Summer of Our Discontent

Unfaithful

Groose could name several different scenarios in which he told Zelda that she was beautiful. None of those times ever prompted her to kiss him. Now his lips were caught between those of his worst enemy's girlfriend, who happened to be his crush's best friend. What was he supposed to feel?

More importantly: Why did he let her kiss him? It hadn't even registered through the boy's mind that what he said was a compliment. Malon is very beautiful, with hair that matched his own and toasty skin complimented by lively eyes that were as blue as the sky, she was very much beautiful. He simply stood there with his eyes closed, his cheeks were probably even redder than his own hair. It was embarrassing and outrageous. He didn't even bother kissing back.

Malon pulled away, staring at him apprehensively.

"What?" He asked.

"You didn't kiss back." She replied murkily, her gaze dropping to the floor.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry that I didn't kiss you back, Ms. I have a boyfriend! And I think you're forgetting that I love your best friend, not you." He said the last word a bit too sharply and regretted it instantly.

Hurt flashed across her features.

"Well you know what Groose? She doesn't love you, okay!" Malon exploded all of a sudden. "She will never love you, do you not realize that? It doesn't matter how much you want her."

"That doesn't make this okay. Malon, I don't know what's gotten into you, but you don't have to do this. You're better than this." He placed his large hands on both sides of her shoulders to emphasize his point.

She sighed, rubbing her temple.

"I'm not thinking clearly, I should just call my dad and ask him to pick me up. He's probably off on one of his expeditions though." Malon groaned, "I hate milk." She said, which would have sounded extremely random to Groose if he hadn't known that her family legacy was practically based off of dairy product.

"I can take you home in my mom's car. We'll go after some breakfast. How does that sound?"

"Good." Malon said, following Groose into the kitchen. She realized that she had never actually been inside of his house before. Malon liked to consider herself a 'social butterfly,' even if Groose wasn't favored by everyone else in her circle of friends, she still thought about coming over to his place from time to time. Of course it would have been under much different circumstances. It was tidy, which surprised Malon because she never took Groose as a neat freak or hygienic person in general. She sat down at the table and watched him put some frozen waffles into the toaster.

"I'm not a chef like your boyfriend is, so it's convenient to have lots of frozen food." He explained, getting some syrup out of the cupboard.

Malon said nothing, staring at the table, her face devoid of emotion. On the outside she probably looked calm and a bit creepy, with her stony gaze. However, her insides were on fire. It was the alcohol speaking, right? That was why she kissed Groose. Thank goodness he was kind enough to reject her. Looking into his eyes that were filled with unreadable emotion, she already knew he would keep their (one-sided) exchange to himself. Her thoughts disappeared when he set her food on the table before her with a fork and knife. She ate the waffles reluctantly, as if they were poisoned. She rarely ever ate food that wasn't prepared by Link or at home. It felt weird. The waffles had that frozen taste she disliked, but they also had a unique crispy-fluffy texture from the toaster and syrup. She noticed Groose staring at her intently as she ate.

"O-Oh. Thank you." She said, feeling rude.

"Do you like them?" He asked, ignoring her gratitude.

"Yeah. They're good." She said, her voice slightly muffled by her breakfast.

If Link had made this breakfast, the waffles would be homemade, with cucco eggs and some fresh fruit juice.

Don't think about him. Her mind scolded herself, and she forced herself to finish her waffles.

Once she was done, she stood up and went to clean it off in the sink.

"Don't worry about that," Groose said, grabbing the plate from her. "I need to take you home now. It's best we do it before my mom wakes up. Come on, let's go." He grabbed the keys and they walked outside.

Before they entered the vehicle, Groose stopped nearly abruptly. He turned around to look down at Malon, who felt like an ant with her neck craned up to see him. He looked confused and curious, like he needed some closure.

"Why did you do it?" He asked.

Malon frowned. This was the last thing she wanted to talk about, even if it had happened less than twenty minutes ago. Then, he looked like he was willing to forget it, and now? Does this really need to be a conversation?

"I don't know."

"Yes you do." Groose replied quickly, impatient with her dilly-dallying. "You're acting so weird right now Malon. You would never go out and get drunk, then kiss someone else when you're in a relationship. So why did you do it?"

"Maybe the alcohol was still lingering around in –"

"Alcohol doesn't stay in your system for 12 hours. Try again." He said in an almost arrogant tone.

"B-Because… you were just…" She huffed. "You made me feel good about myself. Even if it wasn't your fault that I have serious trust issues with my 'irresistible heartthrob' boyfriend, you washed away the doubt that I wasn't wanted."

There was more Malon intended to say, but couldn't because suddenly, they were kissing again. This time it was mutual, she was scooped up in Groose strong arms and his lips were pressed against hers roughly. She held onto his shirt pulling away only to catch her breath before attempting to dip back into his musky aroma. However, he held her up and planted soft kisses on her cheeks, trailing down to her neck.

Her heart sank when she realized that she was cheating on Link. Link, he never intended to hurt her in any way,and now she was the one who was hurting him.

I'm not the one who should be having 'trust issues.' Malon thought.

That guilty feeling that only infidelity can bring came back, and Groose probably felt it too because he put her down, breaking his lips away immediately.

"Sorry." He said, looking confused and ashamed.

"I-It's okay." She stuttered, both shaken and pleasured from what they had just done.

Both of them said nothing, simply staring at each other, completely oblivious to the wide pair of blue eyes watching their every move.

Saria stood there, dumbfounded, as Groose drove off with Malon in a car that could not be his own. There was simply no way. She was holding a box filled with chocolates, hoping to make some extra rupees down in Castle Town. She was not expecting to see Malon come out of Groose's house. She was not expecting them to start eating each other's faces like they were zombies. But most of all, she was not expecting to find out where Groose lived by accident.

Unsure of what to do, Saria whipped her phone out. She had a bad habit of running her mouth about what she's seen, and knowing she wouldn't be able to suppress what had been witnessed, she decided to call Mido first. It was habitual. Actually, calling Zelda first was habitual, but telling her would create a lot more drama than what was needed.

"Hello?" She asked nervously when the ringing on the other end stopped, signaling that Mido had picked up.

"Hey, Sar. What's up?"

"Are you anywhere near Castle Town? I need to tell you something. Like, right now."

"Um, okay. I'm not doing anything important. But I'll need maybe half an hour."

Around thirty minutes later, Saria and Mido were sitting outside of a café, sharing a large sandwich. It was a Hylian delicacy. Saria paid with the rupees she made selling chocolates – which actually sold quickly.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Mido asked in between bites. He sensed Saria's nervousness and didn't like it one bit.

"I… I saw something. Something I wasn't supposed to see." She said, remaining completely silent afterwards. She looked awkward, in between the 'not saying a word' stage and 'spilling everything without holding back' stage.

"…Okay?" He pressed on, now curious as to what his green-haired companion had to say. Saria always had the juiciest gossip, which was one of the reasons why he liked her. Of course, there were a lot.

She continued to take tiny bites out of the sandwich, saying absolutely nothing and avoiding eye contact. Mido decided the only way to weasel the information out of her was to stare her down until she cracked. It was infuriating, honestly. Mido would move mountains for the damn girl even if he got a reaction like… this. But wasn't it all her idea? To meet up and talk? Now she wasn't talking.

"I'm sorry. I know this seems ridiculous." She said, as if reading his thoughts. "It's just… At first I wanted to tell you, but now I'm not sure. I – I mean it isn't my place to say this. But, I just need to tell someone. And I don't want to tell the 'wrong' someone."

Mido finished his half of the sandwich, misinterpreting her words and standing up to leave.

"It's okay. I get it. If you need time before you get this off your chest, take all the time you need. As usual, I'll be right there if you need me."

As he turned around, Saria blurted out.

"I saw Groose kissing a girl!"

Mido's jaw dropped instantly. He turned back, startled to see Saria standing as well, right in front of him.

"…Seriously!?"

"Yes!" She said, closing her mouth right away as if she had said too much. She looked absolutely distraught.

Wait… don't tell me…

"Oh. Does it… bother you?"

"Huh?" Saria blushed, immediately embarrassed. "N-No! It doesn't!"

"Ah," he laughed coolly. "Denial."

"Denial? What are you implying!?"

"You love him. And it hurts that he would run off and kiss another girl."

"I don't love him, in fact I don't think you understand!"

"I understand. That's why you were so scared to tell me, because you don't want people knowing you're in love with Groose. Yep, that's it! So naturally, you came to his best friend!" He put on his most convincing grin and tried to ignore the burning sensation in his chest.

So what if Saria likes him? It's okay!

"No, I came to you because I thought you would be the best one to tell… And, I feel comfortable around you." She said, and it made his heart soar.

"Yeah, sure, whatever you say." He continued playfully, although he was extremely flattered – more than he would ever let on. Keeping a placid expression was damn near impossible though, with the thought of Saria and Groose being together in mind. But it wasn't Groose's fault. Apparently the red haired Casanova was interested in somebody else.

Saria crossed her arms, clearly irritated and still holding back a crucial piece of information.

"Hmm, fine. Is it not Groose?" He said with a sigh. "It's really the other girl, isn't it? Your resentment is focused on her."

Now Saria had a look of disgust apparent on her face, as if he had said the grossest thing ever.

"Ew! Why would I be jealous of Malon?" She asked.

And that's when things got even more interesting.

"WHAT? GROOSE MADE OUT WITH MALON?" Mido practically shouted.

"Shh!" Saria said, but it was too late.

An audible gasp could be heard from behind them, and Mido turned to see Ilia staring at them with an eyebrow quirked. She said nothing when they took notice of her, simply turning around and running, already knowing this was information they intended to keep secret.

"HEY, COME BACK HERE!" Saria shouted, dragging Mido with her.

"Why don't you call one of your friends to hang out with you?" Impa asked, tired of seeing Zelda stare at the wall blankly.

But the young blonde refused, shaking her head absentmindedly.

"No. I don't want to. I love my friends, don't get me wrong, but I don't want to see anyone right now. Honestly."

Impa glared, stomping in front of her with her hands on her hips.

"This isn't what you should be doing with your summer. Sitting around being all mopey. I certainly didn't persuade your father to set you free from your community service work to do this. It's been at least a week since Malon's party and all you've done is act miserable. Go out. Live a little."

Impa continued her rant, complaining about any little flaw she could. She criticized Zelda's social skills, Zelda's naturally reclusive nature despite her so called "charisma." She whined about how Zelda had the opportunity to do amazing and fun things, and wouldn't take it.

"I'm not miserable." Zelda said, allowing her lips curve into a small smile, though her patience was waning. "Please, Impa. Maybe I'll call Midna tomorrow. Would that make you happy?"

Impa quieted down, a frown still apparent on her face.

"You could at least call one of your decent friends. That Midna girl is probably off playing tongue hockey with Sheik."

Zelda blinked a few times. "…What?"

"Nothing." She said a bit too quickly, "I won't force you to go out, but please think of something exciting to do. Okay?"

Zelda shrugged indifferently, uncharacteristically lazy and not in the mood to do anything. As soon as Impa was ready to walk off however, the doorbell rang. The older female stared at Zelda expectantly.

Zelda sighed, standing up and walking over to the door. She opened it sternly, only to be face to face with a solemn Link. He stared at her, his usually lively eyes were dull. He had a look of annoyance on his face.

"May I come in?" He asked softly, well aware of Impa's presence. But Zelda had the feeling he still would've asked nicely regardless of whether she was there or not.

"Of course!" Impa answered in the background enthusiastically.

"Hi, Impa. I came here to talk Zelda, a-uh…" He stammered nervously.

"Oh! I get it. I'll give you two teenagers some alone time." Impa said, winking, and Zelda was sure her caretaker forgot that Link was taken.

Zelda said nothing, opening the door a bit more so he could walk in. He took her spot on the couch, and a part of Zelda wanted to shove him off and scold him for it – but her rational side said to be courteous.

"Um, why are you here?" Zelda asked uncomfortably, sitting on the rough and unpleasant side of the couch.

Damn you Link. She thought to herself bitterly.

"I know this is weird and unlike me, but… Well, it's a lot of things really."

"Okay?" Zelda said, confused, and a bit irritated that he was being so vague.

"So basically, Malon, my mom, and I had dinner last night. It was the first time my mom and Malon really got to talk you know, and erm…"

"Rose can't stand her." Zelda finished, a tiny smile appearing on her face.

"Why are you smiling?" He asked.

Zelda's eyes met his calculatedly.

"Why are you staring at me?" She interjected, to which he blushed and looked away.

"I wasn't staring at you." He grumbled, tinges of red still eminent on his cheeks. "…And don't flirt with me." He added reluctantly.

Zelda's jaw dropped a little.

"I was NOT flirting with you." She said hotly.

"Yeah, whatever." He sounded skeptical, but his gaze couldn't help drifting back to her. "I'm here because I need some advice. My mom went a little overboard with 'voicing her opinion' on Malon, and Malon stormed out."

"Wow." Zelda bit her lip, "It was that bad? I'm not surprised that your mom doesn't like Malon, but she's such a sweet lady. Doesn't sound like she was 'sweet' last night though."

Link couldn't help being bothered by Zelda's tiny comment.

I'm not surprised that your mom doesn't like Malon…

"What do you mean you're not surprised my mom doesn't like her? Since when were you an expert about my parents?" He asked, pointing at her accusingly.

"Parent," Zelda corrected harshly, "I hardly ever see your dad, not like you see him much either, and I'm not an expert. Don't get defensive when you are the one who chose to come here to talk to me. But… I thought it was obvious. Your mom is kind hearted, with a strong presence. She's the kind of woman who wants that for you. In her eyes, the best girl for you is someone who has the capacity to love you unconditionally, but isn't afraid to speak out against you. She doesn't want you to be with a follower, she wants you to be with someone who will lead with you. Does that make sense?" She asked curiously.

"I guess…" He said, mulling over his next words carefully. "Um… so you?"

"What?" Zelda asked.

"You. You're my ideal girl."

Of course Impa decided to walk out of her bedroom at this moment, and overheard this. She gasped.

Link and Zelda's heads snapped towards her direction.

"Sorry, I was just getting the broom." She said calmly, grabbing the broom and scampering off.

Zelda's heart was beating at the speed of light, she looked back at Link and on impulse she slapped him across the face.

"I can't believe you'd say that in front of her! She'll never let me live it down. And… you're still dating my best friend! Plus I don't like you, not even as a friend! I knew you were just toying around with Malon, you despicable, cheating –"

"No!" Link put one hand on Zelda's shoulder to stop her from talking, the other was rubbing his cheek where he had been slapped. "I didn't mean it like that! I meant that my mom thought you were my ideal girl. And don't get any ideas, I'm not too chummy about you either." He said, flashing her a look of disgust.

Zelda crossed her arms. "I take it that that is what prompted Malon to leave? She overheard your mom say she likes me better."

"Yes! And I don't know what to do. I feel like I need to apologize to Malon, but she won't talk to me. She hasn't answered her phone at all. And you… you're her best friend! And you're a female, and females have that girly telepathy thing going on. You know her a lot more than I do." He said sullenly, a look of jealousy crossing his handsome features. "So what should I do?"

"It hasn't even been a day Link. If you're worried about her breaking up with you, I can assure you that won't happen. Give her some time to be alone. Just don't give her too much time, or she might come back to you."

"Okay," Link said, "Well thank y –"

"AND," Zelda cut him off, not even acknowledging his response properly, "If she comes back to you, she'll be angry."

"Women," he said with a sigh, which earned him another smack from Zelda.

"Don't be sexist, it isn't a girl thing, it's a 'Malon' thing. I may not be an expert on your parents, but as you said before, I am an expert on your girlfriend."

"Now you sound like a pimp."

"Ugh, shut up! I didn't mean it like that! As I was saying before, if Malon is the one to breach the subject, she won't be happy because in her eyes the fault is yours."

"What!? How is any of this MY fault!?"

"Okay, fine. It isn't necessarily your fault. HOWEVER, since she was the one who felt attacked, you must step up and apologize. Is that better?"

"I guess."

"If you really love her, it shouldn't be a problem."

To this, some of the fire that had been lost was restored in Link's eyes. He nodded.

"Yes." He said, and for some reason it set off an odd sensation in Zelda's stomach.

"So are we all good?" She asked expectantly.

"Yes." He repeated less enthusiastically, as if he didn't want to leave.

"Then the exit's that way." She pointed towards the door.

He stood up, but right before he walked out, he turned around.

"Oh, Zelda, one more thing. How do I know how much 'time' she needs?"

"Well, it depends. Either three more hours or two weeks tops."

"What!?" He shrieked.

"Yep. Not much else to say, just that she's your girlfriend. Not mine."

"Huh. Okay." He said, opening the door. "Oh, and Zelda?"

"Yes?" She said, hoping to have some time alone.

"…Thank you." He gave her a crooked smile that she refused to admit was adorable. "I still don't like you though."

"I don't like you either." She responded reassuringly, but when he closed the door, a tiny smile was on her face as well.

From outside she could hear Link's car starting up and zooming off, followed by the 'pitter pattering' noise of footsteps. It sounded like someone was chasing someone else.

"ILIA! STOP RUNNING!" A voice said. It sounded like Saria's.

"NEVER!" Ilia snapped back.

Hmm… Zelda thought suspiciously, but shrugged and grabbed the remote.

A/N: Can you guess what time it is? Yep, that's right! It's time for some much needed character development! I'm taking advantage of all the upcoming drama to (hopefully) make Malon, Groose, Zelda, and Link more 'mature' by the end of the story (ha as if). This update should have come sooner, but I've been so busy. I'm sorry if it seems kind of rushed, I'm going camping tomorrow and wanted to update this before that. Oh yeah, and I have summer work to do and it's due by the end of July. (I barely started it I cri). Boo-bye.

Chapter Nine Theme Song Title: Unfaithful

Artist: Rihanna