BOTW Link x F!Reader ~ Pt. 7: Hotter Than Lava (Minors beware below 🔥 marker)
Sweat covered your being from heat to toe.
Hair was pulled up into the best style it possibly could be in hopes of any breeze cooling the sensitive skin of your shoulders and neck.
Even your clothing was singed along their hems despite the shopkeeper boasting of them, along with the strange potion you’d consumed, bestowing flame resistant abilities upon the person. The outfit was a bit odd with the near parachute styled pants paired with criss-cross styled upper bodice but it was pretty when paired with your skin color and eyes. Tiny little gems polished to a high shine glittered when you moved, often earning you more attention from people or monsters in passing.
All to no avail.
However, you failed to realize the affect it was having upon a certain golden haired, blue eyed Hylian.
He would pass off the red within his skin as due to the volcano’s heat. Rudania’s rampaging had calmed thanks to his last visit, meaning the lava was now cooled to a more tolerable temperature for others to visit. That didn’t mean one couldn’t feel the powerful heatwaves coming off the mountain itself. The incline was steep, causing you to stumble every so often and for him to help you back upright with a steady hand. When you slipped a minute ago, though, he had used a bit too much force in the pull, resulting in your being full on colliding with his own to the point where your entirety met his and your arm reflexively wrapped around his neck for stability while the other clung to the soaked tunic covering his chest. A rock underfoot threatened to trip him when your added weight made his stance change. It was nearly successful when your softness threatened to distract him. Link promptly placed you back on your feet beside him once sure that you could stand on firm ground then took the lead along the trail.
Leaving you to tail behind.
At this point he would gladly jump out into the lava pools rather than addressing why his body felt as if it were burning from the inside, the memory of your being against his own stoking the embers within his core. Especially when recalling how the top nearly came unclasped…or the sheen of sweat that made your skin glisten…how the waistline of the pants accentuated your curves…
“Oi!” A shout of greeting drew his attention upwards to find a Goron lookout waving.
That must mean the village wasn’t too far away.
And you were looking like that.
One of your arms rose to wipe the sweat from your eyes, only succeeding in making them burn from irritation, blinking furiously to clear all haze from your vision just in time to see him shed the soaked tunic to expose a lean chest built from multiple weapon usage and cross country training. Deep within your being rose an unfamiliar heat that made both your cheeks and core tingle when he began marching over to where you’d stopped to catch your breath. There was a glint within his azure gaze that looked oddly similar to possessiveness, which was odd considering he was not the kind for such tendencies, finding yourself breathless when the setting sun’s golden rays bathed him in a glow that made Link appear as a deity sent from the goddess herself. Mountain air was dry by nature and it being a volcano that you were scaling made it more so but now your entire body felt parched down to the bone marrow when he came to a stop before you, the waistline of his pants slipping due to the accumulated sweat to reveal a toned abdomen that disappeared within a V.
Cloth obscured your vision as something heavy settled atop of your head.
It startled you so much that your reeling arms searched for anything of stability until a pair of calloused hands took gentle hold of your wrists before guiding them through the weighted mass. Those felt oddly like arm holes. A tug came upon it and suddenly your face was inches from his own that was entirely focused upon settling the tunic over your frame.
What’s this for?, your raised brow asked when he finally met your gaze as a grimace crossed your features, and its completely soaked with your sweat! His hands stopped yours from pulling the tunic back up over your head, earning an exasperated groan. “I’ve been covered in mud, blood, and monster guts for the last several days so I won’t let you just use me like some sort of furniture to hang your laundry—” The complaint died on your lips when spotting a change come over the Hylian as he stepped within your personal space, impulsing you to step backwards until rock met your back. Blood pounded within your ears as his blue eyes bore into your own with such ferocity that it stole your breath away and robbed you of any want to object farther as he still came closer until coming to a stop with your heaving chests nearly touching.
Link’s hands that had been preventing the cloth from leaving your form rose to rest a clenched fist and open palm on either side of your head, as if preventing you from escaping until whatever he wanted to convey was expressed. Seriousness radiated from his being that seemed to tease your own with its alternately paced breathing; his exhale was your inhale, resulting in your exhale to become his inhale. A droplet of sweat slid down the bridge of his nose to dangle at its tip before it fell upon your nose where it intermixed to created an even larger drop that disappeared when it swiftly slid along the span of your neck then into the fold that was your cleavage.
He wanted you to wear it, that much was clear now…but why?
Within your mind flickered the thought he may not like the outfit or thought you to be ugly wearing it. If that was the case, then why hadn’t he said anything when you asked if it looked alright before purchasing? There were plenty of opportunities for him to object.
“Brother!” Rumbling caused your gaze to break away from his as a shout came followed by rumbling, eyes widening when meeting those of a large Goron who smiled widely. He seemed a bit startled when finding you within the Champion’s shadow. “Oh, sorry ‘bout startlin’ you like that! I saw something shiny that was behind him and thought it was a tasty snack.”
That’s right! Goron’s like to eat rocks and shiny stones! Your wide gaze met azure, earning a slight huff that said “wear that until we get to the inn”, nodding in both understanding and appreciation. It was touching that he had shed his own tunic to shield you.
Goron and yourself failed to notice the expression of relief passing over Link’s face when he turned away to overlook the stretch of landscape, shaking himself when the fine hairs across his visible skin remained upright in response to the events that had just transpired.
It wasn’t necessary but the Goron led the rest of way to Goron Village. Every so often he would point out sights for you to visit during the stay or recommending the nearby Test of Strengths, which you thanked for all nonetheless, until the mention of hot springs caused your being to perk.
“Oh, ho, I see that last bit caught your attention!” He smiled, delivering a hearty slap to the Hylian’s back. “Best to ensure such a gal’s whims to be fulfilled, brother! Happy wife happy life!”
Red filled your cheeks in unison to Link’s as he straightened like a stone pillar. Say what now?! Your gaze flickered down to your hand where the ring glittered. Why would it earn this kind of attention or assumption?! Several other individuals wore similar jewelry so why were the two of you being singled out?! Feeling Link’s gaze, you could only offer a shrug, I have no idea why they would think that!
Within the consciousness of the hero, several personas shared incredulous glances; this would certainly be entertaining if not enlightening for the young traveling duo. Sky and Time in particular were watching with great interest. Twi, on the other hand, along with Sea Song and Nox, were cautiously optimistic of the possible outcome ahead.
“Ah, the bunch of newlyweds have arrived finally!” A shout came from the inn where an elderly Goron was seen. “I have just the suite perfect for a fine young couple such as yourselves!”
Steam was definitely coming out of your ears as, overcome with shyness as several more Gorons crowded around with interest, you hid behind your blonde haired companion, hands spreading flat against his broad shoulder blades. You reflexively thought cloth would be there but remembered his tunic was donning your figure when it was his bare skin that met yours. And its was as slick with sweat as the rest of him. Meaning that your hands slid from their place until both arms were wrapped around his torso and your cheek met the space between his shoulder blades.
From the Gorons rose a chorus of laughter when he stiffened within your hold, some making comments of how cute the blushing couple were or how each would ensure that the honeymoon would be as perfect as possible. It was impossible for you to see his face but the quickness of his breaths was concerning until every last villager dispersed to leave the two of you alone, the final rays of sunlight disappearing to give way to night as torches were lit and the lava’s glow slowly bathed the rocky terrain in red.
Every so slowly, as if moving too fast would shatter him, your arms unwound until they instead rest at your side. Your gaze darted every which way as a heavy silence fell between the two of you. The stiffness eased from his being as a deep breath was taken until it came out as a faint whistle as if he were attempting to call Epona who was definitely too far to answer. Silence in itself wasn’t out of the ordinary however this one was bursting with uncertainty and hesitation.
At least to you.
For the blond, though, it was filled with suspense. As if the world and universe were waiting to see his next move while at the same time encouraging him onward. Link glanced over to where you were occupied with the tunic’s hem as if it were the most interesting thing in the existence. His hand extended, just as it had when he’d found you, earning a faint smile before yours easily slid into it. It’s getting late, his head’s tilt towards the inn said, I’m sure you’re tired. Calloused fingers belonging to the swordsman and seasoned warrior gradually laced with yours as your exhausted expression spoke volumes when beginning to walk.
Part of him wondered if you’d even notice how his fingers were tracing patterns into your skin.
Another wished you never would.
Unbeknownst to the hero that several shades were nodding in approval of his actions.
“Welcome! Ah, if it isn’t the newlyweds Fugo mentioned! He said they may visit sometime soon!” The elder Goron greeted with a shout, causing you to startle and hand to slip from his own; earning a near disappointed expression from Link that wasn’t missed by the inn’s owner. A wink was sent to the Hylian as you were ushered towards the desk with a large hand. “Right this way, little one, I will ensure your stay is worth your travel! I am more than happy to throw in a pair of special massages on the house as a congratulatory gift!”
Tingles started at your feet then rose up your back. When was the last time you’d had the leisure of a massage? The answer escaped you when looking to Link, earning a nod of encouragement, and you flashed the brightest grin he’s seen yet.
He remained behind at the welcoming desk while you disappeared into one of the back rooms. You deserved this, after everything that’s happened, that smile burning itself into his memory while unconsciously encouraging his own lips to rise. Little did he know that it was one which earned the knowing smirk of a passing Goron.
“What are you doing out here? You’re getting in on this too, little guy.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed in a swallow when the elder Goron reappeared, taking hold of his arm.
🔥 . 🔥 . 🔥 . 🔥 . 🔥
Bubbling water lapped at your curious toes, earning a blissful sigh from between your lips. Heavy fog rolled off the water’s surface that rose to disappear within a star filled night sky. It was still hard to believe that such a peaceful place like this existed so far up the mountain. Step by step, you entered the natural spring’s depths until coming to a stop when it met your thighs. In the distance was the proud Death Mountain aglow with various rivers of crimson lava, truly a magnificent sight to behold. Luminous Stones lined its borders to mark off the deep ends while providing light for visitors which seemed to dance with the rising mist. The smallest hiss of pain slipped up your throat when a muscle protested against the water’s pull when you took another step. That massage had been glorious, earning several cracks from your tired bones, leaving you as palpable as a Chuchu jelly. It had taken you several minutes to move from that table despite the Goron’s offer to carry you. It was embarrassing enough while hearing exclamations coming from the neighboring room which oddly sounded familiar, leaving your brows to furrow with sympathy, until they fell silent.
A nearby shelf within the rock looked welcoming enough as you slowly walked until sitting gingerly upon its smooth surface. Glorious as it might have been the massage had introduced a whole new level of exhaustion to your aching body. One that left you light headed and twitching as the water now lapped at your collarbone. The jolt of a hiccup nearly sent you backwards if not for the rock’s intervention.
Whatever had been in that drink sure was tasty.
Link was faring not much better as he resisted the impulse to flinch when another crack sounded from his body. Seemed as though that Goron had a little too much fun hearing him crack judging from the deep ache now resting within his joints. Where had you run off to though? He didn’t find you within the adjacent room nor within the suite that was to be used during the stay. There was only one place to look then. Honestly he was looking forward to a good soak.
The door slid open with assistance of his hand, azure eyes combing over the near fog infested area, before entering then closing the door behind him. Still no sign of you. Maybe you’d gone off in pursuit of supper. Goron Village was one of the places he felt comfortable allowing you to wander alone being as its inhabitants were protective by nature and honest to a fault. None would ever think to lure someone into an unfavorable situation.
His hand discarded the towel that had been wrapped around his waist, opting to place it along the spring’s brim, then waded into the water with bliss etched within his features as the near crystalline water seeped into every pore. There were some updates since the last time he’d been brought here, he mused while floating leisurely upon his back; there were various statues carved in different rocks of each race: Rito, Zora, Goron, Gerudo, and Hylian. Each was carved with such detail they looked alive as mist wanted their surfaces, giving them the appearance to be breathing. He came to a pause in front of the last statue, shifting to stand so as to peer into its face closely.
With eyes closed, as if she were leaning against the rock beside her for a moment’s rest, droplets of moisture gathering then trickling down the planes of her face in tiny rivers. The statue was beautiful with the glow of Luminous Rocks rippling across its skin in near hypnotizing patterns thanks to the water’s bubbles. And yet he couldn’t help but compare it to you. It was nothing more than a cheap knock-off to him.
Beneath his foot a stone shifted, causing him to slip forward and arms to reflexively move up to brace himself against an impact against the statue, utter shock taking hold of Link when instead of stone his body met flesh.
Something heavy impacted your relaxed frame, coaxing a soft moan when familiar muscles met your skin.
Azure widened when the lids of your eyes lifted to reveal dilated pupils. What he had mistaken as a statue was in face an actual person! And it was you! He made to move away when the dark blush within your cheeks caused him concern. That was no sunburn nor could it be caused by the spring’s heat. It was the blush of Goron Village’s Fire Bomb, a local specialty. If consumed by a non-Goron, there was the chance of intoxication depending on the person’s tolerance towards higher altitude.
And you clearly had become its most recent victim.
The blonde warrior was snapped out of his internal thoughts when feeling one of your legs rise to lightly wrap itself around his own while a hand drew him closer by means of cupping his face. Suddenly the spring felt too hot as your body pressed itself to his despite his gentlest efforts to keep distance between you. Within his cheeks rose a blush when discovering no towel covered your being as two plush mounds brushed his chest. You felt so divine against his being, as if heaven had become a person, your scent and body farther stoking his blood to boil.
“Link…”
In a wave, every fine hair across his body rose to stand at attention as your breathless moan of his his name filled the air. His arms that had moved to brace his fall found minds of their own much to his shock. One rose to cup the side of your face, just as yours was with his own, while the other fell beneath the water to rest an open palm against the outer side of your thigh. A shiver passed over your being at his touch that brought you even more flushed against him.
“…Link…”
A hum deep within his throat was the only answer he could offer as the softness of you caused a warmth to bloom within his core and chest. Conscious awareness slipped from Link’s disciplined grasp when your lips brushed against his. Every fantasy or assumption of how this moment would play out may as well have been a poet’s musings. This was much more than words, written or spoken, could ever hope to convey. Each of the thwarted attempts he’d made of expressing his innermost feelings came rushing to him in a flood.
This time he would not let anything stop him.
His lips were instantly devouring your mouth with licks and sucks, an occasional nibble. The initial passion gave way to something much gentler when you soft whimpers filled the air. This was your first kiss. It would be wrong of him to simply have at you like a wandering soul in the desert stumbling upon an oasis. Firm presses of his lips gave way to light caresses, soft wet pops sounding when he took brief moments to allow you to breathe before coaxing your lips once more into an intricate dance. Deep within his core rose a raging inferno when your tongue that had been complacent lured his own deeper before the sting of your teeth nibbled the sensitive appendage. Growls rose up his throat as you took the briefest of seconds to bypass his mouth’s gates to brush against its the sensitive, domed roof with the tip of your devious tongue.
It was a window of opportunity he was not about to let slip by.
Groans and moans much sweeter than any fruit were swallowed by the swordsman while you trembled from his wandering hands. The battle for dominance was short, leaving you completely at his mercy, though he suspected you cared little when hearing your broken cry of his name when his hips ground against your own. Your bare skin was so perfect, much smoother and softer compared to his own, coaxing him to explore it farther when your back arched as his calloused fingers crept upwards towards your hip.
What was happening to him? He’d denied the drink earlier when it had been offered, knowing full well that it may just bring about something similar to this, so why did he feel as electrified as a lightning arrow? The way you gazed up at him with those lidded eyes made him feel stronger than a Golden Lynel and mightier than a Titus.
“…Link…”
And the way you were saying his name made the blood within his veins race. Deep within your voice rang need that he wanted to satisfy as you attempted to bring him closer courtesy of a tug. Never had he heard you use such a tone, one that radiated with something so carnal it made something foreign awaken deep inside. The shelf you were sitting on meant that the water was lapping your waist’s curves and he his naval. He was slightly bent at the waist though thanks to that near fall. He attempted to reclaim your lips which had parted from his to speak but was met with defiance glittering within your haze filled eyes.
Instead you earned a choked sound from the Champion when your lips latched themselves upon him.
Sanity became strained as you suckled, the feeling of your velvety lips tantalizing his being when they traversed down his jawline to the built shoulder farther down where you paused for a moment. His breathing that had been rendered to gasps became labored and the growing hardness within his member intensified when teeth nipped at the shoulder.
Primal instinct worthy of a blue eyed beast from legend took hold of Link in that moment.
He easily collected you within an embrace, coaxing your legs to wrap tightly around his torso, as his lips found the side of your own neck, earning the sweetest of cries that stoked the embers burning within his core. The rock became his ally as he forced you against it with a press. Both of your hands rose to paw at his shoulders when his tongue slipped out to briefly taste your skin. A big mistake on his part because it threatened to snap that fine string of sanity faintly protesting against his body’s actions. It was so quiet because it wanted this just as bad as he did.
To be impulsive…
To indulge…
To have you…
“…(Y/n)…”
Hearing your name growled in such a way sent lightning through your veins. The adrenaline pounding through your body made your head spin but there was that throbbing and coiling within your core that demanded to be addressed. It forced your hips to grind against his being in desperation of relief from the pressure. Solid, lean muscle rippled beneath your hands as they wandered from his chest to follow the ridges to his back where they left faint red trails in wake of pawing fingertips, causing the man within your hold to heatedly groan into your ear.
“I feel…” you gasped breathlessly, “…strange…”
Something stiff was rubbing where your tailbone was. It was an odd stimulation however it spurred you to adjust in hopes it would reach somewhere else. Every brush of it along your curves earned mirror whines from both you and the blonde haired swordsman until its tip nestled within the fold that led to your most sensitive area. His name fell from your lips like a prayer when a different sword within his possession, this one made of flesh and blood, slowly sunk farther along the folds it had found.
As it it were wishing to sheath itself.
Need filled your expression and voice as he soothed you with hushed whispers. “M-more…please…”
Despite the spring’s heat the water felt cool when compared to your warmth when it met his sensitive member. Reason was still trying to deter his body from answering your desperate display for physical stimulation. A palm belonging to one of his hands made to push you away, regretfully, however it once again proved to have its own ulterior motives when instead it took hold of your backside to bring you even closer with your flesh spilling between his digits.
So soft, plush in the perfect places as if encouraging his hands to wander more, the arch of your spine causing more friction to build against sweat mixed with the spring’s water moistened skin. No longer did heat belong so the bubbling water as it sloshed against your shifting forms. Hearts which had been beating faster than any drummer could hope to match found unified rhythm when he retreated just enough for your hooded gazes to meet.
Just once…
Your tongue shyly peeked out from its home to brush his bottom lip, coaxing him into an intricate and slow dance that threatened to add stringy saliva to the water below.
…could he…
The same hands worn by many weapons teased your much smoother skin as calloused fingers drifted across each curve, as if he were playing you like an instrument, until one hand found itself cradling the back of your head when its digits tangled within the tresses they found, pulling you deeper into the kiss. His hips angled just a tad, bringing a swollen leaking tip to press against your entrance and earn your eyes to roll upwards as it slowly sunk into the weeping opening it had found, your lips that had parted with an exclamation of his name becoming ensnared by his own. It was such a beautiful sound but the warrior would be damned if anyone else heard the sweet noises you made as he—
“Link?”
His head shot upwards, nearly colliding with yours that was much closer than it probably should’ve been, wide azure darting about the space. When had he returned back to the suite? Blue eyes blinked when your hand met the top of his head for a series of sympathetic pets.
“You were growling and whimpering,” you whispered softly while backing slightly when he sat upright. It didn’t appear as though he had a nightmare of sorts. If anything it nearly sounded as if the warrior was…nearly begging for something. It had been near heart breaking for you to find him clutching the pillow in such a tight hold, his eyes clenched shut, and body beginning to curl in on itself. As if he were in pain. The palm of your hand met his cheek, encouraging him to look in your direction. “My massage finished after yours and I went to look for you but the Gorons said you’d retired to the spring. That’s where I found you unconscious so I had to literally fish you out like a Pordgy.” A faint blush tinted your cheeks when recalling how he had practically melted into your embrace before settling into the bed. If he didn’t remember your trip that caused him to fall on top of you, how you’d nearly shrieked him to deaf when he nuzzled into your neck, it would wound you a bit. Right now that wasn’t important. Your blush darkened when clearing your throat, averting your gaze from the sheet which was tented. “Then I went to find us some dinner. You were fast asleep when I came back. That’s how I found you…well, like this.”
Oh, he didn’t have to follow your gaze, he could feel the raging erection straining against its confinement. Embarrassment made to make him attempt to hide it if not for your gaze which flickered to it when you thought he wasn’t noticing. So pride instead took deep root when your lips parted in awe at the outline which slowly appeared with a twitch of the hidden member. “See something you like?”
A pillow appeared within your hand that was launched into his face with enough force to make him fall back against the mattress, trails of smoke rising from where it made contact with his being. He had the guts to use that sultry tone?! Fine! You could play this game too! The pillow falling was your cue to open the robe more until ample cleavage was visible, pushing out your lower lip in a pout while the tip of a finger tapped against it.
The Hylian’s jaw nearly became unhinged when seeing you posing with a tilt of your head. That pout with a finger against your near quivering lip, the Luminous Stones casting your visible skin in an ethereal glow, legs bent at the knee splayed beneath in a way which showcased how lean they’d become from traveling and the opening of your robe slid farther down until the arch of your supple breasts became visible. Beneath the sheets his erection throbbed with need when you leaned into his personal space. Red tinged the tips of his slightly pointed ears when your lashes batted.
“See something you like…Link?” You purred, winking slowly while deliberately allowing his name to roll off your tongue.
Now he knew this was a game.
Or another dream.
Might as well see how far it would go.
Azure darkened as his hand rose to take hold of your chin, bringing you close enough that his breath wafted your face. “I asked first, (Y/n), now play fair and answer me.” The hitch of your breath when he suddenly shifted backwards caused you to follow due to the hold he had upon your chin until you were hovering over him.
That smirk raising his lips was really beginning to irk you. It was confident, cocky even, as if he thought you wouldn’t do anything more. All hesitation vanished when a near choked grunt sounded in response to your hand appearing upon his chest where it teased the sensitive sternum area with light touches. Oh, you poor man, you internally chided, seems that you’ve forgotten what happened the last time we decided to challenge each other. Probably for the first time since you’ve known him, the Champion, Hyrule’s greatest swordsman, felt all blood within his body rush downwards as the tips of your fingernails slowly walked themselves up the span of his lean torso, inching closer and closer to where the robe’s knot rested against his abdomen. There was no doubt that you could feel something hard rubbing against the curve of your behind, judging from the way you playfully swayed your hips forward then back.
Deep within his throat sounded a groan that he held back by furiously biting his lip when your fingertips toyed with the robe’s fabric, the pressure of your nails tracing patterns causing the fine hairs across his body to rise. Seeing you above him with bent legs on either side of him, the robe donning your figure dipping dangerously low enough to reveal the valley between shapely mounds and noticeably fairer skin than the rest paired with that shadow within your gaze threatened to stir the lingering adrenaline that was caused by his dream. Careful, his gaze bore into your own when you gave an experimental roll of your hips that made the concealed member harden farther, best to not instigate something you don’t plan to end. Bravado and ego swelled when you slowly slid down until your face was level with his hips, moving ever so slowly while ensuring your body tantalized his own by allowing your full weight to rest against him.
The tip of your tongue slipping out to moisten parted lips when purposefully allowing a fleshy sword to become snagged between your breasts. Yet your gaze remained locked upon his steadily darkening blue even when his breathing quickened due to the softness threatening to envelope his most sensitive flesh. What happened to all that big talk?, your raised brow asked. A soft sound of surprise slipped up your throat when one of his legs suddenly moved.
His smirk threatened to return when you visibly trembled as the leg he’d moved met your apex; it was your own fault for not protecting it better and leaving yourself vulnerable to his “attack”. However, what he did not plan on was the near blissful expression that crossed your features when he repeated the motion. Before he himself was aware his body had rolled so that you were underneath, elbows on either side of your head taking care to find foundations outside of your hair’s reach so as not to pull any out, earning your gasp and arch as your back met the cool blanket, the leg not between his own instinctively rising to hook itself upon his hip. Shock gave way to something else entirely as you trembled within his hold.
What was happening to you? The village and spring, not to mention the trek towards Death Mountain, had forced your body to become accustomed to heat. So why was it beginning to break into a sweat the longer Link remained this close? Why were your lungs burning from the inside? And there was an unfamiliar coil of warmth tightening within your abdomen and a hazy fog was slowly beginning to fill your mind.
Maybe you shouldn’t have accepted the offered drink from earlier though something told you that it wasn’t entirely to blame.
All humor left the situation as his breath intermixed with yours, the warmth of his being contrasting shockingly with the special blanket’s chill against your back. What started out as a playful challenge morphed into something else as your much softer being seemed to coax his leaner to sink downwards until he was flush against you. The precious sapphire shards within his eyes glittered as a hand cupped your cheek, the pad of his thumb gently brushed the skin beneath your eye. Blood pounded within your veins when Link’s gaze fell to your lips.
Was he going to do what you thought?
Disappointment made to raise its ugly head when after an agonizingly long minute he withdrew far enough to assist in you to sit upright. Patience may be one of his fortés but you preferred to take initiative. And you would be damned if the heart in your chest ached with unexpressed emotion fr another night. “I like you.”
All of Hyrule seemed to gasp at your words.
You didn’t let hesitation or conscious awareness of what you’d just done douse the fire which had been lit. “Saving me from the village after a blood moon changed my life but what I feel runs far deeper than what gratitude will ever be capable of. It was chance that led you to that place but it couldn’t have been coincidence that you found me amongst the rubble. Something, or someone, brought us together, Link, and I can’t continue traveling with you until my feelings are dealt with. So please excuse me!”
Blindsided, the blonde Hylian could do little more than blink dumbfounded as you continued to confess how you viewed him as something other than a simple traveling companion. Each word that left your mouth radiated with truth, not that he knew you to ever lie, filling him with gradually growing certainty that you meant every word. Warmth spread throughout his body as you blushed. His hands found your shoulders, earning your words to fade to silence, then leaned forward until his lips brushed your forehead.
Loss filled you. This wasn’t the response you were hoping for. This, in fact, was the worst possible outcome. If he had kissed you then it meant he returned your feelings. He had instead targeted your forehead.
Not your cheek or hand but instead a place often reserved for the parental doting.
“More than a comrade or a traveling companion?” He asked lowly between soft presses of his lips down the bridge of your nose. “And what would that title be?”
Hope flared wildly within your chest when his calm, warm gaze met yours. Words failed you though when the tip of his nose nuzzled yours in encouragement while one of his hands rose to cup your cheek. A tilt of your head was all you could offer, eyes sliding closed when his lips that had been peppering your skin approached your mouth—
“Pardon the intrusion!”
Up your throat rose a shriek, the shrillest one to ever grace Hyrule’s air, before the pillow beneath your hands rocketed across the room’s space to meet the elder Goron’s face who had cracked the door open. Blonde brows rose at the impeccable aim you showcased despite you hurrying to bow and offer apologies; that was one heck of a shot considering your back had been facing the door. Suddenly the blood which had been rushing to his nether region shot upwards to his face when the Goron winked before leaving behind a single mattress.
Meaning that once again the two of you would have to share a bed.
This time was different though.
He now had the conflicting emotions swirling within his chest.
And you were just coming to terms of your own.
However, as some would consider fortunate, that last push was all your exhausted body and mind needed to crash for the night. The golden haired Hylian literally had to catch you before the floor could meet your body. An affectionate smile raised his lips when finding you fast asleep while snuggling into his warmth, moving silently and fluidly until the two of you were beneath the thin sheet, made of Cool Safflina infused fabric, provided that would ensure a restful night upon any who slumbered beneath. Seeing the peaceful expression on your face while nestled within his hold made the heart in Link’s chest squeeze then warm when his name left your lips in the softest of whispers. One of his arms was pinned between you and the pillow, as it had been that first time in sharing a bed, but he would gladly sacrifice its feeling if it meant you would rest soundly. The other raised its hand so as to brush the fallen hair from your face.
Once a stranger now his comrade, a precious companion, someone whose become more dear to him than the warrior thought possible.
More than his pride as a knight…
More than his duty as Champion…
More than his role as Hyrule’s hope…
Nothing could ever hope to compete to what he’s found with you.
Azure ever so slowly inched down to your parted lips. They were less than a breath’s distance away. All it would take would be a bend of his neck or pull of his hand still lingering against your cheek, either would suit anyone in this situation just fine. They wouldn’t be him though. And he would never betray the trust you’ve shown him multiple times.
Instead he drew you close enough so that your forehead met his lips for the briefest of brushes before encouraging your neck to relax then rest against his chest where the heart beating within lulled you to a deeper sleep, his breath fanning your hair which earned him another whisper of his name. “Sleep well,” he murmured, eyes closing as from within his throat rose a tune unfamiliar to any persona he housed, “my precious one.”
It was a lullaby meant only and existed solely for you.
Deep within his psyche came the faintest of sounds sourcing from the personas as if they were sharing a celebratory moment; maybe the young hero of this era would find a happiness after all. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pt 1: Blood Moon Encounter
Pt 2: Distant Howls
Pt 3: Identities Unknown
Pt 4: Rupee Struggles
Pt 5: Between a Rock and a Wet Place
Pt 6: Worthy of the Name