A/N: Catch the cultural (mainly super hero) allusions!

Games

"So we aren't going to the market to sell?" Vincent said. Malon was on his arm and they were already a few steps away from walking onto the drawbridge. They had found themselves working late the night before. In fact, by the time they had gone to bed, the moon itself had begun to settle down in the horizon. Vincent, being the dedicated worker, woke up on time but Talon let Vincent and Malon sleep in. It was noon by the time they woke up to a nice lunch provided to them by Talon. The day was reaching its pinnacle and the two decided to see the games Maxi wanted so badly to participate in.

"Vincent… we left the ranch without the cart," Malon said. "You just now want to ask me that question?"

"Yes," Vincent answered briskly. It was the type on answer that didn't lack any innocence. It was a simple answer for a simple question. But a man like Vincent would have most likely lost his innocence a long time ago. Be it mentally, physically, sexually, he most likely lost it before he had arrived in Hyrule. That was what Malon though of him. And why shouldn't she? He was a divinely handsome young man that had the body of a god. He was self-assured, calm, humorous at time, and a ready warrior. Malon liked to forget that he was a swordsman. Usually they brought trouble but Vincent didn't. But that didn't change Malon's opinion.

Malon sighed. She couldn't help but smile at that little stupidity. That was Vincent. It was then she noticed she never saw the other sides of Vincent. She saw his funny, charming, sexy, even gentleman side but he carried swords for a reason. Then there were other factors that Malon took in. She was a smart girl after all. Vincent remained a relatively pale person. It was almost sad how his skin didn't tan but burn in the afternoon sun. Maybe it was a skin condition and maybe it was the reason for the large trench coat. Of course, the trench coat, worn for fashion, made him the fair worker he was. Whatever it may be, this gave her a clue that Vincent wasn't a top-notch fighter. Not everyone is perfect, even the super man Vincent wants to become. Not even if he were turned to steel and made into an iron man.

In an attempt to gather more date for her cause, Malon let her hand slip down and entangle it with his. It had become awkward for both of them then. Malon didn't think far enough ahead to think about holding hands meant between a man and a woman. And it hit her again. What if Vincent, the man she was with, wasn't really a man by society's rules? Vincent did care much about his physical appearance. He filed his nails more than Malon herself. And he admitted he woke early to do his duties. What duty does a man have in the morning except shower and shave? She suspected Vincent lathered himself in bath oils and scented candles when she wasn't looking.

They passed through the market. Malon remembered what she wanted to do. A swordsman's hands were usually callused. Vincent hadn't been working long enough and usually wore gloves whenever he did real work. And to her amusement, the only thing she felt was the scar from the deep cut he had received a few weeks ago. Smooth, almost like her hand. Someone said you weren't allowed to have everything you want. Malon thought that was it, Vincent was about as close as a man can get. She only hoped he played for the team she rooted for and didn't like his own side.

"Any closer and the townspeople will think you found yourself a man," Vincent whispered in her ear.

"I wish…" she thought in her mind. Vincent was extremely close. So close that she could feel his breath on her ear. "So are you saying that I have bad luck with men? Look here Vincent, I do not need you to point out such things." Malon smiled softly. "Any closer and people will think you have a woman."

Vincent faked a sarcastic laugh. "You have me there. Looks like we're both out of luck with the opposite sex."

"Don't you dare say that word. Just thinking about you shirtless is enough."

"But we got each other right?" Vincent asked. "I guess that's enough for now."

"I guess," Malon said. "But you really don't want a family Vincent?"

A group of children ran past them. They were off chasing a ball. The children were enjoying the afternoon sun. They laughed as they played in the market, waiting for their parents to get them. The fun wouldn't stop even if the lad with the ball left. After all, everyone has the power of imagination.

"If you're talking about children," Vincent said. "You can pretty much forget it. The little tykes get on my nerves and push all my buttons."

And now we see some true colors. "But Vincent, how can you not like children. You're barely old enough to be considered an adult and you hate children? I'm sure that if you let them grow on you, you'll enjoy children."

Vincent chuckled, "Yeah, right."

Malon looked away and to the children. "I would like to have children, a lot of them. I really want to be a mother. I don't care what you have to say about any of that Vincent. I want to have kids."

Vincent clicked his tongue. Malon felt like he did something by mistake and was trying to reprimand his decision. Vincent remained silent for the rest of their walk to the castle. As soon as they had reached the gates, Vincent quickly pushed Malon out of the pathway and stood in front of her, his eyes locked with hers. Malon's back was to the high cliff and she began to panic. Her mind raced as she wondered what was happening to her.

"Malon…" Vincent said.

"Yes, Vincent," Malon answered. She relaxed herself. Vincent would never hurt her. She knew this. Malon looked deep into his scarlet eyes. She wanted so much right then for him to kiss her. His lips were slight slivers that pouted and were a few shades darker than his skin.

He bit his bottom one. Malon looked into his eyes as he struggled to say something. The scarlet orbs shifted away from her and looked down to the ground. Vincent took a step back and sighed. "I'm sorry about that."

"Is something wrong Vincent?" Malon asked.

"No, there isn't," Vincent replied. He couldn't bring it up as hard as he had tried. He wanted to tell her right then everything. But Vincent couldn't work up the courage once again. As much as he loved her, he could not work up the bravery to tell her. He beat himself mentally.

Malon stepped forward and took his hand in hers. "Vincent, you can tell me anything. You don't have to hide anything."

Vincent sighed. He looked over to Malon, "Malon, I lo-."

"Well, look at who showed up," came the chauvinistic arrogance from behind them.

Vincent rolled his eyes. Maxi was treading shallow water with him. Bloodlust twinkled in his eyes as he turned around to look at Maxi. The knight walked up to both of them with the same smirk he loved to wear on his face.

"I knew my greatness would draw you here," Maxi said. He pushed away Vincent and drew in closer to Malon. "Come to see me win at the Knight games?"

"Actually," Vincent stepped in. "I'm not sure about Malon but I came here to see you lose."

Maxi's smirk turned into a scowl. "I'm sure you did."

"You bet," Vincent said. "I really can't wait to see you lose."

"Too bad that isn't going to happen," Maxi said.

Malon sensed the hostility in the air. She could almost see the lightning that shot from Maxi and Vincent's eyes. She pulled back Vincent, "Well, we wouldn't want to get horrible seats right? We better get going."

Maxi's smirk returned. "I'll see you there." He turned on his heel and left the two of them alone.

"Vincent, what was all that about?" Malon asked. She wasn't angry with Vincent but it annoyed her how far he was willing to go.

"What do you mean?" Vincent asked. "That was the same guy that disrespected you last time, Malon. He hasn't changed in a day."

"And neither have you," Malon said.

"Maybe so," Vincent said. "But you don't see me treating people horribly."

"You don't have to, Vincent," Malon said. "You can't control everything. Not everyone can be pressured into doing the right thing. I'm sure that even a captain couldn't. Vincent, whenever you're angry, you look more like a rabid wolverine than anything else. Like…"

Vincent sighed. "I guess your right. I'm sure you know it best. And I'm sorry but I'm not going to stand for someone like him near me. You know me better than that."

"Your just going down to his level," Malon said.

Vincent stopped and his eyes widened. It occurred to him that she was right. He looked down, "You right. Nothing is separating me from him."

"But you mean well," Malon said. She was hitting Vincent were it hurt.

"I do…" Vincent said. He smiled, "We ought to get to the games. I did mean that I want to see him lose. But it isn't going to mean much if your not going to be there with me laughing at him."

Malon returned the smile, "Sure… it should be funny."

A/N: R&R…por favor. Now, I'm off to play some Street Fighter...