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"Well I'm not my mother!" Zelda's clenched fists shook at her sides. "She wasn't a failure! She. She-"
"That's enough Zelda!" Her fathers words cut through her own, automatically making her eyes fill with unwanted tears. "You will continue your studies. That. Is. Final. Do I make myself clear?"
Zelda clenched her jaw until her teeth hurt. She swallowed a forceful sob and nodded once.
"You may go."
His tone was light but the words were cruel. Zelda turned her back on him and grasped the golden knob. The door clicked behind her and she wasted no time breaking into a sprint. She weaved through the vast, tiled hallways of her father's abode. Her blue converse squeaked against the slick flooring as she avoided cleaning staff members and potted plants. A bubbling need to escape the confines of the house nearly ate her alive.
She ripped the front door open and slammed it behind her. Cool air rushed through her nose and a shudder tore through her chest. Her emerald eyes landed on the cloudy sky. It mirrored exactly what she felt at the moment: a gloomy storm cloud with a chance of rain at any second.
She needed someone to talk to. She needed a safe place.
Link. Her shaky fingers grasped her phone from her jean pocket. Only a few taps away. He's only a few taps away. His name popped onto the black screen and Zelda raised her phone to her pointed ear as she walked away from the annoyingly perfect grass, the disgustingly perfect flower beds, the outrageously perfect image her father created. All of it made her want to cry.
It was too much. His expectations were drowning her.
"Please pick up. Please pick up." Zelda's short breaths were dangerously close to falling into sobs. She stared at the sidewalk, distracting herself with the lines and cracks as she walked.
Voicemail.
The blonde girl's stomach sank.
"No. No. No." He always picks up, always. Unless he's at work or in the middle of a soccer/football game... or he's sleeping.
Zelda shook her head. "It's okay. It's okay. Just call... Urbosa."
Voicemail.
"Mipha."
Voicemail.
"Aunt Sonia."
Voicemail.
"Revail? No, he wouldn't be great for this... and Daruk is on a cruise. Yona and Sidon are on their honeymoon."
Zelda scrolled through her limited contacts, finding no one. She let her screen turn black. She was alone, she couldn't talk to anyone, and she didn't feel safe. Link was her safe space.
Her legs seemed to move on their own, trailing a familiar path as she started to run. Her pace lined up with the beats of her thundering heart. He didn't live that far away right? She didn't stop running. Not when her lungs gasped for air or when her knees started to hurt. Raindrops fell from the clouds, batting her forehead and peppering her clothes.
Normally, she drove to Link's. But it was just her luck that her car broke down yesterday. Something about the engine.
Zelda skidded to a stop, nearly slipping on the slick sidewalk, when she felt a repetitive buzz in her back pocket. She fumbled for her phone and her eyes snapped to the caller.
White lettering glowed against the new water droplets on her screen. Link. Oh thank Hylia.
She pressed the green icon and held the phone to her ear. "H-hello?"
"Zelda?" Aryll's voice rang through the speaker. Zelda's eyes blinked in surprise, she was not expecting to hear from her boyfriend's younger sister.
"A-Aryll! Hello." Zelda swallowed a lump in her throat, attempting to sound happy.
"What's up?"
"Nothing. Everything's fine."
"Oh Zelda what's wrong? You sound sad. Wait, Wait. Let me grab Link. The idiot fell asleep on his math papers."
"Okay, okay." She nodded along as she felt her breath hitch in her throat. Everything's going to be fine.
"Ew and he's drooling. Your professor is not going to want your work now, Big Brother." That caused Zelda to chuckle a bit. Leave it up to Aryll to calm the growing pit in my stomach.
"Link. Liiiiiiink. Wake up. For the love of- he sleeps like a rock. Link-" Zelda's ears picked up on a low groan. "Oh thank Hylia! Link, now that you're out of what seemed like a 100 year nap... the love of your life is on the phone! This is urgent and you can resume your beauty sleep later..... which you definitely need."
Oh she really had no filter sometimes.
"Thanks Aryll." Zelda heard her boyfriend mumble. To which Aryll responded with a 'Duh'.
"Zel? Hey, what's up?"
The sound of his voice made her throat close up and brought tears to her eyes. "Link, hey," Zelda managed to croak out.
"Zelda." She could picture the immediate crease of his eyebrows. "What's wrong?"
No, I don't want to say it now. I can't.
"Is it... is it okay if I come over?" Zelda replied instead, barely able to voice her words.
"What? Of course, you're always welcome over-" A truck siren blew over his sentence and she whipped her head towards it. A small red car decided it was a smart idea to swerve in front of a huge truck... while it was raining. Some people really shouldn't have licenses.
"Zelda? Are you outside?" Her eyes snapped back to her phone. "Where are you?"
"Hyrule Park. I'm at Hyrule Park." A gust of wind shot past her, ruffling her long golden hair and sending a shiver up her arms. She couldn't tell if her sniffles were caused by the freezing rain or her own tears.
"Hyrule Park?! That's far from your house and it's going to... it is raining! You're going to get sick." He paused. "....Zelda, did something happen with your dad?"
She sucked in a sharp breath, the sting stabbing at her lungs. "Yeah."
She could hear the wooden creak of his old stairs and the jingle of car keys. "Stay where you are, Zel. I'm coming to get you."
"Link you don't-" she started to say. "I'm not too far from your house-"
"It's a 15 minute walk. I'm not letting you do that."
"I-" Zelda stop it. she chided herself. "Okay." A sniffle escaped her reddening nose. "Thank you, Link."
"Always."
"Can... can you stay on the phone too?"
"Of course."
———————-
"I'm just around the corner."
"Okay." Zelda leaned against a tree trunk. Rain pattered onto her skin and into her hair, every drop sent prickles of cold into her veins. She had found a nice spot under the tree but it didn't stop the rain from finding its way to her. Her damp clothes made her tremble slightly, it probably wasn't good for her to stay outside.
The rumble of Link's truck made Zelda's head turn. Wow. That was fast... Almost too fast. She pushed herself off of the tree trunk and waved at him.
His truck came to a stop and he immediately hopped out of the driver's side.
Zelda knew she was lucky. Of course Link was handsome with his beautiful ocean eyes, his dirty blonde hair, and his light smiles. She knew, everyone knew. (they did not hesitate to tell her and she couldn't help but agree.) But she really loved his soul and his heart. He was a sweet, genuine, selfless guy who had loyalty and compassion for his friends and loved ones. She just couldn't fathom how someone like him could exist.
"Hey," he breathed out once he reached her. He hugged her against him and she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Zel, you're shivering."
She sniffled and hid her face in his chest, leaning into his warmth. "And you're warm." Yeah, I'm so lucky.
"C'mon, I already have your seat heater on."
"Oh you're the best. Thank you." Zelda smiled at him as she allowed him to lead her away.
"You got here pretty fast..."
He shrugged.
"Link, did you speed?"
"What? Zel. Of course not." His eyes crinkled in mirth and an easygoing smirk tilted his lips.
"Liar." Zelda rubbed her eyes and let out a laugh. He squeezed her shoulder and let out a chuckle as he led her to the passenger side of his truck.
Zelda didn't realize how cold she actually was until she found herself sinking into the heat of the chair. Bless Link and his thoughtfulness.
"Here, I brought you a blanket." Seriously bless him. Zelda would fight anyone who tried to hurt him.
Link signaled to pull away from the curb and they were on their way. Zelda watched the trees zip by as they drove and snuggled into the soft fabric of his green blanket.
"Aryll put some hot cider on the stove." He glanced in the rear view mirror before switching lanes.
Zelda perked up at this. "Aw really? You guys are too good to me."
"She insisted." He shrugged.
"She's so sweet."
"Yeah. To you." A smirk tilted his lips.
Zelda laughed. "She loves you a lot, you know."
"Deep down."
"No, I can see it plain as day." She placed her elbow on the center console and rested her head in her palm.
Link chuckled and shook his head.
He held out his hand and she placed hers in his.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Zelda sighed, her conversation with her father left a bitter taste in her mouth. "...I told him I didn't want to go to school for a business degree any longer and instead I wanted to pursue a degree in engineering. Which I argue is just as good! I get to create things and research! I wanted to even take a minor in biology! But he blew up at me. I'm the one supposed to inherit the company. To be the CEO... I sound so ungrateful. I know. Anyone would love to inherit such a thing but I just... I don't have a choice and that makes me angry." Her eyes dropped to the keys lightly rattling in the cup holder. "I know my mothers death was hard on him and raising a young child alone is no easy feat. Especially one so strong willed as I am. I get it. But her death was hard on me too. I had to grow up without a mother for Hylia's sake. But I know she would have wanted me to pursue anything I want. I just wish she were here to tell him."
Link squeezed her hand.
"It's so... it's so silly. I'm an adult yet I'm still afraid to stand up for my father."
"I don't think it's silly. It can be scary to stand up for yourself."
Zelda nodded as he turned into his neighborhood. She didn't know how else to 'stand up' to her father. She could get another job and tell him she'll pay for her schooling instead. It would be a lot but she didn't shy away from hard work.
Link pulled into his driveway and turned off the engine. He hopped out of the truck and walked around the front to her side. He opened her door and she met his eyes, water droplets glittered on his blonde bangs though he didn't seem to care. His eyebrows were creased and a light frown tugged down at his lips.
"You can do anything you want to do, Zel." He placed his hand on her cheek and she covered it with one of her own. "It's your life you should be able to pursue anything...But, that being said, I know that has to be hard when you don't have his support."
Her breath hitched in her throat and she nodded as tears clouded her vision. He said it perfectly. She covered her face with her free hand and let out a sob.
Link's hand fell from her face. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her out of the seat. Once he set her on the ground, she hugged him around his neck and hid her face in his collarbone.
The only thing that filled the silence was Zelda's muffled sobs and the rain pattering against the cement.
"I'll support whatever you decide to do. I'm here." His hand slid into her wet hair as he pulled her closer.
She nodded.
"C'mon, let's get you dried off and into warmer clothes, yeah?"
"Yeah." Zelda wiped her nose with her sleeve.
She let him guide her away from the truck and her shoulders relaxed as she turned her attention to his house. The familiar clinking melody of the wind chime reached Zelda's ears. The chime had metal silent princesses dangling from the chains, her favorite flower. Potted plants with various flowers lined the walkway.
Warmth and cinnamon hit her nose when Link opened the front door.
"Aryll?" Link called out. "I'm back."
"Coming!" Aryll yelled. "Zelda!" Zelda watched as she raced down the stairs and crashed into her.
"Woah! Hey Aryll!" She returned Aryll's bone crushing hug.
Aryll pulled back and grinned up at her. Her blonde hair was up in her signature pigtails and she wore a blue shirt that made her sea blue eyes pop. She looked so much like Link it still baffled Zelda.
"I'm so glad you're here! Aw, I knew you were sad." Aryll pointed at Zelda's eyes and frowned, her eyebrows falling. "Wait here."
Zelda raised her eyebrows at Link and he shrugged before taking off his shoes. Zelda followed suit.
Aryll sprinted down the hall with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. "This is my favorite blanket." The fabric had mini seagulls and pirate ships scattered around the blue fluffy sea. "You can use it while you're here. I hope it makes you feel better."
"Thank you Aryll. I feel better already." Zelda accepted the gift with a warm smile.
"Oh! And the cider! Come." Aryll ran down the tiled hallway and slid with her socks at the last second, almost tripping.
"Be careful, Aryll!" Link's eyes widened.
"Ah!" She caught herself on the doorframe and looked back with a thumbs up. "I'm okay!"
Link let out a sigh and laughed lightly, tugging Zelda down the hall and into the kitchen.
They didn't even make it through the doorway before Aryll was shoving a steaming mug in Zelda's hands.
"Oh! Thank you!" The warmth of the mug immediately combated the ice of Zelda's fingertips.
"You bet! I hope you like it!" Aryll's giddy smile made Zelda grin back. She took a sip of the honey-colored liquid and her mouth dropped.
"Wow! What did you put in here? This is amazing!" It really was, there was just enough cinnamon and apple and it was sweet but not too sweet.
Aryll puffed out her chest and put her hands on her hips. "Secret recipe. You can know it when you're officially part of the family." She winked.
Zelda choked on her cider and coughed. She didn't oppose the idea of her and Link getting married, she knew there was no one else for her, but they were both too young. Though she was happy to have the young girl's approval.
"A-Aryll!" Link stuttered out. His ears were tinged red.
"What? Did I say something?" She tilted her head and gave him an innocent smile. Zelda knew it was far from innocent.
"N-nothing. Nothing. Zel, I left some of my clothes on my bed that you can use. Did you want to get changed?"
Zelda nodded, her face still hot. She set the mug on the counter and briskly walked away from the siblings.
—————
After Zelda dried out her soaked hair with a towel she tied it into a loose braid. She placed her hands on the counter as she observed herself in the mirror. Link's green hoodie looked as comfortable as it felt (she really needed to know where he bought his sweatshirts.) Her eyes were still puffy and her cheeks were still pink. I'm okay.
And she would be. Eventually. Once she set a plan for her future and stood up for herself she would be. But that was for another day. Today she wanted to spend the rest of it with her favorite person.
She nodded at herself and grasped the door handle. Her footsteps were light as she ambled down the hall. She turned into the kitchen and grabbed her abandoned cider. Her eyes flicked to Link—-who sat at the counter with his phone in hand. She walked toward him and he glanced up at her and smiled, pocketing the device.
"Hey. Nice hoodie, where'd you get it?" He wiggled his eyebrows.
Zelda chuckled, stopping beside him, and shook her head. "It's my boyfriend's."
"No." His jaw dropped. "You're taken?!"
"Happily taken." She grinned and sipped at her cider.
Link sighed. "Just when I was about to profess my undying love for you."
"I fear you're too late. My heart belongs to another." She rested her hand against her forehead.
They stared at each other before erupting into giggles.
"That. Right there," Link said suddenly.
"What?"
"That's my favorite smile of yours."
She looked between his eyes and raised her eyebrows. "What smile?"
"When you're just being you." He rested his head in his palm as he stared at her.
"Well..." Heat crept up her cheeks and she placed her mug on the counter. "...it's easy to be myself with you.
"I'm happy to hear that."
Zelda smiled again and moved to wrap her arms around his neck. He hugged her waist and pulled her close.
"Thank you, Link."
He hugged her tighter. "I'd do anything for you, Zel... I love you."
Her heart never failed to speed up at those three words. "I love you more."
"No way."
She shook her head and a chuckle escaped her. "Yes way."
"I definitely love you more." His breath tickled her ear.
The blonde laughed again and rolled her eyes. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."
"Yeah, yeah." He pulled away and swiftly kissed her lips to which she smiled in response. "Want to watch a show?"
"I'd love that... wait where's Aryll?"
"She's playing her game she's been talking about. Something about a hero and a princess? I need to ask her about it." He grasped her hand and walked toward the couch. Zelda noticed there was a stack of neatly folded blankets sitting on top of the ottoman.
Link picked up two of the blankets and tossed them on the cushions before grabbing a few pillows and creating—-what Zelda could describe it as—-a makeshift pillow throne.
Link hopped into the mountain of blankets and held out both of his arms toward her. He raised his eyebrows as if to say, 'What are you waiting for?' "Snuggles await, Your Highness."
"Oh my Hylia. Link, you didn't just say that." Zelda giggled into her hand.
"What?" He grinned.
Zelda shook her head and laid on top of him. She nestled into his warmth and laid her head on his chest. His heartbeat softly thumped against her ear and she slowly dozed off into a peaceful slumber.
——————
Link lightly massaged Zelda's back as he flipped through the TV channels. Her breathing evened and she passed out. It didn't surprise him that she did, especially with all the stress her dad put her through.
He didn't hate the guy. He was just frustrated with him. Very frustrated. She clearly had a passion for something else so let her do it. It wasn't that hard of a concept, at least that's what Link thought.
"Well excuuuuuuuuuse me princess." He flinched at the sudden voice. He had completely forgotten about this show. He also forgot that he and the protagonist shared the same name. Nope, he did not want to remember anything else. The whole series felt like a fever dream.
He flipped to a baking channel. The contestants each had to create a dessert based on the different regions of Hyrule. I could get behind this.
The front door opened and Link flicked his eyes away from the dimmed TV screen. His mom was hanging up her keys.
"Hey honey! Oh!" She glanced at the sleeping blonde in his arms. "Zelda's here!" she whispered excitedly.
Link returned her smile. "Hey Ma. How was work?"
"It was great." His mom motioned toward Zelda. "Is she okay?" She tilted her head, worry lacing her frown.
"I think she's okay now." Link ran a hand up and down Zelda's back. "She's had a long day. I'm just trying to make it better."
"Aw. Poor girl." She shook her head and placed her bag on the counter. "Do you think she'd like it if I made fruitcake? I thought I heard you mention something about that."
"Yes, that's her favorite. I think she'd love it if you did that, Mom."
"Alright, I'll hop to it."
"Thank you." Link heard the oven beep behind him
"You know..." He looked over his shoulder to meet his mom's gaze. "I'm proud of the man you've turned out to be Link. You're just like your father."
His eyes softened. "Thanks Ma. That means a lot coming from you."
She sent him a smile and dropped her gaze to the worn out recipe on the counter. "Just so you know, Zelda's welcome to stay the night, anytime. For as long as she needs. Don't let her forget that. She's basically family."
It made Link's heart warm that his family loved being around Zelda. "I won't."
He returned his gaze to the tv. Apparently, he missed a lot since the contestants were already being judged.
The next round was based on the three goddesses, and halfway through Link felt Zelda stir.
She lifted her head and sniffed. "Is that fruitcake I smell?" she asked, her voice sleepy. Link laughed lightly.
"It is!" His mom's voice rang through the kitchen.
"Oh! Ms. Hero! You're home." Zelda blinked in surprise.
"That's Nayra to you, Zelda. I thought since Link mentioned it was your favorite and I do make a good fruitcake I wanted to make you some."
Link watched as Zelda's lips quirked upward.
"Oh! That's so sweet, you didn't have to."
"It's my pleasure."
Zelda moved to get up but Link held her tighter.
"No." He pouted and she rolled her eyes.
"Link, I'll cuddle more with you after."
"But the cake needs to cool down... right?"
She raised an eyebrow and he sighed.
"You promise we will?"
"Yes. Of course." She held out a pinky and he twisted theirs together.
"....fine." He watched as she walked away from the living room and into the kitchen. She gave his mom a hug.
"Honey, are you okay?" His mom asked, holding the sides of her face.
"Yeah." Zelda nodded once. "I'm okay now. I have your son to thank for that."
Link pushed away from the couch and walked towards the two.
"Ah yes, he's behaving I hope?" His mom asked behind her hand.
"Ma." Link raised an eyebrow which made Zelda giggle.
"Oh honey I'm just teasing." She reached up to ruffle his hair. His mom handed Zelda a plate with a slice of the fruit delicacy. "I hope you enjoy!"
"Thank you."
Zelda sat beside Link and took a bite of the colorful treat. "Mm! It's very delicious, Nayra."
"Glad to hear it! You two can have as much as you want." Link didn't need to be told twice.
He flicked his eyes between his cake and Zelda's expression, his eyebrows creasing slightly. He studied the way she nudged her cake pieces around with her fork and the way she breathed in to speak but she never did. Something was either bothering her or she was working up the courage to ask something.
"Zelda. What's up?" Link set down his fork and pivoted toward her.
She turned her head to him. "What?"
"I know you. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, it's just... Can I stay? I'm not... I'm not ready to go back there yet."
Link raised his eyebrows. She didn't even have to ask of course the answer was going to be yes. "Yes, Zel. You can stay as long as you want."
"Longer than that," his mom chimed in. "Just move in at this point!"
Link's ears burned and Zelda giggled lightly. That was two comments from both Aryll and his mother. Hylia spare me.
"Thank you, Nayra," Zelda responded.
"Of course, honey. You're always welcome here. And I mean it." She pointed a wooden spoon in their direction.
Link resumed eating and wolfed down his two pieces of cake before going for a third piece.
"I forget how fast you eat." Zelda raised her eyebrows.
"It's my talent." He grinned.
Zelda snorted and finished off her last piece.
"Back to cuddles?" Link clasped his hands together.
Zelda laughed through her nose and placed her fork on her plate. She reached up to wipe the stray crumbs from his cheek. "Yes. Back to cuddles."