I could hear the conversation through the door and cringed all the while.

"You got a child to be my new donor?" Not a child. I'm fifteen. But I guess, to a person that has lived hundreds of years, I would be.

"Sheik is stronger than he looks and his bloodline is exquisite." I wonder what they could tell me of my bloodline. "You'll find no other with magic running through their veins like this one. Not in this day and age. And certainly not a mortal."

"How can I possibly depend upon someone so young to literally keep me alive?" Once again, not a child.

"As I've said, he is strong enough." Yeah, enough to get my blood sucked often. What an achievement.

"Fine. Send him in." I gulped. This was it. The last moments of freedom before I served an immortal lord for the rest of my life.

The door was opened from the other side and the same man that lead me from the manor's front door was there. "You may come in now."

"Thank you." He smiled as I dipped my head and stepped into what looked to be a study.

"Well, well. You're better than I thought you'd be." My master, if he chose to except me, sat behind a large desk in a worn plush chair. It was obvious he spent lots of time in this room. "Come here."

I stepped around the desk and now stood to the side of the chair. A calloused hand came up to brush along my exposed collarbone then up my neck to settle on my pulse point. If not for tradition, I would have refused to wear the dress-like, tunic my mother had argued, outfit that fell off my shoulders. Even if it covered everything else.

My lord's pupils dilated, then narrowed to slits and I could see his fangs grow longer as his face neared my neck. Nerves got the best of me and I was seconds from pulling away when the other man spoke. "Perhaps you want to refrain from doing that. Tradition and all that nonsense."

I breathed a soft sigh of relief when my master's hand left the spot on the back of my neck it had found most comfortable. "You're right. I was almost overtaken by his smell. Take him away now."

"As you wish." Was that a smug smile on the other man's face?

"Oh. And Pipit?

Now dubbed Pipit raised an eyebrow and I was surprised by the playful tone of voice he adopted. "Yes, m'lord?"

My master simply rolled his eyes as if he had gone through this a million times, but it was nonetheless fun. "Get a servant to prepare him in time for bed. I expect this boy to be waiting for me before I rest for the night."

"Understood."

Fed, bathed, and dressed in something a bit more provocative, I was left in my lord's chambers as promised.

It wasn't long before he opened the door. "I see my servants have not failed me."

The low light of candles brought a sensual air to the room and it was only made worse by the fact that he was looking at me like he was going to eat me. Of course, he was. But all that was besides the point.

"You know what I'm going to do, correct?" I nodded. "Then you have no problems with it."

It was obviously not a question as he advanced to the bed and pulled me over to the side. My master smirked at my willingness to get off the bed and follow him over to the unlit fireplace. He spoke the word I knew was ancient Hylian for fire and one sparked to life. "Much better. Can't have this any other way."

Finally, he sat down on a nearby chair, this one just as used as the one from the study, and motioned me to take over his lap. Slowly, I breathed in and out as I situated myself. I had to calm my rapidly beating heart when I realized I was straddling him as I had never been intimate before in hopes of catching the fancy of an immortal.

A gentle hand pushed my hair aside and roamed down to my neck. "You're quite obedient."

"As is my place, Master." Some kind of pull made me look up at him and I was shocked to find him watching my face. He seemed to snap out of a stupor and locked gazes with me.

"Why would one so youthful and..." Here he ran his fingers down my back to pull me closer. "Beautiful look to be a donor?"

I'm sure my face was becoming redder than a rose or my eyes. "It is what I have wished to be all my life."

"Why is that?"

"Are you so troubled by my desires?"

He chuckled and mirth sparkled in his eyes. "Simply curious."

"If you must know, I come from a small town down along the lake shore. The people there die from lack of simple things like medicine." Making like it was not a big deal, I shrugged. "As you know, fisherman don't make much in line of money."

"You decided to become a donor because the lord you serve must provide for your family until you quit his service or die." I saw the exact moment when he realized what I had done. "You're a brave young man."

"Thank you, m'lord."

"None of that formal bullshit anymore. We will be together for the rest of your life. Call me Link." The candlelight was highlighting his handsome features and I had to look away from those deep blue eyes.

"L-Link..." Saying his name felt intimate, yet highly disrespectful. My throat threatened to close off and I shook my head. "It's impossible. I simply can't call you by your name, Master."

"I suppose I will have to work with you on it." He winked. "Now back to business, hmm."

Gently, Link turned my head to the side. "It may sting a bit the first few times, but I promise to stop if it gets to be too much."

I nodded, simply focusing on my breathing. My master's breath was slowly becoming more prominent against my skin and I tried to keep calm as I knew he was nearing my neck. Even though I wasn't afraid, it still scared me when his teeth finally made contact with my skin. The next moment was surprising in many ways. For one, it didn't hurt at all. And the other is a bit more stunning to think about. It felt good. Like, blissfully good. As if I sank into a hot spring or was receiving a massage good. It was contentment in all ways. If he never stopped, I would die happily in this perfect state. Sadly, my master pulled away and I sighed with slight disappointment.

"You didn't scream or cry or cringe." He looked at me in awe. "Why?"

It was as if I cared not for his question and ignored it completely. "Why did you stop?" A new fire lit up my face as I realized how sensual my voice sounded.

Master seemed surprised as well and was scratching at his chin. "The first feeding is always the shortest due to the donor needing to get used to the blood loss."

His words went in one ear and out the other because I was focused on the soothing sensation running through my body. Who knew I would actually make it to this point. "You can drink more if you want." Unknown to me, my eyelids lowered to half-mast and my voice took on a more sultry tone. "I don't mind."

"I will have to turn down your offer, however pleasant it sounds." He smoothed my hair away from my face and kissed my forehead. "It is time to sleep."

Within moments, I was out like a flickering candle.

A tall, thick woman stepped up to me as I entered the kitchen. "Can I get you anything, sir?"

I shook my head and shuffled through the large kitchen in search of what I was craving for breakfast. Maybe an apple or...

The doors I had just stepped through opened and in walked my master. The servants began a chorus of, "Good morning, m'lord." and "What brings you to the kitchen, m'lord?"

I ignored this in favor of facing the cabinet I was plundering.

"Actually, there is something I would like." I turned as the air behind me shifted. "A gift for you."

A platter of fruits and cheeses was held out to me, a devilish smirk turning up a handsome mouth.

Bewildered with the sudden attention, I had no choice but to except the food with a tiny, "Good morning, master."

He sighed and scooped me from the kitchen. "Must you call me something so formal so early, Sheik."

I could hear the young women chatter as Link strode out of the kitchen still carrying me.

I glanced down at the plate and... "That was highly unnecessary."

"But it has them talking, no." ... "And don't they deserve a little fun every now and again."

"I suppose."

My eyelids flicker open and I stare at the ceiling for a moment. It's been three days since the first feeding. I find myself craving the feel once more.

"Good morning." Master walks in, a tray in his hands. "Breakfast?"

I stretch slowly and snuggle back into my blankets. "M'be later."

"Sheik." A soft whine passes my lips as Link's teeth nibble my ear. "The sooner you eat, the sooner I eat."

My over-eagerness is obvious as I sit up almost immediately. "What's for breakfast?"

He chuckles and picks me up into his arms. "Come sit at the table, silly boy."

Link's scent is overwhelming and I curl further into him as I take it in. The chair's small cushion sinks slightly as Master sets me down. Fortunately, I keep in any sounds of protest. The tray is pushed closer and the lid removed. My mouth waters at the smell. Is that bacon?

My eyes must be shining, because Link laughs again. "Thought you'd like it."

"We had bacon on special occasions when I was a child. Mom made sure she had it on my birthday most years." I snatch up a piece and munch on it happily. My mouth is practically singing. "It's soooo good!"

Master ruffles my hair and I lean into his hand. "You're different, Sheik." A soft smile greets me as I look up at him.

I blush and go back to eating. Link excuses himself, saying he has a small errand and that I can wait in the usual spot for him.

Some time later, my breakfast all gone, I exit my small room that is attached to Link's and situate myself on the worn chair by the fire. The flames lick at the logs and I watch mesmerized.

"I'm back." I blink slowly as the door closes. "Ready?"

Our eyes meet and I nod, working the ties of the shirt loose. As the fabric falls away, Link picks me up and sits down, setting me into his lap.

There are no more words spoken before he starts to feed. Just like before, pleasure takes me. I can't stop my head from rolling back or still my hands that wander to my master's shoulders and neckline. I'm sure he can feel how my heart is racing and I smile. A gasp leaves me as he bites harder and a single drop of blood escapes Link to begin its journey down my neck. Gentle hands cradle the back of my head and the small of my back as he pulls me closer.

I'm rubbing my thumb up and down his earlobe as my vision begins to fuzz at the edges. Exhaustion suddenly takes me and I cannot keep my body from sinking into my master's.

He pulls back and I can see my blood resting on his bottom lip. I wonder, then, how does it taste. Blood. Unknown to me, I lick my lips. My mind is completely focused on that one drop that is now trying to fall from its perch. Why? How could it ever consider leaving that glorious mouth. Maybe because those lips were moving now.

"-eik? L-ten." A goofy grin takes over my face and I throw my hands around Link's neck. He seems startled and forcibly shoves me back by the shoulders. "Sheik?!"

Finally, my senses come back to me and I can hear Link talking. "Are you okay? Hey, Sheik! Can you hear me? Tell me what's wrong. Did I take too much?"

I shake my head and giggle. "That felt good. Take more." Okay, perhaps not fully back to my senses.

"No. Not now." Master runs his knuckles down my cheek. "There's just something about your blood... Why didn't you tell me I was taking too much?"

"I feel fine. Just a little fuzzy." Another giggle escapes me.

He scowls. "That means I was drinking too deeply, Sheik. You have to tell me these things. I can only guess."

My eyes trail to the fabric of the chair. "And if I don't?"

"I'll have no choice but to find another donor." He cups my face and makes me lock gazes with him. "I can't go around draining people just because they let me."

Guilt hits me and tears come to my eyes. "I'm sorry."

Link sighs, his fingers gentle against my skin as they caress my face. "I don't want to find someone else. Believe me. I've never wanted someone, whether it be because of blood or otherwise, before."

I smile and cuddle into his chest. "I like being around you too."

"I guess we can have a lie in today."

Link scoffs as we wander down the market streets. "Your prices are ridiculous."

The merchant running the stall we are close to steps over. "Only because the jewels are genuine, my lord." My ears twitched and a minuscule, so small I almost didn't detect it, pain shot across my forehead.

I grabbed my master's coat and he looked down at me. "Sheik?"

As if on instinct, I spoke. "He's lying." The merchant's eyes widened and he glared at me, but when my lord looked back, he was normal again.

"What reason would I have to lie to you?" I gripped the fabric tighter.

"Liar." Slowly, the pain was becoming more intense. "He's lying. He must be stopped. We can't tolerate liars. Lies destroy the king and in turn the kingdom falls."

"I cannot allow it." At Link's belt is a knife he never goes without and I grab it as I step towards the merchant. "Liars must be punished."

Just as the man is screaming for help, my lord grabs my wrist. "Sheik?"

I turn and am surprised to see panicked blue orbs. "M-Master Link?" My senses come back to me and I drop the blade in shock as I pull away from my master's hold.

"Sheik?!" I ignore Link as I sprint through the growing crowd.

"Here you are, huh." My shoulders hit the wall of the small closet as I flinch backwards.

"Master? H-How did you-"

"Once we have fed upon someone, their scent sticks out." It isn't lost on me how gently he reaches out and caresses his mark on my skin. "I simply followed you."

Panic is setting in and I have to remind myself that anxiety is bad for a donor. Makes the blood taste bad. "Are you mad?"

"Yes." My stomach flips, but then Link is smiling. "But not for the reason you think. I'm upset you ran from me."

"I could have killed that man." These words set in, another revelation coming with them. "I don't regret it and would not have if I had. He deserved it for lying to my king."

There was that again. I mentally chided myself. "I m-mean lord. My lord."

"King, hmm. Has a nice ring to it." It was unclear whether he was serious or joking in order to make me feel better. "How about you come down and we find something to eat."

I bit my lip. There was something that would calm me, but... I threw caution to the wind. "Will you feed from me again, Master?"

Link's eyes widened for a moment. "The last feeding was much longer than normal, Sheik... I don't think your body is quite ready for another so soon."

"Please." A pleading tone overtook my voice and, even though I was pushing past the borders of my role by even asking him to feed, I brushed the loose fitting shirt from my shoulder. "It would make me feel better."

Our eyes locked as I rolled my head to the side and the words I spoke next were wanton. "Please, Link."

There was no movement and then he was right there, his lips against my neck and arms around my waist. "I do not understand this power you have over me, Sheik, but it is making me want to do very bad things to you."

All thought was lost as his teeth sank in.

Sheik curled into his covers as soon as Link set him in his bed. It was obviously not a good idea to feed from him a day after another feeding. But the boy... He had wanted it and who was Link to say no. He couldn't. Nothing in all his years had prepared him for this deep longing.

"How do you do this to me?" A smile turned up those naturally pouty lips as he placed a kiss to Sheik's forehead. Even in sleep, he is absolutely breathtaking.

What power is this that you possess to make me this way? Why does this ancient heart beat for you after lying dormant for so long? Growling at himself for what he was about to do, Link leaned in. Soft breathing brushed his lips and the older man licked them, grazing Sheik's with his tongue in the process.

"Forgive me for what I am about to do, but I cannot help this attraction to you." The distinct taste of strawberries, slightly bitter yet sickeningly sweet, was on Sheik's lips as Link pressed his against them. It matches him so well.

A moment passed before Link pulled back and silently cursed himself. Yes, he was entitled to everything his donor had to offer. But this... Wanting to spend forever with the young Sheikah by his side... He knew the offer would be refused, but maybe he could hope.

I want to spend the rest of eternity learning all that makes him who he is. Touch every bit of skin with my fingers and tongue. Show him the world.

Frustrated beyond measure, Link got up from the bed and fled the room. Stay away and Sheik can live a normal life in the manor. Stay away and the pain of rejection will never come. Stay away and the temptation to keep him forever will flee.

"Is Master still away?"

I could see the way the woman, Veran, was looking at me. Pitying me. I hated it. "I'm afraid so."

"Will you tell me the moment he arrives?"

"Of course."

Dejected, I continued my walk to the kitchen. Telma, the head cook, lets me make my own breakfast and it helps to take my mind off of my missing master. One month. Four grueling weeks. And no sign of him.

"Good morning, Sheik." I nod my head Telma's direction and drag my feet over to my usual spot. Mind numb, I begin dicing various vegetables to go in the skillet.

Tears continued to build up in my eyes until they spilled over and onto the cutting board. Thoughts of Link tumbled around in my head. Why did he leave? Was I no longer wanted? Is this what heartbreak feels like? And if so, am I in love with my master?

A desperate sob tore out of my throat and Telma was quickly at my side. "Sheik?!"

She grabbed my hands and began inspecting them for blood, I'm sure. There wasn't any of course. My pain was in my chest. What was the point in living without the man I knew I loved?

"He hasn't eaten in days and we have to force him to drink." Link's jaw clenched as he walked down the hall. Worry creased his brow. "He also refuses to leave your room. I think he-"

Knowing what Telma was about to say, he cut her off. "Silence."

Sunlight was slowly disappearing from my master's room and I watched it go, eyelids fluttering. Maybe he will be back tonight. Curling further into the blanket, I brought it up to my nose and sniffed. It no longer smells like him. None of it does. He had been gone almost two months now.

I know Telma and the rest of the staff worry for me. I stopped eating some time ago. Nothing stays down anymore, so I simply don't try. If one could die from heartbreak, I'm sure that is what was slowly killing me. Maybe he would come back when I am on my deathbed and save me. Make me like him, so I never have to feel this loneliness ever again.

But... Death can give me that release too. Perhaps right now if I have courage enough.

The bed sheets will make a good enough rope. They rip easily and tie together well enough. If the rope doesn't tighten and snap my neck, the ground will surely break me.

The sun barely peeks over the mountains in the distance as my feet carry me to the edge. The stone digs into my palms as I climb onto the railing. A quick loop around my neck, a check on the knot closest to me, a single step forward.

The ground rushes up to meet me as the sun disappears.

Link sighs and pushes the door to his chambers open. I cannot stay away any longer. Telma has kept him well informed of what he has been doing to his secret love. It burns like hot magma in his stomach.

Sunlight brightens the room for but a moment. Long enough to display the frail form stepping off the balcony wall. Link's heart plummets.

Using speed he hasn't even thought of since times when he had to hunt to survive, the failed master sprints out the open doors and dives off the edge.

One hands reaches for Sheik's slim waist and, when he is sure he has a hold, the other grabs the bed sheet. A quick movements has the makeshift rope wrapped around his wrist. Link stifles a harsh cry of pain as he feels the bones of his wrist and hand snap. Nothing, not even the pain, is more important then the terrified boy cradled against him.

Sheik keeps his head down, but Link can still see the improvised noose around his neck. "Get that off. Now."

Shaking hands work the sheet rope off and it drops down. A thud signifies what kind of painful death the younger was in for.

"Wrap your arms around me and do not let go."

My lips tremble and eyes water. Link. He's back. I...

His voice is so harsh and I dare not meet his eyes. I follow his commands quickly and silently sob against his chest as he climbs my suicide attempt tool.

We finally make it to the top once more and I am gently set over the edge, my feet on the balcony stone once more. Full of fear of Link's anger, I try to hide in my room, but he is shoving the door open and muttering a quick curse. Darkness soaks up any light as the door is slowly shut.

"What were you thinking?" My whole body flinches back at the monotone voice directed at me. When I first came here, I would think him indifferent. Now... Now I know how to pick out the tiny bits of emotion hiding within. Hurt. Desperation. Fear. Anger. So much anger.

I shake my head and wrap my arms around my turning stomach.

"Answer me." The floorboards squeak, signaling that Link is coming closer.

Hot breath. Strong chest. Deep breathing.

I can't focus as Link's presence, even in a pitch black room, clouds my mind. If there was a light source, I'm sure I would find him near enough to make out the tiniest of details. As it is, I can only assume so because of the body brushing mine as he breathes.

"Why?" Heartbreak. If it had a voice, I'm positive it would sound just like Link right now.

My fingernails dig into my palms. "You don't need me anymore."

"When did I ever say something even remotely close to that?"

"You left me."

A long sigh and I imagined him running a hand through his golden mane. "I thought it best."

"But why?"

"Because..." My heart hiccuped, if there is such an occurrence, as hands took my face in their hold. "I don't know how to handle this fucking shitload of emotions and feelings and sensations you have given me since showing up here. I didn't want to scare you or hurt you or force you into anything because of my own sick, twisted desires."

"But you have hurt me!" I shove him away and back up on the bed until my back hits the headboard. "You hurt me by disappearing! You hurt me by not seeing the way I..."

Blood threatens to break free as I bit my lip in hopes of cutting off the sentence I should never speak. "I feel like I belong solely to you. And your leaving has broken me."

"I..." My heart thuds against my ribs as words spill from my mouth. "How should I live if you are not by my side?"

"You've stolen the words right from me, Sheik."

There is fear in those red orbs. I'm unsure what it is from. That I may leave if he says the wrong thing or if Sheik is finally figuring out what kind of monster I am.

"Just..." His voice is breaking as my mortal love grabs at the air in front of him before bringing his arms around his torso. "Don't go. Don't leave me anymore."

Ah, the fear. I know it's source now. My body moves and trembling hands grab me with a vice grip as I near the boy I have almost pushed to the point of breaking. "Never again."

An almost silent whimper. The taste of blood. When he wakes in the morning, we will never part again.