A Pair of Time

by Zid

A novelization of Ocarina of Time, with a twist. Malon comes along with Link! Ch. 68 to 69: Say, ever wonder why it's always element this and element that...? Malon floats on her despair, while a guest of prevented sort somehow gives another appearance...

65. Once in a Blue Moon

A/N: Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

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A Pair of Time

Chapter 65- Once in a Blue Moon

Kakariko Village; Night

The Heroes of Time, in all their glory, are exhausted despite how legendary they are. After all, one must wonder how much strength the two have before they awoken the six Sages of Hyrule. The two, a guy and a girl, ambulate through the dark, open pathways around Kakariko Village, now peaceful thanks to their efforts to destroy the shadow spirit. Malon yawns, stretching her arms out before situating herself close to Link and leaning on him as they walk on. "Mmm… tired."

"I, for one, think that before we meet whoever it is in the Temple of Time, we should get a good night's rest," he suggests.

"Wow, I haven't heard that in a very long time… It's like having someone crown you ruler of Hyrule."

"To me, sleep is better than being a hero any day."

"No arguing that." Malon giggles.

Link joins along, generating noises in the calm silence around the settlement. A growl suddenly outgrows their volume, coming from the hero.

"Hee, someone's hungry."

"I haven't had lunch, so what do you expect?" Link counters.

"Don't worry. Let's just spend all we like on supper."

"Rolante's Wing?"

"Well…" A pause ensues, one that is effortlessly traceable, "okay… Navi and our stuff are in there, anyway."

"Do you really think that Julie's going to do something to me?"

"Dunno. She saw us, so I dunno."

"Huh… 'Us,' is it?"

"Ya want me to embarrass you again with those moments?"

"I think you just did."

"Tee hee! Well, I don't think I have anything to worry about."

"Hmm… I don't know, eating in a bar at night? Especially when everybody's happy with peace returning? Something tells me it's not going to be just you and Julie in the place."

"Oh, ya think you're handsome enough to attract some other girls, do ya?"

"Well, from what I heard from certain girls…"

"Well, if they wanna talk to ya, they're gonna hafta get pass me."

"Now that's scary to think about. I'm sitting there eating while you have a pitchfork driving away ten other girls coming for me."

"If it has to come to that, it will."

Oh, how strong is her love for him. Link smiles, causing the same expression to appear on Malon's face. They tread up the north stairs, the pub coming into view houses away. The redhead gazes at the dark, blue sky and its bright stars with wonder. They warmly remind her of a bowl of blueberries, a bowl filled with sparkling water washing the rich berries in them. How she would love to taste those again, but unfortunately it's not the ripening season. In fact, the season never came. Blueberries are one of the many wild berries that could not survive under Ganondorf's environment. A world without such sweet nature is verily a world almost uninhabitable. Malon sighs quietly, wishing to bite into a blueberry once more and taste its raw tartness soothed by the lusciousness after.

"You okay?" Link notices.

"Yeah. I just… miss something."

"Miss what?"

"It's… not important."

"Knowing you, it is."

"… Okay… I… I miss… the blueberries."

Link becomes silent, then replies, "Oh. Blueberries."

"Ya never even tasted them, so what's with the sympathy?"

"Well, it's sometimes the little things in life that matters also."

"… Like?"

He struggles through his pack, then procures a familiar, light brown object. "My friend's Fairy Ocarina. Even though our friendship's stronger than this, Saria's ocarina matters much to me… because even it can remind me of us and what we share together."

"Oh… I… I never really thought of it that way."

"You never thought of anything when you eat blueberries?"

"… I do, actually. It gives me back the good old days where I picked them with Mom. Having fun doing that, then eating them… I guess it really does matter."

"Hyrule still has blueberries, doesn't it?"

"No… they're… they're all gone."

"Oh… that's… too bad."

Staring at the wild blue yonder a while longer, Malon becomes aware of something that she should have saw before. "Hey, fairy boy… it's… it's a blue moon!"

"A what?" Link's eyes go up to the celestial object in the sky, which has been colored a light shade of cerulean. "So what?"

She scoffs. "Ya haven't heard about a blue moon before?"

"No… Is it something special?" He stops walking. "An omen?"

"Omen? Goddess, no!" She laughs. "A blue moon is just something very rare to see in a long time."

"How long?"

"Longer than probably generations."

"Oh… That's… That's all?"

"Yep. Not a lotta people can see a blue moon in their lifetime, no matter how old ya are. It's where we get the phrase, 'Once in a Blue Moon.'" She stares on intently. "Never thought I would get the chance to see one…"

"It's not really special, but… it sure is beautiful…"

"Yeah… Beautiful…"

"Lucky us."

"Yep…" Malon faces Link, catching him in the eyes. "Lucky… us."

"Um… speaking of luck, I think I won't get far even with it if I don't eat."

With that, they hurry to the large, two-storied building, equally composed of brick and timber. Windows lined up flood out internal lightings, and a swaying sign above the double, swinging door displays 'Rolante's Wing' on a large, white wing. Laughter and gossiping nearly overpowers any conversation even on the outside. Alcohol is hanging onto the air heavily, and it can even be tasted by its presence in the atmosphere. As the two step near the door, they can tell that no matter how old or tattered the place can endure, somehow it comes back fixed the next day. When a woman runs a bar, it tends to end a different story, and it shows dramatically.

Inside reflects the day of outside, for customers bustle about as if there's no tomorrow. Everywhere on the heroes' right sides, there seats groups attending to an entertainment matter of their own. One has a fraternal group about their early twenties drinking rather excessively. Another has buff men arm wrestling with a cheering audience surrounding them. A couple sits lavishly in a corner spot, making out with drowned-out noises of amativeness. Yet another table holds a group of ladies, closely watched by the young men of the mentioned group and other of different ages.

A whistle is heard, followed by an audible, "Hey, a hot redhead!"

"Naw, forget it! That guy in green has her!"

Malon marks a blush from her companion, giggling at him. "Ya want me to stand behind ya… sweetie?"

"I really do hate this, you know that? Always being the bad end of a joke or an insult…"

Julie is seen handing mugs to a customer, but a smile keeps him staying a while longer. When his time expires making the bartender laugh, he leaves, having a satisfied expression. The barmaid then wipes the counter, stopping when a bright orb flies out of her head and over to our heroes coming up. "Well, if it ain't reddie and greenie! How ya doin', mates?"

"Hiya, Julie!" Malon seats herself on a nearby barstool.

"Uh… Julie," Link greets. "Sure is… full in here, isn't it?"

"Oh, yeah. Everybody's relaxin' 'cause dangers gone. Some Sheikah came by and told everybody some two killed off 'at black thing from the Well. That tyke Joey is good now too, and there ain't no rain or gloomy air anymore…! Wish I could thank them two who did this for Kakariko."

"That would be you, right?" Navi asks, hovering up to their countenances.

"Ha ha! Your 'ittle fairy 'ere, honey, ever since she woke up 'while 'go, 'as been sayin' that ya two were the ones who did it!"

The two simply answer back with a smile that could only be recognized as self-satisfaction. Julie's eyebrows furrow, looking back and forth between Malon and Link. Her mouth tries to form a smile, but is caught by disbelief. "Ya not serious… are ya?" she asks after halting her cleaning.

"Why do you think I have a sword on my back, Julie?" Link replies.

"Ya… Ya…" She laughs a little. "Oh, by Din! You… and you… wouldn't hafta be…?"

"Wouldn't be what, huh?" Malon questions slyly.

"Them Heroes of Time I've been 'earing about solvin' people's problems."

The redhead giggles to herself, while Link waves his hand around aimlessly.

"Ain't the Heroes of Time just a legend?"

"Legends come from truths, don't they?" the hero muses.

"Oh… Oh… my goddess!" Julie gapes. "Heroes of Time? You two? In my bar?"

"… Are we that famous?"

"Famous 'nough that it's funny to see!"

"Ya know what's even more funny?" Malon said. "You… hitting on the Hero of Time."

"Ah!" The barmaid's cheeks turn red at realization.

"Hey…" Link's face softens, "it's really nothing… "

"Sorry, sorry! I ain't…"

"I'm just like anybody else. Just because I'm a hero doesn't mean I'm not a normal Hylian."

"But… But still, a hero?" Her face turns away. "Me… with a hero…?"

She feels the rough, but lightly frayed gauntlet of Link's hand on hers. "You're… You're special, Julie. You know that?"

Julie turns back to him, then she wears an embarrassing smile. "… Oh, little old me…? I'm just… a barmaid… Ain't no hero that'll take me for a spin… "

"I think… any hero would be fortunate to have you…"

"… Really?" The hazel on her eyes complements the light with a hopeful expression.

A cease in talking occurs, where it seems as if the silence is suppressing the background din. Light dances on the far away place in Link's blue eyes while a yearning reaches out from Julie's own. Malon belays interruption for a few moments, to have the bartender enjoy the delight that she so often have with Link. It's difficult not to be sympathetic, especially when they both share the desire for a person to take them away from their problems. When enough time has passed, she emits a sound from her throat and declares, "Well… I'm hungry. Um…"

"Oh!" The holders separate. Julie chuckles with remaining embarrassment, saying, "Hope, uh, I didn't take 'way your… I mean, Linky's here attention from ya."

"That's okay… I know how you feel with him. We both share something… and my friend here can fit either of us two."

"So… if ya weren't 'round…"

"But, I am, am I?"

"Ha ha ha ha…" Julie winks at Link. "Stubborn one for ya, sweets. But I like how she handles ya."

He blinks a good number of times before responding with, "What?"

"Though, I gotta admit…" The redhead laughs, "he's not really all that bright on this kinda stuff. Makes him more lovable, though."

"Oh, I've seen it firsthand! Right… sugar?" the barmaid asks him.

"Ugh…" Link's head droops. He does a headshake to show his stress. "Can we just eat something?"

"Likewise," Malon adds.

"Luck tonight!" Julie exclaims. "Servin' the famous 'ouse special!"

Time passes rather lazily, for Link spots that the moon barely moved from its last position. The redhead is busy conversing gaily with the greenhead, endlessly filled with mirth from their mouths. Even Navi has taken leave, staying up in their room. He doesn't mind driving himself into a corner and sitting alone, but in a place as joyful and relishing as the one around him, Link could not hold back the emptiness that is called the lonesome.

"And so I swooped in and nailed that big Stalfos in the head before it could slice up fairy boy!" Malon describes. "They thought just because I'm a gal, I wouldn't do much, right? Well, whose head is under whose foot now?"

"Gosh! That's showin' 'em! They don't call ya the Heroine of Time for nothin'!"

"Ain't that right, Link?"

"Yeah… sure…" He clearly remembers that the battle had gone absolutely differently, and nothing that is reminiscent to his rescue appears in his replay.

"I'm telling ya, I dunno what woulda happen to fairy boy if I didn't come along!"

Well, I know that I would have ended up with less slap marks on my cheeks…

"I doubted ya before, Malon…" Julie said, "but Heroin' of Time… I see ya."

"Uh, just don't tell anybody else, okay?" Malon glances back to the crowd, now rowdy over a drinking competition. "It's gonna cause commotions and it'll give away where we are."

"Chug, chug, chug, chug, chug!" the crowd blares, backing up an almost scrawny man who's downing his drink.

"I think my drinks are gonna keep ya two safe."

"Yeah!" A cheer goes for the action as the drunk slams down his empty mug. The main attraction certainly is reaching its height, for they call for more liquor to be served.

"That's the cue." Julie brings up a round, wooden board and sets upon it fresh drinks. "When ale's on the house, work's never gonna stop." She perambulates to the large table, settling more of the alcohol in front of the rivals and clearing finished mugs. The cries of continuing roar with overwhelming volume. As soon as Julie comes back behind the counter to the heroine, the first mug of ale has already been quaffed.

"Cheerful people, aren't they?" Malon comments.

"That's alcohol for ya." The bartender takes an empty glass and opens a facet of a barrel to fill it up. "Have a drink, 'ill ya, mate?"

"Drink?" She chuckles timidly, putting her hand up. "No thanks. I don't drink."

"Aw, c'mon! Ain't never gonna feel what it's like without a sip?"

"Doesn't look good, doesn't taste good, not gonna try it."

"Ah, don't be a spoiling sort." Julie puts the drink down next to Malon. "We're young, we're happy, 'night's a good night with that blue moon! Got all ya work nearly done, 'bout to save 'yrule. Ought to 'ave somethin' good on the spot. Enjoy one, eh love?"

"Well…" She fingers the handle. "Aw, heck. Why not? Might as well experience it."

"There ya go!" The greenhead watches her intake a good amount. "Not bad, eh?"

The heroine coughs after swallowing, gagging with her mouth open. "Ack… Knew that's bitter."

"But powerful, no?"

"Yeah… Sorta hits the spot. Kinda heavy, though."

"That's Julie's famous ale for ya." She chortles. "Made and brewed by my own two hands. There ain't no finer ale in 'yrule than the ones in Rolante's Wing! 'Cause I work 'ard to give ya the best."

"That's an honor…" Malon coughs again after another sip.

"Anyway…" Julie puts a rag away, and leans on the counter, hands lifting up her head, "anythin' more 'bout your adventure, mate?"

"Uh, let's…" Her mind begins waning, almost as if being hypnotized. She shakes her head lightly to retain control, "let's see… What do ya wanna know?"

"Hmmm…" The barmaid puts a finger on her chin, "how 'bout… things special to you?"

"Special…? Dunno what ya mean by that."

"Like… did ya meet any… men ya like?"

"Um… there're some that I can hardly say are likable, but there are some good guys."

"Did ya ever love anybody? Before Link there?" She nods over to him, sitting by himself and gazing out of a window into the sky.

"… Nah…" Malon lowers her head, then looks up to Link at peace. They both quickly notice his calm quietness is about to be interrupted by what the hero dreads coming.

"Oh, 'ere's a show!" Julie giggles. "Looks like the ladies seem willin' to walk home with a good one 'night!"

"Hmm…" The redhead suddenly feels eager to see how her friend will react.

The group of women from before titters silently amongst themselves behind the hero. "He does look a little lonely, doesn't he, girls?" one of the young women asks her group as they near him.

"Yep. Looks like he needs a little lovin', doesn't he?"

"Go get him, Valerie! Don't think he would mind taking you home!"

Valerie, a smooth brunette dressed in slightly sensuous clothing, slowly jumps onto a stool next to Link. "Hey, there, hottie."

"Hmm?" He spins around to her. "Can I help you?"

"Oooh?" she drawls. "I was hoping I could help you."

"Oh… Well, no thanks. I'm in no need of assistance."

The girl giggles at him. "Oh, I was talking about lending a hand another way…"

"What way?"

"You, sitting here all by yourself…" She scoots a little closer. "A man like you all alone…"

Link blinks two times before a switch brings him into the light. Oh… no… Why me? "Um… that's okay. I… I prefer being alone."

She flashes a smile at him. "Say, what's your name?"

"Uh… Link."

"Mmm… Well, Link, I'm Valerie."

"Well… nice to meet you… Valerie."

"Let me get you a drink."

"No thanks… I'm fine."

"Here's to the best show of the night!" Malon whispers to Julie, lifting up her glass. "And Link is the star of it all!"

"I say, he did fluster almost immediately after that gal laughed," Julie remarks festively.

"So, what do you do, Link?" Valerie asks, slanting herself to him.

Swordsman? Archer? Fighter? Knight? Assistance? Savior? Puzzle solver? Working odd and ends jobs? "… Jack of all trades."

"… Are you? A man who can do everything?"

"I wouldn't say everything."

"Hey… I have a job for you, then… Accompany me home…"

"Uh, sure… When?"

"How about right now? I'll give you a good payment…"

"Well, you don't have to pay."

"Oh, I insist." Valerie sets a hand on his chest. "It's a… very nice offer, I guarantee you."

Serious alarms go off in his head, signaling a mode to reject. "Oh, no, no… No thanks. I think I'll pass."

"I promise it'll be worth your while." She winks. "Very much to your liking."

"No, no. I apologize, but I'll have to turn down this… berth."

"Oh, but I can give you the best time of your life…" Valerie thrusts her face forward to his. "What do ya say, cutie?"

Link swears he hears women giggling behind him, and even catching a faint fit of laughter from Malon and Julie. "Thank you, but… I stand firm for refusal."

"But why would you refuse…" Her finger skates around his upper body, then brings it to her own. She moves the tip around her stomach, then goes up to trace her breasts, "when this is your reward?"

"… Sorry, but I don't take rewards," he half-lies.

"Oh? That's not a problem then. I'm free."

"Look, Valerie, I just-"

"If you're scared, then don't worry; I can do everything and you can just lie still."

Another outburst of giggling results from his countenance turning crimson. "Uh… I… I'm sure… I'm sure you can, Valerie…"

"Tell you what. Do you want me to give it to you gently…? Or do you want it hard, hard enough to shake the bed?"

The hero chokes on a cough. "Um… I don't want either one…"

"Hey… do you want a peek?"

"What?" At an astonishing rate, the purplish red color laves into bright wan.

"Here, this will change your mind…" Valerie starts unbuttoning her vanilla shirt, disclosing more of her pectoral flesh.

"Wha!" Link's hands fly to hers before they complete their inciting task. Fortunately, he stops them before reaching the next button, which he's sure is enough to reveal what he doesn't want to see. "Okay, I think that's enough."

"You want some now?"

"Valerie, I… I think… you're… nice… and… and… thrilling… but… I'm going to have to turn down your offer."

"Oh… but why?"

He answers with a headshake. "Please. Maybe there's some other man who would accept this propositioning."

"Aww… but you're the only cute one here I want to do it with!"

"I'm… I'm very… grateful… for that compliment… but, Valerie… I just have to say no."

The brunette sighs, then proceeds to close up her shirt. "Alright… Guess I should have expected that when I saw your face… You're a tough one, Link. Chicks dig for guys who are like that. Especially virgins."

"Uhh… I'll keep that in mind."

"Better for you, because seeing how hot you are, I was the first one in line."

"… Wha… What?"

"Just kidding, cutie. I'll tell the girls you're a nervous one."

"… Thanks… I think."

"The girl who gets to you first is a lucky one…" Valerie words to him before taking off to her gathering.

"Hee hee hee! That's what I like about him," Malon says to Julie. "He's such a gentleman at that kind of stuff."

"Did ya ever asked him 'bout that?"

"Nope." She gulps the last drop of her drink. "He would always change the subject, sometimes even going quiet completely."

"Let me get 'at for ya." Julie goes for a refill.

"No, Julie, I think that's enough…"

"Nonsense." The bartender places the full mug back to Malon. "Here they 'ave a saying, 'Enough is when your head lays smack on the table and knocked out.'"

"Oh, I can't…" She stares at the clear, foaming liquid of yellowish brown.

"Sure ya can! I drank 'bout three to four before wakin' up hurtin'."

Whether this is the standard number, or a challenge to tie or drink over Julie's amount, Malon finds doubt in doing so. "Isn't that called a hangover?"

"Yea… Had 'em two or three 'imes. Luckily I don't drink much, else I'll wake up hurtin' every mornin'!"

"But ya run a bar?"

"It's a family business… I…" Julie loses the excitement in her eyes. "I had to take up… after my father went missing… Ya see, Malon… I have no family left." Her head goes down.

"Oh… I'm… I'm sorry…" The redhead quiets down. "I… I sorta know how you feel… I lost my mom… when I was very little…"

"You lost but one… I lost everybody."

"… That's gotta be unbearable."

"I… I can take care of myself… but…" Julie then looks over to Link, "there are times… when I want someone to take care of me." She turns back. "You know? I just… want to have someone who would care for me… Someone I can depend on, be close to… Someone brave so that… I can feel safe with him… "

"… Like Link, right?"

"Like your friend, yeah… He's… He's what I have in mind."

"Mmm…" Conscious about not drinking to please the mood, Malon takes a swig before proceeding. "He does seem like the one who can make anybody happy."

"Yea… but…" Julie shakes her head, "who am I kiddin'? He doesn't love me."

"Don't know about that, but… I do know he cares for ya."

"That's 'nough to make my heart flutter. But… don't ya… Ya know?"

"Well…" Malon suddenly hiccups, covering her mouth in surprise. "'Cuse me."

Julie quickly bursts into laughter again, her voice rousing back into her old fashion. "That's normal on first try! How ya feelin'?"

"Kinda woozy…" Her dizziness comes to reality in her eyes and self-balance. "But… should I feel… kinda light?"

"That's the goodness of drinking! It feels great, doesn't it?"

"Dunno… It's like… feeling… that thing ya get… when you're 'bout to go to sleep."

"Drunk… Feelin' alright?"

"Well…" Malon hiccups again, "I guess I feel more happy…"

"Hey, Julie!" the crowned referee calls to her from the mass of people. "We need some more!"

"Wow, must be some heavy drinkers…" She takes a few minutes to fill the glasses with liquor, then serves it up to the group, which has grown to immense proportions. It seems as if the challenger is faltering, shown by his head messed up from exhaustion. On the other side of the table, the challenged sits with a giant smirk, but he too shows weariness from drinking. Once Julie finishes her delivery, she goes back to Malon, whose body is unsteady and drink is half-empty. But more curiously, she's staring with a very solicited look at Link. "That thick guy over there's winnin'," Julie points.

"Julie…" Malon said, now with slight slurring in her voice. "I love him… I love him… very much…"

The barmaid looks over to Link again, who's oblivious to his companion gazing all over him. "So ya do love him."

"I do… I really, truly do… I don't care… how much he knows… about love… I… I still love him… From the first time… my heart beat for him… from the time… we really die…"

Julie giggles. "I guess it's safe to say he's all yours, ain't he?"

"I know… ya like him, too, don't ya?"

"Hee… Sure do."

"That's okay… I love him… for almost the same reason… as you do. That's why… it didn't matter much when… when he showed his care for you…"

"Really?" Her face becomes shocked, but she regains that smile of hers. "That's… That's very… kind of ya, Malon."

"But… But…"

"I know, I know… he's for ya, I know. Don't need to say it."

"The only thing I wish… wish for… for us… is that Link… wasn't… afraid."

"Afraid? Afraid of what?"

Malon's face saddens, turning back to her center of attention. "To love me."

"Oh, gosh…" Julie's hands go to her mouth. "Afraid to love you? Why, that's… that's really…"

"It's painful… to know that… But…" The redhead faces her, "I know he really does… love me back… Even though… he can't show it… he does love me."

"But… But he's not committed to you… to your relationship."

"Yeah… I can't tell you… how much that hurts. To know he's afraid of doing that…"

"Malon, what if he… what if he never returns your love? What if you find somebody else… or worse, what would it be if Link found someone else he loves?"

"He loves me, I know it… Julie, there's no lie in his voice when… when he told me I wouldn't… I wouldn't be disappointed… He… He promised me… and… he doesn't break a promise, Julie…"

"But you don't know 'bout men these days. More than half of them here ain't what you would think they would be."

"Julie, you saw how Link is, didn't you? How… How caring… and how sweet he is? How… he just makes you feel better… like that?"

"Well… okay, he's like no other man I know of. He's… He's somewhat of an angel…"

"That's… That's how I know… Link… won't… disappoint me."

"Ya really 'ave faith in him, doncha?"

"Yes."

"He's… He's very lucky to 'ave you, then. Bein' so strong to your feelin' for him, even when he's not ready to commit."

"And I… I'm very… lucky too… to have him… Oh, Julie… Link's… Link's much more to me… than a friend… than… than my love. He… He…" A blink and a tear streams down Malon's eye. "Without him, I… I… don't think I would like to live… to see another sunrise…"

"That's… Malon, that's very… moving… to say that of him."

"I love him… because… because he never keeps me alone… He's always there… always there for me… He… He comes back for me, Julie… I can't… I can't explain how he is to me… I never felt so happy… in my entire life… I could not ask… for anything better…"

"I see… Your… Your love for him… is strong, very strong…"

"I'll never stop loving him… I never will… no matter what…"

Julie chuckles. "Either the ale's doin' wonders on ya, or ya already told him what you just told me."

"Well… what do ya think, Julie?"

The greenhead smiles at her, then glances over to the hero. She ruminates for a while, cocking her head once. She then fills up another mug with ale, then calls over, "Link! What say ya wanna drink?"

"What?" he answers, swiveling around. "Do I want to drink?"

"Yep! They're on the house, so don't be shy!"

"No thanks!"

"Well, least come over 'ere! Gettin' kinda lonely here without ya!"

"Uh…" Uh-oh. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

"C'mon! I think Malon's lonely without you! We know how much ya mean to her!"

That confirms it. Something bad IS going to happen.

"Hey, fairy boy!" The redhead waves with what seems to be tuckered effort. "Come on! Sit next to me!"

"Um, that's okay! You two look like you're fine over there!"

"Please…? I'm lonely…" Malon pleads with all the sweetness she can muster. She breaks out her hopeful expression, untainted by the alcohol.

Hearing those three other words effects a cringe from Link. Aw, geez, why does she has to say that? He stifles back a sigh. "Okay, I'm coming."

"Yay!" the girls cheer as he walks over.

I'm going to regret this. He seats himself on the stool next to his inebriated friend. "There."

"'Ere's part of ya reward!" Julie sets the ale in front of him.

"Part?"

"Yea, the other part's beside ya."

Link looks over to Malon, who's incredibly close in his proximity. Her countenance is so near to his that he could deeply inhale the ale's smell from her mouth. Awkwardness strikes Link first, so he edges back. To his freaked dismay, however, Malon reacts by leaning in more.

"Here's to a good night, eh, mate?" Julie breaks out giggling from noticing.

"Good?"

"Eh heh… Drink up and ya'll see, sug."

"Um, I don't drink."

"Oh, like Malon? Look what 'appen."

He doesn't even need to. "Yeah, I think that's more of the reason why I shouldn't."

"Aw, c'mon! Don't tell me ya don't feel what your… uh, 'friend' is feelin' now, doncha?"

"About that…"

"No need to tell me. Malon told me everythin'."

He blinks before his face flushes. "What?"

"Oh…" The barmaid nearly lets go another laughter. "Was I… not supposed to listen?"

"Wha…" He groans. "How much did she tell you?"

"Don't say she. Malon's right there! Ya gonna hurt her feelings!"

"Uh, have you even looked at her?"

Julie takes the suggestion. "… Well, okay, I'll give ya credit for that, hon."

"How much did she tell you?"

"Eh…" She shakes her hand around. "… A lot."

"Like?"

"She loves you…"

"… And?"

"Ya… love her?"

He groans again. "Oh, no…"

"Ya don't or somethin'?"

"No, I… I mean…"

"Ya don't love her?"

"I… I don't don't love her, but…"

"Afraid of sayin' it?"

"Yeah… Wait, she told you that, too?"

"Uh-huh."

"Did she tell you… everything?" Rather than anger, a small hint of trepidity plays on his eyes and voice.

"If I'm thinkin' what you're thinkin', then probably yeah."

"Oh, goddess…"

"Does she… normally tell people she meets everythin'?"

"No."

"Ah… Yep, it's the liquor, then."

"Why did you give her ale, then?"

"'Ello, Link? Celebration? Blue moon? 'Bout to save 'yrule?"

"Great…" Link shakes his head, then glimpses at Malon again. To his expectance, it seems as if the farm girl has not heard one word, for she's not involved in the conversation. "Hey… uh, Mal…"

"Hiya, Link," she responds when attention falls to her. "Ya feeling good tonight?"

… Please let this be some damn nightmare. "Uh… why do you ask?"

"Because I'm feeling good," she giggles. "This… This ale's making me feel good."

THANK GODDESS IT'S THE ALE! "Ah… the ale, then."

"Drink some, come on!"

"Um… Sorry, Mal, but no thanks."

"Drink it, will ya?" Julie pushes. "Don't wanna 'ave a glass go to waste now."

"Well, I…"

"Drink it, Link…" Malon asks, almost emotionally, "for me? Please?"

He hesitates, his breathing becoming noises through his teeth. Why must she say that? It's so unfair… Why must love be unfair? "Fine…" Forcefully, Link takes the mug and, in one draft, gulps down the whole ale. Again, the two next to him applaud as he finishes the liquor. He wipes away his lips, then sets down the empty glass. "There." He coughs like Malon on his first experience, his tongue writhing against the bitterness. "Ugh. What's in that?"

"Only the best 'ops and malts on this 'ere green side of the country!" Julie exultantly professes. She then calms down into a state of anxiety. "Um… did you like it…? I… I brewed it all by me self…"

"Um… it is supposed to taste…?"

"Yep." She nods.

"Oh, then…" Link smiles, "it's the best ale I've ever had, then."

A shade of scarlet touches the barmaid's cheeks, then she giggles. "Well, it's the only one ya ever 'ad."

"That, too. First just happened to be the best, right?"

"… Ya sure know how to flatter a bartender… 'Ere, 'ave some more…" Julie begins to refill.

"Well, I don't know, Julie. This… ale drink was sort of… bitter."

"All ale is." She grins. "Mine… I add a little bit of love and sweetness in 'em."

"Mmm, that's a tribute to success and happiness. I like any ale with that."

"Ya say 'at, but ya don't like ale."

"Don't say that. I really do like your ale."

"Besides…" Malon said, "it makes ya… feel better, doesn't it?"

"No…" His own thoughts begin spinning lightly. He puts a hand to his temple. "Urg… It's… tough."

"Yeah, fairy boy needs some more."

"Comin' at ya!" Julie slides Link's mug to him. "Drink up, sug!"

"No, I… I'm feeling heavy for some reason…"

"That's the good thing, Link!" Malon suddenly smacks her hand on his shoulder. "See? Feels good, doesn't it?"

"Urgh… my stomach is starting to feel nauseous."

"Have some more, mate!" Julie supports. "It won't feel so bad after!"

Link has difficulty thinking for his judgment. Suddenly not wanting to be a bad sport, he shrugs. "Alright…" He brings the ale into his mouth.

"Yeah!" yells Malon. "There's the fairy boy that I know would never turn down a challenge!"

"It's…" Link interposes, "not a challenge. Just… doing what everybody asked."

A dull punch generates pain in his arm. "Cucco."

Feeling guiltless, Link returns with a fist of his own. "I'm no Cucco. Do I look scared drinking this?"

"Cucco!"

"Ow. Am not!"

"Liar! Liar, liar, he who's a crier!"

"Crier? Okay, where's my bucket that has all of your tears?"

All three of them laugh in their little area, while the drinking competition still continues. If something is not done soon, the skinny man will suffer from high intoxication. Up above, Navi couldn't rest a wink. Trying to sleep in a bar at this time of enjoyment is no good idea. She could not rest one moment of ease with screams flowing into her room. Horribly frustrated, the fairy takes flight, choosing to accompany herself with her friends in the barroom below.

"Oh, Nayru, Hylians sure have consequences for their sophistication…" Navi mumbles. "Not even the anarchy of the Deku Shrubs is a match for this one egregious rite of the Hyrulean's lower class… What the?"

"I did not!"

"Oh, yes, you did, Malon! You screamed when we were trapped in the windmill!"

Navi flits over to the heroes arguing rather lightheartedly at each other. Nearing Julie, who is leaning quietly on the bar absorbed in Malon and Link's sprightly chat, the fairy clears her throat. "Um, Ms. Julie?"

"Oh!" The greenhead heeds her pitched call. "Navi!"

"Ms. Julie, why-"

"Just Julie, sugar."

"… Um, Julie…" Navi spins around to the heroes, "why are they… acting strange?"

"Oh, that's just my ale workin'."

"Alcohol?" she pipes. "You… You gave them alcohol?"

"Don't be a sour one! Ya don't want 'em drunk, do ya?"

"No, I don't. It's just… Link and Malon, you just… don't know much about them."

"Aw, cheer up! No 'eason not to be happy 'night, eh?"

"Cheer up?"

"Ya… Ya are gonna kick Ganondorf's arse tomorrow… right?"

"Uh… if I understood you, yes."

"So why not enjoy things when ya know it's either win or die?"

"I… I guess." Navi sighs, watching Malon playfully palm Link in the face. "I guess it wouldn't hurt much…"

"What ya doin' up?"

"Because of that." The fairy points over to the crowd, now broken up after the outcome. The clear winner sits amongst barking men, showing no sign of modesty. The challenger had been carried out and words pertaining to his condition are yet to be heard of. "It's three in the morning and people are still here?"

"Looks like it."

"Aren't you weary?"

"Not with ya two friends here. Though, might hafta open up later than usual to make up for me self…"

"Ya know…" Malon mumbles loudly, "ya think… ya always better, ain't ya, fairy boy?"

"That's… because I am," Link answers back with the same incoherent tone. "Who… Who kicked… the most asses, huh?"

"Yeah…? I… I remember… differently!"

"Rubbish! You have… short-term memory!"

"Really…? What happened… an hour ago?"

"… Well… I forgot."

"Navi, I ain't seen two people ever talk to each other so… happily," Julie comments.

"Well, that's one thing you have to know about them," Navi said. "They go together. I've seen them go through disheartening fights and argue endlessly with no clear answer. But it's things like that that lets them see what they really need, and how much they care for each other."

"Excitin' life each day for ya, eh, love?"

"Literally mental, actually. But… to the truth, there are really no other friends I would rather be with. They're so close to each other, yet they leave room for me so that I'll feel welcome in their presences."

Julie heaves a heavenly sigh. "Wish I could travel with y'all. But I'm more 'tached to home, honey."

"Ya always gotta be… so mean to me?" Malon asks her best friend.

"What are ya talking about?" Link slurs. "I'm never mean to ya!"

"Navi…" the barmaid said, "they ain't perfect… but… they're perfect for each other… aren't they?"

"… Mmm…" Navi gazes at the two laughing in all their drunken renown. "Goddesses only know… if one is ever torn away from the other… It'll be truly merciful… and righteous… if they die… together."

"… Never… alone… when they're with each other… The Heroes of Time… A pair of time…"

"Mean!" the heroine taunts. "Mean like… like…"

"Like you?"

"I ain't mean!"

"Sure ya are!" Link chuckles. "Saying this and that is wrong… Slapping me and stomping my foot… Always taking my Longshot…"

"Loser! Always… Always fondling that… that… springy thing of yours!"

"Loser? Who lost their diary for four years?"

"Yeah? Who didn't know how to ride a horse?

"Who needed my hand when jumping from high heights?"

"Who couldn't figure out what a fork was?"

"… Damn!" He couldn't top that.

"Ha! Yeah, I win again!" Malon whoops.

"Why can't… I win for once?"

"'Cause you're always meant to lose to me!"

"Oh, the Fate had cursed me…" He drops his head.

"Hey, it's not so bad!" She lifts his head up with both hands. A soft smile appears on her face as she puts her hands around the back of Link's neck. "It's… It's what I love 'bout you."

Unrestrained by inebriation, Link smiles back. "Still never going to stop saying that, are you?"

Like a trigger, her voice abruptly flips from merriment to cordiality. "… No… because… it's true, fairy boy… I love you."

"Well…" Malon suddenly feels his arms around her waist, "Malon…" Link simpers in the most affectionate way she's ever seen, "I love you, too."

Navi silently coughs, heard only by Julie. Fluttering up to the bartender's ear, she whispers, "Uh, Julie… how much ale did they…?"

"Oooh…" Julie titters uneasily. "Um… Malony had three glasses… Linky 'ad four."

"Oh… dear… goddess…"

After a moment of quietude between the two proclaimed lovers, Malon begins breathing rapidly. "You… You do, too…? You… love me now… Link?"

"I do," he simply replies.

"Oh, Link…" Her eyes revel into wetting themselves at her heart's cry. "You… You finally…"

"Shh…" His index finger gently touches her lips. Removing it after, Link captures his lover's sapphires onto his eyes. The illuminations on their surfaces shiver in shock, shivering even more when he brings Malon's face closer to his. Even with the smell of Julie's ale haunting their mouths, it's overwhelmed with lips locking onto each other and warmth being shared between the pair. It's seen, it's done, they kissed.

But Malon wants more, more to drown herself in their love. She parts her lips, letting her tongue slip through them and Link's lips. And the hero doesn't object. As their bodies close in around each other in their hug, so does their flesh, caressing its source of amorousness ecstatically in a hot, wet world. Their adult, fervid love… What's left of their childish romance is a thing called memory…

"Hee hee, my drinks pulled them through," Julie confides to Navi.

"It has them… doing more than I've ever seen," the fairy muses.

"Doncha see? They now can love each other… without bein' afraid."

"Yes, well, a person who's intoxicated normally will be more emotionally inclined. Link told Malon he loved her because your ale temporary erased away his fear."

"It's worth it, eh, fairy?"

"… I'll give you that, Julie." Navi watches as the two ends their strong osculation together. "I've never seen them this happy before… and I'm feeling gleeful for them, too… even if it's only for a while."

"That's what I like 'bout ale." Julie views them too, seeing Link beaming and Malon giggling. "Sometimes it brings the worst out in ya… Sometimes it brings the best out in ya."

"Hey, what are you blushing for, Mal?" the hero asks when he notices.

"I'm… I'm just surprised… and embarrassed," she answers.

"About what?"

"You're… Even though this is our first… kiss… like that… you're…" Her blush deepens, "a good kisser."

He smirks. "Is that so…? Well… this would make me… at least good at something romantic…" He laughs heartedly, gracious that one talent would cause his lover to redden.

"It's a good night," Julie declares to Navi. "One of me best nights I ever have."

"I believe it would count for me, too," the fairy follows. "I haven't felt this high in spirits in a while."

"Link…" Malon's countenance turns back into hope, into one of close desire that is never seen before.

"Yeah, Malon?"

"Link…" She leans in close, to where her voice can drop into a whisper, "make love to me…"

His smile crooks into a startled line. "… What?"

"Link… please… I… I want you… I want you so much… I… I-I need you… Please… I need your love… so much more…"

"Uh-oh…" Julie finds the silence, the closeness, and the change of expressions familiar, for she saw it happen to other first loved couples under the influence.

"Is something wrong?" Navi questions.

"I think Malon… asked him."

"Asked him what?"

"Uhhh…" The greenhead's mouth hangs open, trying to find the right words. "Fairy, ya… ya know what… florid means?"

"Florid…? Well, it means ornate… rubicund… and…" Navi stops, then quickly stares at her. "You're not… You're not serious, are you?"

"Ya look into your friends' eyes and you tell me, hon."

"But… But… they… adults… young… still…"

"Can't stop 'em once they're on ale."

"… Malon…" Link gazes deeply into her eyes. "Are… Are… you… Are you sure…?"

"There's… There's no one else… I would rather have it with… than you… fairy boy…" she responds passionately.

"But… I… I… I don't know… We're… We're… still…"

"I trust you, Link… I-I trust you…"

"I know you do… but…"

"… It's… It's about you… isn't it…?" She turns away. "I… I understand… if you… if you don't… I mean, I… I shouldn't… have asked…"

"Mal…" He shifts her back to face him. "If… If… If that's… that's what… you want…" A small smile comes, "I won't disappoint you."

"R… R-Really…?"

Link nods, triggering a face of excited joy from her. Julie's brows lift in surprise, then in gladness. "Well… Navi, I think it's inevitable."

"Oh, goddess, they're going to have…" The fairy cuts herself off.

"What's got ya all shaky there, mate?"

"… T… Ten-year olds…" she mutters to herself. "Outrageous… Time… Mature…"

"Did ya say ten-year olds?"

"Fairy boy…" Malon asks one more time, "it's more about you… Are you sure… for yourself…?"

"I know… but… I love you. I… I should be… ready for anything… for you… right?"

"Oh, Link…" She leans her head on his chest, "… thank you…"

They sit still for a moment, then Link picks her up by the legs and back, and holds her in his arms. Malon shrieks at first, then glances up admiringly at him and giggles. He laughs a little, then says aloud, "I think this is what you're thinking of when you wanted a knight in shining armor to sweep you off your feet."

"Tee hee!" She touches his chin. "My green, fairy knight…"

"Well, now!" Julie exclaims, putting hands on her waist. "Gettin' comfy there, are ya?"

"Oh, Julie!" Link mumbles an unclear sound. "Um…" In all, the Hero of Time is an amateur of words for these occasions.

The barmaid grins widely, gesturing diagonally up the stairs. "Go on! Room's all yours! I'll make sure nobody's gonna bother ya two."

"Julie…! You… You…!"

"Give her a good one, 'kay, mate?" She winks at him. "No need to say good night."

The couple beam at her, then they disappear up the stairs, off to enjoy their time under the blue moon.

"Julie!" Navi yells. "You can't just…!"

"Hey, it's love, right? Ya gotta make room for love."

"But… they…!"

"Eh, don't worry 'bout it! 'Gain, it's a good night, peace's 'bout to come, 'yrule 'bout to be saved, beautiful moon out there, ale's got everyone happy. What's to be worried 'bout?"

"Oh, goddess…" The fairy almost collapses onto the counter.

"Don't worry, I'll keep ya company, least 'til your friends feel the need to let ya in. Besides…" Julie looks out the window at the now setting moon, "I think… this to them… to everybody… only 'appens once in a blue moon…"