Can't Be Without You ~ Zelink BotW

Preparing

I sat crisscross across the wooden cold floor, going through all of my clothes to pack for my leave. My briefcase sat open, as clothes were scattered messily around me. I sighed helplessly as I folded an article of clothing on my lap. My stress levels had gone up since I received the letter. They were sending a carriage out for me to hold my stuff, and myself for the journey to the school in Montonaria. I was beginning to panic due to the lack of time I had left to finish my preparations. As the thought of my goodbye's plagued my thoughts. I could already picture the tears streaming down my face, hugging them tightly in my grasp goodbye. It twisted my insides, and tore at my heart, so I forced myself to shove the thoughts aside until it was actually time to worry of them.

I pulled the next dress up to view and froze. I was the silky white gown I'd worn the day of my seventeenth birthday, through the one hundred years I waited for Link to awaken. All of the painful memories came flooding in an instant, as my chest became heavy from guilt and loss. The destroyed castle and the beast that swirled about it, as me and Link ran frantically away from it all, in question of what to do, or what was going to be left of us. I quickly threw the dress as hard as I could away from me. I knew I was not able to handle, or relive those agonizing years again yet. I brought my legs to my chest, and hugged myself tightly, trying to regain control of myself. I'm not there anymore. I am safe now.

I heard a sudden creak to my bedroom door, as I spun my head to see what caused the noise. Link sat staring at me, and the embarrassing sight of procrastination and lack of work that covered my room's floor. I quickly shifted my posture, and stood up to somehow hide my visual struggle, and act normal, despite the proof otherwise.

"Link! I was not expecting you here today. I'm sorry you have to see this..." I hesitated, looking down to my unfinished process. He shook his head at me with a smile before walking up to me. I was taken aback as he pulled me into his arms. I didn't know how much I truly needed a hug, before I shoved my face in his chest, returning the embrace tightly. I let a few tears release from my eyes, as he began stroking my long blonde hair that ran down my back. It gave me shivers, which made me pull away from his grasp.

"Thank you... I guess I really needed that." I said quietly. We stared at each other a few moments, as I began to sway my body back and forth in the awkwardness.

"So... What brings you here today, Hero?" I questioned him, trying to break the silence.

"I knew you'd be needing assistance." He spoke, actually using words.

"Knew," I said furrowing my eyebrows.

"You decide to finally speak, and use it to insult me? How inconsiderate." I teased, cocking my head at him sheepishly.

He only let out a soft chuckle before sitting himself in front of the scattered clothing.

"I suppose we should finish this up then." I sighed, resting myself back on the ground beside him. He began rummaging through the different outfits on the ground, and began folding them neatly.

"If I'm being honest... Some of these have been very hard to look through. My old wear keep reminding me with ill memories. I'm almost to the point to discard them all and start fresh. They've just become too much to handle..." I trailed off, my folding process beginning to slow. After setting aside his own work, he gently placed his hand on top of mine, which fidgeted in my together in my lap.

I couldn't help but star at his soft hand that was gently caressing mine with his thumb, as he spoke,

"I understand. I know I haven't mentioned anything about the Calamity... But, it keeps me from peaceful rests, causing many night terrors in it's place." He paused before letting out a weary breath. I looked at him without the words to respond. The sound of his voice was always so rewarding to me each time he spoke. This time, it ached me. I hadn't even thought about what sorrows he also bore from the Calamity. I shamed myself for assuming he didn't have any. Only because he put on an act. I knew of this since before the demise. Why he was so silent and stoic.

I felt my grasp on his hand tighten, as to let him know I was listening, and was there for him just as much as he was me. He squeezed it in return as he continued.

"I feel I've lost who I once was during my slumber... Each memory that reoccurs to me is more painful each time they surpass. I hadn't realized how traumatic everything was for everyone. Including myself..." I felt my heart sink in my chest, as only more guilt washed over me. It's my fault... The three words made me let go of our hold, and turn from him.

"I'm so sorry Link... If I would've gotten my power a little sooner, everything would be okay as of now. I failed." I trailed off motionlessly, beginning to hug myself again.

"I took everything away from you... Your old accomplishments, your family, your friends, your memories... Yet I have the gal to constantly seek help, and comfort, while you silently bare yours alone... How selfish of me-" I acknowledged aloud, as tears forced themselves from my eyes.

"How will you ever forgive me-" Before I could continue, he pressed his finger to my lips, and hushed me.

"Once you can learn to forgive yourself." He replied softly.

I shut my eyes tightly, as I grabbed his hand and kissed it.

"I don't know what I'll do without you when I leave..." I whispered into his hand, as my whole body slumped forward. I felt his hand brush against my face, as he hid the strands of hair that fell in my face behind my ear.

"You'll write to me. Promise?" He asked, lifting my face with his hand to meet him.

I looked deep into his ocean blue eyes. They seemed so calm, and selfless. A warm smile spread across his cheeks, as I couldn't help but mirror his actions.

"I will. Without a doubt." I promised, holding out my pinkie. He let out a soft laugh before we linked our fingers. It was settled.

~*Credit for the artist: 茂木リョウ @akkanbe_mtg on twitter*~