-Come Back When You're Older-
-Fitting In-
The sun had finally begun to set over the walls of Clock Town, and the day's work was rolling to a halt. Link stood over several wooden beans, measuring them for how much length would need to be cut off, when the clock tower bellowed at the eight o'clock mark.
"Alright men! Make sure you get these tools locked up before you head off!" Mutoh yelled into the night. "And Link?" The youngest of the construction workers lifted his head from his work.
"Yes sir?"
"Before you leave, I'd like to have a word with you." Nodding in reply, Link set to putting away his tools. This marked the end of his first week working for the Clock Town construction crew, and they were on their way to finishing the bridge that would span the length of the town square, and make it possible for people to enter the clock tower to celebrate the new harvest.
Link had fought hordes of monsters, defeated the King of Evil, but had yet to ever be as exhausted as this week left him. His muscles ached with soreness completely unknown to the young hero. He surmised the men who had been this job for their whole lives might make a much better Hero of Time than he.
Not that he would ever refer to himself in such a way. This week had also been one of the most peaceful he could remember. Clock was superior in so many ways to Hyrule's capital town. It had running water for starters, indoor plumbing (toilets that worked, Link could remember several 'unsuccessful' attempts at such wonders in Kakariko several months back, to this day everyone refused to discuss it), and even a small theatre which held many plays, though none Link had had the pleasure of attending.
Though the one wonder Link had yet to revisit since his last journey through Termina was the Observatory. It sat on a hill near Clock Town, connected to it by a set of underground tunnels. Link remembered the route quite well, that wasn't the problem. He was worried that if he allowed himself such an indulgence, it might lead to him doing something he'd regret.
Like talking to Romani.
He had done his best to steer clear of her all week, which hadn't been a problem. She came in every other day, escorting a load of milk that went directly to market. Each time she passed through the cluttered and noisy town square, Link did his best to hide, going so far to follow the huge boulder of a man named Mutoh, the foreman, to hide behind his large frame. He, thankfully, had only one awkward encounter with her.
He had been concentrating furiously on measuring the length of a pole that would serve as a primary support for the ramp leading up to the bridge. He had been thankful that Mutoh had given him a job that might prove his worth to the others, since something so important as this had to be an exact science. He was so engrossed in his work that he didn't notice the shadow looming over his shoulder. Only when he took a moment to write down a measurement did he notice his audience.
"I don't think you have it quite right. It looks a little bent." A serious faced Romani said. Link gasped and nearly fell backwards, much to her amusement. Romani stood next to him, adorned in a fashionable green ankle-length dress, holding a small basket of market goods at her side. "Oh! I didn't mean to startle you! I was just passing by and thought that it looked…" She paused, scrutinizing the nearly horrified face in front of her. "Wait, you… you're the man from the Milk the other day, aren't you?"
Link's surprise, by now, had faded, and he remembered that meeting in the bar, and he remembered being looked down upon, as a commoner. Who was she to say such things, and then come around criticizing his work? Link nodded, mumbling something about how he was there.
"Oh…" She could sense his anger. "I'm, I'm truly sorry for my…fiancé's behavior. He can be a little fussy." Her cheeks grew red with embarrassment. "And I'm sorry for how I…" But she was interrupted by Mutoh, who screamed at Link to get back to work.
"I'm takin' a gamble that you wont a screw-up! Now stop flirtin' and get workin'!" Link almost saluted in reply, but instead tipped his green tuke apologetically, albeit curtly in Romani's direction. He had no time for her now, he wouldn't ever have time for her again.
Romani looked like she was about to protest, as if she was going to say something, but she nodded curtly in return. "I hope to see you around?" Link just returned to his measurements, ignoring the beautiful women next to him. That had been the last time he had spoken to her, and had since only seen her once, from afar.
Slamming the door closed on the tool locker near the tower square construction site, Link made his way over towards one of the exits of Clock Town, the one that would lead him to the Southern Swamp. In the light of the many torches that covered the square, Link could see Mutoh conversing with one of the many guards. The older construction foreman made the small soldier look like a toy, but the two seemed to be sharing a joke, pointing up at the far off moon, cracking something about the fools who thought it would fall.
"Sir? You wanted to see me?" Mutoh and the guard said their goodnights and Mutoh beckoned Link to follow him on his nightly circuit of the construction site.
"Link, I just wanted to commend you on your work this week. I'll admit, I wasn't confident of your abilities when Kefei dropped you in my lap, but you've proven yourself more than able." Link's cheeks reddened at the sound of the compliments. "I just wanted to tell you that personally, I think you'll really fit in here."
You'll really fit in here.
Those words followed him down the dimly lit streets that took him back to the Stock Pott in. By now the front door would be locked, but it didn't matter to Link, as he climbed up the face of the building and onto the top floor. He crept up to the balcony door, and leaned softly against it. He took the knob and slowly turned it. Feeling no resistance, he swung the door open. Though he liked being able to stay out late, he would have to speak to someone about leaving the door unlocked at night.
Creeping down the hallway to his room, he was surprised to see a note pinned to his door. In windy curvy letters was spelled "Link". He had never received a letter before, and quickly tore open the envelope.
Dear Link,
Mutoh's told me about your hard work this week, and I wanted to congratulate you myself. Though I wish I could do this in person, I've been called away to see my father, who isn't feeling well. It may happen any day now… But I also wanted to tell you that the housing commission has found you an acceptable alternative to the Stock Pott, and I think you'll love it. Though there is one small problem…
Link's eyebrows peaked in interest.
It seems as though you'll be having a roommate.