I am so sorry, guys! I really have no excuse besides procrastination and being out of town. Plus, school has been tough and they've been shoving tests at us left and right. Then the whole freaking UNIVERSE was working against me once I started typing this up… :P So sorry again. And I will try my best not to have it happen again, but I can't promise when I'll have chapters up anymore. So…! I DO promise to have them up as soon as I can. Thanks for being patient.

Chapter 11

Link

Even a week later, I couldn't get over the fact that Zelda had actually agreed to be my girlfriend. It wasn't like I had really low self-esteem or anything, but she's just amazing and now she was mine. I smiled to myself as I shoved large text books into my swollen backpack, getting ready for my classes. I couldn't wait until winter break was finally here. The dance… a break from school… Christmas. It was only a little ways away now, but it could not get here fast enough.

"Come on, Link." Mikau called to me from near the front door.

"Yeah, I'm comin'!" I answered, slinging my backpack onto my shoulder and heading toward where my roommate stood with the door half open. He slipped outside when I approached and I followed after him.

"Just another week, Link." Mikau grinned as we walked. "Until we're basically free."

I chuckled. "Yeah, but it's going to take its sweet ass time getting here, isn't it?" I said with a smirk.

Mikau nodded. "You bet." He agreed.

He waved to me as he went another way to his first class and I kept heading in my own direction. The air had cooled significantly since Fall was coming to a close and Winter was making its own chilly appearance. I tugged my jacket tighter around me and entered one of the scattered buildings on campus.

I knew Zelda would already be in class, as she was always there first before me. I walked into the classroom and our eyes met immediately. She gave me a small smile, which I returned, as I made my way up the aisle and slid into my own seat. I twisted in my seat to face Zelda who glanced up at me from where she had been working on something in her journal. Leaning over a bit, I smiled at her.

"So what are you doing tonight?" I asked. I hadn't gotten to hang out with her much since we'd both been busy with school stuff. But now that we were more free, I was definitely going to change that.

Zelda breathed a soft laugh, a light pink tinting her cheeks. "Hmm…" she pursed her lips, pretending to consider the offer. "I don't know. My schedule…"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Yeah, right." I said and she laughed.

"Yes, I'm free. Why?" She looked at me expectantly.

"Well…" I started, dragging the word out. "I was just wondering if you wanted to come over to my dorm tonight." I suggested, my voice low as I looked at her. "Mikau's hanging out with Ruto, so…"

Zelda gently caught her lower lip between her teeth, drawing my gaze from her eyes to her mouth. She flushed slightly and I lifted my eyes again. "Sounds good." She said softly and I grinned, nodding.

"Awesome. Six."

At her single nod, I turned back around in my seat and faced the front of the class just as the professor strolled in, immediately starting the lecture.

…

Zelda

I walked out of my last class finally and headed toward the usual spot I met Link at after all of my classes were done. He had music club again today and I never missed a practice. Standing under the leafy cover of a large tree, I waited. Just then, my phone started to ring. I slipped it from my pocket and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Zelda."

My body froze. I wished I had regarded the caller I.D. before answering. Swallowing audibly, I took a deep breath and replied, "What, dad?" My voice was harsh, but I didn't fix it.

"Don't use that tone with me." He said in a low voice, but he sounded tired. There was a sigh and then he added, "I wanted to talk to you."

"Okay, well, you're talking to me. What do you need?"

"Well, how about coming over here for some of the winter break?" He asked the question so easily.

My jaw dropped. Was he freaking… serious?! I practically screamed in my head. He had made it perfectly clear that he didn't want to see me again. Now he acted as if nothing – nothing – had happened the last time I was over there. The bruise I'd gotten had only just healed, but oh man, were my emotional scars, and anger, still pretty fucking there.

"Zelda?" My father said from the other end of the phone.

"Why, dad?" I exclaimed, but lowered my voice again as some people slightly glanced at me. "Why? I thought you didn't want to see me anymore. And do you think I wanna go back after-"

"Yes, Zelda, I know what I did. I know." He said in an almost flat tone.

"Then you should know that I do not want to go back." I ground out through clenched teeth.

"Just a few days, Zelda." My dad sighed again. "Just a few days. Let me give you your Christmas presents and stuff, then you can go. You don't even have to spend Christmas with me. Or New Years."

I chewed my lip thoughtfully. I would need a while to think about this. The idea of going back after last time... I was past done with all of his behavior.

"I'm seriously going to have to think about that…" I mumbled. "Last time was…" I trailed off, shaking my head. "I'll get back to you on that." I ended the call before he could answer.

What was his attitude now? He seemed tired or something. Turning around, I jumped slightly at the sight of Link standing there. "Holy crap! You scared me."

Link chuckled softly, stepping up to me and pulling me into a hug. "Everything alright? I wasn't eavesdropping or anything. I heard the end and saw your expression…" He pulled back and looked at me.

"Oh." I blinked. I wasn't into sharing this with him yet. I think it was okay to keep this to myself. "Yeah, everything is fine. Ready to go?"

He looked at me for another second, before nodding with a smile. "Ya, let's go." He slid his hand into mine absently, tugging me along with him as he headed to the music room.

…

…

I lay sprawled out on my sofa with my laptop resting, well, atop my lap. My fingers clacked over the keys smoothly and, once I'd finished the last paragraph of my essay, I glanced at the small clock at the lower right hand corner of the screen. Almost six. With a sigh, I shut the computer down, sliding it off my lap and onto the side of the couch. I stood and stretched, striding into my room to grab another shirt. Midna looked at me from her place on her bed, phone out and the screen lighting up her beautiful face.

"You headin' to Link's place?" Midna grinned knowingly, her eyebrows lifting. With a slight smirk, I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, you know that's where I'm going."

"Should I be expecting you back late? Or at all?"

Blushing deeply at that, I narrowed my eyes at her. "You're funny, Midna, but I don't think that's happening tonight." I stated.

"Ya never knowww…" she sang, giggling softly.

"Jeez, Midna…" I mumbled, but smiling as I waved at her. "I'll see you later."

Midna grinned at me, winking. "If you say so."

Pulling the door open, I walked out and headed toward Link's dorm room. My hands balled in the pockets of my jacket, my hair whipping around me as a chilly gale of wind blew through. I blew strands of it out of my mouth when the wind died, stepping up to Link's door and tapping my knuckled a couple times against it.

A minute later, the door opened and Link ushered me in out of the cold. Exhaling, I shivered. "Thanks." I smiled, pushing my hair back from my face and tossing it over my shoulder.

"Sure," Link smiled back. "Want something to drink?"

"Mmm, sure." I said, taking a seat on the couch. Link nodded and disappeared for a couple of minutes while I rubbed my hands together, warming them. He emerged from the other room, holding two glasses and handed one to me. I took a sip. "Ooo, thanks." I licked my lips. Warm apple cider was great at this time of year.

Link chuckled. "Sure." He said, setting his own glass down after taking a long drink. "So, you want to watch a movie or something? Whatever you wanna do." He smiled, looking at me.

"Oh, I don't know." I mumbled, laughing slightly. Link smiled, picking his glass up once again to take a sip before setting it back down.

"Okay, well." He stood up as I looked around.

"Oh, what about a game?" I asked, my eyes roaming over his videogame system that was hooked up to small-ish TV.

Link turned his head a bit and looked to where I looked. "Yeah, sure! If you want to." He grinned, walking over to set it up. "I didn't know you liked videogames."

I laughed softly. "Learn something new everyday." I stated and he chuckled, switching the television screen on and pressing the ON button on the system.

He handed me a controller and I watched as the opening screen came on. "Ahhh, a classic." I said, laughing.

"Hey, Super Smash Bros is definitely one of the coolest games."

"Hm," I mused, smiling. "I think I'm gonna have to agree with you there." Link set up a game and started a match.

"So you doing anything special when winter break comes?" Link asked conversationally as his fingers moved over the controls easily.

I pursed my lips a bit, my eyes on the television screen. "Well, my dad wants me to go over there for a few days. I don't know if I will, though." I told him. He made a noise of acknowledgement but said no more. We played for several silent minutes before I returned the same question to him.

Link exhaled, looking over at me as the scores rolled onto the screen (he beat me), and shrugged slightly. "I really don't know. I was hoping to spend a good amount of it with you." He smiled that brilliant smile that could light up the darkest of rooms.

I glanced at my lap, my cheeks heating up with a light blush. "Well, that can be arranged." I said, lifting my gaze back to him. His grin widened.

…

We played more rounds for a couple of hours, until we got tired of the game. I placed the controller on the floor and leaned back on the sofa. Link stretched his arms above his head, the hem of his t-shirt lifting slightly to reveal tight muscle on his stomach. I looked away before he could catch me staring and, instead, busied myself with a piece of loose thread at the edge of my sweater.

"Why do you always wear a jacket?" Link asked after a small space of silence. I looked up at him again and he watched me expectantly. I opened my mouth to say something, but I didn't know what.

"It's… comfortable." I decided to say. It was true. It gave me a sense of security knowing that my scars or bruises weren't visible to anyone. But wouldn't there come a time when I would have to tell Link? If I'm going to be in a relationship with him, I couldn't keep a secret like that…

"That's it, though?"

Maybe he'd already guessed that I was hiding something. The way he watched me made me feel as if he knew, but was trying to allow me to tell him on his own. Huh. He did know me… Even after only a couple months. Had it really only been that long since I'd come here and met him? It felt so long; like I'd known him for years. When I still didn't respond, he must have taken that as a clue to wait longer for a real answer from me.

I frowned a little. Now it had gotten a bit awkward. I searched for something to change the subject with when I felt my left side warm. I glanced up and saw Link had moved over right next to me. I gasped softly in surprise and at his closeness. His deep blue eyes stared down at me and the corner of his lips tipped up slightly.

"You know what?" He asked softly. My eyes were drawn to his and my lips parted involuntarily when I felt his warm breath brush past my cheek.

He stayed in that same position, not moving away, not moving closer. "I forgot to ask you something." He said matter-of-factly.

I smiled up at him. "What?" I mumbled.

"Zelda." Link said, a cute smile dancing along his sensual lips. "Would you go to the winter dance with me?"

I had completely forgotten about the dance. I knew Link and his band would be playing there though. I guess I just hadn't thought about anyone asking me. But I could go with Link! The thought made me smile and I nodded. "Of course." I told him, laughing lightly.

He actually looked relived, as if he hadn't thought I'd say yes. "Great!" He grinned and I leaned forward to kiss his cheek. He had other plans though and, as I began to pull back, his hand came up to gently cup the side of my neck and pull me back to him. Our lips met and my stomach tightened pleasantly. His arms wound securely about my waist, gently tugging me forward and I easily came with him, sinking against his body involuntarily. He had such a crazy effect on me, I could barely think. My mind became fuzzy and I slid my hands up his chest to curl in that messy hair of his. The silky strands spilled through my fingers and I pressed even closer to him. I faintly heard a low appreciative sound come from deep in his throat and I couldn't help the small smile that stretched my lips.

All my senses were on high alert, yet I had no idea what had happened until we were laying back on the couch and I felt his weight on me. My breath came in short gasps, but my mouth stayed molded to his. I felt the length of his body against mine, the right pressure in all the right places; the deliciousness of his warm weight making me shiver. He lowered his mouth to my neck, brushing his lips just under my jaw. A needy whimper escaped my lips and I flushed in embarrassment. I don't think I've ever made that noise before… I could feel his amused smile as his kisses continued their trail over the slope of my neck and his hands wandered over my hips. And then I felt the cool palms of his hands against my stomach and over my side beneath my shirt. I tilted my head back slightly, panting a little and biting my lip. His touch sent chills through me, sharp electric feelings that reached my soul. I couldn't believe how much he affected me, how he could do this to me in such a short time and with only kisses. Or a touch.

And then I felt his hands at the buttons on my jeans and my thoughts sharpened. I… really wanted him at the moment, but… I wasn't… I didn't think I was ready for this much further yet. Link felt my hesitation and immediately stopped, lifting his head to look down at me. His lips were a bit swollen and he panted softly.

"Do you want me to stop?" He breathed softly, watching me. I looked up at him. I just couldn't do this yet. As much as I wanted to, just…not now.

I swallowed and nodded my head barely. He fixed my shirt, pulling it back down gently and then taking my hands and pulling me up as he straightened. "Sorry. Kinda got carried away." He said.

I laughed softly, blushing. "No, I'm sorry I made us stop, I just…"

"Zelda. You have no reason to apologize, I understand. If you're not ready, okay." He smiled and I felt the burn of oncoming tears in my eyes. No, no – was I actually crying?! …Yep.

Small tears leaked and Link looked a little startled. "Did… did I do something?" He asked. I shook my head quickly, hugging him tightly. He hugged me back, kissing the side of my head. Maybe I was overreacting, I don't know. But that meant more to me than he probably thought. I thought back to all of the previous guys I'd been with. How they… wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. Link would let me go at my own pace though, and I appreciated that.

"Thank you." I told him and he simply nodded against my shoulder.

"Anything, sweetheart." He mumbled into my hair and I smiled.

Soon I'd forget my past – at least for the most part. And I knew Link was the key to getting where I wanted to go with that. He was who I wanted beside me the whole time.

Yep. That's chapter 11. I'm kinda iffy on this chapter. I liked it a little, then not a really. I dunno. Hope you guys liked it a bit at least. Some more of Zelda's past poking through. I've got the other chapters planned and things are going to get… interesting from now on. :D Heh heh – STAY TUNED! :3