It has been a month since Ganon's defeat, and yet Link still won't put down his sword. Him and Zelda had started to rebuild Hyrule together, taking down any remaining monster camps and helping any citizens in need, so of course he still had to work. But thankfully, he seems..happier. Calmer, almost. No stern look in his eyes, and no complete silence. It truly felt like him this time, much to Zelda's relief. Sure, she has seen this side of him before, but it was very rare, and those moments felt like he was still holding back. But still, even once they put their horses to a stop, made a campfire and called it a night, Link still swung the sword side to side, and that old look returned to his face. Zelda assumed he was just up late to protect them both from any danger and was practicing to keep himself from being bored, or it was just like one hundred years ago, where he truly did live to serve. Neither of those thoughts relieved her.

The sounds of two horses walking across the road was put to a stop once they reached a familiar sight, the East Gate. Zelda hopped off her steed and slid her backpack off, taking out all the materials they'll need for the night and gently pulling the horses to the side with her. Meanwhile, Link stood still, and he was staring off in the distance.

"What is it?" Zelda noticed.

"Over there." Link answered. His voice was stiff, something Zelda was used to before the calamity, but not now. It sent a shiver down her spine.

She stood up and started to walk up beside him, but he stuck his hand out, signaling her to stop. "It's another Lynel over there..it's best to stay out of sight." Link pulled out the Master Sword and started to walk closer to the gate, until Zelda grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the way.

"What are you thinking?! You know how dangerous those things are!"

"Which is exactly why you need to stay back, princess."

Zelda stepped back with wide eyes. "Princess?!" After a moment of fixing her gaze on him with lowered eyebrows, she softened her expression and let out a half hearted laugh. "Well I haven't heard that one in a minute. But, if it's going to be that way, then as your princess I command you to come back over here and rest." She tugged his arm in her direction, hoping to urge him more.

"I'm your knight, remember? I should take it out now so we won't have to worry about it in the morning."

"Who said it had to be in the morning? How about..we create a strategy when we wake up? And by time we're done it should be noon and we can take it out!" A familiar and natural spark in her shined when she made a plan, in contrast to the face she made earlier, which Link always had a soft spot for, but he still stood his ground.

"I appreciate your help," He smiled, "But..'we', can take it out?"

"Mhm! I think I'm ready to take on bigger enemies!" She tilted her head back towards the ancient bow and arrows that rested beside her bag. Knowing how passionate she was about ancient technology, Purah gave it to her as a gift. Link has been helping her practice, keeping the bow steady and making good aim, and he knew how good she was at it and that she could defend herself..but something was still making him grip tightly on that damned sword.

"Zelda, please sit down. I—"

"Oh Hylia, would YOU sit down?!"

As Zelda's yell echoed across Lanayru, a monstrous grunt could be heard. Swiftly, Link ran to the side with the bags and campfire, with Zelda's grip still in his hand. They stood there as quietly as they could, silently praying that the Lynel won't come outside the open gate and spot them. After several minutes of standing in fear, Link assumed the coast was clear and let out a heavy sigh. Meanwhile, although Zelda was holding tightly onto his hand, she gave him the stern look she's been trying to hold back.

"Link," She whisper yelled. "I'm sorry but, why are you still treating me like this?!"

No answer. He only averted his eyes.

"I can defend myself now and you know it! I-is something wrong?" Her voice cracked and trembled, and she could only hope he didn't see her as weak. She thought of herself pathetically as she allowed that mindset to creep back in, but she couldn't help it. Why else would he constantly be trying to fight again?!

Link looked back at her with a pained look. He knew when she was about to cry, and now that it's because of him it only hurt more. He figured he had no choice but to tell her. "Let's move over there." He pointed to one of the monster camps farther away that has now been wiped out. "Just so it won't hear us again, ok?"

Zelda sniffled and nodded. The two packed their things, took their horses by the reins, and walked down the path with only the sound of the horse shoes hitting against the road filling the cold night air. Once they made it there and set up camp once again, it was the first time in a while that Zelda saw Link sitting by a fire, sword laying on the ground, and a softened face.

"..Sorry again.." Zelda mumbled. "I shouldn't have yelled at you like that."

Link shook his head. "It's fine, I understand. It's just.." He sniffled and then paused, looking for the right words to use.

"Take your time."

"I know I know, it's just that I've been..recovering more memories. "

"That's good!" Zelda beamed..until she saw the fire's orange flow reflected off his tears that were slowly building up.

"I remember more about myself, generally, at least. My old thoughts and how they made me feel." He began, as he tried his best to suppress his tears and the breaking in his voice. "The expectations, burdens, all of it."

"..Go on."

"..I'm sorry for acting the way I did, I really am. I understand how much it hurts and back then, I needed to protect you. I needed to be strong and fight for you, for everyone. I don't see you as weak, far from it actually, although I will admit you're still rough around the edges." He chuckled weakly, further fighting back the sadness in his voice. "But now..with all that still in mind, I just don't want to lose you again."

Zelda froze and stared at him, searching for something to say.

"No need to respond, it's fine, really. I can fight through it."

"It's NOT fine! First off, I forgive you, I really do. I understand too..it's a relief I'm not weak to you. Secondly, you won't lose me again. You never did. I will always be right by your side no matter what, ok?"

"..You promise?" His voice trembled.

"I promise."

Despite how much he fought back, tears finally rolled down Link's cheeks. However now, he couldn't tell if it was out of happiness, sadness, or if it was bittersweet. Zelda scooted to the other side of the fire and sat beside him, slumping down so her head could easily lay on his shoulder, and rested her palm on his fist, which was gripping tightly on the edge of his blue tunic.

"There there.." She rubbed her thumb on his hand. "Everything's alright now. You won't have to go through this all alone ever again, ok? I'll try my best to help you."

"..Thank you."

"Mhm.." She sat back up to meet his eyes, noticeably being taller this time. "Is there anything you want right now?"

Link hesitated out of shame, but slowly lifted his arms up. Zelda smiled sweetly, and placed a tiny kiss on his forehead, then wrapped her arms around him. Although a bit shocked from it, warmth formed on his cheeks, and he hugged her back tightly, and didn't let go for the rest of the night.