Disclaimer: The Legend of Zelda world and its characters belong to Nintendo.
Author's Note: As always, thank you for reading! The first love scene had to be cut to stay in compliance with the M rating (which is the highest I am able to give it here), but if one were to look on AO3 for heidihendricks or search for this story there, one might find the full scene. 😉 I wrote this while feeling somewhat displaced at my sister's house. She broke her ankle so I've been helping her with errands and doctor's appointments. Apologies if you guys find any gaps in here; hopefully you won't. Anyway, enjoy!
After putting out the fire, Link followed Ruto into the home. He bolted the door behind him and snuffed out all the candles, except for one, which he carried past Thora's chair and down the hallway. Her room was the first on the left. He could tell by the dainty snores when he passed.
The floorboards creaked as he made his way to the last room on the right, which was the guest room. Ruto was already there, spread out on the bed and propping herself up on her arm. After closing the door behind him, Link placed the candle on the tiny nightstand and took a cloak out of his pack, meaning to spread it on the floor. The bed was small – granted, neither of them took up much room, but he did not want to crowd Ruto, especially if he had nightmares.
"Link, do you listen to me at all?" she whispered. "Stop that and get up here with me."
"I don't want to bother you if I have a nightmare."
At that, her gaze softened. "You never bother me. Come here."
Before he acquiesced, he took off his scabbard, shield, and belt, then his tunic and boots. He climbed into the bed next to her and was surprised by how soft it was. It was even more comfortable than his sleeping arrangement at the Zora Domain.
"A feather bed?" Link remarked. "Fancy."
"Yes. She got it for me during my rebellious, run-away-from-Father phase. She and Uncle said if I was running away from home, I needed comfortable digs. I thought I was so clever back then. Now, sometimes I think Father was in on it the whole time." Ruto paused in thought. "She likes you, you know. She was telling me while we washed up."
"Hopefully she likes me more than Jireto." The thought of him was enough to turn Link's stomach. He was eager to go back to the Domain and set things right, but he hadn't had a chance to ask Sheik for guidance on what he should do first. How would the water medallion work now? He hadn't even checked his pack to see if he still had it.
"She never met him. Jireto never cared about people I care about. Or anything, really, unless there was something in it for him." She snuggled closer to Link so they could both lie comfortably.
There was silence between them again as they felt the magnetic effect of each other. Link grew uncomfortably aware of it, especially when his mind was not trained on anything else. The nightmares were just a cover. The real reason he had wanted to sleep on his cloak was the growing desire between his legs, the knowing that he would undo Ruto's virtue before morning if they remained this close. And to do it in Thora's nice, feather bed while her room was only a few feet away…
As if sensing this, Ruto fully stepped into the role of temptress as she propped herself up again to look at him. She pulled the covers down so she could gaze at him, the fine hairs that began at his waist but the rest of which were hidden by his trousers.
She reached over to trace her fingers over his chest, causing him to shiver with desire. "I love you, Link," she whispered.
"I… I love you too, Ruto." It was the first time he'd said it, but he knew it was true. He knew only love could have caused him to be this selfish, to make Princess Zelda wait for him. Ruto's love had restored him from the grips of darkness and made him feel whole again. It made him consider that being selfish was not always wrong, but sometimes it was necessary.
Before he'd had a chance to react fully, Ruto was on top of him, kissing him. He parted his lips and returned every bit of her fervor, his hands running up her thighs.
"Yes. Touch me," she breathed into his ear.
Her encouragement broke down the last of his wall. He cupped her bottom in his hands and squeezed as she went about undoing his trousers, pulling them and his underwear down as much as she could. Link lifted himself up to make it easier for her and kicked the last of his clothing the rest of the way off.
She stared at him for several moments, unable to help herself. This was the man she would marry, and he was absolutely stunning. There had been several times during that long season after their first kiss that she wondered what it would be like to make love with him, what he looked like down there. She had never seen a naked Hylian man before, nor had she ever read any erotic novels that might give her a model of what to do with him. Luckily, her instinct took over as the sight before her did not disappoint.
Several Minutes Later . . .
It felt like his heart was ready to explode from his chest as he moved his weight off her as much as he could, given the small bed. He lay on his side next to her, taking one of her hands in his. He realized her skin felt a bit dry, not as smooth as usual, and kissed it. "We need to get you to water soon."
"Tomorrow, perhaps." Again, how she wished the rest of the world and basic needs would fade away and leave only her and Link! She was in no mood to think about practical things.
Link got her drift and fell silent, holding her. After a time, he pulled the bed covers over them. The warmth, quiet, and utter peace lulled them both into a steady sleep, which was not interrupted until the morning light crept into their room.
Ruto was the first to wake. As she gazed upon her sleeping knight, she could not find the heart to wake him. She lay there, noticing the soreness between her legs, her reminder that the previous night had not been a dream. She smiled to herself and pressed a kiss to his forehead, then gently made her way out of the bed. It proved difficult as she was the closest to the wall, but eventually she managed without having to shuffle her lover too much. Luckily, he was a heavy sleeper.
She felt especially naked after everything, so she reached into Link's bag for his cloak and draped it over her form. The door opened with a creak – she glanced back to make sure it had not roused Link before she tiptoed from the room. Immediately, the scent of salted meat cooking over a fire reached her nostrils. Her stomach grumbled, and despite their hearty dinner the night before, Ruto realized she felt exceptionally hungry.
"Good morning, dear. Do you have a chill?" Thora greeted her from beside the open fire.
Ruto felt that perhaps she was imagining the long, searching look that Thora gave her. She moved to sit next to the older woman. "A little," she lied. She was quick to change the subject. "Any word from Uncle?"
Thora examined the pork on the spit as it cooked. "No, not this morning. I'm sure he will be along. Would you like some tea?"
Ruto nodded and remained by the fire to keep an eye on it while Thora set about pouring hot water from a pot into a cup and measuring the herbs into it. She added a bit of honey and let it steep for a few moments, stirring it before handing it to Ruto.
"I can't thank you enough for allowing us to stay here, Thora. I hope it isn't too much trouble for you."
"Not at all. We missed you staying here. I know Gan will be tickled when he comes back." Thora smiled and settled on a large log across from Ruto as she turned the spit. "We were both worried after you disappeared, and then your father left overnight without so much as a note to let anyone know where he was going. I don't suppose you know where he is? I don't mean to pry, of course, but it would be nice to know he is okay…"
The princess blinked and tried to keep her expression neutral. "He never said anything to me about leaving." Had he gone off to search for her? She had to find some way to let him know she was okay. Better than okay. She cleared her throat and took another sip of her tea. "Is there any news of how things fare at the Zora Domain?"
Thora leaned back to consider Ruto, wondering if she was keeping secrets. She could have sworn the princess seemed as surprised as she had felt upon finding out that King Zora had deserted his people, a usurper claiming his throne before it had even had time to cool. "The people don't seem to thrive as they did when your father ruled," she answered. "There is some debate as to whether he asked the current ruler to step in and help. He seems to take many liberties with his power."
Ruto hoped she was wrong when she imagined Jireto sitting in her father's throne room, a jeweled crown upon his head. Her face must have betrayed her thoughts, for Thora asked, "Did you know of all this, Princess?"
She hesitated, then shook her head. "A lot has happened in seven years. I had to stay away. I am not certain that I can tell you why just now."
"Then I'm sorry to be the bearer of this news to you." Thora paused and tended to the meat in what seemed to be more of a nervous and fidgety way now. She had many questions, none of which she felt able to ask. "You just tell me if there is anything you want to know. I never venture out, but Gan keeps me informed."
"Did Father leave no clues at all, as to his whereabouts?"
"None. Much like someone else I know." Thora stopped her nervous movements and noticed Ruto's expression. "I know you had your reasons," she added. "Perhaps he does, too."
The last comment sparked Ruto's sense of premonition. Could her father be working for Princess Zelda too?
Before either of them could continue along that trail of thought, Link emerged from the cabin, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes as Navi flitted next to him. Ruto noticed he had tried to tidy up his hair, but he still had a disheveled look about him that she hoped only she noticed. At the sight of him, she ached for him, wishing to be close. He claimed a spot next to her and greeted them both, his eyes lighting up when he saw that Ruto wore his cloak. He asked the same question as Thora.
"Are you cold?"
Ruto shook her head, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
The three had a quiet but comfortable breakfast, with several meaningful looks exchanged between the lovers. Link racked his brain for something kind he could do for Thora and asked if she needed him to procure anything from the markets. He had plenty of rupees saved up, but she said there was nothing she needed. He resolved to hunt for them later if Ganristian did not show up with any meat. It seemed the least he could do.
He knew he would leave soon to continue his mission. He still had the water medallion, but it seemed only right to get the new Sage of Water's blessing, a thought which made him nervous.
Once breakfast was done and cleaned up, Ruto announced that she was off to find a spring where she could refresh herself. Link did his best to mask his eagerness to accompany her. If Thora noticed that they wanted to be alone, she did not say anything. "Be careful," she cautioned them. "Even here, we see the occasional monster. Best to take a weapon with you."
Link took his sword everywhere, so that was no problem.
Once they were on their way and out of Thora's earshot, Link turned to Ruto. "How do you feel? I saw blood on the sheet and worried I had hurt you…"
"I think that's normal." Ruto dismissed his concern and moved close so that he could put his arms around her. "It was the best night I've had in a long time. I wish it could have lasted forever." She took in his familiar scent, his musk, his blood and sweat scent. She had come to love that combination of smells but thought he could benefit from a bath too.
"I am sure we'll have many nights just like that one. Or even better." Link squeezed her around the waist. "Why are you wearing my cloak?"
"I can't explain it, really." Now that they were away from Thora, Ruto felt safe to take it off and hand it to Link. "I just felt like she would know, if I wore nothing."
He chuckled, folding up the cloak and holding it under his arm. "Well, if she doesn't know now, she probably will eventually. It's… going to be hard to hide."
They joined hands and walked together toward the nearby creek. Link noticed that Ruto became a bit more energetic and like her younger self as they approached it. Without hesitation, she let go of Link's hand and climbed into the water. After washing her face, she floated on her back, eyes closed as the sunlight bathed her front. Watching her pure bliss made Link feel calmer, like everything would eventually be all right. He sat on the grass and looked at her, feeling desire pull at him again.
"Aren't you coming in?" she asked after a few minutes.
He looked around. A few deer grazed in the distance. If they did not seem unsettled, he supposed he could trust this spot enough to bathe. He went through his ritual of removing his weapons, shield, belt, tunic, trousers. Ruto watched him unabashedly. Navi remained next to his things; though she was his loyal companion, she seemed to understand when he needed space or privacy.
The water was cold to him at first and much deeper than it looked, but it was calm. He had lost track of where they must be on the map, but he imagined the creek running into the Zora River. He was reminded of his conversation with Sheik.
"Link?" Ruto swam toward him. "Do you know if my father is a part of the mission for Princess Zelda? Has he been working with you?"
"Yes and no." Link dipped underneath the water, wetting his hair and face. When he reemerged, he saw the perplexed look on her face. "This future is different from the one I was in before," he explained. "I… changed some things, by bringing you along. I'm sorry. I should have thought more about the repercussions before I—"
"Please, stop apologizing and worrying for me." She placed her dripping hand over his mouth. "It took two of us to make this decision. You wouldn't have had much luck getting me here if I didn't want it," she reminded him.
He was silent.
"We're supposed to be together, Link."
Sometimes he found himself at a loss for words. When something like this happened, he tried to think of an action that could communicate how he felt. He plucked a lotus from a nearby water lily and placed it behind her ear. "Beautiful," he whispered, admiring her. He did not know that he could hold back what he felt for her much longer. Breakfast with Thora had been torture, though it had tasted exquisite after their late-night activities.
The two were hypnotized by one another's energy for several moments. Ruto drew closer to him, wrapping her legs around his waist. She felt his desire press up against her bottom, which made her breath catch in her throat. Her stomach filled with butterflies. Instinctively, she leaned forward until their lips met.
This time, they made love without worrying about who could hear. They went well into the afternoon, switching from the creek to the grass after Link's skin became wrinkly from being in the water too long.
Ruto's skin, on the other hand, glowed. She was in her element, perhaps more so than ever before in her life.