He returns later than usual, an escaped goat keeping Link and Fado out passed sunset. The hero's footfalls are heavy with fatigue as he enters, and immediately does he make his way over to sit by the waiting shade, dropping down next to him on the bed with a murmured apology for his lateness. His head finds Dark's shoulder, eyes struggling to remain open.
it’s expected of dark, to begin worrying. link has usually returned home by this time, patches of dirt clinging to sweatied and freshly tanned skin with an APOLOGY at the ready, for the mess. it makes the shade anxious, where he sits, finger tapping ‘gainst wood in compliance with his foot. it’s a habit he’s driven himself damned near CRAZY, trying to break ( yet, he can’t help it – he has lost one, and fears losing ANOTHER. ) a form of PTSD, perhaps, or simple overattachment… a mixture of BOTH, even ? ? ?
tsk. he’s torn between risking their well-kept secret to go searching for him, or remaining where he is in their gradually suffocating home. using the slow set of the sun as comfort fuel, he stares at the warm colors of the sky through lengthy eyelashes and channels his anxiety into his fingers, which have curled into tight, TREMBLING fists. it keeps him rooted, effectively, yet doesn’t prevent the sharp pivot of his gaze as it beelines for the doorway at the sound of heavily approaching footsteps…
there he is, in all his dirt, sweat, and caramel flesh. a weight drops from dark’s shoulders, even more-so as link trudges over to him and nearly collapses atop the bed like a deadweight, to which his lighter half smiles. “ arduous day, my love? “ he jokes, in stating the OBVIOUS, fingers having since uncurled and already trailing upwards to lace through honey strands, “ you had me worried… but, i am glad you have returned home. mm~ i missed you dearly… “ a kiss, ‘gainst damp locks, even wider smile curving ‘pon pale features ;; all is well, once more.
