Free to Love - A Zelda x Link Fanfiction

XLIX: Reality Check

Zelda's Perspective:

I didn't know at what time I had fallen asleep. I was still wrapped in Link's arms, cuddled into his chest and still wearing his shirt. My first thought was that this was my shirt now, he couldn't have it back. My second thought was about the clicking that rang in the air and the harsh breeze on my face.

I cuddled into Link's chest sleepily, trying to hide my face and brushing it off as the wind.

"Ahem."

I finally opened my eyes. Revali stood tall over me, wings crossed with an unreadable expression on his face, clicking his beak at me, probably in disapproval. It took a moment to register what he was seemingly disapproving of.

Last night. I had forgotten. The sudden lazy memories hit me like a club to the head and my brain suddenly throbbed at the thoughts. I was nearly hysterical last night. Poor Link... Did we sleep here the whole night?

"Pardon me," Revali interrupted my thoughts, voice nearly dripping with sarcasm. I had never heard such venom in his voice since... since I told him he'd be assisting Link in fighting Calamity Ganon.

I blinked, a blush rising to my cheeks and I struggled to stand as my head throbbed with every moment. I think I was dehydrated. "Oh, s-sorry," I murmured, trying to clear my voice and holding onto the railing for support.

He clicked his beak again, shifting a bit from foot to foot, eyes narrowing at me. "I know it's not my place, princess," he said, glancing at Link's sleeping form still on the floor, "but whatever is going on between you two" — he paused to point a finger at me and then him — "well, it's dangerous and unprecedented."

I felt my shoulders slope and I hung my head. It was like Revali was voicing my largest fears about Link and me. I winced at the sharpness in his voice. "L-let me explain..." I murmured quietly, hastily. He clicked his beak again.

"Spare me the excuses," he sighed, waving his wing like he was brushing me off. "I don't need to know all the details about your relationship to know how unlikely this is to last."

My eyes shot up at him, caught off guard by his sudden predictions. I wanted to yell at him, tell him to shut up, but no words came to my mind. My vocal chords felt frozen.

"Not only is it your status, Zelda," he continued, "but it's also the politics. All due respect, but we are who-knows-how-close to the fucking battle of the century that defines the future of this — your kingdom."

He was silent for a moment. I had never heard anger in his voice before. He was usually pompous, arrogant, snobbish, sarcastic. I could always detect those emotions but anger? I had never heard him angry before. He sighed again, shaking his head.

"I know it's not my place and trust me when I say I don't want to be the one to tell you this, but you should be focusing on that magic you're wrangling, not on who to kiss or who not to kiss. We could have as many guardians and divine beasts as your heart desires but it still won't mean anything unless you can control your magic. When this is over? Fine. I don't care about your love life. But now?"

He shook his head again, sighing deeply. I couldn't tell if he was trying to calm down or just trying to decide what to say next. I felt a lump in my throat. I wasn't going to cry. I absolutely refused.

"Just get your priorities in line, Zelda." He paused. "I'm going for a fly." He turned towards the end of the landing, dipping his head and resting to his haunches, suddenly flapping his wings and spiraling up in to the sky, making my eyes automatically water from the wind.

I glanced down at Link's sleeping form. His head was leaned against his shoulder now, arms resting on his torso, now thy I wasn't there to fill the empty space. He always looked incredibly carefree when he was sleeping — an expression that was uncommon for him.

Fuck it.

Fuck the social classes.

I liked him. I really, really liked him. And he liked me.

So fuck it.

And, as kindly as I can say it, fuck Revali.

~~~

Epiphany chapter, epiphany chapter!

I'm on vacation at the moment, the final big summer vacation before I go to college so my family can spend time with me. Shoutout to Ocean City, Maryland, I guess.

I dunno. Hotel rooms are so uncomfortable. Why are these pillows so soft? I feel like I'm fucking drowning. Oh well...

Stay safe.