A Much Needed Hero

Chapter 8: Falling

[Link]

    "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Sheik whispered loudly.

    Malon elbowed him in the ribs. "It would be if you'd shut up. She's going to hear us."

    "All I'm saying is that Zelda might not like surprise parties."

    "Everyone likes surprise parties you idiot."

    Link shushed them both. "It won't be a surprise if you two keep bickering."

    The three of them were crunched in the back of Navi's minivan, waiting for Navi and Zelda to come. It had been two days since that morning in the library when Link had held Zelda as she cried. He blushed at the memory. Holding her had felt so right, and her hair had smelled like strawberries.

    "What are you thinking about there Link?" Sheik whispered. "Your face has turned a most lovely shade of red."

    "Aw, are you thinking about Zelda?" Malon forgot to whisper, earning her two harsh shushes.

    "No." Link rolled his eyes, willing his face to return to its normal color. "It's just hot in here."

    Muffled voices and footsteps from outside caused another round of hushing among the group. The car's front doors opened and Navi's voice drifted in. "Your bruising is going away."

    "Slowly but surely." Zelda's voice sounded from the passenger seat.

    Sheik held up three fingers and mouthed the numbers as he counted down.

    "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They all shouted together, jumping out of their hiding spot. Their shout was followed by a few impolite words from Sheik, who had hit his head hard on the roof of the car.

    Zelda jumped, but a bright smile shone on her face- Navi was right the bruising was slowly fading from her beautiful face. "Aw, you guys! How'd you know it was my birthday."

    "Sheikagram." Sheik explained rubbing his head.

    Malon climbed into one of the available seats in the front of the car. "And we wanted to surprise you so-"

    "We're going to the spring festival in Castle Town!" Navi squealed, unable to contain her excitement any longer. "It's gonna be so much fun."

    "Thank you guys," Zelda said.

    "Oh, it was all Links idea. We just showed up." Malon grinned innocently at him. "Right, Link?"

    "I think you're selling yourself too short." Link sat down next to Malon, behind the driver's seat. "I just knew you used to live in Castle Town and figured you'd enjoy the spring festival."

    "Well, thanks Links." Zelda smiled at him and he felt a pleasant warm feeling spread from his heart throughout the rest of his body. "And you were right. I love the spring festival."

    "Then what are we waiting for?" Sheik called from the back. "Seat belts on everyone. Let's go!"

    Navi rolled her eyes, put the car in drive, and headed towards Castle Town.

***

[Zelda]

    The spring festival was as wonderful as Zelda remembered. Vendors and game booths with brightly colored signs and attractions were lined up and down the streets. The delicious smell of festival food drifted through the whole area, and fairy lights twinkled in the twilight. Little kids were diving in and out of the crowd, their parents calling after them. Couples were walking hand in hand sharing whispered conversations. For some reason this made her feel all the more aware of Link standing at her side. She tried not to think about it, but she might have the tiniest of crushes on Link. See that morning when she'd had a total emotional breakdown in the library, Link had made her feel safe and cared for. He'd even said that he cared about her, and she had no idea if it was a platonic care or... something more.