Second part up! Do enjoy! Same notes and warnings apply!
Hyrule Times
Part 2/2
By CM
Thursday, Hexember 6th, 367.
3:28 PM.
W.I.S.E. Building, North Castleton.
"Penthurst," Zelda said, her patience exemplary, "I just told you—"
"Zelda Harkinian," her publicist ground out, and three other of his associates nodded in time, "I just want the bastard's name. Let us sue him."
They were sitting in her office, and Zelda was tired of her long day. She had in her hands a list of updates and numbers. She pulled at her dress suit, adjusting the uncomfortable jacket around her waist with her elbow.
"I'm not going to let you." She glared at him. "This isn't about pride, Penthurst. Have negatives arisen?"
"That's not—" His obstinate speech exasperated her.
"Penthurst, just tell me the fucking numbers!" She slid the documents on her desk for Penthurst to see. She watched him smugly.
He looked furious, but obeyed his boss. "Since the extra went out, our numbers and offers have gone up by thirty percent."
"And you want to sue the one responsible?" Her thin eyebrow was raised.
This time, Penthurst rose to his feet, facing her. "This is a matter of law and is directly joined to my job. I'm your publicist, Zelda, and no one asked us permission for your name. You are registered!"
"Penthurst, this is about my company. Your assistants tell me that I've never been so popular. Instead of berating me and holding me back on work, why don't you just admit this is about your ego?"
"This is about you!"
"This is about work. Good afternoon, Penthurst."
"Zelda, you have to do something about the perpetrator of these—"
"Good afternoon, Penthurst."
Furious, her publicist left, a small storm of rage. Anju stepped inside the office, moving aside to let them pass. Her eyebrows rose high on her forehead, and her voice held a tinge of amusement when she spoke.
"I take it he still doesn't know who to send a pending lawsuit to?"
Zelda sighed, smiling tiredly, and slumped into her chair. With a groan, she said, "I want out of here soon, Anju. I'm going crazy."
"Hold until tomorrow night. You have your big date."
"It's not a date. It's a funeral."
Anju cocked her head to the side, and Zelda was sure that the woman was smiling. "How so? You have a meeting at Rito's tomorrow evening with the number one bachelor in Hyrule. He may be a jerk, but he's a smooth and handsome one." She handed her friend a lollipop. "Here. To keep your spirits up. I'd like it if you enjoyed yourself as much as possible."
"You're a traitor, but I'll forgive you. I need a big, long vacation."
"Hm, yes, with handsome escorts."
"Hell yeah."
Anju plopped down into one of the chairs. "I think I know what would solve your problems."
Zelda smiled. "Oh?"
"A nice shopping spree in West Castleton. If that doesn't get you riled up, I have no clue what will."
Zelda sighed. "That would imply I get out of this office…" Her voice trailed off, and she cocked her head at Anju, suddenly smirking. "I think you're right."
Anju shrugged. "Aren't I always? Besides, you have nothing to wear for tomorrow night."
This time, the blonde CEO frowned. "I beg your pardon?" she said, bringing a hand up to her collarbone, indignant, "Are you implying that one of my dresses will not do?"
"Oh, Zelda, they're all so official. What you want to do is knock Link Forester off his feet and make him eat out of your hand."
"I would rather not," Zelda laughed. "That would be messy."
"It would be dirty," Anju corrected her, and she ducked to avoid Zelda's hundred-rupee fountain pen. "Don't chuck things at me, Zellie! You know you've been dreaming of making Link Forester drop to his knees for a long time. It would serve him right!" She was giggling, and Zelda couldn't help but feel like Anju was right. Immediately, she sobered up and looked out her wide windows.
"It's hopeless, Anju. He's too egotistical to let me deal with my company alone. He won't let me go until he's gained my company." She buried her face in her hands. "This is my whole life and he's going to take it from me."
"Okay, now you really need to take your mind off things. You'll burn-out if you're not careful." Anju stood, tugging at her limp hands. "Come along. We'll pamper you, for once."
Thursday, Hexember 6th, 367.
5:28 PM.
87th street, West Castleton.
Malon ran up the street, barely brushing shoulders with the other business people and loiterers. She clutched her cell phone tightly, pressing it to her ear, holding her purse high on her shoulder. She spoke loudly.
"Yeah, I'm coming right over—I'm on foot, how fast do you think I can run?" She blew a strand of hair out of her face, checking her watch as she nearly jogged on the wide sidewalk. "Anju, you know that this cell phone's radioactive waves are burning my brain? I'm risking my life, here!" She was laughing now. She glanced down at her watch again. "Look, I'll be there in ten minutes max. Yeah, see you there. Don't move!"
She snapped her cell phone shut, and looked forward again.
She collided with someone's chest. A man's chest. She nearly fell backwards, but steadied herself in time. She looked up, ready to apologize, only to come face to face with Hyrule's top bachelor number four.
"Oh—oh dear," she breathed. He looked equally surprised. His large reddish brown eyes blinked, and a blonde, thin strand of hair fell in them.
"Malon London," he managed to blurt out, taking a step back to put a proper distance between them.
"Sheik Strike." Malon responded, trying to find a safe part of him to look at. To her despair, there was none: he was unsettling in every aspect, from his perfect blonde hair to his shiny black leather shoes. He didn't look like your average stand-up comic. He looked like one of those successful businessmen she had been shoving aside just fifteen seconds ago.
And she tried, without much success, to convince herself to hate him for being acquainted with Link Forester, that jerk.
He was equally ill-at-ease. Malon London, in real flesh and blood, was a lot cuter than any pictures could portray. Her pink lips looked moist and her red hair blew in the wind funnelled by the skyscrapers. She was a slight young woman, shapely, and her wide blue eyes shone with both shock and—adorable—indignation.
He tried to think of something to say.
"What are you doing here?" She suddenly asked, with the tone one used to ask why the aliens had come to invade the earth. Sheik couldn't help but smile.
"I'm walking," he said. "In the streets. Like a normal person would."
Malon furrowed a brow, and said, with an inclination she was getting a hold of again, "Oh? Link Forester doesn't provide his close acquaintances with limousines and chauffeurs?"
Sheik, understanding her barb, retorted, without losing his smile, "Only on holidays. I'd offer you a ride if it were the case, though."
Malon, surprised that he hadn't lost his good humour, asked, cautiously, "Why are you being so nice to me? What sort of—"
"Don't worry, Miss London. I'll be honest with you. In the event that I did have a limo, I'd offer you a ride, kidnap you, take you to another country, ensure you remember me, then deliver you right to your doorstep. But my dearest friend Link knows me too well. So I must resign myself to it."
Malon couldn't help the corner of her lips from twitching up. "I see."
"Perhaps I can accompany you to your destination instead. Would you like that?"
Malon's heart lurched, torn between her loyalties and the unexplained desire to be with Sheik just a few minutes more. Then, she said, "I'll have to leave you at the door."
"I understand," Sheik said, his serious tone betrayed by his delighted eyes. Malon felt her pulse quicken momentarily.
To her surprise, Sheik Strike offered her his arm, and she gladly took it.
Her guilt nagged at her for enjoying his warmth.
Thursday, Hexember 6th, 367.
5:34 PM.
Sheikah Boutique, West Castleton.
Anju grinned at Zelda as the blonde CEO turned on her heel and pouted, a live model. She clapped softly, giggling, even as Zelda threw the light scarf over her shoulder with a haughty flick of her hand. She walked up to her friend, fingering the edge of the jacket Zelda had donned, giddy with the excitement of shopping.
"This is a nice piece, but not sexy enough."
"I don't want to dress like a suck-for-a-buck beggar either, Anju!"
"Dear me," Anju shushed her, "Such vulgarity."
Zelda rolled her eyes, letting the scarf slip from around her neck into her hands. The saleslady took it with gratitude, pleased that such high placed women would come into her expensive store. She was about to suggest another skirt when the rich and heavy double doors of the designer boutique were pushed open. Zelda and Anju turned to look at the newcomer, smiling.
Malon's cheeks were flushed, and she graced them with a bright smile.
"Run much?" Anju teased. Flushing a deeper red, Malon turned her eyes to look at the shelves, avoiding their gazes.
"Um… Um, well, actually…"
Zelda laughed lightly. "Catch your breath, Malon. I need your opinion."
"No, I need her approval," Anju cut in. She turned to Malon. "This is not sexy enough, is it?"
Malon looked at Zelda's clothes, focusing on the task at hand. It seemed perhaps her lapse in loyalty would pass unknown. "It needs a lower neckline."
Anju raised her hands up, turning to Zelda with a triumphant, I-told-you-so look. "See? See?"
Zelda turned a defeated glare to Malon. "Traitor."
Malon tensed, eyes wide, but quickly understood that Zelda didn't know any more than anyone else. She relaxed after that.
"So we're deciding on the best way to knock Link Forester's socks off?" Zelda and Anju nodded, and Malon furrowed a brow. "Have you tried out a dress or two?"
"Five, actually," Zelda started, clearly intent on complaining, but Anju cut her off.
"She was perfect. I would have gone for a coppery colour, but blue is the best."
Malon smirked, sizing Zelda up. The blonde woman was looking through shelves. "I say we choose something that says, 'Up yours, asshole, get an eyeful, coz it's all you'll get'."
"My thoughts exactly," Anju nodded, grinning. They each went around the shop, searching on their own. Suddenly, Anju and Zelda heard Malon squealing. They looked over the low shelves and between the models, to see the redhead jumping up and down.
"Come here," she said. "I found the perfect gown."
Anju smirked. Zelda paled.
Thursday, Hexember 6th, 367.
5:41 PM.
Goron's Deli, West Castleton.
"You," Kafei said flatly, as Sheik came into the diner and sat at their table, looking gladder than usual, "are up to something."
Sheik shot him a wide grin, sliding into the bench beside Link, who was looking out the window absently. "Absolutely not."
"He got a show idea between last time we saw him and now," Mikau suggested.
"No. He found out the best way to take over the world," Kafei decided.
"Or maybe he fell for someone," Link said, still looking a bit out of it. Sheik turned to his friend, furrowing a suspicious brow.
"Who says so?"
Link shrugged, seeming to get to his senses. He smirked. "It's in your face."
Kafei leaned over the table and stared with a wide grin at his comic friend, "You met a girl? Okay. Dish it." Sheik crossed his arms, and Mikau laughed. "Is she hot?" Kafei asked, laughing too.
"None of your business," Sheik mumbled, looking away, and his three friends hooted loudly. They were interrupted by the arrival of food. Sheik was left without a plate. He glared accusingly at his friends. "You didn't wait for me to order!"
Kafei shoved some food into his mouth and shrugged. "You were late," he said, mouth full. "Out with some woman."
"Malon isn't some woman," Sheik exclaimed, and his friends turned to him. He looked away. "There. You've got her name. Food now?"
"Malon London," Kafei said, ignoring Sheik's plead. "You're dating Malon London. Zelda Harkinian's best friend."
Sheik looked defensive. "You say it like it's a bad thing." He turned to Link. "He doesn't mind, does he?"
Link shook his head grimly. "I don't mind."
"I know some New Year's parties that'll be awkward," Mikau snickered. He dug into his pasta dish gingerly, ignoring Link and Sheik's cold looks. Kafei too looked amused.
"All in all, we have a blooming love and a growing hate between the same four people." Kafei smirked. "I can imagine the double dates."
"I'd rather drag you with me if it ever came to that," Sheik told him. "Despite how low you think of me. Malon would probably never forgive me for bringing Link with me."
Link frowned, trying to sound light. "Why are you all assuming I hate Zelda Harkinian?"
There was a long silence around the table. Suddenly uncomfortable, Kafei and Sheik looked at their blonde friend. Link looked serious, as though he would reprimand them, but he was in fact just concerned.
"Well, man," Mikau said, taking the conversation up for his two ill-at-ease friends, "you signed a contract to steal her company from her and basically ruin her social life."
Link said nothing, suddenly looking as though he'd been punched in the gut. Sheik said, "I'll be at the counter… to order food." And he quickly eclipsed himself. Link too slid out of the bench seat. He looked troubled.
Kafei and Mikau didn't hold him back. They could see from his face that he needed some time alone. Link left money on the table and left. From in front of the cash, Sheik saw his friend leave, feeling sorry for the man. Things hadn't been going as well as they should have, and it became obvious to the three dining men that Zelda was not the only one withstanding the burden of the contract she'd signed. Link too suffered greatly, and his shoulders seemed weighed down by either regret or dread.
No matter what they did, it seemed Link or Zelda were bound by the contract.
"You think he's going to surrender, or just go ahead and take the company?" Kafei asked Mikau, whose face was grim. They turned to Sheik, who shoved his wallet back into his pocket and ran after Link. Their eyebrows went up.
The air was cool, and already the west sky was turning a dull yellow. Sheik looked up and down the street, taking no time to find Link's hunched figure in the busy crowd. He jogged over to him. Strangely, Link was looking at the Castleton street with an empty, but not depressed look.
"Sheik," he said, in a voice that was resigned, "I think I'm in love."
Sheik pouted his lower lip, patting his friend's back. "Nothing unexpected, is it?" He steered his friend out of the way of a few harried businessmen, letting him lean against a brick wall. "Now what do you have in mind?"
Link said nothing, half-shrugging. He was thoughtfully gazing at the pavement. "I wanted to give her loopholes. And I did. But I don't know if… if she'll notice."
"Did you just stutter?" Sheik shot his friend a curious look. Link stared back at him. "Never mind."
"Are you friends with Malon London?"
Sheik gulped guiltily. "Look, man, I didn't do anything wrong. I just walked her to an appointment and had a lot of good time as I did—"
"So you have her phone number?"
"Um… Yeah. Why?"
"I'm going to need your help."
Thursday, Hexember 6th, 367.
7:58 PM.
Time Corporations Building, West Castleton.
"All in all," Mikau mumbled, "you're going to use your contacts again."
Link, who had given up trying to hide his sheepishness two hours ago, smiled at his friends. By now, most of the Time Corporations building was empty, save for the janitors. Link, Kafei, Sheik and Mikau lounged in Link's grand office, bathed in the lights of the city, drinking soda from the vending machine, eating chemically enhanced cheese flavoured crisps right out of the jumbo bag. Stuffed, Sheik sat back in Link's executive chair, and said, with satisfaction, "This is falling on my hips."
Link, from his position as he sat on his desk, said, simply, to Mikau, "Have I ever failed using my contacts for a good cause?"
"Can I ask a personal question?" Kafei rubbed the tip of his nose, looking up at Link from down in an overstuffed chair. He didn't wait for Link's answer. "Did you plan it all? Did you know this contract would force Zelda Harkinian back to you five years after university?"
Link bit his lip, looking out at the illuminated skyscrapers. "No. I didn't. I was furious with her when we parted. I had the firm intention of downing her."
"What caused this sudden change of sentiment?" Sheik asked, grinning.
Link shrugged, a tiny smile pulling at his lips. His friends exchanged looks. "I think I always loved her."
"And all's fair in love and war?"
"It was a war for love," Mikau said, looking into the emptiness, breaking into a humming fit, plucking at invisible and inaudible guitar strings. Kafei smiled amusedly, turning his attention back to Link. Link too was bobbing his head to an inaudible song.
"Put aside Mikau's burst of inspiration," Sheik said, "and tell me how you can possibly think she'll be good with you."
"She will if we succeed. We have less than twenty-four hours to do this."
"How can we possibly manage it?"
"Guys, guys," Link said reasonably, turning to them, "is there anything we can't do? I'm a leading power in the country's economy, Kafei is in politics, Sheik and Mikau have the people in their pockets… Together we could rip the place apart. And we have to do something as measly as place a few calls? Let's not worry without reason, shall we?" He waved them out. "Off home, all of you, and sleep on it."
They left one by one, doubting, Link's large office.
And none of them knew that Link himself didn't sleep very well that night.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
9:56 AM.
W.I.S.E. Building, North Castleton.
Zelda dropped her purse in her executive chair, rolling her shoulders. Hanging on a hook by the door, behind her, was her dress, covered by a protective plastic cover, and she felt a panicky shiver run down her neck.
Tonight, she was meeting with Link Forester, the man who could crush her with a snap of his fingers. That gorgeous man, that cruel man, that perfect man.
She tightly closed her eyes, rubbing her temples. Not daring to look at what other bad news the day had in store for her, she avoided glancing at her desk as long as possible. Instead, she revelled in the feel of sunlight on her skin as it plunged in through the wall-to-wall windows. She didn't think stress would be good for her.
There was a knock at her door, and she reluctantly, opened her eyes again. When had she begun to fear interruptions?
"Miss Harkinian," her secretary said, peeking in nervously. "You asked me to get you a daily account of the sub-companies…"
Zelda felt a dead weight fall into her stomach. With the most peaceful expression she could muster, she turned and smiled at her secretary. It was a sad, resigned smile. "Of course. Here. Come. Have a seat."
Both uncomfortable, they sat face to face, and with anxious fingers, her assistant began to read aloud the transactions that had been done the day before, and early that morning.
"Mountain Rocks," her secretary said, "Dragmire. Snowhead Empress, Dragmire. Great Bay Co., W.I.S.E. Woodfall Trade, Time Corp. Hylia Lake—"
"Wait. What?"
Her secretary looked up. Zelda sat up in her chair, motioning for her assistant to repeat what she had just said.
"Miss Harkinian?"
"Did you say… Time Corp.?"
The young woman looked down at her notes, then nodded. "Yes, Ma'am. Time Corporations bought Woodfall Trade…um…Clock Market and…ah, Hylia Labs from Ganondorf Dragmire, yesterday, right before stock closes."
There was a long silence. Zelda's hand was covering her mouth and nose, her eyes boring into the opposite wall, and suddenly, the secretary heard mumbling. Slowly, it became clearer that Zelda was refraining from losing her temper.
Taking a deep breath, Zelda asked, "And this morning?"
"Time Corp. purchased Termina Fields and Waker Plains from Dragmire early at opening and is currently negotiating to buy Koroks Woods Industry. Estimates say that it's a won deal already."
"Time Corp. is buying all of the companies I'm associated with. What the heck is Link Forester planning?"
"I don't know, Ma'am."
Zelda took a deep breath again, and motioned to her secretary that she needed peace. Her assistant, with a weak smile, hurried out. Zelda waited for the door to close before turning to the windows and letting out a silent scream, pulling at her hair.
"Din bloody damn it," she mumbled. "Link Forester, you are so going down."
It wasn't enough that he was winning the contract. He also had to crush everything she'd strived to build in five years. Overnight, practically. Was he trying to prove it by pressing her head between his heel and the pavement, making it throb?
She had no escape. Even if she found a way to slither out of the contract, he still had her in a tight spot.
She'd beat him to the ground tonight. Link Forester would not ruin her life. Not then, not now, not ever.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
10:43 AM.
Time Corporations Building, West Castleton.
"Sir, we've got good news," Link's administrators greeted him with wide smiles when he came into the conference room that morning, after taking care of vague paperwork.
"Shoot," Link motioned with a hand, letting himself fall into his executive chair.
"We've negotiated the purchase of Koroks Wood Industry, and succeeded. We'd have enough budget to buy the Death Mountains ten times, see. We would like you to attend a press conference and then a function, tomorrow at 6:00 PM, to explain this sudden spurt of activity. There's been some concern that you'd be crushing W.I.S.E., and for our image, it would be best if—"
"Just put it onto my agenda," Link sighed. "You'll drill me tomorrow, if need be. No talk about W.I.S.E. today." He felt a sick feeling whenever he thought about the evening the day had in store.
"Ah… Uh… Very well…"
"Men, do any of you know what legal conditions bind the signers of a contract that wasn't taken in witness by a notary? Where's our legal council?"
"Here, sir," one of the men spoke up. "Could you precise what type of contract this is?"
When Link walked out, his pace was heavier than when he came in. There would be no second chance after today. They couldn't mess up.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
10:49 AM.
W.I.S.E. Building, North Castleton.
Anju, upon ensuring that Zelda's secretary would deliver the CEO a pack of documents, prepared to leave. She shouldered her bag, heading out of the office. Her cell rang, and she sighed.
"Anju Stoke."
"Miss Stoke," an unknown male voice said, making her pause in front of the elevators, "Good morning. My name is Kafei Dotour. I think you've heard of—"
"Yes," Anju's voice was cold, despite how well she remembered Kafei's handsome face from the newspaper, "I know you."
"Ah," Kafei seemed to smile on the line, resigned. "I see. Well, listen, Miss Stoke, I'm going to need your help."
"My help?" Anju scoffed, pressing on the elevator button. It was on ground level, and she had a minute or two to wait. "How can you possibly—?"
Kafei cut her off. "Miss Stoke, we have little time to accomplish what we must—let's just say I seek to help Zelda Harkinian. Will that soothe your worries?"
"What?" The elevator was moving up the shaft, hitting level two. "Help Zelda?" She frowned, her ire melting away. "Why? How?"
"Meet me at Gerudo Bar at 12:30, and I'll tell you all about it. But please understand I would not joke about this sort of thing."
Anju hummed, licking her lips. The elevator was almost there. "I'll be there."
"Good morning, and tell no one about this," and Kafei hung up. She snapped the phone closed, slipping it into her bag again. The elevator was there.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
10:56 AM.
W.I.S.E. Building, North Castleton.
Malon was in the lobby of the W.I.S.E. building when her cell phone rang. She rummaged through her purse in search of her cell phone, and when she finally found it, she didn't check the caller ID.
"Hello?"
"Miss London?" She recognized Sheik Strike's smooth voice at once. Her cheeks flushed with colour.
"Why, hello, stranger."
"Where are you?" Malon frowned. Sheik sounded worried. She voiced her concerns. Sheik said, "I need to see you. As soon as possible."
"My, my, in a hurry aren't we?"
"Yes—I mean, no! Well, yes, but no."
"Listen," Malon said as she entered the elevator. "I can't speak with you too long, I'm in Zelda's building. What day do we—"
"Today. Noon. At the Subrosia Café, in North Castleton."
"Oh, chic, aren't you? Well, fine, I—"
"Good. It's very important. Thank you." And he hung up abruptly. Malon stared down at her phone with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. With a muttered 'Fine,' she stepped out of the elevator and came face to face with Anju. The two young women froze. Anju motioned at the cabin.
"Um, I was…"
"Going down?" Somehow Malon's voice was high-pitched. Anju nodded, tongue-tied.
As they awkwardly brushed shoulders to exchange places, Anju said, "Um, don't expect me for lunch—"
"No," Malon hurriedly said, smiling, "Me neither. I have, uh…"
"A business meeting!"
"Yes, a business—very important—I can't—"
"Exactly, me neither."
Malon nodded, at a loss of what to say. Anju, too, seemed impatiently to wait for the elevator doors to slide shut. At last, the cabin dinged from within, and they almost sighed in relief. They waved at each other awkwardly and at last, the elevator doors closed.
Malon punched a short reminder into her cell phone. She would not miss Sheik Strike today, no matter the cause.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
11:53 AM.
Subrosia Café, North Castleton.
Sheik had expected a short delay to accomplish his duties as a friend, but had not expected the harried panic they all put on his shoulders. He'd arrived at the café early, if only to escape their insanity. Kafei had taken to walking to and fro, holding his cell phone anxiously, pacing in the office, and though Mikau was silent, he plucked over and over at the same strings on his guitar, eyes glazed and distant. Link, on his part, was busy with his admin board, signing exchanges, contracts, licenses, taking from Ganondorf Dragmire his companies, one by one. And when he was not anguished on the company well-fare, he panicked about insignificant details.
Even for Sheik, whose nerves were on the solid side, all the tension in the air was unbearable. He was a humorist, and by nature hated anxiety.
Thus, he'd come to the appointment early. He waited at a small table for two, sipping on a tall glass of water to soothe his frayed nerves.
And then, Malon London strode through the doors. Sheik forgot to drink.
She scanned the room anxiously, spotting him almost instantly. Unsure, he stood, watched her as she made her way to him. He took her in, offering her a seat, and she shot him a radiant smile. At last, he could give rest to his weak legs. He almost fell into his chair. She snapped her fingers. The waiter nodded. Sheik noticed she had not even spoken a word to get her order. He raised a pale blonde eyebrow.
"A regular, I see?"
She shrugged, placing her purse on the seat next to her. "I work in the domain. And besides," she shot her companion a thin smirk, "the espressos in this café are exquisite."
Sheik, throat suddenly dry, forced a smile and shakily ordered a latte. Malon's smile was stretched to one side, amusedly. "No espresso?"
"Ah, um… no... actually." He looked particularly uncomfortable. She laughed.
When the waiter had both their drinks settled on the table and had gone, Malon took a small sip from her mug, then held it near her lips and asked, blue eyes turned to Sheik, "Now. Why the morning urgency?"
Sheik, who had taken to avoiding her gaze, took a second to remember what he was doing here. Oh. Right. He wasn't simply enjoying coffee with the most beautiful woman he'd ever met. He had something he needed to do.
Damn.
He had the desire to holler 'To the dark realm with it!' and kiss her ravishingly, spilling the coffee all over the table, but his loyalties put him in his place. He was torn: Link, unfortunately, still was more important at the moment.
Sheik, as he gathered his thoughts, also put aside multiple curses to scream at Link later on.
"Miss London, I have information which, while seemingly absurd, may save your friend, Zelda Harkinian's company and reputation."
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
12:36 AM.
Gerudo Bar, West Castleton.
Anju Stoke didn't drink alcohol. Kafei Dotour offered her a glass of water, understanding that if this little expedition did not work, Sheik ought to be pretty damn convincing on his end to cover both their butts.
Anju Stoke, Kafei Dotour saw, was prettier than the pictures had said. Anju Stoke, Kafei Dotour knew, would be his downfall.
Anju Stoke, Kafei Dotour realized, was the sort of person you took to a luxurious restaurant and gently kissed in the rain. He hated the thought. He hated the idea—so corny, so dumb, so stereotyped—it was far too interesting to him for normalcy.
He was screwed.
Sheik really would have to cover for both of them.
She took a patient sip of her glass, watching him fidget under her stare. Then, with a tiny, ever so tiny smile, she asked, "What may I do for you?"
Kafei took a long swig of his drink, then shot her an embarrassed grin.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
3:45 PM.
W.I.S.E. Building, North Castleton.
Zelda paced in her office. She wondered why she bothered to come in. No one had entered her office since Anju had left and Malon dropped by to hand her a video disk she'd wanted to see for a while. It sat on her elegant desk, and beside it, lying flat on the surface, was her evening dress. She glanced at it every now and then, wondering how things had come to this.
Link was the sort to toy with people, apparently. She hated him for it.
In her recycling bin sat the morning's list of connections, and just thinking about it gave her a headache. One by one, Time Corp. had taken her associates from Dragmire during the day, and while she felt like any victory against Ganondorf Dragmire was a lifetime achievement, she hated Link for it. He'd gone so far… He wanted to choke her. What other explanation was there?
She grabbed a fistful of the beautiful lavender fabric, wishing only to throw it along with the paperwork. Just looking at it made her feel frightful.
It was a beautiful piece, for certain, and it looked, to be honest, stunning on her slim, shapely frame. White pearls made intricate patterns on the lower border, near her ankles, and over the chest. It reached in delicate bands behind her neck. Anju had insisted that she upsweep her hair for the occasion, and Malon had lent her high heeled sandals. Combined with her golden skin and hair, it was perfectly lovely.
"Lovely," she mumbled, remembering her secretary's words.
Slowly, she released her hold on the soft, flowing fabric, and it whispered as it fell back on the desk.
Alone in her office with only the whispers of her dress to keep her company, Zelda was beginning to consider a quick withdrawal. Sincere with herself, she truly did not want to go see Link. To sit across from him and withstand his smug, victorious grin, drink wine in his loathsome company—she found the idea repulsed her. She could not fathom a world in which she hated Link Forester, and yet there she was, detesting the handsome bastard with a passion.
She drank in the sight of the dress, wondering why she even bothered.
Rounding her desk, she plopped into her chair, and with a strangled cry, buried her face in her hands, curling in her seat, shoulders quaking in silent sobs.
She hated him, she hated him, she hated— Oh hell…
What was the point? She could not muster ill will towards him, no matter how cruel he'd been. Something kept whispering to her that he was not to blame, and the thought made her cry more.
And, eventually, her anger faded to tearful despair.
She stayed a long time in quiet stupor, eyes glazed over, staring into nothing, thoughts strangely absent, roaming in other places, far and different. Shadows grew imperceptibly longer, voices spoke, somewhere distant, beyond that protective door, and she stayed silent.
And then, the phone rang, breaking her reverie with a shrill scream. She barely reacted to the sound, wiped her nose and eyes with a tissue, and picked up the receiver.
"Zelda Harkinian—"
"Zellie! It's Malon!"
"Hello, Malon," Zelda mumbled without much conviction. She was glad that Malon didn't seem to notice.
"Time for you to cheer up, girl! I have the bestest idea!"
"Tell me," Zelda sighed to humour her friend.
"When you go to your little date with Link Forester," Malon excitedly declared, "you positively need to knock him dead—" She giggled on the line, and Zelda discerned a male voice near Malon. She frowned. "Zellie? You still there?"
"Yes. Who is that with you?"
"Ah? Uh… oh," Malon went silent, as though she concerted with her companion, and finally she said, "Well, apparently, he's my boyfriend." There was no mistaking Malon's wistfully happy tone. "Anyway, as I was about to say…"
"Yes?" Zelda did her best to dissimulate her pang of envy at Malon's joy-filled voice.
"Zelda, I think I found a loophole to that contract of yours."
The blonde CEO said nothing for a long moment, and on the phone, she heard Malon's bubbling laughter as the 'boyfriend', whoever he was, made some joke or other.
"Really, Malon? And what loophole would that be?" It seemed this boyfriend made Malon turn to an airhead. Zelda wondered if her friend was drunk.
"Look, I can't really tell you now—I've got to catch my taxi—meeting and stuff. But I'll tell Anju to tell you—alright?"
Before Zelda even had the time to complain, Malon had hung up. Staring at her receiver, Zelda wanted to scream all manners of cusses.
Then, with a sigh, she put the phone down and glanced at the clock. Time had flied.
It was already 4:58 PM. She had roughly two hours to live.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
5:02 PM.
Time Corporations, West Castleton.
Sheik and Kafei had, roughly, two hours to live, Link decided. And his grim thoughts were interrupted by Mikau rehearsing his opening notes. He glanced at his only companion, wondering why in the name of Hyrule he'd decided that practicing in Link's office would be a good idea. The CEO was practically murderous with anxiety.
It seemed that Mikau was too absorbed by his latest hit though, to notice the negative waves radiating from Link Forester. The CEO could practically hear the secretaries and other businessmen slowing down by the doors outside to hear more. And though the day was the most terrifying he'd ever lived, Link couldn't manage to be irked by Mikau's success. He smirked.
"Oi, oi," Mikau suddenly interrupted himself. "There's the grin I'd been expecting. So, you got anything to perk up about?"
"Not really," Link said, his smile fading. "But if you ever hear about Sheik and Kafei coming into the building, tell them they're risking their lives."
"Will do," the singer shrugged, returning to his rehearsal. Then, absently, he said, "You can't blame 'em though. They met two hot babes. You should've thought 'bout that before sending 'em off."
"I didn't think they'd screw up. I can't believe Kafei—quite possibly the most responsible of all of us, might I add—was the first one to give up. He dropped me like a dirty sock. This is bull. And Sheik—he was supposed to orchestrate everything backstage—Din. What in the dark realm am I doing?"
Mikau shot him a sceptical look. "Dude, not everything's going wrong. At least now Zellie Harkinian has equal chances against you—that's what you wanted. And you've got that evening suit there in the corner…"
They both glanced at the suit Link was to wear later on. Link opened his mouth to speak, but Mikau cut him off, imitating a squealing woman's voice.
" 'Oh, Lottie, I've never seen Link Forester look so handsome. That suit is definitely the best we've seen. And who's that on his arm—could it be…? Oh, dear! It's his younger sister, Aryll Forester! Oh, look how picture perfect those two are!' "
"I get your point," Link mumbled, remembering the excited paparazzi who'd commented on his appearance a couple of months before, at some event's red carpet drop-off. "But I don't see how that is going to save me from Zelda Harkinian's wrath."
"Well," Mikau said, plucking at three strings, "there's always the good ole' seduction mode."
"What would that be?" The CEO asked, glancing anxiously at his desk clock.
Mikau Blue turned to his friend and smirked a smile that had seduced millions of fans worldwide. "Honesty. The truth." Link stared blankly. Mikau cackled. "Well, what? It's not like you have a billion other solutions. Everything is screwing up. You tell her what you want, you let her scream at you, and then when everything is out, you tell her. IIIIII looooooove yoooouuu…" And there Mikau was off, playing another one of his older hits.
Link threw him a hundred rupee fountain pen.
"That'll never work."
"Why not?"
The simple question made Link freeze. Why not indeed?
He let out a long breath. "My dignity has now officially gone down the drain."
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
5:37 PM.
W.I.S.E. Building, North Castleton.
Anju sighed contentedly as she sat in Zelda's office. Zelda, in her chair, had a blank face.
"Anju, are you serious?"
"If Malon is to be listened to, then yes. Actually, I checked on the newspaper's site and there it was. 'Our Most Eligible Bachelor(ette)s specials were in fact planned be released together. A limit in printing pages made us release them two days apart. We apologize for the delay."
"But that's bullshit—Link paid for the two articles."
"He did, and that's what's to wonder about."
Zelda frowned. Why would Link organize the two articles to be officially even in release date if he wanted to win her company? Why would he open such an accessible loophole?
And where did Anju and Malon hear about this loophole anyway?
As though she realized what thought train Zelda was following, Anju rose to leave.
"Um, I've got to go now."
"Huh. Yeah. That's right."
Anju looked sympathetic. "Zellie, you'll be just fine. You and Link Forester are even now. All you have to do is ask for the contract dissolution. Now," she whispered, "knock him off his feet." She glanced at the lavender dress they'd purchased together. "You're the prettiest of us, and you're smart and you're funny. You can seduce him around your finger, and you must." Anju smiled secretively. "I'm sure it's not as hard as it's cracked up to be. Link Forester, through all the grime, remains a quintessential man, and you are the epitome of perfection." Anju gave her friend a gentle hug. "You'll be just fine."
Zelda's friend walked to the door. As she was about to open the door and exit, Zelda's voice stopped her in her tracks.
"How long before you tell Kafei Dotour that you adore him, Anju?" And the smile Anju heard in the tone of voice told her there was no anger between them.
She left without a word.
Zelda was left in silence. She contemplated facts. If Link and she were even, then she saw no reason to go beg tonight.
She wanted to stand him up. She wanted to give him a taste of loneliness, exactly the way he had when she'd been left behind to study and watch him move out.
This time, she fought with even weapons. She wouldn't show—she wouldn't.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
6:11 PM.
Time Corporations, West Castleton.
"She won't show," Link said, shaking his head even as he dressed. "I know it. She won't show."
Mikau watched his friend in a tux. A single sceptical eyebrow was raised high on his forehead. "But you will. You're a stubborn jackass and you will show up. You'll stay there and wait."
"You don't understand," Link said, panic rising slowly. "If she doesn't show, it means there's no chance for us to—I won't be able to stand it, Mikau."
"You're gettin' ahead of yourself, buddy. She hasn't even stood you up yet. You ought to trust her. She hasn't killed men before. Methinks she's still sensible."
Link felt his stomach curling over. He wondered how he'd manage to eat tonight. He had forty-five minutes to get to Plaza Rito in North Castleton. Fifteen would be enough. Until then, he had thirty minutes of panicking.
He'd have given anything to predict the outcome of the evening, just to prepare in consequence. What if she spilled fruit punch over his head? He'd need an extra suit.
Mikau saw him thinking too hard. He threw him his fountain pen back. The pen hit Link on the side of the head.
"Ouch! Mikau, that hurt, you moron!"
"Yeah, a hundred rupees tend to do that to a person. Give it a rest. You're gonna be okay. Women love you, you're rich and you've got sense. If she goes psycho on you, you'll just crush her as she deserves. And if not, be lovey-dovey. Either way she gets what she deserves."
Link forced a smile.
But what if she didn't show? That wouldn't crush her.
It would kill him.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
6:35 PM.
W.I.S.E. Building, North Castleton.
"I don't wanna go," Zelda fretted petulantly. She'd reverted two minutes ago into a childish fit and Malon or Anju's efforts were useless in trying to get her to think clearly. They stood in a line in front of Zelda's private restroom's mirror. Zelda was outfitted in her lavender dress, and of course it fit her as well as the day before. Malon had fixed up her hair, and she was radiant in very light make-up.
But her anguish made her features contort into fear.
"Zellie…"
"I don't want to."
Anju contemplated her friends' reflections. They stared back at each other. A long silence stretched between them.
Tonight, everything would be decided, and both Malon and Anju understood Zelda's fear. But if she ran from it, they feared things would be worse. Zelda was shaking from head to foot, a tigress in the arctic. A lost soul in an unforgiving land.
"Zelda, it's your choice to stay," Malon finally breathed, as emotional as her friend. "But if you don't go…" Her voice trembled. "It could turn to bad stuff."
"Zellie, look. We'll let you figure it out. Right now it's only up to you." Anju tugged on Malon's designer sleeve with a praying look. She kissed Zelda's forehead, and Malon hugged her tight. Then, the two left hurriedly, escaping the fearful look of their friend.
Outside, rain had started to fall, as though to mirror Zelda's emotions.
Zelda sat on a stool.
And took off her earrings.
Friday, Hexember 7th, 367.
6:56 PM.
Plaza Rito's front, North Castleton.
Link's heart was beating in his ears. He was waiting on the elegant front step of the restaurant, and he kept gazing at his sides, examining the umbrella covered walkers, hoping to find among them his date for tonight. It was still early, and he checked his watch every thirty seconds. Rain pattered heavily on the arched canopy overhead. A few cars had passed by close enough to splash his shining shoes, but not much more.
He wanted to see her. It ate at him, and his anxiety grew.
Five minutes passed, then ten, and still no sign of her. A doorman offered him to come inside, but he refused. He was beginning to despair. It was dark already. City lights brightened the wet pavement and cars' headlights brightened the raindrops as they passed. There was hardly anyone left on the street. The doorman kept shooting him sympathetic looks, but Link didn't feel comforted. What would the man know of his personal hell?
He checked his watch. 7:25. Would she truly not come?
Disappointment. Utter and complete disappointment overwhelmed him. He wanted to call Sheik or Kafei or Mikau and ask them to bring him to a bar, but he knew they'd all say the same. Stay until you're sure she's not coming.
But Link knew. She wasn't going to come. She wasn't…
And then, a ray of hope. There was a figure running on the other side of the street. A figure holding a city coat close around her body, with heeled sandals. She looked drenched, but in that moment, Link had not seen a more beautiful woman.
She stopped when she was just across the street and hurried in front of a car. She reached his sidewalk and slowed. She had only thrown her coat over her shoulders. She looked frozen, and she was breathless. Their eyes met.
Link smiled his most heartfelt smile. It seemed to shock her.
Between breaths, she said, "I… almost didn't come…" And she looked at a loss to explain why she even was there, standing in front of him. He could not care less. He offered her his arm, and she took it, if only to take some of his warmth.
He pushed open the door for her, ushered her in. The doorman took her wet coat with a welcoming smile, shooting Link a cheery grin. Link did not return it, but his eyes were laughing.
In the light of the lobby, he took her in. There were no words between them. She looked as impressed as he was. She lowered her eyes. Immediately, the meaning of their reunion came back. She took a step backward.
"Table for two?" The waiter asked, and Link nodded tightly, lips pressed together. They followed the man over to a quiet corner. A single candle in the middle of the table, along with elegant place settings, made Zelda and Link even more uncomfortable. The waiter seemed to assume they were on a date. He lit the candle. As soon as he left, Link pulled out Zelda's chair and she hesitantly sat.
"I'm glad you came after all," Link said in all sincerity, close to her ear. He breathed in her scent. She had not changed. She still was familiar, but the distance that had grown between them, her inaccessibility, had made her even more beautiful.
A shiver ran down her spine as his fingers brushed her nape by inadvertence, and her thoughts went back to their laugh-filled days, back when they studied and worked together. He'd become, if it was possible, even more handsome as the years had made him mature into a full-grown man.
Gone was their uncertainty. They'd become confident and responsible adults. They had control over their lives and played at society like the successful business people they were.
They were even.
Link found he didn't want to discuss the contract.
And she had to bring it onto the table, of course.
"Alright, Mister Forester," she said, and if she noticed him cringing, she did not show it, "I'd like to finish with this business as soon as possible."
Mouth dry, Link was glad when the waiter came to take their orders. He motioned to the waiter five fingers, and the man smiled, bowed, and left, leaving Zelda unsure.
"What did you order?"
"Five courses," Link grinned, making her uncomfortable. "I heard their entrée, Hylian Loach, is a delight for the taste buds, and I was curious to try it out."
"Hylian Loach? Are you sure that's the entrée?" She breathed. "But that costs a fortune!"
Link shrugged. "It's not like we can't afford it."
She snorted to avoid laughing. Her eyes were kept averted from his, and this allowed him to examine her to his heart's content. He couldn't help a compliment.
"I'm glad you dressed up. You're… stunning."
"So I'm told."
"Yes, I'm sure I'm not telling you anything new."
"Actually," she said, forcing a smile, "you are. Now, can we please focus on the task at hand?"
Link felt his stomach twisting. "Oh, come now, Zelda, haven't I ever told you that you were pretty before?"
"Never," she declared. "Trust me. I'd remember."
Link felt guilty. He'd had thought her beautiful a thousand times, and not once had he told her so? What sort of friend was he?
"Mister Forester," she said, snapping him harshly back to reality, "Enough social talk. I am here strictly on business, and I would like to get this over with."
Link said nothing. She took it as a sign to keep going.
"Alright. Five years ago we made a bet. This bet was sealed by a contract we both signed. We both agreed to the terms. We both played fair…" At this her voice got lower, but she maintained a cool appearance. Link's blood heated up slightly. "And we now have to hold to our bargain." Her voice, he thought, had then cracked, but a single breath had been enough for her to regain composure. "It is my understanding that you have been heard of in the newspapers before myself. According to our terms, you have thus won. This signifies you have the right to take my company, as per our agreement. However…"
Link looked up. Would she ask to dissolve the contract before he even offered it? Or would she use the loophole he'd provided?
"I must ask you to wait another month for me to put my affairs in order. After this, we will follow the procedures step by step in order to affiliate my company to your corporation. I hope that does not bother you too much?"
His jaw almost dropped to the floor. Was she serious? Was she really going to follow through with the contract? No, no, no, no! This wasn't supposed to happen!
"And if a month is too much, I suppose I can hurry things to three weeks, but not more. In fact, I—"
"Wait," he cut her off. And they paused as the waiter placed the large, beautifully cooked plate of food between them. As soon as he was gone, Link continued. "Zelda, I—"
"Could you please call me Miss Harkinian?" She asked, and it was like she was aiming to hurt him. He took a calming breath and spoke again.
"Miss Harkinian," the title sounded bitter on his tongue, "I'm afraid I haven't—"
"Mister Forester, this is already hard enough on me. If we hurried things, we could—"
"I don't want to have this contract!" Link blurted out, suddenly. His words plunged them into deep silence.
Zelda's face was pale. "Are you kidding me?"
He rubbed his forehead. "Zelda," he said.
"Miss Harkinian."
"Zelda," he insisted, and she glared at him furiously, "I need you to understand. There were loopholes in that contract."
There was a silence. Carefully avoiding his gaze now, Zelda was flushed, like she wanted to scream. She put down her fork.
"Mister Forester…"
"Zelda, I don't want this contract anymore!"
She glared at him; he saw hurt and anger in her eyes. When she spoke, her voice was shaking. "Mister Forester, it's hard enough on me to accept the contract with dignity, but if you're going to pull a pity act on me, my financial advisor will be in touch with you Monday morning and that's the end of it."
He saw her reach for her purse, and he stood. Before she could leave, his hand had caught hold of her wrist. He hissed at her, "You can't possibly accept that dumb contract." His eyes flickered with uncertainty as she shot him a withering glare. "You can't possibly…"
"Enough." Her voice was sharp. He saw the brilliant career woman she'd become. "This has gone on for long enough. I am tired of your toying with me, my money, my company, my relations… my feelings!" She barely stopped to breathe. "This contract binds us and you won, so I won't procrastinate. Do you want my signature?" She asked, glancing down at his hand circling her wrist.
She let the question hang. Link's face had turned to ashen stone. Voice hard, he said, "Zelda, you're making a scene. Sit down, let's talk this over."
"What is there to talk about—?"
"Everything!" Link exclaimed. "Zelda, we've gone so long without a word and I don't know you anymore! I don't know your friends, your hobbies, your dreams and I'm telling you I don't want to follow through with that contract!" He took a breath. "And you can't tell me you want to hand me your company because you don't. It's your life, your everything, and that's got to be the only thing I know about you, actually, so don't throw me off, or you'll lose me." He took a deep, calming breath again. "Now please sit down, let us talk this over."
She shook his hand off her arm and sat, without his help this time. Bitterly, she said, "Don't waste my time."
"Do you know why I even suggested the contract in the first place?" Link asked, feeling his heart slowly dying. He wanted to be honest with her, and then he'd disappear from her life.
"You were angry with me."
"I wanted to see you again, actually." Link sighed. "I knew we wouldn't be able to see much of each other in the future, and I thought a bet would seal a meeting for us someday. I hadn't expected you to be so successful that you'd actually be prominent in your field and that this contract would represent such high stakes."
"You underestimated me."
He sighed. "Fine, I'll admit to it."
"Thank you for nothing, then."
He ignored her comment. He stared at the tablecloth, feeling his heart shattering. "In fact, I will not take your company from you. I don't want to, and you can't force me to take it. All I wanted…" At this, he weakened. He didn't want to say it anymore. She's destroy him for good if he did. Did he really want to give her more leverage against him?
To the dark realm with it.
"All you wanted…?" She waited.
"All I wanted was to dine with you once more," Link said softly. "But clearly you don't feel the same way." The next words cost him his happiness. "You can leave now, actually, if you still want to. I won't hold you back. I wanted to see you again, and I did, but if my disgusting company repulses you this much, I can't keep you from escaping it…"
He fell into a profound silence. He waited to hear her chair legs scrape on the floor, for her heels to click away and for her silhouette to disappear from his sight, never to be seen again. He waited.
And she did not stand.
He heard her fork picking at the Hylian Loach. His eyes rose.
She was slowly munching on a bite. His heart climbed into his throat. Then, with a slow nod, she said, appreciatively, "Rumours were right. This thing is delicious."
Complete and utter joy filled him, so much that he thought he'd burst. He couldn't help a relieved cry when she shot him a gentle smile. He wanted to kiss her. To the dark realm with manners. Who gave a shit anyway?
She held up a hand as he was pushing his chair back. He paused. Once she was done swallowing her bite, she said, "Link, I wasn't supposed to come. We were even, the contract would have been cancelled out anyhow. But I figure…" She smiled softly and picked a new bite. "I owed you my company tonight anyway. So there you are."
"I won your company," he blankly repeated, too stunned and happy to even care for his unguarded expression. Then, with a dumbfounded chuckle, he said, "You're the only one I can imagine who would play with words in order to kill me."
"That's why you love me, isn't it?"
"Precisely."
"Fantastic."
"My thoughts exactly."
They fell silent, and shared a secret smile. Then, Zelda said, motioning to the plate of food on the table, "Well? Aren't you going to help me finish this?"
"Always."
Monday, Hexember 10th, 367.
11:06 PM.
Time Corporations, West Castleton.
"Hyrule's Sexiest Couple?"
"No, no, no," Sheik corrected Malon. "Hyrule's Most Predictable."
"You're kidding."
"Absolutely not."
"Hasn't the whole story gotten out yet?" She asked. Her boyfriend laughed wholeheartedly.
"Of course not. It's between him, her, and the exclusives. The rest of Hyrule actually believes they were easily predictable."
"This is unreal."
"Isn't it?"
"What else is there in the article?"
Sheik shrugged. "A tiny bit of news about a certain Malon London who fell head over heels for the charm and wit of humorist Sheik Strike. Oh, and a certain Kafei Dotour who wishes to romance Anju Stoke. Nothing new."
"And what does the Hyrule Times say?"
"That I'd like to see you tonight." Sheik pulled her close. "I'll take you to a world tour of my apartment." His tone was laced with suggestion. He waggled his eyebrows, and it destroyed the subtlety of it. She laughed outright.
"Come along now," he breathed, stealing a kiss from her lips. "I have no clue what the Hyrule Times says. Let's buy it together."
"Fine then."
"I'll hire a limo."
"Oh, you really got me now."
"I know. I'm a humorist. I know how to seduce women."
Their voices, loud and lively, were drowned out by the sound of passing cars, of humming conversation and honks in the distance. Over the tall buildings, the sun was rising high for noon, and a new week had started, full of gossip and news. And somewhere beyond the rooftops, it was someone else's turn at happiness, someone else's turn to understand…
There is no such thing as a bad decision.
Well, that's it for this time, folks. Do leave a message after the beep and tell me what you thought about it, aye?
I mean it. Review if you liked it!
Love,
CM