It was a memory I held dear. Soon after the nurse had called the hospital and they had called my aunt, Impa. She told them to do anything they thought necessary to make me well again. Dark refused to leave my side. He asked to be my friend the next day and I cried. I had never had a friend. We had been inseparable ever since.
"Sheik." Dark's voice pulled me back to reality.
"Yes." I turned to find my friend with the reddest blush I had ever seen.
"Sheik." He said my name once more before turning to me. "I could keep you safe, you know." He paused and the previous anger came to his eyes, but was quickly removed and replaced with fierce determination.
"I want to protect you, by all means. If you w-would have me, I would like to b-become your b-boyfriend." After I realized how nervous Dark actually was and that he had stuttered as he spoke, the shock of what my friend said sank in.
"D-dark." I stumbled on my words as well. Does that mean he loves me or is it just obligation? I looked down and noticed his hands were intertwined with mine. I felt the blood go to my face.
"You can say no. That wouldn't bother me." His voice was strong and sure.
"I-I…. I just want to know." I tried to give him my best smile. "Is it because of obligation? I m-mean you want to protect me. Like in a brotherly way or do you really want to..." I never got to finish my sentence because I felt warm lips press against mine. My breath hitched in my throat.
"I am sorry. You can hit me." Dark gave me a flirty grin. "But I will not take back that kiss." His face went serious. "I would never want to date you out of obligation. I…." Dark stopped what he was saying and his face flushed once again. I heard him mumble something.
"Come again." I had a feeling I knew what he would say.
"I love you, Sheik." Butterflies found their way into my stomach. I pondered what he said. Could I possibly love Dark? Sure he was my best friend and I had a soft spot for the boy, I had let him in all those years ago. But did that mean I could love him? Was I allowed to love somebody? That thought sounded preposterous. Of course I could love someone. The question was, do I love him?
"You are welcome to take your time. I know it is a lot to take in and all. Your best friend telling you he loves you is not something that happens everyday." He got up and helped me up, careful not to touch my side. A thought hit me.
"How long?"
"What?" Did he really not know what I was asking.
"How long have you loved me?" That provoked a blush and frantic stuttering.
"P-p-probably since the f-first t-time I s-saw you. I-I couldn't help i-it. You were just s-s-so..." Dark looked at me and said one word. "Cute." But that was all it took. I moved closer to him and cautiously brought my mouth to his. I was worried when he didn't kiss back, but soon enough that fear was destroyed.
The first kiss was nervous, but this one was gentle and sure. I leaned into him and giggled. In the time it took me to need a breathe I realized something. I loved my best friend.