Disclaimer: I don't own legend of Zelda. Enjoy the second half of this sweet little scene!
Link woke up as serenely as he fell asleep. The sky was full of the dawn, in all its bright majesty. A beautiful and hopeful sight. He rolled over to search for his best friend, the only one he knew that could top it. Zelda was standing a bit away, taking in the warmth of day after her mediations. Light bathed around her silhouette like a beacon of hope and guidance, which is what she was. For Hyrule. For him. She turned around to see him sitting up, and went back to him.
"Good morning. Sleep well?" She asked as she helped him stand, her voice low as if to not disturb the morning.
He smiled and nodded. "Yes."
Her smile matched his. They stood there for a moment, loosely holding hands and standing close, as they had countless of times before. Next they would indulge in the small moment and then let go, back up and go about as if there wasn't a thousand thoughts and feelings desperately trying to be released through such a small brief opening. There was no reason for it to play out any different this time. But both lingered a couple seconds longer than routine dictated. As Zelda let go of his hand and started to step away, Link quickly but gently placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. She stepped forward again, and tilted her head in silent questioning, patient for the answer.
She was taller than him, but she was not out of reach. She was never truly out of reach. He leaned in and pressed his lips on hers, eyes closed, with as much concentrated and gentle love as he could pour. He felt her go tense with surprise, then quickly ease into him and match his love. His hand found hers and their fingers eagerly intertwined. Their other hands cupped the other's cheek and neck. He pulled back to break the kiss to breathe, though she followed his pull for a few seconds before she allowed the separation. Her eyes were closed for a few moments, and he dare thought she was reeling just as much as he was. The thought summoned a smile. She opened her eyes and his thought proved true.
"What was that?" she whispered, her smile full of disbelief and joy, eyes full of light.
He touched his forehead to hers. His dreams the night before were all of her. And yet they were not her, nor him. Different lives, same names. He had dreamed about them before, but they had always been nightmares. Full of exhaustion, fighting, Ganon and/or some enemy or peril at every step. The dream last night had been of quiet moments, of triumph. The kingdom was safe, the Princess was safe. The Princess was near. The Princess and her Hero. Wisdom and Courage always there, side by side. But for all they felt each time, there wasn't really much expressed as an outsider would think. A brief brush, a quick token of affection. (By her prompting too. Though he wasn't complaining). Nothing more. The rest were shown in small actions, in big actions. Always a desire, quickly buried. So, in this moment, what was it? Creating a new memory. Making up for lost time. A change of pace.
"Finally giving in," his whispered, and the kiss that immediately followed was somehow even stronger than before.
Zelda's heart raced as they pulled apart and she opened her eyes to his, sky blue all bright and shining. Their arms were wrapped around each other, and interestingly he made no move to separate. A content look of adoration was on his face, complete with a gentle smile. She remembered what the Deku Tree had said, and with no interruptions nearby…
"I love you."
Link smiled wide as the words sunk in, and his heart sputtered into sparks.
"I love you."
A well of warm satisfaction blossomed and settled in their strong and weary souls.
Third kiss is a charm, right?