A/N:
Another day, another chapter… Yes indeed-ee. To those of you who care…I got the first two Fruits Basket manga and the verdict is…: I LOVE 'EM! They are soooo cute! I love Yuki and Kyo! (who doesn't love fictitious hotties? Hahahaha) Now I must get the anime b/c I've never actually seen it. O_O I know, it's so sad! [cries] I just love FB so much now… waaaaaaaa!
Disclaimer: I wonder what would happen if I DIDN'T disclaim Zelda. Would Shigsy come after me and then throw me in jail for EVER?! He could try and sue me, but I have no $$$$!!! Hahahaha JUST TRY AND SUE A POOR PERSON LIKE ME, SHIGSY! MWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (I really don't own Zelda, though….)
The Carnival
A Candlelit Dinner
"Link," Zelda said while simultaneously knocking on the inn door, "open up."
After a moment of scuffling inside the room, Link opened the door and stuck his blonde head out, looking surprised at his summons. "What?" he asked, blinking his blue eyes.
Zelda handed him a parcel wrapped carefully in fine, tissue-like paper and twine. "I had this made for you. I hope you like it." Excitement and anticipation brought a rosy shade to the princess's cheeks, and her blue eyes sparkled.
Eyeing the parcel suspiciously with a blonde eyebrow raised the entire time, Link eventually replied slowly, "Thanks, I suppose. What is it, exactly?"
She exclaimed, "Open it and see!" Adding: "Oh, and here's your tunic. I used it for the measurements. I hope you don't mind." She gave him a green tunic that he had been looking for the day before but couldn't find.
Link frowned. "Zelda, this really wasn't necessary…" He stopped at seeing Zelda's facial expression: it was slowly, yet steadily, beginning to display disappointment. Sighing, he added, "Let me see it and try it on. Will that appease you?" When she nodded happily, he stepped back inside his room, threw the "stolen" tunic onto the bed, and then unwrapped the parcel.
Opening it, he carefully held up a deep garnet colored dress tunic that was inside. It was plain, in the sense that it had few accoutrements, but it was quite fine nonetheless. Possessing only tiny embroideries around the neckline and sleeves, it was actually quite tasteful – not gaudy or tacky. There was also a new set of even darker colored hose – to the point that they could almost be considered black – and a lovely, thin, black belt with a gold buckle. As he was about to crumple up the tissue paper, a long, silk ribbon fell onto the ground. He picked it up and carefully placed it onto the bed with everything else.
Eyeing the new outfit, Link wasn't certain if he should be pleased or embarrassed. He wasn't much for fashion, and was a bit apprehensive of wearing such an ensemble. Yet…Zelda seemed so excited about it. With a sigh, he stripped off his clothes and began putting on the dress tunic and hose. Maybe they wouldn't fit so he wouldn't have to wear them…
Alas, it was not meant to be. It fit perfectly. Gazing at himself in the mirror, Link was beginning to be impressed. The stupid thing actually looked quite good. The color was just right, and it wasn't so cheesy that he would look like an idiot… It even took the emphasis off of his bruised eye. With a bit of a blush, he noticed that he truly appeared quite handsome.
Slowly, Link opened the door to admit Zelda in; to his surprise, she was gone. "Zelda?" he called, looking up and down the hallway. "Where'd you go?"
"Oh, sorry, I'm here!" Zelda answered, smiling. "I just was getting something that I forgot." She held up matching slippers. "Aren't they perfect?"
"Did you steal some of my boots, too, for that?" Link asked with a frown.
"No, don't be silly. I just measured your boots myself. You have quite large feet, Link," she added with a laugh.
His frown transformed to a scowl. "I'm not going anywhere in this if you're going to insult me," he replied in a mock threat.
Zelda continued laughing. "You're such a terrible liar, Link. Now let me see it." Opening the door, she went inside his room with him. When he simply stood by the shadowed doorway, she commanded, "Link, go into the light. I can't very well see you in the dark."
"Yes, Miss Queen of the World," he muttered, obeying. Zelda threw a nearby pillow at his head in retaliation; his blonde hair was completely mussed as a result. "Thanks a lot," he said sarcastically while attempting to remedy his tangled hair.
Zelda was silent as she simply stared at him a moment in the light, and then breathed, "Oh, Link, you look amazing in that." Blue eyes met even darker blue. "What do you think?"
He shrugged noncommittally. "It's nice," he replied, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously. "It was a good choice."
Zelda sighed. "If you don't like it, just tell me. I won't be offended."
"Oh, no! I like it," he answered with a wave of his hands, "I just don't know much about fashion, that's all."
"So will you wear it tonight?"
An eyebrow rose suspiciously. "For what, exactly?"
"Link, I told you yesterday: I want to go to a nice restaurant tonight. I would like it, too, if you wore that." Her voice was bland, yet there was a hint of annoyance in it, as if daring him to back out of her plans.
"Oh, er…I forgot." A sigh. "Fine. I'll wear it."
Zelda clapped her hands together excitedly. "Wonderful! Then I'm going to go get ready, alright? It shouldn't take too long. But first…" She went over to the nearby dresser and picked up a comb. "Sit," she said, pointing to the bed.
"What're you doing?"
"I'm just going to braid your hair for you," she replied, exasperatedly. "I'm not going to torture you or something."
He instantly began grinning impishly while patting the spot next to him on the bed. "If I don't watch out, you'll just try and shag me. I know how you women work…"
Zelda smacked him upside the head with another pillow. "Pervert. Still going with that theory that I want to shag you? I think I'll decline. And I seriously doubt that you know anything about women." Sitting down behind him, she began to comb his hair into something manageable.
"Zelda, I can braid my own hair, thank you very much –."
"It would look like a bird's nest if I let you do it." She continued to detangle his locks.
Link simply scowled.
She quickly combed through his hair and began braiding it neatly. Tying it off with the ribbon, she smiled at her work. "Well, it looks the best that I've ever seen. Quite dashing."
Link eyed himself in the mirror across the room. "I guess so," he muttered. He pulled on the braid, as if testing it. "Thanks."
"Your welcome," Zelda replied. Bouncing off the bed, she went to the door. "I'm going to get ready, alright? It shouldn't take very long." And with that, she was gone.
* * * *
It was with great anticipation that Zelda waited for Link to appear downstairs. Clad in her new gown made from the pink silk with rose-embroideries that she had bought earlier in the week, her hair in a semi-intricate bun atop her head, Zelda felt quite beautiful at the moment. When he did appear, she felt herself blush cherry.
It was astonishing how Link could be so handsome at times. Well, he was attractive all the time, but now… The tunic she had made specifically for him brought out the blue in his eyes, which led to the unexpected pounding of her heart and the heat in her cheeks. His hair was like the color of the sun when it set – golden and beautiful. When he was finally standing in front of her, she found herself unable to speak. Goddesses, what was wrong with her?
To her surprise, Link seemed to be having the same predicament. As a result, they stared at each, silently, for what felt like hours. Eventually, Link broke the silence. "You…you look…" He gulped. "…nice…" he supplied; to his embarrassment, his voice cracked on the last word, and his cheeks turned a bright red.
Zelda blinked. Nice? Was that the best he could come up with? She had gone to all of that trouble, buying a new gown, primping herself, making herself feel so beautiful, and all he could say was that she looked nice? It hurt more than she would have thought.
With a strength she didn't know she possessed, she buried the hurt deep inside, refusing to let it show. There was no reason to ruin this night over something so petty – yet hurtful all the same. A smile on her face, Zelda responded lightly, "Thank you. You look quite nice, also."
Link nodded his thanks. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, his voice finally under control.
"Yes." With that, the pair left the Stock Pot Inn into the night of the town. The moon shone brilliantly in the sky: a stunning, silver crescent that illuminated the ebony heavens. Stars twinkled brightly beside it. It was rather cool outside, and Zelda shivered slightly. Link didn't notice.
The two walked side by side, but never actually made physical contact. Zelda found herself wanting to slip her hand inside his own, but she refrained. It would only make the situation worse, more uncomfortable for both. There was no reason to make Link jumpy again. Zelda sighed inwardly while leading the way to the restaurant she had already chosen. She desperately hoped the evening would be more enjoyable then it was at that very moment.
When they arrived, they were quickly seated at the back of the restaurant where it was quieter. Lit torches stood at each corner of the wooden platform in which the tables and chairs were situated; little white moths hovered near them, always attracted to the bright, fiery flame. Despite the fact that they could be burned to a crisp in the process.
A harpist played nearby, the melody flowing sweetly across the platform. Link and Zelda were handed menus, and for the time being, they didn't speak to each other. It was as if they had lost the use of their tongues, as if they had suddenly become mute around each other's presence.
Their table was set with a simple white tablecloth, fine china, and thin wax candles that flickered in the light breeze. When they had ordered and the waiter had left, Zelda stared at the little plate in front of her, biting the inside of her cheek. She didn't know what to say, and she felt badly for forcing Link to go here. It was painfully obvious that he wasn't enjoying himself. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment.
To her shock, Link spoke up, his voice soft: "Zelda? Are you alright? You're so quiet."
Zelda looked up into his eyes that reflected the surrounding torchlight to illuminate their amazing blue color. Suddenly looking away, for she somehow couldn't bear his gaze, she answered in a whisper, "It's nothing. I apologize for my inattentiveness." She forced herself to meet his eyes once again; her heart fluttered as a result. "I have been worried that you have not been enjoying yourself," she added, delicately searching for answers.
He blinked in surprise. "No, no, this is wonderful, Zelda," he replied reassuringly. "Thank you for everything."
It was so very odd how Link could be so immature at times – like a little boy – but at other times, like now, act like an adult. Zelda felt her blossoming love for him grow; she also knew it would never stop growing until it enclosed her entire being within it. The horrid thought that he would never love her in return also came to mind, but she locked it away. She did not know his true feelings, so there was no reason to get oneself into a dither over it.
"You're welcome," Zelda replied, her previous thoughts blowing away into the light breeze. She smiled happily. "I really do like that tunic on you, Link. It brings out your eyes."
He blushed slightly. "It was a good choice, actually. I was truly afraid that you'd chosen something covered in frills and lace."
Zelda scowled in mock insult. "Oh, you did, did you? Do you think I don't have better taste than to get you something so tacky? I should have gotten you one covered in lace just so I could see the look on your face when you tried it on."
"As if I'd even try on such a thing."
"You'd do anything I'd ask, and you know it."
"Oh, really, now? Why would I?"
"Because you love me," Zelda replied as a jest. When Link gagged in mock disgust, she snorted. "Ass."
Link waggled a finger while clucking his tongue. "Such language. Didn't your parents ever tell you that ladies shouldn't swear?"
"I'm not that much of a lady."
Link burst into laughter. "You're such a hypocrite!" he cried while cackling, "you're a princess! The ultimate in a lady-like figure."
"I refuse to be such a figurehead, and you know it," Zelda replied, slightly miffed. "And the last thing I desire is to be a silly woman who only thinks of clothing and how to please men." She practically spat the last phrase. "It's disgusting, really."
Link's eyes softened. "You know," he said quietly, "that that is last thing I would want you to be."
Silence for a moment.
"Do you know what Talon once told his daughter Malon?" Link asked, breaking the quiet.
Zelda shook her head, confused with the subject change.
"She swore one time, a day I had come to visit, and you what he said? 'Malon, don't curse. You're too pretty of a girl.'" Link reached over and touched Zelda's cheek, causing her to start slightly. "And, I think the same applies to you. You're too beautiful to say such ugly words." His voice was a whisper, almost nonexistent.
Zelda's eyes widened in shock, and her heart was pounding so furiously that she was certain that Link could hear it. His touch sent a trail of fire down her cheek, yet she suddenly felt herself yearning for more contact. And he had said she was beautiful. Thousands of emotions bubbled into her soul, until they meshed into only one: joy. Sweet, sweet joy.
"Thank you," she breathed.
He smiled brightly. "You're welcome."
The meal turned out to be quite the success. Zelda found herself completely comfortable with Link, despite the emotions that were building inside her, especially the one known as love. At times she had to restrain herself from touching his face or grasping his hand. If only he felt the same… If only he would say those three little words, and the world would feel so right…
But none came. She hadn't expected them to, but that did not mean it didn't hurt. She couldn't confess her own; the thought brought chills and an instantaneous fear that froze her heart. What if did not reciprocate her feelings? Would he refuse to speak to her ever again, as in an attempt to spare her the pain of his company?
Zelda found herself wanting to be with him, always, no matter his answer. His face filled her mind, his melodious voice filled her ears, and the sight of his blue eyes caused her to tremble.
Dear Goddesses above, nothing mattered except him. She felt pitiful for such a feeling, but it was true. Inwardly, she begged the Goddesses that her wish would come true, for she was not certain if she could survive with a broken heart.
The pair returned to the inn, Link talking and Zelda silent in thought. When they parted, Zelda fell into bed and prayed to the Goddesses like she never had before. She prayed that Link would say those three precious words and that the world would be aright once again.
Holy CRAP that was long. And pointless. [crap] If you're wondering when I'm gonna get to the actual "carnival" then have no fear! It's the next chapter! WEEEEEEE! I hope you liked this one. My hands are tired from all this typing…
To the oh-so-special reviewers...:
Nagem: Yeah, I guess it is kinda cliché. [sigh] Oh well… I still like it! PS: What does "kun" mean exactly? How is it different than "san" or "sama?" I'm just so Japanese illiterate... [cough: otherwise known as American] ^_^
LostReyn: Actually, I've never done humor before, really. And truth be told, the things I write are usually things that I don't think are all that funny! So I'm never sure how other people will think of it. Anyway…thanks again for all of your reviews! You guys are the best! ^^
Shadow Fox 05: Thanks, I will. Especially since I know exactly what I'm writing from here on out. It helps. ^^
Blue Fire Blaire: Awwww, thanks. I'm glad you liked it! ^_^
Keiko Matsumori: I try to update once a week or every ten days. And I usually do b/c I'm never busy. (otherwise known as I have no life…) O_O OH WELL! There are worse things I could be doing… LOL
ayachan21: Alas, Linkie and Zelda have not yet gotten together. What is your problem, guys?
Link: Dude, you're the one writing this big hunk of cheese.
Me: Oh yeah! OOPS ^_~
SoulessCalibur: LOL How did we end up on Jerry Springer? Dear God, have mercy on us all. That show is so very….wrong. LOL ^^
Midnight*Starfire: I actually didn't plan on writing the Deku scrub as a schizophrenic, but it kinda just ended up that way… LOL And thank you so much for the compliments! As always, I wish I could think up /w something better than just "thank you" but I can't. O_O Anyway… Yeah, well Zelda's hair color is a bit tricky, since she is blonde in the game, but red in her "official" pic. So I was like "Let's make her a strawberry blonde instead!" And I must confess that I wish I had strawberry blonde hair rather than really boring plain ordinary mousy brown hair…. [sigh] Oh well, a girl can dream…. ^^
Phoenix 14: [echoes] LINK AND ZELDA FOREVAH!!! Lol Thanks so much for the compliments! And you're not a loser! Looks who's the one constantly writing fluff b/c her love life is so nonexistent.
Me: Oh, shut up. T_T
sawyerzelda: "Stinketh" is in the Bible? And after going to a Christian school for 6 years… LOL Thank you very much for the compliments (as always!)! I love getting such nice reviews! ^^
KazeShinai: Yey! I'm glad you're staying this one all the way through! I get very sad when people review and then just…stop…. :( Makes me sad. :( Anyway, thanks again! ^_^
PIRO the unforgiven one: Now you're official. LOL Yeah, I don't feel so stupid now. But I'm not so sure about my IQ level… I have a tendency to do very dumb things….
Like setting bread on fire in the oven?
Me: -_-
Babydoll72489: Actually, I wasn't hyper when I wrote it. If I wrote something while I was hyper it wouldn't make any sense at all. LOL No one should have to see me when I'm hyper…. Mwhahahahaha ^_~
Keyo-Red Angel of Hope: Yeah, Millo's coming back! I promise! Thanks for reviewing! ^^
ZeldaChik63: Weeeeeeeeee, another flautist! Why is it that people think we're airheads? [sees something shiny] OOOOOOOOOOH……. PRETTY! [runs off into the wild blue yonder] I rest my case! ^^
Some Guy: Oh don't worry, I'm definitely going to college. LOL Anyway, thanks for the review! ^_^
zeldaqueen: I should form a Millo fanclub. [hugs the silly scrub] I LOVE YOU, MILLO! WEEEEEE! And you're welcome! I'm glad it made you laugh!
Ten Ten Hyuga: I hate it when I don't know what to say on reviews. O_O But at least you still like this story….^^
superdave: Flaming monkeys, now? That's a new one for me. LOL And so is scrumtabulous. But I like it… Thanks for your SCRUMTABULOUS review! Hahaha I'm so funny…. [not] ^_~
anyone: I had scrapped the idea of using the Deku scrub earlier, but I ended up using it anyway. LOL I'm glad it turned out so well. ^_^
Story Weaver1: Actually, after I finished this I was afraid the hole thing would sound kinda dirty. [or maybe my head's just in the gutter… O_O] LOL
Berlin'sBrownEyes: Oh, Linkie's gonna be confessing soon. Hehehehe I can't wait to write it… ^^
Smile*Be*Happy: Yeah, I guess I should be happy that I can actually read…and write….and do some math…. [smiles stupidly] YES! I WILL BE HAPPY FROM NOW ON! ^____________^
linky poo: Wow, thank you so much! That's so nice of you! ^_^
Lost Soul 01: It's ok if you've run out of adjectives. I understand. ^^ And Millo's my best friend now. I still think I should give him a fan club. Whoda thunk it, I tell ya… ^_____^
Magus Black: Thanks, I will! ^_~
Cat of Darkness: [very loud gasp] WHAT???!!!!!! HAVE YOU JUST DISSED MY FUTURE HUSBAND????!!! [cries] Fine, you have Link and I'm taking Orlando! C'mon, let's go!
Orlando: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
PS: I'm glad you like this so much. LOL ^^
Psyco-chick: Yeah, Millo is kinda a loser. O_o LOL Oh well… ^^
Cucco Lady: Silly Link! LOL Thanks for the review! ^^
If I missed anyone, I apologize. I think that there are reviews that I never received and still have not been posted after like three days. Then again, I might just be hallucinating. O_O If that is the case, then this note was ptless! Just wanted to let you know, just in case… until next time…. ADIOS!
