An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
"I appreciate your offer. But I need to be there for Four." He pushed away from the tempting embrace. "They deserve an explanation, they deserve to know abut everything. About Clock Town's true secrets."
Kafei's eyes widen slightly at the presence of a response. Normally, after the more strenuous and painful of their missions, it took Time hours, if not days to speak again.
He needed that time to process all that happened, and Kafei used to give him all the space and patience he ever needed.
Suddenly, hit with a wave of miserable, panging nostalgia, Kafei remembers those days, his fruitless attempts to bring Time back, for his friend to return, and to no longer need to stare at those lifeless, regretful eyes.
For the man who used to escape from the realities of his actions, and to retreat back to his own head space, Kafei had never seen Time so… Responsive before, especially after a mission so heavy... Their final mission.
And yet, he understands, and sees familiar comfort in Time's words. He's right.
The cycle needs to be broken.
CHAPTER XXII