Zelink - Short tales

[Botw/Totk] The wisdom to trust you

Disclaimer: This chapter takes place during the time skip mentioned in Chapter 21 of the related fanfic "The Courage to Find Me" (available here, on my profile). However, it can be read on its own, as it is pretty self-explanatory.

POV Zelda

Link collapses beside me on the mattress. Our legs still intertwined, sweat dampening the sheets, our chests heaving. My heart races, even as it slowly returns to normal, and gentle shivers course through my body — the aftermath of the pleasure we just shared.

His head nestles into the crook of my neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses to my shoulder, while his hand lazily caresses my face. I sigh deeply, a warm feeling spreading through my heart, and I relish the calm that surrounds us. His arm rests on my waist, and we lie there silently for a few moments, catching our breath.

"That was... wow," I say, unable to hide the smile in my voice. My neck heats up from Link's warm breath as he laughs at my remark. "It just keeps getting better, how is that possible?"

"It really does..." he agrees. "That's a great question."

"Experience, maybe?" I ponder, my analytical side seeking practical answers. "Confidence? Less alcohol in our systems?"

He laughs at my lame joke, lifting his head to look into my eyes. Strangely, despite the complete lack of clothing and what we were just doing a few minutes ago, I feel shy under his gaze, my cheeks burning instantly.

"You're incredible," he says intensely. "I was a fool for leaving and staying away for so many years. Will you ever pardon me for that?"

All my old resentments have dissipated over time as we reconnected after his return. But seizing the chance to tease him, I give a mischievous smile and say, "Maybe, if you reward me properly."

This time he's the one blushing — every time I act a bit bolder, he gets flustered, and I love the reactions my words provoke in him. I laugh again, easing the tension.

"But not today. I'm tired and hungry. We forgot to have dinner again," I grumble.

Hearing that I'm uncomfortable in any way, he sits up immediately. The cold air replacing the warmth of his body makes me shiver.

"Not again!" he exclaims, alarmed. "We need to eat. I'll prepare something for us," he says, getting up and searching for his clothes on the floor.

"No need to rush, I won't die if I don't eat in the next few minutes," I joke, but stop when I see his expression at my words. "Sorry," I say.

"Don't joke about that, please, Zel..." he pleads, his eyes filled with pain. I curse myself for throwing cold water on the mood with my joke. "The nightmares still haunt me, they feel like a premonition. Losing you... I can't bear the thought."

"Oh, really?" I retort playfully, trying to bring back the lightness from moments ago. "Didn't seem like it when you nearly killed me with pleasure just now."

He rolls his eyes and laughs indignantly.

"You're impossible," he says, laughing again.

"Incredible or impossible? Make up your mind."

Link is silent for a few seconds, staring at me, before saying, "Everything. You're everything."

There it is, that paralyzing shyness washing over me again; like I'm a teenager with a crush — not the 25-year-old woman that I am, facing what is effectively the love of my life.

"Go make us something to eat, you fool," I say, shooing him away with a smile.

I watch him finish finding his clothes, delighting in the sight of his lean yet strong body. The way his muscles contract as he moves, the remnants of sweat sticking his hair to his neck, his perfect butt as he bends to put on his pants.