Broken
Temperamental Dinners

Rated:: PG-13

Summary:: A princess is becoming broken and she is in need of a bodyguard. When a certain ex-assassin comes and aids her in her quest, will love cross between them or will betrayal tear them apart? {Malink}

- ^ - ^ - ^ - ^ Five Months Later

"Time for dinner, milady!"

The Princess muttered incoherent curses under her breath, all of it about having to eat dinner with her father. She was in the bath, relaxing. Of course, the water stung her wounds, but she didn't really mind. As long as she got her beloved baths, it was A-OK in her world. Over the past five months, Link and her relationship had done nothing but sink, due to the fact that the two couldn't help but claw at each other's throats. Of course, every now and then, both had good times together, but that was once every blue moon. It was rare.

A rough voice was heard from outside the door. "Come on, Malon...get your butt down to dinner!"

The Princess scoffed. It was just Link.

"Please, Princess, I'm starving out here...!" He stressed the word "princess", knowing it was her "caving in" button. As an afterthought, he whimpered, causing her knees to go weak.

***

"What's your name?" She asked earlier that morning, giving her new bodyguard a cold stare.

"Link." He answered.

"That's nice. I'm the Princess, obviously."

There was no response.

"But I prefer you call me Malon..."

"And why not 'princess'?"

"Because I cave in whenever someone uses---" Malon stopped herself, clamping her hands over her mouth. "I mean...I don't cave in whenever someone uses it on me..."

At this, Link chuckled. 'Thanks for the valuable information...this sure can come in handy!'

***

Another whimper was heard. For a few minutes, Malon attempted to block it out, slightly annoyed that she was getting so weak for his pathetic whimpers. Sighing, she pulled herself out of the tub.

"Alright, alright, Link...just stop whimpering!"

A victorious chuckle was heard as the Princess got herself dried and began to search for a gown that would suit her. After a few more moments, she decided to wear an emerald gown which had a v-neck. It had long, puffy sleeves, hiding the bandages wrapped around her arms. The bottom of the gown had a long slit, allowing her legs to move freely. Smiling, she put it on and soon enough, twirled in front of her mirror to give off the full effect.

"Link!"

"Yeah?"

"Come in here and see if this dress is okay, yeah?"

"Whatever."

The door creaked open and Link walked in, looking around nervously. He didn't want to see the Princess naked. She would throw books at him, like when his hand slipped from her collarbone to her chest. It had taken several hours and several servants to stop the girl, you know.

"Oi, Link, what are you doing!?"

The bodyguard turned towards the voice, rolling his eyes. His scoff caught itself in his throat, however, when his eyes fell upon the Princess. There was only one word to describe her: Beautiful. She looked rather exquisite in her gown, twirling around like one of those dancing ballerinas in the music boxes. After a few seconds, he coughed and his usual cool expression slipped over his shocked one.

"What am I doing?"

"Yeah, you idiot. Are you deaf?"

He was originally going to compliment her, but his temper got the best of him. "I was looking away, trying my best not to gouge my eyes out!"

The Princess flinched, looking pained and offended. Her fury grew over it, however, and she snapped, "Well, excuse me!" She brushed past him, holding her head high in a haughty manner.

Wanting to get the last word in he hissed, "You're excused."

- ^ - ^ - ^ - ^

Malon sat at the table, eating snippily in a snobby manner. Link was behind her, leaning against the wall.

"So, Malon...how do you like your bodyguard?" Talon asked.

"Can't seem to get enough," she deadpanned.

"Link, how do you like watching out for my daughter?"

"Besides the fact that I get beat up every second?"

There was a long stretch of silence and Talon chuckled nervously. The two were giving each other death glares and if looks could kill, both would be buried six feet under.

"Well, maybe you deserve it!"

"And what have I done to deserve it!?"

"Gee, I don't know...THE FACT THAT YOU BLOODY EXIST?!"

Link frowned and said nothing. He turned away, arms on his chest.

"Now, now you two..." Talon started, but his daughter cut him off.

"May I be excused?"

Without waiting for a response, she shoved the chair backwards and marched her way out of the dining room. Link remained in his peeved position and Talon sighed, placing his head in his hands. Things weren't going as well as he had hoped...

A/N:: Yes, a little rushed, due to the time lapse. Their bickering will go on for the next chapter, but it'll hopefully subside and the conflict will then begin! ^-^ Anyway, sorry I couldn't get this up sooner.

Main reason?: Tests.

I have a bunch more tests (five to be exact!) this week, so I won't be able to write up a chapter till later. Anyway, onto the reviews! =3

Link of the Hylians -- Fixed some of what you advised. I, unfortunately, couldn't seem to drag on the fight scene. I'm just not good with that sort of thing. ^^; But yes, Link. Wearing plate armor. ::gazes out window:: Is it the apocalypse? A little hard to believe, I know, but I'm trying to hit for an Alternate Universe sort of thing, if you get what I mean. XD

Rachiru Blaze -- Yay! ^_^ So happy you enjoyed that. =3

The Dark Eyed One -- Glad you liked the ending. :3

Chel Bel -- See, see! I UPDATED! (It's a miracle!)

Kon Hoshi -- And lookie here...you're mentioned...AGAIN! X3

JoJo10 -- Wee! I'm so happy you guys liked the ending of it. ::dances around with stolen muffins::