Ok, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking to yourselves, "WTF? She doesn't update for a month, and only a couple days after she does finally update she updates again? Inconsistent much?" And the truth in, yeah, a little. But do expect more updates sooner for the next two weeks because I'm on winter break so I actually have time to write. Not to mention we finally got to the angst, and honestly I love writing angst. It makes me all warm and tingly on the inside.
So yeah, here's the next chapter for you all to enjoy… or cry over I suppose… so yeah.
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"Hello?" Link asked into his phone. It was early morning and he was tired – to say the least – after the activity of the previous night. He'd hardly gotten three hours of sleep, and he still had to go to work knowing he was going to be yelled at by the Chief. He still had an hour before he'd have to leave, and he would have liked to get a bit more sleep.
His thoughts of sleep though left when he heard the response.
"Hi Link, it's Zelda," a chipper voice replied. He sat up in his bed with his eyes wide. He hadn't spoken with the girl for about a month.
"Oh, hey Zelda. Wow, it's been ages. How've you been?"
"I've done pretty well for myself. I got that job at the elementary school. I'm now the new teacher for the second grade."
"That's great! I knew you'd make a great teacher," Link laughed, remembering when they were young and how she loved to play school. She adored telling the boys what to do. He heard Zelda laugh over the phone.
"Yeah, well, I guess your gut was right."
"When isn't it?"
"Oh, right, excuse me mister big city detective," she teased. He rolled his eyes at this and, while she couldn't see him, she knew that it was her turn to laugh. "So how is your new job? What's the big city like?"
"The job's fine. The first couple weeks I got stuck with office work, but after a while I convinced the Chief to let me get on a real case."
"You have a partner?"
"Well, I guess you could say I have two, though it's only a temporary thing. After this case, I will be getting my own partner," he explained. He mentally questioned whether the case would ever be over, but that was a thought for another time.
"Oh, I see. What about the city?" she asked.
"Well, it's definitely different, I can tell you that much," he said. There wasn't really a way to explain what it was like. It was harsher he supposed, but also more exciting and thrilling. He laughed lightly. "It's kinda hard to explain to be honest."
"Oh, well that's alright. I guess I'll just have to find out for myself when I get there."
"Yeah… Wait, what?" he asked. Had he heard her right?
"I said I'll find out for myself. I'm coming to visit!"
"WHAT?" he cried into the phone, feeling a little frazzled to say the least. Zelda had to pull the phone from her ear to keep from going deaf.
"What, don't you want to see me?" she asked sadly, her excitement dying.
"Wha—no, that's not what I meant. I just, I mean, this is so sudden! When are you coming? Where are you staying? Who all's coming with you?" he asked. She laughed slightly.
"Jeez Link, one question at a time, 'kay? Your mother, Sheik, and I are staying at some hotel from this Sunday to the Sunday after that. Well, your mother will only be here until that Thursday because then she has to go back, but Sheik and I don't have to be back until Monday."
"Oh, wow," Link replied, unable to really think of anything else. It wasn't enough that he was busy with guy problems; now he had family/friend problems to deal with too. Well, not problems exactly but it certainly would make things interesting to say the least. He could hear Zelda sigh over the phone.
"Aren't you excited about us coming Link? Because you know, if you don't want us to visit, we could always cancel the trip…"
"No, not at all! It'd be great to see you guys again. It's just that things are a little hectic right now, that's all. Plus I'll have work, so I won't be around much during the day."
"That's ok; there is a lot to see in the city, right? And what do you mean hectic? Is something wrong Link?" she asked worriedly. He grimaced.
"No… well, not exactly. It's just that, well, um…"
"…Is it a girl?" she asked sullenly. He replied quickly.
"No, it's not like that… well, I mean, not exactly. I, well, err…"
"It's a guy then?" asked a rather bored sounding voice. It was Sheik!
"Sheik? What are you--?"
"He's on the other line," Zelda replied. Link couldn't help but sigh. That was so typical. "But, is that true Link? Is it another man?"
"…Huh?" was he reply, and Zelda giggled at his rather unintelligent repsponse. He flushed and said, "Oh, um, well, you see it's complicated… look, let's talk about this later. I need to get ready for work."
"Link, is there something you should be telling us," asked Sheik seriously. Link gulped.
"…Look, we'll talk about it later."
"Alright then, see you Sunday."
"Yeah, see you," replied Link as he hung up the phone. Sheik was coming to visit. Well, so was Zelda and mom, but it was Sheik that worried him. He could refuse Zelda, and his mother would believe just about anything he told her. But Sheik was sharp and would know a lie when he heard it. Not to mention Link wouldn't be able to keep the truth from those piercing eyes…
"…Gee Link, what're you going to do now?" he asked himself before sighing and going to take his shower. He should look on the bright side; it would be nice to see them all again. It seemed like ages had passed when he had last seen them, though really it was just under two months. But so much had happened since he'd seen them that he didn't know how he'd act around them anymore. And what would he do about Rikuo and Yuki? The two would definitely want to meet his mother and childhood friends and would blab about his relationship. And what about Dark? Ooh, things were just getting to be too complicated…
When had things gotten this bad?
Little did he know that things were far more complicated then he gave credit for.
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The streets were dirty and the lights dim, the walls covered with years of graffiti and other forms of "art". Men lay passed out from their escape, whatever it may be; some had their bottles still half full; others had bongs still hanging from their slack mouths; and still others still had the needles stuck in their arms. It was enough to make any normal person gag.
Not Dark though. Oh no, he was far too pleased with himself to even give the poor fools any attention at all. He simply clutched his bag – the one with the jewels – close to his side and continued on his way to his apartment.
He wasn't snapped from his happy daze until he reached the building. There, sitting on the bench next to the double doors, sat an annoyed Poe. The boy had a slight scowl on his face, most likely because one of the suits appeared to be making "deals" with him. Dark couldn't completely blame the man; Poe was again dressed in scandalous clothes. He wore a very loose fitting black tank top with tight black shorts that were more like briefs then shorts. He was any pedophiles dream come true. But what was that next to him? It almost looked like a jacket…
"Hey, kid!" he called out. Poe looked up and, momentarily, looked greatly relieved and a little excited. But soon after he wiped the emotion from his face, obviously trying to seem more grown up. Dark couldn't help but chuckle as he walked up. "What'd I tell you about staying off the streets? Do you really want people like him to harass you like this?" He signaled towards the minion. The man looked indignant about the remark. As did Poe for that matter.
"I don't need you to tell me what to do, jerk," Poe grumbled. Dark smirked, but let it drop.
"Well then, what may I ask are you doing here?"
"Well, She came to visit the guy who owns this bunch…" he replied glumly, signaling towards the same minion, implying his employer. Dark pursed his lips.
"You mean Vaati's here to see the Boss?" he asked. Poe nodded, but looked a little awestruck.
"You know Vaati?" he asked. Before Dark could reply he continued asking, "And the guy's your boss? You work here?"
"Yes on all accounts," Dark replied. "And before you ask, no, I don't want to explain myself."
"Oh, right. It doesn't matter, cause it's not like I wanted to know anyway. I mean, why would I want to know about you," Poe grumbled. Dark rolled his eyes and moved towards the door.
"Well then, if that's all you're here for I must be going."
"Wait!" Poe yelped, quickly getting to his feet. With confused eyes Dark watched him curiously. The boy picked up the bundle that had sat next to him and thrust it into his chest. "Here, this is yours."
Dark took hold of the bundle and found that it was in fact the jacket that he had given the boy sometime earlier. He smiled gently, shook his head, and handed it back. "No, I think you're mistaken; it's not mine, it's yours."
"Nuh uh, this is definitely the one that you gave me!"
"…That I gave you, thus it's not mine anymore, it's yours. Now, I must be going," Dark replied as he turned away and opened the door. He glanced over his shoulder. "And you know it's awfully cold. Maybe you should consider actually wearing it."
Poe flushed and looked down, gripping the jacket slightly. He didn't say a word though, merely nodded and put it on. Dark chuckled slightly; the jacket was too big for the boy, and was just barely able to stay on. Poe's flush deepened and he looked away muttering, "Thanks…"
"You're welcome," replied Dark, closing the door behind him and entering the lit lobby. The boy was adorable, he had to admit, but he wouldn't stay that way. There was only so long that a boy with his job could stay pure and innocent. Soon enough he'd become a slut like the rest of them. It was a shame really.
Now all he had to do was decided whether to bring the Boss his jewels now, or to wait until he was done with Vaati. He was tempted by the latter, but knew that he'd be better off letting the Boss know he was back. He didn't want to endanger his being able to stay with Link.
He hadn't the slightest what he was getting himself into.
He passed a couple more minions who were guarding the door to the Boss's conference room, holding up the bag to show his reason for going in. They scowled, but granted him permission to go in. He knocked loudly before opening the door and walking in.
"Ah, Dark Link, how good of you to return on time," said the Boss, giving him an artificial smile. Dark couldn't help but shudder.
"Here, here are the jewels you wanted. Is there anything else you want or can I get going?" he asked irritably. Even in his best mood, simply being in the Boss's presence made him tense and defensive. The man sighed, but before he could say anything, Vaati got up from where she had been sitting and ambled over to him.
"I'm afraid not my darling D. You have some explaining to do to the boss man," she teased lightly, but Dark knew that he was in some deep shit.
"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about," he deadpanned. Vaati shook her head and gave a "tsk tsk".
"Oh? Then I suppose you've already told him about your little boy toy?"
"Is that what this shit's about? If so then yeah, I told him about my lover. Now can I go already?" he continued, looking calm on the outside; but internally he was anxious and his stomach was in knots. Could she know about Link? Would she tell the Boss?
"Dark Link, what's you lover's job?" the burly man questioned, though it was more a command then anything. Dark glared.
"I don't see how that hell that's any of your business."
"Well it becomes my business when my employees start fucking officers!" the Boss shouted, standing up from his seat. Dark winced, and that was proof enough for him. He stomped up to the thief and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. "That's it, isn't it? You're fucking a detective aren't you, you godforsaken bitch? Aren't you?"
"It's none of your fucking business who the hell I'm sleeping with!"
"Are you or aren't you fucking Link Lennings of the NYPD?" the man roared, finding morbid humor in the look of horror on the thief's face. But it wasn't enough to lift the huge scowl from his face as he tugged the poor man even closer and growled, "Scared Dark Link? You should be."
"…Do whatever the hell you want you want to me, but leave him the fuck alone," Dark warned, trying desperately to get some dominance back. It did him no good though as the Boss let out a hearty laugh before smacking him hard across the face.
"Who the fuck are you to be making orders? I'm the one in charge and I can do whatever I damn well please. If I want to leave him be, I will. Hell, if I want to send every one of my minions to gang bang him, then I fucking will, am I understood? Am I?" he yelled, his grip on Dark's shirt tightening to the point that the thief could hardly breathe.
"Goddamn… Fine, whatever, just don't hurt him," Dark asked, wanting to kick himself. The Boss smirked, the hold on the thief's shirt loosening.
"My, my, you must really be smitten with him, aren't you dumbass?" he asked darkly, and all Dark could do was look away. The Boss's lip curled into a cruel smile as he grabbed the man by the neck and forced him to look him in the eye. "Tell me Dark Link, do you enjoy making things hard for yourself? Why do you keep fighting? You lost the battle against Vaati; you'll lose the battle with me. Hell, you lost the fight against your own father, though I suppose some could say you won the war…"
"…Shut up…" Dark growled, gritting his teeth. The Boss's smile only grew.
"But yet you still fight us, even though you should have learned there's no point. Why do you fight me Dark Link? I'm only trying to help you…:
"I said shut up…"
"It was just to spite me, wasn't it? You saw a cute officer and wowed him, just so you could say you fucked a detective, that you rebelled against your owner. You don't really care about him; you just want me to think it's big…"
"I said shut up you goddamn fucker!" Dark spat, his hand taking hold of the Boss's and attempting to rip it away. The thief's eyes had turned hard as stone and his voice far deeper and gruffer. The Boss grimaced and only tightened his grip, closing the thief's airway. Even so the man still fought, sputtering and coughing as he kicked and clawed. If he could only get his hands on him…!
"…Fucking bitch," the Boss swore in his face before throwing him down on the floor, his foot moving to still over the thief's throat. Dark's eyes softened and he looked confused for a moment, almost as if he didn't know how he'd gotten where he was. But he shook his head slightly and glared daggers at him, keeping quiet.
The Boss was done joking. He was going to put this whole thing to rest.
"You really like him then, do you Dark Link," he grumbled. He didn't even bother to hear a response. "Well then, I guess that just makes things harder for you. I forbid you from ever seeing Link again."
"Wha--!" Dark started angrily, but he didn't get far as the Boss's foot pressed against his throat warningly.
"There is no place for compromise. I will not have my employee endanger my business because he's 'in love' or any shit like that. You aren't to ever see him. Is that understood?" he asked darkly. Dark's glare only worsened, but his eyes wavered. Defeat was knocking at the door, but he wasn't going to give up that easy. He couldn't!
"…What I do is none of your business." The Boss frowned and pressed down on the thief's airway again, causing Dark's eyes to widen some and his hands automatically went to move the foot. "Get the hell off!"
"Dark Link, I'll say this once, and only once. I will not have your relationship fuck me over, and if I can't get you to cut it off, then I will cut him off myself. Permanently," the Boss stated, his eyes hard and his will unmoving. Dark's glare left his face and was replaced with a mixture of anger, frustration, shock and fear. Untainted, pure, fear. He bit his lip, looked away and closed his eyes, unable to take anymore. Maybe he was right; maybe he was a glutton for pain. Why did he bother fighting? Why had he even tried to have a relationship, knowing that ultimately they were still on opposing side? Why didn't he just give up once and for all, let all his pain suffocate him till he couldn't feel it anymore? Goddamn…
"Am I understood?"
"…I'll break off our relationship. Just don't hurt him."
"Pardon?"
"…Please."
"That's better." The foot was lifted from his throat and a hand reached out to help him up. Dark ignored the taunt and picked himself up. He walked out of the room without so much as a glance at the two.
The lobby was abuzz with minions murmuring to one another, all of them glancing at Dark curiously. He ignored them though, simply walking without a sound.
"Hey, you alright?" Dark looked up from the floor to see Poe standing there, concern etched into his face. He didn't respond. "Come on jerk, don't act like you didn't hear me. Looks like you got the shit kicked outta ya…"
"…Leave him be. He doesn't want to talk about it," Dark replied, but in a voice that wasn't his. This voice wasn't any higher or any lower, just… different. Poe stared at him, blinking in bewilderment. He reached a hand out slowly.
"Him? What're you talking about, I'm talking to you, you moron." Dark smiled weakly at the boy, ruffling the boy's hair before turning away. The boy watched as the defeated man started up the stairs. "Wait a second! Come back here you… you… Whatever your name is! Don't you walk away from me!"
Dark ignored the cry and continued up the stairs. Well, to be more accurate the Thief continued up the stairs. The personality sighed as he paused momentarily. "Hey, old man, can't you hear that adorable boy? I think he likes you." The Thief waited, but there wasn't any response, not even to the old man comment. (Since Dark was the original, he was the oldest. The Thief became when they were thirteen, and always stayed thirteen. And the other self? He came about when they were fifteen, and stayed that age. While Dark aged, they didn't. So the Thief would sometimes refer to him as old man which annoyed him to no end.)
"Dark…" he sighed, but knew there was no getting through to the man. He'd gone and hidden away again. Oh well, there was nothing to be done about it. They'd have to wait until he was done with his hissy fit.
The Thief walked down the familiar hallway and opened Dark's door, letting himself into their room. As soon as the door was closed behind him, he felt turmoil inside himself. It seemed that the other self was yelling at Dark for being a wimp, for giving up too easily, for being so stupid, for getting into a stupid relationship… the other self never approved of their relationship with Link, and it seemed that he was taking advantage of his being right. Poor Dark…
"Shove off, let him be," the Thief defended. "While you never liked him, we did, so kindly take that stick up your ass out." He settled onto the rock hard mattress, his legs bent and his arms wrapped around him. He hated to admit it, but he had really liked Link too. Not to the extent that Dark did perhaps, but definitely more then the other self. The detective was cute, understanding, was great at bottoming; but most of all he'd really helped Dark out. The Thief had always tried to help the owner of their body out; helping him to get to know new people and letting Dark hide inside when he couldn't handle his life anymore. But he could never give the man what he needed; someone who truly loved him; someone who could love him, despite all his flaws. While the Thief, in a sense, loved Dark, he hated their flaws too. He didn't like being "the Slut" as the other self still referred to him as, and he didn't really like being "the Thief" anymore. He didn't like having to be a shield, and he didn't like having to hide behind the other self when worse came to worse. He hated being like they were; broken. The being that was Dark Link Ater – a boy born in a little town to a now dead woman; a slut of the Happy Mask house; a thief for the Boss – was nothing more then a broken doll now.
His thoughts were broken for a moment as the other self gave his last cry of frustration, cursing Dark and the Slut, the Boss and Vaati, and finally Link. Goddamn that boy, goddamn him! The Thief watched as the personality fell into his own corner to seethe.
A sob caught in his throat and tears welled in his eyes. Were they his, the other selves, or Dark's? The Thief couldn't help but laugh at the irony; he couldn't tell whose tears they were anymore. He was so pathetic…
No, they were so pathetic.
The body known as Dark broke down, their body lying down and curling into a ball, their arms hugging themself as their tears landed sadly on the mattress. Their head still spun and their heart was tearing itself piece by bloody piece. They could have sworn that they could taste the blood in their mouth…
"Link…" Dark moaned as both the Thief and the other self left him alone, unable to carry his burden with their own. It was times like this that he knew he was truly pathetic. Even his other personalities couldn't handle his life. He hated his life, he hated himself…
And he hated Link for making him love him.
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"No…way… Ugh! That jerk! He hung up on me!"
"…I don't think he meant it like that sis."
"I don't care what he meant; he still hung up on me. Me!"
"Zelda, I think he's just frazzled."
"I suppose you're right… Sheik, you really think it's a guy?"
"Yes, I do."
"Darn… I guess he really is gay."
"Yes Zelda, he is most certainly gay."
"Oh well… Hey, why are we still on the phone, even though you're just in the other room?"
"…"
"Oops. Oh well, see you in a second then."
click
"…'Is he gay?' Jeez, how dense could she be…?"
click
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Alright, before anyone asks, the last part was totally added at the last second. I had just realized that Link said good bye to Sheik and Sheik said good bye, but Zelda didn't get a word in. So I added the last part for that, and for some comic relief.
Also, I do want people to realize that the way I describe Dark's illness won't always be accurate. In some ways it will, in others it won't, so don't decide that now you're an expert in split personalities, cause you aren't. I try to keep accurate, but there are times that I leave reality for the sake of good story writing, so there you go.
And ooh, there's danger in paradise. Well, more like disaster in paradise, but whatever. Please comment, for they feed my angst-driven writing, and will help you in getting the next chapter quickly.
Oh, and guess who's written over one hundred pages? MEH! Oh yeah, who rocks!
