A/N: School sucks.

Playtime

Vincent sat alone at the breakfast table. The early morning sunlight broke through the darkness within the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, Vincent continued to play with his watch. It golden surface caught the light and made it shimmer. As Vincent kept opening and closed it, his watch began to develop a low squeak. But Vincent didn't notice it; he had a lot of thoughts to be reflect upon to keep him preoccupied. Even his heavy eyelids didn't waver his thoughts. It was only a few days ago when he finally admitted to himself and her father that he was in love with her. It was then that it hit him like a flying fist. He was indeed in love with her and now it was all on his shoulder's to work up the courage to tell her. It all looked easy on paper. All Vincent had to do was call Malon over somewhere they could be alone and then whisper it in her ear. They share a kiss and then wedding bells would be heard. Match made in heaven. On paper. Vincent knew life was no fairy tale. Oh, that would make things so much better but that wasn't happening. In real life, the evil stepmother gets her way. The prince doesn't get the damsel. The knight in shining armor gets burned to a crisp by the guardian dragon.

He sighed. Vincent ran his finger through his red hair. He flipped his watch one more time and watched as the seconds ticked away. Each one was another moment lost with her. That little fact pained him, it tore at his heart. Now all he wanted was to spend all his time with her, to make sure she was safe, to tell her how much he loved her. Vincent stood up from the chair quickly, knocking the chair over backwards. Cursing himself mentally for the noise he caused, he raised the chair and propped it back to its original position. He then heard the upstairs door open and close. Vincent couldn't believe his luck. Expecting soft steps traveling down the stairs, his ears instead received the knock of boots on wood descending.

His heart skipped as Malon came down the stairs. Even in the dark, he still could not bring any negative thoughts about her. Malon stood with a little perplexed look upon her face as she saw Vincent standing in the kitchen. Vincent turned his head away as she approached him. When it came down to it, having fair skin made it impossible to hide the blood rushing to his face. Blushing with affection was detectable, and he feared what Malon thought. And that was the answer to his plight, what if she didn't love him back. Worse, didn't like him back. Not even a shred of fondness in her. What was left but a humiliated Vincent with a destroyed pride. And that was all Vincent had, his pride.

"Vincent," Malon called out softly in the shedding dark. From the corner of his eyes, Vincent saw a little smile spread on her face. "You just couldn't wait till breakfast to see me, now could you?"

"Caught red-handed," Vincent uttered. And that was the truth, no sugar-coating it. "The chair didn't wake you, did it?"

Malon shook her head. "I've been awake for a while now. In fact, I just put on my boots when I heard it."

"As long as it didn't wake you," Vincent said, rather nonchalantly. He turned away from Malon and sat back down on the chair that fell. He crossed his arms, causing a rustle from his white jacket.

Malon giggled at Vincent's innocent caring manner and how he tried to shun it away. Ever since she met Maxi, Malon truly began to see what kind of man Vincent was. Maybe it was a way that she could weigh both pros and cons for both men and then decide who was exactly her knight. On the other hand, maybe it was because with another man in her life that caused her to see the others. She remembered Link a few days ago. The strong, silent type, he easily would help others without a second thought. As if Link ever thought twice for whatever he did. He was so perfect in her mind that whenever he did something, there would be no need for a second try since the first got the job done. But Vincent… he wasn't exactly the same but he had an unparallel respect for women.

At least, he was very gentleman-like with Malon.

She watched Vincent yawn, very unlike him. "Vincent, is something wrong?"

"Huh?" Vincent questioned. He finished the tired yawn and shook his head, "Sorry about that. I'm just a bit tired."

"Did you get a good night's rest?" Malon asked, concerned.

Vincent rubbed his eyes, "No, not really. I had a few things on my mind for these past few days."

Malon finished closing the gap between them and took the seat next to him. In the soft light, she began to notice how handsome he seemed. His red eyes drifted over to her, into the corner of his socket. He sat there, paying little attention to her next to him, with his hand in front of his face. Malon deduced that he was just tired, like he said, and that left him in such a position.

"Do you mind telling me? Maybe it'll help," Malon suggested.

Vincent usual narrow eyes widened. There was no way he could bring himself up to tell her what was really happening in his mind. All the surfaced was simply the thought of him telling her how much he loves her. End story. No prologue. Nothing. A very grand, well thought out end indeed. At first, Vincent actually contemplated on telling Malon right there. He saw it all in his mind. The dark ambiance gave the right mood for him to let him tell his secret. But, Vincent became yellow.

"Its- its nothing Malon," Vincent said. "Don't worry your pretty little head, okay?" He shifted his position so that he could have a full look at her.

"Are you sure?" Malon asked.

Vincent nodded as he stroke her cheek tenderly. Before he took his hand away, Malon surprised him as both of her hands held his. She had her eyes closed, almost as if she were ready for him to lean in. But before any courage could be worked up, the door at the base of the stairs swung violently. Instantaneously, Malon let go of Vincent's hand and he withdrew his arm. Talon stood at the doorway with a big smile on his face (but knowing him, he would go right back to sleep given the chance).

"What's wrong with you two?" Talon asked them. He noted their excited state and darting eyes. "Why do you look like you done sumthin' wrong?"

While Vincent kept his scared look, Malon came to help. "Its nothing, daddy. Vincent was just telling me about his boyhood days. It's a little touchy with him, that's all."

"I see," Talon said. "I'm sorry for leaving you two so early but there is someone I have lined up to talk to. I have to git now so I can be at the castle bridge when it lowers."

"Bye, daddy," Malon said, unsure how to take his new, diligent self.

"See you later then, sir," Vincent said respectfully.

Talon left the two alone as he went out the front door. For a few moments, there was an awkward silence between Malon and Vincent. The sun was now becoming the hot sphere it would soon end up becoming in a few hours. There was no doubt that it was going to be a sweltering day, much to the complaint of Vincent. Malon looked down to the wooden table, staring hard at the knob that was embedded in the surface. She looked back to Vincent who know was back to playing with his pocket watch. Sighing, she stood up and declared that she was going to start breakfast. As she stood and turned her back on him, she could have sworn he heard the fated phrase that contained the long sought after four-lettered word.

Not much later that morning, Vincent was off doing chores and Malon was tending to the horses. They had just started working when her father came back to the ranch accompanied by someone they knew all to well. In a brief moment when they had went over to greet Talon, Vincent felt his temper rising and Malon cursed the Goddesses. Her father had brought back the man that Malon and Vincent had now detested. He stood behind her father with his yellow-toothed smirk and ugly green and white overalls. He rubbed his hands greedily, faking an apology.

"You got to be kidding me," Vincent said under his breath. He didn't like Ingo, especially after their encounter in the barn. Fortunately, that was the last time Vincent had even heard of Ingo, until that day that is.

"But dad, he never-."

"I know, I know, I heard your story," Talon said. "But what law is there that doesn't give a man a second chance? I'm sure Ingo will be a better employee this time around."

"But we already have Vincent," Malon added.

Knowing that Malon actually gave a damn and acknowledged his existence made Vincent glad. He stood back behind Malon, just to see the situation unfolding. After Malon had added her statement, he looked over to Talon to hear his counter.

"And he works diligently," Talon said. "But since he doesn't asks for anything except room and lodging, we can afford to have Ingo come back. Think about, it will mean less work for both of you."

Not a chance was all that surfaced in Malon's mind. Hell, she knew that work would only double with Ingo back at the ranch. On top of doing the chores (excluding whatever Ingo work would do and back when it her and Vincent) she would also have to keep Ingo disciplined.

Vincent leaned over to Malon's ear, "Sounds like this is going to perfect…"

Malon caught his sarcasm and laughed softly. Talon and Ingo looked at the two with confused eyes. Catching their eyes, Malon stopped her laughter and stood sternly.

"Well, time to work," Talon said. "Let's not dawdle. Don't worry Malon, everything will be fine."

After those words of so-called encouragement, Ingo went off to do a little bit of work. Very little. Barely enough to qualify as work but he did something. On the other hand, Malon and Vincent were working their asses off. As the day wore on, the sun only became more hostile on its attack on the beaten land and laborers. Its brutal rays were harsher than the day Vincent had to take off his coat. But that day, on the verge of collapse, Vincent kept his full attire on. Panting heavily, all he wanted to drown himself in icy cold water that flowed from Zora's Domain.

Malon also felt the extreme heat herself. She had to say that it was quite possibly the hottest day she has endured through. She looked over to Vincent who was tending to her garden. It almost saddened her to see him watering the plant before himself. A little, naughty part of her that lay deep within wished for Vincent to take off his coat and shirt to reveal his naked torso. She wanted him to use the water to his advantage and douse himself in it. Shaking herself from her indecent daydream, to see her closest friends come into the ranch.

Link and Zelda entered the ranch. It was apparent to Malon that they were off for the lake because of their swimsuits. Malon wished she looked near half as well as Zelda did. The swimsuit she wore complemented her figure and curves. She stood with long, slender legs, a bust that was adequate but marvelous nonetheless, and a handsome hunk at her side. Malon only dreamed of switching places with the princess. Malon finished with the horse she dealt with and walked over to the married couple. In a hot, but happy reunion, they exchanged greetings and talked about the unbearable heat.

"Yeah, that's why we're going to lake," Zelda said. She pointed to the bottle of wine and picnic basket, "It ought to be real fun. But we feel it's been a while since we've seen you, so we came to ask if you come along."

Sure, a tag-along. A third wheel. Malon didn't really want their pity. But their idea was genius. She hoped her father would let her go. Before a yes or no, Malon bid them to wait for a moment before she went to look for him. And as it was no surprise, he was inside the ranch house (although he wasn't sleeping with the cucco like he used to do). She walked up to her father as he sat at the table.

"Daddy?" she asked.

"Yes, Malon?" he asked in response. He wiped a drop of sweat that appeared on his brow and turned to look at his daughter. "Is there something wrong?"

"No… but Link and Zelda came around. They want me to come with them to the lake. I'm just wondering if you could handle the work here without me for a while," Malon said. In short, she was asking for permission.

"Of course I can," he replied. "Go and have some fun. I'm sure the lake will be a good place to be in this heat. Are you going to ask Vincent?"

Malon almost jumped for joy. First, she had gotten her approval and now she could take Vincent. What was she, five? But before ecstasy could really settle in, she thought about the work. "But, don't you need him to help out here?"

"I was your age once too," Talon said. "I know what's it like to work for days with no fun. Don't worry about the ranch or me for right now. Take Vincent if he wants to go and have a bit of fun."

"Thank you daddy," Malon said. She hugged her father and almost ran up the stairs. It then hit her that she should tell Link and Zelda she was going. On top of that, she also had to ask Vincent. Malon rushed out the door to find Link and Zelda still waiting. Was there patience eternal? One would think at how Malon would take her time. She calmly told them her answer and asked if she could bring her friend Vincent. Link and Zelda looked at each other, knowing the hidden bond between Malon and Vincent and said yes. Malon thanked them and went around for Vincent.

"Vincent, your hot aren't you?" Malon asked. She then realized the stupidity in her question. It was near the temperature of hell and he worked outside in a damn jacket! How could he not be hot? And then there is the double meaning in her question. Was he hot? Malon knew he beyond hot and straight into smoking sexy. She changed her question, "Want to go to the lake with me, Link, and Zelda?"

"I don't know," Vincent said. "I never learned how to swim."

Malon almost fell over laughing. She knew the few stories Link told her how he fell in water with pounds of equipment with him. She juxtaposition him with Vincent, it was near hilarious that her redhead could not even keep himself afloat. With tears welling in her eyes as she held back laughter, she only muttered, "Please?"

Vincent sighed. Never deny a lady's request. Lesson one of being an Aegis male. "Fine…"

"Please get ready," Malon said as she flew away back around the corner.

Vincent sighed once again and turned off the spout for the garden. While the heat was indeed getting bothersome to Vincent, it almost became another part to his life. He questioned why heat stroke hadn't got to him yet and then went off to fulfill Malon's request.

At the lake, while Malon and Zelda danced in the cool water, Vincent sat on the green grass with Link. Unlike Vincent though, Link had already went in the water and was simply drying off and waited for the two women to start the afternoon lunch picnic. He turned to Vincent who was still in his white jacket. Vincent turned his eyes over to Link and with a piercing stare, "I'm not going in."

Link raised one of his golden brown eyebrows.

"I don't care. I'm not going in. Not in a million years. Sure, I may have come in shorts and regular shirt but I never had plans in going in. And don't you dare try to convince me in going in. Got it?" Vincent said.

That was when Malon and Zelda came up the bank and sat down on the red and white checkerboard blanket. They both could not quiet themselves on how ravenous they were and were ready to start destroying the innards of the picnic basket. As Link passed out plates and Zelda with the servings, Malon and Vincent were simply staring at the two.

"You still haven't gotten in," Malon said.

Vincent had a hard time in keeping his eyes on Malon's eyes. In the time he knew her, Vincent could no believe the incredible figure that Malon had. By comparison, Malon was just a bit more developed than Zelda but that was not a bad thing, especially to Vincent. "I told you, I can't swim."

"Play near the shore then," Malon said. "I'll be there with you."

"Malon, Vincent, drink?" Zelda asked, butting into their idle talk.

While Malon said yes, Vincent refused the free alcohol. "I'm sorry, but I strictly dislike drinking and consuming liquor. I'm not being a jerk about it, but if I would only drink if I was seriously depressed or the like."

"That's okay," Zelda said, putting away the extra cup. Vincent wondered exactly what was the reason behind the exact number of utensils and such. There was four of everything. Did Link and Zelda know that Malon was going to make him come? That could be taken a few ways than stated.

The group enjoyed their meal with little talk. Link and Zelda expressed their love, like it wasn't enough that they had planned the trip already. While Vincent remained quiet with Link as more talk with the girls ensued, time began to pass and the three normal people wanted to go for one last swim. Link and Zelda went in first but Malon stayed behind with Vincent. She stared at him, coaxing him to come. Unspoken but she really wanted for Vincent to go in.

"Vincent, would you like to go for a swim?" Malon asked.

"Maybe if I could," Vincent said. Pretty soon, the question was going to come up.

"Vincent, are you sure you just don't want to waddle in the shore?" she asked.

"I'm sure," Vincent said.

"Okay, fine," Malon said. She got up and took one step before whirling around, "Please Vincent, let's go for a swim."

Hooked and landed. Vincent smiled a little. He didn't want to admit it but he was actually now looking forward to getting wet. All in his life he never wanted to learn how to swim. Just for her. But, that was his way of thinking now. Vincent took off his white jacket and removed his shirt and boots. He didn't feel right only in shorts but for some reason, he knew that Malon was actually enjoying it. He only wanted for his skin to be a little darker. With the sun bouncing off, he looked whiter than usual.

Malon took his hand and the two went into the shallow water. As Vincent finally began to have a slight it of fun, Link and Zelda noticed how they both were around with each other. As Malon splashed water over to Vincent and as he sometimes drug her under, it was apparent that they were near perfect for each other. The only people who didn't know this was the two secret lovers themselves. Each holding their own emotions for one another, it was only a matter of time when it came to fruition.

As the Link and Zelda separated, Vincent and Malon continued on their way back to the ranch. Nighttime was closing in and they started to pick up the pace. Worried she might feel a little cold Vincent gave her his jacket. Not tailored made to fight off cool but it did more than a two-piece bikini. Malon laid her head on Vincent's shoulder as they walked. A little unsure on what to do, Vincent thought about putting his arm around her. But after a few awkward moments, he still didn't.

"See, told you it would be better in the water," Malon said.

Vincent looked down to her, "Yeah, you were right." Vincent clenched his jaw as he slid his arm on her as they walked. He winced as he waited for the coming 'Get off me' but it never came.

"Too bad tomorrow isn't going to be like today was," Malon said.

"That just means it'll be cooler," Vincent said.

Malon smiled. "True… Thanks for coming Vincent."

"You asked me to, I couldn't just say no," Vincent said. "But thanks for inviting me."

A/N: School still sucks.