Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

夏祭り

Hey guys! There's a little surprise for you at the end of this chapter. Those of you who've been following me for a while might remember the artwork ;) Ever since I made that drawing, I've been excited to post these Japan chapter! Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy reading your reactions hahah <3 

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Another hot summer day in Japan. It's the weekend and I feel like I have finally adjusted to the time zone, diet, and high temperatures. I've even learned a couple of simple phrases in Japanese like How are you?, Nice to meet you, Excuse me, and Thank you. Not enough to communicate with Link's mother, but good enough to thank her for dinner.

"Itadakimasu," I say, hands folded in front of me. I'm proud of that one. We say it every time we eat, and when we are done, we say gochisousama deshita.

"Itadakimasu," the others say and start eating.

Link's dad has joined us for dinner tonight, he just got back from the uncle's house in the mountains. He's only staying for one night though, then he'll head back. He truly is a very hardworking, dedicated, and family-oriented man. I can see all his good qualities in Link.

"So, Link show you school?" the father asks me cheerfully. I have to think about what he is trying to say before I can answer.

"Yes, he showed me around Kyoto last week and we stopped by his old high school," I smile. I love being able to talk to Link's father.

"Good. The weekend after this week, visit Tsumago."

I look at Link for help but he's busy devouring his food. I return my eyes to the sweet man in front of me.

"What is Tsumago?" I ask.

The father looks surprised and hauls some words at Link. I don't understand a single word but Link looks defensive.

"I did tell her about Tsumago," Link claims. "I just didn't tell her what it's called." He turns toward me, mouth full of food. "Tsumago is where my uncle lives."

"Ah," I nod at the father. "Yes, Link told me about that place. You want us to visit?"

"Yes, yes, stay there. Very beautiful. Quiet."

The grandma joins in with a smile. "Tsumago wa hontou ni mahou no youna basho desu."

"Beautiful," Link translates in one word.

"I can imagine," I say, offering the family a friendly smile. "We are attending the summer festival tomorrow night, and on Monday Link is starting his job. But we could come visit next weekend." I look at Link. "What do you think?"

"Mhm," he nods in agreement, pushing more food in his mouth than can fit.

"Sama fesutiwaru?" his mother now joins, trying her best to understand the English parts.

I vaguely remember what the festival was called, and determined to help her understand what we are talking about, I attempt to pronounce, "Matsu Matsu." But I can tell I butchered that by the looks of their faces.

"Natsumatsuri," Link corrects me carefree.

"Natsumatsui!" Her mother gushes and speaks to her son in excitement.

"She says you can wear her yukata," Link tells me.

"The traditional clothing," I recall. "Would that really be alright?"

"Sure, she offered," Link confirms. "She'd be happy if you wore them."

"I'll gladly accept the offer!"

"You'll look cute," he says and gives my leg a gentle squeeze under the table, making me smile. He turns to his little sister and asks her in English, "Aryll, are you coming too?" There goes my smile.