Words For Him

Riding through Hyrule Field Zelda could see Link was tense, anxious about something she couldn't see. When they stopped to camp for the night Zelda questioned him. "Link, what's wrong?" "This place used to be crawling with guardians, I guess I'm still on edge." Zelda reached out with a comforting hand telling Link everything would be okay. After a delectable-smelling meal, the duo tried to get some sleep. Link took longer but eventually, he was asleep while the master sword was still in his hand. Zelda however was wide awake, thinking about what to do with the Devine Beasts parts after they were scraped. Looking over at Link, Zelda began to think about him. "He seems so peaceful now yet he is prepared for anything. How should I tell him how I feel and what if he doesn't feel the same about me?" Zelda said to herself. She thought Link held similar feelings, but a small corner of her mind worried Link would reject her. "He has been a good friend since he defeated the calamity, and I don't want to ruin that, but I don't want to live regretting I never confessed. To simply say I love you isn't enough to convey how I truly feel." As she dwelled on these thoughts Zelda could feel her eyes grow heavy eventually her sight faded to black as sleepiness took over her. The following morning Link woke up first. Looking to his left Link saw Zelda asleep with her journal still open. "She must have been brainstorming most of the night." Link thought. Quietly Link prepared breakfast consisting of eggs and the last of the meat. "I'll probably need to hunt down a few boar or some dear soon." Awakened by the smell, Zelda sat up wiping the sleepiness from her eyes. "Yawn, good morning Link." "Good morning Zelda, I hope you rested well. Eat up while the food is hot, I'll tend to the horses." After Link packed the horses and ate his breakfast, he and Zelda departed, determined to reach Hateno before sunset.

It was a few hours past noon when Link and Zelda rode into Hateno and up towards Purah's Lab. Walking in Zelda handed Purah back her research notes and discussed her own findings. "I told the leaders I would recommend we dismantle the Devine Beasts and use their parts for something less destructive. All four approved of the idea with various levels of approval." "It's to be expected," Purah says while jotting down more notes. Purah asked if Link had done as she requested to which Link handed her the same book she had given him. "What is this about?" "I asked Link here to document recovery, think of it as a health check. Judging by his notes you are doing well." Zelda was a little surprised but thought it was a nice sentiment and a good idea. "Now it's your turn Link," Purah said turning around. "You clearly are in good physical shape but I want to know how well your mind has recovered." Zelda stayed curious about what the results would be. While Link was mentally sound the shrine of resurrection had made Link more spontaneous, something Zelda thought was a good thing.

Wrapping things up with Purah, Zelda rode down to the house while Link stopped by the general store. Having a moment of privacy Zelda spoke her thoughts aloud. "How should I do it, how should I tell Link? He loves food but I don't have much cooking experience. And what of the setting, the Gerudo ladies recommended a romantic setting." Zelda hadn't felt so agonized about anything since the calamity. She loved Link with every fiber of her being and without something to distract herself with, she could feel herself about to burst. Likewise, Link was in a similar situation. He too loved Zelda very much but he restrained himself knowing how much it would mean to Zelda if she made the first move, though it had become more difficult for him. Traveling with her during the day and laying next to her at night, had increased his adoration for her. Returning to the house Link found Zelda pacing back and forth mumbling something too quiet to hear. Link confronted her about it asking if she was okay. Zelda said she was fine trying to play it off as nothing important but her blushing cheeks said otherwise. "Sorry about the wait, I figured we were due a job well-done meal." "And what kind of meal would that be?" "That is a surprise, bear with me for one moment and you will see." While Link worked outside Zelda sat at the table thinking. "What is he making?" Zelda whispered as she got up and approached the door. Peaking out Zelda could smell the scent of vegetables but Link was positioned between her and the cooking pot. Turning his head Link gave Zelda a knowing wink before returning his attention to the pot. A few hours later Link walked in with two plates of what looked like curry with vegetables and a tray covered by a cloche. "After we finish this I have one more surprise, it's one of your favorites." As expected the food was good but what made it better was the company, or so Zelda thought. Finishing their meal Link asked Zelda to close her eyes which she did. Zelda could hear Link stand and walk to the counter before returning and setting a tray down. "Open your eyes now." Opening her eyes, Zelda saw a two-layer cake topped with white icing and fruits, it was indeed a fruit cake, Zelda's favorite. "How did you know?" "There was a recipe book in the castle library, it mentioned this was your favorite." "Thank you, Link, it smells wonderful." After eating their fill Zelda led Link outside, she had made a decision, now was the moment. The sun was setting and the sky was clear, after the cake it seemed like the perfect moment almost as though some divine being was orchestrating the perfect moment for her. "Link, there is something I must tell you. I...um...there was something I wanted Impa and the Great Deku Tree to tell you but they both thought it was best if you heard them in my voice." Zelda's face was blushed and her throat felt tight. "I love you and I have for a long time now. It was my love for you that awakened my sacred powers, it was my love for you that kept me going while I was in the storm of hatred and malice." "Zelda...I-" "Let me finish first. I know we had a rough patch but your dedication and courage broke my delusion, and your kindness touched my heart. Link please tell me you feel the same!" Link faced her directly his face blank, seemingly emotionless. Reaching out, Link pulled Zelda in close kissing her on the lips. Zelda was surprised but she instantly reciprocated, having her answer. Link finally pulled his head back, giving his full reply "I too have loved you for a long time now. When I first saw you I thought you were beautiful but when I was made your knight I found a thousand other things to admire. Your intelligence, your dedication to your people and friends, they insnared my heart." This time Zelda pulled Link in kissing him again. After a long pause, they finally released each other living in the moment, taking in what they had said to each other. "We can take things slowly if you want, we have nothing but time," Link said breaking the silence first. "We can go whatever pace you want to Link, but there is one thing I do want." "What is it?" "With the rebuilding of Hyrule emanate I will be expected to spearhead it. With all that attention, I want something private, something away from prying eyes. If it is okay with you I would like to keep our relationship a secret, for now." "I wouldn't mind keeping it a secret for the time being, just know I am always here for you" "And I will always be there for you." Hand in hand the pair walked back inside enjoying each other's company even more than before.