"When it’s quieter, when there are no eyes on him and no foes to defeat. It only takes the smallest fissure for the dam to burst and everything he keeps suppressed comes out in a raging flood."
...
Or, Link breaks down on top of the Light Dragon.
a gift for @aurathian as a part of the @zelinkcommunity loftwing letters gift exchange <3
I did some fanart for their fic Can’t Start A Fire in the Rain because who can resist the “there is only one bed” trope. Played around with a softer style here and a romantic lavender color scheme bc Valentine’s Day.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed making it. I hope I can make justice to what you wanted.
What could he lose?
[2035 words | Rated T]
“I said I won’t go!”
It was a summer Friday night and Link was having a terrible headache. It was like any other days when work was rough and he had to deliver a lot of food orders through the city. The best thing he used to do on days like that was just lay in bed and try to sleep the ache away, but that wouldn’t work with his roommate, Fi.
“Link, you promised you were coming with me to this gathering, now you have to do it!”
Fi was having none of it.
She always struggled to communicate her needs to her best friend, always willing to help Link when it was about school, organization and some trouble he used to get involved in, pretty much, all the time. She never, ever, asked for anything from him, that’s why she was disappointed to see him being lazy on his bed when he had agreed to go with her.
“Please, Link, I swear I’ll never ask anything from you again”. Fi said, her eyes sad as she kneeled by his side on the bed, pouting like a little girl.
But Link was feeling far from festive. He felt down and out, and he wanted to curl up in bed and forget everything about interacting with other human beings or getting into crowded rooms with people he barely knew.
“Fi, why exactly do you want to go to a party? You don’t like parties!” He said as he sat up on his bed, his voice sounding exhausted, but genuinely concerned about this change of attitude from his friend. There had to be a good reason.
Fi sighed.
“You see, there’s this girl in this class and… NO! Not like that!” Fi had to interrupt herself when she saw Link’s mischievous smile. “She’s just a friend, I swear. It’s just that she’s going on an exchange trip for a year this Sunday, and we're saying goodbye tonight.”
“And you just want to say goodbye at this party?” Link asked, still not fully convinced. “Are you sure you don’t want to invite her to eat brunch tomorrow?”
Fi’s scowl made him realize that that wasn’t an option. He grunted and stood out of the bed, walking towards the bathroom.
“I’ll take a shower, you better be ready in fifteen minutes.”
Fi’s dance was worth the effort, though. What could he lose, anyway?
“Come on, right this way!”
Fi gripped Link’s wrist tightly, and the pain almost distracted him from the fact he’d be at a party soon. He had agreed to go to the party, stay for a couple of hours, maybe take some shots, and go back home. He was sure that Fi was going to feel overwhelmed with all the people around dancing and drinking, and they would end up coming back to their place before midnight.
“Thanks for doing this, Link,” Fi said, as he knocked on the door of the apartment where the party was happening, loudly. “This is my first party ever, you know?”
“I know, just don’t overdo yourself, okay?” He said with a smile. “We can go whenever you…”
But his words were interrupted when the door opened and he suddenly found himself face to face with the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She had long, thick golden hair, sparkling blue eyes, and a contagious smile.
The girl was staring at him too, lips parted and a slight blush of her cheeks, probably for the alcohol and the heat inside. It was obvious that it was crowded inside the tiny apartment, but Link couldn’t help but think that she was like a ray of sunshine in the otherwise dreary party.
“Zelda, hi!”
Fi’s voice shook him out of his trance and when he realized what was happening, he saw the girls hugging each other. He never felt this jealousy before.
“Fi, I’m so happy you’re here, I thought you weren’t going to make it!” Zelda’s voice sounded genuinely happy, not to say that it was the most melodic thing Link had ever heard in his whole life.
“Sorry I’m late, but my friend wasn’t ready on time.” Fi apologized and then turned to Link, looking at him quite amused at his expression. “Link, this is my friend Zelda. Zelda, this is Link, my best friend.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Link.”
Zelda held out a hand for him, waiting to hold his, but he was so nervous. Why was he nervous anyway? She was just a pretty girl with pretty freckles on her nose and a captivating smile and…
He realized had taken too long to reply to her, so the only thing he could do was just clear his throat and come up with the smoothest thing that has ever occurred to him.
“H-Hi.”
Fi’s laugh and Zelda’s giggles made him realize he just had made a fool of himself, and as Zelda let them get in, he promised he wouldn’t say a word for the rest of the night, willing to stay in a corner until Fi was ready to go home.
Fi wasn’t ready to go home.
As soon as Zelda put a drink in her hand, she quickly hit it off, laughing and joking, and before long, he found her dancing in the middle of the living room with a guy with funny red hair. It was a side of her he had never seen before, but he was happy that at least she was enjoying herself.
Link, on the other hand, was still in his little corner drinking his fourth (maybe fifth?) cup of beer, looking at everybody. It’s not like he was this shy. He liked parties and going out, but it was hard to get along when the only person you know in the party was having the time of her life on her own.
“You’re surely a party animal, huh?”
Zelda’s voice took him out of his trance and before he could say or do anything, he dropped his beer to the floor, making him feel like an idiot.
“Oh goddess, I’m so sorry!” Zelda apologized as she leaned down and grabbed the red plastic cup, now empty. “I didn’t mean to scare you, I was just trying to make conversation.”
Link’s cheeks were as red as his cup, but with the alcohol now in his veins, he was a little bit more confident about his talking skills.
“No, no! It wasn’t your fault, I was just distracted with my own thoughts.” He said, scratching his neck. “I’m sorry, I probably should clean this, is there anything I can mop the floor with?”
Zelda giggled and shook her head.
“I just made you spill your drink, I won’t make you clean.” She said before linking her arm with his and starting to walk towards the kitchen. “Come on, let’s get you another beer.”
Link followed closely, trying to come up with the butterflies that he was feeling in that exact moment. How was it even possible that her golden hair smelled like lavender around so much beer and cigarette smoke in such a little space. It was almost as if she was divine.
Zelda opened the fridge and gave him a bottle of beer, then she took one for herself too. She helped him open it and clinked their bottles together.
“Don’t tell anyone I have this brand in the fridge, I was saving it for someone special.” She said with a wink that made Link blush.
Was she flirting with him? Well, he wasn’t just going to stand back, not again at least.
“So, am I the special one?” Link asked, a cheeky smirk on his face as he drank the first sip of his new beer.
“That’s exactly what I’m going to find out.” Zelda replied with the same attitude.
Before they realized, they found themselves in a cozy corner in the kitchen, chatting away the night. Link was having the time of his life, and he couldn't believe his luck. He had found a girl who was not only beautiful but also smart, funny, and kind.
As the night went on, the party started to wind down, and Link and Zelda found themselves the only two people left. They both had had a little too much to drink, and they were feeling a bit giggly and light-headed.
“I should probably go.” He said, noticing that there was no one in the apartment anymore. “Fi must be…”
But it was a surprise to find out that Fi was already gone, and that she had taken his car keys with her. He cursed himself for leaving them in her purse and calling her wasn’t an option anymore because he had run out of battery on his phone.
Zelda noticed the bad mood he was starting to get in, so decided to put her hands in action.
“Hey, it’s okay, you can sleep here and leave in the morning if you want.” She said, as she held his hand lightly. “I don’t mind.”
Link noticed the way her fingers caressed her hand and was pretty sure that she could feel his heartbeat going crazy.
“I-I don’t want to intrude or make you feel uncomfortable.” He said, feeling nervous, but at the same time, it was like she was pulling him towards her, the distance between them getting thinner.
And it wasn’t his imagination when their lips pressed together, in an awkward, chaste kiss that could only mean that she was as nervous as he was, but trying to act cool with it.
When they broke the kiss, her face was as red as a tomato, but she was staring into his blue eyes.
“There’s only one bed, though.” She said in a whisper.
“I can sleep on the couch, or the floor.”
Zelda smiled at him.
“No, you won’t.”
They both tried to hide their embarrassment, but they couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. They were both feeling too tipsy to care. They decided to make the best of it and walked together to her bedroom, giggling like little kids about to commit a mischief, as they held hands and kissed each other from time to time.
Link woke up the next morning with a headache and an arm numb. It was hard for him to tell what was real and what had been a dream, but the doubt started to fade away when he felt a finger over his chest and the sweetest voice in the world humming lightly by his side.
And even though he was reluctant to get into Zelda’s bed, they both spent the rest of the night in each other’s arms. No attire included.
However, they had to address the elephant in the room.
He opened his eyes and found Zelda, her head on his chest and her eyes closed. She wasn’t sleeping, he could tell, so he decided it would be nice to give her a kiss on the crown of her head. The smile on her face was a good sign.
“You’re leaving tomorrow.” He said, his voice deep and sad.
Zelda just nodded, trying to not face a confrontation between them.
“So, this was just a one time thing?” He asked, trying to get at least a reply from her lips.
Zelda sat up and looked at him, real sadness in her eyes.
“I wish it wasn’t, but I have to take a flight tomorrow early.” She said before she snuggled on his neck, trying to breath in his scent. “I wish I had met you months ago, but the distance will be overwhelming.”
Link thought for a second about how unfair life was. He had met the girl of his dreams, spent the night with her, and now she was leaving for a whole year. But he wasn’t one to give up, not now that destiny, fate, the goddess or whatever had decided to reunite them.
“I’m willing to fight for this,” he said while caressing her arm and leaving little kisses on his forehead. “But, would you like that?”
What could he lose, anyway? Zelda’s smile was only a good sign.
Written for @stingingcake for @zelinkcommunity Loftwing Letters 2024! Hope you enjoy!
Maca's Matchmaking
1.4k words
Summary:
"Now, wasn't that just the most adorable couple you ever saw?"
"They're dating?"
"No, and that's the problem! When I see two hearts meant to be together that are languishing apart, I just have to do something. That's why we're going to the castle!"
Read under the cut or on AO3:
"That's where I pulled the sword," Link said, pointing to the pedestal in the Lost Woods.
Zelda splashed through the water, her sandals leaving rippling rings. "I expected something that looked more official," she said. She sighed heavily, shoulders drooping. "I might as well start, not that it will do any good.”
She prayed all day, with as much effect as any previous time she had prayed - none. When Link assisted her off her stiff knees, she struggled to hold back tears. "What if nothing works?"
"We'll find something that does."
"But what if we don't?"
"Then we'll have done everything we could." Link hugged her tightly, standing with her until the pins and needles in her feet stopped tingling. She buried her face in his neck and waited until the overwhelming feeling of despair passed.
They were about to leave when Zelda said, "Link? Do you hear something?"
Link, who had been about to follow her, stopped. After a moment he shook his head.
"Huh. I could have sworn I heard something, almost like wood rattling. Maybe it was just a branch falling from a tree." They walked to the exit of the Lost Woods, splashing through the water.
That evening, staring at the fire, Zelda knotted her fingers together. "Link, I know neither of us chose this, and I wish circumstances weren't what they are. But if we have to go through it, I'm glad we're doing it together."
Link tossed another stick in the fire. "I'm glad too. I can't imagine doing this with anyone else." He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "And I'm really glad we're together together."
Zelda scooted closer to him and rested her cheek against his shoulder. They might not be able to be public about the true depth of their relationship, but at least they had each other.
***
In the branches of the Deku Tree, Maca grabbed Zooki by the shoulders and shook him. "Learn to be quiet, or I'll do it for you! Now, wasn't that just the most adorable couple you ever saw?"
"They're dating?"
"No, and that's the problem! When I see two hearts meant to be together that are languishing apart, I just have to do something. That's why we're going to the castle!"
Zooki looked puzzled. "What are we going to do there?"
"We're going to set the mood. Help them see each other in a romantic light. Play matchmaker."
"Ew, matches."
Both koroks shuddered.
"Ok, bad example. But we'll brainstorm stuff on the way and when we get there, they won't know what hit them!"
***
Zelda stood from the table in the library, eyes aching from squinting at tiny type in torchlight. The weather was heavily overcast, making it nearly as dark indoors as out. She felt Link's concerned gaze as she stretched and rolled out her shoulders. "Are you ready for a break? I was thinking of ordering lunch to be served in my study."
"I'm ready whenever you are, Your Highness." They walked out the door, down the hall, and past Maca and Zooki's hiding place.
Maca shook his head. "See, if they were really in love, he would have called her something like 'sweetheart' or 'honey' or 'pudding pie'."
"I think he'd call her a food name. Mr. Hero likes food."
"That he does, that he does. Which is why our operations begin now. Do you know what the kitchen is serving for lunch today, Zooki?"
"Salads and meat skewers."
"Right. Now, there's not a whole lot we can do with that besides removing the abomination that is salad, but dessert is where we can get really involved. Because dessert...is milkshakes!"
Zooki stared at him.
"We're going to take one milkshake, but leave both straws. Then they'll have to share!"
"Missing a dessert will make them fall in love?"
"No, no, no, Zooki. They'll drink out of it at the same time and have to gaze deeply into each other's eyes. It's a guarantee! Now come on, we've got to hurry!"
They arrived at Zelda's bedroom as lunch did. Link let the servants into the study to set down their trays and escorted them back out, completely missing the koroks scuttling past in the shadows. They dived under a side table as Link turned back around.
"Do you need anything for your headache, Princess?"
Zooki elbowed Maca. Princess is a cute nickname, his elbow said.
Maca elbowed Zooki back. It's her title, it doesn't count.
"Just some water, please."
"A few bites of skewer, maybe? Sometimes the headache elixir makes you sick."
"All right, all right, one bite. No more."
Dishes clinked as Link got a plate for Zelda, then got a plate for himself. When he walked back to Zelda's table, Maca shimmied his way up the table leg. He glanced at the Hylians. Link had his back to them, and Zelda was resting her face in her hands, rubbing her forehead.
Maca leaned over and gestured hastily for Zooki to follow. He transferred the straw, he and Zooki hefted the glass off the table and behind a dressing screen, and then they waited.
Zooki inspected the milkshake. "What do you think it tastes like?" he whispered.
"Don't know. Let's try it," Maca said. He dipped a hand in the liquid and licked it. His eyes popped. "It's good!"
Link's voice floated over the screen. "You didn't want dessert?"
"No, I did. I thought a cold drink might feel good. Why?"
"I thought the kitchen sent two milkshakes, but there's only one here. Here you go." A dish clinked on the table.
"No, Link, I'm really not hungry. You have it."
"It would help your headache though."
"I'll be fine. The elixir is helping already, and you like milkshakes. You take it."
There was a pause.
"Do I have to order you to eat dessert?" Zelda said, laughing.
"How about you drink half, and I drink half? I'll finish my water and use that cup."
Behind the screen, Maca slapped a hand to his forehead. But as he did, his hand glanced off the edge of the glass, knocking it over with a rattle. He and Zooki exchanged a horrified glance before Link appeared, grabbing one korok in each hand.
"What's this?" Link said.
"We're...uh...forest spirits, here to unite longing hearts," Maca said.
Zelda frowned. "What?" She peered around the screen.
"You and Mr. Hero are perfect for each other! It's obvious!"
"Back up. Who are you and why are you here?" Link said.
"We're koroks, from the Lost Woods. You were there to pray, and you both looked so sad, so we decided to help. So we're here to set a romantic mood!" Maca explained.
"Because nothing makes people happier than love," Zooki added.
“I can't date anyone until I unlock my power,” Zelda said. “So even if your plan had worked, we can't do anything until then, and who knows when that will be.” Her shoulders drooped.
“That's a stupid rule,” Maca said. “You're supposed to avoid happiness until your power arrives, which is something you want but don't even know how to get?”
“Yeah,” Zooki said, “I think you should just break the rule. Who made it anyway?”
“My father. The king.”
“Pfft! For all he knows this is how you get your power.”
“Wait. You stole a milkshake to make us happy? That seems like a weird plan,” Link said.
“Weird!” Maca was offended. “I prefer genius.”
“And it was all to make you two like each other,” Zooki said.
Link frowned, confused. “But we already like each other?” Hastily, he added, “But don't tell anyone!”
Both koroks gaped at him. Then they turned to each other and spun in a circle. “We did it! Even before we started trying to get you two together, we did it!”
“That's not-” Zelda started, but the koroks had already wriggled out of Link’s grasp and were walking away.
“That's a job well done,” Maca said, dusting off his hands. “Where would they be without us?”
