He Took The Time
Chapter 4 Hyrule
The Old Man and Captain had come to the conclusion that letting the younger heroes go to town alone together was just an invitation for trouble. As such, they had become chaperones on all trips to town. Much to the dismay of the others.
"I don't need a babysitter," The Hero argued. He pulled out his fire sword to show he could take care of himself. All he needed to get was some bottles, he didn't need a minder for that. Yet here was the Old Man at his side on the way to town, to keep him out of trouble.
The trip to town went without a hitch. He was purchasing his glassware. With his protective shadow hovering behind him, nobody dared mess with him.
The overly cheerful merchant was back in his face with a large fake smile, "Just the bottles for you today, Sir?"
"Can we interest you in today's special?" He nodded, distracted by studying a small chip in one of the jars.
"Bananas" All hell broke loose. The two Heroes easily took out the Yiga threat but not without a price.
He fell to his knees. He looked down at his newly purchased bottles smashed against the cobblestone streets. All he wanted was one nice thing. Just one day to himself spent shopping. No life or death battle. No other heroes, no bad guy trying to kill him, just him and his nice new bottles.
"Are you alright?" The Old Man asked.
"Everyone thinks I'm always happy. That nothing gets me down."
"What are you talking about?" The older Link sat down next to him, "Nobody thinks that."
"Yes, you do!" He jumped up and began pacing in agitation. He could hear the glass crunch beneath his boots.
He felt the other's wedding ring through his tunic as the older Link placed his hands on his shoulders. This stopped his movement forcing him to look into the damaged eye. It felt like another point against him.
"Nobody can be happy all the time."
"I feel like I have to be. And most of the time I am. But sometimes I feel I don't have the right to feel upset or sad because I've had such a good life."
"Everybody has a right to their feelings, no matter their circumstances."
"But it feels like I'm being whiny and ungrateful. I never had to go through the challenges that all of you went through."
"Good."
"What…?"
"Good, I'm glad you never had to go through those challenges. I wish I could have spared the others. I would gladly take those burdens from anyone of you if I could."
"You're not mad at me?"
"Why would I be mad at you for having a good life?"
"But you had such a hard time. Aren't you bitter towards me that I didn't?"
"Never."
After purchasing some new bottles the two Heroes headed home.