Author's Note: It's not so bad, being banned from my computer for over a week. It means I've had plenty of time to write fanfics! ^_^ Thank you all for waiting so patiently for chapter 5, and for all the positive feedback. To think, this story started out as a small stress-reliever for high school, and has become THIS with everyone's help and support! Thank you all so, SO much! Hope it was worth the wait!
As Link wandered the dark, stone hallways, he heard a growling from behind him. Turning, he saw a red-faced demon in tattered white clothing kick an alligator off his foot, drenched from from head to toe, scowling from behind a soaked mop of off-white hair as a purple streak dripped below his eye. "You. Are going. To pay, Sky child!" The demon lunged but Link held up a palm, ordering him to halt. "My name is Link, and we need to talk!" Hissing, the demon spat, trying to keep his damp bangs from his face. "Alright… Link!" Ghirahim rolled the name off his tongue experimentally, sneering. Raising his left arm above his head, he snapped his fingers, a surge of diamonds falling over his body before disappearing, leaving a more-presentable demon lord in their wake. "I'll listen. But don't expect any more favours – I'm the one making demands here!" Link nodded, keenly observing the demon, mind racing as he chose his words carefully.
"You see… I don't care if it is a favour, I have a friend whom I desperately need to see in a few days, and I need to be presentable and in my proper clothing! I'm sure you understand how vital it is." White-clad hand moved to his chin in curiosity, eyes roaming over the boy. "And how much does this mean to you? What are you willing to do for me in return?" Link gulped, contemplating all he'd do to see Zelda again, shuddering at the thoughts. "I… I'll stay here with you. I'll wear whatever you like, and I'll do anything you want me to. W-well, almost anything. Just so long as you leave my friend and I alone for the entire night." Unblinking eyes stared at Link's neck for a long time as their owner fathomed what he could get out of it, his gaze sending chills down the boy's spine. The demon fought a smirk at his own thoughts. I can already get him to do most of what he says, but let's see what he's like when he's more… submissive~ Eventually, Ghirahim closed his eyes and nodded. "Very well, Sky chi-Link" he corrected himself. "You said it's not for a few days, correct?" He sneered as the boy nodded. "Then where do we start?" Delicately curled ears twitched as the boy's face paled. "Uh… W-well, you see… from where we are, it'll be a few days' travel, and-"
"Nonsense, Sky child! We can be there immediately. Where is it you're set to meet?" Link shook his head vigorously. "I'd rather not say." Purple-rimmed eyes hardened as the demon frowned, his features screaming displeasure at the response, making him appear even more intimidating. "After all the freedom and mercy I've shown you in this castle, this is how you repay me?" Brunette bangs waved over blue eyes as the boy shook his head. "Forgive me, uh…" White lips pouted as the demon scowled, before realising that he'd forgotten introductions throughout the entire week he'd had Link in captivity. "Oh, where are my manners? I am the demon currently residing over this realm you call "the Surface" – you may call me Ghirahim. However, I prefer to be indulged with my full title – Lord Ghirahim!" While giving his speech, Link noted the grandiose gestures and erratic movements of the demon lord, who had now moved to stand behind the boy, leaning on his shoulder. "Ghira-" the brunette started, only to be silenced with a sharp tsk near his ear. "Lord. Ghirahim" the demon corrected slowly, licking his lips. "Lord Ghirahim, can you please show me to the chamber containing my equipment?" Ghirahim chuckled, moving Link down the corridor behind him, shoving him into a room and locking the door behind him. "You have five minutes." Link turned and flung the dress off, rummaging through the small pile of his belongings for his tunic and breeches.
"Link!" Zelda smiled, running up to him through the clearing, throwing herself at him in a hug. "H-huh? Zelda?!" Link beamed, holding her firmly, closing his eyes and running a hand gently over her back through her long, golden hair as he rested his head on her shoulder. "It's… been so long…" she hugged him tighter, squeezing his middle, head against his shoulder. Suddenly feeling damp, he looked down at her and found that she was crying. "Z-Zelda… what's wrong? Why are you crying?" She glanced up and sniffed, tear-filled eyes catching his. "I just… have this feeling… th-that… I'm never going to see you again!" Link's jaw dropped, opened and closed silently. He didn't know what to say, what to do, so he just held her. How can I tell her about my situation? Feeling chills despite the warm sunlight and embrace, he glanced around nervously, observing the blazing eyes of the demon watching them. Glaring, he gently rested his head on Zelda's shoulder again, tightening his grip protectively, instinctually keeping her close. The demon pouted, then smirked, waving with his fingers as he vanished. "Link… is something happening? You just suddenly tensed up." Blinking twice, he stood straighter to gaze into her bright eyes and smiled, shaking his head gently. "It's fine, Zelda. How about we sit down?" As he said this, he grabbed her hand and let her towards a stump in the centre of the glade, leaning back as he sat, pulling her against his chest when chose to sit on his lap. Breathing in her soft scent, he closed his eyes, smiling. "I wish we could stay like this forever…" she mumbled, leaning further against him as she, too, closed her eyes, golden waterfall of hair flowing in the wind beside her. Nodding, Link slowly leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, watching her reaction. "L-Link!" Zelda giggled, gently shoving him in return, grinning broadly, and Link found that he returned her grin.
Brown eyes observed them from a distance, narrowing slightly at how much they were enjoying themselves. How can the boy be so open? What does she have that I don't? Hmmm… perhaps I should adjust my methods? The boy seems rather open to positive reinforcement… No, we shall see if he will keep his end of the bargain. With that, he vanished.
As the sun set in a pink, purple and gold blaze of light, Link and Zelda laughed and cuddled, placing chaste kisses on each other's faces, lying back to watch the stars. "Hey look – a shooting star! Make a wish, Zel." Zelda smiled, tracing the thin streak of light with her eyes. "Already have, Link." Placing a kiss on his lips, she closed her eyes as his widened in shock. Pulling back, she smiled. "So, what did you wish for?" I wish we can see each other again some day. "I can't say – it wont come true if I did!" Grinning, Link wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Fair enough." Dreading what he knew was going to happen once the night was over, Link forced it from his mind and focused on the pleasant sensations of being with his best friend.
A/N: Please, no hating for a little ZeLink love! For the time being, Link is obviously straight, and needs the moral support and emotional freedom of being with his childhood friend and love interest. It WILL become a Ghiralink, so please, continue to be patient.