A/N: Sorry for the long update. I've been swamped with work, and just haven't had the time to update as much as I'd like. Doing my best though.

As Link lied in bed, he looked down at the sleeping figure under him.

Why is she so important to me? I know that she is, and I feel the need to have her around, but... why? There's so much that I've forgotten about her that I can hardly say I even know her at all. There should be no reason to feel... attached.

He rubbed his face, trying to wipe the sleepiness off of him.

My job is done, we should've gone our separate ways, and yet, I invited her into my home without a second thought. Assumed that she wanted to live with me without even questioning it. I've never asked her what she wanted once.

Being careful with his movements, he slipped away from bed without waking her. He continued his ruminating as he prepared coffee for himself down stairs.

It's been a little over a month now, and it appears that she's okay with how things are, but how do I feel? How does she really feel?

He went to the the bathing room while the coffee brewed.

I feel more like her appointed knight again than anything else. Do I really want that?

After pouring a hot bucket of water over himself, he entered the tub.

My path has never felt like my own. It's always been as if someone has been pulling the strings behind the scenes. Methodical and meticulous with their work, I've been constructed into a puppet, a tool that is merely used to then be discarded after my purpose has been served. Even after we sealed Ganon away, I hopped back into that lifestyle without a second thought. Why would I think that's what I want? What Zelda wants? She didn't bring me back so that I could babysit her, and I didn't work as hard as I did to save her just for everything to return how things once were either. I'm no longer her appointed knight, and she is no longer my sovereign. Things can never go back to how they were before. Why would I assume that's what's best for her?

Drying himself off, he emptied the tub and prepped it for Zelda before he headed back inside.

What do I want to get out of this relationship we have? What does she want from it? Why stay with someone who doesn't really remember her? Not to mention I'm not the same as I once was. The version of myself now is likely completely different from the version of myself then. Why stay with someone like me if it only causes her pain?

He poured himself a cup of a coffee, adding some cream until it clouded the surface, then three teaspoons of sugar. Moving to the roof of the house, he watched the sun rise with his newly acquired hot beverage.

Maybe we both have been too tentative with our feelings towards each other, or maybe it's just me. What do I envision myself being for her? The more I think about it, the more I realize that I simply want to be there for her as a friend, a true one at that. Not one held by duty or some other nonsensical obligation. I enjoy her company, and I know that I don't want to lose her. Maybe... that's a start. Friends.

It was an odd goal. If Link was being honest with himself, he knew that there wouldn't be much to change in regards to how he interacted with her and such. The sleeping together was already borderline past the point of friendship; and definitely a red flag when it came to sovereign and servant. Not to mention, he's seen her almost entirely nude already.

However, it set his mind at ease. Link felt that if he changed his mindset from that of a protector to that of a friend, then it would allow room for their relationship to grow.

Which was something he wanted.

He recalled how he held himself back many times from getting to close to people, because of his "destiny." Even though his memories were scattered, he could tell. Why get close to someone who was likely to die in a battle against a primal evil? He didn't want to burden anyone with such a thing. Even after his awakening, he did much of the same. Yeah, he was friendly and had no problems creating small talk, but he couldn't really think of any relationships he had with anyone. Save for maybe, Kass. Opening up to people, and investing in someone was something he never really considered seriously. It may sound ridiculous to some, but for him, there was never a need to not be alone.

He was always alone, it's just how things were.

It was easy to keep everyone and everything at a distance. Never letting them get too close, but giving off the illusion that there was more going on than in reality. People never seemed to ask questions, save for a few, and fewer got lucky enough to know him a little more than the rest.

He didn't find himself to be a person of interest, but wherever he went, people seemed to become drawn towards him. So much so, that it got to the point where some would open up to him with very personal issues, even though they had met mere moments ago. Link was always willing to help regardless, because he knew more than most about that feeling of helplessness in a time of need.

Living in a world where everything could end in an instant. If bringing someone a baked apple, or playing tag with them made their day, then to Link it was worth it.

However, things have changed. With the Calamity gone, not everyone is in the same boat anymore. The entire dynamic of this land will shift. Question is, how will it play out? How will it affect Zelda and I?

There were big questions that Link didn't have the answers for. Does he tend to lead a quiet life in Hateno Village? Does he fade away into the obscurity that has plagued his destiny? Does he take charge in the repair of Hyrule?

It was tough to say.

There are so many scenarios that can happen, that I'd just wear myself out trying to see which one comes to fruition. Short-term I know what I want, but what do I want long-term? If I know the answer to that, then my path should show itself.

The ruffle of sheets, followed by small footsteps heading downstairs forced Link to down the rest of his coffee before heading inside to greet Zelda.

"Morning," she said while trying to stifle a yawn.

Link began taking out some cooking utensils, "I got the bath ready for you, I'll make breakfast in the meantime."

"Okay," she said still feeling a little dopey.

After her bath, the two ate breakfast in companionable silence. Letting the sounds of morning take over what words could not.

He gave her a cup of tea before heading out to do some yard work.

A few minutes later, she decided to watch him work from the bench he recently made for the side of the house.

If she was being honest, Zelda loved watching Link do yard work. It was a change of pace from the sword training, and she still got to see everything in action. When it became particularly hot out, he would take off his tunic and undershirt, which only made watching him that much more enticing. She loved the smell of sweat emanating off of him. His scent alone was already enough to make her feel hot, add that slight saltiness of sweat and her mind would begin to wander into dangerous territory.

She let out a deep breath.

Link has been incredible these last few weeks. He's really helped me deal with my issues, whether he knows it or not. If only I could find a way to repay him for his kindness.

That begged the question, what would Link want? Not knowing that, only made Zelda realize how much more she needed to learn about him and grow their relationship. It also made her realize that it was time for her to leave home, staying stagnate wasn't going to help her recover and move past her depression. She had her time to grieve, now it was time to move on.

She had come to a decision.

"Hey, Link?" she called.

He wiped the sweat from his brow before turning to her, "What is it?"

"I think- I think I'm ready."

He made his way over to her, "Ready for what?"

"To leave... home..."

Home... It was still an odd thing for her to say, but she was adjusting to it.

There was a silence that lingered around them.

Zelda was clearly waiting for Link to respond, but he continued to only stare at her, which only made her more nervous with the silence looming.

"I-I think it's what's best for me," she said to break the silence.

"And you're sure you're ready?" he asked while taking a seat beside her.

"It's what I want. I want to try and repair Hyrule."

He smiled, "I expected as much, you're always willing to put others first. A sign of a great leader."

He got up to put his tools away, leaving behind a bewildered Zelda. It wasn't the response she was expecting, and the thought of leaving Link behind was already making her question if she was really ready.

I have to ask him.

She closed her eyes, "Wait!" she blurted out.

Link stopped, turning his head to the side to provide an ear.

"Will... you come with me? I know it's a lot to ask... and- and I'm not saying you have to or anything!" she began fidgeting. "I just- just enjoy your company and it would make everything a lot easier. I mean- your insight would prove invaluable- I'm not really sure what I'm doing- sorry!"

Zelda had to physically cover her mouth to stop from further embarrassing herself.

"When you're ready, we'll leave."

She looked over at him, wanting to make sure she heard that right, "You mean... you'll come with me?"

"I wouldn't be able to call myself your friend if I sat idle." he said before leaving her line of sight behind the house.

Holding her hand against her chest, she whispered under breath, "Thank you."

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It didn't take them long to get everything organized the next day. For Link, this was just how he lived. Always ready to up and leave at a moments notice. As for Zelda, she didn't have many things to begin with, and left all of the essential packing to Link.

He called upon the Master Cycle.

"Ready?" he asked with a hand extended out to her.

She took one last look at the house.

It may be a while before I return here, but I'm glad to say that I've found a home that I can come back to. Settling down with Link in our humble home is what motivates me to see this through, and to fight these feelings that haunt me still. The task ahead of us isn't gong to be easy by any means...

Taking his hand she straddled herself on the bike behind him before wrapping her arms around his waist. Revving up the Cycle, the two dusted off towards the Gerudo Desert.

But I'd rather fail together, than suffer alone...