Welcome back, kids! The final chapter. Thanks for joining me on the trip to write this one. I haven't had motivation to actually start and finish a fanfiction since I was lin 7th grade. ;

Anyway, I'm sorry if this chapter sounds rushed. -blech- So. Much. Fluff. But, if you like that, then it's all good.


Link paused, blinking furiously. "WHAT? It's not mine! You did all this as a PRANK?"

"No...no. It wasn't a prank. It was...to find your true feelings about me." Malon said, turning back towards him. "This is the truth..." She paused and then sat down in the grass.

"Link, you've always been...a shy and quiet boy. I never knew your emotions or how you felt. You always hid them from me. I never understood why, you just...did. Your amazing good looks and your handsome personality captured the heart of every girl in Hyrule. I don't doubt for a minute that any woman in Hyrule was spared by your handsome face. Last night...I knew you were drunk. I came onto you, knowing you wouldn't remember, but it esclated no further than kissing with you. I just...I just needed something to throw in the face of the princess."

Link brushed the bangs from his face, pointlessly as they fell back into place. "What? You're jealous of Zelda?"

"Of course I am! Any girl in Hyrule would sell their soul to the Devil to be in her shoes! She's a princess, she's beautiful and perfect and you LOVE her."

Link was taken aback by this comment. "How did you know that?" He sighed. "She's an angel, I have to admit. However, she's not perfect. She's just as ditzy and clumsy as you are on her off days. She's strong inside. After her mother died, she had no one to turn to. She's different from the other girls."

"Oh, jeez. Everyone in Hyrule knows that. The way you make googly eyes at her and the way she looks at you. It's obvious you two were meant to be!" Malon nonchalantly replied.

"But there's no way for me to win her back now, I'm so irresponsible. It's impossible."

"Maybe not, Link. If I know the "Princess of Destiny" like I do, there's definitely a way for you to win her back. You'll need to go to a jewelry shop, though." Malon smiled. "And you'll need to know her ring size too."

Link looked to the sky. "Right!" He dug through his pockets. He'd dumped all his money on beer the other night and had no way to buy a ring.

Malon winked at him. "Problem solved. I'll loan it to you, you just have to pay it off by working here."

Link grinned. "Thanks, Mal'."

Malon walked inside her house, while Link waited outside

Within a few moments, Malon returned with a box. Inside the box was a single ruppee, however it was a special ruppee. "This is made from Opal. It is worth an estimated 1,500 ruppees. Please don't disappoint the Princess from your choice of a ring."

Link nodded, taking the box. He felt guilty so he kissed her cheek. It was the least he could do, right? And with that, he jumped onto Epona and rode into Hyrule Castle town.

He stopped by a top-notch jewelry store, selecting a ring that would mean something to her. Finally, he selected a triforce shaped ring, with Ruby on the top, Emerald to the Right and Sapphire to the Left. 'Perfect! She'll love it!'

Link, aside from buying the ring, also had a surprise to give to his beloved princess which he either "Conviently Forgot" or "Was too afraid" to give it to her. One of the two. Maybe even both.

He made his way up to the castle, taking a short cut and hookshotting his way to Zelda's Balcony.

"ZELDA! Zelda, are you there!" He knocked on the door. He heard a tiny muffled peep from inside that sounded like "Go Away"...or "Go Eat Hay."

"Zelda! Listen to me! The entire thing with Malon was a joke, played by her. I love you. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you like that and if I ever have done so, I am absolutely sorry."

Zelda got up from her bed and opened the curtian on her balcony to reveal her handsome hero, down on one knee.

"So please. Marry me."

Zelda gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. She opened the door, still stunned. "Link...! But...I...You're so irresponsible." Mentally, she could have slapped herself for that comment. Here he was, the hottest guy in Hyrule asking for her to be his faithful companion and she was off on other things.

"Zelda, I promise to change! I've never done that before and I intend not to do it again...You know, after your twenty-fifth moblin fight in a week, you get...well, pushed over the edge and...I..I shouldn't have done what I did. I love you, Zelda and only you."

Zelda blushed, her cheeks filling a deep hue of red. "But there are other girls..."

"They don't matter. It has to be you! It can't be anyone else. You are the thief who's stolen my heart."

Zelda nibbled on her fingernails, still upset. "Do you know how much heartbreak you've put me through?" She sniffed, tears appearing by her eyelids.

"How do I know that this isn't a joke either? Link! My heart isn't a toy for you to play with, as much as you like doing so."

Link gazed up at her, as if memorizing everything about her. After a moment he finally spoke. "I don't know how many times I'll have to tell you this." he sighed, "But if you insist...I love you, Princess Zelda. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you...is it...is it you don't return my feelings?"

Zelda turned away, unsure and confused. "No, Link. It isn't that. I'm...I'm just afraid..." She turned back to a perplexed Link.

Zelda then outstretched a hand to Link. "...I love you, aswell. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize it. I'll...I'll marry you. Please stay by my side, I trust you. I believe in you."

Link brought the hand to his lips, kissing it gently and then placing the ring her ring-finger. He then stood and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly acrossed his built chest. "Zelda..." he murmured before pressing his lips to hers. Not a word was spoken for a long while until Link broke of the kiss gently.

"I also have something for you"
"Oh"
"Close your eyes." He smiled and dug in his pockets while Zelda covered her eyes with her hands.

He fumbled around in his pockets for a bit longer before pulling out a diamond incrested necklace with "LxZ" written in small gold lettering. He put it over her neck, while Zelda fidgited impatiently.

"There!"

Zelda peeked open her eyes and glanced down to the new piece of jewelry. Her jaw dropped in awe to admire it. "Link! It's simply...magnificent!"

Her gaze moved from the necklace to Link. She threw her arms around him, as her lips found his once again.


There it be! Closure to the story

It was kinda fast paced. I mean, Zel and Link are best buds so it's not like the other's a complete stranger. I know I sounded a bit...Malink back there, trust me. That'll never ever happen. Ever. I might write a epilogue later if anyone wants me to. It'll be like...about the wedding and stuff. But for now, this is it

LOVE TO THESE REVIEWERS:

Soramon, Encumbrance

Love,
Shannon

Entry for TCF Fanfiction Contest #1