr. Dragmire!? No way!"

Shad chuckled.

"Way. It's not that hard to believe. I mean, he isn't too old right? And besides, it's just a rumor. It doesn't mean that it's true…"

"Still, wouldn't he get fired if they say something like that?"

"Everyone loves him. He's a great man and very charismatic. I wouldn't expect you to understand, being a freshman and all, but people make him out to be the victim instead of her. I say whatever. People make sure to keep the gossip at a minimum, none of the faculty members know what others are saying. I don't even think they know what people are saying," he gestured at the TV, referencing Dr. Dragmire and Nabooru. "Not that they would even care."

Zelda looked back at the TV. Nabooru was interviewing some students, asking them about their thoughts on the dorm situation. Indeed she seemed kind and gentle towards the females, but was more flirtatious and seductive with the males. One of the guys was shamelessly flirting with her, constantly making her laugh. Her bosom swayed with each giggle. Zelda let her gaze linger on, watching the older female enviously.

"…She's sexy, isn't she?"

Zelda's head snapped towards Shad. But he wasn't looking at Nabooru's face or body longingly; he was staring right at the blonde in front of him.

"Wh-what?"

"You were staring at her."

"Um, were you?" Zelda was blushing furiously for what felt like the millionth time. "Were you ever with her at one point?"

Shad smirked, interpreting her questions as jealousy. She would never admit to feeling such an emotion, but she was a bit bothered by his comment, considering how much he seemed to like her.

He shook his head.

"You don't get to interrogate me like that. Not after you ran off with Pipit yesterday morning."

Zelda frowned.

"I'm sorry I didn't walk to school with you Shad." She mumbled guiltily.

"You'll make it up to me later." He said, flashing a charming smile her way that caused an unexpected rise in her heartbeat. She didn't feel anything for him romantically but she wasn't about to lie to herself and say that he wasn't extremely nice to look at.

"Did you two have fun on your date?" He asked, teasing her.

"It wasn't a date, okay? Stop making me feel bad." She shoved him playfully, "Besides, we weren't alone. Link came too." She felt a surge of anger at the thought of him, but forced it down.

"I know. Pipit told me everything. He also told me he found you two in a closet together, and that your face was super red." He poked her nose.

"Nothing happened!" Zelda said, flailing her arms about.

"That's what he said, but I'm not convinced."

"Well what do I have to do to convince you!?"

He grabbed her hand, staring at her earnestly.

"Let me take you out this Saturday."

»°«

Nabooru walked into the older man's office, her long ponytail swishing to and fro. She had a lewd smile on her face as she hovered over Dr. Dragmire, well aware of the fact that her bust wasn't covered at all, giving him a rather nice view of her body.

He looked away, tapping his pencil on the desk.

"Nabooru." He said gruffly, unknowingly sending a chill down her spine when he said it.

She stared at him longingly. He was so handsome and vibrant in her eyes. There was something about him that kept her coming back.

"Ganondorf." She purred, walking over behind his desk to trail a finger along his suit.

He flinched at her touch.

"Stop that immediately. And you should know better than to address me by my first name."

"Expel me then," Nabooru said, rolling her eyes. "It would be better that way, considering all the fun we could have together."

He looked back over at her; she was staring at him longingly, brushing her leg against his knee.

"Nabooru…" His breath caught in his throat as she leaned down, her face inches away from his.

"I've known you for so long. Way before you were a dean… Hell, way before you were even a man. We don't have time for formalities."

He brushed her off, standing up to fight the temptation… and the rising pressure between his legs.

"Don't you have other lovers to satisfy your needs? Why are you paying so much attention to me?" He huffed, turning away so she couldn't see the jealousy etched on his face. "And flirting with your superior is highly unprofessional."

Nabooru scoffed, slightly offended. Sure, she tried to satiate her desires by sleeping with other men. She made sure to break things off before they could get down on one knee to propose, but it was all a ruse. There was only one man she wanted, one man she loved, and he was standing right in front of her.

"So you're just going to keep making me do these broadcasts then?" Nabooru asked with a defeated and weary tone.

"Yes. We need to find a criminal." He said. "Plus the students are anxious to return to their dorms."

"Hmph." She pouted, sashaying her way over to him again. "You and I both know the truth. What really happened that night… What we did…" She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. To her delight he didn't pull away as her lips brushed against his skin. She didn't kiss him but she did hold onto him tightly, as though he would disappear if she released him.

"N…" He couldn't even force himself to say her name. He was frozen, stunned by her beauty and how rapidly his heart was beating in her presence.

"Am I not beautiful to you? You watched me grow up… Don't you like how I turned out?" She looked desperate now. Desperate for him to tell her that he loved her, that she was the only woman he would ever love. But he couldn't. She was a student.

"Nabooru you are a very pretty woman, and you deserve a man that will treat you right." He placed his shaky hands on her hips, resisting the urge to run them up and down her curves, and pushed her away from him.

She shook her head.

"We could just do it. Right here. Right now. People already suspect that I'm sleeping with you. They call me a slut and a whore. They praise you. They feel for you. So why not take advantage of their suspicion?"

"Because it isn't right."

"What we did wasn't right either. At all. I watched you do many bad things, Ganondorf. In fact if I were to expose your history to your supervisor you'd very well be on your way… I don't know why you're wearing your mask right now, love. The mask that makes you look like you're a good person. You aren't a man of integrity."

"I am when it comes to you." He said sternly. "Nabooru, I'm not going to be one of your boytoys or entertain your flirtatious approaches. Have some respect for yourself and stop chasing after an older man."

Nabooru's lip quivered, and her fists tightened.

"I know too much. I can destroy you." She said.

"Do it then." He challenged her nonchalantly. "If you're that desperate, destroy me. You won't be able to do much. I'm already damaged." He said, sitting back down at his desk.

Nabooru closed her eyes, turning to leave.

"Do you think Groose is a compelling suspect?" She asked, trying to veer back into the realm of 'business.'

"I think he's a pliable suspect. Easy to bend and twist into someone that would have a reason to do something so foolish."

"Is it really worth it to ruin his academic career over something like this?"

"Would you rather it be yours?" Ganondorf countered.

"Touché." She conceded, opening the door. Speak of the devil, the large, burly redhead was heading down to Ganondorf's office as they spoke.

"Is he coming?" Ganondorf asked curiously.

She nodded at him.

"I'm not done with you though. Not yet." She threatened.

He simply shook his head, guiltily allowing his eyes to glance at her backside, her hips swaying with every step she took as she left his office. He sighed, massaging his temple and closing his eyes, trying to force away all the emotions he felt. Amongst them was guilt. He couldn't allow the charitable side of himself get the best of him. There was too much at stake. There was too much to lose. So he had to put a stern and accusatory expression on his face when Groose walked in, and put his foot down firmly.

»°«

"You hate her." Pipit said, shrugging.

"Hate is a strong word, but you're on the right track." Link said, fiddling with his pencil.

The two were sitting outside on the football field, trying (not) to do their homework.

"Why?" He asked, looking over at him. "You won't tell me that you two hooked up in that closet, so I'm left to wonder –"

"Did she look even remotely happy when I came out of there, man? You need to let that shit go."

Pipit remained silent for a moment.

"I told Shad. He wasn't happy about it."

"Of course he wasn't." Link said, scoffing. "Neither of you were. Because you're so blinded for your love for her that –"

"What? Link, come on. She just started living with us two days ago. You're not making ANY fucking sense."

"Oh, and you are?" Link challenged, "You've never fallen so quickly for a girl you barely know. The both of you are showering her in so much attention and it's disgusting."

"Aw. Is Link jealous?" Pipit grinned, "Are the locker room rumors true? Are you secretly gay for me and Shad?" He asked jokingly, making kissy noises and further agitating his friend.

"No." He growled.

"I'm just playing around with you man. But I seriously don't understand why you aren't feeling this girl like I am. She's hot, nice, funny, and smart."

"She has yet to make a good impression on me." Link said, looking down at the assignment he had to finish. He sighed, knowing he had a long night ahead of him. "Besides, I don't see why you're so upset about me not being head over heels for her like you are. You and Shad are no match for me. She'd be mine in a heartbeat." He said cockily.

Pipit rolled his eyes.

"Whatever you say man." He said, chuckling.

"It's true." Link countered.

Pipit shrugged, smiling to himself. Of all three of them there was no denying Zelda was fond of Pipit the most. Truthfully Link wasn't confident in his own words considering she tried to avoid him whenever they saw each other. He saw the look on her face whenever Pipit said something to her. Her eyes would light up and she would get the biggest smile on her face. There was no denying that she harbored strong feelings for his friend.

"I think part of the reason you're so grumpy is because you don't have a girl that you're interested in."

"I think part of the reason I'm so grumpy is because Zelda's like a leech. She's sucking us dry and not providing anything valuable in return."

"Well she can suck me dry anytime…" Pipit said.

Link blanched and smacked Pipit in the chest. He recoiled, slightly in pain, but started laughing at his friend's peeved expression.

"Come on dude! If you were in your right state of mind you would have thought that was funny!"

"Call me wacky, then. And I don't need a woman. I need money. Speaking of which, I have to get going. I have job applications to submit."

"What?" Pipit looked at his friend with concern. "You're going to get ANOTHER job? Link, why? You already work so hard. You don't need to get another one. Shad and I work too; we're paying for shit just like you are."

Link sighed, closing his eyes. Pipit didn't know. He deserved to know. That he got fired from the job that made him the most rupees. But it wasn't the right time to drop the bombshell. Link knew when he wanted to tell Pipit and Shad the truth.

"Pipit, you know the situation I'm in. My mom…" He mumbled.

Pipit put a hand on his friend's shoulder sympathetically.

"I know bud. I'm sorry. If you need rupees you know that Shad and I have your ba –"

"No." Link said sternly, "I don't need your guys' hard earned rupees. I can earn my own."

Pipit sighed, shaking his head. Link's hamartia was being ridiculously stubborn and putting on a front as if he was invincible and able to handle a million things at once.

Before their conversation could continue, Pipit caught sight of Shad walking toward them with a smug smile on his face.

"Guess who has a date this Saturday?" He asked, unable to contain his happiness or maintain a cool demeanor.

Link's face scrunched up at the sight of his other best friend.

"…Zelda?"

"Yep." Shad said, grinning. "She said she would go out with me. And then I helped her study for her Ancient Hylian Studies exam."

Pipit frowned. What the hell? He wasn't about to go into jealous boyfriend mode, but he recalled Zelda reassuring him constantly that there was nothing going on between the two of them. He huffed, looking away.

"Good for you." He muttered, scribbling down some answers on his homework assignment. Link arched an eyebrow, looking at his friend with a slightly amused expression. The whole hour they had been sitting there, they didn't pay much attention to their homework. Now Pipit was working on it as though his life was dependent on it.

Shad was too happy to notice his friend's discomfort.

"Anyways I thought you guys should know, just in case I get home late. Really late." He swung his arms around like a fool.

Link rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, whatever. I hope you two have fun. Try not to get her pregnant." He said, giving one more glance to Pipit, who was now giving him a death glare. He grabbed his work and put all of it in his backpack, walking off.

"Where are you going?" Shad called after him.

"Job applications!" Link shouted back, knowing that Shad would probably disapprove of it as well.

"What? Another job?" Shad asked, looking at Pipit incredulously.

Pipit was avoiding Shad's gaze, staring at his work expressionlessly.

"Yeah. I don't know what's up with him."

"What's up with you then?" Shad sat next to his friend, who was fuming.

In all honesty, Pipit didn't have a right to be mad. Shad told him and Link about how much he liked Zelda, and compared to Pipit, Zelda and Shad DID have a lot more in common. But that didn't stop him from trying his hardest to win her over.

"I need to make a phone call," Pipit said, finally smiling at Shad before standing up and walking far enough to make sure no one could hear his call.

Shad shrugged, reaching over and grabbing Pipit's homework to look at what he was doing.

"These answers are all wrong…" He murmured to himself, taking Pipit's pencil and redoing it.

Meanwhile, Pipit called the girl that had quickly captured everyone's attention.

"Hello? Pipit?" Her voice rang out on the other line. He couldn't help smiling. Her voice was so sweet.

"I thought you told me there was nothing going on between you and Shad." Pipit said, looking back at his friend, who was doing his homework. He rolled his eyes.

"Wh-What?"

"He told me and Link that you guys are going out on Saturday. Is that true?"

"Y-Yes! But just as friends!"

"Great." Pipit said, "Then you and I can go out on Friday night."

"Pipit…" Zelda said.

"Come on princess. We both know who you really want. They don't have to know. We'll really keep it under wraps. Get dressed in something pretty and then wait at the bench in front of that bookstore near the apartment complex. I'll pick you up at 7." He said hurriedly.

There was a pause on the other line as Zelda mulled over her options.

"…Okay Pipit. But please, don't say anything to anyone."

"I should be saying that to you." Pipit chuckled, before adding in his most charming voice, "Bye princess."

He hung up before she could express any second thoughts.

Slowly walking back over to listen to his friend boast about his date with the pretty blonde, Pipit couldn't help the surge of guilt that rushed through him. He wasn't one to pull shady moves like flirting with his friend's girl, but he couldn't deny that there was something special about Zelda.

A/N: Uh oh! Yeah, this kind of felt like a filler chapter but it really wasn't. If you know me you know that I'm TRASH when it comes to Ganondorf/Nabooru so I had to incorporate it. But trust me, they'll become VERY important in terms of what's going on outside the Zelda x Link/Zelda x Pipit/ Zelda x Shad realm of the story. HOWEVER, there's a war brewing… so anticipate lots of tension between Shad and Pipit as they try to win Zelda's affections! But… what's going to happen if Shad has to come to terms with Zelda being in love with Pipit? And what if Zelda realizes that Pipit isn't the perfect guy she hoped he would be? And… how the hell is Link going to worm his way into this love triangle?

Review and maybe I'll update sooner so you can find out ;)