Warnings: None

For a few sweet moments, Zelda forgot everything. Her hands drew Link's face closer to hers, her quick heartbeat roaring in her ears. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to become lost in the feeling—the sensation of Link's lips gently moving against her own. But alongside her racing heart, her mind was also fast at work—reminding her of every reason she should not be kissing Link. With a pained gasp, she jerked away, her hands flying from Link's face as she stumbled backwards. "I—I'm so sorry," she panted, "I shouldn't have done that. I…I'm sorry."

Despite the darkness caped around her, Zelda began to flee, feeling along the walls to make her escape. "Zelda, no," Link's hand firmly stilled her own, drawing her back to him.

"Link! Let me go!" Zelda demanded weakly as Link's arms wrapped around her.

"No. You don't get to run away this time," Link stated adamantly, "I can only take so much, Zelda."

Zelda's breaths were still uneven as Link held her close, water from his bath trickling down his body. Unable to speak herself, she allowed him to explain his meaning. "I try to leave you alone when you seek solace, Zelda," Link said, his own voice shaking, "I try not to meddle, not to question. I try so hard to please you. But…I'm a Hylian like you, Zelda. I have emotions, feelings. And I can't allow you to simply toy with them freely as if I were made of stone. Please, Zelda, I can't bear anymore secrecy between us. Please don't hide from me. I'm your husband; I want you to trust me."

Zelda still couldn't find her own voice, but she allowed herself to snuggle closer to Link, draping her arms around his broad shoulders. She could sense his pain, and she could feel guilt wash over her as he spoke aloud of what he regularly endured for her sake. Shutting her eyes once more and fighting her urge to run away—to simply run away from him again and be free of her troubling sentiments for Link—she reassured him silently, "I won't hide."

Link exhaled with relief and settled his chin atop Zelda's head, for once, the gesture neither being bizarre nor unpleasant. As if he didn't quite believe her though, he still kept his arms wound around her waist. For a few moments of peace, he didn't pressure her into speaking. But finally, he ventured quietly, "So, are you going to tell me what that was for?"

Zelda blushed profusely, her cheeks red as roses. She was thankful that the candle did not cast enough light for Link to notice her flushed complexion. "I'm so sorry," she whispered again, "I know I asked you not to—I didn't even mean to do it!"

"Shh, Zelda," Link soothed, "It's alright. I just want to know…why you did it."

How could she explain it? She hardly understood it herself! Zelda cleared her throat, her arms tensing around Link's neck, "It's…complicated. I just—it was an impulse, a sudden urge. I thoughtlessly acted on it rather than resisting, which I apologize for."

"Oh," Link's voice seemed to wilt at the explanation, "So…that's the only reason you kissed me?"

"What's the matter? Did you want there to be another reason?" Zelda inquired silently, confused by Link's sudden sorrow.

His hesitant reply gradually came. "Yes."

Zelda's cheeks flushed deeper, but she decided to trust. Her secrecy was harming Link, and besides, it wasn't as if she truly loved Link. It might be best to express what she could understand of her emotions. "I suppose I slightly wanted to do it before as well," Zelda uncomfortably explained, "I…enjoy your company, and I suppose that I just wanted to try it…to see how it would feel."

"And how did it feel?" Link prompted gently.

Zelda grinned, her cheek pressed to Link's chest. She could sense the anxiety emanating from Link as he anticipated her answer. She wasn't one to hope for impossible things, but she couldn't help but feel that maybe—Link wanted her to answer positively. Could it be that he enjoyed their kiss as well? "It felt nice," Zelda answered simply, deciding it best not to flatter him too heavily.

Link smiled above her, "Then…do you want to try this? Being more akin to lovers than friends?"

Zelda's breath caught in her throat as she tried to pry herself free of Link's arms, "I never said anything about love."

"Zelda," Link's voice sounded tired, strained.

"Link, I don't want to ruin our chances of being the right parents for our child," Zelda blurted, "If things don't go as we wish, we could spoil everything! It'd be safer—wiser—to remain as friends."

"But Zelda, darling," Link pleaded, "There is never a promise of safety in our lives; we must choose for ourselves what's worth taking a chance on. Please, I…I think we should consider trying."

Link clasped both of Zelda's hands within his own, lifting them to his lips and kissing them as he met Zelda's eyes. He was awaiting her answer, her final answer. Desperate to know Link's motivations, Zelda pressed, "Why do you think it's worth taking such a large chance? We could devastate our daughter; why is this worthy of such risk?"

Because I love you. Zelda didn't see why she kept hoping for such a response, because she never had nor would she ever receive it. "If we do this right, we could make both our child and ourselves very happy," Link wagered, "Please, trust me, Zelda—I beg of you. We're not powerless; we could make something beautiful if we tried."

Zelda studied Link's face, feeling her emotions submitting. She wanted to love Link—honestly, she did want to. But if things were to fail between them…not every story has a happy ending to accompany it, after all. Things were fine as they were; things were clear, simple. Friendship was the only answer for her and Link.

"Alright," Zelda whispered, "We can…I trust you."

Link's face beamed in the candlelight, and he stooped down quickly, kissing Zelda once more. He poured all of his gratitude into the kiss, and Zelda found her hands returning to his cheeks instinctively. "Alright," Link echoed breathlessly as he drew back, "alright."

After dressing himself, Link escorted Zelda back to their room, their hands swaying between them as they walked. Zelda couldn't keep from smiling as Link's hand warmed her own, but she was still mystified over a few things. Were she and Link in love? They hadn't said that exactly—Link certainly hadn't said it. They were going to act like they were in love was the decision. They were going to be more romantic and affectionate. But love—the matter itself hadn't really been mentioned. Zelda's smile faded slightly at the realization, recognizing that her dream of a loving husband still hadn't been fulfilled.

Zelda flushed with humiliation as Link had to help her lie down again, but her baby and injured back protested to her doing it any other way. "Don't be embarrassed," Link smiled, settling comfortably behind Zelda, their sleeping mats now conjoined, "You're expecting; you're supposed to need some extra help."

Zelda offered a small smile, even though Link wouldn't notice it in the dark, "Reading my thoughts again?"

"You thought of me first," Link defended himself with a short laugh, "You wished that you didn't require my help."

"Well, I'd just like to be more self-sufficient," Zelda sighed, too drowsy to truly pursue the argument.

"Nonsense. You're flawless just as you are," Link replied, one of his arms sliding protectively around Zelda's stomach, her back pressed to his chest.

Zelda glanced over her shoulder, but Link seemed to already be overcome with sleep. He had never given her such a bold compliment before, and the words had been a pleasurable if not perplexing surprise. But Link had probably merely said such a thing to be more romantic, as he was supposed to be now. Zelda was too tired to think the matter over further as she too succumbed to sleep.

"Zelda, wake up, my love."

Zelda blinked lazily, grinning upon seeing Link leaning over her, caressing her face gently. Things were returning to normal at last—Link was up before her again. Only this time, he actually waited to see her awaken as well. "My love?" Zelda scrunched her nose, "I thought I asked you to avoid such ridiculous terms."

"No," Link corrected with a smile, "You asked me not to call you 'dearest.' And so I haven't."

Zelda smiled back, the motion contagious. She sat upright, accepting a quick morning kiss from Link before asking, "What are our plans for today?"

"We reach Castle Town by dusk," Link explained excitedly, undoubtedly cheerful over their progress, "The men have already made preparations for departure; they await only their princess."

"That's wonderful news!" Zelda embraced Link giddily as soon as she was hoisted to her feet, "I cannot wait to see Impa once more!"

The merry atmosphere then shifted, Zelda drawing back to ask more solemnly, "But Link, what then? We cannot simply allow Takoume to roam Hyrule freely!"

"No, of course not," Link rested his forehead against his wife's, "I plan to get a night's rest as Thorolf organizes our armies. We shall seek her out at dawn tomorrow."

"Only a night's rest?" Zelda glimpsed up into Link's eyes, her own blue irises welling with concern, "Link, must you accompany them?"

"Of course!" Link's reply was immediate, "I am soon to be their king, Zelda. I must show that I intend to be a good one."

Zelda tenderly broke away from Link's arms. "Zelda-what's the matter?" Link tilted her chin upwards, "Have I hurt you?"

"I only—I only wish you would stay at home with me," Zelda murmured, "If something were to happen to you, I couldn't dream of what I'd do. And Takoume thirsts after your blood, Link! She won't rest until she has it!"

"Or until I send her to her grave," Link smiled halfheartedly, "Don't worry over me, Zelda. I'll be home again for you and the baby. I'll be careful; nothing will happen to me, you'll see."

Zelda shut her eyes, leaning into Link's opened arms. "I don't want to raise our child alone," she whispered, "I can't."

"You won't," Link affirmed, holding her.

Thorolf's voice reverberated through the caves, "Master Link? Master Link?"

"To Castle Town," Link repeated, offering a gentle smile.

Link had fallen so far behind the other soldiers, he could barely make out their figures. "Link, go on!" Zelda begged, "This is positively degrading!"

"I'm not leaving you, Zelda," Link said decisively, "Not in your condition."

The journey down the steep side of the mountain had been a difficult one for Zelda. Each step was slow and careful. And each was made with her hand forcefully clenching Link's, her only source of balance as she stumbled down the narrow mountain path. "We'll lose sight of the men at this rate!" Zelda objected, "Please—at least notify them of our circumstances! Oh!"

Zelda hunched over, her free arm holding her stomach as she winced with pain. "Zelda—are you alright?" Link directly inquired, his tone snapping from determined to worried within seconds.

"Yes; just another stomach pain," Zelda insisted through gritted teeth.

Link raised an eyebrow skeptically, but Zelda shooed him on. "Go! I'll just…rest here a moment. Explain our situation to Thorolf!"

Link still appeared to be greatly unconvinced, but he rushed to see Thorolf anyway. Zelda cautiously lowered herself to the ground, exhaling with relief when she was finally seated. She hadn't realized how weary she truly was. After a few calming breaths, a faint glow in the mountain grass nearby attracted her attention.

"They are aware of our situation," Link clarified as he returned to Zelda.

"Link," Zelda asked dazedly, "What's that? There—in the grass."

With interest, Link investigated the grass, his eyes widening at what he saw. He quickly fetched an empty jar from his satchel, stooping down and catching something. He grinned triumphantly, hastening back to Zelda's side. "Look at this, Zelda!"

Zelda gasped at what she saw. Within the jar, a tiny insect-like creature shone, a dim light filling the jar. "A…fairy?" Zelda queried with wonder.

Link bobbed his head, "I've not seen one in years! But this might be exceptionally useful should I ever come face to face with Takoume."

Zelda lifted the flap of Link's satchel, inserting the jar back inside. "Save it. Promise me you'll use it if you need to," Zelda said gravely.

Link nodded, heaving Zelda to her feet, "I promise."

With a gasp, Zelda turned to Link, having been drawn back into reality, "Oh, Link! The men! I can barely distinguish them from the rocks! We must hurry."

"No, we mustn't," Link shook his head, "Thorolf has his orders to lead the men back to the castle. You and I will move at our own pace."

Zelda's mouth fell agape for a few moments, "You mean…you've ordered them to leave us? Only so that you might help me?"

"Yes," Link grinned sheepishly, "Don't look so shocked, Zelda! I would hope you would've thought better of me!"

"But they were your companions, Link! I-I'm your wife by law! Won't you miss the company?" Zelda's brow furrowed with bemusement. She never would understand her husband's motives.

"Of course I will, but this allows Thorolf to prepare the armies on schedule," Link elaborated, "And you're more than my wife, Zelda. Much more."

Link didn't comment further, even though Zelda had slight hopes that he would. But she didn't force the matter further. "And when do you speculate we'll reach Castle Town?" Zelda asked quietly.

"Perhaps early tomorrow evening," Link answered, looping Zelda's arm about his shoulders for support as the two began walking.

"Tomorrow evening?" Zelda sputtered, "And what will we do for shelter and food before then?"

Link grinned, "We'll stay the night at Kakariko Village of course."

"Charming, isn't it?"

The sun was sinking lower in the sky as Zelda examined a shop window, the welcome aroma of flowers blossoming in the garden nearby filling the air. "It's beautiful here," Zelda agreed, smiling and feeling warm all over as Link brought an arm about her hips. She had gotten so used to his touches in the time of a single day that it frightened her a bit.

"Impa is always speaking of building a house here, you know," Zelda commented, "I understand her desire now."

"Does she tire of life at the castle then?" Link ventured, beginning to walk with Zelda back to their inn.

"I certainly hope not, but I can't be sure," Zelda replied, "I myself tire of it sometimes, naturally. But I've never really wanted to leave it behind me except for perhaps a few moments."

"And when were these moments?" Link asked.

Zelda tensed slightly, but she wanted to be honest with Link, "There were times when…I felt that because my husband could not love me and because I could not love him in return, I felt that I would never be happy. I sometimes—briefly considered running away."

"With Radimir?" Link's voice sounded genuinely hurt, "Someone who could love you?"

Zelda shook her head quickly, "No, of course not! By myself. Sometimes, it's easier to forget one's heritage than it is to remember one's duty."

"But things are different now," Link responded quickly, halting to face Zelda, "We're different. You'll never feel unwanted again, Zelda, I'll see to it."

Zelda smiled genuinely, brightly, "Thank you, Link."

The two exchanged another short, slightly bashful kiss outside the inn. When they had opened their eyes, Link's smile was gleaming playfully. "Zelda, I want to show you something," he said, "Something I've come across in my travels. Come with me."

Zelda, despite her fatigue, allowed her hand to be pulled through Kakariko Village, Link walking briskly ahead of her, casting a grin at her every now and again. The town diminished in the background as Link tugged Zelda onwards, the princess finding herself smiling with anticipation. Finally, Link stopped, twilight covering the ground about them. "This is special, Zelda," Link began, his smile becoming a bit nervous, "But…I want you to see it—"

A deafening thunderclap shook the air, sending Link and Zelda to the ground. "Link!" Zelda immediately cried out, a too familiar terror overcoming her.

Link fumbled to his wife's side, heaving both of them to their feet. "Link, no! It's her!" Zelda nearly screamed, "You've got to get away! Run!"

Before Link could react, a large cloud had accumulated before the couple. Within moments, just as Zelda had predicted, Takoume emerged from the cloud. "Well, well, well," Takoume chuckled, "We meet again at last, princess."

Link drew his sword, his face twisting with anger, "Don't you dare touch her!"

Takoume laughed, the sound booming eerily throughout the surrounding area. "As if I have any need for her," Takoume grinned, "She'll be dead within moments at the mere command of my voice, and that will be that. But the one in whom I am truly interested is you, dear prince. Won't you accompany me back to my home?"

Takoume gestured to a staircase, seeming to have appeared from nowhere, that led into the cloud. Link furiously stood his ground, remaining silent. Takoume shrugged, "Suit yourself."

With a clap of her hands, a large electrical wave spun towards Zelda and Link. "No, Link!" Zelda shrieked, flinging herself in front of the hero. Calling upon the last of her strength, the princess created a small shield for protection, encasing both her and Link with magic.

The wave passed over the shield unaffected, but Zelda slumped to the ground moments later. "Zelda!" Link cried, catching her limp body.

"Poor dear seems to have injured herself with the effort," Takoume shook her head sadly, "Ah well. Perhaps her death will have to be self-inflicted."

Blindly, Link fumbled through his satchel, not willing to take any chances. Retrieving the jar, he immediately cracked it upon the ground, the fairy flitting out and zipping around Zelda's lifeless form. Zelda awoke with a gasp. "Zelda," Link breathed with relief, holding her close.

"Link!" Zelda returned the hug tearfully, observing the broken glass, "Link—the fairy! What's happened? Oh, tell me you didn't…"

"I needed to use it," Link asserted resolutely, "like I promised."

"Link, it was meant for you!" Zelda could not hold back her tears at all that had happened, her voice shaking.

"What a heartwarming scene," Takoume's voice interrupted, "Let's continue it elsewhere, shall we?"

With another clap of her hands, Zelda screamed as she felt Link torn from her arms. Blackness enveloped her, and she knew nothing more.

I'm alive! And late as usual, of course. I had a lovely trip if you were wondering, and if you weren't, then you'll know just the same. Although I must say, I've started school this week, and I'm feeling about how exhausted Zelda does. I might have to change my day for updates AGAIN, but that's definitely not for certain. For now, happy reading and I'll see you all again next Friday!