VIII. A TRIANGLE?

Zelda and Peach were sitting with Roy and Marth at one table. Young Link, Kirby, and Ness were eating together at another table. Link and the Mario Brothers were sitting together too.

"So-a Link. You're a pretty good fighter!" said Mario"but, you let-a me-a win, didn't you?" That was partially true. At the end of the battle, Link faltered a bit. He remembered his dream and got a little scared. He let his guard down and Mario saw the chance to finish him off.

"Boy, dat Yoshi is a tough one!" said Luigi. "You-a don't wanna piss that one off!" At another table, a different conversation was going on.

"So Roy, are you doing anything tonight?" Asked Peach, fluttering her eyes.

"Nope, I'm free." Roy Said "How about you and I go explore Nintendo City tonight, milady?"

"You get yourself a date!"

"Oh Marth, you were so great out there!" Said Zelda

"Oh I hadn't the slightest trouble finishing him off." The Prince of Atlea said. "You were magnificent out there!" Zelda blushed.

"Flatterer." They both smiled.

"MARIO! You see that! He's making a move on my girl."

"Now-a Link. Marth is a nice-a respectable man. He knows she's-a yours, so-a I don't think-a he'll be-a hittn' on Zelda."

"Haha! Look at Link get all mad. Isn't that a hoot Kirby?"

"Giggle, he thinks Marth's hitting on Zelda."

"Well, from the looks of it, I'd say he is. Look at that." And indeed the little boy from Earthbound was right. There was definitely something going on.

That night was a time to relax after the fighting. Peach and Roy went out for a night on the town. The kids watched a movie, munching on popcorn and drinking their pop. Link, Marth and Zelda were in the lounge talking. Link kept an eye on Marth and an arm around Zelda. Samus and Captain Falcon were training in the gym. And some of the others were playing video games.

"So, Marth, got a girlfriend?" Asked Link, squeezing Zelda even tighter.

"Sadly, No. I hoped to find someone here but…" Marth sighed.

"Oh Marth, I'm sure you'll find someone." Now Link wasn't sure, but he thought he saw Zelda wink at Marth. "Oh, I'm out of coffee, I'll get some more."

"I'll come with you." Link said. He took his cup and hurriedly pushed Zelda out of the room. "Zelda! What was that all about!"

"What do you mean Link?" asked Zelda

"You winked at him." Link said through gritted teeth.

"I most certainly did not." Said Zelda.

"Come on Zelda, I saw it!"

"Maybe you're going blind. I did not wink at him."

"Well, you were hitting on him at lunch."

"Every time I talk to another guy, you think we're going to start a relationship. I love you Link, but you need to trust me… or I might not. Okay?"

"Oh, Zelda… I love you too. So much. I just don't want to lose you."

"Oh Link. I'll always be with you." Link and Zelda were in a passionate embrace. Link caressed Zelda face.

"I love you."

"I love you too." Their lips met. The kiss was slow and sweet. Zelda was going weak in the knees, but she knew Link was there to hold her. The world around them melted away and nothing else seemed to matter. It didn't matter that they dropped the fine china teacups on the floor. It didn't matter that they were in the middle of a hallway. It didn't matter that Marth was watching them. As the kiss ended, Link opened his eyes and found Marth standing in the doorway.

"Oh-oh…Marth." Link stammered. Zelda turned around.

"Oh. H-hello Marth. Oh, Marth, are you upset?"

"Oh no Princess, quite the opposite. You're very nice, and a good fighter, but I'm sorry to say, don't love you." A wave of relief washed over Link.

"Oh Marth, I'm so glad you're not mad." Zelda said

"You two make a good couple anyways." Marth said.

"Flatterer." Zelda smiled at Marth. She left Link's arms

"I'll get us some more coffee." Said Link, and he left the hall. He was glad to know he still number one on Zelda's List.