Fuyuko: Last one of these intro posts, at least for now. Disclaimer-Bot, if you would state the blanket disclaimer now?

Disclaimer-Bot: Of course. The author is making a blanket disclaimer in this chapter that she does not own the Legend of Zelda, nor any of its characters. Also, this fic is loosely inspired by the very nice artwork "On a Date" by Crazyfreak, which she also does not have any rights to and hopes she is not offending the creator.

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How to Get a Date (Not Easy Being a Hero)

LoZ OTP100 Prompt # 21 Soda

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He'd complained the other day about not having the courage to ask girls their age out on dates yesterday. Said it was stupid for the legendary hero to be afraid of asking a girl out. The pout on his fine, angular face had increased when she'd burst out laughing at this statement, the sharp brows furrowing dangerously near to frustrated blue eyes.

She'd challenged him yesterday to ask one girl he already knew out on a friends-date yesterday, saying it was the wisest way for him to warm up to the practice. She hadn't really thought he'd ask a princess, but then, it made sense in hindsight. Of course, the answer was yes, and a part of her secretly was glad for this one chance to date him.

Today, he had come to get her at their usual meeting spot, the one they'd shared since they were ten years old, and she had been surprised at his thoughtful preparation. He might claim to have trouble asking them on a date, but she couldn't see that he would have trouble getting them to return for more. Any Hylian girl with hormones would agree that Link was eye-candy, and she knew just as many would appreciate a date like this. He hadn't quite gone in for the tried-and-true bouquet or box of chocolates, but Zelda found his single rose-holding fairy doll to be just as sweet.

He was dressed a shade nicer too, she noticed, wearing a white undershirt with his green tunic and a pair of long brown breeches. He'd even combed and parted his hair. On the downside, since she was honestly trying to help him hook a real girlfriend later, she had to force the holding hands deal, which did put a damper on mood. And he was skirting away from actual conversation a bit much, which she found odd, as this was just a casual date between friends.

Zelda had no clue where he was taking her for the actual date, either, which could be taken as both an exciting surprise and an unnecessary stress, depending on the girl in future dates. It was, she found, a worthy surprise for her, as Link had chosen to take them to the new soda shop on the corner of Syks and Kitner. She'd been wanting to try it, but she wasn't sure if she'd ever told him that…if she had, it would be instant bonus points for his potential as a good date. Every girl appreciated a guy who remembered what she said to him, no matter how trivial it might have seemed.

He had her sit at an outdoor table for two, with high stools for seating, and went to order them samples of the new drinks that were the shop's specialty. The atmosphere was great, she noted, which was always good. She found it made people more relaxed if there was extra space. Although, she personally was not enjoying having the guy at the counter staring at her. It was a bit creepy. His outrageously colored hair and the gaudy big red gem inlaid in his headpiece didn't exactly make him look innocent and friendly either. A green shirted figure obscured her view as it passed by, taking her attention off the strange admirer.

Refocusing on her date, Zelda smiled and thanked Link for bringing the drinks…when she noticed that there was only one soda. He'd centered it on the round table-top, and there was a napkin and a straw in front of each of them. Her eyes jumped from the soda to his eyes, only to find the brave hero look shyly at the billboard across the street. She smiled, touched the palm of his left hand, which was resting flat on the table, and calmly unwrapped her straw. He watched her slide it into the soda, visible in the bubbly liquid through the clear glass.

Zelda's smile only grew for the rest of their date, as Link joined her in enjoying their soda after the first few sips. They giggled at the bubbly texture, and were positive the drink made them feel lighter. Of course, it probably didn't hurt that the company was just as sweet as the delicious new drink.