The characters and all their elements of video game references are properties of Nintendo.
Chapter 6.
It had been some time since the big confrontation where Link and Samus had fought side by side, and unlike the usual pattern of fighters drifting apart after a battle, their bond had only grown stronger. Typically, smashers would go their separate ways, attending to their own matters once the fighting was over, but Link and Samus had become close, forging a deep friendship that was hard to ignore.
Link, who was often reserved and quiet, found himself opening up more emotionally with Samus. While he had always been slightly more outgoing around his friends, with Samus, it felt different. He felt a sense of trust and comfort that allowed him to be more himself, sharing thoughts and emotions he typically kept locked away.
Samus, on the other hand, had always projected a detached and independent attitude. But with Link, she allowed herself to be more open and relaxed. He was the only one who got to see the softer, more humorous side of her personality. She delighted in teasing him with sarcastic compliments and light-hearted jokes, which had become her favorite pastime. Their unique dynamic was evident to everyone around them.
Naturally, their close friendship didn't go unnoticed in the Smash Mansion. Like anywhere in the multiverse, gossip spread like wildfire, and Link and Samus became the center of speculation. Some rumors painted them as just close friends, while others suggested they were romantically involved or even "friends with benefits." The most far-fetched theories even claimed they were long-lost siblings.
At first, both of them found the gossip annoying, but over time, they learned to shrug it off. The truth was that their friendship had its own unique and unspoken depth, and neither of them felt the need to explain it to anyone. What mattered most was the bond they had forged in battle and beyond.
Both Link and Samus carried a mutual feeling that lingered beneath the surface, yet neither had expressed it. The truth was, they didn't want their connection to remain just a close friendship—they both secretly longed for something deeper, something more. Over time, they had explored many aspects essential for a romantic relationship without even realizing it.
They trusted each other deeply and were able to open up emotionally, sharing parts of themselves that they kept hidden from others. Their bond grew stronger with every shared moment, and their interests began to blend. Samus, once mostly focused on science and technology, had developed a deep fascination with Link's stories of magic, gods, and the fantastic worlds he came from. Link, in turn, had become captivated by Samus' tales of space exploration, advanced technology, and the mysteries of far-off planets. Their conversations flowed naturally, and they could spend hours exchanging knowledge and experiences, with each finding the other's world fascinating.
The physical side of their relationship had not yet developed, but there was an undeniable attraction between them. They had seen each other in unguarded, private moments that had deepened their bond. Samus, for instance, had often found herself catching Link in casual or embarrassing situations—whether seeing him half-dressed in his room or in moments of vulnerability. On the other hand, Link had also stumbled upon Samus in equally awkward situations, such as catching her in her sleepwear or relaxed attire. These moments, while awkward, only served to make them more comfortable around each other, breaking down barriers that most people wouldn't get past.
Despite everything they shared, something was still missing—something unspoken but clearly felt: the confession. Both of them knew, in their hearts, that their relationship was ready to evolve into something more, yet neither had gathered the courage to take that final step. They were each waiting for the right moment to break the silence, but the question remained: who would be the first to take the leap?
Behind Samus' confident exterior was a deep-seated insecurity, one that grew stronger as her feelings for Link deepened. In many ways, Link embodied everything she admired in a man. He was introverted but attentive, always ready to share interesting conversations. He was a good listener, thoughtful, and despite his occasional absent-mindedness, his sincerity made her feel truly seen. And of course, he was undeniably attractive.
Yet, despite all the signs of a strong bond, Samus wrestled with the idea of confessing her feelings. She feared ruining what they already had. In her experience, friendships could quickly deteriorate when one person revealed romantic feelings that the other didn't reciprocate. She had seen it happen too often—the awkwardness that followed, the inevitable drifting apart. What if Link only saw her as a friend and nothing more? How would she cope with losing one of the few genuine connections she had?
Another concern gnawed at her: what if she wasn't to Link's taste? Though Samus was aware of her physical appeal—she was tall, athletic, and strong, and plenty of men admired her—she wasn't arrogant about it. People had different preferences, after all. Samus knew she was older than Link and slightly taller, and those traits made her question herself. What if Link preferred someone younger or shorter? What if she didn't fit his ideal image?
These thoughts discouraged her, no matter how much her heart yearned for more. The fear of rejection, of tarnishing a friendship that had grown so important to her, weighed heavily on her mind. As much as she longed to take the leap, the risk of losing Link entirely seemed too great.
Link, despite his outward composure, wrestled with the same insecurities that plagued Samus. In her, he saw the embodiment of his ideal woman—intelligent, sharp, and possessing a sense of humor that never failed to brighten his day. She had a way of paying attention to the smallest details, which only deepened his trust in her. He had opened up to her more than anyone else, sharing not just his victories but also his fears and insecurities. And, of course, he found her incredibly attractive.
Yet, with all those feelings brewing inside, Link couldn't muster the courage to tell her the truth. He feared that revealing his romantic interest would shatter the beautiful friendship they had built. He had experienced the awkwardness that followed when a man confessed his feelings to a woman who saw him only as a friend. He didn't want Samus to feel as though his friendship had been a pretense, just a ploy to get closer to her. He cherished her too much to risk losing that connection, no matter how much he longed for something deeper.
There was also the lingering question of whether she could even see him in that light. Link had always had a strange, inexplicable charm with women, despite not considering himself particularly popular or outgoing. But his insecurities still gnawed at him. What if Samus preferred taller men, or men closer to her age? Though Link was of average height, Samus was taller, and her physique reminded him of the imposing Gerudo women from his homeland. He knew many women preferred men who were taller and older, and he was neither of those things.
Despite knowing that everyone had different tastes, the thought that he might not be what Samus wanted filled him with doubt. So, just like Samus, he hesitated, his feelings for her carefully hidden behind their deepening bond of friendship. Both of them longed for more, yet their mutual fear of rejection kept them from taking that next step.
Link and Samus were sitting down for breakfast together, a routine they had become quite familiar with since their bond had grown deeper after the big confrontation they had participated in. They had both become much closer, sharing more than just battle strategies—they shared personal stories, jokes, and even insecurities, though they hadn't yet voiced their mutual romantic feelings.
Link took a sip of his coffee but immediately made a face as he almost spat it out. Samus, noticing his reaction, chuckled.
"What happened, Link? Did they give you salt instead of sugar?" she teased with a laugh.
Link sighed, placing the cup back down. "No, it's just really bitter. I asked for it with a little sugar," he replied, sounding a bit defeated.
Samus, still amused, held out her hand. "Okay, give it to me."
Link raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You like to drink bitter coffee?"
Samus shook her head with a grin. "Nooo, I'm going to get some sugar added to it."
Link waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry, I can drink it like this. It's fine," he said, forcing another awkward sip, trying to convince himself more than her.
"You don't even believe that," Samus said, her tone shifting to a more serious one. "Come on, give it to me."
After a brief hesitation, Link handed her the cup with a sigh, accepting defeat. As Samus stood up to go sweeten the coffee, she couldn't help but throw in another playful comment.
"One day, you're coming with me, and I'm going to take you by the hand so you don't have to feel sorry," she teased, giving him a mock scolding look.
"I'm not sorry!" Link protested, his tone a mix of irritation and embarrassment, but his expression softened quickly.
"Yeah, yeah," Samus laughed as she walked away. "Whatever you say."
Link couldn't help but smile to himself as she left. Despite the constant teasing, he enjoyed these moments with her more than he would ever admit. Samus' assertiveness was a dynamic that balanced out his usual easygoing demeanor, and deep down, he liked how she took charge in the little things—like getting sugar for his coffee.
A few minutes later, Samus returned with the coffee, now properly sweetened. "Here you go. Much better, right?"
"Thanks," Link muttered, taking a sip. This time, the taste was just right.
Samus leaned back, watching him. "So, what would you do without me?" she asked with a playful smirk.
Link shook his head, but a grin crept onto his face. "Probably drink bitter coffee for the rest of my life."
Samus laughed, the sound of it warm and familiar. "Good thing I'm here to save you from that fate."
Samus took a small bite of her food but ate it awkwardly.
"This needs salt," Samus said seriously.
"I'll be right back," Samus said as he stood up and headed off again.
Left alone, Link's stomach growled, but he decided to wait for Samus to return before eating. Just then, Pit, Sora, and Ike arrived at his table.
"Hey Link, bon appetit," Pit said cheerfully.
"Thanks," Link replied, still a bit confused by their sudden presence.
"So, where's your girlfriend? Eating alone?" Sora asked with a smirk.
"She's not my girlfriend," Link muttered, both irritated and embarrassed.
"Relax, man, it was just a joke. No need to get all flustered," Sora laughed, waving it off.
"Ugh, you guys are always on about that. It gets old," Link grumbled, nervously trying to deflect the topic.
"Well, we figured it was official by now," Ike chimed in.
"Official?" Link raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Ike said, leaning in with a mischievous grin. "Last night, we were walking by and saw you leaving her room. You know what that means, right?"
Link felt a moment of panic before blurting out, "I've been doing that for a while."
Sora blinked, then laughed, "Whoa, no need to brag, Link!"
Realizing how it sounded, Link stammered, "No, no! I mean, I've just been escorting her—it's called chivalry!"
"Yeah, sure, you're just escorting her to bed, right?" Ike teased.
Just then, Samus appeared behind them, her face unreadable.
"Escort who?" Samus asked, her voice calm but cold.
The group froze. Even though Samus wasn't known to be violent, her aloof, serious demeanor was enough to intimidate most people.
"Uh, Ike was just sharing stories from his days as a knight!" Pit quickly said, trying to cover for Link.
"Y-Yeah! Actually, we just came over to invite Link to a training session later," Sora added, nodding in agreement.
Without another word, the three friends quickly made their exit, leaving Link alone with Samus.
"Link," Samus said, raising her voice slightly.
"Y-Yeah?" Link responded, looking nervous.
"If someone's giving you a hard time, just let me know. I'll handle it," Samus said with a playful smile.
Link exhaled, trying to calm his nerves. "No, it's fine. You know how they are. No need for any... violence," he said, smiling awkwardly.
Samus chuckled softly. "Relax, I was just joking."
"Good to know," Link said, relieved.
"But if you really want, I could make it happen," Samus teased, her grin widening.
Link let out a shy laugh, his cheeks slightly pink, while Samus resumed her breakfast with a satisfied smile.