Stelli took a deep breath as discreetly as possible. She had to keep moving her hands in order to maintain the guise that she was merely impressed by Patisse's form—an excuse to simply feel him again.

It wasn't what it sounded like; she didn't have a crush crush or anything, though he was very good looking, tall, and as she recently discovered, fairly built. It was instead something inexplicable, deep within her psyche.

A bit ago, Stelli had gotten slightly teary-eyed, regretting her rather improper treatment of the Rito and her memories of Kaiugi. Pat had kindly held her hand, as any nice friend would do, but upon doing so, she discovered something. Perhaps just the way his feathers wove together, or the way his golden eyes sparkled as he watched over her, but it brought her back to Kaiugi more than ever. The parallels were numerous. His touch sparked fond memories and promised new ones, and she liked it a lot. So Stelli made a goal to try and feel what could only be described as pure nostalgia given form, without giving the wrong idea or making it obvious.

She was nervous that Pat was hardly reacting. Did he find this to hurt? Maybe it was uncomfortable. Should I back off? We just started being friends. Roommates too, but that's new as well. Still, while she could, she savored the chance to gently feel, odd as that sounded. The Zora had lied about this whole curiosity and science thing, but it wasn't entirely inaccurate; Pat's wings felt incredibly strong, adding to his imposing stature. Yet the feathers were so gentle, so warm...just as Kaiugi's had been...

Suddenly, the muscles tensed. Oop! Did I touch something wrong?

"A-ah, Champions! Hello!"

She froze, instantly upset at herself for attempting to do this now. He tore away gently with a forced smile. "Oh, why thank you Stelli, for being so kind as to help with the crick in my shoulder." She caught what he was trying to do and played along, putting on her own false happy expression. Nice save.

"Not a problem." He spoke the truth; by a pure stroke of bad luck, every single Champion had suddenly arrived, strolling down the hall. Perhaps they were doing something important. Hearing the attempt at coverage, they gave curious and suspicious expressions, save for Link (Lady Mipha's personal love interest, she'd found out) who was always expressionless.

"Sorry about that, we'll get out of your way." Pat gently led her over to the side of the hall, wings on her sides—which made her feel unusual outside of the normal Nostalgic Touch. Daruk shrugged, sign enough that they were going to move on.

Stelli somewhat looked at the ground as the Champions passed; outside of Mipha, who was her friend, they were all quite menacingly powerful. Somehow, Pat was able to smile and casually wave. He had an amazing ability of putting on a guise for the public. However, as Urbosa passed, this broke, and the Zora felt her friend shiver.

"I see things are going a lot better," the chieftess whispered, innocently enough. There were definitely similarities to Geiha. Maybe all Gerudo were as bold.

But as quickly as they had arrived, the Champions left, off to do...whatever it was they did. Pat let out a huge sigh and released his grip, respectfully backing away.

"Hylia, she freaks me out."

"Hm? Urbosa?" Stelli decided to accept this new topic, putting aside the way she had been not-so-subtly feeling around a new companion. To add further to his statement, the towering Rito began to go again in the way towards Stelli's room, but significantly faster. She had to hustle to keep up with his massive strides. "Do you just not like Gerudo all that much?" His feathers were most certainly ruffled.

"Oh, I'm certain there are plenty of good people among them. Just—every desert person I've met has just been menacing as all get out. I feel like I'm being threatened." She blinked. Huh. Her lack of experience with such people made her curious if that was the case. In at least a few examples, it was true. Probably shouldn't generalize...

Thanks to a much brisker pace, they had reached the bedroom. Dorm? Quarters? She briefly worried that it wasn't ready for another resident, let alone visitors; there was only one bed, and that simply couldn't happen. They'd have to come up with something—if Stelli's mother had taught her anything, it was that guests were never to sleep on the floor.

Confusion aside, she regained the excitement she had forgotten about, at the prospect of showing someone her lodging. A childish joy, but a fun one.

"Okay, okay. Here we are. I really like showing people things! —I used to love teaching before I got into politics." Patisse blinked, caught off guard by her bubbly attitude. With a sense of anticipation, she dramatically threw open the door. "Voila!"

Her room had a sense of home, at least to a Zora. The kind people at Hyrule Castle had expended a lot in an effort to design the place as close to the Domain as possible. It glowed blue in many places, and was accentuated by the coral plants of Lanayru. Like every other guest housing area, it contained a small appliance corner that functioned as a kitchen and place to eat. Other than that though, there wasn't much else you could change; a water feature for a single resident would be far too much of a hassle—unless you counted the indoor shower in a much smaller side room, which was enhanced with Sheika technology.

Despite its simplicity however, as Patisse slowly entered the room it was with a look of awe. He had probably never been to the proper Domain prior, and was now experiencing Zora culture. His startled expression was even a little cute.

"Is this normal for you? Wow!" Stelli found a sense of pride. At the very least, she hadn't bent the truth about this—presenting stuff to others who didn't know about it brought great joy. Pat slowly spun around the room, admiring and occasionally brushing some design elements with his feathers. —Do Rito molt? Kaiugi never mentioned it...I wonder if it's a problem. She had a lot of questions. After all, being the ambassador of the Zora people, she had to be knowledgeable about other races. Her time with both Topado and Geiha had allowed her insight on their behalf, along with the constant exposure to Hylian traits, but there was only a short period of another friendship before... That's it. For my sake, for his, and maybe for everyone else's...I'm going to make sure Patisse meets no similar fate.

Her thoughts had gotten her distracted.

"Um, Stelli? You okay?" The Zora flushed with embarrassment realizing he had been waiting on a response from her.

"Oh, yes, yeah, uh...what did you need again?"

"I'm sorry to take so much from you, but I was wondering if I could utilize this shower device sometime. Rivers work, but they aren't nearly as refreshing."

"Of course," she returned, straightening a loose corner of the bedsheet that had been bothersome. "Staying with me means you get every benefit." His expression changed at this phrasing, before the avian ducked back into the side room to investigate the technology. Perhaps...is he uncomfortable with this? I understand—we, rather I, just sort of sprung this very suddenly. Boarding with a random stranger is quite disconcerting.

Inspired by this, Stelli decided she would try to make everything more homey. Add some useful amenities, perhaps a bite of Rito decor, and of course, get him a suitable place to sleep.

But where to start?

--

That seems like a good place to end.

Patisse took one last look around the dorm. It had served him well. Because of his...new conditions, there was no more use for the old one—though it would be rude to tell the hosts that. Instead, Pat was being discreet with the unsanctioned move, and only taking everything one could hold in their own wings. More clothes, small trinkets from home, preening tools: the essentials. However, this meant he wouldn't necessarily have a proper bed, but that was fine. Perhaps a change of venue was suitable for a change of heart.

With this final bag of garments, that seemed about everything, and Pat began the trek to and from the new room for the sixth and final time. He yawned; this escapade had taken up the rest of the day, but it seemed ages ago when he had woken up sour from a nightmare just this morning. A lot had suddenly changed, and now he was staying with...Stelli.

The name alone could send his heart racing. Her beauty and generosity knew no bounds, and...perhaps the Zora and Rito would have a large bolster to their trade relations soon. But they were professionals. This was a job, certainly not the place for cartoonish schoolhouse crushes. He had to be formal about this, and with all seriousness, make sure these affections never got in the way.

Which was increasingly difficult.

Almost instantaneously, Stelli's room had changed from when he last saw it. Things had been adjusted and moved around a little to be much more practical. The place where he had been organizing his belongings—which the Zora hostess had made certain was on the far side of the room from the door—was now complete with a lumpy pile of cloths and soft vegetation, a ramshackle attempt at a bed or at worst a cot. Beside it was Stelli herself, standing with a nervous smile as though presenting her work.

Despite such simplicity, Pat was truly touched. She was going out of her way to be a true friend and make up for the rude treatment, and though it wasn't entirely necessary, it was mightily appreciated.

The two of them briefly stood in silence, illuminated only by the bioluminescent plants as night fell.

"Wh...why Stelli, I...don't know what to say." Nor did she apparently, as all his gratitude did was make a gorgeous pleased grin touch her face. "I owe you my thanks. Really." They caught and held each other's gaze with pure silence.

Almost frighteningly, the clock suddenly struck nine, dispelling the moment. Shaken from her stasis, Stelli resumed a gentle aura, drifting towards her own bed with the grace and fluidity of the squid she embodied.

"My, I didn't notice it was late. We should get some rest." Pat only nodded, still a bit caught by their brief stare down. As though of their own accord, as he shut the door and clicked to the bunk, the plants dimmed and brought true darkness to the room.

Pat quietly laid down, and was impressed by the craftsmanship and seam work on the sheets. In just a short week of diplomatic work, he had learned so much and changed so quickly; when first taking the position, he had never imagined being adopted into such a tight family, and tasked with unraveling a years-long conspiracy. Life just kind of happened like that. Let's see if everything has changed.

...

Nope.

Lots of time passed, and nothing happened. Patisse flipped to the opposite direction, putting his head on the non-pillowed side of the impromptu mattress, and gave a silent sigh. He didn't want to go. Turning out like those before him would be an insult, and the constant nightmares that had befallen him since arriving at the castle would have accomplished exactly that. Maybe if he didn't sleep, they wouldn't show up. He had to stay strong.

"Huh?..What?...Pat, are you okay?" So much for that idea.

He must have woken Stelli through the uncomfortable shifting around. She was peering over her own much fancier bedding, concerned.

"Yeah, sorry to wake you..." He yawned. "Having a bit of trouble falling asleep I guess. Not an issue." The Zora softly lifted the blanket and descended from where she had been laying; her gentle, small webbed feet made interesting noises as they moved along the floor.

"Is it uncomfortable? I thought as much...we could always trade." He knew it would be wrong to accept such a thing, but the stubborn, perverse side of his mind was agreeing, even suggesting they share the bed. Stop it, you.

"It has nothing to do with you or the room, I'm sure." He decided to be upfront and more open seeing her worried expression. "See...up until today, sleep here at the castle has been nothing but hideous nightmares. I sound like a child, but they were just—relentless. I mean, I watched the lot of you gruesomely die many different ways. They have me worried of going back to sleep again, because...well..." Stelli nodded, kneeling next to him. He sat up, thinking it was weird otherwise.

"I understand. Kaiugi had the same problem." The words hung in the air. The cuttlefish membrane sagged as her expression fell. Great job. Look what you did!

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"Is there any way I can help you?" He blinked, startled. Her stare was quite fierce. He didn't know how to respond for a brief second.

"You shouldn't fret about it too much. Really. Go get some rest." He turned away, grateful for the concern but conflicted to not want to bother his hostess. A moment passed of nighttime silence, and he was relieved. Pat really didn't want to infringe any further than he already was.

Suddenly, hands grabbed under his knees and behind his back. What the!—

Stelli grunted with the effort, having miscalculated his weight. "Woah, hang on! I'm heavy, don't strain yourself." He hobbled out of her hold, despite secretly not wanting to, and stood confused. The Zora slumped, breathing heavy a little. That was a lot of force on her tiny arms. "What gives?"

"I was trying to bring you over here." To—to the bed? He swallowed and hid a blush. No. Too soon.

"Stelli, I'm not just going to waltz into your living quarters and steal your bed." She was aggravated by such defiance, enough to gently shove him in the general direction of the very comfortable looking mattress.

"You're not stealing, I'm offering. Now no more complaints!" He sighed again, and hopped in. It was warm...and flowing with recognizable flowery perfume...but it's not mine!

"Okay. There. But no offense, I don't want you on that thing. This is your room. No one sleeps on the floor in their own home." Pat blanched realizing what he'd thoughtlessly suggested. The answer to this problem stared them both in the face, but neither wanted to accept it. "W-well, I mean...we can swap, just for today. We can see if the dreams still happen, and if not, I promise you I will be fine with the makeshift." Her expression at this haphazard attempt to save his slip-up was stuck between worry, anger, and gratitude.

However, it seems they both had the thought that they were losing too much sleep as it was, and no more words were exchanged. Stelli laid down on the lumpy poor bed, turned away, and he felt bad for being so needy. Maybe things would improve by the morning.

Knowing there was no going back, Pat went all out, and snuggled deeply into the sheets. They were so heavy and soft...perhaps even more than traditional Rito down.

With them, along with the warmth and gentle fragrance, the nightmare world was no doubt universes away.

--

Stelli slipped out of her deep rest as a warm and gorgeously sweet scent drifted into her senses. It gave her the impression of a friendly bakery, like one she had visited in Hateno Village a few years ago. Where everything was expensive, but most certainly worth the price to eat. Almost drawing her in, she started to wake up fully, very curious as to what could be producing such a kind smell. With the lightest of grunts, she rocked back and forth until able to heave upwards, eyes still too tired to open entirely.

She gave them a rub and yawned; last night had not been the longest of naps. Wait... Memory flooded back, and the Zora remembered she wasn't alone. I can't be crawling out of bed like some troll! Quickly, she hopped up to an appropriate standing position and surveyed the room, making sure she wasn't embarrassing herself.

...And there he was.

Patisse was bustling about the kitchen. So early in the morning? He was wearing what could only be described as an apron, and her surprise at this almost came out as a laugh. It seemed he had been at it for a while, too—the bed was as it had been before he'd even got in it, without a single scratch or wrinkle. In fact, the whole room looked impressively spick and span. The Rito hardly noticed she had woken as he went about cooking. Pat the Chef! I would never have suspected. She noticed that was the source for the sugary smell also. Her curiosity was piqued at whatever he was making.

Shoot, I'm still in my nightclothes! She would have to change in the small shower room. Having someone else around all the time was an opening moment for Stelli that showed her how sloppily she lived and acted sometimes. She instinctively reached to her side to grab something much less revealing to wear, only to instead be holding one of Pat's vests. While not intentional, she noticed that it had his scent—not in the way that it was sweaty or gross. Instead, it reminded her of the Nostalgia Touch. Did it apply to this too? Was it just all of Patisse that mysteriously was this way?

"Oh hey! Did I wake you? Sorry bout that."

Stelli froze and dropped the garment at once. He didn't see or didn't care, and was merely washing his wings with a big smile.

"Not at all," she responded with a happy inflection, trying to play it off. "But I must say, whatever you're crafting did."

"Oh right," he responded, turning away to fiddle with something else and giving her time to silently dash to grab a fresh set of clothes and jewelry. "See, I figured I should at least offer some value if I'm going to stay here. It's kind of ironic with my name, but I've always..." Stelli ducked into the side room and changed at the speed of light as he kept talking. "...and I've really tried to work with meats, but I can never get the timing right. I don't really know what you like to eat either. So outside of the sweets, the best I can offer is some jam on toast. Is that okay?" Her friend turned around, plates of delicious-looking food in hand, to see Stelli leaning against the wall with labored breathing and a strained smile. Her jewels and other adornments were quite hastily put on. It probably looked weird on the outside.

"Oh, sure! I love toast." He gave her a strange glance, but thankfully otherwise dropped the subject.

"Right...well, all that aside, here's breakfast! Consider it my gift of thanks." Her eyes widened as the admittedly delicious-looking meal was set out on the small table. He really doesn't have to go through so much trouble...I'm not doing this unwillingly. She would swap beds every night if it meant he wouldn't suffer like Kaiugi. Ah, right. I should ask about that. He looks fine...

Stelli sat, not wanting to look ungrateful. He'd actually made three dishes: the toast, which though simple was always a great way to start the morning, some pancakes, complete with butter and the drizzle of syrup that looked like it belonged on a promotional picture, and some form of pastry set off to the side. To top things off was some form of steaming dark beverage she'd never had; is that what people called coffee? Geiha had it often.

"Wow. This is...um...a lot."

"I figured you've done a lot for me. —Were the pancakes a little much? You don't have to eat all of it. And if someone hovering around while you eat is kind of uncomfy, I can just..." The Zora waved him off, grabbing the utensils. She'd been told a lot that her stomach and appetite was insurmountable, so the proportions were fine. She didn't want to pig out in front of him, but some people supposedly enjoyed when others enjoyed their cooking.

Might as well give it a shot.

A Few (Brief) Moments Later

Holy moly. Stelli felt swollen. It seemed she had underestimated the sizes. She hadn't even gotten around to touching the small round sweet. But the scent was so tantalizing...

"I see you didn't take my advice." It was the first time she had heard Pat's laughter, and it was actually...amazing. He had such a dorky laugh that sounded like a croaking frog in puberty, and it was so outrageous that it was nearly contagiously funny. That didn't stop Stelli from feeling really embarrassed, curling up a bit in the chair.

The friendly Rito sat across from her. "Aww, I didn't mean it like that. I'm glad you enjoyed. ...Though you missed the best part." She glanced, curious, and he picked up the glazed breadstick-like thing with a napkin. Wow...how does he hold anything with those big clumsy wings? "I'm really proud of it. Shame it's getting eaten." He checked one last time, and Stelli assured she was full. With little reservation, Pat bit in...actually eating like a bird. Why hadn't she expected that to be the case? Actually curious at how different it seemed, she watched him eat.

There was so much diversity in the world. That's why Stelli had decided to work in relations in the first place.

Patisse took a deep sigh, finished with what he called an eclair. It looked super good—she wondered if it would be alright to ask for another sometime.

Ope! A bit of the creamy filling had wound up on the side of his beak. As a good friend would do, she leaned over the table and helped out. Their eyes met for a second; that golden sparkle was fascinating.

"There you go." Fighting the desire to get the Nostalgia Touch, she pulled away, leaving Pat briefly frozen. Oops...are we not that close yet? He seemed startled.

"Oh. Uh, thanks." Very awkward. The clock went off; it was time to go.

Most definitely an unusual start to the week.

Daww. Aren't they adorable? (To me at least, idk, wait why is my fluff chapter the longest one?..) But worry not! Up next is something much more plot heavy.