BOTW Link x F!Reader ~ Pt. 6
Something weird was definitely going on with the Hylian Champion.
You hadn’t the foggiest idea of why he was acting this way either.
Just what had come over him?
One of your brows rose when seeing azure glare at you from over his shoulder for the seemingly thousandth time in the last four days. If there’s something you want to say then I’d rather you do so instead of staring at me like that, your lip curl accompanied by a grimace conveyed. Anything would be better than those constant glances. The hinge of your jaw gave way when his head snapped forward with a huff. You remained silent though.
Pushing for answers or any sort of action may make this worse…whatever it was.
A traveling merchant selling wares you had yet to encounter was friendly enough, even offered a free sample for the two of you, which had been outright refused by the silent swordsman courtesy of a huff. They were forgiving though and was appreciative of your business while accepting some rupees. With a tip of their head they were gone down a path the two of you took opposite of.
Your patience was beginning to wane of this oddly distant side of Link.
Even at the stable he barely even looked at anyone save for the way his gaze burned a hole in your back whenever it was turned. The hand, who recognized him, assured that another stable currently was taking care of Epona and had even offered to fetch her for them, but the blue eyed Hylian didn’t grace either of you with indication if he wanted the steed or not. You declined the generous offer with much more finesse than he. Turning in his last known location, you were met by an empty space then spotted him exiting the stable’s protective tent.
Any other person, probably one a bit more sane than yourself, would think “perhaps the Champion needs some time alone” or “he is the Princess’ Knight, of course he would have a lot on his mind” then there may be some who left well enough alone.
All through midday meal did he wordlessly stare at you from across stone being used as a makeshift table. Something had to be done before you went mad. Or worse.
Unfinished food was placed upon the cloth used for storage, your hands slowly enclosing it within then placed in inventory. The palms of your hands rested upon the rock as you stood then fixed him with a pointed expression with raised eyebrows. Care to explain?
His answer was a huff while also storing the unconsumed food; definitely an odd occurrence.
You plopped back down to the ground with crossed legs neatly tucked beneath when he stood, crossing your arms when his gaze met yours. I’m not going anywhere until you give me some sort of reason why you’re acting strange, your entire body language said. And judging from the defiant raise of your chin, you were prepared to wait however long it took to get answers.
Within those azure eyes shifted a shadow that corresponded to various things appearing within his aura; paw prints and armor specifically.
“Time and Twi, I don’t want any interference with this. Same goes for all of you others. I want him to tell me what’s going on so I can understand why he’s behaving so differently.” The tone of finality left no room for argument and the presences faded, leaving just Link’s. Later you’d find some way to thank them. Arrowheads failed to compare against your stare that threatened to pierce his being.
Azure narrowed at your unspoken challenge. The last night’s stay at Zora’s Domain replayed within his mind despite the echoes of the other personas’ protests, images of Sidon and you beside Mipha’s statue burning themselves within his mind’s eye. “Give it back.”
Immediately your hands rose to the circlet, heart clenching. The voice that came from between his lips belonged to the Link you knew, yet it didn’t at the same time. Only once have you heard him use this tone: against a Hinox that had stumbled upon the camp you’d setup. That order rang loudly within your ears the following day, telling you to run without stopping until he told you to. To hear such a tone being used against you made every drop of blood tremble. Loss filled you when he didn’t offer any explanation as one of his hands extended with palm facing upwards. Words rose up your throat meaning to deter or demand to know why but they became tangled within a choking knot when seeing the seriousness in his face intensified. Tears threatened to form along your waterlines, blinking them back furiously as your head shook slowly.
He could tell you had been shocked by his words. What the Champion would later appreciate was the reluctance radiating off your figure while attempting to remove the accessory. It proved that you’d developed an attachment to it and knowing it was his gift receiving your adoration made this all the much harder for him. The metal was still warm when you shakily placed it within his waiting palm.
To your horror, he effortlessly crushed the diamond after removing it from the circlet, his upper lip curling. “What are you doing?!”
“Luminous Stone.” Shock filled you when he disgustedly tossed away the remaining dust lingering within his hand. He looked livid and something told you that the shopkeep who had sold that particular accessory felt a chill down his spine. “Sidon warned that it wasn’t a diamond, just painted to look like one. The fall in the river and exposed to all that rain revealed that fake for what it really was.” Flames worthy of Death Mountain’s volcano appeared within his gaze when it fixated upon the remaining metal of the accessory.
If that greedy little Bokoblin knew what was good for him he’d hide anywhere out of Hyrule’s borders if to be safe from retribution.
On their own, his eyes drifted away from the ruined piece of jewelry to find your distraught figure listlessly staring off into space. Large tears spilling down your cheeks shone brightly before being absorbed into the fabric they fell upon. He was confused though. Shouldn’t you be angry at the counterfeit gem? Dropping to one knee, he rested a hand upon your shoulder.
“I don’t care that it was fake,” you sniffled, refusing to meet his gaze, “it was a gift from you. That’s what mattered most to me…and you broke it…”
“Not good enough.” He rummaged around within his inventory for a moment before revealing something that nearly blinded you when the sun’s rays reflected off an item.
That was the only explanation he offered as an unfamiliar cloth was procured while beginning to continue walking.
Numbly, still reeling from the destruction which had occurred, you rose to stand and followed his trail, wiping away the tears that you’d been unaware of shedding. Silence once again fell over the two of you but this time it was much lighter. As if whatever weight had been lifted. You should feel relieved by that knowledge, however it left you only feeling empty since he still seemed reluctant to speak anymore.
And so the two of you continued onward.
Other travelers offered greetings when passing which each went unanswered by the somber traveling party, until the blonde haired Hylian stopped when encountering a Goron. They conversed lowly as you took a moment to rest upon a rock, gaze rising to the sky with a sigh. Something crawled up your arm, not even having to look down to know it was a Restless Cricket, unflinching even when the sun become so bright it would make any want to shield their sensitive eyes.
A shadow fell over your form, momentarily blocking the harsh rays threatening to burn your skin, one that belonged to someone very unexpected. “Oi, traveler of little guy!” The Goron introduced himself as Fugo, giving off the energy of confidence along with determination. “Excuse me for a moment.”
For a moment you were stunned as the bulky being took hold of your left hand to raise and examine it for several seconds before letting it fall back to rest at your side.
“All done! And let me be the first to congratulate you both!”
Confusion made your brows furrow as Fugo lumbered back to where Link had been waiting. What was all that about? The hand he had closely observed rose to your eye level, as if looking at it would possibly answer your question, yet none came after a few moments. So back to your side the left limb went.
The two continued to converse as the sun traveled across its path through the sky until it brushed the horizon. Even then the Hylian and the Goron kept their heads bent over whatever they were focused upon.
This left you to your own devices. A fire was made after you’d returned with small, successful hunt game which you proceeded to skin then cook with honed concentration until the half moon faintly illuminated the land in its light. Seasoned brown meat was quickly removed from the fire to instead be placed within wooden bowls with matching eating utensils. A large prime meat steak was offered to the Goron, who whole heartedly accepted the offering, however the blonde haired Hylian refused to look away from whatever task was at hand. So you left his own supper beside the rock he had sat upon then returned to the fire where your own was waiting.
It was finished slowly as the twinkling stars appeared above your head as Fireflies and Restless Crickets emerged from the tall grasses. Dirty dishes were collected, part of you wounded when finding Link had not touched the food you’d prepared, but went about clearing the site once ensuring all scraps were properly disposed within the crackling fire; better to stem off any curious monsters following a trail to the two of you.
Golden flames were just diminishing to glowing embers when one of the mighty Dragons appeared within the sky, glowing brilliantly with its ethereal scales and energy waves. No matter where or how often you saw one they always left you breathless and awestruck. Your eyesight wasn’t adequate to see well in the dark but for a moment you thought there was a black figure hovering near the mighty beast before it plummeted toward the ground in pursuit of something shiny which fell.
For several days that was the cycle you knew.
Days were spent with Link working alongside Fugo.
Night was where you found solace while watching the stars and dragon.
Until the third night you were woken by a gradually growing pressure that were recognizable arms wrapping around from behind which was oddly accompanied by a twist within your gut.
Earlier you’d noticed a single blue flower seeming to dance its way through the grass until lightly bumping against your knee.
Numerous times you’ve seen Link include the plant within several dishes. It was safe to eat, as far as you could tell after examining it for several seconds. The hour had been too late to make a fire, plus it would earn unwanted attention, but the faint rumbling of your stomach protested when considering to place it within storage. A little late night snack never hurt anyone.
A warm breath of air tickled the fine hairs at your neck’s nape, earning shivers down your spine, the heat coming off his being seeping into yours which further stemmed off the night’s chill. Sleep clung to your consciousness as realization made to raise its ugly head along with anger’s. However both went back to slumber as you turned within his embrace so as to nuzzle into his being.
A hand rose to rest pet the back of your head, encouraging you to drift with slow, drawn out strokes, the rhythm of his heart luring you to the gentle waves of his breath which carried you closer to the realms of dreams. It wasn’t until you had drifted off did the swordsman release a breath of relief. He was fully prepared to pay for making you wait so long. Azure rose opened hearing a the distant grunts of a monster. They sounded far off enough that the two of you could rest for tonight.
Come morning though it would be time to move.
And so his eyes drifted closed as he too drifted off to slumber, Fugo keeping close watch then striking up conversation with another Goron who happened by.
You were not prepared for the come light of dawn. Why? Because that was how you found Link, tending to the fire, serving generous portions of a delicious smelling breakfast. The smile raising his lips was lackluster though as you accepted your share.
He sat incredibly close to you while eating, immediately refilling your plate when it became empty despite your objections. Breakfast was finished quickly enough as your belly became stuffed but was prevented from helping to clean dishes by his hands resting on your shoulders when moving to stand. Stay, his eyes bore into your own, there’s no need for you to do more than enjoy the morning.
The need to question his actions was suppressed when noticing a certain Goron had disappeared. That answer came courtesy of the Master Sword’s wielder directing your gaze up towards the distant volcano. So he must have continued onward to his home.
An ache filled your chest.
Home was something you didn’t have. It was gone, destroyed, left in ruins thanks to monsters summoned then empowered by the Blood Moon. All of your family and friends had left you behind while they went on to the next plane.
Calloused fingers lifted your chin until you were met with a pair of azure gemstones. They were filled with concern while the tip of a finger trailed up your cheek then withdrew far enough away to reveal a teardrop upon his bent knuckle. “(Y/n)?”
A shake of your head was all you could offer as sorrow wrangled its way up your throat to become a choked sob. You could see his lips moving yet no sound came from them. Brilliant blue faded to black as the landscape became night. Little by little the heart in your chest cracked with each tear which slipped down your cheek until it threatened to shatter. The faces of your closest relatives who had resided within the village swam in your mind’s eye, but they were expressionless and lacking of emotion with crimson blood staining their skins. What started as sadness morphed into terror when more joined the pair. Arrows and various other weapons were the source of their lifeblood spilling down their figures to pool at your feet. Pure white hands rose from the rippling liquid surrounding you, gnarled fingers with claws for nails reached for your face as the closest villager opened their jaw to reveal rows upon rows of serrated teeth.
Someone shouted your name, making the horror waver for a moment. A breath whooshed past your ear, one that was warm and carried faint hints of spiced grain, compelling to take a long, deep inhale. Claws dug into your skin where they left deep crevices that bled large rivers of red. Up your throat rose a scream of terror and pain when the porcelain arms began to wrap tightly around your frame. “Link!” Terror gripped your very soul as twin slitted eyes with golden irises appeared within the darkness, radiating unadulterated evil when a large, gaping maw opened to reveal several rows of serrated teeth. “Link!”
Link grunted as you fought against his hold. Never had you called his name in such a way that tore his heart in half as it rendered you hoarse after minutes of begging for him to save you. Distress filled you features when he successfully managed to still your erratic movements. No matter how many times he called your name there was no indication that you’d heard even though his mouth was beside your ear. Nails, teeth, you used everything in attempts to find freedom. The entirety of your body was convulsing with froth gathering around your splayed jaws, blown out pupils sightlessly darting erratically.
Wracking his brain, he attempted to recall where exactly you would have encountered something so dangerous. The Zora were trusted allies so they would never be responsible. Perhaps a traveling merchant you had done business with recently? He faintly remembered you had spoken to a few. No, none of them seemed to have given you anything suspicious.
“I gave her a flower to match her beauty,” a small voice whispered, drawing his attention to a nearby rock to find a tiny green Korok who looked upset, “I didn’t think she would eat it.”
He could have laughed at the bizarre twist of events. You, the person who reacted so cautiously against him eating anything, had eaten something you shouldn’t have? Oh, he would certainly be giving you a hard time in the future for this. Blue Nightshade wasn’t meant to be eaten like a salad after all. Though perhaps he was to blame after all. If he had been paying more attention instead of becoming short sighted than maybe he would’ve been able to prevent this accident. Although he should have been careful to explain which particular plants were safe to consume raw versus cooked.
That can be another lesson for the future.
His head snapped upwards as more of the small sprites began to appear. They’re offering was accepted by means of him taking firm hold upon your writhing body while standing. Deep within himself Link felt a presence, Twi was the name you gave it, begin to whisper occasional warnings a split second before your body moved as if capable of predicting then instructing where he should adjust his hold. Part of the blue eyed Hylian felt conflicted when finding the aid helpful with each successful restrain of your flailing limbs.
The Koroks were speedy as they led him through the misty Lost Woods, taking care to ensure the Hylian Champion was close, then continuing onwards. One was always ready to correct where his footfalls went. Neither were necessary for him.
This was not the first time he’d ventured here.
None too soon did the crunching of twigs and grass beneath his steps become cobbled stone which led to a familiar pedestaled platform illuminated by a few golden rays of sunshine. Silent Princess flowers glistening with dew lined the triangle shaped, man-made dais, swaying gently in a breeze which caused your disheveled hair to threaten to obscure your face as he came to a stop within it’s center. Around him appeared several more Koroks who made to welcome him yet grew silent when beholding your now whimpering form as their fellow spirit hurried to crawl up the trunk of a mountainous tree, earning a soft sigh.
“You have returned,” the tree called lowly in a voice which made the earth itself seemed to vibrate with its vibrato, “chosen wielder of the Sword Which Dispels Darkness.”
Link’s mouth made to open.
“You need not explain. The situation speaks of itself.” Several Koroks appeared from the Great Deku Tree’s canopy. They cooed and whispered softly amongst themselves while accepting your unconscious form from the swordsman. “I shall take her into the spring which resides within my branches. There she shall recover and rest as the Nightshade is removed.”
Calm azure watched as your figure disappeared within the leaves until they fell to rest upon the mighty tree.
The aged deity regarded the swordsman, if that were possible. “I see you have been busy with those side quests of yours.”
A twitch made Link’s brow rise slightly.
“No judgement do I have to pass,” the tree chuckled. “Though I was curious as to when I would share a presence with you once more. We have much to discuss.”
Breathing heavily, he sheathed the Master Sword with a flourish, the singing note of metal ringing through the air. It was stronger now thanks to the trials which had pushed both steel and swordsman beyond their limits. Sweat covered his being from head to toe as he quickly shed the near ruined tunic, allowing Koroks to carefully take each article of clothing from his hold for repairs and washing, until left with only the sword and undergarments. Even the worn warrior had to internally admit they had been strenuous upon both the mind and body. Changes had come over his physical being not in the form of scars but newly mastered muscles which had surpassed average bulk to become lean, power concealing additions to his weaponry. His head rose upwards where sharp eyes combed over the canopy overhead.
How much time had passed?
“You have returned.” Azure rose to the mighty tree as, if it were possible, the Great Deku Tree had taken a long, deep inhale, as if mentally preparing himself to speak. “You have done well in strengthening the Master Sword, chosen wielder of the blade which is capable of dispelling darkness. Well done.” A part in the canopy prevented Link from climbing the trunk, gaze locked upon where a hidden spring resided, forcing him to instead slide down back to the foliage undergrowth. “Your friend—”
Confetti exploded from behind him, raining down in multicolored sparks and leaves, accompanied by a wooden xylophone and the familiar shakes of maracas. There was a sound though which made his being warm and turn: laughter. Not just any though. This one, which made his eyes widen when finding their source, made the heart in Link’s chest swell.
There you were, beside an enthusiastic Hestu, with your own pair of maracas, wearing a blinding smile while dancing to music the Koroks conducted.
“—is doing quite well. All traces of the poison have been removed from her being with the help of the Koroks and fairies alike. A simple task for them if truth were told.”
So transfixed by seeing you with fully restored health that he failed to notice you falling still while taking in his appearance.
The few rays of sunlight glistening off his lean form, toned muscles moving fluidly beneath his tanned skin, those blue hued eyes of his shining brighter than any gemstone could hope to compare, even the few additions of scars across his body left you in awe. Had his chest always been chiseled? Or those shoulders so wide? Eyes of his were sharper than any blade could hope to be as they traveled across your being, leaving a near burning trail. No way had he looked so…
“Dear girl,” the great tree rumbled when you failed to make any move or sound, “your dear traveling companion has returned from his trials at long last. For you it has been many days but time passes differently when within the sacred realm which he has emerged from.”
All functions of your brain screeched to a halt at the ancient’s revelation. Maracas were caught by Hestu as they left your grip. A path was made through the grass and underbrush as you broke out into a sprint.
Waking to find yourself in such a place had been startling, frightening even, despite the assurances of the giant talking tree you were within. It was always daytime here so it had been impossible to tell when it was time for rest if not for the mighty tree’s gentle guidance. Eventually you found strength once again which allowed descent from the sacred spring. A large welcome party of Koroks were waiting at the tree’s base. Fanfare of music and food were what they used in attempts to keep you preoccupied despite your glances towards the lone Master Sword upon its pedestal. None could offer you explanation of where the Hylian had disappeared to. Until the mighty tree itself was unable to take your worried expression a moment longer just that morning.
A stone caught on the tip of your shoe, stealing away your balance when attempting to reach him, resulting in you falling face first into a firm chest and pair of arms which readily enclosed around your smaller form.
Tears spilled down your cheeks when he whispered into your ear, relishing in the tight embrace as your own arms rose to wrap themselves around him. Warmth sourcing from his being made the sunlight pale in comparison, farther proving that this was no delirious dream or hallucination. Tension lingering within his being as you clung to him began to dissipate as he took a deep inhale through his nose, bringing with it your natural scent that he internally relished. There were traces of recent battles radiating off of Link and there were new scars within his collection. “I’m alright,” you soothed when his breath hitched, feeling him nuzzle into your neck, “I’m back to full health thanks to everyone.”
Deep within him rose the personas who took their turns in examining you themselves; Time noticing the healthy pink tint of your skin, Sky admiring the style of your hair, Twi noticing that the bruises you’d sported before had vanished to leave unblemished skin, and Nox seeming to breathe a sigh of relief when your weight rested against Link’s. In the backs of his mind came Sea Song’s melody that played along the Korok’s music. After nearly a full minute they receded one by one until the hero was alone with his thoughts.
You really were here, healthy, and within his embrace…
He swept you up in a twirl, making you laugh and cling to him more, as cheers rose from the surrounding Koroks. All of the worry and concern he’d been harboring while undergoing the trials evaporated the longer you remained within his hold. A smirk lifted his lips when placing you back on your feet, earning your cheeks to tint pink.
“You’re never gonna let me live that down, are you?”
“Not a chance.” Link could have laughed at your purse lips before those same lips were mushed against his for a moment.
You retreated with a huff, unable to meet his widened gaze. “That’s for successfully completing those trials.”
The swordsman was unprepared for the sudden meet of your fist against his core, causing him to drop to a knee with an exhale; perhaps he had trained you just a bit too well.
“And that is for stealing my first kiss back in Zora’s Domain!”
Hestu, and a few other Koroks, seemed to sympathetically regard the hero as you stomped off to where you’d been sleeping within the Great Deku Tree’s trunk. Low, rumbling laughter filled the air sourcing from the ancient being. “Ah, young love,” it seemed to smile as Link recovered while rising to stand at his full height. “Though you have spent much time alongside the Princess of Hyrule it seems you’ve still much to learn about females.”
Azure rose to the tree then fell to lock on the place where you had disappeared, calloused fingers swiping over his lips which tingled with the phantom memory that was your mouth.
That night, he looked up from the sword being polished as you settled against his left side. He couldn’t help but notice how perfectly you fit, as if you were always meant to be here, with him. For a moment his head rested against your own, earning a soft hum. Wheat hued tresses intermixed with yours where the flickering campfire light made them appear to be golden ribbons decorating your hair. The trials had given plenty of time to fine tune what Fugo had started but it was in that moment which your initial anger at him about the circlet hit the battle honed warrior full force when seeing its empty place upon your being. “It wasn’t good enough.”
No question had to be voiced because you immediately knew what he was referring to. “I still liked it,” you began slowly, “and it was a gift from you. Of course I was upset when you wanted it back and then you destroyed that stone like it was nothing.”
One of his arms snaked around your being to lightly grasp your left hand, earning a surprised gasp from you as something foreign was brushed against your skin, blinking in awe as his calloused hand raised it to reveal a ring now resting on the digit between the pinky and middle.
It shone brightly even in the minimal light, gently hugging your finger which was faintly visible from between the interwoven vines. An eye similar to the one on his slate sat in its center with a piece of Luminous Stone within its iris while a diamond droplet dangled beneath that was its tear. It covered most of the space between your knuckle down to where the finger met the hand, the vines intricately braided with care that must have taken several hours to get just one in the right position.
“Unlike that…fake…this is true silver sprinkled with dragon scale dust and a diamond. The metal of the accessory was the only purest property and redeeming quality.”
Your eyes widened. “Link, I didn’t care if it—”
“I did.” The palm of his hand coaxed your head to turn to face him, finding his azure gaze to be warmer than the crackling flames and an unreadable expression upon his face. He bent at the neck so your temple met his. Puzzle pieces put themselves together as he mentioned that Fugo was apprentice to the blacksmith in Goron Village; the ring was what they had been working on! “You deserve more than it was worth, (Y/n), but the ring is what I could manage so you would have something more worthy.” One of his brows rose when you failed to offer anymore objection then found out the reason with a tilt of his head.
His pants had been repaired quickly enough, tunic a whole different story, and though he possessed multiple different outfits the Hylian Champion opted to remain without upper clothing tonight. A strange sense of pride filled him when your breathing quickened. There, just faintly visible due to the way your hair had been styled thanks to the Koroks, he could see a pulse point moving faster than normal.
A bright blush was across your cheeks, eyes practically feasting every inch of his exposed upper torso.
You weren’t looking so bad yourself though. Cloth had been replaced by large durable leafs then carefully tailored to your figure, allowing every feminine curve or dip to be accentuated. Internal appreciation was given when the neckline of your bodice, which was lower than anything you’ve worn until now, revealed fair skin untouched by sunlight and beginnings of shapely mounds.
Heat was steadily growing within your cores as azure met your gaze. The hand still holding your own interlaced weapon worn fingers with yours, easing your body to turn in his direction courtesy of the tilt of his own. Deep within the depths of your gaze rose something that he himself was beginning to feel the more he was within your presence. As if the goddess herself was encouraging him to explore this new feeling, your gaze drifted down to his mouth, a slender tongue slipping out to moisten your lips.
An invitation if he ever saw one.
Smelling of wildflowers, a blend of Silent Princesses and Armoranth, a few smaller blooms interwoven into your hair that threatened to entice one closer once within the vicinity around you. They were unnecessary, in his opinion, as they paled in comparison to the natural scent of you. It still haunted him at night when awake during watch while you slept mere feet away.
And now that you were this close, just a breath away, it was raging attacks upon his senses with each breath you exhaled.
“You say that I stole your first kiss,” he whispered, the husky tone within his voice causing you to shudder slightly and his heart to clench in response, the idle hand of his falling to rest on your thigh and earn a catch of your breath, “however I do not deem it or the congratulatory one earlier worthy of that title…”
The lids of your eyes, and his, slid closed in unison, hearts hammering with suspense—
“Perhaps you should reconsider the location of which you share such intimacy.”
Begrudgingly, the two of you separated at the Great Deku Tree’s wise spoken words, finding quite the assembly of Koroks gathered as if to watch.
Ignore them, a voice whispered within his ear that sounded oddly familiar as he watched you converse with the small spirits, you shouldn’t care about anyone who is of no importance.
A twitch appeared within his blonde brow. Having all that time with just himself left the past personas of heroes gone by plenty of opportunities to engage the blonde swordsman. Needless to say, there were few moments of true silence.
You’ve been separated for days, according to the tree. Healing without you at her side from poisoning must have been difficult. While you were off focusing upon strengthening the Master Sword, you neglected her needs and left the forest dwellers to fill your empty place.
Deep within his heart rose an ache as the image of you fighting against lingering affects with tears in your eyes filled his head. Had you been able to rest at all? Surely the Koroks had been capable of bestowing some sort of comfort for you in his absence.
What he recognized as Time’s pressured presence rose, as if preparing to drive away Nox, but Twi’s animalistic growls made the aged being pause. The armor clad hero warned that they should not meddle in Link’s life anymore than they already have, that he should be the one to decide such matters this sensitive, while the other two pushed that their predecessor shouldn’t be a coward any longer by confessing his inward feelings for the companion at his side. Sky kept Sea Song from interfering as they seemed to wait for Link’s chosen action.
“Link?” You lightly tapped his shoulder, the breath stalling when seeing commitment enter his gaze as it met yours.
Calloused fingers found yours, entwining them together, then using them to encourage you to stand. Come, they said with a squeeze, walk with me. Though he didn’t leave you room to object following him was something you’d gladly do without prompting. Relaxed silence filled the space between you two as he led past each Korok who attempted to convince you to play a game. They were quick to disperse when seeing the swordsman’s gaze fixate them with warning looks. He would never harm them…at least not intentionally.
It wasn’t until he began climbing that you debated upon questioning his actions. Why would he lead you to the Deku Tree’s back then encourage you upwards? Wasn’t it going to make the deity upset?
A light tug on your hand redirected your gaze to find Link waiting patiently for you to decide on following.
All you had to do was give a sign or indication and he’d return you to the Koroks. There had to be a good reason for him leading you this far so curiosity made you want to follow. Trust though was what compelled your body to move forward, accepting his assistance while maneuvering through the branches.
Up and up the two of you climbed until he settled you upon a branch oddly shaped like a swing just big enough for the two of you, settling to your right with a content exhale. The twinkling stars high above your heads captured your attention, effectively giving him a moment to quiet each persona who made to spur him onwards by means of an internal glare, then fixated upon your awestruck face.
This was something he wasn’t familiar with. Emotions alone were near foreign languages but pair them with actions relating to them left him at a near complete loss. How did most people handle these feelings?
Sensing conflict, your gaze wandered until meeting his shadowed own. Whatever was bothering him must be heavy. What could you do to help him? “I don’t know what’s on your mind,” you began with a voice barely above a whisper so as not to ruin the ambiance created from flickering fireflies mimicking the stars dancing upon the night’s breeze, “but I’ll listen if you…”
His lips brushing against your own stole away the rest of your sentence. Heat threatened to rise within his cheeks when you squeaked softly, retreating when your shoulders haunched. He hadn’t expected your head to turn in his direction, being so lost within his thoughts that he’d failed to notice your cheek not being in its original position.
Internally the personas were as shocked as he was when your widened eyes blinked rapidly for several seconds. They did, however, praise the hero for his action when you sputtered wordlessly. Amusement and approval of the events turned to bewilderment when your bottom lip quivered.
Blonde brows rose when your palms met his face, nearly smooshing it, then felt heat pool into his core when your lips made to meet his own only for them to instead meet the sensitive skin of his neck courtesy of the breeze suddenly becoming a gust.
You were mortified by the sudden push of invisible hands which definitely belonged to a Korok. Adrenaline began to race through your veins when hearing what had to be the ghost of a moan sound from the man’s chest now pressed against your own. A similar sound, though a different timbre, rose up your throat when lips met your own neck the second you’d pulled away far enough for him to reach.
A thrill slid down your spine when his large hands drew you closer, the tip of his nose encouraging your head to tilt in his direction courtesy of a nuzzle, hooded azure meeting your clouded gaze. There was no doubt within your mind. This was what you wanted. Like curtains obscuring a window, your eyes slid closed as he began to cross the remaining space.
Near audible choruses of disappointment sounded when, thanks to an overly excited Korok who had been watching took action to push the warrior faster, sounded when the two of you tumbled off the branch to land in the spring with twin splashes. Personas within the warrior debated upon rallying against the now cowering spirit until finding the two of you sharing smiles at the absurd turn of events. They simmered when watching you playfully splash Link, resulting in a full on water fight.
There were surely to be more opportunities in the future.
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A/N: Nightshade is actually a very serious poison so I decided to go with its meaning here since she (reader) didn’t cook it; which worked in the way I intended.
Pt 1: Blood Moon Encounter
Pt 5: Between a Rock and a Wet Place
