Okay. . . I know. It's been months. I am so sorry. I went into this kind of funk where I really thought about giving up on this story. But it was going in the direction I wanted it to and I saw all of the follows and comments and I felt bad because I made you guys wait and you actually want to read this and I think I was being selfish. I'm so freaking sorry, I can't even tell you. But I promise that won't happen again. I'm going to see this story through to the end.

I hope this chapter somewhat makes up for my inexcusable absence. Sorry again.

Chapter 12

Zelda

Hands wandered sloppily over my bare skin. Gross, wet kisses were smacked onto my neck and I squirmed underneath the weight on top of me. His fingertips dug into my hips so harshly, I was sure there would be bruises there tomorrow.

"Stop." I said firmly. I lost track of how many times I had attempted to get him off. "Stop – please. I don't wanna do this."

His mouth left my skin just long enough to growl out. "Shut up. You'll spread your legs for anyone else at this school, but you're too good for me?" Then his lips pressed to my exposed chest, his body stuck roughly to mine. I shoved at him, trying desperately to push him away. I felt warm tears bead at the corners of my eyes, then slip over my face.

"Stop!" I repeated anyway, receiving an unexpected slap to the face. I gasped, lifting my hand to press it to my cheek, but suddenly it was pinned down by his own hand. He'd pinned both of my arms down, hands circling my wrists. He forced my legs apart and I struggled harder, not prepared to give up anytime soon. I was not going to let this happen. "Leave me alone, don't, please –"

But then his naked hips jerked against mine and white hot pain shuddered through my body. I cried out and the tears came faster now. The pain was awful, it tore through me, burning away at me. Why did this happen, why –

I shot straight up in bed with a strangled cry, my hands flying to my body. Definitely clothed. No one in the room but Midna's sleeping form. It's okay. That was the past. My old school. It's okay…

I wiped the tears away from my face and slowly stood. It was still a bit early, but it was Christmas break and today was the day I was supposed to go and see my dad. I wasn't even staying for an hour. I was just saying hi, getting my present, and leaving. And I did not plan to go back again. I was so done with how he treated me and how he knew I would just end up coming back when he called. I was basically done with just being pushed around, like I had in the past. My thoughts wandered back to my dream, well… it was more like a memory. A memory that had etched itself into my mind and wasn't planning on disappearing anytime soon.

I thought of Link and an idea wiggled its way into my head. No. Could I ask him to do that for me? I mean, I hadn't even told him about what my dad was like or about my past or anything.

I sighed as I sat on the sofa and pulled on my shoes. Maybe… Maybe if I wanted to start getting past everything… I needed to tell him. I needed to trust him. I knew how hard trust was for me, but… It was Link.

I tugged the door open, moving to lock it. I turned around and nearly jumped out of my skin.

"Holy shit, Link! You scared me!" I exclaimed breathily, a hand on my chest. "You gotta stop doing that."

Link chuckled softly, walking forward more. "I'm sorry." He mumbled with a teasing smile and wound his arms around my waist. "I'll make it up to you." He lowered his head and placed a soft kiss on my lips. Damn him.

He pulled away and I shrugged. "Fine, I guess I forgive you." I said in mock exasperation and he laughed again. I smiled. "So what are you doing over here so early?"

He crossed his arms loosely and shrugged one shoulder. "Well you said you were leaving today, but I didn't know how early. Looks like I caught you just in time, though."

I nodded, slipping my hands in my pockets.

Link tilted his head a bit. "You okay?"

I looked up at him and sighed softly, my eyes lowering to my feet. "I… well…" I didn't know whether to do it or not. How exactly do you ask someone to tag along because you were going to visit your alcoholic, abusive father? Should I even be considering asking him this? It was my business. What if he said no?

"Zel…"

I glanced at him again, hearing the concern in his voice.

"What is it?" He asked, expression soft and patient as his eyes stayed on mine.

I swallowed. Worth a try.

"Link, I… I think I should be honest. There's something I need to tell you and…" I pursed my lips. "Would you come with me to my dad's? Just to be there. I'll… explain on the way." Well that was probably the crappiest way to do it.

Link watched me carefully, obviously confused. "Well, sure I don't mind going. But now I really want to know what's going on." He chuckled lightly.

I breathed a sigh of relief and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

…

We were in my car and I had my hands firmly gripping the wheel. Link looked out the window absently and I knew he was waiting for me to bring it up. He never pushed too hard. Always my pace. A small smile tipped up my lips, then it faded a little as I cleared my throat. In my peripheral, I saw Link turn his head at the sound, expectant attention on me.

"So, Link, I… You know those, ah, bruises you would see?" I asked, my voice uncertain as I watched the road. I picked the worst way to bring this up and tell him this stuff, and the worst time. Great.

"Yes." Link said slowly, the word wary.

"Well, see, my dad. He, um…"

I could feel Link become rigid in the passenger seat and I knew he must have already pieced it together, but I continued anyway.

"My dad is an alcoholic. And he's abusive. He causes those bruises and he always hits me, he always has." Everything was coming out in a rush now, I couldn't seem to stop it at this point. "This is the last time I'm going and I'm gonna tell him that I won't be visiting anymore. I know what you're thinking, I should've done this a long time ago and why the hell did I just realize to do it? I know, I hate it. But I was really scared, I guess and I wanted you to be there, mostly just for moral support because I don't know what will happen and I needed somebody I care about to be there if I needed them to." I sucked in a breath, but it became short and a sob shuddered through me.

Link was silent next to me. He didn't even move. I don't even think he was breathing. I spared a quick glance at him, then away.

"Link…?"

He seemed to have found his voice. "You mean… That… All of those bruises and the reason you're so… guarded is because of your dad?" His tone was incredulous.

I nodded. "Well, he's part of it. The trust issues and being closed off. My old school is the other part of the reason for that…"

"Shit, Zelda. Why… why didn't you tell me?" Link asked, voice soft with hurt.

"I just was scared." I felt the tears coming and I mentally scolded myself. Grudgingly, I pulled over to the side of the road and my face fell into my hands. I couldn't contain the shaky sobs that suddenly racked my body. Ugh – I wanted to stop crying! But I couldn't stop and the harder I tried, the harder the tears came. Everything I felt, had felt just came pouring out in the form of thick, salty tears and there was nothing I could do. "I d-didn't kn-know what y-you would think… or do… and I w-was scared b-because I n-n-never could tr-trust anyone. B-but I know I can… trust y-you, Link. I know th-that." The tears choked some of my words and I wiped my face as the sobs slowly subsided. I felt warm arms around me then and that almost made me break down again. I leaned into Link as best I could over the center console of the car. My voice was raw from crying and my face felt hot.

"I don't know why it took me so long, but… I'm sorry. I realized that I had to tell you some time. It was inevitable. And I know I can trust you, Link. And I do." My voice was soft and it sounded tired. I barely heard or saw the cars speeding by us, only thought of Link holding me, because that was all the mattered. "I'm sorry for just suddenly thrusting all this on you without warning."

"Zelda." He whispered into my hair. He sighed. "No… I understand. I do. I forgive you. I probably would've done the same if I were in your place." He pulled back a bit to look at me, his hands gently cupping my face. "And it doesn't matter because I feel the same way about you. I'll help you get through this."

I exhaled a soft laugh, looking at him. "How did I get so lucky?" I breathed. I was so, so lucky. Link was so understanding and just… perfect – I… My breath caught in my chest. Link furrowed his brows questioningly.

My heart raced and my whole body was hyperaware of him there. I looked in his deep blue eyes and I knew that it was true. I think I'd known for a while.

"Link, I love you."

Link's eyes widened a fraction. The weight behind my words was unmistakable. I loved him with everything in me, everything I ever was and everything I am now. I knew that for sure. I'd never been more sure of anything in my life.

"I love you too, Zelda." Link answered after a minute of silence, his voice soft and somehow I knew that the same weight came with his words as well. I could see it in his eyes. Leaning forward, I pressed my lips to his firmly, the kiss deep and searching. Link returned it immediately, his lips molding to mine perfectly as they always did.

A couple minutes later, we broke apart, breathless, and I smiled. His goofy grin matched mine. But then I could feel the slight flicker of a frown taint my smile. He seemed to know what I was thinking and gently took my hand in his.

"We can go, Zelda. It'll be okay. I'll be here."

I looked at him, more grateful than maybe he could even know. The moment of happiness was gone for now. Turning my eyes to the road and taking a deep breath that seemed fuller and more freeing than any breath I've taken, I pulled back onto the road.

…

A few hours later, I turned my car into my dad's driveway. The house, if possible, looked even worse than the last time I was here. I can do this, I can do this… I chanted in my head, glancing over to Link.

"I'm going to go in alone." I said.

Link appeared unsure. "Zelda, are you sure about that? I can come if you want."

"No, I… it'll be quick and I honestly have no idea what he would do if he saw you, so… Please."

Link looked like he wanted to protest again, but then he sighed and relented with a nod. "Be careful. I'll be right here if you need me." He said in a reassuring voice, leaning forward to press a kiss to my forehead.

I nodded, smiling at him. "Okay. Thank you."

Inhaling another readying breath, I reluctantly pushed my door open, casting Link one more glance before closing it and turning toward the house. Okay, this day had actually been okay so far. Could've been worse. Everything will be fine…

I stepped up to the door and knocked. I waited for what seemed like longer than necessary, but then the door swung open and my father stood there watching me. He stank of alcohol again and I resisted the urge to gag. Get in, get out.

"Hi, dad." I said and walked inside.

Link

Zelda had been inside for a while now, but I tried not to think about anything that would cause me to burst into the house and see what was going on. I was still a bit stunned as to exactly what had transpired today. Everything seemed so abrupt. And what Zelda had told me about the origin of those bruises… My jaw tightened and I sighed. I hate that she held all of this in for so long, without anyone to talk to. It must have been eating at her nonstop. But I'm glad she told me… It was better than keeping it hidden for a lot longer until I found out on my own or something. I didn't understand her position, because I'd never been in that situation before, but I think I understood where she was coming from. Why she'd kept it to herself for so long.

I absently fiddled with the dials on the stereo, scrolling through the different stations until I settled on one that had some kind of alternative music playing. I shrugged, leaving it there and looking out the window.

The house was in pretty bad shape. Her father must be a pretty bad alcoholic. Especially to be able to hit his own daughter like that. Maybe there was some backstory to that kind of anger too. Hm. Well I wasn't going to push her, it only made her more closed off. When she wanted to tell me things, she would tell me. I can be patient.

After sitting for probably another half hour, a little niggle of worry seemed into my mind. I frowned out the house, seeming so deceivingly silent. It was a strange feeling. I took a deep breath and drummed my fingers anxiously against my legs. Okay, maybe I could just investigate a little –

There was suddenly a loud slam that sounded like the front door. I straightened in the passenger seat, having taken off the seatbelt since I was just sitting here. Zelda stumbled around the corner and one look at her expression sent my blood running cold.

I scrambled out of the car and hurried up to her, stopping abruptly and taking in her appearance. "Oh my Goddesses, Zelda…" I breathed, blinking.

Her face had little smears of blood, along her jaw and on one cheek. Her hands were covered in the dark crimson stuff and her features wore such a horrible mixture of pain and fear that it nearly brought me to my knees.

"Link." Her voice didn't even sound like her. It was rough and shaky. Her eyes went glassy from oncoming tears. "Oh, Goddesses, Link – help me."

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'm going to try and update every Sunday. I seem to be able to do that. So yeah.

OH AND GUYS - IMPORTANT! I wanted to tell you, if you have heard of or are on Wattpad – I have an account on there and if you like my stories, then I invite you to take a look there too if you're interested. I'm currently working on a Johnlock fic at the moment, but if that's not your cup of tea, that's fine. My name is TheGameIsOn221 if you want to see it. Thanks! You guys rock!