Link x Hunter (Legend of Zelda/Left 4 Dead crossover)

Ch 10

The hug that Link was squishing me in felt like it lasted an eternity, but really it only lasted a few minutes. When he did finally push away I saw tears start to drip down his cheeks as he lifted his head to show his eyes again. The sight made my unbeating heart clench and a lump formed in my throat. I gulped hard and looked Link straight in the eyes. He wiped at his eyes with his hand and forced a smile onto his face. It was nice that he was trying to be tough and show how strong he is. But even the strongest people need some time once in a while to break down and cry because it's okay to show weakness. I tried and failed to hide a frown that formed on my lips. Link noticed and frowned as well asking me if something was wrong. I bit my lip and looked down and away from him. I wasn't sure if I should I tell him much less show him that I could speak again. But if I wait I might miss my chance. And that was something I didn't want to risk. Taking a deep breath and looking at him in the eyes again, I hesitated. What if he cried for me because he sees me as just a friend and nothing more. Man being friendzoned in an apocalypse would really hurt. But if I don't tell him now, I won't ever tell him because I'll never get another chance. I opened my mouth to speak but before I could even utter a single sound Link and I froze at the blood chilling sound of a running stampede of feet, screeching, screaming, growling, etc. Well crap there goes my chance. Link and I rushed to get our stuff and supplies together and get out of the house before we got caught and/or seen. Don't ask how, but I was able to get our breakfast into containers and brought them with us. We escaped the house and ran into the woods to hide. I made sure I knew which direction to go in order to get back on the road because if we lose the road then we lose our way to the safezone. Link looked as though he really wanted to know what I wanted to tell him back in the house, but he didn't question me. We just kept running. And running. Until we finally had to stop to catch our breath. When we did Link had to sit down and lean back against a tree, and I simply hunched over with my hands on my knees. I listened more to our surroundings than our heavy breathing. I could still hear the horde in the very distance, but it was faint. 'Good we lost them.' I thought to myself then perked up when I heard Link cough a little. His footsteps were semi-quiet as he stood up and walked up to me. I stood upright and looked up at him since he's about a full head taller than me. 

     "What were you going to say back at the house before we had to run from the horde." he said it more than he asked it. But his tone of voice is what made me almost flinch. I couldn't tell exactly what it was, but it sounded like he was angry. Link then, unexpectedly, grabbed the front of my hoodie tightly in both his hands and lifted me up while glaring daggers at me. I flinched, and almost instinctively bit him, but I restrained myself and gulped hard. 

    "Put me down... And maybe I'll tell you..." My voice sounded prepubecent, but he could understand what I said at least. His blue eyes widened at the sound of me speaking, since we both thought that I couldn't speak due to being infected and all. But nonetheless he put me down and let go of my hoodie. I looked down to avoid anymore eye contact with him. 

    "You... You talked..." Link said still mad, but with surprised mixed in. 

    "Guess I relearned from listening to you..." I spoke again, which technically was the truth I just didn't think I'd actually be able to relearn verbal speech just from listening to someone do it themselves. 

   "Answer my question Miracle. What were you going to tell me back at the house."  He demanded an answer, but I didn't think I was ready to say, nor was he ready to know. But Link persisted anyway. It didn't matter what I said, he wanted an answer, and he wanted one now. He kept getting angrier at me and demanding I give him an answer for a solid five minutes before I snapped. 

    "I LOVE YOU OKAY?! HAPPY NOW?! YOU GOT YOUR FUCKING ANSWER NOW STOP PRODDING ME!!!" I screamed at him at the top of my lungs, feeling fresh tears rolling down my cheeks. Link stopped dead and went silent. I didn't want to tell him the way I did, but he forced it out of me. And he got mad at me for keeping quiet before I snapped at him. So I within my rights to be mad at him right? I turned my back on him crossing my arms over my chest and tried to stop myself from crying, but the tears wouldn't stop. It was easy to hear Link when he swallowed a lump in his throat and walk up behind me. But I said nothing. Yes I was mad, but I didn't hate him. 

   "I'm sorry..." Link was right next to my ear when he apologized and I jumped a little when I felt him wrap his arms around my waist from behind. I didn't reply to him, still kind of mad for before. "Miracle..." I slightly perked up hearing him say my name. 

  "Wha-mmph?!" It was my turn to go wide-eyed, and I felt my cheeks flare up in a bright red blush, when Link suddenly spun me around and pressed his warm lip against my cold ones in an apologetic yet passionate kiss.