A/N: WOW this chapter... IS VERY LONG. Just to warn you. Also, it mostly consists of romance, but nothing racy, just... FLUFF out the wazoo. AND in some areas may seem lime-ish. Think whatever you want, I won't say either way.
Also, sorry about any OOCness (who ever said they were in character?) and any errors you see please inform me.
Maybe you'll like it?
Tournament Chapter Six:
Day Five: A Prosperous Action
by mrtysh
Zelda blinked to the glint of the fair sunlight through the window of the Kokiri home. After her gaze focused, she noticed first that Link was not present in his bed, and second that an extra blanket had been laid upon her. Perhaps it had gotten slightly cool the previous night...
Slowly, she rose from the bed. Sitting up first, she yawned widely, then stood, brushing herself off and eliminating the wrinkles in her dress. Good as new!
Out of curiosity and slight worry, Zelda walked outside the Kokiri home and climbed down the ladder cautiously. Still, no sight of Link in the vicinity. Saria's home next door? Empty. The once Great Deku Tree's 'lair?' Deserted, except for the snoozing sprout.
Where could he have gone? Zelda wondered, truly worrying now. She frantically searched the entire forest and checked in every house, even the heart of the Lost Woods. Once, she even went back to his Kokiri home to see if he had gone back there to look for her.
What if something had happened to him? A demon or soul stealer... She shuddered and tears fell down her cheeks at the terrible thought. She had to find him, now. And by Din, she would do whatever she had to do to see him again.
-
A rustle of the plain white sheets could be heard; one of the beings in the small bed had stirred, waking the other. A sharp intake of breath from being startled, the awaken one's eyes widened at first, until the other breathed normally.
Marth apologized instantly. "Samus, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you..."
"I'm fine... for the most part..." Samus smirked, flipping over to face him, planting her lips firmly onto his in an urgent gesture of heartfelt passion. There's one way to wake up.
A few minutes later and with Marth's hair ruffled to no end, they pulled apart and silently laid next to each other. Samus absently glanced at the digital clock on the small bedside table; it read exactly seven fifteen. It was still a little early for moving about the mansion; most didn't rise until nine or later on a weekend.
Perhaps a little bit of quality time with one's lover in the morning... Samus liked the idea very much.
-
Peach yawned upon running her brush through her long hair. She'd had a peaceful slumber that night, full of sweet dreams and pleasant thoughts.
Despite that, she was slightly depressed. Without Link and Zelda, the element of excitement was of no more than a feeble wisp of air. Since Marth and Samus were surely content with spending much quality time alone, that basically left Peach and Roy to themselves and the rest of the mansions' population, most of which didn't speak in a comprehensible language or didn't speak at all.
She would have to speak with Roy about it, but a calm, peaceful lunch together outside would appeal greatly to her; some good time with her lover and her friends in the enlightening, warm sun... And maybe she and Roy could train this morning! She did need to brush up on her skills, and who better to do that with than her boyfriend, the tough, handsome swordsman and one of the best fighters in the mansion.
Sounds like an idea...
-
"LINK! ...LINK!!" Zelda shouted between harsh, rib-racking sobs. Another twenty minutes of search to no avail. Looking at the position of the sun relative to its possible elevation, it would be a little under eight of the clock. She wasn't sure, but referring to her internal time system, she had woken almost an hour ago.
Her only option left was that he'd left the forest for... Farore knows what. Frantically, she dashed to the entrance of the forest, and out into Hyrule field. "LINK!!!!!...." her tear-filled voice echoed far. Surely anyone in the field would have heard it. She sobbed harder, the horrible thoughts entering her mind; bringing her pictures of severed body parts and heavily distraught beings. It nearly killed her to think that this could have happened to Link...
Zelda collapsed to the ground, weeping uncontrollably. Her whole figure was shaking and she needed comfort from someone. Where could he have possibly gone? LINK! PLEASE! I need you! I love you...
"Zelda?!" A male voice that Zelda knew so well spoke with grave concern. It was him; Link.
Zelda wiped her eyes vigorously, trying to will down the puffy redness of her cheeks and nose. Link was here, unscathed, on Epona. He looked very worried about her as he leaped off the mare and ran towards her.
"Link?" was all she could manage; jumping up from the ground and flinging herself into his arms. Her tears had softened slightly, but had yet to cease completely.
"Zelda, what's wrong? Have you been harmed?" Link spoke softly, tenderly; patting her on the back.
"I-I thought something happened to you..." she whimpered.
"I'm fine, Zel, I left early this morning to take Epona out for a quick ride around the field and to the lake; I didn't figure you would wake up for a long time..." Link continued to massage her back soothingly.
"B-but how could I sleep with you gone?" Zelda blushed the instant she'd realized what she said. Oh, great...
"Ahh, well... You see, I awoke in the night sometime; you were saying something in your sleep, like maybe a bad dream or something. I found an old blanket, it was a little cold, and I put it on you and went back to sleep, hoping you would be okay. A few hours later, I woke up again and couldn't go back to sleep, so I left, but I checked on you before. I thought, because of your sleep troubles, you would sleep in a little. I was heading back here, then I heard your voice and... here we are. I'm really sorry I worried you, Zel..." Link engulfed a large amount of air.
Zelda blushed more. How could I have been so stupid? It's LINK, of course he's not going to go get himself killed... Now he probably thinks I'm helpless...
Link was equally grateful for the silence. Dear Nayru, how foolish! I should have known not to leave her there by herself, something could have happened to her and it would be my fault. Now she probably thinks I'm unreliable... Damn it.
"I'm sorry!" They both exclaimed in unison. They smiled at each other, then Zelda reluctantly slipped out of Link's arms. "I forgive you..." together, they spoke.
After a minute of merely standing there and enjoying the rising sun, Link proposed an idea. "How about I take you to Gerudo Valley, show you around? We'll take Epona."
"That sounds perfect; I've never been there actually..." Zelda admitted sheepishly. She helped to rule this land and she had yet to visit all of it... The castle really hadn't a lot of business with the Gerudo people.
"Really? Well, then this will be perfect for us. Let's go!" The atmosphere lightened up delightfully then; as if the cloud that covered their moods had suddenly dissipated. Zelda, then Link mounted Epona and were off to the valley of the Gerudo.
-
A red-headed swordsman sighed as he tugged on his boots. His night's sleep was perfect without Link there, despite how terribly inconsiderate that was. He wondered how Zelda could bear it, what with her ultra-sensitive Hylian ears...
Standing suddenly, Roy walked out the door to his room. Peach would want to do something today, so he should go talk to her.
Approximately five steps to the end of the hallway, and Roy ran into a figure dressed in pink; carnation pink, bright and cheery. The figure, identified as human, smelled greatly of apricot and other miscellaneous fruits. Naturally, it was Peach...
"Peach? What are you doing here?" Roy asked, bewildered.
"I was coming to ask you something?" Peach looked up at him innocently, but her eyes shined with passion at being close to him.
At this, Roy glanced around to make sure no one was watching them. When he was certain that only the lukewarm air lingered around them, he placed his lips atop hers with an urgent ferocity, yet filled to the brim with tasteful passion.
As in a routinely fashion, arms intertwined, breathing sped up, clothing stretched; the pair became as close as anatomically(1) possible. This time, though, their lips locked with a pining desire like they hadn't had such intimate contact in years...
Peach would admit it. Her hands instantly reached up to ruffle Roy's hair, despite its severely unkempt quality. She was terribly obsessed with his shiny red locks of fluffy cotton; at least that's what she felt through her thin-layered white gloves. Cotton that grew from someone's scalp; the idea appeased her splendidly.
Both of them were so extremely overjoyed to have a significant other to 'confide' in and rely on. They now understood what it meant to be loved unconditionally, irrevocably. They loved each other so much that there was no true, ultimate way to show it, but they could come very close... even though they might be slightly overzealous about it.
Reluctantly, as always, they pulled apart, only to remain attached closely. Roy, after catching his breath, spoke first. "So, I'm assuming you came to see me for a reason other than this?" he chuckled.
Peach giggled. "Yes... I was wondering if you'd like to train with me?"
"I think that would be perfect, b—" Roy stopped mid-sentence. He had intended to say, 'but I'm much stronger than you...' but that would fail to succeed. He would just have to pretend to be weak and dodge left and right.
"Thank you, Roy! I'm so glad you will!" Peach chittered(2). "Also, I wanted to ask Samus and Marth if they wanted to have lunch with us; like a small picnic, outside?"
Roy nodded in approval. He figured he's be slightly busy today, but this was more than expected. "I can go talk to Marth after we're through training?"
Peach nodded. "And I'll speak with Samus. Okay, let's go!"
-
"Everything is so... open and magnificent!" Zelda exclaimed as they rode into the Gerudo Valley on Epona; at a steady gallop now. They had just crossed a narrow, half-log bridge over a small body of water, and now they could see the big waterfall and vast, red-rock mountains. Across the main bridge were a few Gerudo girls muttering to one another; they looked most unique with their orange-hued skin and a multitude of gold on their fancy, colorful and distinctive clothing.
"It is a nice place, especially when your welcomed here!" Link chuckled. Those Gerudo were fiercely dexterous when it came to protecting their fortress and warding off the trespassing population. Spears, scimitars, and katanas; they would slice up any intruder.
Link dismounted Epona, and Zelda quickly followed. It seemed as if there was much to explore of this land; she couldn't wait to see it. Surely Link was most greatly welcomed here; he had destroyed the evil burden that once lay in their Spirit Temple.
To prevent anything else wrong from happening, Link laced his right arm with Zelda's left, grasping her hand to make sure they never got separated again. Zelda blushed lightly at his forward attitude.
Though it failed to look like it, the main bridge was unbelievably sturdy. It was a little scary seeing as it had no side ropes; Zelda absently wondered if anyone had ever jumped or simply fallen off of here...
"All hail the Hero of Time!" The two Gerudo bowed before Link like he was a king. Yeah, he was welcome here...
"You're too generous, ladies," Link responded slightly pompously. He honestly didn't know how to respond to that, it had been forever ago since he had saved them. For all he knew, there could be another pair of evil witches haunting their temple at this moment.
After they were out of earshot of the Gerudo, Zelda said, "Wow, talk about over the top!" and laughed.
"Well, I deserve it, don't I?" Link asked, humor glinting in his cerulean eyes and a soft smirk playing on his features.
Zelda couldn't answer that truthfully. If she'd been one of those girls, she would have used the position she was in to her advantage...
Finally, they had reached the massive fortress. Four stories tall, made of deep beige brick with the occasional bit of moss lingering. Numerous guards patrolled the area clad in purple clothing and carrying long, sharp blades over their shoulders; waiting to attack any on-comers. It wouldn't do anyone any good trying to sneak in there.
To contradict her thoughts, Link whispered mischievously, "Would you believe me if I said I had sneaked in there before?"
Zelda laughed again. Yes, she could believe it; it was Link after all...
Now they were walking a path towards an archery range with a couple Gerudo and a few horses standing around.
Link stopped about halfway up the path and pulled out his ocarina, raising it to his lips. The melody that he'd played when Epona had come to the mansion.
Moments later, Epona was galloping casually towards them. Link promptly mounted her, yet signaled for Zelda to stay. Was he planning on showing his archery skills... on horseback?
"Watch this, Zel!" Link shouted, a competitive, fiery sheen in his eyes. He galloped over to the Gerudo in charge and gave her a large pile of rupees, saying generously, "Keep the change." He pulled out his bow and took the arrows she handed him; they were a red arrow while the ones he owned were a golden color, so they were distinctive.
The Gerudo sounded a whistle and Link set Epona to a steady trot. He loaded his bow like a professional, aiming in a fraction of a second and shooting in the next. His arrows hit all the targets square in the center, and he even had time to break the pots he passed by.
Zelda was quite amazed. She knew he was more than proficient in archery, but on horseback and moving? Even she, who was just as proficient, would fail to succeed in such an act. Almost finished with the course, he had shot every arrow at the center, a sweet, metallic kiss on the splintering wood... Any archer's pleasure.
Link halted Epona and dismounted. "How's that for impressive?" he smirked.
Zelda rolled her eyes. "Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back, now."
Link faked looking hurt and pouted, "Why Zelda, how unjust!" then chuckled, taking her arm again and leading Epona away from the archery course and back to the main waterfall. A simple, leisurely stroll, enjoying each others' company.
A voice stopped them dead in their tracks. "Zelda? Link?"
The two turned around, still linked by the arm. Nabooru stand staring at them in disbelief; she hadn't seen them in years.
"Nabs!" Zelda ran to greet Nabooru. Despite not having much business with the Gerudo, Nabooru had been the only one who was associated with the royalty, being royalty herself. Ever since the two were small children, Zelda and Nabooru had been great friends and it lasted forever more. Link, of course, was known by everyone in Hyrule for his previous deeds.
Nabooru stared Link down a bit. "Oh, yeah, you helped me out when our temple was in great distress, I and my colony thank you so much, Link..." A few passersby stopped and bowed before Link as if HE were the royalty here...
Link nodded curtly in response. He could tell he wasn't wanted in this conversation, so he headed back for the river.
Nabooru didn't even notice. "So, Zelda, we have some catching up to do. How have you been?"
Zelda wasn't going to talk for long. "I've been great, yourself?"
"I've been so great, everyone is eagerly awaiting the birth of the next Gerudo King after Ganondorf... It is a relieving prospect to look forward to. How is Link?"
"He's been splendid, really." Zelda didn't wish to know how that 'birth' occurred...
"That's good to hear. Your relationship seems to be developing nicely, Zelda!"
"Reslationship?!" Zelda exclaimed, attracting a little more attention than desired; passing Gerudo girls gawking at her.
Nabooru's eyes narrowed. "You aren't 'together?'"
"No, we aren't, never have been!... Despite how much I want us to be..." Zelda muttered the last.
"Zelda, you both should be together. I would have thought it that way; he was holding your hand and everything, you both had that familiar sparkle in your eyes... Surely you want to be with him?"
Obviously she hadn't heard that last. "Of course I want to, Nabs! But... I'm shy!" Zelda admitted.
"Zelda, we all are at some point. I think you should go for it, soon, before you both lose the feeling! Come on, Zelda... Just approach the subject calmly."
Zelda was officially confused. Since when did Nabs pry into relationships? This was unlike her... "Nabs, I have to leave, Link is waiting..." she began walking towards the waterfall again.
"I'll miss you Zelda! Remember what I said. I hope to see you again soon!" Nabooru's voice faded away as Zelda sprinted away, afraid to face the truth; what her heart yearned to hear about.
Shortly after, she had arrived back at the main waterfall, taking a minute to gaze in awe at its tranquil beauty. The way the water pounded onto the surface of the river created a foamy mist; quite captivating.
Link stood beside her, absently staring at the lake. It seemed like they could stay there for all of eternity.
Out of nowhere, Link said, "Zelda, hop onto my back..."
Zelda blushed profusely. His back? Wasn't that a... personal space? Nevertheless, she obliged and carefully wrapped her arms around his strong, firmly built shoulders. "Where are we going, Link?"
A fierce determination, prideful, and adventurous glint in his fiery eyes once again, Link replied almost huskily, "Lake Hylia..."
Zelda thought this was rather odd. Why not just take Epona out of the valley and around to the lake?
But then it occurred to her that he hadn't intended to go the long way. Well, the long way down, but not around.
They were going to jump off the cliff.
Sure enough, Link was heading that way. Of course, he had probably done this millions of times when he was younger and older, so it was no big deal to him. Zelda closed her eyes and awaited that 'falling' feeling...
Good times.
-
A sword swept across the ground with extraordinary speed. Fists met arms, feet met faces, and sweat met skin as Peach and Roy fought with more ferocity than was displayed in their earlier activities. Roy was definitely of more strength than Peach, but he made it seem like he was... a little on the weak side. It'd work.
They had been training for at least an hour straight, both of them needed a break. Peach ceased her kicks and punches, and Roy sheathed his sword. Both smeared the stench-like sweat off their foreheads in an attempt to cool down a little.
"You're really strong, Roy..." Peach muttered, sighing. "I'll never be as good as you."
Roy really hated to disagree. "Peach, we really can't be compared, we have such different fighting techniques. I think that you're really strong too, as strong as Zelda and Samus." That was a lie. Samus was stronger than some of the male population, and Zelda was no wimp either. At least Peach was stronger than the training dummies... There was still hope.
Peach smiled, soaking up the (secretly) tainted words of consolation like a desert dry rag. Roy is so generous... she thought.
Roy picked up a nearby bottle of water in their corner of the room, chugging half of it at once. The vast room was divided into four identical sections, each was a stadium sized area of changeable terrain protected by an invisible shield as a wall to separate them. There was a hallway down the middle with doors that lead to each individual section; with a storage room at the far wall. The terrain was changeable based on which conditions a fighter needed practice in. They ranged from grassy, fiery and hot, water, ice, rocky, and plain, flat stone terrain. Peach and Roy had just been fighting on the plain terrain; no extra obstacles to encounter.
After guzzling the rest of the water bottle and catching his breath, Roy spoke once more, "Ready to find Samus and Marth?"
"Sure!" Peach replied, trailing closely behind him.
Soon, they reached the fork in the entrance hall, leading to the two separate wings of bedrooms. Peach set off up the one to the right, and Roy to the left; Marth and Samus were actually fairly far apart from each other. Sort of...
Peach had expected to find Samus in her room still if she hadn't gone to the training room, and was rather surprised to walk up to Samus's door and find a note that said 'Gone' in what was clearly her handwriting. Where would she be; it's still fairly early... Eight forty-nine... Peach thought. She only hoped that Samus was outside, or visiting someone...
-
In the meantime, Roy was making his way to Marth's room like normal, nothing hindering him at all. All was the same when he gave a firm knock to the door and awaited an answer. It was the same when he heard rustling in the room, and the same when the door creaked open.
Marth was disheveled, to say the least. His hair in complete disarray and barely half-clothed, a light pink blush was plastered onto his cheeks along with extreme tensing of muscles.
"Marth, what happened to you? You and your bed have a good time?" Roy chuckled, thinking Marth would too... Nope. Just a sullen, slightly annoyed look.
"Seriously, Marth. Peach and I wanted to have lunch together with you and Samus, so we figured we'd ask you two about it now?" Roy shrugged, eyeing Marth again. By half clothed, that meant shirtless and the long boxers seemed askew... One rough bed.
Marth grunted. "All right, sounds good. But not 'till about... Noon, right?"
"Right, so see you then out in the courtyard?" Roy asked.
"Yeah. Later," Marth sighed and returned to the privacy of his room. Well, hopefully at least; he thought as he clicked the lock.
In the semi-darkness of his room (a small lamp was on) he asked, "So what do you think, Samus?" and smoothed out his hair in front of the mirror.
"I think it would be nice to eat lunch with them... As long as we can spend time together afterward," Samus murmured, walking over to Marth and laying her head on his shoulder from behind him.
"Most definitely, mademoiselle..." Marth smiled and turned toward her, slipping his hands under her tank top; massaging her back lovingly. They both hoped time would stop as he placed his lips atop hers again.
-
"Sammie!" Peach, clad in lavender dress with matching shoes and gloves, hugged Samus as she and Marth approached the courtyard picnic. "Where've you been? I haven't seen you since yesterday!"
Samus hesitated as Marth left her to talk; confiding in Roy about something. "Well, I was with Marth...We were... uhh—"
"Seriously, Samus, you can tell me. Is everything going all right between you?" Peach looked concerned.
"Oh, yeah everything's fine. Peach, I spent the night with Marth... and we stayed there all morning..." Samus muttered, hoping Peach had much worse hearing than Zelda.
"Really?" She asked incredulously. "Did... anything...?" she sounded like she was going to continue, but she lost her train of thoughts.
"No, nothing happened!" Samus exclaimed, a little louder than intended. In a lower tone she continued, "We have only been together for twenty four hours, Peach!"
"Don't you think you're taking things too fast?"
"..." Samus didn't know how to answer that. Perhaps they really were moving along too quickly...
Roy abruptly interrupted their talk. "Samus, Peach, come join us!" Marth gave him a glare and bopped him on the head. Nevertheless, Peach and Samus sat beside their lovers on the neatly placed picnic blanket.
Funny, this setting seemed quite familiar to Samus and Marth.
"So, how was your morning, Roy?" Samus asked, to start some form of conversation.
"Ehh, it was fine. Peach and I trained together, and then we prepared the picnic for all of us. Nothing exciting," he wasn't going to mention the numerous make-out sessions entwined like vines in their morning schedule. He even cleaned up the evidence; combed his hair nicely, it always reflected Peach's less than organized ministrations.
Samus didn't wish to inform Roy of the morning Marth and Samus spent together... Oh the ridicule and mockery they would receive, and possible lecturing from Peach...
Marth changed the topic a little. "Who fought better?" he smirked maliciously. This could get interesting.
Roy tried to answer, pulling sandwiches out of the traditional picnic basket. "Uhh, w-well, we..."
"Roy and I were basically even on exhaustion when we stopped. I think we both fought evenly." Peach answered for him.
Marth wasn't accepting this. He looked at Peach like her face had just turned purple to match her dress. "You mean... you and Roy fought equally?" he inquired incredulously.
"As a matter of fact, we did, Marth," Roy was glad Peach could come up with such a great answer.
Marth just chose to drop the subject; if he wished them to explain further it would result in him going insane.
Even Samus knew that if she fought Peach, she could win, and Roy was a much better fighter than her. He must have been going easy on her...
Conversation ceased as everyone enjoyed their (gourmet, as Roy had falsely claimed) ham and cheese sandwiches.
Of course, the silence wouldn't last... "So, Samus, I hear Peach couldn't find you this morning. Where were you?" Roy asked. Obviously Peach hadn't told him, especially when she firmly slapped his cheek, leaving a bright red imprint. "Okay, okay, never mind!"
Peach shook her head. "You shouldn't be nosy... To return the favor of asking us earlier, how was your morning, Marth?"
Samus scoffed. Sure, Roy was being outwardly nosy, but Peach was being sneaky about it! The little—
Samus could see Marth blushing slightly. Don't blow our cover, Marth!! "My morning was fine, thank you..." More blushing. "I-isn't it a nice day outside?"
Peach smirked. She was determined to get some information out of Marth. "It certainly is. Perhaps Roy and I should have asked you both to train with us earlier?"
"Ahh, well I was kinda... busy earlier today..." Marth replied sceptically. He wasn't fond of flat-out lying, but fibbing every so often was acceptable enough. This was true, he was busy; he just didn't have to explain what exactly he was doing.
"Oh, that's too bad... I'm sure Samus would have spent some time with you, right Sammie?" Peach smirked even wider.
Marth could practically feel sweat droplets dripping down his back. This was getting harder and harder to evade...
"Well, I was a little busy, too..." Samus chimed in shyly. "Marth and I will have plenty of time later to spend time with each other."
Peach could tell they were lying, but decided to stop pursuing the answer she wanted. She could always find out later...
Roy chuckled and shook his head, taking another bite of sandwich, savoring its 'gourmet' taste. What a day this would be...
-
Zelda engulfed a lungful of air as she sprawled herself out (trying to remain lady-like) on the moist, green grass of the shores of Lake Hylia.
Yes, Lake Hylia. That was where she and Link had ended up after Link, ever so kindly and without much warning, leaped off the cliff of Gerudo Valley despite being recommended not to perform such tasks.
The princess had to admit that the rush of adrenaline she felt when they were falling had been an incredible sensation to only be felt once in a lifetime. The wind fiercely licked at them everywhere it could reach, her hair becoming a rat's nest in a matter of seconds. Then, the pounding water current flowing under them, they hit the water and submerged like someone putting their foot in a sock; smooth and simple.
All the while, she was gripping Link's shoulders tightly; the skin was probably turning white. Rapidly, they had floated down the river, falling down shorter waterfalls. That same rush of adrenaline was felt each time they plummeted downwards...
Eventually, they ended up in the vast, open Lake Hylia from the river's wild current. Zelda had immediately swam to the shore in hope to become dry once again, and Link had decided to swim around in the lake for a few minutes before coming to sit beside her.
And there they remained, for awhile. Shortly after basking in the glorious sunlight, Link stood and asked, "Would you like to go and visit Malon?"
"That sounds great!" Zelda replied with a newfound cheer in her tone.
Link stood and offered his hand to Zelda, who accepted it politely. Link played the ocarina to call Epona, and they traveled the vast lands of Hyrule once more.
-
"Finally..." Marth whispered huskily, the door shutting and lock clicking. He and Samus had left the picnic about five minutes ago after finishing their lunch and hearing Roy talk about his sword compared to the Falchion... Marth would have loved to have permanently distorted him after some of the innuendos he managed to insert into the topic... Peach must have expressed her thoughts of their relationship with Roy.
Samus had to agree. Despite having just gotten with Marth yesterday, she desired his gentle yet searingly pleasurable touches so much she felt as if she needed them to live. Yes, maybe they were being a tad overzealous... or a lot... but what can be done about it, really?
Marth decided to be a tease today. As soon as his lips came in contact with hers, he pulled back again. A brush of the skin was enough to light a fire within them.
Samus easily got discouraged and rather wanted to punch Marth in the gut so he'd be still. Though, this treatment was interesting indeed...
She gasped as hands slipped under her blouse, caressing her lower back like earlier. Finally, he let her kiss his lips for more than one second and she absorbed the feeling, just in case. He kissed her earlobe, nibbling on the cool, ticklish skin, then moved to her neck. He held up the statement: Lips were made for kissing, and so was the rest of your body. "I love you..." Marth whispered softly.
-
"Link? Zelda? What are you doing here?!" Malon had caught sight of the pair on Epona as they rode into the ranch. Halting the mare, Link dismounted, promptly followed by Zelda.
"Long time, no see, Malon!" Link walked over to her and casually hugged her.
"Zelda!" Malon cooed, hugging her. Malon had, in fact, been one of Zelda's dearest friends since they had been young, what with Malon's father being a milk seller to the royalty of Hyrule.
"I've missed you Malon!" Zelda inhaled her friend's clean scent of fresh laundry and a minty herb of some kind. Brought back some cheery memories.
Malon smiled. "So, where, in the name of Nayru, have you two been all this time?"
Link answered for them. "The Super Smash Brothers Tournament, farther south of here. Both of us are fighters there, and we took a chance to come down for a visit."
"Wow, I guess you learn new things every day! How long have you been in Hyrule?" Malon asked, chuckling.
"Just one day, and we're leaving midday tomorrow," Zelda piped in.
"Aw. Well, I'm glad you stopped by to see me! I see Epona's been a great help to you. She seems really happy and well off, Link. I'm proud of you!"
"Yeah, she has..." Link gazed over at Epona, thinking of all the times when she'd saved his ass...
Malon and Zelda gazed with him. They all seemed to take a moment to just... remember, recollect, reminisce. All the times they'd had together and all the good they had done. Zelda thought about her relationship with Link, and how far it had come.
Malon finally broke the silence. "Do you two need a place to stay?"
"No, I'm sure we'll mana—" Link began.
With much more emphasis, Malon screeched, "DO YOU NEED A PLACE TO STAY?!"
Zelda started, but didn't answer. It was Link's choice after all.
Link hesitantly replied, "W-well, y-yes I suppose we d-do... But we could never impose..." Always the generous, kind gentleman.
"Link, you could never impose upon me, you know that. My father is staying at the Kakariko village for a few weeks, and I'm taking care of the ranch, so you'd be no problem. In fact, Zellie and I have lots to catch up on! Stay in our guest shack, both of you," Malon insisted.
"Malon, are you really sure?" It was as if Link wished to be harshly whacked upside the head.
"YES! Link, you're starting to annoy me. Go take Epona out for a ride so Zellie and I can talk, would you?"
Link rolled his eyes, but left them to themselves nevertheless.
Malon led Zelda into her home, apparently she was going to cook dinner for the group. "So, Zel, how have you been lately?"
"The same, really. I am really learning how to use my magical powers for the greater good, despite the whole 'fighting' thing..." Zelda chuckled. "What about you?"
"Again, the same. Just the chores around here and visiting around Hyrule every so often. It brightens up my life to see you two again!" Malon paused for a bit, removing three chunks of meat from an icebox in her kitchen. "What I really wanted to ask is what is your... relationship status with Link?"
Zelda's cheeks turned beet red. Ironically, Malon was now chopping up some of the red-hued vegetable... "W-well... I guess we're really close friends, but—"
"WHAT?!" Malon exclaimed, almost dropping her large butcher knife. "Are you saying, after seven years plus of knowing him, you're 'really close friends?' You'd better be joking."
"I WAS going to say that despite us being friends and all, I want us to be... more... Wait, why do you care?" Zelda asked with a little more ignorance than intended.
"Zelda, I asked because you two were a match made by the three Goddesses. Farore created Link, Nayru created you, and Din sparked the attraction!(3) Do you love him like I think you do?" Malon was freaking out now.
"Well..." Zelda began, twiddling her thumbs as Malon went back to chopping. "Yes, Malon. I am head over heels in love with him. But, I just don't know if he would feel the same..."
"Zelda, what man takes a woman on a huge trip like this if he DOESN'T love her? I would have to observe him being around you, but I bet he feels the exact same way. Hm, maybe I'll talk to him in awhile?" Malon muttered as she plopped some vegetables and meat into a large pot on a makeshift stove, turning up the heat to cook the food.
"I guess you're right... You really would talk to him? That might help..." Zelda's expression could have shied away the sun.
"Well, it's settled. I'll talk to him after our dinner. Speaking of which, that's almost finished. Call Link back, would you?"
Zelda nodded and sauntered off to retrieve Link for a hearty, tasteful meal.
-
Mahogany chairs scraped the hardwood floor and silverware clinked to the porcelain plates lined up on the long dining table. Legs crossed and hands met. Feet fidgeted, bodies settled.
The dinner process unfolded once more. Everyone filed into the room and seated themselves, awaiting food and icy, refreshing water. Tonight, the fighters were greeted with the pleasing aroma of spaghetti and meatballs; Italian spices, garlic, oregano, tomato; all of which were very enticing.
"So, Samus, how was your—" Roy began casually, slurping noodles.
"SHUT THE HELL UP!!" Samus shrieked, her fork clanging to the plate before her.
"God, what's with her?" Roy asked Marth; Peach flared at Samus's reaction to her boyfriend asking a simple question.
Marth merely shook his head, dismissing the subject. He couldn't ruin the plan so soon.
Roy shrugged and turned to Peach, whispering something to her that Marth nor Samus could make out. They assumed that the two, despite it being ill-mannered, were discussing possibilities as to why Samus was now acting like a melodramatic bitch. The popular suggestion was monthly cycle.
Marth chuckled. The plan was, since Peach and Roy refused to keep out of their 'personal' business, Samus and Marth would act distant from each other while Samus answered all their questions with retorts or curses. Then, later in the evening, Marth and Samus could be together like normal.
The only problem was that this plan wouldn't keep Peach and Marth from assuming ridiculous things... But, it could also teach them to stop prying and keep to each other.
Dinner passed by slowly and an air of hostility blanketed itself around them. The four of them ate their meals in complete silence, having only pointless conversation around them to mull over. Oh, Samus, please be finished eating... Marth pleaded as he eventually gulped down the rest of his water.
Marth's 'wish' came true. Samus had already stood and looked like she was going to yank him by the collar if he didn't follow her out. Not that he would mind that, per se... Nevertheless, he stood and followed her out, hoping to talk to Roy later and explain the ordeal.
Samus broke the ice. "Marth, I'm going to go freshen up in my room, so I'll see you in a little while!" She kissed him gently on the cheek, waved ever so cutely, and headed off.
Marth sighed. 'A little while' meant an hour, probably, so he would have some time to freshen up himself. Joy...
-
Zelda moaned softly in appeasement from the superb meal. Everything was cooked and spiced to perfection, and Malon, Link, and herself had made such delightful conversation.
Now she stood leaned against the wall of the large barn, gazing at the twinkling moon and its stars. It was so very full and luminous, the stars seemed to be behind it like dazzling minions. An impeccably large army of light that out-shined even the darkest of darknesses.
Link sat cross-legged in the grass several yards away, staring at the half-lit moon all the same. Zelda felt an intense urge to, simply, stand and then perch by him only to engage in stimulating conversation; maybe a few chuckles and warm smiles. She was just so nervous.
"Zelda, you should be with him," … "Do you love him like I think you do?"... Bits and pieces of Malon's and Nabooru's advice and support breezed through her mind and seemed to say to her: 'Go over there NOW and talk to him.' Well, Malon had said she was going to talk to him. Albeit she probably only lightened him up a little, it would still help...
She stood straight and walked silently over to him, sitting beside him. He not only turned his head, but spun around to face her completely. "Hey, Zel..." he murmured softly. She couldn't make out his expression.
Zelda didn't respond. An outside force had rendered her voice useless.
"I-I..." he stuttered, hesitating again. "Want to... tell you something?" A hint of a question in his voice, but she gave him all the time he needed.
Poor Link, he looks so flustered. He looks exactly like how I feel...
You damn idiot, just spit it out! "Zelda... I-I..." Link stopped and inhaled deeply. 3...2...1... "Zelda, I love you." There. Exhale.
Huh? Wait, am I dreaming?! He said he loves me?! "L-Link..." she let the joyful tears stream down her face; there really was no point in stopping them. She just hoped he knew they were tears of joy.
Link acted with newfound spontaneity. He gently kissed her, his left hand grasping her right hand tenderly. She was crying. That must be good, right?
Zelda could've slapped him. She loved him, yes, but this kiss was the most chaste kiss she'd ever considered. She could get more reaction out of a rock. Well, at least he was being considerate...
Zelda wrapped her arms around him and slid her tongue over his bottom lip; not for entry, but for passion. She could almost taste his reddened cheeks.
Nevertheless, he complied and (however hesitantly and cautiously) embraced her while his bottom lip quivered; the 'pressure' was almost too much for him.
Just as slowly but perhaps with less hesitation, Link pulled away; he had to gauge her reaction, as if he hadn't already. "Zel?" he whispered.
Tears again. Somehow, though, he knew it was a prosperous action.
-
Eyes locked passionately as lukewarm hands intertwined. Whispers in ears and tousling of hair until lips met; all in a matter of seconds.
Just the usual, casual way to say goodnight to your loved one. At least, that's what Peach and Roy thought. "I love you..." Roy murmured, softly tickling Peach's neck with the tip of his finger. "Good night."
Peach reluctantly said goodbye as well and walked into her room. She couldn't help but be worried about Samus and Marth and the recent... event. She wondered if it was because of her inquiring about their relationship. Those two were the youngest out of any of them(4) so naturally they were more prone to... take things further than they should. Peach suspected that Samus had spent the morning, at least, with Marth.
She sighed as she changed into her night clothing. As much as she wanted to advise them and inform them, it wouldn't really serve a purpose. It was their lives after all, and she nor Roy could control their actions. Peach could see where that would make them mad; she would simply apologize tomorrow.
Now, it was time to sleep. To forget about these troubles and get more rest before her fights. She would definitely need it. Peach wasted no time in slipping under the warm covers and falling asleep.
-
Marth softly sighed in appeasement as the tepid droplets of necessary substance pounded against his skin. This was helping him relieve tension so well; thanks Roy and Peach... Samus would make him feel much better. Just being graced with her presence could cure cancer...
A smug smile tugged at his lips. He had the intense satisfaction of knowing he smelled identical to a fresh sprig of peppermint as he stepped out of the shower and toweled himself off elaborately. After he tugged on his navy blue boxers he was good to go.
Much to his surprise, Samus was sitting on the edge of his bed dressed in a casual pink tank shirt and long powder blue pants. Her hair was not down tonight, but it still shone brightly in the dim light of the bedside lamp.
Their eyes met and they both smiled. Marth walked over to her and sat beside her. "That was quick."
She chuckled. "Yeah, says the one who was just in the shower for an hour and a half!" Samus gestured to the small digital clock, which, certainly, read nine thirty four.
Marth laughed and shook his head. "I guess I really was—stressed..." His breath hitched slightly as Samus's fingertips gracefully traced a path across his chest. He hugged her close to him and inhaled her scent. Now she smelled of fresh rain and general comfort.
They lay down together on the small bed. Samus shifted her weight so that her head was on Marth's chest and he could embrace her comfortingly. She sighed as he rubbed her back sensually and wrapped the thin sheets over them.
Marth hummed some sort of lullaby, a soothing one at that. It meant the world to him; his late sister Elice had always hummed it for him when he was much younger. He could never forget it, and he hoped Samus would appreciate it.
She seemed to. After a few minutes of rhythmic massage and humming, her breathing slowed and her eyes were shut. Marth smiled at the sight, he could stay up all night and watch her sleep in peace. With the thought in mind he succumbed to his bodily demands and drifted off like passing clouds in a pure blue sky...
(1): The anatomy- the human body; despite slightly informal reference; please excuse that.
(2): Chitter- to chatter, talk. (Usually refers to birds... but not in certain cases.)
(3): I was trying to create a metaphoric relationship... Ehh. I matched them to their sections of Triforce and thought 'Din' because of fire, sparked passion...yeah.
(4): So, Samus/Marth being the youngest. I know Zelda/Link in reality are the youngest but for the SAKE OF THE DAMN STORY, they aren't. We'll say Samus/Marth are 20/21 and the rest are a couple years older, 24/25. How's that? Sorry it wasn't specified sooner in the actual story. Age is but a number after all ;)
A/N: DEAR GOD this took forever... And I'm still not necessarily happy with it. I will be glad for the next chapter when I can write some fighting scenes! I PROMISE TO MAKE THEM LONG!! And the story does, believe it or not, have dramatic twists...
So, I must ask my (frustrated and tired) readers something. (Having not many options) I have focused quite a bit on the 'romance' of the story. It is actually key for what is coming up. But, I was going to ask, for the sake of the next few chapters, do you like this much romantic exposure? (If you do, the chapters will be LONG. If you don't, they'll still be long but shorter.)
Also, about this particular chapter, would it be preferred that I make it into two chapters? If so, please let me know.
Well, if anyone is, in fact, still reading after this, PLEASE REVIEW!!!!
love mrtysh