Since you came along

Oddly Human

Link had carefully placed the wrapped crystal in her bag and they got on her horse and took off. Their arrival in Kakariko was a relief for them. Y/n didn't know why but she felt exhausted. Her head rested on Link's back as he insisted he would lead her to the village to allow her to take a breath and get herself together. She never expected Harley to do that. Harley wasn't necessarily a bad guy, he was just annoying and full of himself. Now, however, he was dangerous. She was lucky Link had the good sense to stay near her, especially in his wolf form. 

Link slowed her horse down to leave it at the spring where Luda was waiting. Link had sent a letter ahead of their arrival. "Y/n, Link, did you two find your way alright?" Renado had just walked over to them. "Yes, it's nice to see you." Y/n smiled and they hopped down from her horse. She ran to give Luda a hug and Link went to shake Renado's hand. "Y/n, are you sure you're okay? You seem a little bit...off." Luda looked up at her, her eyes searching her face for a break in expression. "Just tired, Luda. I think some rest will do me good." Link frowned. He understood why she wouldn't talk about what happened. He was, however, hoping she would be willing to talk to him.

After excusing themselves from Renado and Luda, they went to her shop to check in on the stock. Jay was there sweet-talking some traveler. "Oh, my! That's the Hero! Isn't he handsome?" As soon as she saw Link, Jay no longer existed to her. His face soured and he told her the total for the small bag of ingredients she was taking. Link took Y/n's hand and held her close to him as Jay watched them. "Link, we're not in town."

"Jay could tell someone." She knew this was true but she felt a bit nervous with Link so close to her. "Aren't you two cute?" The woman smiled at them and then left. She was genuine and Y/n gave her a 'thank you' and turned her attention to Jay.

"Everything has been good?"

"Nothing bad to report, boss." She was relieved to hear this. "Well, that's good. You can take off. I'm gonna close up the shop for a bit."

"Something going on?"

"Just a precaution. Some shady stuff going on at Castle Town and there was a situation at the shop there. I don't want anything happening here or to you."

"Got it. Alright, that's me off then. See you two lovebirds later." His sarcastic voice irritated Link. He was more than aware they weren't really together but he didn't like Jay saying it like it was hard to believe that they were.

Once he was gone, Y/n let go of Link's hand and went to look for something. Link followed her around, having nothing else to do. "Can you go grab that empty box at the front? I swear Jay needs to be more tidy."

"Fire him."
"Link." Link just shrugged and went to get the box she asked for. He saw something at the bottom of it, a paper crumpled up. There were a few other things like discarded labels and plastic wrappings removed from bottles, but the paper stuck out to him. He opened it and the first line set him off. He slipped it into his pocket, not making it obvious he had something. He took the box to her and she threw a couple of things in it and set it behind the counter as a makeshift trash bin.

"Okay, that's fine for now. Let's head out and rest, I'm tired." They walked out and she locked up. Link was quiet, not knowing what to say to her to make sure she was alright after the day's events. He knew outright asking her would prompt a spaced-out 'I'm fine' and silence the rest of the evening. They went to the Inn and were told they could only have one room as the others were occupied by travelers. They didn't mind, they were fine with each other. Y/n pushed open the door and saw the single bed and the couch in the corner that looked stiff and old. She removed her gear, boots, and tunic, leaving her in a thin white undershirt and her pants.

"Well, goodnight." She threw herself on the bed and closed her eyes. "Nope, sit up."

"What for?"
"We're talking about this."
"No."
"Y/n." She groaned and sat up. She looked into his eyes and gave a strained grin.
"Link, I don't want to relive it. You were right, I was wrong. Thank you for saving my stupid butt. End of story. Goodnight." She laid back down and Link sat on the bed next to her.
"As much as I love saving your stupid butt, this isn't just another situation. Harley could've seriously hurt you. Not just him. You seem to forget there are people out there looking for me and you. It's not safe to be on your own, even if it's just for a few minutes. That's all they need to get you."
"I was prepared to get him off me."
"Yes, and then what? You would never forgive yourself." At this, she sat back up giving him an accusatory look.