aww, i really like this chapter. it's really mushy and sweet, kinda like cotton candy :)

dun dun dunnn. it's tutorial time! how good of a chem tutor is Marth? you'll soon find out!

Chapter Ten: Two Days of Freedom

It was half past five, and the sun was just starting to sink in the autumn sky. The trees rustled, and the wind blew leaves along the ground. They brushed past to pairs of shoes walking down the pavement.

Zelda was staring at the road ahead, not once turning to look at Marth. She held her books in front of her and wrapped her arms around herself in an effort to keep herself warm.

Marth was casually walking beside her, with his hands in his vest pocket and his bag slung over one shoulder. He was beside Zelda, and a step back; his eyes not straying from her. After walking another block in silence, Marth decided to start up a conversation.

"So, how did you feel about today's rehearsal, Zelda?"

Zelda gave Marth a quick glance and replied. "It was fine."

"You're really getting those lines out well. You been practicing?"

"With Link."

"Ah, with Elfi--, I mean… With Link, eh?"

"Yes." The two crossed an intersection and turned down another street. Silence manifested itself again. Marth tried again to break it. Since Zelda didn't seem too keen on talking about the play, Marth changed the subject.

"So our Chem prof… he's a bit of an ass isn't he."

Zelda looked at Marth again, and didn't turn away this time. "Yeah."

"Can't imagine what it'd be like spending everyday after school with him."

"It'd probably suck." Zelda replied.

"Yeah especially knowing you'd be missing rehearsal." Zelda didn't reply to this and turned away again.

I'm not going to fall for that. She thought. I wouldn't thank Marth in a million years.

Marth finally decided pursuing conversation was futile. The two walked the rest of the way to Zelda's house in silence. They finally reached the house, which turned out to be a large, three-storey Victorian house. Marth stared at it as they walked down the path to the door.

"This isn't the castle, is it?" He asked.

"Of course not stupid." Zelda spat. "The castle is obviously, a castle. Not a house. And it's in Hyrule, not here. This is where I live while I go to school."

"Why don't you go to school in Hyrule?" Marth asked as they stepped inside.

"Because there are no schools in Hyrule. People don't need them. Everyone grows up to be farmers, or shopkeepers, or soldiers."

"But surely there must be some educated people in your court. Can't you have them tutor you?"

"Father insisted I go to a public school. He wanted me to be more sociable."

"I see." Zelda led Marth into the living room. They sat down on the couch and pulled their books out.

"Okay then." Marth said, "Let's start off with ions."

"Sure…" Zelda said.

---

The next day was Saturday, and Zelda was eternally grateful she could sleep in. She couldn't stay in bed too long though, as she and Samus were going to the mall that day. She was soon out of bed and dressed, and she called up Samus to tell her she was ready.

"Hello, Samus?" Zelda said into the phone.

"Hey Zellie!" Samus said on the other end. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah. I'll meet you at the bus stop."

"'Kay. Soo…"

"So what?"

"Last night! How was your little study session with Marth?"

Zelda groaned.

"Ohh, it doesn't sound pretty." Samus giggled.

"I'll tell you about it on the bus, k?"

"All right. See you there."

"Yeah, see you." Zelda hung up and sighed. She knew Samus was going to ask that. Last night was… all right. Marth wasn't actually that bad. In fact, he was totally fine, which was really weird for Marth. Not one wink, or grin. No flirting or hitting on. No physical contact, no pet names. Nothing. Marth was just…normal. And that was completely abnormal in Zelda's mind. She left the house and made her way to the bus stop.

---

Roy and Peach were walking in the park together, savouring one of the few days Roy didn't have anything to do. It was late Sunday evening, and Roy had Peach close to him to keep her warm.

"Roy…" Peach said.

"Yes dearest?"

"You have to stop all the madness."

"What madness?"

"Your life! You've got school, basketball, volleyball, student council, band, choir, your part-time job at the supermarket! It's just too much Roy!"

"I can handle it Peach."

"Can you really?"

"Yes, I can."

"Have you been sleeping enough?"

"Yes Peach. I get eight hours of sleep every day."

"What about those games that have you out 'til eleven o'clock? And all those midnight shifts at work? And are you eating enough too? You're getting so thin lately!"

"I always try and make up the sleep that I lose. And yes I eat, but all the exercise I've been getting is making me lose weight."

"You should come to my house more. I'll see to it you're properly fed and rested."

"I can't do that Peach. I can't be over at your house eating up all your food and using your beds! Your house isn't a hotel."

"No it's not, because it's free. I want to make sure you're all right Roy! I want to know that you're healthy! And if that means you coming over so I can take care of you, so be it!"

"But I don't need that. I'm fine! I'm a big boy. I can take care of myself. I have to fulfil my responsibilities. I can't make this someone else's problem."

Peach sighed. "Okay. You're right. Just remember that I love you, and I want you to be okay."

Roy held Peach even tighter. "I don't have to remember that you love me… because I never forget."

AWWW... roy, you're too cute. oh well, what do you expect from Mr. Perfect -rolls eyes-

...and what the HECK marth?? where did your usually lecherous self go? on vacation?

-evil laugh- of course, i actually do know where it went.. but YOU dont BWAHAHAHAAA!!

ahem...

anyways, that's all for now. stay tuned for more A Midsummer Night's Dream goodness... later...