The Wolves (Discontinued)

Chapter 16: Love

 Chapter 16: Love

Zelda, Link, and Faolan had been making their way across Hyrule Field for the entire day. They have settled and finally make a camp and light a fire in the night. Faolan yawns, turns in circles a few times, then finally rests and falls asleep.

"It's been a long day," Zelda murmured to herself.

"Yup. I completely agree," Link replied, sitting down next to her.

"It's going to be a long few weeks.. saving all of Hyrule," Zelda murmured again, wishing she could lean on Link's shoulder.

"Yes, it will.." Link trails off, almost as if he was going to add something to the sentence.

Zelda smiled to herself and said, "But at least we have each other. At least we aren't doing this alone."

Link pondered what he should say in response to that and finally settled on, "True.. we have Midna and Faolan."

And each other, And each other, they both thought at the same time.

Zelda sighed. Link glanced at her.

"Tired?" Link asked.

"Yes and no.." Zelda took a deep breath in. "Can I say something?" Link arched an eyebrow and turned to face her.

"Go ahead. Shoot."

I love you.

Zelda blushed at her thoughts and said, "These past couple days have been rough.. the dark man came and attacked me and my.. whatever she is, I turned into a wolf, I found out I'm one of the Chosen Ones, I found out I'm a princess, and--" Zelda stopped herself from finishing.

"And what?" Link leaned forward and met her eyes.

Looking into Link's sky blue eyes, Zelda took a deep breath and finished, "And I fell in love."

❧ ❧ ❧

Link froze in surprise and blinked. Zelda kept looking into his clear blue eyes, searching for a reaction. When he didn't respond, Zelda's face flushed red.

"I--I--I'm sorry! I didn't--I shouldn't have said that," Zelda rushed, tripping over her own words. She turned away and covered her face with her hands. She felt strong hands hold her shoulders and turn her around.

"Look at me," Link's soft voice soothed her. Zelda parted her fingers and allowed enough space for her to see him. His face was very close to hers. Her heart was racing. "Remove your hands from your face," Link said, still keeping his voice soft. Zelda shook her head. Link reached out his hands. Zelda allowed her hands to move from her face, but closed her eyes and looked down. "Look at me," Link asked once more. When she didn't move, Link added, "Please?"

Zelda looked at him and opened her eyes. As soon as she did, Link leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. Zelda's eyes widened, then she melted into the kiss. Link's hands came forward and cupped Zelda's face as she tangled her fingers in his soft, blonde hair. They pulled apart, out of breath. Zelda's hand immediately flew to her mouth.

"How was that for a first kiss?" Link asked, jokingly. Zelda didn't respond, still shocked that Link kissed her.

Did.. did that just happen? Did Link just kiss me?

"What's wrong? Wolf got your tongue?" Link asked, running a hand through his hair, laughing nervously.

I should say something... he looks nervous... he probably thinks he did something wrong..... Link just kissed me!

"That bad, huh," Link said, turning away ashamed.

Finally finding her voice, Zelda quickly said, "No! It.. it was.. amazing." She laughed awkwardly, not knowing if that was what she should have said. Instead of saying anything, she leaned forward and kissed him gently, then put her head on his shoulder.

"I.. I love you."

Zelda hesitated, finally saying the words out loud to Link.

"I... love you too."

In the shadows, Midna watched Zelda and Link, a single tear rolling down her cheek.