Silence ✔️

• Seventeen

A week had passed since that day, and Link had managed to save up just enough rupees for the Swirl and the new video game for Zelda.

All week he had done laborious jobs around the house for his parents and babysat three kids (Malo, Talo, and Beth, who were quite annoying). He also volunteered to help small businesses in Hyrule, such as bakeries and the like. Link was surprised that he managed to scrap up that many rupees in just seven days.

He was bursting with excitement as he stood in line, just outside of Hyrule's electronics shop. Apparently, a lot of others were very excited for this as much as Zelda was. Link was probably the least knowledgeable on video games out of everyone standing here this late, not that he cared. He was only excited to give this to Zelda.

Granted, he did like video games. But he had stopped playing them at a sudden point in his life. He really wanted to get back in to them, and maybe this could be his opportunity to do so. Or maybe not.

Link checked the time—11:00 PM. Everyone who was standing outside in the chilly weather began to huddle inside the store upon their granted permission. Everyone was in groups and talking to their friends, while Link stood there awkwardly, holding his seal for the Swirl—a confirmation that he would be able to get one before they sold out.

Time passed quicker than Link expected. Touring the store was a fun experience; seeing the figurines, books, and just about anything related to Air of the Wild's franchise was incredible. It all costed so much money, though, and Link only had a sufficient amount for just the game and the Swirl.

Moments later, Link was leaving the store at midnight exact, with the Swirl and a single copy of the video game in a plastic bag. A rush of excitement swam through Link as he stepped back out into the cold night, seeing his parents car waiting just in front of him; he was thankful that they arrived here in time.

Link was taken home, staring at the box that held the Swirl and only thinking about what Zelda's reaction would be.

••

Just after school ended, Link hurried to his locker to grab the wrapped up console and video game. Nobody bothered to ask what the gift was, which Link took as a blessing, since he wasn't the best at socializing, period.

Hustling out of the school with the gifts in his arms, he passed by Midna. Before he went any further, he decided to chat with her for a second.

"Hey," he greeted her, gesturing to the obviously large gift.

Midna's red eyes observed the package carefully. "Uh-huh. Hello. What the hell is that?" she asked.

Link couldn't help but smile. "It's Zelda's birthday gift. What'd you get her?"

"Oh. I got her an art book for that air game she wants. I don't understand video games like she does, but the book is pretty cool. I think she'll like the art in it," Midna explained, an all knowing grin covering her face once she realized what Link's gift may be. "And I'm assuming that's the console and the game?"

"Mhm," Link said, nodding briskly.

Midna whistled a little and then chuckled. "You went all out!"

Link nodded sheepishly. "Yeah..." His eyes widened. "I—I have to go give it to Zelda—"

"Then what're you waiting for?" Midna teased. "Don't waste your time talking to me."

Link blinked once, then nodded. "Alright. Wish me luck."

"You'll be fine," Midna replied sarcastically, watching as Link sped down the hallways and towards the entrance of the school.

She too was wondering what Zelda's reaction would be, although she could guess it'd be a positive one. If she was the one gifting Zelda with that console and video game, she could expect excitement and thankfulness from Zelda. But with Link? Who knows.

As he was running towards the tree they usually met under, Link pulled out his phone and quickly typed a text to Zelda, asking her to meet him underneath this tree.

Anxiously waiting, Link soon saw her figure emerge from the school, wearing a confused facial expression as she approached him.

Zelda: what's up why am I here ???

Link looked at his phone, typing a text back.

Link: close ur eyes

Zelda: haha why

Link: just do it

Zelda: M E M E S ! ! !

Zelda: aight aight I'm closing them

She did as she typed, closing her eyelids slowly and putting her phone back into her pocket.

Don't get too nervous, Link repeated to himself over and over, but his anxiety never seemed to calm itself when really needed.

His brain began to conjure up a million different outcomes of this situation, most of them being bad. This happened a lot. But it's okay! She'll definitely like it—she won't say anything mean—she'll be happy to receive it from me—and—

Before he could overthink this any further, he handed Zelda the large, wrapped up gift box.

Opening her eyes, Zelda curiously examined the box, running her hands over it until her eyes widened and she sucked in a breath. She looked like she had been shot or something as she carefully ripped the wrapping paper of the gift off.

The moment she saw the Swirl's logo and a peek of the game's case, she screamed and covered her mouth. Her cheeks covered with red in embarrassment, but she was too focused on her excitement for worry about that.

As she took all the wrapping paper off, Link noticed she had tears in her eyes. Tears! He didn't know one could get so emotional over a console and a video game.

Then again, Midna did say she had been waiting for it for three years. That's a really long time to wait for this kind of thing, but she was patient. Link understood her excitement now.

Zelda was full on crying now, holding the Swirl's box and the video game close to her chest, holding them like they were her children.

Link couldn't contain his smile once again, just gazing at her and what she was doing. She looked the happiest he had ever seen her in his entire life. And it was because of him.

After crying for about thirty seconds, Zelda looked up at Link and bit her lip, but mustered a smile behind all her tears. They were joyous tears, of course, but it was still hard to smile.

She mouthed a thank you to him, just like she had done the other day. Sitting the Swirl and Air of the Wild on the ground (making sure nobody would see it and steal it), she came closer to Link.

Before Link could even have a second thought of doubt, Zelda's arms were securely around his waist and she had buried her head into the crook of his neck.

Link stood there frozen for a moment, inhaling her sweet scent. She was hugging him again. It was understandable why she was doing it now, compared to last time, but still—wow. Zelda was hugging him, and Link was crazy and breathless.

Awkwardly, Link wrapped his arms around her shoulders and unintentionally brought her closer. Their bodies melded together perfectly and neither minded, really.

Link could feel Zelda smile against his skin, tingling it and sending shivers down his spine. He sucked in a breath and broke into a grin himself.

A few more pieces fell into place, then.

••

A/N: This was inspired off of my own experience of camping outside Best Buy to get my Switch and BOTW :')))))) Zelda is basically me when I held it in my arms after paying for it.

One more thing: because of the last chapter we reached over 100 votes on this fanfiction holy hECC. Thank you guys so much ily all.

-Katy

[Edited May 8th, 2018]