Seasons of Love

by SeasonsofSpice

Summary:

How does one measure a year? Was it the passing of the seasons, or in the minutes of the sun's rise and fall? Was it in in the moments of laughter and strife? The memories or days come and go, and it was something that you cherished for it's slow calm, and hated for how fast it all seemed to flow onwards.

(For the Bittersweet Minibang 2021 event!)

NOT LINKED UNIVERSE!

Notes:

So this whole story was basically me looking at the name of the event and going: "....how can I fuck over my feelings and the feels of everyone else reading this? very easily apparently XD"

I couldn't have written this whole story by myself. And while my partner wishes to remain anonymous, I cannot thank them enough for a) going along with my shenanigans, b) dealing with my chaotic writing times, and c) also enabling me and the angst. I have to thank them as well for helping plot this whole thing out. My partner is awesome and I love and appreciate the cheering they gave me!

General warnings: light mentions of a pandemic/illness, minor injury, attempted drowning (though failed,) and some minor flashbacks/memories.

Chapter 1: Summer Daze

If there was one thing that Legend absolutely hated in the world, it was the summer heat. Living next to the main river that ran through Hyrule had its ups and down, but right now at the peak of summer weather, it was mostly down. The humidity clung in the air like a thick fog, and any laundry you may do wouldn’t be quite dry after you had it up all day. The kind of heat that made it difficult to sleep, and made your life in the sun miserable.

 

It’s what led to his current predicament.

 

He lay awake in bed, having had little to no sleep due to the sheer heat and humidity that surrounded him and his partner. Not to mention the pain from his lightning scars that made him ache and muscles throb in pain. Down to only their shorts, they had kicked off even the lightest sheet they had used to try and some sense of normalcy. The windows were wide open, dried bundles of lavender and vanilla beans hanging in front of each one to try and deter some of the more persistent gnats and mosquitoes to not bite them as they attempted to keep cool.

 

A glance over at his partner and Legend felt a pang of jealousy.

 

He was fast asleep, looking like he didn’t have a care in the world with his face pressed into the pillow and the light snores he gave. Yet despite his jealousy, Legend couldn’t help but give a smile as he looked him over. Blond hair streaked with silver was sticky with sweat and pointing every direction from sleep, his face flush from the heat while those eyes were closed in bliss. If he dared to look he could see the others body and he wanted to reach out and press against him, to feel him. But the humidity made it a less than desirable option.

 

With a sigh of defeat, knowing he wouldn’t sleep anymore, Legend managed to roll himself out of the bed. Not caring about his state of undress in front of the windows (and doubtful anyone was really awake at this hour,) Legend walked over to the door of the bedroom. Stepping out into the hallway that also acted as the entryway, he turned right, stepping further into the home. The other wall led to where his uncle’s room used to be, now held closed to keep the memories at bay, while he walked into the main room.

 

The fireplace was unlit, no point in heating up a home in the summer when it was already hot enough. Herbs were in small pots and baskets around his home, set right at the windows to get their sunlight for their daily growth. To the left was the door that allowed entry into the room, but also his study corner with the large window to let in as much natural light, and bookshelves filled with a variety of tomes. Along his desk and side table he had papers and more books scattered around, his quill pen set aside and his ink bottle open. (He winced at himself, having forgotten to put it away the night before. Maybe he could salvage it later with some water. Or spend the purple Rupee to get a new bottle.)

 

Legend made a mental note to pick up more ink later for his notes, turning along the right side wall to see the table and his kitchen. He passed by the magical ice box and the prepping counters that had a few baskets of fresh fruit to walk to the opposite wall where his large pantry cabinet was.

 

Opening the doors, Legend looked over the items on the shelves; jars of fruit preserves and pickled vegetables, dried fruits from his orchard, and bottles of spices and other seasonings that he’d gathered over the years. A few boxes where he stashed some random sweets or a snack. A loaf of bread from yesterday was still good. He turned back to see the counter and nodded to himself, plan in motion. He stepped away and plucked several fruits out to begin peeling and cleaning them.

 

He grabbed the apples, cherries, and pears, stuffing one of the red fruits into his mouth, before he came back over to grab the loaf of bread to set on the prepping counters beside his small wood stove. He chewed a few bites of his apple, humming to himself as he walked back over to the pantry, getting up on his toes to look up towards the top shelf.

 

He rummaged around jars of preserved vegetables, seeing if he could find the stash of dried meat he had hid back behind the tomatoes to keep his partner from devouring all of it in a single sitting. Finding it, he carefully pulled out a wrapped package and brought it over, undoing the twine to see preserved sausages and jerky for them to eat. As he walked back, he grabbed the wooden cutting board and a knife to bring back to the table.

 

A glance over at the hallway proved that even with the rustling about, the other man was still asleep. Especially judging by the snore he heard from the thin wall. A quiet laugh to himself as he finished the first apple, before tossing it out the window into the compost bin, and he began to slice the fruits.

 

He watched his knife slice through the fruit, juices staining the oak wood beneath his hands, as he found himself drifting. His mind wandered as he moved on autopilot. He stared at the apple in his grasp, blinking as he found images appearing as he stared at the fern-like pattern that splattered his right hand.

 

He could see red. Red like his apples. Red like a bright hibiscus flower. It turned orange. Like the warmth of a fire, or the sunset at sea. Like long strands of hair in the wind.

 

He could hear a bell, tinkling in the air. The cries of gulls in the bright sky.

 

And the gentle song that still haunted him.

 

He jumped when he felt a hand touch his shoulder and he blinked rapidly, coming back to the present to see the other man awake, a sleepy but concerned look on his face. He had stopped moving when he got lost in his mind, so the apple was only half sliced in his hand.

 

“Are you okay?” He asked, and Legend blinked again, before nodding.

 

“Yeah. I’m sorry, Time,” he offered, his voice betrayed him with a light crack in the middle of speaking, but he managed a smile. “I just…. Didn’t sleep very well.”

 

The quiet concern was still there, and Time gave a nod in understanding, leaning in to press a kiss to his temple. “I could tell. You kept tossing and turning.”

 

Legend didn’t believe that- his loud snoring all night was proof of the lie- but he gave a hum of acknowledgement, before he found himself going back to work. Focusing himself back to the present. He heard the other shifting around in their chill box and he could hear a few bottles clinking together as Time pulled one out.

 

“We’re gonna need some more stuff soon.”

 

“Yeah. But we gotta be careful. I think they’re gonna start a ration program.”

 

“Do we wanna stock up on extra?”

 

“That will just make everyone suspicious of us. I’d like to keep somewhat of a good relationship with everyone in town, thank you..”

 

“Yeah. That’s a good point.”

 

Legend glanced over when he heard a bottle be set on the table to see it was one of their milk bottles. He gave a chuckle as he smiled, putting the sliced apple pieces onto Time’s plate before going to the pears.

 

“You and the milk.”

 

“I can’t help it. It really just tastes that good.”

 

“Then you haven’t had the better stuff than that watered down milk.”

 

“You’re the one who got it though.”

 

Legend rolled his eyes as he turned to Time, stopping his knife movements.

 

“Ah, but who was the one who had me buy the new boots for you when your other pair was still in decent order? And thus I didn’t have enough Rupees to buy the good stuff?”

 

Time had the decency to flush but he pouted, opening the bottle to pour some into glasses for both of them.

 

"I suppose those boots weren't exactly needed but you always did complain how bad it stinks," Time muttered as he focused on the food itself. Even then the food couldn't hold his gaze for long, especially when Legend gave him an amused smile. Not like he couldn’t help but smile, especially when Time could melt every thought into slime. What wasn't to love about this man?

 

They worked in the quiet morning hours, enjoying the peaceful moments of breaking their night fast together and preparing it. Sitting down side-by-side, the two exchanged quiet banter and jokes to one another, a jab here or there that was fairly harmless. Sometimes Time would reach his hand out with a slice of fruit to offer to Legend, and he would take it, chuckling slightly even in his overly tired state.

 

It was warm and sweet. A balm to the aching wounds they both felt inside of their hearts.

 

"We should make a list of what we're gonna need to get," Legend commented after several moments of silence, reaching out to grab a few cherries to pop one in his mouth. "Just so we have things covered."

 

"Yeah. Do you want me to go with you?" Time asked, biting into his jerky portion after speaking.

 

"Nah. If you could check the orchard though that would be awesome. Maybe more fruit is ripe enough to stockpile and sell later."

 

Time gave a snort of laughter as he finished chewing his mouthful before pointing the other half at Legend.

 

"You only want me here so I don't make you buy out the meat stall."

 

Legend raised an eyebrow beneath his pink hair before he gave a smirk. "Exactly. And then we won't have enough to buy everything else."

 

Time's pout was rather adorable, along with the blush across his slightly scarred face. "I can't help it."

 

"I know. I gotta tease you a little bit, Fairy Boy."

 

Time stuck his tongue out at Legend and he gave a laugh, unable to contain himself at his partner's antics.

 

They continued to finish their meal in silence, Time standing up in the middle to find the jar of mixed nuts to portion out for each other to have as a snack while they began to make a list of items.

 

"We definitely need to get some more milk."

 

"I plan on it. What did our potion stock look like?"

 

"Uh…" Time trailed off before getting up to check their chill box, the cold air flowing from it a small relief to his sweaty figure. "We've got 5 red potions and 3 green. Could we try and get some cheese too?"

 

"If they have any." Legend carefully scribbled down with his bit of charcoal, pausing as he looked over what they had for items.

 

"I shouldn't have to visit Syrup or Irene for potions, but if we go out into the forest to pick some mushrooms they may make some for us."

 

Time gave a hum as he acknowledged that, rummaging around various jars in the pantry.

 

"Ah ha!" Time sounded triumphant as the sounds of butcher paper being crinkled, and Legend turned to see Time had grabbed the large package of meat. "So that's where you hid it!"

 

Legend gave a groan of dismay. "Dammit. Now I gotta find a different spot!"

 

Time’s indignant look was bordering on being offended. "Oh come on!"

 

"That has to last us for another week, Time! We can't afford to eat all of it in less than 12 hours." Time tried to use his pretty blue eyes as he pouted, hoping he could convince the other without words.

 

"I know you grew up in the forest, but listen, we can't have it all gone within a few hours, hun."

 

Time heaved a sigh of defeat, putting it back on the shelf. "I know. I just… can't help it."

 

Legend frowned, hating the fact that he had upset Time, but he was only looking out for their future. He looked down at the paper in hand for a moment, before he wrote some more on it.

 

"If there's any specials, I'll get some, how about that?"

 

It perked up the others' expression, and Legend couldn't help but find his heart melting at such joy.

 

(He really was soft for this man.)

 

Time looked over towards Legend with a playful smile, keeping his back towards Legend he chimed out.

 

"Legend~"

 

Legend felt a few hairs sticking up as he looked back at Time. Seeing how his back was facing him, completely trusting and allowing Legend to see more than most.

 

"Yes?" He replied carefully as he could see Time messing with something in the distance.

 

"I was thinking that we could probably have some fun–"

 

Legend hummed acknowledging but otherwise was intrigued since most of the ideas Time gave were at best questionable.

 

"And since it's summer, we could possibly do something about the heat." Legend gave another quirk of his eyebrows to that, an amused chuckle slipping from his throat.

 

“Oh really?”

 

It came out more sarcastic than intended, but Time’s chuckle told him that he wasn’t offended. He gave a nod, smiling as he turned around completely, giving Legend his undivided attention.

 

“How do you think we should do that?” Legend asked, grabbing a portion of the trail mix and popping it into his mouth as he waited.

 

Time gave a shrug, looking outside the window as the day grew brighter and brighter every moment. “I was thinking we could go swimming.”

 

Legend paused, about ready to put another handful of the mix into his mouth, before he blinked. Lowering his hand, he hummed in thought, brows furrowing together. It was a sound idea, given the current situation. On the one hand it would be a great way to cool off! They could spend their days in the sun but also not suffer the heat.

 

But on the other hand....

 

He glanced outside his window, seeing the vaguest portion of the main river that ran through the lands of Hyrule and frowned in thought. Lake Hylia would be perfect for them to spend time in, the waters cold and clear from his memory. But at the same time, there were more than just the random encounter with a monster out there.

 

Not to mention how he disliked large open bodies of water.

 

The Zora were more active in the summer months. Which usually meant to more than a few people losing their life in the rivers. He didn’t want to think of what could possibly happen to himself or Time if that did happen. The very idea had Legend suppressing a shiver of fear.

 

He put the handful of nuts into his mouth, chewing carefully as he mulled it over as he picked his next words.

 

“I think swimming would be the perfect way to cool off,” he began, and Time frowned at the cautious tone Legend used. “But Lake Hylia and the River are not the safest places to go swimming. Not this time of year.”

 

“Why?” Time questioned, coming back over to sit beside Legend, grabbing a cherry that hadn’t been eaten yet to pop it into his mouth.

 

“Zoras.”

 

It was a simple response, but the way Legend could see the confusion growing deeper on his face said something else.

 

“Wait, you have Zoras here?"

 

Legend nodded solemnly.

 

“Yeah. They’re not the friendliest bunch. Most of them would easily attack a passerby without hesitation for going into their territory. Or at least the River Zora do.”

 

“Huh…” Time mumbled, pulling out the cherry pit to toss aside later. “The Zora I know have a more… peaceful relationship with the others. More often than not they kinda just mind their own business and let us know about anything suspicious happening in the water ways.”

 

It was Legend’s turn to be confused, the idea of that ever happening in Hyrule was slim to none. Back in Labrynna was a different story, seeing as the Zora there were from the Ocean, and much more amicable with the people of that land.

 

“Maybe that’s another difference to our eras,” Legend offered as an explanation, shrugging a bit as he leaned back in his chair. “But it still doesn’t change the current fact. The Zora are out for blood, and oftentimes it will lead to attacks on people. It wouldn’t be a good idea to go out and swim in the river or Lake Hylia, for our safety.”

 

Time gave a sad sigh and visibility deflated in his sorrow, but he nodded in understanding. Legend reached out to place his hand on his face, cupping his cheek lovingly.

 

“I’m sure we can find a way to cool down though. But for now, how about we get our day started and we can then do whatever we wanted afterwards.”

 

Time leaned into the touch, his weight growing into Legend’s palm, before he nodded in understanding. Gently he scratched at the bit of hair beside Time’s temple, small circles that eased the other into a more comfortable calm.

 

Finally the other lifted his head up, opening his eyes and nodded. “Then I guess we should finish the list, huh?” He asked. Legend gave a nod in understanding, leaning over to give him a quick kiss. He could still taste the bit of cherry on those lips. And he wanted more.

 

Yet he didn’t have the energy to do so.

 

By the time they had finished making the list and got dressed in light clothes, the sun was growing closer to the mid-morning mark. Legend took a quick comb through his pink hair as he glanced over to see Time was doing the same with his hair, pulling it back into a small ponytail and then put on the broad hat over his head.

 

“Alright,” Legend said, leaning closer to Time to press a kiss to his lips again. “Gather up any ripe apples and peaches. Any that are on the ground you leave for the animals.”

 

“Yes, sir,” Time responded, giving a wink before leaning down to give another kiss, purposely trying to deepen it. But Legend pulled back, a finger coming up to push against the other’s nose.

 

“It’s too hot for that, love.”

 

Time pouted but he gave a nod. With his Rupee pouch on hand and list, Legend slipped into his lighter shoes and was the first to exit, Time not too far behind him after grabbing the large wicker basket. Legend watched as Time went to the orchard of trees, unable to stop himself from smiling as he watched him head out.

 

This was a blissful feeling- so domestic and calm in comparison to how their lives had been up until this point. He didn’t want it to end. Ever.

 

He gave a shake of his head as he headed down the path towards Kakariko, taking as long of a stride as he could to make up for time he spent daydreaming about his boyfriend. Passing by groves of trees and plants, Legend hummed to himself as he walked, mentally trying to think of what they could do to pass the time after they get chores done for the day. A few people passed by, giving a passing wave and smile but never getting too close.

 

Legend could understand why.

 

After everything that has happened the last few years, the upheaval of their word twice by malevolent forces caused a great shift to happen in the balance.

 

They were still recovering from not only Yuga’s incursion of dark and twisted magic, but Aganahim’s forces years prior to Yuga as well. It was difficult for all of Hyrule to work through. The guards had been under a deep rooted hypnosis spell, twisting their minds seemingly beyond repair in many cases.

 

The world was attempting to balance itself again, a purge of the dark curse that had been plaguing the lands twice over. Illness was starting, a miasmatic sickness making its way through the people. The crops were beginning to come back after a bit of a scarce year or two but it still wasn’t enough.

 

It always happens in threes.

 

Legend passed by a small grove, his feet moving as he walked, and he glanced over to see the stump there, smiling as he watched Gully run around. He was still a child, and was allowed to be one. Something Legend wished to go back to have, but he didn’t keep with the thought. He gave him a wave as he passed, focusing on staying his course into Kakariko.

 

Legend looked to the blacksmith’s house, seeing that even the fire wasn’t even going for the kiln at this point. That’s usually not a good sign, but Legend wasn’t about to go poking the bear. Not this time at least. He’d like to not have to get put to work right away or get an earful. Nope, he had other things he needed to do and right now it was not working the forge.

 

More and more people were starting to go about their business, some were airing out homes and cleaning what they could, others were talking at a distance from each other or with coverings over their face. It sent a reminder in Legend’s head. He stopped before he dug into his pocket, pulling out his red bandana and tied it up over his nose, adjusting it so it wouldn’t slide up into his eyes, and started walking once more.

 

It was better safe than sorry.

 

He heard his name be called out by a few people, many giving a wave to go along. Legend waved back, giving a few responses before he finally made it properly into Kakariko. Seeing the sight of the market opening up gave Legend a sense of relief as he made his way over. A few shopkeepers called out with a wave, and he waved back, stopping at the first stall to check what was currently out.

 

“Mornin’, Link,” the shopkeeper- Tegan- greeted, voice and eyes showing how tired they were behind the face covering he wore. “Getting some early morning shopping done?”

 

“Yeah. I wanna try and miss any of the crowd that may appear,” he offered as he glanced through the wares, picking up a decent head of lettuce and inspecting the outer leaves.

 

“Not a lot of people come out all at once,” the Tegan stated, glancing around to the few other shoppers that were walking by. “Most are keeping to a new rule. Don’t be in a crowd and try to only buy what you need.”

 

Legend paused as he looked up from the carrots, blinking a few times. “Wait, the castle has made some new rules already?” He asked, tilting his head.

 

“Not yet. But there is rumor that that will be a rule. So along with the decree for keeping one's mouth and nose covered when in public, that we try to keep to ourselves so we don’t pass it along.”

 

Legend gave a nod in understanding before he picked out a few fresh tomatoes and other root vegetables. Getting the Rupees out, he paid for everything precisely, everything put away into his travel pack, before he went to the next stall.

 

It went on like this, stopping by each stall to gather what he needed and making small talk, getting an update of what’s been happening in town and around the rest of Hyrule. The talk of the illness spreading even despite some of the new precautions that people were taking was rather large. But there were also other things.

 

No fish were being sold, which was strange seeing as there should still be fish at this time of year. They should be starting to flourish from Lake Hylia.

 

“It’s strange. The fish are dying out and beginning to rot,” He was told when he asked the very question to another shopkeeper named Imelda, her sigh heavy as she was putting out some new cloth on display. “Usually the early schools of fish should be swimming around in the river at this point, but there just seems to be none. Not to mention the Zora are starting to pick up more and more activity as the days go by.”

 

Legend frowned behind his bandana, this new information perplexing as he grabbed the corner of the soft cotton shirt, feeling the weave between his fingers before deciding against it.

 

“That is troubling,” he admitted, eyes moving over the product set before him but ultimately he didn’t find anything of use for them other than some more cheese cloth.

 

“Oh but listen to me be all negative,” the woman started, giving a small laugh as she tried to lighten the mood. “How are you though? Is your orchard holding up? And how is Trey doing?”

 

Legend blinked before he flushed a bit, his ears wiggling as he scratched at his scalp. “He’s doing alright. Still getting a bit used to how things are around these parts. But we haven’t been able to get into trouble lately.”

 

“Good. I don’t think we need another incident like what happened in the Milk Bar. I don’t think you and Trey need to end up doing the walk of shame home after having a bit too much to drink,” she teased, her eyes drifting over to the business itself. Legend gave a heavy sigh, remembering how Time and him certainly had gotten in trouble with that.

 

(By dancing on the table and singing (very off-key) love ballads to each other before ending up on the floor after one of them (Time) lost his footing and dragged the other down.)

 

“I’ll try not to cause more trouble,” he said with a laugh. It was nice to be able to see the other people warming up to Time, or Trey as he’s called by them, and he felt a bit better that he could be himself.

 

He made his purchase of a bundle of cheese cloth, before he went to the last stop before he went back home to put everything away.

 

He stepped up to the stall where various cuts of meat were on display, all smoked and dried on the outside to preserve it for the long winter months.

 

"Link, glad to see you again," Gustav greeted, his smile up to his eyes behind his bandana.

 

"Yeah, glad to be out too. What kind of special do you have today?" Legend asked, curious looking at the shop sign for anything of interest.

 

"The usual, of course. Though I just finished curing some beef and im trying to see if I could get someone to try it."

 

Legend gave a thoughtful hum as he glanced at the slice of beef. It looked very well preserved with spices rubbed in, the outside a dark glaze covering it indicating the slow smoking process.

 

"Sure. If it's good I'll definitely pass the word along." Gustav gave a laugh and nodded, undoing the twine that held up the slab before he pulled from his pack a roll of knives.

 

"Let me cut a slice for you to taste," he offered, and Legend watched as he first cleaned his hands and knives using a wash bucket and soap.

 

Handed the thin piece, Legend could see the smoke rings in the meat and smiled, before politely dipping his face down to pull the bandana, and chewed on it.

 

"Okay that is good," Legend commented, nodding enthusiastically as he put his covering back up. "I wouldn't mind a few parcels of that."

 

"I thought so! I know Trey is going to love it."

 

"If I don't hide it from him!" Legend remarked with a laugh. But watched as Gustav set out to carve portions of the meat. Making idle chat with each other before he paid the man, and went on his way, waving at people as he walked.

 

By now it was getting hotter out with each moment the sun was out, and Legend could feel the sweat staining various parts of his trousers and shirt as he walked home.

 

Not even the animals were out and about, preferring to stay closer to the shade of the trees than to go foraging for food at this hour. As he walked the path around the cliffs and groves of trees, he tried to think of what they could do for the day when they had gotten everything else done.

 

He heard the sound of metal armor before even rounding the corner, and he glanced around to see the same blue armor of the guard patrol for the royal family. He froze, seeing they were too busy with fiddling with a sign to notice him.

 

He went back around the corner after coming back to his senses, heart hammering in his chest as he was vividly reminded of his first adventure.

 

Human faces but soulless eyes. Dogged pursuit and monotone words. A mission not of their own will.

 

"Help! It's the kidnapper!" Someone cried out, fear in their voices as they brought to him the seemingly relentless people.

 

Running could only go so far, and the patrols would increase in areas he'd been spotted.

 

How many lives had he taken?

 

He brought himself back out of his mind with a thump of his head against the tree he hid behind, gritting his teeth as guilt threatened to eat at him.

 

It would do no good for him to think of the past. He can't go back and change it. He shouldn't go back and change anything.

 

They weren't mindless puppets. They weren't just mindless beings controlled by dark magic.

 

He took a deep breath before he stepped back out, walking on by as he attempted to keep himself calm.

 

"There, that should hold steady for a while," the one on the left said, lifting his helmet off to wipe sweat from his brow.

 

"Yeah. I hope so. It would suck having to put another one up in a few days."

 

"Let's just hope everyone that passes by can read it."

 

"I'm sure they will. Maybe we should put red paint on it? Catch attention?"

 

Legend could help listening to the conversation, and he cleared his throat. They jumped in surprise, whirling around to see him, bandana up over his nose and a wave.

 

"What's the news from the castle?" He asked, watching as the guards stepped back to let him view the new sign. Walking forward, he took the time to read the careful script.

 

“Given the grave state that our fair kingdom of Hyrule is facing, the Royal family has taken into account the needs of the nation as a whole to make it through the troubling times ahead of all of us.

 

By order of the Royal Family, due to the increase in illnesses across all social backgrounds, all social gatherings must be limited to no more than five (5) individuals outside of immediate family.

 

Frequent cleanings of a person's hands- in particular before eating or touching one's face- is encouraged to ensure that one does not inadvertently contaminate themselves.

 

The Midsummer Festival set to begin on the 15th is put on hold until further notice to conform with the decree of social gatherings as above.

 

As well as the increase of illnesses we are also barring commercial fishing in the River and Lake Hylia, as well as recreational activities in the waters due to the increased hostilities from the Zoras- Despite the good-will intentions from Queen Oren.”

 

Legend skimmed through the rest of the bulletin, frowning as he read about the rationing program would be starting within the week, as well as an advisory to make sure to boil water before using it in consuming food or drink as an extra precaution.

 

He pinched the bridge of his nose, nodding to the guards as he began his walk again. He could feel the headache starting to sharply appear right behind his eyes at the new rules and decrees being put into place. But, it was for everyone’s safety.

 

As he was getting closer to his home, he happened to glance to his right only to pause. His home was across from the area of a marshland that was the Southern Ruins. He could see the grassy fields of the marsh starting to dry up with the constant heat, but he remembered just further in there was a section of the marshland that had more water than grass.

 

No one could swim to cool off in the river or the lake.

 

But a pond would do it!

 

A small bright spot appeared in the rather bleakness of the past few days, Legend ran as quickly as his feet could take him before he came back to his home. He opened the door quickly, stepping inside the relative shade of the house before he saw Time was setting down the large basket of fruits, his face drenched in sweat even from under the wide brim of his hat.

 

“Welcome back,” Time greeted, giving a tired smile as he started to pull out the various fruits.

 

“So you know your idea for swimming?” Legend began, already walking over to the table as he began to unload his magical pack to sort later.

 

Time’s brows furrowed in confusion, blinking rapidly at the other before nodding. “The idea you said wasn’t really that good?”

 

“Out of safety concerns, yes. But! I know a way we can go swimming to cool off.”

 

Time tilted his head curiously, waiting for Legend to speak a bit more.

 

He pointed outside towards the front door, which was also facing the entrance to the Southern Ruins. “Out there in Southern Ruins, there’s a big pond that we could use to swim around in and cool off.”

 

The way Time’s face lit up at this idea, the pure joy he felt expressed in his face and the way his ears wiggled happily. “Really?”

 

Legend gave a nod, finishing in unloading the purchases onto the table before taking the bottles of milk and block of cheese over to the chill box. “Yeah. Maybe we can make a picnic day out of it. Just you and me.”

 

Time nearly dropped the basket as he tried to put it on the table, before he was quickly reaching out to grab the other into a tight hug, squeezing him with all his strength.

 

“I would love to!”

 

Legend found himself grinning before pulling back, taking Time’s face into his hands as his thumb traced over the set of scars that ran across Time’s left cheek. “Then I think we should get our other chores done before we go out, so we don’t have to worry about a thing when we get back.”

 

Time leaned down and pressed a deep kiss against Legend’s lips, humming happily as Legend kissed back. Salt came at him past the feeling of dried and chapped lips, but Legend didn’t mind, reaching his hand up to card lovingly through the long strands of hair that had fallen out of the hair tie that now lay in his fingers.

 

Pulling back, Legend leaned his forehead against Time’s, looking into pretty blue eyes that stared back.

 

“Yeah. Do you want to do laundry today, or wait until tomorrow?” Time asked, his arms looping around his waist as they swayed a bit, enjoying the moment they had going on.

 

Legend gave a hum as he thought about it, eyes closing briefly before he opened them back up.

 

“Tomorrow. It’s predicted to be windy so that could be our big chore tomorrow. Besides the orchards of course.”

 

Time gave a hum of approval, before stepping out of Legends arms and stepped back over to the fruit. “Then let’s get moving.”

 

They moved well together, weaving around each other as they tidied up from breakfast, sorting through clothing to be washed tomorrow and general upkeep of their household items. Legend prepared lunch for them, packing all of it away with a small cold runestone inside to ensure nothing spoiled while they swam. He also pulled out one of the Red potions to place it inside, as well as stashed a large jar of dark brown salve to tuck into the basket.

 

By the time they were done, they were heading out the door, a bounce in their steps as they walked hand in hand. The sun was high in the sky, already the air growing more humid but they paid it no mind. The breeze was warm but a refreshing balm to their sweaty faces.

 

Stepping into the Southern Ruins, Legend was quick to drag Time over to the large pond by the statues. The water wasn’t the prettiest, but even in the shallow end they could swim and cool off in the dark waters. Nearby was a lone tree, providing just enough shade for them to rest at and eat lunch when they were done.

 

“Is the water supposed to look like that?” Time asked, his face set in a frown as he stared at the water, head tilted slightly. Legend glanced over and frowned, looking closer at the water.

 

It was a murky green color, patches of tall grass and cattail reeds around the shore and further in dotting the water. Closer to shore the water was a bit clearer to see the silt bottom but there wasn’t anything too disturbing to notice right off the bat.

 

“I don’t think so? But I don’t think it’s bad,” Legend began, reaching the hem of his shirt and pulled it off over his head, giving his messy pink hair a toss out of his eyes so it didn’t stick to his forehead.

 

Time gave a hum before he did the same, and Legend couldn’t help watching Time’s back, muscles moving to show prominently, scars shifting and accenting the long life of battle he’s had.

 

(He just wanted to reach out and trace each one, to hear the story of how he’d gotten them and what he did to ruin the monster that had gotten past his guard.)

 

He couldn’t help his eyes dipping lower as he looked at Time’s butt when the other bent over to work on taking off his boots, before he caught the other looking at him, eyes glinting in mischief.

 

“You’re more than welcome to help me~”

 

Legend flushed, ears wiggling in his embarrassment as he looked away. “Sh-shush!” Time’s laughter at his flustered squeak only made him grow more embarrassed. He went over to the basket and pulled out the one jar he’d packed away.

 

“Before you go in though,” he called out, only to stop with a laugh as he caught Time struggling to get his pants off that were bunched around his ankles.

 

“Stop laughing at me!” Time shouted back, his own face growing pink when he looked back. Legend couldn’t stop his giggles as he came over, allowing the other to use him as a steady solid object so he could get his feet untangled.

 

“Be-before you go into the water,” Legend began again, voice cracking with giggles, “You need to put some of this on.” He held up the large jar between them. Time looked at it, ears perked up as he watched Legend undo the ring to take off the lid off of the homemade salve.

 

“What will that do?”

 

“It’ll make it so you don’t get sunburnt,” Legend explained, taking his fingers to scoop up a glob of the clay-like material, rubbing his fingers together lightly to show how it absorbed into his skin.

 

"It's made with various plant extracts, some mud, and a bit of magic. I've used this numerous times and it's worked for me."

 

Time looked skeptical at the concoction before he gave a nod and bent down to let him begin to smear the substance along his ears and face. Legend was quick and efficient, paying special attention to his nose, cheekbones, and ears where he could see the very subtle marks of freckles where Time has been burnt before. Then, he motioned for him to turn around as he spread it across his back and neck, teasingly running his finger down the others spine that made him shiver.

 

"Don't start something you won't finish," Time muttered, voice low and it made Legend squirm, before he rubbed the salve into his back, keeping extra attention to his shoulders and neck area before he reached out to hold it out to Time.

 

"You think you can put the rest on yourself?"

 

Time gave a thoughtful hum before he took a liberal amount before applying it, watching as he rubbed it in to see it disappear.

 

"Huh…" he mumbled as he took some more. Legend could only smile as he took some out himself and began to work it into his arms, alternating in holding the jar in the opposite hand.

 

"Here, let me help," Time began, reaching to take the jar from Legend before he started to apply it to his face. Legend closed his eyes, not wanting to get those clumsy fingers poking him. When Time stopped, Legend dared to open his eyes, only to go cross eyed as he watched a finger covered in the salve press against the tip of his nose.

 

Time gave a loud and hearty laugh, doing it again before he moved to Legend’s ears. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist it,” he offered. Legend just stuck his tongue out at him, but he moved to shift his bangs away from his face to let Time have more room. He was then motioned to turn around, and Legend did so, relaxing as he felt him applying the homemade sunscreen.

 

“How long does it last?” Time asked curiously, working a bit more of it at the nape of Legend’s neck and shoulder.

 

“Depends. A lot of swimming or physical activity will make it come off quickly. I’d say we reapply it within the next hour.” Time gave a hum of understanding before he held it back out, a smile on his face.

 

“I’m gonna go into the water now.”

 

Legend gave a nod, looking out to the water for a moment as the wind blew by, sending ripples along the surface. “I’d suggest staying closer to the shallow end. I think there’s a large drop off as you head to the other side, and it surprises everyone.”

 

Time nodded before he was racing over, his feet splashing loudly in the water before he was diving into the water. Legend gave a shake of his head, watching as the man came to the surface and tossed his bangs from his face, grin splitting across his face.

 

He walked over to where he had placed the picnic basket once again, kicking their clothes over with him before he finished applying the sunscreen over himself. Standing in the shade of the tree, Legend found himself watching Time as he lazily floated in the water, every now and then diving into the depths only to come back up.

 

A longing came to him and he decided he may as well join as well. Shucking his pants and boots off, Legend made his way over in his undershorts to the water. Just as he was about to step in, he felt the cold droplets of water hit him in the chest and he jumped, glaring at Time who had splashed at him.

 

“Come on! Stop being so slow!”

 

Legend stuck his tongue out before he raced in himself, diving down into the murky depths before he rose to the surface, popping up right next to Time. A shake of his head to get his hair from his eyes, and he gave the other a grin, moving up into his space.

 

“Well, here I am. Anything else you wanna complain about?” he teased, reaching his arms out to loop around Time’s shoulders. Time’s hands were placed on his waist, and Legend allowed himself to drift a bit closer, both of them standing in the water with their feet planted firmly in the silt bottom.

 

“No. Just glad to finally see you relax now,” Time offered. Legend heaved a sigh, shaking his head briefly before he leaned up and caught the other in a kiss. Slow, languid, he didn’t want to hurry this. It was a quiet moment between both of them that had no one else to look at them, to judge them. Not like any did anyways, but he still didn’t want their stares. Or their questions really. They keep forgetting that he liked his privacy. Even if he was doing some PDA.

 

Pulling back from the kiss, Legend brought his hand up and cupped at Time’s face once more, just focusing on his eyes. “I love you,” he whispered, the warm breeze making him shiver when it brushed against his skin.

 

“And I love you, too,” Time responded, leaning in to steal another kiss, before he gave a wink and swam away, purposely kicking the water behind him to get Legend in the face.

 

“Hey!” He shouted with laughter, splashing back at Time.

 

“Sorry, couldn’t help myself,” Time challenged, his voice smug with satisfaction like his grin as he moved a bit further away from yet another splash.

 

“You’re far from sorry! So don’t play coy.” It only got more laughter from Time as he dove back down to escape. Legend could only shake his head but he allowed himself a moment to relax, just floating in the water. It was cool and relaxing, and he found he could enjoy a moment of peace and calm after all the adventures he’s been on.

 

Opening his eyes again, Legend glanced back over to see Time was lazily swimming still, just as relaxed as he was. He took the moment to look around, eyes scanning to see if anything would appear to indicate danger or other people coming by.

 

His eyes landed on the northern shore, just up by a group of statues that were half crumbled into decay. He squinted, the sunlight growing a bit brighter, but he swore he could see a group of fishbones haphazardly tossed into the grass. There shouldn’t be any fish bones there...

 

A sense of dread collected in his stomach, and he looked around frantically, but there was nothing. No whirlpool, no bubbles, no glowing eyes. Nothing to indicate a Zora was here. He relaxed, heaving a sigh of relief as he sat up a bit in the water.

 

Something still nagged him though, and he took a moment to see Time was taking a dive again under the water. Panic rose sharply as he watched it take longer than usual, but the anxiety was washed away when Time surfaced, pushing strands of hair from his face.

 

“Hey, Time?” Legend called out, getting his attention. “We should stop for a bit to eat something in the shade. Don’t want to keep swimming with an empty stomach.”

 

“Okay,” Time agreed as he tread water. Legend turned around to head to shore, his eyes fixed on the picnic basket. He got out of the water- the deluge that followed after having taken a dunk making a loud ‘splash’ against the wet ground- before he was walking through the grass to the tree.

 

There was another sound, a different type of ‘splash’ and as Legend turned around, he heard Time give a loud yell of surprise. He watched as the green amphibious form of a Zora appeared from the water, webbed hands tipped with claws reaching out to latch onto Time.

 

He was already racing over as he watched the Zora take a large bite into Time’s neck, before he was being pulled backwards, words garbled and gibberish as the venom was already taking effect.

 

“Dammit!” Legend shouted before he flailed out, grabbing Time’s hand to begin pulling him ashore, before the Zora could drag him down to the depths of the pond. “You’re not taking him, bastard!”

 

He found his footing and managed to pull Time’s head up over the water, letting him get some air, before Legend took his fist and slammed it into the Zora's face.

 

The piercing cry it gave made his ears ring, but he watched in satisfaction as it let go, blood pouring from the puncture wounds on Time’s neck. Legend gave another punch, ensuring that it was stunned, before he was prying webbed claws off of his boyfriend.

 

“Don’t you dare die on me now,” he hissed, pulling Time onto shaky legs as they made it to shore. A glance back and he saw the Zora had recovered, before it was diving back down into the water, eyes glowing as it sat under the surface.

 

“Wha…” Time began, his speech beginning to slur as he looked in confusion between Legend and the water.

 

“Zora venom,” Legend explained simply, taking him over to the picnic basket. He was very glad he remembered to pack away one red potion.

 

It would stop the bleeding and a majority of the effects of the venom, but it still wouldn’t be enough.

 

“I don’t…” Time mumbled, lowering himself to the ground as his eyes started to droop.

 

“No! Stay awake!” Legend hissed as he pulled out the stopper, before he was helping to tip back Time’s head and pressed the glass to his lips. “Drink this. It’ll help,” he pleaded. He watched Time take gulps of the potion, his face scrunched up in apparent disgust before finally the dosage was gone.

 

“You’re gonna be okay,” Legend whispered, finding the handkerchief they were gonna use to wipe their hands from lunch and he folded it, before pressing it into the bite wound on his neck. “You’ll be okay.”

 

“I’m… I’m tired,” Time offered, his whole body starting to go lax as he sat there under the tree with Legend. He reached out and gave the other a firm shake, trying to keep him conscious but all it did was have him flop over and press against Legend.

 

“Warm…”

 

Legend grit his teeth as he checked the bite wound, seeing that it was already closing up from the help of the potion. Good. That’s one less thing to worry about. Legend jumped slightly when Time wrapped his arms around him, pressing close as he hummed.

 

“Uh…. Time?” he mumbled, flushing as he tried to disentangle the other from him but he was clinging closely like an octorok. 

 

“Stay close…” Time mumbled, his voice thick with what Legend could assume was sleep, and he grit his teeth. He couldn’t have him fall asleep, not out here!

 

“Okay… okay let’s-” Legend was looking around frantically, trying to guess how far they would have to go before they got back to his house. “Let’s get you home.” He managed to get standing, grunting with effort as he dragged Time with him, before he had the taller hero lean against him as they began the agonizingly slow walk back to the house.

 

It was made more difficult with how close Time was trying to get, pressing up against him, humming sleepily into his ear, hands clumsy but still moving around in daring motions. But he ignored the roaming hands as they came upon his house. He didn’t care if he was soaking wet or if he was going to ruin things. He needed Time to be safe.

 

He pulled Time into the bedroom area again, plopping him in the wooden chair next to the bed as he got several towels out, wrapping one around the hero before setting the other onto the bed.

 

“Leeeeg?” Time drawled, his words still slurred but he was still awake.

 

“I’m here,” he responded, coming up and holding his face in his hands. He could see the faint pink color appearing on his cheeks, and Legend frowned as he looked him over. Pupils dilated, his breathing was stable but starting to grow more rapid, shivering even though it was still warm out and wrapped in a towel.

 

“Stay?” Time managed out, nuzzling his face into Legend’s hand as his eyes closed, ears wiggling lightly as a purr started to reverberate from his chest. He looked Time over briefly again, before he sighed.

 

“Let me get you something real quick, okay?” Time gave a pitiful whine, hands trying to reach out to grab him but Legend was able to push them away, hurriedly rushing to his storage chest to find his crate of antidotes.

 

He finally found all the tiny vials and tried to find the one with the Zora marking on it, his heart rapidly beating in his chest as he felt ready to panic. The red potion will slow the progress down, but who knows what kind of effects Zora venom could have on Time. Especially with the years that have happened, along with natural evolution.

 

Finally he found it, the tiny vial wrapped in a piece of parchment that had a drawing of an angry Zora. He hissed as he stubbed his toe in his haste to get back over, before he was opening the vial.

 

“You gotta take this,” he said in a frantic rush, helping to tilt Time’s face back just enough before pouring it down his throat. The shock on Time’s face made Legend wince before he put his hand over Time’s mouth, ensuring that he didn’t spit it out.

 

“I know, I know,” He whispered, his eyes squeezing shut as he felt sympathy for his boyfriend. “But you gotta swallow. Please just swallow it.”

 

Finally after a tense moment he heard the other swallow, the noise bringing a sense of relief before he finally removed his hand. Time was still flushed in the face, though he looked far from pleased. He watched the other groan as Time placed his head into his chest, pressing close as Legend stroked his wet and tangled hair soothingly.

 

“‘M tired,” he mumbled, pressed as close to Legend as he possibly could. He gave a sigh before he stepped back, before helping to dry him off.

 

“Let me get you out of those wet shorts and dried off. Then, you can sleep,” he offered, taking the towel that had been around his shoulders to start drying his hair, taking it out of the hair tie that had managed to keep it mostly tangle free. Wiping his body off, Legend focused on the step by step process of taking care of the other hero, not dwelling on the scars or the way the other looked. There was a time for that and it wasn’t while he was under the effects of Zora venom.

 

He managed to have Time lift himself up out of his soaking undershorts to kick aside, before he got him into the bed- naked at that- andcovered up by a sheet to keep some warmth around him. He finally allowed the other to sleep to allow the antivenom to work its magic.

 

The antivenom should be starting its course now. He should be fine. I got it in him within the window of time, he thought to himself, heaving a sigh as he looked back over at the sleeping figure. Before he took the towel from earlier and began to dry himself off, frowning as he glanced outside. It was still bright out, the day just going past noon, and Legend knew that the rest of the day was ruined.

 

I gotta go back and get our stuff. And maybe teach that damn Zora a lesson! He seethed in his head, rubbing the spot between his eyes as he felt that headache coming back full force from earlier. Lack of sleep, the heat, stress, and now Time getting injured like this. Really, this was just not his month so far.

 

Dressing in dry clothes, he glanced at Time who was asleep, his arms curled around Legend’s pillow to press his face into it. Legend bit his lip as he mused for a moment in the quiet of the house, before he grabbed his sword and marched out of the house, intent to go back to the pond to give the Zora a piece of his mind.

 

At the pond, he glared out to the water as the way it rippled with movement under the surface. He took a closer look and saw that there were more fishbones than he had originally seen before, but the Zora wasn’t leaving.

 

There can’t be any more fish in there. So why is it staying? He questioned himself, seeing the fin pop up from the water as it turned to look at him, trying to stay hidden in the grass and cattails in the water. He could see the eyes glowing at him from the depths of the water. He heaved a sigh as he walked over to the basket of food and their clothes.

 

He should kill it on the spot. He should just get rid of it! But something didn’t seem right. Another glance over and he sighed, before picking up the basket and walking closer to the edge of the pond and waited.

 

He watched in contemplation as it slowly began to move closer, head peeking out from beneath the water, eyes darting between him and the basket. Legend dared to look down at the container, before he carefully reached in to pull out some of the smoked meat they were going to eat on lunch.

 

“I shouldn’t be giving any of this to you,” he grumbled as he took a piece and tore it apart, before chucking it into the water. The Zora waited a moment, eyeing it warrily before suddenly he saw it race forward and snatch it out of the water, diving down to seemingly devour it.

 

“Why are you here?” He questioned, not sure if he would ever get a response as he stood at the shore. There was only silence for a moment before the Zora popped back up from the water.

 

“Fish dying,” it garbled out. Clearly this Zora was not in contact with the Hylians often. “Water causes sickness. Zora cannot eat.”

 

Legend frowned in though before he tossed some more in, more questions burning in his mind.

 

“The water is causing sickness?” He asked, hoping for clarification. He watched the Zora quickly eat again, ravenous still even after large helpings.

 

“Cannot breath in water. Burning. Itching. Pain. Cause sickness in Zora and fish.”

 

He tossed a chunk of bread to the Zora directly, not wanting it to get soaked with the pond water. “How long has this been going on?”

 

“Storm.” Was the only response he got. Legend frowned, remembering a few weeks ago there had been a storm that had sent a large mudslide from the mountains into the river. But they had cleaned that up.

 

Or did they?

 

“Why haven’t you left yet?” Legend questioned as the Zora popped back up once more.

 

“No strength to make whirlpool. Got stuck.”

 

Well that makes sense. With a sigh, he chucked in the last few bits of meat into the water before he looked back. “Finish eating that and then go back to let Queen Oren know that Link will be up to help.”

 

The Zora blinked, halfway to taking the chunk of food into its mouth, before finally nodding. It was a moment later that in the water the whirlpool appeared and he saw the Zora dive in, before the swirling portal was gone.

 

He gathered up their items once more before trudging back to the house. If there was something happening with the river, then that could be the increase in the attacks on Hylians from Zora, who were desperate for food.

 

First though, he had to take care of Time.

 

Back in the house, Legend kicked the clothes over to the pile that had grown in the corner, before he sat himself on the bed, wiping his face of sweat, and saw Time was still asleep, his face flushed but his breathing was even and calm.

 

Exhaustion was weighing on him, and Legend knew he wouldn’t be doing anything else without Time at his side. He took a moment to pull his clean shirt off and laid down beside Time, bringing a hand up to his lips as he gave the scarred fingers a kiss one by one.

 

“You better wake up and be sane,” he mumbled before he gave a squeak of surprise as Time seemed to reach out in his sleep, pulling the other closely into his arms as he pressed his nose into Legend’s neck.

 

Legend closed his eyes, giving a sigh of exasperation, before reaching out to hold him as well. He was thoroughly trapped, without any way to get out. Though he couldn’t help but blush at feeling the rather interesting problem Time was having. Especially when it pressed against his ass. (A side effect of the venom perhaps?)

 

“Hmm…. Legend,” Time mumbled sleepily, before he began to softly snore. Legend had to resist turning around, had to resist every urge in his body that tempted him to do some things that weren’t right. Especially with how Time had been acting. He resolved himself to use this chance to take a nap as well.

 

As the heat surrounded him and led him to drifting into fitful sleep, Legend couldn’t help but wonder about one question on his mind.

 

How did he end up in this relationship again?

 

Especially from someone that was his predecessor from eons ago.

Chapter 2: Spring Light

Summary:

How it all began, and the 'oh' moment we all know we've had in our lives.

Notes:

not much to warn about in this chapter.

Angsty trauma, painful memories, and also the panic of the 'oh' moment. also nsfw mention for masturbation as well later on.

The cold spring morning was abruptly interrupted by a heavy knocking. Perhaps this was just purely bad luck. Maybe something else entirely. But nothing changes the fact that he received a message from a completely red-faced, heavily breathing knight in full metal armor. He ignored the title of ‘Sir Link' as he took the letter and offered his thanks to the man, before he stepped back inside his home and opened it.

 

“Dear Link,

 

I will explain the situation briefly.

 

Last night the soldiers spotted a person of unknown origins in the courtyard. He claims to be uncertain of how he had gotten there, but he was armed. Many of the guards believe him to be some sort of assassin from a different land, but I do not think so.

 

To ease some of the worries of the Nobility of the court, I ask that you please come and assist in gaining information from him. You have a keen eye in detecting those that are unsavory and of ill will.

 

If you could come at your earliest convenience, it would be most appreciated. Inform the Guards stationed that you are here at the behest of Princess Zelda and are under orders to meet me in the Tea room. If necessary, present this letter as evidence.

 

With best regards, Princess Zelda Camellia Hyrule XX"

 

Just below the signature was the wax seal to signify this is truly from the Princess. Link heaved a sigh, rubbing his forehead. It was too early in the morning for any of this. But he had a job to do. He put the letter by his boots, hurriedly stuffing his mouth full of dried leftover fruit from winter and some bread as he hopped around to put his clothing and armor on.

 

He shoved the letter into his pouch and put his feet into his normal boots, securing them with one strap each, and finally grabbing his sword and shield. Stepping outside, Link gave a full body shiver before he was taking a quick pace. It was still chilly out in the morning, and he wasn’t about to take his merry time. He was summoned by the Princess and he was bound to just get this over with.

 

The walk to the castle was uneventful as the wind nipped at parts of his exposed skin and made the lightning scars ache. But when he finally made it to the castle gates he saw the increase in guards posted out and about, looking rather cold themselves from the chilly air.

 

He lifted his arm up in a wave as he drew closer, drawing their attention.

 

“What brings you here?” One asked through the chatter of teeth, and Link felt a pang of sympathy for him. But, there were more pressing matters at hand.

 

He reached out and pulled his letter from his pouch, presenting it. “I was summoned by Princess Zelda to meet her this morning.”

 

The guard looked through the words, hands tumbling as he held the parchment, before finally nodding while handing it back.

 

“Then you may enter the castle.” He reached out and pulled from under his armor a small golden whistle, before he gave three sharp tweets. There was a moment of silence before the large gate opened, allowing him to enter into the courtyard.

 

“Hope your shift change arrives soon,” he called out, not paying attention to any more grumbles they may have as he quickly slipped inside. Frost still dusted the grass and bushes that served as decoration for the central courtyard, while the beginning buds of flowers were struggling to arise from the cold ground. Although one of the bushes looked a little rough compared to the rest.

 

Passing through the main door, Link took a glance around to try and see if anyone was around to lead him to the Tea Room. Or at least announce his arrival.

 

A passing servant noticed him and she stopped, her hands shaking as she held a tray. “Sir Link?” She asked, and he gave a smile, nodding as his hair tried to sweep from the right side of his face.

 

“Yes ma’am. I was summoned by the Princess to be here.”

 

“O-oh!” She managed out, before looking a tad frantic. Link just waited, allowing her a chance to gather herself.

 

“I-I’ll let the Chancelor and Lady Impa know about your arrival sir! Please wait here!” She scurried off, her shoes clicking with her steps across the floor. Link took a moment to watch her leave, before he sighed and stepped aside, leaning against the wall as he allowed himself a moment to think and catch up.

 

The Lorule invasion led by Yuga had happened only 5 months prior, and they were still recovering from the events that had happened to them. Not to mention he was still trying to sort out what he really wanted to do with his life after all that he’s done.

 

He liked being a blacksmith, learning to craft weapons and fix shields and armor. He felt better being able to stand at the forge and the anvil, to find his mind focused and relieved of stress as he lifted the hammer and swung it down into the folded metal, elongating it before he would heat it again. But he also loved tending to his orchard, seeing fruits hanging from the branches and flowers blooming.

 

But now this. Now he was a Hero from many adventures across not only Hyrule, but Holodrum and Labrynna as well. He was tired. So to have something else happen now after such a short time frame? He was seriously wondering what the Gods’ were doing to allow so much shit to happen.

 

“Ah, Sir Link.”

 

He jumped as he heard the raspy voice call out to him. He turned and saw Lady Impa coming towards him, her eyes sharp and knowing, but exhaustion was placed over her like a too large coat that dragged behind her.

 

“The Princess is expecting you. Please, come this way.”

 

Nodding, Link followed the sage at a respectable three paces, allowing her to set the pace.

 

“Far too much is happening these days,” she stated, turning to look behind her to him, eyes carefully looking him over. “You, yourself, have been through much as it is.”

 

“Yes it… It is a trying time for the kingdom.”

 

“Hm. Indeed. Though this… I am not certain it is so bad.”

 

Link frowned, not sure what her cryptic words meant, but he allowed himself to continue through the halls and stairs, until finally she stopped in front of a door. Lifting a hand, she gave a firm and solid three knocks.

 

“You may enter,” the voice called out, and Link watched as Impa opened the door, gesturing for him to follow inside.

 

“Link has arrived, Your Majesty,” Impa introduced, and Link gave a small bow to Impa in thanks before turning to Zelda.

 

If Impa looked tired, Zelda looked more so. Even dressed in her regal dress and crown, her face painted to hide the tired parlour she no doubt had, Link could see it in her eyes. They were not the bright shining blue of curiosity and knowledge, or understanding and compassion.

 

“Ah. Thank you for coming on such short notice, Link.” Zelda greeted, standing from her chair to walk over to him. Out of reflex, Link took to the knee in a bow, before her tired laugh caught him off guard.

 

“Remember, in private you don’t have to do that, Link.” Her face looked warmer with her laugh, a sign that she wasn’t so bogged down with stress that she didn’t feel like being herself in private. Link gave a nervous laugh before standing, wincing as his left knee protested the movement.

 

She asked, guiding them to another room where it was covered from wall to wall with candles. Almost all of them were alight, casting the room in a cooler warmth than the previous room.

 

As they sat down and tea was being poured, she looked away from him merely for a minute before she carefully picked up her cup of tea.

 

"Let me get straight to the point of why I asked for your arrival." She paused to take a sip of her tea. "Last night a few knights were doing their patrol around the courtyard when something fell from the sky and landed in one of the courtyard bushes.

 

"However when the knights went to investigate, they found a lone individual who was just as confused as we are." Sighing lightly as she put one hand near her temple.

 

Link tilted his head as he calmly drank the tea.

 

"Even as well armed as the individual was, he didn't fight our knights. Such a disturbance  caused the Nobility to grow suspicious with the belief the individual is an assassin."

 

Link gave a thoughtful hum as he sipped his tea, trying to see if any of what he'd been told added up to such a conclusion, but there was something missing.

 

"Did he say anything? Make any remarks other than his apparent confusion?" He asked, hoping to glean some insight from what little they did know.

 

"Just his name…" she trailed off, her shoulders drooping in her exhaustion as she manages to lift her cup once more. He waited in silence for her to speak, not daring to take another sip for fear of spewing it out in possible shock.

 

"He said his name was Link."

 

He still choked on his air at hearing that, eyes wide as he felt his mind come to a screeching halt.

 

"He called himself 'Link'?!" He hissed out, making sure he understood just what the Princess was saying and that he wasn't hallucinating.

 

"Correct. That is the name he gave us."

 

A fire of anger was beginning to burn. Someone was trying to impersonate him, and it wasn't going to end well if they were yet another dark force after the Triforce.

 

"Where is he being held now."

 

Zelda lifted her gaze to him, eyes sharp and cutting through any haze of uncertainty. "He is being held in the dungeons. Provided with food and water and bedding."

 

Link nodded before finally taking another sip of his tea, biting his lip as he thought of his next move.

 

"I would like to speak with him myself. Perhaps we can get more information from him."

 

Zelda gave a nod, setting her cup down as she carefully took a bite of her breakfast scone. For all the years he's known her, Link knew she was trying to foresee any problems they may have if she did this.

 

"Then when tea is finished, we shall go down at once."

 

Link sighed in frustration, but he understood her tactic. She was going to draw this out. Make their prisoner more anxious that they had planned.

 

He could wait.

 

Descending the stairs down to the imperial dungeon was always a frightening affair, something that brought back more memories than he felt comfortable having invaded the forefront of his mind.

 

They were greeted by the guardsmen at the door, Link and Impa at Zelda's side, before they went to the back cell.

 

The newly detained 'assassin' sat up in his bed, long hair a mess that stuck to his face in blond and silver streaks. Their prisoner seemed to be waking up (if the yawn was any indication.) A loud ‘crack’ sounded when he stretched his arms up, and Link gave a wince. Those beds weren’t the most comfortable.

 

"Good morning to you," he greeted, voice cracking and rough with sleep as he bowed in his seated position. Zelda tilted her head in greeting, standing tall before him.

 

"You call yourself Link," she began, her words spoken cautiously as she stood on the other side of the bars. Link could see she was uncertain, but he stayed back, watching what he would do.

 

"Yeah. My name is Link. Still not exactly sure how I ended up here, really."

 

He gave a snort, crossing his arms as he stepped up towards the bars beside Zelda. "I call bullshit." He could see the confusion on the others’ face made him frown but he was doing his damn hardest to reign his temper in.

 

"Because I'm Link."

 

The impostor blinked a few times, looking back and forth between him and Zelda.

 

It was silent as the other ‘Link’ motioned between the two of them, and Link raised an eyebrow. He couldn’t tell what the myriad of emotions that crossed his face were, but he seemed to settle on bewilderment as he reached his left hand up to scratch his head.

 

“Okay this is getting really strange,” he mumbled. “I uh… don’t think I’m in the correct time period…”

 

Link glanced over at Zelda and Impa, his confusion mirroring theirs as they glanced at him too.

 

“What do you mean?” Zelda asked him, Link nodding along with that.

 

“Well…” ‘Link’ began, taking his fingers through his long blond hair. “I’ll try to explain it briefly?” Link gave a quiet snort but he kept quiet. Especially when he got a reproachful look from Impa.

 

“I was trying to use an old magic spell I found to… to look for someone. Someone I had known dearly as a child.” His gaze turned downwards to the ground, hands twisting and braiding his long hair in a seemingly mindless motion. “I’d been missing her for a long time and… well when I found the spell I tried it right away.”

 

Zelda gave a slow nod, and Link gave her a questioning look. She seriously wasn’t believing him, was she?

 

“It’s pretty old, and the paper was pretty faded- along with the ink. So, I tried to guess what the words were.” A dry laugh had Legend snorting too, realizing exactly what he did.

 

“It ended with me here and now… well it is what it is.”

 

Link gave a groan as he rubbed his hand across his face, just imagining the headache that was to come with him here.

 

“So you’re telling us,” he began, his eyes landing on the impostor with a glare. “That you decided to use a magical spell that you had no clue would even work, botched it, and landed here. While also claiming to be named Link.”

 

“Uh… yeah. That’s what happened. And I am Link.”

 

“There can’t be two of us at the same time.”

 

Zelda reached her hand up to stop any possible squabbling, her face calm and stoic. “If this is true. Do you have the paper with you to validate this story?”

 

‘Link’ had a slightly perplexed look before he gave a nod. “It’s in my bags. I’m sure if you were to look that you’d find it.”

 

Zelda turned to Impaand nodded to her. “Please retrieve his items so we may validate his claims.” the elderly safe nodded and walked over to the door to inform the guards. 

 

Link pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache starting to come forth, trying to put this puzzle together. The sound of the chest being dragged over and then dropped in front of them drew his attention again and Link stepped forth and opened it. He saw a few travel packs on the belt, green tunic and some chainmail stored away, boots, and his sword and shield.

 

He reached out to the hilt of the blade, grasping it with one hand and the scabbard. It wasn’t heavy, but it was still solid. He couldn’t help his curiosity as he drew the blade out. It was long, the edge sharp still even with the apparent age it held. He couldn’t help but marvel at the pattern on the blade, going from gold to silver in a diamond-like pattern, while the handguard was facing towards the end of the blade.

 

“This is a finely crafted blade,” he admitted, holding it horizontal in both his hands as he felt the weight. “Quick, sharp. And I’m trying to guess the components it’s made out of.”

 

“Magical gold dust.”

 

Legend turned to give the other ‘hero’ a raised brow. “You’re joking.”

 

“Nope. Terminian smith used some magical gold dust from Goron’s to create that.”

 

Link had never heard of the lands, and there have been no Goron’s around since the fall of the Hero of Time in Hyrule. They all left Hyrule to seek the safer lands of Labrynna and Holodrum.

 

He quickly put the sword back into its sheath, not willing to deal with the headache that was trying to understand the other. He set it aside and found the magical travel bags. Opening one up, he stuck his arm in as he searched around. He felt a variety of items pass by his fingers but nothing that felt like paper. He has the bag up to his shoulder, trying to reach as deep as he could.

 

“Uh, try the second one. I think that one has most of my weapons.”

 

Link gave the other a look while Zelda giggled behind him. Extracting his hand back, he went and opened the second one. He felt cool glass with his hand, rummaging around blindly still.

 

Finally, he felt it. Old paper. Carefully he grasped around the small folded piece of paper, and removed his hand. It was folded to be no bigger than his palm.

 

“That's it!” ‘Link’ exclaimed, getting up from his bed to get closer to the bars. He was still far enough back that he couldn’t reach out to Zelda or Impa.

 

It certainly looked and felt old. Link carefully unfolded it, hearing the paper crackle slightly with the movement. Thankfully it didn’t fall apart as he finally took a glance to try and read it.

 

“Uh…” he mumbled, his eyes glancing over the symbols but they looked nothing like the Hylian script that he’s used to seeing. It’s not even close to Labrynnise or Holodrumian. No Goron or Zora script either. Slowly Link walked over to Zelda and Impa, holding it out for them to see for themselves.

 

“I can’t understand at all what it is.”

 

Zelda gave a hum as she studied the paper in his hands, not touching it but her finger was carefully moving along with the lettering. “It seems familiar.”

 

The impostor spoke up from his side of the jail cell. “It’s written in old Kokiri.”

 

“Kokiri?” Link asked, turning to look at the other in confusion. “What are the Kokiri?”

 

‘Link’ gave a sad sigh, ears drooping down as he worried his lip and looked away. “They are…. Were… the people that raised me. In the Lost Woods.”

 

“Ah!” Impa suddenly called out, turning to look at the other closely. “We have old records of there being creatures of the forest. But those are eons old, and many consider them to be legends.”

 

“So I’m in the future?”

 

Impa gave a nod to the other man. “I am afraid so, dear. The land of Hyrule has seen many things in it’s time, most just recently. But we are hardy and strong, and unwilling to back down.”

 

‘Link’ gave a nod, taking a thumb to his lips and was chewing on the nail slightly. “I wonder how far into the future I went…” He mumbled under his breath, but Link heard it. He turned to look at him, frowning as he finally saw something.

 

“What’s that?” He asked, gaining their attention but he was staring at the taller man. “On the back of your hand.”

 

‘Link’ blinked a few times before he lifted his left hand up to look at it. Before he turned his hand around to show them all.

 

The mark of the Triforce of Courage.

 

Faded and old. It was a scarring that was etched into his skin from where the golden power had resided in him. Link reached out for his own hand, pulling his glove off before he revealed the same thing.

 

One heartbeat. Then a second. Quiet settled over them as they looked at one another. They were both Heroes, chosen by the Triforce of Courage.

 

They were both Link . They were different incarnations of the same person.

 

Well shit.

 

“Guards, release him and then please leave us.”

 

Zelda’s sharp tone startled everyone in the room. But, the guards came over and unlocked the jail cell before promptly all of them left. (Though Link knew they were just outside the door, either to listen in or to be ready for when something happens.)

 

The other stepped out slowly, still dressed only in a pair of trousers but he didn’t seem too bothered by the chill in the dungeon. He kept a respectable distance though, brows furrowing.

 

“It seems there are some mistakes that have been made. I owe you my deepest apologies,” Zelda stated, giving a low curtsy to the other. ‘Link’ waved it off, a nervous laugh bubbling out.

 

“L-listen, if I was in your shoes I would do the same! I wouldn’t believe a single thing I would have said either if I was in your position.”

 

Link still frowned, pocketting the paper to study later as he crossed his arms.

 

“So, what year are you from?” He asked, wanting to gain more information before he could think to trust him.

 

It wouldn’t surprise him if this was a trick played by darker forces.

 

The other hero heaved a sigh as he scratched his scalp. “Uh… I don’t know exactly?" He stopped counting years and decided to go with Eras. "I come in the Era after the Force Era.”

 

A quiet settled over them as they took in the information from Link.

 

“Are you…” Zelda began, her voice dying out as she looked at him. “Are you the Hero of Time?”

 

What!?

 

Slowly the other nodded, biting his lip.

 

“Yeah. I was named Hero of Time. Of course… I don’t do any particular time travel right now.”

 

That was impossible.

 

“The Hero failed,” Link whispered, remembering the old stories that he’d been told by his uncle all those years ago.

 

Silence hung over them all with his quiet revelation, seeing the confusion and hurt that crossed the other hero's face, and he looked away from the sight.

 

"It was his… his death that had the seven sages seal Ganon away into the sacred realm where he created the dark world, which is also Lorule."

 

Zelda nodded, her own face solemn. "Yes. That is true." Zelda lifted her head to examine the taller man before her. "If you certainly are the hero of time, how is it that you are yet alive, when in our history it is said you fell in battle."

 

The Hero of Time gave a shrug to the question, unknowing of the answer either.

 

"Perhaps we can discuss this in a more… private setting, your majesty," Impa offered, her red eyes flicking over to the door. 

 

"Of course." Zelda gave a nod before she turned away. "Impa, could you please lead them both to the drawing room when he has gathered himself?"

 

"Of course."

 

Link stood there as he watched the other 'Hero'. Something wasn't adding up still. Link just couldn't figure it out though.

 

When the other hero was back in his clothing, he looked more like he had back during his adventures, and there was just something startling similar between them.

 

Green was a good color that they both bore well, the same blue eyes but also different. He had more of an angular face, perhaps an indication of his age?

 

(Why did that thought make his heart beat quicken?)

 

He kicked himself out of his thoughts before getting too wrapped up in them, and headed to follow Lady Impa back to the previous room.

 

The sun had risen higher in the sky by the time they were back in the drawing room, where more breakfast items had been brought up and offered to everyone.

 

"Now, to continue where we had left off," Zelda began, eying the taller hero for a moment as he took a cautious bite of his first snack.

 

"If you truly are the Hero of Time, then you must know of a few lost relics that the Royal family once had."

 

Link eyed the princess for a moment, wondering if this was some sort of test.

 

"I know of a few, your Majesty," the other hero stated, wiping his mouth with a napkin provided. "But even I can't name all of them."

 

"Hmm…" Zelda hummed, her eyebrows crinkled in thought.

 

"Many know of the loss of the Bound Chest as well as the symbol that we once held. Tell me of the one treasure the Royal Family once held in secret."

 

Link stared at Zelda in surprise, her eyes cold and calculating. But she was undeterred. "There tells the tale that the Hero of Time was given something most sacred to the family, and when he fell it was lost from our history."

 

The silence hung in the air like a thick smog, everyone holding their breath before the other Hero carefully reached into his bags, and then placed it on the table. Carefully he began to unwind some sort of cloth that was surrounding it, before revealing what was underneath.

 

It was like any Ocarina he had seen before, however the color was a rich purple-blue that still held a grand luster. He could sense the ancient magic still possessed inside it, and Link had to repress a shiver at the sheer feeling of magic that danced across his senses.

 

"In my time, I was gifted this by Princess Zelda XI. She blessed me as a child to take it and use it as a messenger of the Royal family after my deeds. This… is the Ocarina of Time."

 

Legend dared to look away to study Zelda’s face once more. Her shock was apparent as she had her hand hover over the instrument, the faint mark of the Triforce glinting in the candlelight, before she looked back up at the other Hero for a moment.

 

“This…” She began, her words stopping as her voice cracked. Link looked between her and the other hero for a moment, before catching Impa’s eye.

 

She was just as watchful as he was, but she didn’t seem alarmed. Calm and calculating as Zelda had been before. Finally, Zelda pulled back her hand and sat down once more.

 

“I can sense the magic this item still holds,” She began, words slow as if she was choosing her words carefully. “However. I would like there to be one more test, before I grant my full trust.”

 

The other hero gave a nod, his hands staying on the table as he waited, his blue eyes glancing over to Link briefly to catch his gaze. He just raised an eyebrow, not wanting to speak up just yet.

 

It still felt weird and off. He should be dead. He should have failed and yet here he is, saying he succeeded in defeating Ganon. His ear twitched as he caught the faint whispers from Impa and Zelda, both of them being as quiet as mice with a discussion.

 

“The test, young man,” Impa began, pulling away to fix him with a stern stare. “Is to play a song.”

 

Link could only stare at Impa, his mouth open in disbelief as he tried to comprehend it. “A song?” He asked aloud, unable to hold back his disbelief. “Lady Impa. I don’t mean to think you’ve lost your mind, but have you actually lost it?”

 

Impa gave a sniff, a smile working its way to her face. “No. I have not.”

 

“There are many songs that I know,” the other Link began, resting his chin on his folded hands as he looked to the two ladies. “What song would you like to hear?”

 

Link wanted to reach out and kick him in the shin, just to stop that stupid smirk from crossing his face.

 

Zelda said nothing for a moment before she looked back down at the Ocarina. “Something only the Royal family would know. Outsiders would never know it.”

 

Silence followed before the other hero gave a nod. Lifting the instrument up, he brought it up to his lip and positioned his fingers. He was quiet, eyes closed as they waited on bated breath. Then, he began to play.

 

It was gentle but high pitched, a few notes to begin as it played. The way it was played, slow and almost sad made the hairs on Link’s arm stand on end and he felt… strangely calm.

 

He chanced a look to Zelda to see her hands were up to her mouth, covering it as she looked… relieved? Sad? The way her eyes were wide and full of unshed tears.

 

Finally, he stopped playing and let his arms fall to rest in his lap, smiling. “Does that sound right to you, your Majesty?”

 

Zelda managed to get herself back together before she nodded, hands dropping down as she gave a smile, blinking rapidly. “Yes. That… that is more than adequate, Hero of Time.”

 

Link stared at the instrument once again, a million questions flying through his mind. How is this still possible? What changed the timelines? Is this going to cause problems for those in the future?

 

It was still too early in the morning to even begin to contemplate the repercussions of time travel. But even as he felt a headache starting, he couldn’t help but smile at the way Zelda looked visibly relieved at hearing the song.

 

“What is the song?” Link asked curiously, tilting his head towards the other Link to indicate who he was speaking to.

 

He just gave a soft sigh as he fidgeted with the instrument. “It’s called Zelda’s Lullaby. It was sung to her as a child and turned into a Lullaby, but it is used as an indication of the arrival of the Royal family.”

 

Link gave a slow nod, before heaving a sigh. “I admit, I could fall asleep to that song.” It got the other to snort with a laugh before he reached out and took a sip of tea.

 

“I believe your identity has been proven,” Zelda spoke up, sitting more regally in her chair once more before picking up her tea cup. “Though I do not think it wise to announce such a presence is here in our timeline.”

 

Link groaned, the headache coming back full force at what would happen should this be revealed to anyone outside of the guards and those in the room.

 

“I can already tell how much of a shitshow it would be.” He could feel the glare from Impa as he hid his face in his hand, trying to push away the headache and the myriad of questions that wanted to appear. “Pardon my crass words.”

 

“You know I’ve heard you say much worse in the courts, Link.” Zelda easily waved him off before he heard her adjust her seat once more. Looking up, she seemed to visibly relax more as she took her tea cup in hand again.

 

“Impa,” Zelda began, drawing their eyes to the older woman. “If you could prepare a room for him in the guest quarters, I would appreciate it.”

 

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Link watched Impa hobble off, and he finally looked at the other Hero.

 

“This is gonna be weird. With two people being called Link in the same room.”

 

The Hero of Time gave a nod, a quiet chuckle coming from his throat at the very image that he could guess played through his head.

 

“I don’t think anyone would be very appreciative of me being called the Hero of Time either for a name.”

 

“No. I don’t think that would be wise.” Zelda looked between the two of them for a long moment before speaking up again. “I believe you need a new name to use when out in the public.”

 

Her stare at him made him shift in his seat, frowning at the way she just bore into him. “What?”

 

That smile of hers wasn’t a good sign either. “Why don’t you come up with a name for him, Link?”

 

He arched a brow at her. “What do I look like, his father?” He questioned as he motioned to the other Hero. “For one, why not let him pick his own name. Two, I suck at names.”

 

The other hero gave a tired sigh. “Trust me. I’m not good with names either. I tried to name a pet rock. I just called it Stoney.”

 

Link couldn’t hold back his laughter as he gave an undignified snort, unable to stop himself as he hid his face.

 

“Stoney?” He managed to ask through his laughter, trying to quiet the spasms of his diaphragm as he held in his laughter. Time gave a chuckle and nodded. “Yeah. I was…. 6 I think? But he was the best pet I ever had.”

 

“What happened to him?” Zelda asked, unable to help herself in questioning more from the other hero.

 

Time gave a chuckle. “Well. Sometimes I throw my chances away at having good pets. In this case… I quite literally threw him. At Mido. Across the pond he skipped along the water before hitting the Kokiri in the butt.”

 

Link lost it. He absolutely lost himself in laughter at the image of the Hero of Time as a child, throwing his pet rock across the water to hit someone on the ass with it was too much. He found himself leaning back in the chair as he dissolved into loud laughter.

 

Zelda was giggling as well, shoulders shaking as she fought desperately to hold it in, unlike himself. Time gave a laugh as well, leaning back in his chair as he had a fond smile on his face. “It proceeded to bounce off his butt, and then go right back into the water to never be seen from again since I couldn’t swim at the time.”

 

“I’m dying!” Link managed out, gasping for air at the mental image of a rock bouncing off the kids butt to plop into the water.

 

“What was he made out of?” Link managed once again, trying desperately to calm himself to actually speak normally and not between cackles and gasps of air.

 

“Magic. Kokiri are magic.”

 

Link found himself laughing again, thumping his hand on the arm of the chair to try and keep from smacking his tea cup.

 

He was starting to warm up to the guy.

 

------

 

It'd been a few weeks since the arrival of Time, which was the nickname they decided to call him in private to keep the confusion to a minimum. However, it was far from a perfect name.

 

Deep in the royal archives, Link- or Legend as he's called- and Time were researching into old magic tales, trying to find any old writings or texts to match what Time had presented as the spell he used.

 

He could still remember how the conversation between himself, Time, and Zelda went when it came to his new nickname.

 

(“I think the name is very fitting, Link! You are quite the legend around not only Hyrule but also Labrynna and Holodrum!”

 

“...Fine. But only when it’s me and him. Otherwise I am Link. Not him.”)

 

He shifted through the various tomes and scrolls, idly skimming through the contents before finding it was a bust. The next book he found was in the entirely wrong section, and it made Legend frown but he decided to check it out.

 

Why is there a census book from 5 generations ago here in ancient tales? He asked himself, finger skimming across the old parchment to see names that held no meaning to him.

 

Then again…

 

Closing the book, Legend gripped it as he slid down the ladder to touch the ground before walking back over to the table they were using for their research station. Seeing how Time was scrunched over made Legend wince in sympathy for his back, but he said nothing as he walked closer to the other.

 

Time was using the feather of his quill to guide his eyes through the long sentences in the scroll, brows furrowed as he concentrated. Legend came up and plopped the book down on the table, startling the other hero and making him look up.

 

"It isn't the book we were looking for," he began, sliding it over to the other. "But I think that you should read it and finally pick out a damn name."

 

Time gave a roll of his eyes but pulled the book closer, opening the cover to glance at the pages. The raised eyebrow Time gave was amusing to Legend.

 

"Why are we using this?"

 

"Because it's old, and not a lot of people would have these names in this day and age, let alone be able to remember who they are related to."

 

"That's…" Time trailed off as he bit his lip, trying to clearly find a solution to some inner thought. "Well… let me look."

 

Legend took the seat beside him, grabbing one of their other books to begin skimming through the contents in some vague hope.

 

"These are some… interesting names."

 

Legend gave a snort as he leaned back in his chair, resting the book on his stomach and his hand at the top. "I suppose it was to make some sort of lasting impression. You can see it didn't ask long."

 

"You said it," Time agreed before flipping to another page.

 

"Chadwick?" He asked out loud, making Legend turn to stare at him.

 

"What? Call you Chad? I don't think so. You don't fit the name of Chadwick."

 

"It was just a suggestion."

 

Legend reached out and lightly smacked the others arm. "It was a horrible suggestion. Pick a different one."

 

Time stuck his tongue out to the other before he began to read out more names.

 

"I doubt Freddickson or Galvon are good names."

 

"If you wanna be called a slew of names, go for it."

 

"You're a lot of help."

 

"I told you I suck at names. I would have picked something simple like Trey or Jameron."

 

Time was silent for a moment before he gave a hum.

 

"Trey actually sounds good."

 

"You're shitting me…"

 

"Let me find a last name now."

 

"You can't actually be serious!" He hissed out, sitting forward to face him properly. "I was saying it as a joke . I wasn't actually being serious."

 

"But it works. Not like I'll be here for long honestly."

 

Legend closed his book before using it to swat the other in the chest.

 

Time turned his attention away from the book towards Legend, tilting his head to a side while looking somewhat amused.

 

"I don't know if you know this, but hitting me with that book will not make this go any fast." Time said slightly amused as he glanced back at the book.

 

"No, I clearly didn't know this. Any other facts you want to hand over?" Snarkily he laid back in his seat, slumping slightly at this unholy mess that he had started.

 

"You can't read the book's pages if you don't open it." Time couldn't stop the smug little smile that bloomed across his dumb little face.

 

"Any more you want to bring back from the stone age?" Legend grinned as he glared lightly to Time, finally seeing his smile stretch.

 

"You know, I have a feeling you don't like the name you have blessed my ears with."

 

Rolling his eyes, he looks at one of the opened books laid unbothered since this morning. "What makes you think I don't like it?"

 

"Hmmm, maybe you want the name for yourself."

 

Every thought stopped as he whipped his head back to Time, silently he could feel the need to smack him once more.

 

"Time, I can and will jump over this table and smack you with the said book," Gesturing to the still closed book in his hands.

 

"Make me."

 

Legend could feel every fiber in his being telling him to follow through but he really didn't want to face Zelda's wrath if either of them ever damaged any of the ancient texts.

 

So instead he opted to stay silent as they stared into each other's eyes, silently questioning who will break the silence first.

 

"Trey Stone."

 

"No."

 

"What's wrong with that?"

 

"I understand you had a pet rock, but that doesn't mean you need to add ‘stone’ into everything you do."

 

"Is that so? Then why don't you come up with a last name then. Didn't realize the chosen hero is picky about my name."

 

"Fine! I will then!" With being put on the spot, he realized he had no idea what last name would work with Trey.

 

Legend heaved a sigh before he rubbed his forehead in frustration. “Ugh... Stone it is. Just… be sure to make the mention you aren’t related to Lieutenant Stone in the guards.”

 

Time gave a nod, his smile turning more smug, reaching out to poke Legend lightly. “I’ll be sure to remember it. Just don’t forget it yourself.”

 

“I won’t.”

 

“Suuure,” Time teased before he set the census book aside to pick up his earlier book from before. Legend didn’t give him a response, opening his book again where he had last seen and tried to look up some sort of information. The silence hung over them in the quiet of the archive, the only sounds were them shifting in their seats, and the turning of pages.

 

There was something that still bugged him. Just something he wanted to know.

 

“Hey,” Legend started, biting his lip nervously as he tried to figure out how to word what he wanted to ask. “You mentioned before about being raised by the Kokiri.” Legend looked away from his book again and tilted his head curiously.

 

“Yeah. I was.”

 

He didn’t sound offended or upset, but the dubious tone he used spoke more than his words did.

 

“What are they like? From your era that is?”

 

Time sighed as he put his book down again, reaching his hand to scratch at his scalp and ruffling his hair. “How do I describe them…” Legend watched as he started and stopped, as if wanting to voice something but also wanting to not say it.

 

“They… are beings composed of old Fae and forest magic. They are the whimsical spirits of nature given humanoid forms. Wanderers of the woods, protectors of nature, and the innocence of childhood to explore and discover the world.”

 

Legend listened quietly as Time spoke, taking in the words he said and how he spoke so fondly, so quietly.

 

There was something familiar about how his eyes looked; distant, far away, and yet consumed in memories.

 

(It was like looking into a mirror.)

 

“I was raised to be like one of them when I was just a baby. There were some… things that happened and I was brought there to be safe. I grew up for a few years in the forest. I learned of the passing of seasons, of the wild life around me. To venture and understand what’s around me. But… the one thing that kept me from being ‘like’ them… I didn’t have a Guardian Fairy.”

 

Legend frowned, leaning against the table as he listened more and more to his tale. “Guardian fairy?” He repeated, making sure he understood.

 

Time gave a nod. “Each Kokiri is assigned a Fairy by the Great Deku Tree. They were to watch over us, protect us, and guide us. Our fairies would let us know when we were somewhere dangerous, or to act as a distraction should something from the forest make its way over. But… I didn’t have one.”

 

Time was silent for a while as he fiddled with his sleeves, rubbing the hem between his fingers nervously. “But then one day…. A fairy came to me.” Time’s face brightened up with the smile that spread across his face.

 

It was something that Legend felt the need to see more of.

 

(He didn’t know why though.)

 

“Her name was Navi. She said the Great Deku Tree had sent her to find me, and that we had an important mission. To speak with the Deku Tree. It… was where my adventure began.”

 

Legend nodded as he leaned back in his seat again, contemplating this.

 

Guardian Fairies. Deku Tree. Forests. Fae magic.

 

“Sounds like it was quite the entrance to the whole thing.”

 

Time gave a hum before giving a tired sigh. “It was… a challenge. To say the least. Being 10 years old and all.”

 

Legend’s brain screeched to a halt at that.

 

“Wait. Back up.” He twisted to face the other completely, not sure if he heard that right. “Did you say you were 10 years old when you started your adventure?!” He asked, feeling a sense of hysteria beginning to claim his mind at the mere thought of a child doing that.

 

Time nodded with a sardonic smile. “Yeah. I went and gathered the Spiritual stones and entered in the Door of Time to the Master Sword. But… I wasn’t old enough to defeat Ganondorf back then. So the Goddess’ sealed me away when I pulled that blade to awaken 7 years in the future, where I was old to actually use the full might of the sword.”

 

Legend frowned, trying to think if there was anything like that in the stories he’s heard about time travel from the Master Sword. But nothing came to mind. By Din’s strength, people still thought the blade to be a myth before everything happened with him. But he is living proof that sometimes myths do have a spark of truth in them.

 

“I don’t know about traveling in time when I pulled the Master Sword,” Legend began, starting slowly to think of his words. “But honestly? With how things have been in my adventures, it wouldn’t surprise me.”

 

Time gave a nod as he looked at the books before both of them. Legend looked at the stacks of books and scrolls again, giving a sigh.

 

Was it worth it?

 

A glance over to the other Hero, seeing the sad look in those eyes. Legend could kick himself right now for being so damn soft.

 

If it made Time happy and safe again, then he would do it.

 

He would make sure the other got home to his Era safely.

 

“Going back to the Kokiri,” Legend started once more, trying to go back to what they were talking about. “Do you remember them doing any magic around you? Or was it just in the whole uh… forest?”

 

Time frowned, brows pinched together as he looked thoughtful.

 

“Well… I don’t remember anything specific with magic. It was just kinda… all around us.” Legend nodded in understanding.

 

“But…”

 

But?

 

“I do remember other Hylians saying that Kokiri are creepy with their glowing eyes. Not that I saw that myself with them but. Who knows?”

 

Legend frowned at that, before giving it some thought.

 

“Alright, if I saw that at any point in my adventures through the forest, I probably would have freaked out too.”

 

“Yeah. That would be scary.”

 

“It does remind me of the Thornbloods.”

 

The confusion on Time’s face told Legend everything he needed to know. He reached out and found one of the old fable books, tugging it carefully from the stack they had before he dusted the cover.

 

"200 Fairy Tales and Stories. Cautionary Tales Both Old and New," Legend read the title before he flipped open the book, skipping pages and chapters before he finally stopped.

 

“Thornbloods. They were also called Thornhearts or Hedge Keepers.” Legend paused as he turned to show the picture hand drawn into the book.

 

It was something truly made of nightmares. Decaying wood mixed with bones of animals, a thick tar-like sludge holding it together as it looked no more the size of a child. The terrifying part were the eyes, glowing deep in pits of darkness as a mouth was open in a grin with jagged 'teeth' on display 

 

"That's…." Time began, biting his lip as he trailed off. Legend could see his eyes darting around the picture, and he pulled the book back.

 

"This is an interpretation of what was seen. It could very well be different, if true." Legend consoled before he flipped a page. He took a moment to clear his throat dramatically, glancing back up at Time as he regarded the sentence on teh page?

 

"They say to never go into the woods alone. To never venture off the path laid before you. If one steps off the path, you are then brought to their attention.

 

Who's they you ask?" Legend paused for dramatic effect, seeing Time was listening in.

 

"They are the Thornbloods. Dark keepers of the forest who take any child that wanders too deep into the trees.

 

“I'll tell you the tale of how they came to be known. It all starts, with three brothers.

 

“Three brothers lived in a small cottage just beside the woods. They're mother always told them to watch out, to not go playing in there.

 

"The oldest was daring and bold, ready to take on any challenge and face all fears and defiant of their mothers warnings. The middle was curious but cautious, wanting to understand why they couldn't go. The youngest was fearful, believing what their mother told them but always following behind, not wishing to be left out.

 

"One day, the brothers were playing at the edge of the forest, not dipping into the trees but still in its shade.

 

"'I don't think there's anything in there,' said the oldest, looking prideful and smug. 'I think mother just wants to keep us locked inside!'

 

"'Maybe there is something, but we don't know what' said the middle, looking into the trees.

 

"The youngest said nothing, reaching out to the middle brother to hide behind. 'It scares me…'

 

"'What are you, a Cucco?' The older called out, laughing all the while."

 

Legend paused to wet his throat, smiling as he saw the way Time was on the edge of his seat.

 

"What happened next?" Time asked, like an eager puppy to learn and listen. Legend smirked to himself as he flipped to the next page.

 

"Before the youngest could respond, there was a cry that came from the trees. The three looked out, before the oldest turned to them.

 

"'Someone's in there!' He called before racing into the forest. The middle brother followed behind just a few steps.

 

“The younger wanted to stay back, but he was torn. Finally he followed after them, calling out 'wait for me' and 'don't leave me behind.' He followed through the trees, tripping and stumbling, but finally the youngest caught up to his brothers, who were staring up.

 

"They were deep in the darkness of the forest, and what stood before them was a massive old tree; old and bare of leaves where there were gnarled carvings to look like a sad face.

 

"The brothers stared up at the tree, before in the dark hollow they heard a sniffle and sob. The oldest led the way, wanting to prove he was brave and heroic. The other two followed, worried but wanting to know.

 

"They say that in the tree were carved weird symbols and figures meant to frighten. But there, in the hollow of the tree was a child.

 

"Its back was turned to them, and they couldn't see much other than dead leaves put together as clothes and long hair. Slowly the oldest brother drew closer, the middle stepping closer as well while the youngest hung back.

 

"'What's wrong? Are you lost?' The middle brother asked, getting close to the oldest brother. The youngest could only watch as the child turned, and then he ran away in fear.

 

"A face twisted and monstrous, hands like gnarled branches and tipped with claws while it dripped with something dark and poisonous 

 

"Its laughter echoed behind the youngest as he ran away, followed by the screams of his brothers. He ran and ran, crying out for anyone to help him, hearing more laughter chasing behind him.

 

"He ran as fast as his legs could until finally. He made it out of the forest and back home. When he retold the tale to his mother, she was just as frantic to save her other two boys. She told him to stay put and lock the door, to not let anyone in.

 

"She rallied the village and they searched the forest, but there was no sign of her boys. When she came home at night, she was met with a horrible sight.

 

"Her youngest lay in his bed, skin ghost white and eyes blank, but etched into him were markings that glowed a sickly purple.

 

"You can run from the Hedge Keepers, but you won't lose them forever."

 

He ended the story at this, looking back up to see Time’s pale face.

 

"Too scary?" He teased, unable to help himself. Time quickly shook his head and looked away.

 

"No! Just… that tree mentioned there…" Time trailed off, looking away before he sighed and shook his head. "It's nothing like the Kokiri. Not what I grew up with."

 

Legend sighed as he closed the book and set it aside. "But times are different now.. who knows what could have happened in the thousands of years from your era to now."

 

Time hummed before he rubbed his forehead.

 

"Should we take a break?" Time asked, looking up at Legend with tired eyes. He gave a hum in thought before nodding, stretching his arms up as his back gave a quiet pop.

 

"Yeah. We should go get some food while we're at it."

 

"Yeah. I agree."

 

--------

 

The few weeks they've been in the library have turned up nothing, and they were awaiting access into the deep archives for any information.

 

Time realized he could not count on the hospitality of the Royal Family the whole while he was here, and had asked if there were any places he could stay while doing research.

 

Unfortunately at this time, the Lunarfall Festival was underway and many people from around the countries were pouring in and taking up rooms at the local inns and staying with family.

 

It's why Legend and Time were rooming in Legend's small cabin, both trying to figure out the other's schedule and habits to coexist together in relative peace.

 

Relative is the word in question.

 

"Time, we can't keep buying meat!" Legend exclaimed, his face twisted in frustration at the fact yet another week's worth of jerky and smoked meat was devoured.

 

Time had the decency to look ashamed, fiddling with the twine that had wrapped the packages. He didn't even say anything, no excuse to give for once again eating the meat.

 

Legend sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he fought to keep his temper in check. Time was like a kid, not comprehending the long term effects of what is being spent or what happens, and then he'll have the most profound and wise moments of a man much older than he lets on.

 

It was a puzzle to figure out… when Legend wasn't feeling ready to throttle him.

 

"I'm gonna find a way of cursing the meat packages so you can't get into them at this rate."

 

Time lifted his head up from the bowed pose he had been in, and looked up with sad eyes. "I'm sorry…"

 

Why him? Why was he such a damn sucker for puppy eyes? First it was Zelda, then Gulley, then Ravio (though more in his pleading tone and begging hand motions,) and now, the Hero of Time was giving him those damn watery eyes.

 

With a heavy sigh, Legend sagged where he stood as he rubbed his temples. "If we get any more," he paused, making the other look up in piqued curiosity. "Then one you are paying for it, and two we are rationing it so it's not gone in a day. Or I'll hide it."

 

Time pouted but he gave a solemn nod in understanding, reaching up to scratch at the nape of his neck.

 

With that finished he rubbed his hands through his hair, lightly putting a little pressure and decompressed from that. Closing his eyes as he allowed the little pressure to swim downwards past his shoulders and feet.

 

Silently he did the mental math and task between when the market will sell more of its smoked meat stock. Breathing light and low, switching between his hair and shoulders, lightly rubbing circles on his neck, feeling the world underneath him spin slowly. To feel the world's heartbeat underneath his floorboards, beneath his shoes, socks, and feet. Opening his eyes once more as he looked at Time, seeing this ridiculous tall man be so different from the stories they know.

 

From what the Hylian library holds that is.

 

It faintly brought a small relief learning that he wasn't some stuck up, sick and twisted, ill-fated Hylian. He was normal, he had emotions, and he is so selfish… To freely express his emotions and his thoughts. To be like– like this. A small reminder that even a hero can be selfish even if they eat all their damned rationed meat.

 

Legend sighed before he eased the tension in his neck and shoulders before sitting into the chair nearby.

 

"Is there anything else you enjoy other than meat?" Legend asked, hoping that they could find something that would be useful in taming his apparent love for protein.

 

Time gave a hum, looking thoughtful as he gazed to the ceiling.

 

"I do like Lon Lon Milk."

 

Legend couldn't help but give a chuckle, a smile breaking out on his face.

 

"That, we can easily get more of. Though it’s not from ‘Lon Lon.’" Legend reached out to pat one of Time's hands, showing he wasn't upset anymore. "How about we finish things up here and I take you to the tavern? I'm sure we can have a nice night out."

 

Time slowly gave a smile and nodded, before he stood. Legend followed, cleaning up the mess in the kitchen before they went to finish their chores. They separated to work on their own chores for the day, cleaning up from the past few days.

 

He heard a soft humming and Legend paused in his work, turning to glance over. Low and calm, the voice made a song that was upbeat and cheerful. Legend couldn't help but smile as he watched Time hum to himself as he went about to wash the dishes in the tub, his eyes focused on the motions.

 

Then Time’s face split into a smile and gave a quiet laugh to himself.

 

Seeing that smile had his heart beating faster, Legend had to quickly turn away and get back to his own work.

 

(Why was his face hot?)

 

------

 

The Lunarfall Festival was only a few days away, and Zelda had given him the lovely idea of opening up a small stall to have for the kids. It would be fun to test how his art skills have developed since he was 14.

 

The only hard part was finding where he put the paint pigments. He had the base to use to mix in the colors, but it was finding the powder colors to mix in to create what he wanted.

 

He was down in the shed just outside his house, pushing past all the various items he had gathered through his adventures to the large chests in the back. He had searched his home top to bottom but there was nothing, so this was the only other spot he could think of other than the root cellar.

 

He opened his third chest, shuffling through old clothes to see if he had stuffed it in some sort of shirt or trousers. He idly put clothing outside that he found, a reminder to take them in to air out and then to alter for Time to use later. It would save them some money. He heard a noise and looked down from the shirt he’d been appraising, blinking as he saw the large metal tin that was locked in place.

 

“Ah ha!” he cheered, reaching out to grasp it carefully to lift up. His face split in a grin as he lifted it up with a cheery ‘found you!’ Just as he set it down, he paused as there was something else that caught his eye.

 

It sparkled in the faint light from outside, and he frowned as he saw the corner of a book. Reaching out, he grasped the thick tome and pulled it out, before he felt dread sink into his stomach.

 

‘Memories’ was the word etched into the leather of the book, painted a silvery color to contrast beautifully with the green color of the cover. Legend frowned as he stared at it, a sense of longing deep in him was warring with his will to forget. His hand ached as he held it, the scars making the nerves alight with a painful tingle that made him want to grit his teeth as emotions clenched at his throat.

 

Now? Why now?

 

He managed to swallow thickly as he found himself sitting down, back to the door, and finally, he opened the cover.

 

‘To remember the good and the bad times, to know that we have raised a wonderful son. This is to you, Link, to always have the memories at hand.

 

Love, your mother and father.

 

Sofe and Cazo’

 

Legend clenched his teeth together as he stared at the faded ink, his hand shaking as he traced under it. He had to blink to stop his eyes from water, glaring up at the ceiling in the futile attempt to hold it back. He swallowed thickly again and gave a sharp exhale, before turning back to the pages in his hands.

 

He turned the page.

 

The first picture was of his parents. The small portrait took quite some time to create but he couldn’t help but trace his nail across the silhouette of his mother’s face. He hadn’t been born yet at this point of the picture. But they looked so happy and it made something inside him burn and ache.

 

The words under the picture were ignored as he turned to the next page. It was his parents again, with his uncle Takan nearby dressed as a regal knight, much like his father was. And there, in his mother’s arms, was a babe.

 

He quickly turned to the next page, and then the next. He would see the pictures of their happy faces, of the brief memories they had had with him.

 

Then, there was a blank page save for words.

 

‘Though your parents are no longer with us, I will continue to put your life into this album like your parents had started.

 

I will always love you, Link. Don’t ever forget it.

 

Uncle Takan’

 

His eyes were burning as he turned page after page, seeing the various stages of his life growing up. How he couldn’t sit still, playing with his uncle with sticks to pretend it was swords. The pictures changed from portraits to actual photographs to better capture the real life playing before them.

 

He stopped at the picture of him and his Uncle when he was 12, a tooth missing from his smile as he held up the large shield in a proud display. His Uncle was looking just as proud, hand ruffling his hair in the frame to create a strange blur of motion.

 

Would you be proud of me now?

 

Legend found his throat felt like he had an apple lodged inside it, choking him just as he was choking back the sobs that wanted to burst forth, while his eyes shed hot tears down his face.

 

He turned the pages again, more and more pictures displayed for him before suddenly, there was just him.

 

Just him in front of the house. His face was no longer the youthful joy and pride of learning. It was the sad smile of someone who had lost so much.

 

Even after having saved his Uncle, it wasn’t that long after his first adventure that his uncle had passed away.

 

Why couldn’t he stop?

 

Why couldn’t he stop turning the pages, to see the memories from his time on Koholint. How he had gotten these pictures he didn’t know, but they were there. They were here to remind him of what he’d done.

 

(That’s what he believed anyways…)

 

He doubled over as he looked at the pictures from his time on Koholint, his hand shaking as it came up to cover his mouth, his vision a blur as tears spilled over.

 

So many pictures and memories. So many people. So many lives he’s ruined.

 

The last picture was him and Marin, looking out over the cliff to the sea.

 

“This will be our secret spot!” She had declared, her smile bright and cheerful when she had said it, beautiful brown eyes alight and alive that only made him want to get lost in the depths.

 

His scars throbbed in agony, and he wanted to cry even more. Was it the pain of memories or his lightning scars? He couldn’t tell anymore.

 

So torn up by his memories he didn’t notice when the door had opened, and jumped in surprise when a hand touched his shoulder. Whirling around, Legend looked up to see the blurry figure of Time standing there. Hurriedly, he closed the album and wiped at his face, attempting to hide his shame.

 

“S-Sorry. I uh… I kinda got distracted,” he tried to laugh it off, but his crackling voice betrayed him. Time said nothing to him, his brow creased in his worry as he knelt down beside Legend.

 

“It’s fine! I’ll be out in a second.” Legend made to stand, to put the album away quickly so he didn’t get to see the shame and horrors he’s done. He could feel Time watching him, his gaze so intense that it felt as if the mask Legend was wearing was nothing but wet paper.

 

“Legend,” Time whispered, voice soft as he came up behind him again, watching as Legend threw things back into the trunk haphazardly.

 

“I’ll be fine!” Legend hissed, hating the fact he was caught so vulnerable. Hating how he was revealing so much to this… this complete stranger! The one who had come before him but somehow succeeded when he actually didn’t.

 

Suddenly there were two hands on his shoulders and he was spun around and facing Time.

 

“Please… don’t lie to yourself,” Time whispered, looking just as broken as Legend felt. A sob tried to bubble up with the raw truth displayed at him, and Legend had to fight with every bit of control to not crumble apart right where he stood.

 

He could feel himself shaking as he looked up to Time, and he wondered how the older hero viewed him now.

 

Was he weak? Was he pathetic?

 

Was he not fit to be a hero?

 

Legend was pulled into strong arms, his face pressed into the others’ chest.

 

“Wh-what are you doing?” Legend asked, panic starting to flood him as he tried to find a means of escape. This isn't right. Nothing felt right! He shouldn’t be comforted like this, when he has nothing to be comforted for!

 

“I’m giving you a hug. Something I think you need.”

 

Legend squirmed again, not wanting the other to give him sympathy or compassion that he didn’t deserve!

 

But then Time did something.

 

A hand had moved to the back of his head, interlacing fingers in his pink hair, and then just rubbed. It was such a familiar motion that stopped Legend. He couldn't move as he felt the literal wall he created over himself begin to crumble.

 

He didn't know when he was crying again, but he buried his face deeply into Time’s shirt and wept. He cried for the parents he never got to know. He cried for the little boy who only had the dreams of an apple orchard. He cried for the little boy that grew up too quickly into a teenager. Who watched his uncle die, come back to life, only to pass away again.

 

For every person he hurt.

 

For every memory he's gained and lost.

 

He cried from the agony of his body and soul.

 

He didn't know when he was back in the house, but he lay curled up in the bed, reduced to sniffles as his eyes burned and nose ran with snot. A handkerchief was handed to him and Legend hastily tried to wipe his face, hands shaking as he felt raw.

 

"Feel a little better?" Time asked, sitting down on the bed beside him and stroked his hair-

 

(Reminding him of his uncle.)

 

A small nod was all he could muster, his throat sore from holding back his sobs even as his heart made him shed the tears. Time nodded to him, a small smile on his face, before he got up.

 

"Let me get you some water."

 

Legend watched as Time went to the pitcher and poured a cup of water, before coming back over. Legend held onto it, shaking as he took sips of the room temperature liquid.

 

It was silent for a bit between them, and Legend managed to get the lump down his throat to be able to speak.

 

"Sorry you saw that," he crackled out; voice still thick with the emotions he held inside. Time reached out again, stroking his hair that soothed him.

 

"The heart can only hold so much sorrow," Time advised, his gaze knowing in a way that told Legend that he did understand.

 

(Maybe not the exact scenario but the same feelings.)

 

Legend gave a nod again, taking a few more sips of water, before he reached out to carefully put it aside.

 

"Yeah…" he mumbled. He felt like he could nap, but they still had too much to do. As he tried to sit up, Time placed his hand on his shoulder, pushing him back down.

 

"I think you should rest for a bit."

 

Legend frowned, trying his best to look intimidating but he knew it was futile. "I still gotta get the pigments. The festival's only in a few days."

 

"A few hours won't hurt anything," Time consoled, before he proceeded to move and sit himself on Legend’s legs, keeping him in the bed.

 

Legend looked down where the hero pinned him then back up, frowning. "Rude," he mumbled.

 

"I know you won't stay put unless I make you. So this is me trying to keep you here."

 

Legend just sighed and finally slumped into the pillow. He could feel his legs growing antsy with pins and needles, and he wanted to move them to stop the way it felt.

 

He hated feeling like this, exposed in such a way that made him anxious to hide himself away. He could feel the way Time was looking at him, even when he was faced away, and he wanted to hide further down.

 

He felt Time shift some and no longer were his legs pinned down. Glancing back at Time, Legend saw him pull out the beautiful Ocarina from his bag, holding it in his hands.

 

"What're you planning?" He asked quietly, wary about what he would do. Time said nothing, giving a small smile as he settled himself on the side of the bed.

 

"I think you need a song."

 

Legend frowned more at that. Before he could say anything, Time brought the mouthpiece to his lips and began to play.

 

The song was just a few notes, but they were low and mournful. Soft and lonely sounding, but it echoed in a way that had seemed to loosen a hold on his emotions. Legend found himself watching as Time played, his fingers moving across the holes as the music flowed in the room.

 

His eyes closed as he allowed his mind to drift with the music. It was… peaceful. He felt like he could just lay there for hours as the song played, letting every emotion flow out of him like a quiet brook.

 

The music echoed around his mind as he drifted in the darkness for a while. And when he awoke later it was to a quiet. He had been crying in his sleep, as evident by the dried tears on his face. Time wasn’t nearby as Legend sat up, rubbing his face.

 

The sun was starting to drift down towards the horizon, and Legend heaved a sigh as he swung his legs over the bed, standing up only to stumble a bit. He felt a stabbing of pain between his eyes up into his forehead, making him close his eyes as he blindly moved his way through the house.

 

Coming into the main room, he found Time was in the chair by the fire, his head looking down at whatever was in his hands. Legend frowned, watching the way the fire reflected off his hair and gave him a sad silhouette, but it was still warm.

 

He must have made a noise because Time turned around to look at him, a smile pulling at his face.

 

“Glad you’re awake now,” Time said, voice gentle and inviting. Legend could only stare, looking at him in a different way now that everything just seemed…. Open. His heart felt empty but there was still something there, and when he looked at Time, he could feel it expanding. It was warm and sweet, like the smell of freshly baked bread or a pie.

 

Wait. Time was speaking.

 

Blinking a few times, Legend focused back on Time only to see he was looking expectant.

 

“Uh…” he trailed off, his voice cracking slightly from his earlier vent of emotions. Clearing his throat briefly, he spoke up. “Could you repeat that? My mind’s kinda…” he left his words hangings in the air. Time gave a nod.

 

“Would you like to try and eat something? Sometimes eating food will help with the headache.”

 

Legend frowned before nodding. Sluggishly he walked over to the table, sitting down as Time stood, before he was bustling about in the small kitchen area. Legend couldn’t help but watch Time as he moved around, humming that same song again to himself.

 

“That song…” Legend started, though uncertain if he should really finish it. Time paused as he turned his attention to Legend completely, and he could see in those blue eyes a knowing gaze.

 

“It… It is pretty. But it’s also sad,” Legend finally ended up saying; the other words he wanted to say were unnecessary or even just too much prose. “Where did you learn that song?”

 

Time gave a quiet ‘hm’ as he turned back to preparing some food. “Let’s just say that… it was taught to me by a man. A man who saw I had stumbled into a bit of a terrible fate.”

 

Time had finished and brought over apples and pears, a few pieces of bread with the honey jar, and a glass of water.

 

Legend took one of the pear slices and bit into it, chewing thoughtfully as he looked up at Time.

 

“What kind of fate was that?”

 

Time was silent, before he heaved a sigh, bringing his chair over to sit with Legend at the table.

 

“One that… many would believe to be made up by the mind of a 10-year-old boy. A curse that kept repeating itself.”

 

Legend froze mid-chew, looking at Time with a small bit of fear trickling into him.

 

Time gave a smile. “Without this song… things would have been much worse for me in my life. And it has served well for not only myself, but for others in need of it’s help.”

 

Legend gave a nod before he was back to eating.

 

Just like Time didn’t pressure him in explaining anything about the album, he wouldn’t poke his nose into this matter. Though seeing the way Time smiled and how his eyes crinkled had Legend feeling more than just light and warm like earlier.

 

Something else was stirring inside and he didn’t know how to process it.

 

(Could it be what he thought it was?)

 

He would have to think about it with a clear head.

 

--------

 

The Lunarfall Festival was just beginning as Time and Legend set up the face painting stall. All across Kakariko the festive streamers and banners hung, the day warm and sunny as the breeze blew petals and dandelion fluff all around. Time was adjusting the stand itself, just enough shade to let them rest from the brightness of the sun, but it was still open and airy.

 

He himself was setting up their sign, full of designs he could paint and the price for them. It had finished drying this morning and he was thankful that he’d be able to do it still even after all these years.

 

“Looks pretty good,” Legend commented, looking up at their stall with a smile as Time gave a chuckle, hand on his hip as it was cocked to one side.

 

“I agree.”

 

They looked to one another before Legend turned to look out.

 

All around people were beginning to come into the large square, kids already giving happy calls and screams of excitement. There were a few egg painting stalls out there to help the kids design their wish eggs, while food vendors were beginning to slave away to their fires for people to come and eat.

 

He saw another stall was selling traditional cakes shaped like the moon and rabbits, as well as dishes with floral designs. Another had handcrafted candies. And another had games and handmade little toys.

 

He watched as Gustav had set up a large wire hoop, which he would dip into a soapy wash basin. When he lifted it when the wind blew, it created massive bubbles that darted around in the breeze. The kids went chasing after them, attempting to reach out and pop them.

 

Legend glanced to Time and smiled. “If you wanna go have some fun, go ahead. I think I can handle the stall for now.”

 

Time frowned as he tilted his head, looking at Legend curiously. “You sure, Link?” He asked, using his actual name instead of the nickname of Legend when in public.

 

Legend gave a nod, winking at him. “I’ll be fine, Trey. Go enjoy the first day of the Lunarfall festival. And don’t forget to eat a Moonpie.”

 

“What’s a Moonpie?” Time asked, but he was just given a vague direction by Legend. He headed out, waving to the other as they separated. He took the moment to inhale and then exhale, before glancing out again.

 

Kids were playing, the adults watched with amusement while young couples were happily exploring the wares and foods available. This was one of their busiest festivals, and Legend could only smile with the many people that came by.

 

Legend adjusted a few more things, got his paints ready and nearby, before he sat in the stool under the shade and flipped the little sign to ‘open.’ Now, he just had to wait.

 

Though while he did, he took the time to think things over from the last few weeks.

 

He gazed out as he let his mind drift. The Hero of Time kinda came out of the damn blue, barrelling into his life and making so many questions appear in his head. Some questions have been answered, and others are still a mystery.

 

He wanted to know more about him though, to know about his past, his future plans, what he does.

 

Legend had to pull himself out of his thoughts when the first customer came up, eagerly pointing at one of the pictures on the sign to their mother. Legend took the money and motioned for the stool. With a hair clip in place, Legend painted the butterfly on their cheek, even as they grinned and wiggled around in excitement.

 

“There! Now you are gonna be the envy of all the other kids!”

 

“I know! Can I see? Can I see?” They asked eagerly, and Legend laughed before he pulled out a small hand mirror. Looking into the reflective surface, the child giggled with glee before handing it back, and raced off to the other kids.

 

Legend just smiled before leaning back into his chair again, waiting for more to come his way.

 

He heard a group of people laugh and he turned to see that a few people were grouped together, watching as Time took two Moonpies and proceeded to stuff both of them into his mouth at the same time. Legend had to slap a hand over his mouth and turn away, not wanting to see the mess that would happen when he wouldn’t be able to chew properly.

 

Though he couldn’t look away for long, and when he glanced back, Time had managed to swallow the mouthful that had puffed out his cheeks and was giving a cheeky grin, even with bits of food around his mouth. He held out a hand, and one of the guys proceeded to grumble but placed a red rupee in his hand.

 

“That little shit!” he whispered to himself, unable to stop the smile on his face as he looked at Time’s own.

 

Then it clicked.

 

He wanted to see more of Time’s smile.

 

Hear more of his laughter.

 

To be there for his tears.

 

To hold him as he had been held.

 

Oh .

 

OH.

 

Legend could feel the strange flutter starting in his stomach again, and he could feel his face growing hot as everything clicked in place.

 

I like him.

 

Legend placed his face in his hands, the realization dawning on him like a bucket of cold water.

 

“Goddesses no. Fuck, WHY!?” He mumbled into his palms, before he sat upright again and removed his hands. A good thing since a few more kids were coming up, Rupees in hand as they were not crowding over the sign. The first one wanted a flower on her face, so he made her a pretty blue flower, focusing on his work instead of his mind to keep from getting too distracted.

 

One after another the kids wanted their designs and paid for it, letting him use the creative outlet to make them look cool or pretty. By the time he had painted the last one, an hour had passed and he gave a stretch in his seat, his back sore from being hunched over to paint the faces of the kids.

 

“Enjoying yourself?” Someone asked and he turned, seeing Time walking up to the stall with a few meat skewers, one already being munch on by him.

 

“Yeah. I just got done with 7 kids in a row.”

 

“Oof. Well you deserve a small break. Try it! It’s got some sort of sweet glaze on it.”

 

Legend smiled as he grabbed one of the skewers and took a chunk off.

 

“Gustav’s wife makes amazingly good food,” Legend responded, knowing exactly who he had gotten the food from.

 

Time gave a nod in return, taking another mouthful as he sat in the other stool.

 

Sitting in silence was calming between them, and Legend couldn’t help but watch as Time relaxed into the festivities around them. Especially when the local musicians started to set up their stall to play a variety of music to all enjoy.

 

They passed the time watching others, conversing happily about a variety of topics that came up, and then being interrupted by kids and young adults alike wanting to have a design put onto their face.

 

Legend smiled as he watched more kids play, some with bubbles, others with ring toss. He could see some kids were eagerly painting their wish eggs, and the older ones were dancing to the music. In fact, many more people were gathering in the center to dance.

 

Legend glanced over to see Time was curious about the gathering of people, and he smiled before sitting up and flipping the sign to 'break.' He stood up with a groan, back popping as he stretched, before he reached his hand out to Time.

 

"Wanna go dance?" He asked, a smile on his face. Time looked from his face to his outstretched hand then to the group.

 

"What kind of dance?" He asked, reaching to grasp his hand. Legend had to stop the flutter of emotions in his stomach from the touch, and he gave a smirk.

 

"It's easy and fun. Nothing complicated, just.. us being us."

 

Legend watched as Time's face looked thoughtful, but he let the shorter of them drag him to the group.

 

He was called out by a few people and he smiled, waving at them before giving a gentle nudge to Time.

 

"The only thing you gotta do, is don't be afraid. And don't let go of my hand." Time's nod proved he heard. The children were ushered out of the square to go do some other activities. The two heroes were far from the only pairs that had joined in.

 

He felt anxious as he waited, and glancing around a few of the new and younger couples were just the same.

 

It was a moment before the music began, the beginning few notes of a guitar followed by the clacking of a pair of wooden spoons that continued to play.

 

Just as the music really picked up, the first couple dove forward into the circle, dancing between each other with their laughter acting as a boisterous chorus that complimented the music.

 

Another danced in, spinning and twirling while they moved.

 

One by one everyone that was paired up dove into the circle to dance. A few would trip up and fall, but they wouldn't falter or be embarrassed as they'd pick each other up and get back to it.

 

Legend glanced up to Time. Seeing the other look at him with a dusting of pink, Legend felt a smug satisfaction at seeing that.

 

"Ready?" He asked, the music picking up again. Be could see how nervous the other was. When he nodded, Legend pulled him into the circle, people gasping in surprise as the two moved. They circled and twisted around, hands never letting go of each other as they danced.

 

At one point Time had stumbled, but Legend easily kept him from falling, pulling him back up to be in his arms, before they danced away, laughter bubbling out as the enthusiastic clapping from the save. Legend couldn’t stop the smile, even as he felt out of breath, and he looked back at Time.

 

"Can we do that again?" Time asked, and Legend couldn’t help but laugh with giddy glee.

 

"Yeah. We can."

 

The smile that was accompanied by the blush on Time’s face was really cute.

 

I wish to see more of that.

 

They danced and danced for a while longer before heading back to their stall, more people coming over to get their faces painted, and to offer teases to Legend when Time was away getting more food.

 

-----

 

The next day came quickly, and Legend was once again painting on the kids’ faces, smiling as he could hear Time was eagerly talking and joking around with the kids, helping them enjoy the fun activities and learning all about what the festival was about.

 

Legend could only watch in amusement to the scene of Time acting like a big kid himself, helping to create activities or even just acting like the literal tree for them to climb. He honestly could watch the scene in front of him for a time but he heard laughter and turned to see another repeated customer, rupees in hand.

 

The festivities continued like that, music and dance, games to play, and food to eat.

 

Though when lunch time came around, Legend frowned as he couldn’t catch sight of the other hero. He frowned, his mind still stuck on the previous fact that he liked the man, and now he was anxious about seeing him and yet not seeing him anywhere.

 

His leg bounced as he sat there, watching people pass by and chat away.

 

Something was off though.

 

“Erim!” Someone called out, and Legend looked to see a woman looking around frantically. “Erim! Come on this isn’t a game, we have to get going, sweetie!”

 

Legend frowned as he noticed she wasn’t the only only one calling out.

 

“Kiza!”

 

“Celia!”

 

“Nirro!”

 

Legend frowned as he stood up from his stool, swapping his sign over to ‘closed’ as he and a few others turned to look.

 

The crowds were getting bigger now, and Legend frowned as he looked up at the sky, seeing it was only just past noon if he was reading the sun right.

 

“What seems to be the problem?” A voice cut in, and everyone turned to see Princess Zelda coming into the square, her posture calm but regal, as she looked to the now frantic parents.

 

“The children! Our children have gone missing!” One woman called out, looking frazzled and worried as she hurriedly bowed to Zelda.

 

The Monarch’s face drew into a frown before looking around at her guards. “Please, help find the missing children. I will be safe.”

 

“Of course!” The guards agreed before scattering off to look around town. Legend walked up, listening as the parents were talking about how they had looked away for a second from the activity square, just going to be gone for a moment to look for something to eat or some art stall, and then they were gone.

 

Legend had a hunch, and he passed by Zelda with a wave as he went further north, near the other entrance to Kakariko village. He caught in the shade of the tree a pair of feet, and he moved around to find a rather cute sight.

 

There was Time, back against the three as he snoozed away, with 4 kids laying on top of him as they napped too.

 

He couldn’t help but flush at the sight, finding that Time really was much too cute when he was asleep.

 

He turned back to head towards the square, giving a whistle to catch Zelda’s attention. He motioned to her, a smile on his face as she followed him curiously, followed by the parents.

 

He held his finger up to his lips in a shushing manner before coming to the tree again. They were all still asleep, and Legend could feel the tension release from all of them. One by one everyone picked up their child and carried them away, just as Time was waking up with a yawn and a mumble.

 

Legend couldn’t help but snicker as he saw the sleepy wave he gave them, mumbling about wanting 10 more minutes to rest. And then, he was out like a light once again.

 

Legend could only shake his head at the other, giving a soft chuckle but he couldn’t look away.

 

“I’m just glad everyone was safe.”

 

Legend turned to see Zelda smiling at him, her eyes speaking more than her voice did.

 

“I am too. I’m sorry that we already caused trouble.”

 

Zelda gave a shake of her head, her smile still on her face. “I don’t think it was so. But perhaps we shall have to remind him that it may be best to let the children go find their parents first.”

 

Legend gave a nod, and he turned to look at Time once more, unable to stop the corners of his mouth from turning up in amusement.

 

“You’re in very deep.”

 

Legend blinked and whipped around to stare at Zelda. Her smile turned into an amused smirk.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Does he know?”

 

“Know… know what?” Legend felt nervous even asking her that, but he had an idea about what it was.

 

Zelda’s stare told him everything. Legend groaned before putting his face into his hand, shaking his head to tell her that he hadn’t.

 

“I just kinda… figured it out last night.”

 

He heard her hum in acknowledgement, before she reached out to pat his shoulder. “Do not rush something like this, Link.”

 

He gave a nod, before he watched as she went back to the center of town. Leaving him and Time alone as the latter slept.

 

Glancing over to Time, he wondered what was it that drew him over to Time like a moth to a flame? Was it his eyes that seem to know more than lets on or how chaotic it can be underneath the title of a hero? Was it the similarities between them? Or was there an itch that cannot be scratched, some kind of power between them, or something completely deeper than neither of them know?

 

Or was it how he can wear his heart on his sleeve? To express emotions freely? Was it his personality that just bloomed and blossomed, infecting and taking hold of his heart. Consuming what little thought he had and only making him think of Time. The way he smiled, the way his hands feel in his, the way their hearts beat as one?

 

Was it the way he speaks? Something to listen to even when everything else is wrong? Smiling lightly as he moved closer to Time, pulling his calloused hand into his own. Feeling, seeing, and yet knowing.

 

Holding... holding is all he could do as he looked up. Watching how the trees swayed to the invisible beat, limbs holding each other, and leaves sang a gentle tune. Distantly he wondered and wandered a world where everything was at war within itself and yet so full of peaceful moments. He wondered what was Time's era like?

 

Was it full of adventure? Was it in complete chaos? Or was it peaceful?

 

Perhaps he would have to ask at another time.

 

Legend walked over and knelt down next to the other hero. He watched him snooze, before reaching out and poking his cheek. Numerous times. Finally with a snort, Time awoke with bleary eyes. He turned to Legend and blinked, frowning and scrunching his face when Legend poked him again.

 

“Why’d you wake me?”

 

Legend chuckled before grabbing his hand to help tug him up. “Because it’s lunch time, and you led a few kids away to nap and caused a panic.”

 

Time blinked, slowly getting up to his feet for a moment before he gave a quiet ‘oh.’

 

“So you need to go apologize.”

 

Time nodded, his ears drooping down but he walked along with Legend. Just seeing the other so deflated proved to Legend he wasn’t malicious.

 

But he still had to wonder what truly went on in his head some days. For now, they had food to eat, and a festival to enjoy.

 

------

 

The third morning of the festival was too early for Legend. It was still dark outside when he awoke, and yet he couldn’t go back to sleep. Giving a groan, he rolled over onto his stomach in an attempt to get back to sleep- and to the dream he’d been having- when he felt a spark of pleasure roll through him.

 

Blearily he blinked as he felt it die down quickly. Time didn’t seem to stir, snoring softly on the other side of the bed, and Legend frowned as he moved to be on his back.

 

Apparently his dream was too good.

 

Carefully he trailed his hand down under the blanket to his sleeping pants. He felt the shiver of pleasure when his fingers found the line of his half-hard cock. He stifled a groan by biting his lip, his fingers moving away as he fought to keep quiet.

 

Now what was he supposed to do?

 

He could ignore it, try to think this never happened. But that would just lead to more problems. And besides, they were both guys, it was bound to happen.

 

But on the other hand…

 

Legend strained his ear to listen to Time’s breathing, the soft snores still an even tempo like usual.

 

Maybe he could get away with it.

 

He shifted slowly, not wanting to make too much noise or shift the blanket as he brought his hand back to his cock. He could feel the slight twitch as he bit his cheek to keep quiet. Through his pants he moved, up and down, feeling the friction that curled his toes and made him quiver in want.

 

He could feel his heart beating faster in his chest, just knowing that the other was right beside him and could wake up at any moment.

 

A flame of excitement burned in his gut at the mere thought of getting caught.

 

He quickly brought up his fingers to his mouth, pulling two fingers into his mouth as he slowly rocked into his other hand, his eyes closing as he lost himself to a fantasy. But it wasn’t enough.

 

Slowly he withdrew his fingers from his mouth, taking a glance over in the darkness to see Time hadn’t moved or shifted in a different position.

 

A part of him wanted to reach out to take Time’s hand and use it, but he stopped himself from continuing that thought.

 

Instead, he imagined what it would be like if it was Time who was doing this to him.

 

“You seem a little tense. Do you want a helping hand?” He imagined Time saying, a purr in his ear that made him shiver and bit his lip to stifle the whine. He could feel his hand wrap around the outline of his dick, teasing himself with slow jerks before taking a finger to press around the tip under the glans.

 

“Come on. Use your words~”  

 

“Please…” he whispered in the air, stopping briefly because he realized he spoke out loud. There was a snort from Time but he didn’t wake, his snores still normal. Legend removed his hand briefly from his cock to shift the front of his pants down. It was slow, trying to not wake Time from his dreams, but he got the waistband of his pants down past his cock.

 

He allowed his mouth to water for a moment before he pressed a wet lick to his palm. Quickly he wrapped the slicked hand around his dick, shivering at the increase of pleasure as he began to slowly move.

 

His whole body thrummed with pleasure as he laid there, his face turned to look at Time as he jerked off. He couldn’t wake him, not to have him see himself in this state. A pulse of arousal shot through him as he could imagine what he must look like now.

 

“I don’t think my hand is helping you,” he imagined Time would say, closing his eyes as he allowed his mind’s eye to play the images from before.

 

He saw Time on his knees before him, those blue eyes looking up with a mischievous glint as he watched pink lips open, before closing around his cock. His hand moved quicker, chasing the fantasy that Time moved quick, the suction hot around the head that he could only imagine it would be like.

 

“Hmm…”

 

Legend froze, eyes shooting open as he heard that noise, and Time moved, shifting in his sleep to face Legend, eyes still closed in sleep.

 

This was getting too dangerous.

 

With a groan Legend removed his hand and carefully pulled his pants back up, before he flung the blanket off and rolled out of bed.

 

“Hm?” The sleepy question called out and Legend didn’t respond, stepping out of the bedroom to head outside to the outhouse. Though he did pause to grab the small bottle of oil he kept stashed aside.

 

In the cold early morning, Legend stepped around the corner, away from prying eyes. As he stood in the dew laden grass, he breathed in the morning air before leaning against the wall of his house.

 

If it was lighter out, anyone could see him from the walk path to Lake Hylia.

 

"Do you want them to see you?" He shivered at the imagined voice of Time, his eyes closing as he leaned his head back. He groaned as he rutted into his hand again, feeling the friction of his pants as he gave a breathless whine.

 

"I haven't even done anything yet. How are you this needy?" He bit his lip as he wrapped his hand around the outline of his cock, struggling to keep quiet even in the dark of the night.

 

His hand shoved his pants down to expose his cock to the cool air, hissing at the feeling before he hastily uncorked the vial of oil. He couldn't see how much he had poured out but when he wrapped his hand back around his own erection, he couldn't stop the groan at the wet warmth as he began to jerk himself.

 

He imagined it was Times mouth, his blue eyes looking up at him and darkened in lust. What noises would he make? Legend dropped the vial as he shoved his first between his lips, attempting to keep quiet as he gave a twist at the tip with his wrists.

 

It was embarrassing how close he already was. But legend couldn't get the images made up in his head.

 

Do you want everyone to see you like this? the subconscious voice in his head asked, sounding suspiciously like Time. It made his legs weak as he leaned his back further into the wall, his hips moving of their own accord as he found himself growing closer and closer.

 

"You must be so pent up. Come on. I want you to cum for me."

 

"Hah… ah! I-I'm close, " he whispered into the air, his hand moving frantic as he sought his peak.

 

"Do it. Let it all go. Then… I'll fuck you good and hard like you want it, bunny boy~"

 

Legend choked a sharp inhale of air as he suddenly tipped over the edge, his teeth biting harshly into his fist even when he stuttered out Time's real name. He felt every hot pulse of his cock as he rutted in small pulses of his hips as he came, ignoring the hot splatter that dripped onto his foot.

 

His legs felt weak as he slumped against the wall, and he managed to open his eyes. The sun was just starting to peak up, just the barest hint of light in this early morning. He could see in the dewy grass the evidence of his debauchery and he flushed in embarrassment.

 

Flicking his hand and using the inside of his pants to wipe his cock off, he pulled his pants back up before heading back to the outhouse for the water pump to clean his hand off of the oil and to wash the evidence still on his foot.

 

Coming back to the house, he tried to act a bit normal as he quietly entered in again. Sitting back on the bed, he saw Time was rolled back over, facing away from him. He pulled the blanket back over himself before turning away from Time, face flushed as the images he conjured up flashed in his mind again.

 

Why was he such a pervert?

 

After a few more hours of restless sleep, Legend awoke to the morning light and Time pulling his shirt on.

 

"Morning sleepy," Time teased, making Legend groan as he sat up.

 

"What time is it?" He asked with a frown, rubbing his eyes blearily as he blinked a few times.

 

"It's still morning. Maybe growing closer to 10?" 

 

Legend huffed before sitting up and giving a stretch, back giving a quiet pop with the motion.

 

"We should get going to the festival."

 

He turned to see Time frowning at him, his eyes intense.

 

"You really haven't been enjoying the festival yourself," Time pointed out, a few strides with his long legs bringing him closer to Legend.

 

"I've been a part of it since I was a babe, Time. It's kinda the same every year."

 

"You should still try and enjoy it."

 

Legend could only stare at the others gaze, and he heaved a sigh. He was such a sucker for this man's stupidly handsome face. Crossing his arms, Legend sighed through his nose. Softly blowing his bangs away but was forced to use his hand, moving the untamed and tangled mess away.

 

"Do you really think that I don't enjoy the festival?" He paused, concerned as he moved himself to a nearby mirror.

 

"You have this look– this posture," Time gestures, moving himself towards the table while posing himself like he did when he was at the festival.

 

"Really?" Glancing at the corner of his vision, combing through his hair; forcing himself to hide away his shame.

 

"It's just– no…" He could feel Time's pause, could practically hear the gears running too fast, could hear the smoke running out from his ears. Looking away, facing towards the wooden wall, hands still moving as his eyes found the floor.

 

"It's just you have this expression that looks sad… distant even..." Time murmured towards the end. Legend could only sigh as he put down the comb and turned to Time.

 

“I do enjoy the festival, truly. But I’ve grown up with this so its luster is not as bright as it used to be when I was a child,” he explained, turning around to look at Time. Just looking at Time’s upset face made him falter, and he sighed when he saw that sad face.

 

It brought back the guilt gnawing in his stomach at his earlier actions that morning. And he was just a damn sucker for the other man now. Hylia smite him now….

 

“How about this,” he began, bringing his hands up to try and placate him. “We spend the day together to enjoy it. But. I want you to remember that there is something much better at the end of the night. So I'll hold my enthusiasm until then.”

 

Time hummed, frowning in his thoughts, before finally nodding. “Alright. Get dressed now.”

 

“Yeah yeah, I will. You better finished getting dressed too.”

 

------

 

By the time the evening rolled around, they had spent a majority of the day enjoying the festival together. Time was insistent on having Legend join him in the games, food, and the merriment of the holiday. Legend went along, amused by his exuberance at making sure Legend would enjoy himself.

 

Legend sat down at the edge of the trees, looking up at the darkening sky as he leaned against one tree. He was frankly exhausted from everything Time wanted him to do, and yet he wasn’t mad. He truly did enjoy the time with the other Hero. He looked out to the river as the kids were now being led in their wishing custom. The last three days the kids have been painstakingly painting their eggs, putting their hopes and wishes into the pictures.

 

He could only smile, remember when his Uncle had helped him so many times before. It made him sad, yet he could appreciate it. Appreciate the warmth of the memory.

 

He heard footsteps and turned to see Time coming back over, his hands burdened with numerous skewers of food before he plopped down beside him.

 

“This was the last that I could get for 50 Rupees,” Time commented, handing one hand over to Legend before biting into a fire-roasted potato happily, seeing that he had smeared on the outside a mixture of chives and oil.

 

“We could have gotten something else instead of all this,” Legend commented, but he did bite into the bit of Cucco meat. Time’s chuckle rolled through him and Legend just sighed, looking out to the scenery before him.

 

He watched as one by one the kids tossed their eggs out into the water, watching it bob in the waves as it followed on the tranquil flow.

 

“What do the eggs do?” Time asked around a mouthful of potato. Legend poked him in the side for being rude like that, but he decided to answer.

 

“It’s for the kids. They use it to make wishes. It’s believed that the waters carry it out, and that someone will see the pictures painted on the eggshells, and will be granted.”

 

“That’s… a bit odd. But cute.”

 

Legend gave a quiet chuckle. “Yeah. But it also serves another purpose.” He paused to take another mouthful of food, using it as a reason to pause and think his words over. “It gives the kids a chance to verbalize what their pictures mean, to help them understand that while nothing will magically make their wishes come true, they can do it themselves.”

 

Legend watched as the kids tried to follow their eggs down the river, racing down the shore with shrieks and laughter. It made him smile fondly. “Even if your wish changes every year, you can still make the wish, and you can still find a way to make it come true.”

 

Legend glanced back over at Time to see him looking thoughtful, his eyes focusing on the kids that ran along the shore of the river.

 

“Honestly? The best part happens tonight.”

 

Legend couldn’t help his smirk grow larger as he Time’s curious expression.

 

Had him hook, link, and sinker.

 

Legend just gave a wink to him as they sat and continued to eat, enjoying the setting sun as the stars began to appear in the sky, twinkling like lights. The moon rose higher and higher, illuminating their whole view in the pale silver glow. Legend could see across the bank to Hyrule Castle the beginning lights of Lunar blossoms, opening up their petals to the moonlight as fireflies started to peek out, blinking like sirens in the darkness.

 

“Whoa,” Time breathed out, his voice in awe as he witnessed the whole scene. Legend couldn't help but turn away, his whole world narrowing down to the way Time stared in awe. Legend felt his heart stutter in his chest, blood pounding in his ears and blossoming on his cheeks before he turned away. They continued to sit there, looking up as more and more stars appeared in the sky, and then even more starry constellations from before. Then Legend glanced to the moon, and realized its position.

 

“Look,” he whispered, pointing with his hand as there were streaks of starlight racing across the sky, seemingly to come from the moon as they trailed out. He heard Time gasp beside him, and he couldn’t help but watch him again. His mouth was open in a awe, eyes wide as he watched the star shower above them.

 

“They say making a wish during the Star Shower is said to bring the most luck to you,” Legend whispered, paying no mind to the stars above, still engrossed in Time’s face.

 

“What kind of wishes?” He asked, turning to look at Legend.

 

He gulped, feeling his face flush as he looked away. “Just about anything. Money, health, love.” The last word sent a flutter of emotions through his chest, and Legend had to keep from stuttering and fumbling over his next words.

 

“So long as you feel it in your heart, it will come true.”

 

They stayed there, watching the sky above them. He dared to look away, down to where their hands were so close to touching each other. Looking back up, Legend could see that the star shower was almost over, the last few starting to dissipate into the horizon.

 

I wish that… that we could stay forever like this.

 

I wish that I didn’t have to ever let him go.

 

He closed his eyes, brow furrowed hard before he moved his hand, letting it rest over Time’s as he made his final wish.

 

I wish that he loved me as much as I love him.

 

He heard the soft gasp beside him, and he dared to open his eyes. He saw Time looking at him, mouth open slightly as his eyes darted around, still staring at him. Slowly, Legend dared to curl his fingers into Time’s hand, wanting to convey his feelings but not say them.

 

“Legend?” He asked softly, tilting his head forward as he leaned close, just a bit of room between them.

 

“Yeah?”

 

Time swallowed as he stared down at Legend for a moment longer. “Will telling anyone your wish… make it not come true?”

 

Legend pursed his lips together, and he slowly removed his hand, worried that he had overstepped some sort of boundary the other had.

 

“No… not that I’m aware of.”

 

Time glanced down at their hands again, and Legend felt embarrassed. It was stupid of him to even think that he had a chance. That he was really allowed to have this happiness with him.

 

He had blown his chances before he even got the ability to use them.

 

Suddenly Time held his hand again, interlacing their fingers together to keep a hold of him.

 

“My wish…” Time began, voice soft as he looked legend all over. “My wish was… that we could be together.”

 

Legend wanted to squeak, to shout, and to hug him. But he was frozen in surprise. He knew he was blushing up to his ears now though. Finally, he managed to swallow the lump in his throat before trying to talk.

 

“Really?” He asked, hating how his voice cracked with emotion before he gave a smile to Time.

 

The other nodded. “Yeah.”

 

He could jump and dance. He could shout and laugh and scream. Instead, he just smiled, his face and ears flushing again.

 

“Well, what if I said that… I was also wishing the same thing,” he began, given a nervous bite of his bottom lip. “Then well… I guess it’s true.”

 

Time’s own face started to split in a grin, his eyes expressing his emotions so plainly for the world to see. Legend reached both hands up to cup Time’s face, staring into those blue eyes.

 

Then he leaned forward and pressed in for a kiss.

 

It was like coming home. It was feeling like he belonged, that he was going to be okay and happy.

 

Pulling back, he could see the same look on Time’s face. Both of them felt such a powerful high of happiness. He buried his face into Time’s shoulder, pulling the other into a hug to try and keep him close by.

 

“I thought you wouldn’t like me back,” he heard Time whisper next to his ear, having reached out to hug him back.

 

“How long have you known?” Legend questioned, mumbling into his shoulder.

 

He got a shrug in response. “I just… knew. It took a bit for me to figure it out. But when it clicked I… I just wanted to stick closer to you.”

 

Legend felt himself blush more before pulling back.

 

“I kinda figured it out the other day.”

 

Time gave him a look before ending up snickering, looking highly amused. Legend flushed as he smacked the other lightly on the shoulder. “Shush!”

 

“You just found out?” Time asked again, as if making sure he heard right.

 

“Yeah… but I think I’m like you. It’s been this way for a while but uh… it just hit me.”

 

They were quiet as they continued to sit there, and Legend allowed himself a chance to lean against Time, enjoying the warmth from the other happily. They were quiet as they enjoyed the scene, feeling content in the whole world.

 

The happy cozy feeling wouldn’t last forever though.

 

“So…. I saw what you were doing this morning.”

 

Legend stiffened in surprise, staring out at the river as fear settled in his stomach. He pulled back to look Time in the face.

 

“What.”

 

Time’s chuckle made him flush.

 

“Let’s just say I saw and heard everything from the window.”

 

Legend groaned, pressing his face into his hands as he now attempted to will the ground up to swallow him whole.

 

Why? Why was this happening?

 

Legend huffed before smacking the other in the chest lightly. “Weren’t you told to not eavesdrop on people?”

 

“Nah. It kept me outta trouble, and finding out new things in my adventures.”

 

Legend just sighed, but couldn’t help the smile.

 

It was true.

Chapter 3: Heat Wave

Summary:

The dire situation, and a few tricks that Time has up his sleeves,

Notes:

nsfw mention for the beginning section of the chapter.

also descriptions of pain and transformation items, as well as the feeling of suffocating/unable to breath well.

It was hours later that he awoke, having managed to fall asleep stuck in Time's vice grip. Now, that grip was loosened but still encompassing, even in the stifling humidity of the evening. Frowning at how hot he felt, Legend wiggled his hands under him before slowly pushing up. He turned to look back at Time and gave a sigh of relief.

 

He was still breathing, though his face held a pink hue across his cheeks. He reached out and pushed tangled hair from his face, getting a flutter of eyelashes but no other stirrings. Good. Carefully Legend made his way out of the bed, awoken by the needs of his bladder and stomach.

 

One thing at a time. Bathroom and then check if he's awake and hungry, he thought to himself, making his way to the outhouse as he started to process everything that had happened.

 

He'd gone shopping, had the idea to go swim in the pond in the marshy swamp of the Southern Ruins, then there was the Zora attack. Time got hurt. Gave him an antivenom potion before he managed to speak to the Zora in question.

 

He stepped out of the outhouse to wash his hands in the water pump and some soap, heading back into his house.

 

It's been a crazy several hours. The sun setting and bathing the land in a hazy orange glow of twilight. But he didn't dwell on the memories that the sunset held as he stepped back into the house, reaching up to grab his old trusty lantern and found the knob to click it on. It bathed the room in a gentle light, enough to see when it grew darker. He set it on the hook in the hall, letting its glow illuminate into the bedroom.

 

Time was still sleeping, though he seemed to turn himself over after he left, legs having kicked the sheet down to the end of the bed to leave him in bed, naked, to try and cool off. He stepped over and reached out, placing his hand on Time's back. He was very warm to the touch, but he didn't think it was too bad yet.

 

"Hey, Time," he called out gently, giving him a gentle shake. "Come on. You gotta wake up."

 

He got a grumble from the other man, and Legend wanted to sigh and roll his eyes and leave him to his fate of over sleeping. But they needed to eat something.

 

" Link ," he said, a bit more insistent to get his attention. "Come on. You gotta get up and eat and drink something." There was still nothing but a groan and blonde and silver hair trying to bury under pillows. He kept at it, and slowly Time stirred from sleep. His eyes were blurry as he looked around before settling on him.

 

"Hey there sleepy. How do you feel?"

 

"Hmm… Hot," he groaned, voice thick with what Legend could assume was sleep. Legend nodded in understanding as he placed his cool fingers to his forehead. The fact Time instantly melted into the touch, leaning in with his eyes closed and the faintest hint of a purr sounding in the room, Legend knew he was still a bit out of it.

 

"Well, let's get you something light to eat and some water in you. Then you can continue to sleep."

 

Time didn't answer other than a quiet 'hm' before slowly the other man pushed himself up to sit at the edge of the bed. Legend pulled back only to rifle through their clean clothes for some shorts that Time could wear. He tossed them over to Time, who fumbled trying to catch the fabric, letting it flutter to the floor. Legend wanted to laugh, but he held back to and walked over to help his poor boyfriend.

 

"Why is everything so fast?" Time mumbled, sitting back on the bed as Legend helped put one leg in, now moving to the other.

 

"Because you have a fever caused by venom, and while most of the side effects are gone, your body is still fighting off possible infection. That's why."

 

His matter of fact approach seemed to go over Time's head, if the glazed look he got was any response. Sighing, he pulled the shorts up to his knees and then stood to help Time stand back up.

 

"It's really fast because you have a fever. That's all. We just gotta cool you down and have you eat something."

 

"M'kay…" Time mumbled as he tried to reach down and help put the shorts back on. Legend stepped back and finally helped lead him back towards the table.

 

When he was sat down, Legend used the faint light from the lantern in the hallway to search for some fruits that Time could manage to stomach. He found the fresh apples that had just been picked, and decided it was for the best. With a few apples in hand, he grabbed the covered pitcher of water and poured a small glass to hand to time.

 

"Take a few sips," he coaxed when he saw Time just stare at the glass. He turned away briefly and grabbed his smaller paring knife, and began to carefully peel the apple.

 

Just like his uncle had done for him when he was sick.

 

It was silent between them, the light outside growing dimmer and dimmer as the minutes wore on. Finally, he had the first apple peeled and sliced, and handed them to Time. He saw that the other man had finished the first glass of water; his eyes a bit brighter with wakefulness.

 

"Here, try a few and see how your stomach handles them." He wasn't used to such a gentle tone from himself, but he just watched his partner. A hand reached out and pulled a single slice of apple to him, and Legend gave a sigh of relief as he'd watched Time eat it. He was gonna be okay.

 

"What do you remember?" He ventured to ask, worried about the answer but he needed to know. The silence dragged in for a moment, broken by Time chewing on his apple slices.

 

"Swimming. I remember cool water and playing. Then suddenly pain. Panic. Something tried to pull me down."

 

Legend hummed in understanding, peeling another apple as he listened.

 

"I had to drink something gross."

 

"That would be the antivenom."

 

Time face twisted to show his disgust, which Legend found amusing. "Why'd you make me drink it?"

 

"Because if you didn't, you'd be in worse shape than you are now." Time stuck his tongue out at Legend’s remark but continued to eat the apple slices. Legend finished peeling the second one to begin slicing into the fruit, taking bites himself to get something to eat in him. The quiet helped soothe his nerves, and he took a moment to process over what he'd been told by the Zora. And the promise he had made.

 

"I'm gonna have to go to the Castle and talk to Princess Zelda." He knew he pulled it out of the blue, but he didn't want to just be gone and Time woke up with him not there.

 

"Why?"

 

"I got some information from the Zora that attacked you. There's something wrong with the water and river, and I told him that I would help."

 

Time didn't respond, looking at his apple slices for a moment.

 

"Can I come along?"

 

Legend frowned in thought, wondering if he really should have his boyfriend come along or if he should stay and recover. A glance outside, the sun almost done, before he sighed.

 

"Are you feeling okay?" He asked, looking the man over to try and see if he was fit to move around in a dazed state with a fever. The hesitation was answer enough. He reached out his hand and placed it on Time's own.

 

"I won't be long at the castle, and when I get back from delivering my message, I'll be back here with you."

 

Time didn't answer except a hum, his ears drooping slightly as he stared out. Before he finally nodded. Legend finished up his apple before he stood from the table, heading over to the other side to gently help lift Time to his feet. The sky was dark now, and he wanted to get there quickly to deliver his information as soon as he possibly could. Time didn’t fight him, his face sad but also tired. He led the way, humming to himself as he helped Time sit in the bed.

 

“I really wanna come along.”

 

Legend paused his movements, frowning at Time’s mumbled words. He reached out, pressing his hand to the warm flushed cheeks of his boyfriend.

 

“How about I stay until you get back to sleep?” He offered, watching that face go from sad to hopeful. It tugged at his heart, and Legend couldn’t help himself but smile. He leaned down and stole a quick kiss, before he helped him to lay in the bed.

 

“Give me a minute to get dressed and grab my flute,” he offered, shifting the pillow to let him sit upright. Time gave a nod before he rested his eyes closed, looking displeased still.

 

By the time he found the flute and got dressed, he could see the faint flicker of light from his lantern, brightening up the room into a comforting warmth. Softly he smiled, gliding on silent feet, and leaned into the bed. Putting the flute to his lips, he played a soft melody he knew by heart. With the slow beginning, gentle tussle of memories, and warm-hearted endings eventually leading up to the finale.

 

With the last few notes and a gentle ending, he pulled the flute from his lips. Glancing down towards the most handsome, golden-hearted, individual he has ever seen. Smiling so soft that it physically pains him to leave, he pressed a gentle kiss on Time's forehead and planned his departure.

 

Tunic and mail on, he quickly covered his face with the bandana and hopped into his boots. Grabbing his lantern and sword- just in case- Legend raced towards the castle. The path through his apple orchard to the main road was much quicker than going around, and he found himself at the front gates to the castle. Though they were closed with numerous guards all around the ramparts above.

 

"I need an audience with the Princess!" He called out to them. A few looked down, their faces obscured in shadows of the night and their helmets.

 

"The Princess and the courts are not taking any audiences at this time! We cannot let you in, sir!" One of them called out. Link clenched his jaw in his frustration  before he yanked down the red cloth.

 

"It's me! Sir Link!" He called out again, his heart beating frantically  as he held his lantern higher. The murmur between the guards made his anxiety grow, before they finally looked back down to him.

 

"What news do you have?"

 

They still weren't letting him in. He frowned, pulling the covering back up over his nose.

 

"I may know why everyone is so sick! But I need to speak with her!"

 

One beat. Two beats. Three beats. Four beats. Five. That's how many times it took his heart to hammer in his chest before there was a shout to let the gates open, and for someone to head inside to inform the Princess.

 

"Make it quick! We do not know if you contain any evil airs."

 

"It's the water!" He called back as he raced toward the entrance. He didn't hear their responses as he was soon ushered to the Princess' drawing room.

 

-----------

 

"You say that a Zora told you this?"

 

"Yes. It was broken hylian, but I clearly remember him saying that the water is causing sickness in both the Zora and the fish, and it's been this way since the storm."

 

Zelda gave him a tired and contemplative look, her distance from him long but he understood why.

 

"I wonder why we weren't informed of this by Queen Oren? Surely she would have wished to tell us of issues."

 

Link gave an exasperated shrug. "She could be struggling to keep her people in line, Zelda. There could be more problems than what we know."

 

"That is an astute observation," she mumbled before she heaved a sigh and nodded.

 

"At first light, I will look into gathering some of our best engineers and magi of the court to see what we can do to try and look into the river. It would be wise for you to get some sleep and assist if at all possible."

 

He nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. It was something to do and take action. If they could purge the area of… whatever was causing all these issues then that would be for the better.

 

"Of course, Your Majesty." He gave a bow and made to leave when she stopped him.

 

"Where is Time? Is he not with you?"

 

Legend paused, hand on the doorknob to leave. Turning back, he looked away for a minute to think of his words before he looked at her again..

 

"He was attacked by a different Zora and is recovering from the venom. He will be fine though." It was a small lie. It was a Zora that attacked Time. He just didn’t say it was the same one he got the information from.

 

She glanced at him with sadden eyes, but gave a nod towards him. The dismissal was clear, and he was quick to leave so he did not overstay his welcome. He had someone to get back to anyways.

 

By the time he made it back to his home, Legend was exhausted. He ran his hand through his hair, sighing out of relief as he started taking off his shoes and mail armor. Back towards the bedroom, he saw Time was half asleep, eyes fluttering open but still dazed.

 

"I'm back," he whispered, stepping towards the bed again. He pushed gold and silver hair from Time’s face as the other muzzled into his hand. He gave a quiet laugh before pulling back to remove his shirt, leaving him in his pants again. He easily slipped into the other side of the bed, his arm reaching out to grasp one of Time's hands and gave a squeeze.

 

"We'll see how you're doing in the morning," he mumbled as he watched the lantern light slowly ebb away, the oil so low it would flicker out now. Time didn't say anything coherent with his nodding, before he was soon asleep once more. The silence was loud in his ears, but Legend buried his face into the pillow beside Time's head, feeling his hair itch across his face a bit he didn't dare think about it.

 

The steady pulse between his fingers was enough to let him know that he was fine. They were both fine. With the pulse he found his own heart matching it, their breaths syncing up, and soon he managed to drift to sleep.

 

His dreams were quiet. Which was strange for him. All he could see was a darkness that stretched on and on. But it wasn't oppressive or dangerous. He walked in a direction but there was nothing to see.

 

Do you wish to stay together, young hero?

 

The voice was strange, neither male or female, garbled but understood. What did it mean by together though?

 

What do you desire? What is your heart's longing?

 

His heart's longing?

 

The scene was no longer dark but it was growing lighter and lighter. He couldn't hear clearly anymore.

 

To be toge…. Or to do what's right? You will make……. Soon.

 

Make what soon? He couldn't figure it out as he began to fall. It stared at the nothingness of white that grew brighter and brighter.

 

He opened his eyes slowly, confused at the light of dawn peeking through the window. He frowned, his head throbbed right behind his eyes as he groaned, burying his face into the pillow and hair.

 

Wait. He had to get up. He reached his free hand up (the other still trapped in a firm grip) and rubbed at his eyes. Looking down, Legend saw Time was still asleep, though thankfully his face wasn't as pink as before.

 

But he realized the other man was closer than before. Much closer.

 

Close enough that he could feel the morning problem that the other held. He looked down in confusion at the feeling and saw that Time sported quite the impressive morning wood through his sleep shorts. He frowned for a moment, confused at it before his mind woke up enough to comprehend it.

 

As did Time. Seeing as he gave a loud groan and removed his hand to rub his face. "What time is it?" He asked, voice thick with sleep still. Legend turned to glance out the window. The sun was just beginning to peek out from the horizon and light the day.

 

“Early,” he answered, shifting a bit to try and keep his eyes up on Time’s face. “Though admittedly, I don’t think this is how I imagined you’d salute to the day.”

 

Time’s confusion was amusing, and Legend dared to glance down again as he spoke. “Have a nice dream?” He couldn’t resist teasing the other man. Especially when those pretty blue eyes were just so damn confused. Finally Time looked down as well and he caught sight of what Legend was referencing. Especially if the groan of dismay said it all.

 

“Uh… maybe?” Time’s hesitation had Legend worried. He looked back up, seeing his face growing scarlet and his long ears pressed against the side of his head in his embarrassment. Legend couldn’t stop the smirk tugging at his lips before he reached up and put his wrist to Time’s forehead.

 

“Hmm… you’re warm still. But I think it’s because you’re blushing.”

 

“Stoooop,” Time whined, turning away with a pout on his lips. Legend couldn’t help but laugh quietly as he sat up, pushing his pink hair out of his field of vision.

 

“I do wonder what you were dreaming about,” he commented as he shifted to sit on his hip, held up by one hand braced on the bed and hovered over Time slightly. The way his eyes darted and how he fidgeted with the sheet to try and cover himself up was amusing to Legend, but he wasn’t going to push too far.

 

“Would you be mad if… If I said it was you?”

 

He blinked a few times, trying to comprehend why he would be mad about such a thing? He raised his eyebrow at him, trying to convey with his face a ‘are you serious?’ sort of expression to him.

 

“Why would I be mad?” He questioned before leaning down. “What if I said it was very flattering?” The way the other stammered was cute, and Legend wanted to egg him on more. “What if i want to… give you a helping hand?”

 

Time didn’t respond verbally, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. But the visual did remind him what he needed to do. Time still didn’t respond for a moment, finally closing his mouth completely before he gave a nod.

 

“Use your words, Time,” Legend coaxed, moving to get out of the bed to go and dig through his drawers. “Do you want me to help you out? Or do you want to take care of it yourself?”

 

Time bit at his lower lip, and he caught the sight of teeth worrying the flesh as he stood beside his drawers. “Help…. Please?” Why did he sound so soft? So nervous? Legend frowned before he gave a nod. Opening a drawer, he dug around in the clothes for a moment before he pulled it out to walk towards the bed with it.

 

“We’ll have to be quick. I’ve gotta go help the Princess investigate the river,” he explained. But before Time could ask him any question, he leaned over the taller man to press a kiss to those damned lips. He hummed, eyes closing as they moved. He slanted slightly, just to miss their noses, while he fumbled blindly to straddle Time in the bed. The vibration of Time’s quiet moan was pleasing, but Legend didn’t want to tease the two of them for too long.

 

He lifted himself a bit to pull the sheet off and then he plopped his butt down to sit on Time’s thighs. All the while he continued to kiss him, pulling back briefly to catch breath before back to quick and feverish kisses. He pressed a bit further, rocking himself against Time’s lap as he chased the phantom sensation of pleasure from the action with more rolls and rocking. Time broke the kiss to give a moan, his head rolling back against the pillows.

 

“Hmm… you’re so wound up,” Legend teased, using one hand to brace himself on Time’s chest while the other moved down to slowly work the hem of his sleeping shorts down. “Let me help you~” When he had it pulled down enough, Legend could only stare at the mere sight of him.

 

He was a monster and it thrilled him every time he got to see him. His mouth watered, wanting to taste him on his tongue, but he had other pressing matters to attend to. Legend stopped his movements to shimmy his own pants down, his half-hard cock not as big as Time, but still enough to get him by. He reached over to grab the oil and undid the stopper to pour some into his hands.

 

“Ever tried this before?” Legend asked, curious if Time has had any quick encounters like this.

 

“With other people in general? Yes. What you're doing? No, not really,” Time answered as he flushed, but he didn’t move to stop Legend. He gave the other hero a smile before he scooted up, their dicks flush against each other and made him shiver.

 

“Then let me show you something.”

 

With his oiled hand, he wrapped it around both their erections, managing to hold both in his one hand before he traveled up, just below the crease of the crown for Time, and then back down to the root. The electric sensation pulsed through him, and Legend had to suppress a shiver just to stay upright. Back up he moved, his eyes focused on Time's face to ensure that he was enjoying this.

 

His eyebrows pinched together as his eyes were drifted half-mast, mouth open slightly as he panted for air. That adorable blush going straight to his ears as they twitched beside his head. Legend was entranced by the very picture he made before he closed his own eyes. He stopped his hand only to begin thrusting into it, the slide pressing against the others cock beside him as he began to chase his orgasm.

 

Another hand joined his, making him crack an eye open. Time's hand closed around his own, tightening in a way that made him choke on air and stutter in his motions.

 

"Close…" Time husked out, just a whisper in the room between their heavy breaths. Legend couldn't say anything so he nodded, agreeing with the man before he changed the angle slightly. He could feel the hot coil twisting more and more, his legs straining to hold himself up before he couldn't hold back any more. With a shout, he felt the pressure release as he ground to a standstill, unable to see or think beyond the rush that his orgasm gave him. He didn't hear the tiny plops of liquid that echoed in the room, drowned out by the roaring rush of blood.

 

When it tapered off, he sagged a bit, loosening his hand slightly until Time's closed around again. He managed to open his eyes to look down at Time in confusion.

 

"I'm not finished yet," Time grunted out, using both their hands to finish himself off. Legend gave a nod, dazed slightly before he helped. The quick motions and the twisting of wrists was a tease to his own oversensitive nerves and he could barely catch his breath through it all.

 

With a shout, Time found his release, hand still moving to milk it through. They stayed still, panting for air as the air grew more humid as the sun rose. And with the light came the evidence that splattered white against Time's pale skin. Hesitantly, Legend reached out and swiped a bit off of Time's chest and stuck it in his mouth. He didn't know who it belonged to, but he decided it didn't matter when he saw Times gaze darken at the motion.

 

"We should get you cleaned up, and then head out to meet the guards."

 

"Why?" Time questioned as Legend slowly got up off of him.

 

"Well according to the Zora that attacked you, there is something wrong within the river… which is highly concerning. Especially with the missing posters and sickness that is spreading." Legend stated calmly, wiping away the slick and cum on his hand.

 

“So the water is causing it all?” Time questioned when Legend finally got off of him. Nodding, Legend rifled around for the towels used yesterday and wiped his hand more before walking back over to clean up the mess on Time’s chest.

 

“What do you think the Princess will have you do?”

 

Legend gave a shrug when he finished wiping the mess, tossing it back in the corner again. “Probably will have me go up to Zora’s Domain and talk with Queen Oren to get more information? Or inspect the rivers myself to give everyone a guide of what to look out for.”

 

Tiredly, he sighed as he went to go grab the clothing from last night- putting laundry in the back of his mind for later- and pulled himself into them. He heard Time get out of bed, shuffling around to find some clothes himself, as they prepared for the day. He took his comb to go through pink hair, trying to use it as a means of ordering his thoughts on what he should do first and what he should prepare for. It was quiet between them, Legend knowing his radon was because of his anxiety.

 

He didn't realize he was finished getting dressed and staring in the mirror. Blinking back into reality, he saw Time’s reflection staring at him, and he sagged. Just imagining what he may find and what would happen already had him ready to spring into action and yet dreading it. He turned slowly and gave a tired smile to his boyfriend.

 

"Let's have something quick to eat and then we go." Time nodded, and they interlaced fingers to head out of the bedroom towards the kitchen area. With only a few pieces of fruit and nuts to tide them over, the two hero's ventured into the day with swords and other items in adventure pouches and on hand.

 

The front gate of the castle was open, a group of men and a few guards gathered together.

 

"Link!" Someone called out, and he gave a wave as they crossed the bridge over the moat that surrounded the castle. A young man stepped away from the crowd. He was a bit bookish looking with glasses and black hair coiffed perfectly, dressed in robes and holding a few scroll cases to his side.

 

"We were beginning to think you wouldn't be able to join us," he started, standing taller than how Legend originally thought he was, especially when he was no longer slouching forward. Legend frowned, trying to remember where he'd seen the man before. (Really, where did he see him before?)

 

"Ah. I'm sorry,” he began, rubbing the back of his head nervously. “I'm grasping for a name.” Legend could feel his face flush as he shifted on his feet. "I've been having issues in remembering names and faces lately."

 

"Ah. Not to worry. We did only talk a brief amount of time a few months back. Jasom, Head of the Archives and trainee in the courts of Magi."

 

"Ah! Right! Now I remember!" Time piped up, and Legend could have smacked his forehead. That's why he was familiar!

 

"Correct! Now, let's get to the rest of the group and see about planning what to do next to solve this problem." Legend nodded and they moved towards the rest of the group, many of whom looked very tired to be up this early as he felt. And as they drew closer, the conversation became clearer.

 

"I say we take a look at the structure of the river. Perhaps something is disturbing the flow deeper than we can explore."

 

"I'm sure that is an obstacle to look into, but I suggest checking on Lake Hylia. There may be a disturbance in the temple that has stopped the flow leaving."

 

"We should head to the domain of the Zora. Or to the source of the water."

 

"You are mad to suggest we all go up there!"

 

Legend groaned at the myriad of conversations happening. A glance over at Time revealed the same feeling etched on his face. Legend turned back to the bickering group before he pulled his fingers up to his mouth and gave a shrill whistle to catch their attention.

 

After a beat of silence, Legend spoke up. "Now that I have your attention. Let's talk one at a time and figure out what we do know before going in headfirst."

 

One by one they were all introduced to each other. By now the sun was rising higher and bringing more light to look around with, as did it bring the humidity. They started out by watching the river, seeing how it barely moved and there was a strange film on the top of the lake, turning the once blue waters a murky greenish color.

 

"Perhaps some contamination happened in the stream?" One court mage commented, having taken a bucket into the water to bring some of it up to examine.

 

"I think this happened before," Jasom remarked as he began to pull out a few scrolls. "It was quite some time ago. Long before our era but after the sealing with the 7 sages."

 

Legend could feel the stare from Time, and he held his lips shut to keep from saying anything further and cause even more trouble.

 

"Anything that says it was cured?" One of the engineers asked, his voice gruff with annoyance.

 

"If you'd let me read I will tell you, sir ."

 

Legend gave a shake of his head, already seeing how everyone's personality was clashing horribly. More bickering and talk erupted around them before legend just looked at Time.

 

"Should we just ditch them and investigate ourselves?" He asked. It only got a sigh from Time, who pushed his bangs back from his face.

 

"That'd just look bad on us."

 

He had a point. One that Legend was loathed to admit.

 

"Ah ha!"

 

It brought everyone's attention back to Jasom, scroll unraveled quite a ways as he was stopped somewhere in the middle..

 

"According to the old records, it did abate. It took a few weeks, but there was…. A great flood that devastated the southern half of Hyrule…" the exuberance in his voice drifted to a quiet dread, trailing off as he continued to read.

 

"We really don't have weeks to wait it out," Time piped up, and legend saw his face serious and calculating.

 

"I agree," Legend affirmed, and they watched Jasom as he read some more from the scroll.

 

"We should go and check out Lake Hylia, to see if it is draining towards the sea like it should," the captain offered, arms crossed as he looked towards the Southwest. A murmur of consensus waved through them all before they began to head in the direction of Lake Hylia.

 

Very few people were out, all darting as quickly as they could to one area, never crossing the bridge that would lead them towards the Eastern Palace and Syrup's magic hut. But looking at the river as they moved, Legend could see that the color was only worsening, and the level having dropped significantly from its normal silt line in the banks.

 

Thankfully the walk to Lake Hylia was quick, and looking out at the banks proves it was just as bad as the river was. Large patches of greenish looking material floating on the surface and looking like smoke swirling in the air. The water was still and lifeless, no movement save for when the light breeze shifted the waves and the patches of whatever. Worst yet was the image of hundreds of fish that were floating on the water at the edges, many others had washed up on shore.

 

“This… is much worse than I thought,” someone mumbled, voicing the same thought that Legend had in his head. He turned to look at the others, his throat tight at the very image of destruction that had been seared in his mind now. How were they going to fix this? How could they take on such a task?

 

Legend wanted to walk and turn away, to consider this a lost cause, but he remembered the promise he’d made. He said he would help Queen Oren. He was going to ensure that all the people of Hyrule were safe from the pain of sickness. Clenching his jaw, Legend turned to look at Time for a moment and nodded when the other met his eyes.

 

“I think it’s safe to assume there are other issues happening up river. Trey and I,” Legend began, reaching out to place his hand on Time’s arm for emphasis, “will head up river to see what we can find there.”

 

Jasom looked concerned, but he finally gave a nod, smiling slightly. “I suppose we’ll stay here and take a look at what we find. And what we’ll need.”

 

“Just don’t go into the water,” Legend chided before motioning for Time to follow him North. A ways away, leaving everyone else to bicker about what to do next. Legend waited as they crossed the bridge into the dusty patch of land that was east of Hyrule Castle, ignoring the Octoroks that were huddled away from the blazing sun. And then, he spoke up.

 

“We’re gonna be going up the side of Death Mountain to find Zora’s Domain. Hopefully we can get more information from the Queen herself to understand what is the source.”

 

“But shouldn’t we find out how to drain the lake too? And what would happen if we released all of that… that gunk out there into open water? Wouldn’t it spread?” Time asked, his face stoic as he swivelled his head around, looking for any sign of trouble.

 

“That is true… perhaps Syrup can help us with that.”

 

“Syrup?” Time questioned, his confusion evident in his voice.

 

“Yeah. Old lady Syrup. She is the resident potion master of the land. Her granddaughter Irene was one of the sages in my last adventure. She knows everything in regards to potions, tonics, and mixtures that cures many a disease. I’m sure she can find some means of containing it.”

 

Time said nothing as they walked past the dusty grounds back into a more forestry area, before coming up to a large tree hut of sorts. Legend saw that Irene was struggling to deal with something in the garden to cooperate (if the vines and long roots weren’t any indication.) Legend pointedly ignored the apprentice witch and moved to the door, giving a few knocks.

 

It took a moment before the door opened, revealing the older woman herself. Syrup blinked before giving a soft smile, wrinkles pulling longer with the movement.

 

“Ah, Link. So good to see you. Come in, come in! Just in time for some tea and to test some new tonic of mine~”

 

“Actually, we came here on a business call, Syrup,” Legend began, nervously smiling up as he stepped inside the warm and dark hut. It was filled with a mixture of smoke and some other fumes, making Legend a little dizzy, but Syrup quickly opened up a few windows to allow a breeze in.

 

“For shame. Perhaps another time,” she mumbled, her voice sad with her back towards him. Legend did feel bad that he didn’t come visit her more often. He’d have to fix this when it was all taken care of.

 

“So Syrup,” Legend began, swallowing nervously. “I’m sure you’ve heard a few things around town about… stuff. The sicknesses and all that.” Legend trailed off, wondering if she was actually aware of it.

 

“Yes. Dreadful really. A few have come to see about finding a cure for their ails but all I could give them were some basic tonics to alleviate the symptoms,” Syrupe stated, hobbling over to one of the many cauldrons to stir whatever was inside.

 

“Well, we found a possible source of it. The river,” Time piped up, making Syrup turn her wisened eyes to him and they narrowed slightly.

 

Legend stepped back in at this point. “We found at Lake Hylia all the fish are dead, and it’s covered in this weird green… floating substance. All of the lower parts of the river as well have it. And it’s not moving.”

 

Syrup gave another stir of the cauldron, lifting the large ladle and dropping the liquid before scooping back up again, her eyes looking at the consistency. She set it down. “This sounds familiar… though it happens more in ponds or larger pools of stagnant water.”

 

“You know what it is?” Legend asked, about to add more when the door was opened loudly, thumping against the wall. Irene stood there, face covered in dirt and angry red lash marks before she held up the writhing plant in her fist.

 

“Here, I got the stupid plant!” She snarled, her ears red in her frustration as she moved over to toss it away.

 

“Irene! That is no way to talk around guests!”

 

“But Granny! I’m tired and angry and it hurt when it whipped me!”

 

“And that is why I told you to not go in and brute force your way with the plants. You have to coax them before they will allow themselves to be used.” Syrup walked to where Irene had tossed the plants aside and grabbed one of the lashing plants with an old gnarled and wrinkly hand, before she made gentle shushing sounds as she stroked the curled vine.

 

“But, you got almost all of it intact. The root will stay and it will come back. You did a good job, young lady.” She turned to give Irene a smile, and the young apprentice frowned but nodded, taking her large hat and hiding her face.

 

Legend didn’t want to stick around with this prattle, and he shot a quick look to Time. They had little time to deal with any of this, and he didn’t want to get stuck in some sort of family bonding moment that he wasn’t to be privy to. He turned around and headed out of the hut, thinking about how he would have to come back to get more information.

 

“Give me 2 hours to produce a batch of powder to sprinkle in the river and lake and then come back. It will solve all the problems with that weird filth hanging in the water.”

 

Her sudden statement had Legend turning around in surprise, before he felt himself sag in relief, some tension leaving him.

 

“Of course! Thank you so much Syrup! Irene!” Legend could see a blip of hope in their future, and he glanced to see Time was just as ecstatic. With a wave, the two of them left the hut quickly as they heard Syrup bark out to Irene about needing to do more work.

 

“Well that went better than expected!” Time commented, following Legend as they went around the large fenced in garden to follow along the cliff wall.

 

“Yes. Yes it did,” Legend responded, looking back towards the other hero. “Granny Syrup knows her stuff, and I’m sure she will be able to get us something. But let’s get up to Zora’s Domain now.”

 

The path up to the domain wasn’t too perilous, a few random animals and monsters here and there, but Legend took note that the various little waterfalls that were on the side of Death Mountain had no water flow, making Legend frown at what was implied. Going up further the hills and slopes, he could see even the larger waterfalls were dried up, only small ponds at the bottom where he could see parts of various rotten vegetation and bits of debris hanging around at the deeper parts.

 

It wasn’t looking good at all for anyone at this rate. More and more monsters seemed to be around, but they scrambled away from the two heroes as they made their path forward past the large ring of rocks, only now Legend could see there wasn’t anything in it, unlike in the Dark world and Lorule. Finally, Legend stepped off of the path of green to the dried riverbed, only a stagnant flow of water in the middle showing that it once held water.

 

“This way,” he mumbled as he led the path up. The air grew more humid as they ascended further up the mountain, but with the humidity also came a different smell. Something rotten and foul. He gagged when the wind blew a particularly strong amount in his face, and he had to breath a few times from his mouth before he was able to proceed forward. The trees blocked their path with their broad leaves offering them shade, but soon they breached through the foliage.

 

Where the large flowing pools of water should be were only pockets of puddles where the deeper spots would be, a few Zora peeking out from the green waters to glare out at him. A few adventurous ones were looking ready to leap out with clawed webbed hands, but Legend stopped moving.

 

“I came to speak to Queen Oren!” He shouted, still a distance away from many that could still attack him. “We are here to help!”

 

The silence of the forest was deafening, until he heard a strange high pitched gurgling. A few Zora were looking at one another, beady eyes darting around as they spoke. He couldn’t understand what they were saying, and Legend looked to Time to see if he understood it. The other hero shrugged.

 

However, before they could speak up again, one Zora came forth dressed in a bright blue cape. He looked thinner than some others, but Legend knew not to underestimate any of them.

 

“Our beloved Queen is expecting you, Link! Come!”

 

Legend and Time glanced at one another, before they were quick to follow the Zora that ran ahead of them on stubby legs. Around many more pools of water they saw more Zora crammed inside, many hissing at the two of them passing by them while some tried to dive down out of what Legend could assume was reflex. Finally, they reached the largest and deepest part of the domain, which was the Waterfall of Wishing, and the hidden entrance behind it for Queen Oren herself. There was no waterfall flowing, leaving the entrance exposed to the elements and numerous guards were stationed outside to protect against any attacks.

 

The water flow was blocked further up the mountainside, and Legend had a bad feeling at what it could even imply. But, they were led inside the Queen’s royal chamber. Where water usually flowed crystal clear, it was darkening and stagnant. Many other Zora were crammed inside, their eyes watching fearfully from the shadows as they were led to Oren. Even her pool, which used to glow a faint golden now sat darkened, as the Zora Queen herself sat outside it, her face worried as she looked up.

 

“Your majesty!” The guard called out, stumbling a bit before going to kneel before her. Legend and Time did the same, giving a bow to her. Oren stood up from the edge of her pool, looking down at them from her throne with a stiff posture and regal air, but her eyes were still kind as she looked at the two of them.

 

“I am glad that it was not just false words of your intent to help, Link,” she began, her lips pulling slightly in a smile as she regarded him and Time. “But who might your friend be?”

 

Legend swallowed before he motioned to Time. “This is… Trey Stone. He has travelled outside of Hyrule for a long time and came to settle here in our lands,” he introduced. Time gave a nod, lifting a hand to his chest and giving another bow.

 

“It is an honor to be here to help your people and the people of Hyrule live in relative peace and safety, Your majesty.” Oren gave a quiet hum as she regarded him, and Legend knew she could sense something from him. Something he didn’t want the rest of the world to know yet. Or ever.

 

“Very well. Any aid you can give is a blessing that we desperately need.”

 

Legend breathed a sigh of relief before he rubbed his palms together, attempting to try and center himself.

 

“Okay. So we have a few problems to tackle at once,” he began, motioning first to the water. “Obviously the water isn’t flowing. From yesterday’s…. Incident,” Legend trailed off, looking to see if the Zora from before was actually there, but he couldn’t tell them apart from any other Zora civilian. “The water has stopped flowing since the storm a few weeks back. We know a few mudslides did happen around the mountain. But I’m assuming there are more inside the mountain.”

 

“We can assume that, yes,” Oren began, stepping forward as her golden skirt flowed around her feet with every step. “However, we Zora are unable to reach up there. The waterfalls have all dried up, preventing us from traversing them up to look for the source.”

 

“Lake Hylia is just as bad,” Time spoke up, motinoing outside. “The water flow stopping has left it stagnant and there is… something in it that is causing all the fish to die off.”

 

“Which is starving not only you and your people, but soon ours as well,” Legend picked up.

 

“It is something dreadfully nasty,” Oren hissed, her face pressed in a scowl and showing off sharp fangs. But Legend knew she wasn’t baring them at him in aggression. “It burns and causes our scales to crack and bleed. It starves off the ability to breath through the gills. Now we are struggling not only to feed ourselves but also sustain our lives in the water.”

 

Legend nodded in understanding, imagining just how painful it really could be. “So we have two plans. The first is to get the water flowing not only from the mountains, but also to allow Lake Hylia to drain, unless we wish to flood all of Southern Hyrule.”

 

“Make that three. We have to stop that weird green stuff from going out into open water and causing problems further down for many other lands,” Time piped up, making Legend pause.

 

“Granny Syrup is working on that now. She says in a few hours we can pick up the stuff she’s making to put into the lake.”

 

Time hummed in thought, taking his hand to scratch his face and neck as his eyebrows furrowed downwards.

 

“Any help that can be given is much appreciated, Link,” Oren offered, before she looked around.

 

“Of course. Now, did the water flow stop all of a sudden, or was it more of a gradual stop?” He asked, trying to piece together how a few weeks could cause such a massive change in their whole land.

 

“It was rather gradual but still sudden,” a Zora piped up, dressed in red armor as he stepped forward. “A few of us tried to go further upstream, but when we went to the second falls, there was only so little water that no one would have made it up.”

 

Legend nodded before he turned to look at Time. They knew what they had to do now at least. Looking back at Queen Oren, Legend offered her a bow to her once again.

 

“We will venture further to look into what needs to be done and fix this. We will do our best to fix this, or at least start the process of fixing it.”

 

Queen Oren gave a nod of her head, eyes black like polished onyx jewels, but the sparkle of kindness was there. “Thank you. If you find anything amiss and require any aid, we will do our best to help.” Legend ignored the hisses and gurgles of outcry from a few of the other Zora, before he and Time quickly left the Queen’s throne room to stand outside in the blazing heat.

 

Glancing around, Legend looked up to the large cliff where the waterfall naturally fell and worried his bottom lip, trying to think of their next solution. He could see the large cliffs and rocky outcroppings of Death Mountain in the distance, seeing the plumes of steam vents and a few open lava flows that were mostly contained in themselves.

 

“The blockage has to be up there,” Legend began, turning to look at Time. The other hero gave a nod and Legend found himself smirking. “Wanna climb together?”

 

“Got something to get us up there?” Time asked, tilting his head lightly with a cocked eyebrow. Legend didn’t verbally answer, grabbing the flap of his adventure pouch to flick the latch and then opened it to stick his hand inside. He felt polished wood and he pulled out his Hookshot, releasing the mechanism slightly to allow it to unravel the chain slightly.

 

“I don’t know, I don’t think it’ll be enough for us,” Legend stated, his tone sarcastic to tease. Time laughed, understanding his meaning clearly, before they looked for a spot to get them up top. A tree branch hanging over the falls looked sturdy enough, and Legend wrapped his arm around Time’s waist before he aimed upwards.

 

“Hold on,” Legend warned. When Time wrapped a hand around the device as well as looping the other around his neck, Legend ravelled the chain back up, before he let the tension coil spring out, shooting the barbed hook out to sink into the tree branch. With a lurch, Legend and Time shot up into the air past the cliff and onto solid ground again. The hook released itself when they landed, winding back up with a few clinks of metal.

 

“I always forget how jarring that is,” Time groaned out from where he knelt on the ground, holding his face for a moment before he stood up slowly. Legend gave a roll of his shoulder, feeling it was stiff from the jerking movement, and he looked to Time.

 

“I guess we better continue upwards. Or else we’re gonna end up being here until nightfall.”

 

“And you don’t have your lantern, huh?” Legend shook his head to answer Time’s question. Climbing and hiking, the grass turning into rocky croppings of the mountain side. Finally, they came to what they could assume was the opening of a cave, if it wasn’t for the large covering of mud and rocks blocking the passage. Just under and between the rocks there was a trickle of water flowing out. Nothing that would indicate this was the true source of the blockage, but it was a good start to get more water flowing hopefully.

 

Standing off to the side, Legend knelt beside his packs to try and find his bombs, frowning when he saw he only had a handful. 5 max. It may work, but it also may cause more issues. He glanced up to see Time was checking his stuff too, pulling out a few bombs as well as a collection of strange looking masks that were kept separate.

 

“Well, here’s what we have to work with,” Legend finally commented, staring at their items all around them. “I’ve got 5 bombs, and it looks like you have 8. I think 6 would be able to open this blockage up but at the same time, it may not.”

 

“Do you think we should go back down and get more?” Time asked, scratching his head as he looked over his masks for a moment before putting away one of them, leaving him with one that was pale blue with glassy black eyes and some weird fins on the side of the face, and a rocky brown with beady purple eyes and big mouth.

 

“Honestly? Maybe only one of us should,” Time admitted, looking up from the blue mask to stare at Legend. “I could probably pick up more bombs, and that big mixture from Syrup that you said she was working on. Plus, I can report to the guys back at the Lake with what’s happening.”

 

Legend could see the logic in that. Splitting up would work in their benefit, and it would allow them to tackle it all on two fronts. The only problem, they had no means of communication over long distances. He wasn’t a telepath like Zelda or Sahasrahla to do these kinds of things. Taking a few deep breaths, Legend closed his eyes as he tried to keep his mind calm. Panicking would do him no good, and he knew Time was just as capable as a hero as he was.

“How quickly do you think you can make it down there?”

 

“It shouldn’t take long. Especially if I use this.” Time held up the brown colored mask, giving a smirk.

 

“What is that anyways?”

 

Time didn’t answer for a moment, turning to stare at it while his fingers gently rubbed along the back surface of the mask. He looked a little lost, deep in a memory that Legend worried would be hard to pull him out of.

 

“This… is something very very special,” Time began, standing up from his kneeling position to look at Legend. “It is a mask. A mask that, when worn, turns me into a Goron.” Legend gaped up at him, confused on why he would have such a thing, and he tried to process even as Time explained more. “Specifically, it contains the sorrow and regrets, even the very soul of a great hero of the Gorons. I got this mask in my second adventure. His powers and abilities helped me in that time, and he himself has passed on.”

 

Legend remembered the last time he had seen Gorons Labrynna and Holodrum, but he’d never expected to have heard this before.

 

“Now all that this mask contains is his powers and abilities, merely an image of what he was. He did tell me that if his abilities could be of use, then he gladly will let me use them. I think it’s time I let that be used, one more time.”

 

Legend stood himself, stepping up to the other man with a frown on his face, pushing pink hair away when the wind blew. “What about the other one?” He questioned as he stared at the pale blue one.

 

“Ah… the Zora mask,” Time started as Legend jolted. Zora mask?! But… but it didn’t look like any Zora he had-

 

(Wait. There were other Zora. In fact, looking at it now, he saw it was the same Zora features as those in Labrynna as well, the ones living in the sea.)

 

“It holds the spirit of Mikau. He was the last in a lineage of Zora Warriors, but he played in a musical group. He suffered from grievous wounds in order to try and save some Zora eggs of someone very dear to him. He passed on his knowledge and skills in the arts of fighting as a Zora, and he was able to move on in his spirit.”

 

Legend felt a nervous lump in his throat, wondering if it was even such a good idea to be tampering with such things, but they also had little choice before them. Legend looked from the two masks then back up to Time, squaring himself.

 

“If you think it’s for the best… then do it. Get some more bombs, and… and when you guys are ready…” he trailed off as he looked down at his stuff for a moment and then dug back in. He searched and searched before feeling a cool wooden handle and a jingle, before he pulled it out. It was Irene’s bell, the one she had given him when she was offering rides to and from places back in his last adventure.

 

“Ring this bell, and Irene should hear it. When you guys are ready down at the lake, have her come flying up to me here, above Zora’s domain, and I’ll open this up.”

 

Time nodded, putting the Zora mask and a few of his other items away before he turned back to look at Legend. He gave a smile before he turned to look back forward and then, he lifted the mask up to his face. There was a sickening sound that was a mixture of cracking and some sort of weird suction before Time was doubling over, holding his face behind the mask as he gave a groan of agony. There was a shout and Legend attempted to run over and comfort him, but suddenly he was blinded by light. He lifted his arms up out of reflex to block it.

 

He lifted them down, blinking away the brightly colored spots for a moment, before he was staring at where Time once stood. He could see the spiney rocks that protruded from the back of the Goron that was there, jagged and huge, with chipped rock in random spaces. Broad shoulders covered in large and small scars that raced up and down. His hair was spiked in a variety of directions from behind, stiff like dried clay not set to be baked. Slowly the Goron turned his head, and he was surprised by his face. It was soft and kind, but a deep frown line was etched in his forehead, as if carved into his being.

 

The big mouth turned into a smile, broad and full of life, even with his eyebrows drawn in with determination. With a wave of a large hand- showing the edges of a large diagonal scar going across his chest and belly, the Goron that was Time ran forward on short and stubby legs before curling up into a ball to roll down the cliffside, gaining speed as he went.

 

Legend could only stare as he watched the man leave, trying to process just exactly what he had witnessed. Closing his mouth, Legend took a few deep breaths before turning back to the blocked cave. He worked his jaw a few times, trying to release the tension he felt, before he dug into his bag and pulled out a shovel, setting it on the ground spade end first.

 

“Guess I better start digging,” he mumbled before rolling up his sleeves, stepping forward to start the back breaking work.

Time could barely see where he was going, catching only glimpses of the spinning world from the sides as he felt every shift of the earth beneath his body. He rolled and rolled, moving faster as he gained momentum. The texture of earth changed from just dirt and rock to the beginnings of grass and he purposely stuck out his legs, stopping himself from continuing to roll. Looking around, Time saw the beginning signs of trees further ahead and more grass. Perfect. He was getting close to Zora’s domain.

 

Rolling again, he moved along the winding riverbed, feeling water soaking his rocky covering to direct him along the path necessary, before finally he was dunked in a shallow section of water. Stopping again, he ignored the gibbering panic of Zora when he found himself at the entrance of the grand hall again. He was getting close to the deeper waters, and that was dangerous. He waved off a few and was quick to roll away, going a bit slower since he no longer had gravity pushing him forward to the crazier speeds as before.

 

Further he rolled down, trying to be as quick as he could, before finally he felt himself land in deeper water again. Stopping with his feet, he looked around to try and see where he was and saw the large circle of rocks.

 

“So I’m here,” he mumbled, voice rough and gravely before he hobbled himself over to the grassy section of the land, shaking some of the water off so it didn’t soften his skin too much. A few Buzz Blobs attempted to smack into him, their beady eyes glaring up at him but he just watched as they harmlessly bounced off him, their shocking attacks doing nothing to hurt him. Lifting his large hands, he slammed his fists down to crush the group of three Buzz Blobs, watching them flatten easily into some strange green pancake, before they disintegrated into nothingness. The Octorok that had been watching him turned away and scurried off in a hurry.

 

He laughed, booming loud that echoed in the small valley, before he finally calmed himself down. It was always so different to be in the form of Darmani, but he also knew he didn’t have much time to waste standing around. He lifted his hands up to his face, feeling the invisible seam where his face and the mask separated, and he began to pull. It was agony but in a relieved sense. Before he felt like his whole body was morphing and twisting into something that wasn't right, too big and bulky, heavy and so distorted from what he was before it all settled. Now? It was as if he was being released.

 

He stood in the small quiet section of the valley back in his Hylian body. He panted as he stared at the ground, the world dizzying from the sudden changes, before he lifted his head. Carefully he pushed the mask back into his bags, closing it securely as he gave himself a chance to catch his bearing. With no monsters or other wildlife to block his way, Time began a jog to head further down the hillsides towards the Witch hut to get back to the Lake and explain what they had found.

 

Following along the path, he was surprised at how quickly he got back to Syrup’s hut, seeing the purple smoke rising from the chimney and windows that drifted higher and higher into the air before dissipating into nothingness.

 

But then, there was a loud explosion from inside the hut. Heart thudding in panic, he ran over as quickly as he could to see Irene slamming open the door to the hut, coughing and waving smoke from her face with Syrup right behind her.

 

“What did I do wrong!?” Irene called out, wiping at her face as the two witches stepped out.

 

“You put in the wrong plant, that’s what!” Syrup shouted, her voice high-pitched with her irritation as she gave wheezing coughs.

 

“Are you two alright?” He asked, having stopped to observe before he spoke up and walked closer. The two looked up at him, Irene flushed red and Syrup frowning.

 

“We’re fine. Just one of the potions was given the incorrect ingredient. But we are fine.”

 

“Good,” Time breathed out, relieved to see the two were safe. But then the words about an incorrect ingredient and potion registered and he panicked.

 

The emotion must have been on his face as Syrup spoke up while she took her sleeve and wiped at her face and eyes. “Not to worry. It was for our healing potion, not for stopping the problem with the water.”

 

“You won’t let me touch that one, Granny,” Irene mumbled, crossing her arms in a pout. Time ignored her just as Syrup did before he worried his hands together, attempting to calm himself from his sudden nerves.

 

“How are things coming along though?” He questioned, worried that they had to stop to take care of this.

 

“It’s almost finished. Worry not,” Syrup reassured with a dismissive wave if her hand. He nodded in relief. He could work with that.

 

“Alright. Le-er Link is up further on the mountain and he found the source of the blockage up there. I’m going back to check on the Lake to see how things are looking there.”

 

“Good, good,” Syrup nodded, taking her hat off to straighten it out, her wispy white hair flying around for a moment before she placed her hat back on. “If you can have all the dead fish removed before we pour all of this in, that would work much better for us.”

 

Time blinked a few times as a thought came to his mind. “Of course. But a quick question.” Seeing he had their attention, Time ran the question to them. “Will this… cure solution thing affect the fish that are still alive somehow?”

 

Syrup pondered that for a moment, less than 10 seconds really, before she shook her head. “No. The last time it was used the fish population was back in the lake within a few weeks. Now shoo, git with you.”

 

Time nodded as he waved goodbye to them, only to stop mid step when he remembered about the bell.

 

“Oh! Link gave me your bell, Miss Irene!” He explained, making the younger witch whip around to stare at him, confused.

 

“Why?” She asked, her face scrunched up in confusion.

 

“So that way you can tell when we’re done at the lake and then go up to tell him that he can open up the way at the top.” Irene gave a small ‘oh’, nodding and a thumbs up, before she was being herded back inside the hut to continue working. Time turned back and started to run towards the Lake once more. The cleanup effort would take a while, but it would be worth it.

 

He hoped.

 

He made it back to the Lake in time, seeing the group were already starting to clean up the various floating fish carcasses that had piled on the shore, covered in the green slime that covered the surface of the lake still.

 

“Okay! I have news!” Time shouted out, coming to a stop as he braced himself on his knees to catch his breath. A few came over to listen, asking where Link was and he just held his hand up to stop them.

 

“He… He’s up at the river source. Blocked up top. He’s… he’s digging some of it out to try and start the process.”

 

“I see,” one of the court mages commented, giving a thoughtful hum. A few of them murmured various questions and comments as Time finally stood back up straight, having caught his breath.

 

"Also Syrup is set to have a solution for us to put into the water and dissolve all this…. Gunk." Time motioned to the Lake once more. "So we need to clear out all the dead fish as soon as possible. She is said to be ready shortly when I passed by to come back down here."

 

"That does remind me," one of the engineers remarked, attention turning to him. "The lake should be draining as well, and be much lower than it is. Perhaps there's a second block?"

 

Silence rang out between them before they began to talk over each other, trying to make opinions and thoughts heard. It was honestly annoying, how no one seemed to be working together in all of this. He could feel a migraine coming on, the older men still talking loudly amongst themselves.

 

"Honestly," Jasom muttered as he stepped up beside Time. "They could perhaps take a moment to realize we don't have the time to argue or try and find a solution.  We need to finish cleaning up and find a way to check if there is a blockage."

 

Time nodded in agreement, looking at the group before back at the water. How could they check the water though? He didn't particularly think it would be wise to just go swimming in that stuff, especially when there were already large swathes of dead fish. Who knows what it could do to him as a Hylian. Let alone a Zora

 

Let alone a Zora!

 

He realized what he could do and he turned to Jasom again. "I may have an idea on how to check!"

 

Jasom blinked green eyes up at him. "How? I don't think anyone could breathe underwater and see in the murky depths."

 

Time gave a smug smile. "Hylians can't. But a Zora can."

 

"Whatever do you mean?"

 

Time just winked. "I know Link hasn't said much about me, other than I'm from outside of Hyrule. But I do have some magical artifacts that could help us."

 

Jasom's incredulous look had Time rolling his eyes at the other before he shifted in his bags once again to pull out the Zora Mask.

 

"This is what I'm talking about." He watched as the other man looked it over curiously before Time looked at the others that finally came to an agreement.

 

"I'll use this to swim into the lake and check if there is a block somewhere. After that I'll come back and help bring the dead fish back up so we can dispose of them.

 

"Alright," Jasom conceded, before he pulled another scroll out of his bags, this one bigger in size.

 

"Here, a map of the lake," he explained as he unrolled it carefully to have Time look at it. "So this is where we are at."

 

Time nodded as he looked to where Jasom pointed, seeing the landmark of the shore they stood at.

 

"The outflow source is here at the Southern edge of the lake. It should be under the water and through a small valley, but it will lead further out into the open waters that head to the sea borders."

 

Time followed the lines, trying to paint the visual map in his head before nodding.

 

"Alright. I'm going in now." He stepped back from Jasom and the rest as they started to go back to their clean up effort. He could feel them watching him as he lifted the mask up, almost touching his nose, before he sighed.

 

He had to do this. No cold feet now. He pressed the cold material to his face with a shuddering breath in.

 

His world twisted and turned, his head felt ready to split open as his whole body turned from fire to ice. Too much! Too much pain! He couldn’t get his voice to scream, he couldn’t get air into his lungs. A pressure surrounded him, pushing and pushing for before finally it seemed to pull.

 

Finally everything stopped. He was left dizzy, out of breath, and wobbly. He could feel how the air passed not through just his nose but through the gills on the side of his neck. He blinked as the world shifted in colors and in the way the view was warped differently. He heard the gasps behind him, and when he turned he saw everyone starting at him. He lifted a webbed hand, the large fin on the side of his arm flexing some, before he took a running leap and dove into the water.

 

The first thing he noticed was how quiet it was. Normally there would be various noises, clicks of little prawns to the watery splash of a fish darting around. The second was how hard it was to tell the direction he was going. The water murky and dusty, light barely shining through to guide him. He began to swim.

 

But as he swam, the water current parting for him like he was a hot branding iron in snow, something else felt wrong. His skin and scales began to itch. And he struggled to breath. It was like breathing through a wet cloth. Up. He had to go up!

 

He moved up and found his head breaching the surface, gasping for air as he bobbed in the water. He ignored the itching and burning across his head fin and face, managing to look where he was. The middle of the lake, just past the strange windmill on the lone island. He turned from East to face South, and with a deep breath, he dove back down into the water..

 

He continued to swim, purposely moving faster to gain more ground. The silence unnerved him as he swam in the depths further. He felt kelp smacking him in the face and slowed to a stop, his lungs burning for air and he swam back up.

 

He was at the cliff wall, just feet away from it. As he gasped and panted for air, he tried to see where he could find any landmark for the valley Jasom talked about, but there was no sign.

 

This would be more difficult than he imagined. He floated there for a moment, concentrating on the wall and trying to catch his breath. He could feel through his boots how the water flowed, directing him to where he could vaguely feel it pull. He took a moment more to breathe in as deeply as he could, kicking around to stir up the waters and perhaps get the air flow a bit more, and then he dove.

 

It was like playing a game of blind mice. He felt with his hands, searching for the entrance while his eyes were closed. Rocky wall seemed to be every direction, before he was met with emptiness. The current pulled in this direction, so he followed it. Daring to take a labored breath over his gills, he then proceeded in. It was still so dark, and his skin felt ready to crack whenever he moved. Yet he couldn’t stop here.

 

Suddenly, he felt rock blocking his way. There were various edges that he could wiggle the tip of a claw into, but still tightly packed that it couldn't shift. He could feel water moving through it ever so slightly, indicating there as only the merest flow of water leaving.

 

This is the block. He thought to himself, before he pushed away. There was no way he could do anything in his blind state. How was he going to be able to do it safely? With another labored breath, Time pushed himself out of the valley to more open waters and then upwards.

 

He breached the surface again, gasping for air even as his skin burned and ached. He twisted his head to try and see where he was. He was next to the Southern wall again, and he could faintly see in the distance as everyone was pulling up more of the dead fish against the shore.

 

Time took a deep breath and dove back under, trying to see through murky depths as he swam and swam and made it closer to where he had first dove in. He gripped the wall, digging his claws into the slick surface of the sand shore, and crawled his way up as he gasped for air.

 

"Trey?" Someone called and he lifted his head- his fin flopping to the other side and nearly smacking his face- and saw Jasom drawing him.

 

"I'm… I'm okay," be managed out, his voice warbling like he was speaking through a small waterfall. "Just… just trying to catch my breath." He lifted his hand up and rubbed at his face, wiping around his eyes before he managed to stand to his feet, even as he wobbled. He was tall compared to the other Hylians before, but as a Zora he grew even taller. A glance around and he saw everyone was staring at him in trepidation, uncertain about what they were seeing, no doubt.

 

He took a few moments to look them all over, and then faced the Engineering captain. “There is a block in the outgoing tunnel. That’s why the Lake hasn’t moved at all in water level,”

 

“How deep into the tunnel was it?” One of the mages asked, and Time frowned as he tried to think, closing his eyes as he tried to mentally guess how deep he had gone.

 

“I couldn’t tell. It was too dark for me to see in, let alone it… it just burned to try and see through the water.”

 

“Should you try and wash off?” Someone suggested and he shrugged.

“I’ll have to go into the water again soon. So it wouldn’t do me any good.” his nonchalance was met with a smack on his arm, and he winced at the pain to look down at Jasom who had smacked him with his scroll case.

 

“Your health is just as important! I doubt any of us could dive down and work on undoing the blockage like you can! So don’t think for a minute that we will think of your health as so little to be disregarded.”

 

Time winced, flinching back at the words. But they were true. Legend would tell him the exact same thing. He huffed a sigh before he glanced out at the water.

 

“We’re gonna have to finish cleaning up and then… we’re gonna need bombs. A lot of bombs…” he ignored the groan of dismay from Jasom before he went to look at the water again. Especially to the gross slimy material that clung to the water and the top of his head fin.

 

“Anyone got a net?”

Legend stood at the side of the river, huffing as he wiped dirt and sweat from his face. He’d managed to unbury the top half of the blockage, water trickling out a bit more but still not enough to be any sort of big success. He frowned at the slow flow, looking at it slowly dripping down the river bed to wet the silt and rocks. He flicked pink hair out of his face again to glance at the sun.

 

It was afternoon now, and there was still so much he had to do. Not to mention the idea of what else was in there blocking the way deeper in. He was tired, sore, and absolutely drenched in sweat, mud, and dirt. A break. He needed a break.

 

Dropping his shovel off to the side, Legend found a rock to lean against and slid down onto his butt, resting his sore arms on his knees as he curled forward to cover them. His back and neck ached, his arms sore, and he could feel the beginnings of a sunburn on his ears and nose. He ignored the wind whistling in his ears, the sounds of death mountain rumbling so close to him but still a distance that he didn’t need to fear.

 

“Hey! Greenie!”

 

He blinked and looked up in surprise. A streak of color and he saw Irene in her black dress, looking a bit dirty herself but a big grin stretching her face that was shadowed by her hat.

 

“Well well! Glad to see you! How are you holding up?” She asked him as she sat on her broom, levitating in the air before him. Legend huffed as he motioned to the still blocked tunnel ahead of him.

 

“I got a little unburied, but not nearly enough to make a difference. I was resting a bit before I started to go back to digging again.” Irene looked thoughtful to the blockage before them, and then to Legend again.

 

“Well, you want some good news?” She asked, her smile turning a bit impish but she didn’t elaborate until he gave a nod and an exhausted sigh. “Good news! Granny and I finished the big batch of powder and we poured it all into the lake, the river, and up towards the domain. In about an hour it should dissolve that green gunk on the water.”

 

“Alright. That’s better than what I figured it could be,” he began as he wiped his hair away from his eyes with a dirty hand, ignoring the streaks of dirt he left in the wake. “But is there any more good news? Or shall I expect the bad news?”

 

“Well, the other good news is that they’re working on getting that second block outta the way in the water tunnel at the lake.” That news had him raising an eyebrow, already imagining how that could go.

 

“Awesome. I assume some bombs are going to be involved?”

 

“Most likely. Bombs and some weird magic the court advisors are thinking of using. Plus Trey using his weird transformation magic to be a strange looking Zora to swim down and plant it there before coming back up.”

 

“Wait what?”

 

Irene raised an eyebrow at him. “Uh… yeah. He looks like some weird white and blue Zora, with a long tail thingy on the back of his head. He sounds funny when talking too. Not like the Zora down there,” She explained with a dismissive wave of her hand towards Zora’s Domain. “But he can swim and dive down into the water. When the water clears up he should breath in it easier than before.”

 

Legend frowned, feeling the migraine coming back to him at the idea of what this could entail. Exhausted, he closed his eyes to try and slow down the progress.

 

“I’m gonna have words with him about randomly just pulling out magical items or tricks like that and confusing the hell outta everyone.”

 

“Not the worst thing to happen though. Unlike Yuga.”

 

“Ugh… don’t remind me.”

 

“Oh I will. Being stuck as a painting was the worst! I could only watch out and just stare at the sand surrounding me! It itched too!”

 

Legend heaved a tired sigh, already having heard this complaint before several times, before lifting his head up to look at her. She blinked at him, frowning some before she reached into her side bags.

 

“Listen, Trey wanted me to come up here to let you know that they’re almost ready down at the Lake. He wanted me to give you these so you had extra when it came to digging out this stupid block too.” From her bags she pulled out a large sack filled with bombs. He stood up before carefully grabbing it from her.

 

"Well..  I hope that that is all the news. I can live with good news.

 

"Weeeeelll," Irene trailed off, looking away as she continued to float there. "Not… bad but. Not good either."

 

I knew it…

 

"Alright. Just tell me."

 

"So with all that diving down into the water, Trey is having some… issues. Like his skin or his scales? I don't know which. But anyways, being in the water is causing him pain and cracks on the skin with the rash. So when he's done he's being put into a medicated bath, per Granny's orders."

 

He really is going to kill him!

 

His blood pressure was set to boil but he took a few calming breaths to ensure that he didn't explode at Irene. She was just the messenger.

 

"Thank you. You said an hour, right?"

 

"Yeah. About that time. Need me to come back up when it's all done down at the lake?"

 

"Please do."

 

She gave a mock salute and waved as she flew back off towards the lack. Taking a moment to himself, Legend closed his eyes again as he rubbed his forehead, trying to ease the tension he felt as he wiped his face again. With the bombs set aside, Legend reached for his shovel once more and went back to digging.

 

He took the time to focus solely on his task, not wanting to think of what could be happening and how hurt his partner was. Especially after he just healed from beating bitten by a Zora!

 

The rock and dirt began to crumble under his feet and Legend quickly leapt off the blockage. Rocks and debris tumbled away, a wave of water flowing out but it wasn't the flood wave he'd been expecting.

 

Groaning, Legend moved up again, now seeing into the dark cave. Just behind the block there wasn't much to see. Only a bit of water that had been blocked, but it was a far cry of the rushing waves of a blocked river.

 

"For fucks sake…" he grumbled as he grabbed his pack again. With bombs in hand and shovel, Legend walked towards the half-toppled block and was about to head in. He stopped at the sound of a distant explosion. He turned around, squinting to try and see what caused it and frowned. No smoke and there wasn't-

 

A second explosion went off, and he could distantly see a cloud of water towards the Lake. He felt his stomach twist in knots, imagining what could be happening. With a nervous swallow to try and wet his dry throat, Legend finished moving rocks away with his legs, before he proceeded into the tunnel, using only the faint light of the day to illuminate his path.

 

He really wished he had his lantern right about now. Slowly he moved, trying to see if there was anything he could catch a glimpse of in the darkness as he moved, a hand on the wall to try and guide him. He didn't hear any squeaks of Keese or the strange snotty noise from Octoroks about to spit out rocks at him.

 

"Hey! Link!"

 

He jumped and whirled around, seeing magical sparkles again and knew it was Irene. Relief washed over him as she held her palm a glowing yellow light, casting shadows around her hat.

 

"So that wasn't a real block, huh?" He shook his head at her question, frowning to himself.

 

"The water that poured out wasn't enough for a river to flow. So there has to be a bigger problem deep inside."

 

"Hmm… well you may wanna go back and use a bomb, just to clear that last half so if you come running out, ya don't end up having to struggle over it."

 

That was… actually smart. He sighed before turning around. Thankfully he didn't get too far ahead to be any issue. Down one bomb, the rest of the path was cleared and the two ventured into the cave to investigate.

 

"What's your plan if you find a big block?" Irene asked, holding the light I'm her palm still as they navigated the cave.

 

"Hopefully blow it up and race out of there."

 

"With how deep we're spelunking, you might not be able to outrun it, Greenie." He frowned at that idea, imagining what would happen if he was caught by the sudden of water bursting out and hitting him. Not to mention the possible rocks that would go down as well.

 

"Them why don't you use your broom to have us zipping out?" He asked, giving her a look as he tried to peer ahead of him.

 

"I could… but would it be possible?"

 

"I've seen how fast you go on your broom? I've been on your broom. You could get us out of there in less than 30 seconds and we can get out of the blast radius."

 

She shrugged with a sigh. "Let's hope. I'd like to not think of what could happen if we don't."

 

Neither did he.

 

Finally they encountered more stone and dirt. Trickles of water escaped through cracks, making the small puddle of a river at his feet. There was just enough dry space on each side to allow a few bombs each and they wouldn't roll into the water.

 

"I think this is it."

 

"You don't say…" Irene’s deadpan tone made him roll his eyes, but he set his bags to the ground and he pulled out the bundles of bombs out to begin setting them up. The fuse was roughly a minute. Plenty of time for the two of them to get out of the tunnel and away from any blast or rush of water.

 

All in all, it was four bombs total, two on each side, and it would work to undo the block. Gathering up the rest, Legend looked back to Irene with a frown.

 

"How would I light these now? I don't have my lantern, or a flint."

 

"I can help, Greenie~" Irene said in a sing-song voice as her fingers glowed. "Just grab my broom."

 

He didn't particularly trust this idea but what choice did he have? He wasn't about to chip his blade by smacking it on the rocks in hopes of getting a spark to go. With all his stuff gathered, Legend held onto the bristles of Irene's broom.

 

He couldn't see clearly what she did other than a swish of her hand. Then the fizzling sound of a fuse lighting was heard.

 

"Hold on!" She called out. He had two seconds before they were racing through the cave. He could feel the wind wiping past him before he closed his eyes, the light getting brighter and brighter. When they burst out of the grave into the light, he felt himself being lifted higher in the air. The silence was tense as they hovered, and he didn't dare open his eyes yet.

 

There was a sudden loud boom as he felt the vibrations- even in the air. His grip nearly faltered at the shock. Finally he opened his eyes to look down. From the high vantage point, they could see the water rushing out in a huge wave, and he was suddenly very very glad that he didn't have to run out of there.

 

"Well well, I think the problem has been fixed," Irene crowed, her lips tugged on a satisfied smirk as she held the broom in the air. They watched the water race down and out of sight, towards the green of the trees and the river below.

 

"Let's just hope no one is in the way," he mumbled as he watched rocks and other random bits of dirt and silt float along the river as well.

 

"Yeah. Let's get back to the Lake and see how they're doing."

 

"Good idea. Can I sit on the broom now? My arms are tired."

 

"Ugh… fine. Doesn't do anything funny."

 

"Yeah yeah."

 

Following along the river, they watched as the smaller waterfalls that had fed the river also began to flow, feeding more and more into the great river that cut into the kingdom. Arriving at the lake, Legend hopped off the broom to stand on his own two exhausted feet and instantly saw the group from the castle. A few were at the edge of the lake, watching as the water began to rise up steadily again while another group stood to the side.

 

Among that group was Time, being tended to by Syrup with some form of ointment by the looks of it. He walked over as quickly as he could to hear what was being said.

 

"-use this about two times a day for three days, young man. It was foolish of you to go diving in the lake like this and getting yourself so hurt."

 

"I had to do so, or we wouldn't have found the blockage, Ma'am."

 

"You had the time to wait and see! Now no more swimming for a week and only sponge baths."

 

"Fine…." He mumbled with a frown. Legend cleared his throat and caught their attention.

 

"Link! I see you've been busy."

 

"I have. I see that Trey has gotten into some trouble."

 

"It was for a good cause." Time looked indignant, but he couldn't stop the little nervous smile on his face.

 

"Make sure he uses this to clear up his rashes. And if any more complications occur, please fetch me right away. Now, I'm going back to my hut and finishing up the basic potion stock." With a raspy laugh, Syrup hobbled her way over to Irene and her broom, leaving the two of them with the rest of the group.

 

Legend looked down at Time, seeing his skin was covered in splotches of red, his eyes were bloodshot, and he was catching his breath from whatever exertion he’s just been through. He hummed in though, narrowing his eyes at the other man before shaking his head lightly.

 

"No sex for a week."

 

Time’s face fell in shock and horror. "Oh come on!"

 

Legend couldn't help but laugh at Time's tone, but he gave another shake of his head before looking back at the Lake. Clear blue waters were now filling the basin and adding a refreshing crisp to the air. It was a relief that boosted the morale of the whole group, and it was something to look forward too with the days ahead.

 

Things were looking up for them again.

Chapter 4: Autumn Rain

Summary:

The gentle love and adoration, and the sorrow of the past coming back to haunt you.

Notes:

this chapter is *very* explicit. about 70% of this chapter is smut or smut related. The rest of it is dark imagery that touches lightly on some body horror/creature designs

also tw mentioning of death later on in the chapter as well. be prepared for angst in this whiplash of a chapter.

The Summer humidity gave way to the beginnings of Autumn. The air cooled down as the trees began to change color, fruit ripening to be sold and preserved from his tree orchard. Legend glanced outside at the gust of wind that rattled his window shutters, before looking back down at his book. An evening rainstorm was on its way, and they were going to be boarded up for the night to prevent the chill from creeping in.

 

Even after all these months together, he was still looking for a way to send Time back. As much as he felt in his heart true happiness with the chaotic entity that was Time, Legend still wanted to do what was right. He sighed, looking away from the text again to rub his eyes. Frustration made a headache throb between his eyes while his lightning scars ached with the storm that was rolling in.

 

He rolled his jaw- an attempt to lessen some of the tension he had- before glancing towards the small fire he had to help with the wind chill pushing through the cracks. Watching the fire, Legend contemplated the last few months they had been together.

 

Spring had brought Time into his life, with discoveries and understanding that blossomed to Summer, which grew more and more like a Fiddlehead vine around his heart, and now it was turning to Autumn, the maturing acceptance and the slow cold realization of what he was doing.

 

But he didn’t want to let it go. Didn’t want to let him go.

 

When did he lose track of the original plan? When did he decide to be selfish like this? Where did he go wrong? Getting angry at himself, he closed the book sharply before carelessly tossing it to the nearest table, frowning at the fire.

 

"What'd the book do to you?"

 

He whipped his head around, seeing Time enter the room with a basket of clothing and a concerned look on his face. Legend huffed as he looked back to the fire again.

 

"It doesn't have any answers that I was looking for. That's what," he mumbled, lying slightly as he rubbed his temples. "We’re back to square one." He heard Time hum where he had been standing, before the sound of the basket being set to the ground creaked in the air.

 

"Maybe… there isn't an answer," Time offered quietly as he walked closer, a hand dropping on Legend’s shoulder. The press of a thumb into the muscle that moved in gentle circles was calming and reassuring to his frazzled mind. "Maybe there isn't anything we can do."

 

Legend frowned, looking away to the dark spots on the floor of his home, where various stains from his childhood years lay as evidence of him existing.

 

"But…" Legend started, wetting his lips nervously to try and stall for words. "But it's-"

 

"It's alright," Time interrupted, a smile in his lips when Legend turned to him. "Maybe the God's have decided to give us a break from the things we've been put through. Maybe this is the happiness we deserve."

 

Legend wanted to believe it. He wanted to believe everything that the other man was saying and telling him. But he also knew that they were being selfish, putting their own wants over what was right. Time's hand moved to push through his pink hair, nails gently scratching his scalp that sent a shiver up his spine. He wanted to melt and relax, but it sparked more than just relaxation in him.

 

"It's getting pretty gloomy out there. I don't think we'll be able to pick berries today. So let's finish up everything here before it gets too dark and then relax."

 

Legend hummed, frowning when the hand left. He reached his hand quickly to grab Time's again. He stared into those blue eyes- the bottom half like the clear waters of Lake Hylia, and the top bright like the spring sky- and he couldn't help but look so intently at them. He gently tugged Time's hand forward, bringing the palm up to his lips to place gentle kisses around callous' and knuckles.

 

Deep in those eyes he had seen the worry, the love, and care that Time had for him. It made him feel so safe, so accepted by him wholly. He felt so warm and safe with this man, and he wanted to express it to him in so many ways. Even if his heart swelled and rolled like troubled waters in a stormy sea.

 

"After we're done though," he began, swallowing nervously as he looked up at Time while his face grew warm with a blush. "Maybe… we could enjoy each other's company."

 

The way Time rose an eyebrow made him flush more, nervous that he'd have to explain it. So out of impulse he did. "You know. Like… passing the time. Maybe read a book together, or we could tell our own stories."

 

Time hummed in thought, taking his hand to interlace with Legend’s. "Maybe… but you have something else in mind, don't you?" His tone was teasing much like his smirk, and Legend had to be scarlet by this point.

 

"Maybe. Only if you want to."

 

Time gave only a hum, looking down at their interlaced fingers and lifted their hands together to kiss at Legend’s fingers. “I’m more than willing, if you are.” His smile grew a bit before Time pulled away and gave a wink.

 

“Let’s get the laundry finished first.”

 

Legend gave a chuckle before he stood up from his chair and went to help Time. Laundry folded and the gentle conversations between them, they moved in sync but there was a thread of anticipation between them. When Time scooped up pillows and blankets, taking them to the sitting room, Legend went to grab a few extra items. One of his foci rings, and the bottle of oil that he snuck into his pocket. He then quickly pulled more pillows and a thicker blanket out, seeing that Time had moved things aside to lay out a warm blanket in front of the fire in the fireplace.

 

He plopped the pillows down while Time was building them a comfortable nest of pillows and blankets to lay together beside the fire guard. Legend gave a small chuckle, amused by it, before he went over to the shutters and glanced out. The sky was slowly turning gray with storm clouds, the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance that vibrated through him, bringing memories of other times.

 

He shook his head, pulling himself back. He wasn’t at sea anymore. And everything was a memory, a dream. It wasn’t anything he could do, so no point in beating himself up for it anymore. He reached out and pulled the shutters back, latching them so they didn’t get pulled back open with the winds. He did the same with the other windows, before they were all closed securely, leaving them enclosed in the warmth of a fire and each other.

 

"Do you want to read? Or have me read?" He asked, standing outside the piles of blankets that were made into a comfortable nest.

 

"Hmm… I like listening to you read," Time offered, an easygoing smile on his face. Legend rolled his eyes lightly and gave him a gentle shove, warmth blossoming on his face. Time stood from the little bed he'd made and made the off-handed remark about heading to use the bathroom. Legend paid no mind as he perused the books he had before he settled on one. It was old and worn, many pages dog-eared from repeated readings but it was something he remembered fondly.

 

A distant rumble of thunder had him looking up briefly, before he silenced his worry by grabbing a peach to bite into happily, enjoying the sweetness before tossing the pit into the compost bin just outside the window.

 

He was settling down into the blanket nest- about to open up the book to get a head start- when he heard the door open and then close, the sound of the latching bar dropping to indicate they wouldn't be disturbed too easily. Looking back, Legend smiled up at Time before patting the spot beside him. Time walked over, shucking off his outer tunic to be down to his pants and under shirt. Though Legend was surprised when Time made him scoot forward and then suddenly he was encased in Times arms.

 

"I thought this would be nice for us," Time explained when Legend turned to give him a questioning look. It took a moment but he decided he liked it and leaned back with Time, propped up by the mountain of pillows. With the book in his lap, he started from the beginning of the story. How it always starts in the beginning.

 

Page after page, word after word, he read aloud, the comforting hold of Time behind him as well as the warmth of the fire. Be was enthralled with the story as much as Time was. Or so he hoped.

 

It was when he was in the middle of chapter 2 did he stop. Mostly because Time had shifted to press his face into Legend’s neck, purposely nosing away his hair. It sent a delighted tingle down his spine that settled warmly in his gut. He tried to catch a glance at Time's expression, but the angle was awkward so he could only see gold and silver hair in his peripheral vision.

 

"Has anyone said you have a lovely voice?" Time asked, his words muffled as hot air drifted across his neck.

 

"N-no," Legend stammered, flushed as the anticipation started to build. The warmth of a gentle laugh before he felt those lips press against the beating pulse in his neck, just below his ear.

 

"Well… I'm saying it now. You tell stories so well. And I enjoy listening to this."

 

He could sense a 'but' in there, especially when large hands drifted up and down his arms, slow and casual, but enticing like a flame drawing in moths.

 

"But I'd like to hear you in a different way."

 

If his face wasn't flushed before, he was scarlet now. His world expanded, no longer engrossed in the pages of his book. He breathed a moan at the feeling of more kisses, the sensation ticklish but not distracting. He could feel pressed against his ass the outline of a half-hard dick, and he understood exactly what Time meant.

 

"But wouldn’t… would me shouting and screaming ruin the mood we have going?" He asked, teasing in his tone but breathless as he tilted his head to the side more with each new kiss going higher and higher. He jolted when he felt teeth playfully nipping along the shell of his ear, the hot breath making him quake in Times grasp.

 

"Who said I would be making you scream? Perhaps I'm just trying to woo you softly, gently." The words were hot across his ear, making him loosen his grip on the book to let it fall to the side. Hands moved from his arms to move across his chest and stomach, tracing teasing patterns while kisses trailed back down. The sensation made him arch, pressing back into Time's lap, as he leaned back more.

 

Time pulled back briefly, only to twist around and press his lips against Legend’s. The kiss was slow, gentle, but consuming even as Time began to slowly work his hands under Legend’s shirt, hands ghosting across scars and muscles. The sensation tickled and he couldn't help the giggle rising from him.

 

"Hmm… sit up a minute."

 

"Or I could just turn around and sit in your lap."

 

Time gave a light swat to his thigh- nothing hard or painful- for Legend’s sass, but it only made him laugh before he sat up, and did just as he said. He turned round and straddled Time's lap, facing him completely. It was quiet as they kissed more, Legend bringing his hands up to card through long hair. He rolled his hips slowly, humming into the kiss with a moan at Times swallowed up happily.

 

Hands drifted down from his hips to curve over his ass, squeezing lightly with the rocking motions. Pulling back, Legend breathed heavily as he looked down his nose to Time.

 

"Do you want to continue?" Time asked, voice quiet but firm as he asked. Legend didn't hesitate in nodding, placing a few more brief kisses on his lips before he adjusted himself once more.

 

“Yes. I do.” He smiled at the way Time’s face relaxed, the hidden tension melting away before his eyes. Legend hummed quietly before he moved to tug at Time’s shirt.

 

“Why don’t you take this off? It’s going to get a bit warmer in here.” The little chuckle he got from the other hero made Legend smile before he was helping in removing the article of clothing, tossing it outside their pile of blankets and pillows. Fingers traced over flesh, tracing scars from battle and accidents alike. Though they’ve done this before, never had they been very… slow. Cautious even. It’s always been quick and passionate, like a fever or need and want. Never the slow exploration of all that they were together.

 

“Something caught your attention?” Time asked, his tone teasing. Legend gave a little roll of his eyes, amused by him as well, before he trailed fingers from the scar across his chest up. From his pectoral to his neck, he trailed nails lightly before he was cupping Time’s face.

 

“I just… want to take the time to appreciate all of you,” he whispered, leaning into his face. He heard the quiet hitch of breath from the other, and he stole another brief kiss before he was back to observing and teasing. Time bucked up after a particular set of gentle scratches, causing the spark of friction to make them both shudder a breath in.

 

“Naughty,” Legend admonished, leaning back away from Time as he stared him down.

 

“I’d say you’re the naughty one,” Time laughed, following him within seconds and capturing him in a kiss. He didn’t have the heart to stop the other man, humming in delight at the kiss. He felt the hands move back to grab his ass, massaging and teasing him through the fabric of clothing while they kissed. The brief swipe of tongue against his lips, and Legend allowed his mouth to part.

 

The slow pace they had set with each other was complemented by the beginning patter of rain against the window and roof. The storm was upon them, but just as slow as they were taking it. He couldn’t think of anything else other than Time. Until the need for some air caught him. Pulling back, he opened his eyes to catch dazed blue, and gave a small breathless laugh.

 

“I think you should take this off now,” Time husked out, tugging at the edge of Legend’s shirt. He hummed playfully in thought, before he removed his hands from Time’s shoulders and tugged the sleeves off his arms. Without a moment’s notice, the rest of the garment followed after from Time pulling it off his head. He sputtered when his hair caught in his mouth, making him spit out the pink hair.

 

“Sorry,” Time offered, the quiet laugh in his voice the indication that he was amused, even with his apology. Legend said nothing, sticking out his tongue at the man before he shifted again to lean further back on Time’s legs.

 

“I’m sure you’re excited for this,” Time started, eyes looking down. “But um.. I’m not sure you’re supposed to have two hard objects in your pants.”

 

“What?” He asked, not sure what Time was getting at before glancing down. He huffed a laugh, remembering what he had put in his pocket. Digging in briefly, Legend pulled from his pants pocket a vial of oil and held it up in the firelight.

 

“Well, I think this is more of a tool than a problem,” Legend teased, setting it aside by the pillows before he was focusing back on Time.

 

“Fair. It would be a shame to have any problems.”

 

“Yes. Now, do you want to take my pants off of me or shall I wiggle my butt out of them myself?”

 

Time’s face had that curious contemplative look to it, and Legend realized that he may have given him an idea.

 

“Why don’t you show me~”

 

Damn Time and his purr! Legend worried his lip but he did stand up, stepping away and turning around to face the fire. He hummed as he looked at the low flames, smirking to himself. He walked further, over to the woodpile just to the side of the fire pit and bent over at the waist, humming as he grabbed a few split logs before he moved over to place them in. One by one, he set them inside the fire, moving deliberately slow to drag it on.

 

He turned to look at Time over his shoulder, smirking to himself as he saw his eyes were transfixed on him. He swayed slightly side to side, humming in thought but he kept facing the fire. His fingers moved to undo the ties of his trousers, the anticipation making his own arousal burn more in his gut. He had the ties undone, but he didn’t drop his pants right away. No. He hummed as he stood there, still swaying gently as he allowed his hands to roam over himself. The contrast of his hands against his body was warming, and he gave a teasing moan when he moved them lower to his abdomen.

 

“Tease,” he heard behind him, and he gave a little laugh. Glancing back again he saw the frustrated look Time was giving him from behind.

 

“You wanted me to give a show.” He gave a playful wink over his shoulder as he moved his hands down lower, moaning as his palms pressed against the outline of his cock, teasing himself through the layers of fabric. Purposely he arched his back and rolled his hips forward, seeking the friction his hands gave and the pleasure he got.

 

The impatient growling behind him was amusing, but he had had enough teasing himself. Moving his hands away, he hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his trousers and slowly pushed down. He bent over as he moved, purposely spreading his legs more and then arched his back again when the fabric was past his ass. Stepping out of the pants, he stayed bent over, looking down at Time from between his legs as his underpants were the only thing blocking the full moon view.

 

“Enjoy the show?” He teased, teasingly snapping the fabric of his underpants against his hip before standing back up straight, turning to face Time.

 

“I did,” Time growled out, before he crooked his finger in a ‘come hither’ motion. “Now come back here. I want to do more than just watch.”

 

“Maybe you should take your pants off too,” Legend teased, stepping closer as he looked down at Time.

 

“Maybe you should do it for me.”

 

Legend rolled his eyes at him. “So have me do all the work? Rude.”

 

“I wouldn’t make you do everything….” Time pouted but he did stand up, Legend offering a helping hand that he had taken, and he began to work his own pants off.

 

“We have the whole night to ourselves. I doubt the rain will stop until mid morning,” Legend explained. He was met with the rather comedic timing of a crack of thunder in the distance as the rain started to come down harder on the window shutters. Time hummed, acknowledging the words but he finally removed his pants as well, kicking them aside.

 

Now they stood there, dressed only to their underwear but it was clear they both wanted this. Legend couldn’t help but glance down, already seeing just what Time had in store for him, but he quickly was looking back up to Time’s face. He gave a small laugh, arms lifting up to place on Time’s shoulders and pull himself closer.

 

“Hey.”

 

“Hey yourself,” Time chuckled, his smile soft but amused, before leaning in for a kiss once more. Pressed close, skin to skin, yet it still was distant. Legend didn’t want to think with the kiss, following along when Time pulled back only to sit back down in the blankets. Their fingers laced together, and Time glanced at their hands.

 

“Is there a reason why you’re wearing the ring?” He asked as he moved his thumb to gently twist the ring on the index finger. Legend smirked and gave a wink.

 

“It’s for a small magic trick,” Legend explained. He watched Time’s face morph from confusion to understanding, and the little laugh of embarrassment was fun to listen to.

 

“Right. Right. I keep forgetting you need a foci,” he explained. Legend rolled his eyes, exasperated by his memory, before he silenced any more laughter with kisses. Though it didn’t stop completely with Time giving little chuckles throughout it. Parting again from the kiss, Legend couldn’t help the hum of happiness from escaping before he moved to slide down, making Time lean back as he gave kisses across his shoulders down his chest.

 

“What are you planning on doing?” Time questioned, tilting his head curiously. Legend just gave a wink as he drifted lower and lower, one hand lifting to give teasing touches where he had been. Settling down between Time’s legs, Legend lifted his hands and tugged at the edge of Time’s underwear.

 

“Come on, lift your hips,” he purred, lifting his hand to trace the outline of the other’s dick. “Unless you want to stay like this the whole time.” Just teasing Time like this was amusing. Especially when watching his head roll back, hearing the quiet puffs of air that was him panting. It was fun~ But finally Time had enough, lifting his hips and Legend took the moment to wiggle the fabric down.

 

The sight of Time’s erection had his mouth watering, and he hummed, pleased with the sight. Leaning up, he pressed kisses along sensitive inner thighs while his hand worked the undergarments off each leg. Soft skin hid firm muscle, and Legend couldn’t help nosing lightly at the curve of his dick.

 

“Now you’re really teasing me,” Time husked out, his face set in a frown. Legend looked up before he gave another wink, leaning up and pressed kisses along the shaft. He felt the cock twitch against his lips and he teasingly dragged his tongue up from the middle to the tip. Pulling away, he lifted his hand up and held the heavy bit of flesh, laying more licks along the side.

 

Watching Time’s face was just as arousing, and he rut into the blankets on the floor, trying to ease the need for more friction. Finally he opened his mouth, taking the thick cock in slowly. He curled his lips around his teeth, slowly taking him in little by little. The taste of salt and musk hit his tongue and he had no way to stop the moan vibrating out of him. Though he quickly brought his hand down onto Time’s hip to stop him from bucking up too far into his throat.

 

“Fuck!” Time hissed out. Looking up, Legend took in his expression. His brows drawn in, face flush while his mouth was open and panting for air. He raised an eyebrow, taking the hand away from Time’s hip to push his own hair from his eyes.

 

“You are driving me insane….” Time mumbled, lifting a hand that had been supporting himself up to push Legend’s hair back. He smirked, dropping his mouth down slowly to take him only to lift back up. The hissed inhale of air from Time was music to Legend’s ears. So he did it again, starting a steady rhythm as he moved. Deeper and deeper he took him down, enjoying the way the hard flesh sat heavy on his tongue and made his jaw ache from holding in an open position.

 

It became a routine, one that he easily fell into. He took the time to look up at his partner, watching his face for every twitch, every gasp, every shift. He was just as entrancing like this, like when he was when reading a book, or solving a puzzle. Legend kept looking up at Time, and used the moment to focus his internal magic and brought it forth, using the ring to guide it into what he wanted.

 

With a swish of his hand, he cast the most useful spell he learned in his 20 years of life. The tingling sensation of magic moved through him, and he paused to breath through the sensation. It was quick, barely a minute, before he went back to what he had been doing. Deeper he took Time, rutting more into the blankets; seeking any sort of relief from the way his own cock throbbed.

 

"You…" Time managed out, voice cutting off in a groan while fingers tightened in his hair. "You're going too quick."

 

Legend frowned and pulled back, gasping for a bit as he fought to catch his breath. "Close?" He asked, voice rough but ending up whining as he stopped rocking his hips.

 

"Yeah. Don't wanna end it yet."

 

Legend nodded before he sat up, legs shaking before he sat on his ass. "Do you just need a break?"

 

"From you? No. From your mouth? Yes. C'mere." His voice growled lightly before he pulled Legend closer, back into his lap. They both hissed at the press of hot and sweaty skin and hard clocks against each other. Legend had to fight himself from rocking again to gain more pleasure.

 

"Let's get these off you. I wanna make sure you're prepped." Time helped wiggle the edge of linen undergarments off one hip, before Legend sat up onto his knees to let them slide down.

 

"Did you clean yourself?" Time asked, stopping halfway to press fingers just past his aching erection to tease the spot just past his balls. Legend keened, giving a frantic nod as he rutted up into the air.

 

"When?"

 

Legend panted as he used Time's shoulders for support. "While… while I was sucking you off. Magic." He got a hum in response before the hand left. He whined, managing to open his eyes to see Time reach for the vial of oil again. Legend moved off his lap, pulling the rest of the fabric off of his thighs and off to somewhere in the living room, before suddenly he was being loomed over by Time. With his back to the floor, he gave a squeak when Time hoisted his leg up and to the side, opening the vial with his teeth to pour a generous amount over him.

 

Squirming at the sensation of cool oil spilling over his cock, into the cleft of his ass, and dribbled across his hips. Putting the cork back in, Time set aside the oil before scooping up some of it up to rub his fingers against each other. Legend pursed his lips and allowed himself to relax, reaching an arm down to hook behind one of his knees to hold himself open.

 

"You look like a masterpiece," Time purred, shifting a bit on his knees before pressing his fingers south and rubbing slow circles. Legend quivered as the sensation as he tried to keep himself as relaxed as he could.

 

"I could stare for hours at how you look. From your smile to your frown. Your nose and how it scrunched up in frustration or concentration." Legend flushed at the compliments, trying to find words to give back but they were stolen when a finger pressed inside. Slow and gentle, up to the first and then second knuckle. He exhaled and let his head fall back into the sheets, not daring to watch and rile himself up.

 

"You are absolutely handsome. And I am lucky to have met you and live with you." The finger searched slowly, stretching around and out as he talked. Legend gave a small laugh, unable to help himself.

 

"And here I thought I was the lucky one." He looked down towards Time, smiling at him despite his amusement. "You're someone so real and genuine. I… I don't feel like I'm in some waking dream anymore."

 

"You thought I was a dream?"

 

"Well a handsome man from anyone's dreams. Don't get too big of a head."

 

Time sputtered a laugh, amused by his words before he pulled his finger back out. "Fair. But so are you."

 

"What? A dream?" Legend laughed at the swat he got on his thigh before his breath hitched with the stretch of two fingers. No more words could be said, feeling the pleasurable burn from the stretch that grew more bearable with each moment. The oil started to heat up, making him moan more and squirm, his grip loosening on his leg.

 

"What do you think? One more?" Legend took a moment to think, feeling how stretched he was and glancing at Time's own dick. A nod of his head as he squirmed with every movement.

 

"Okay. Then give me a bit longer."

 

"'M fine," he mumbled, licking his lips to wet them and try to wet his throat. "It's been a while."

 

"I'm aware," Time commented before removing his fingers again, only to scoop up some more oil that he'd drizzled on Legend. With three fingers slicked up, Legend let go of his leg briefly to use the oil on his own cock to give a few pumps, trying to keep himself going before he lost all sense.

 

"Slow down, Leg," Time whispered, covering his hand briefly with his own to slow the pace. He whined, the throb he had distantly felt was much more insistent than he thought and he was slowed down by Time's hand.

 

"Just like that. Easy does it." The pace was near agonizing, but he didn't speed up as Time began to press fingers back inside, only to then wiggle the third in. That made him keen, stopping his own hand to squeeze the base in an attempt to not orgasm right that second.

 

"I hadn't even gotten to the fun part," Time cooed before starting to spread those fingers, stretching in many directions that made his head spin with the brush against a pleasurable spot that they had found in him. Legend fought to keep from speeding up, worrying his lip between his teeth as he allowed the sensations to move through him. The preparation was always intense, and it always had him quivering in desire when Time dragged the process on longer than necessary. But he was thankful that the other man did so.

 

Time finally pulled his hand out, flexing his fingers slightly. Legend huffed, looking up at the other man with a small smirk. “Hand cramp?” He couldn’t help but tease him. A reminder of their first time together when they had done something like this in the summer storm all those weeks ago.

 

“Nah. I think you’re good enough.” Time moved to grab a pillow and helped to shove it under Legend’s hips, allowing him to get comfortable, while he opened the vial again. Legend took the moment to adjust himself, grabbing another pillow to put under his head and shoulders to prevent neck pain in the morning. He watched Time’s face again, the way he squeezed his eyes shut and moaned softly with his open mouth. The slick sounds of his hand moving to rub the oil in echoed around them, mixing with the rain against the shutters and roof and the crackle of fire.

 

“Ready?” Time asked, his face flushed red and eyes slightly dazed, but Legend knew that Time wasn’t about to just let this consent question slide away.

 

“Yeah. I’m good. How about you?”

 

“I’m good.” The older man leaned forward, shuffling closer so he could bend down and press his forehead to Legend’s. “I just want to make sure we’re still okay.”

 

Legend frowned at that statement, but he decided it would wait until later. Leaning up, he stole warm and loving kisses from soft lips, trying to convey his appreciation to Time. He pulled back, looking down at Legend with soft eyes before he moved away to see. The sensation of something solid and warm pressing against his opening made him jerk in response, but he hooked his hands behind his knees again to help, taking a few steadying breaths in and out. A bit more oil was poured and then there was pressure. It was much bigger than the three fingers, but it wasn’t anywhere painful as it had been their very first time.

 

Slowly Time eased in, both of them giving quiet moans of pleasure. Legend allowed his eyes to close and head to roll around slightly. He felt full in both the physical sense but also in his heart. It was full of a warmth and adoration for the man above him that was taking his time. Inch by inch he pressed inside. Suddenly, hips were pressed against his ass, and Legend allowed his legs to drop from his hands. He laid there, panting quietly as Time leaned back over. The angle changed slightly and Legend hummed in pleasure.

 

“You okay?” Time’s quiet worry was so sweet, and Legend reached his hands up, pressing them to either side of Time’s head.

 

“Yeah. I’m okay. You can move,” he whispered, not wanting to break the atmosphere they had going on. Time nodded, leaning down to give him more kisses. Then he pulled back. The dragging motion was pleasurable but foreign, and Legend allowed himself to drift again when Time thrust back inside. Back and forth, back and forth he did this, given soft moans and pants with each shock of pleasure that rocked through him. Time was the same, giving grunts and groans, but his forehead rested on Legend’s. With eyes closed, Legend couldn’t tell if Time was staring at him or not, but it honestly didn’t matter.

 

He rocked back slowly into Time’s next thrust, his voice going up an octave while he shivered. Even such a slow pace was pleasurable, though he could feel his patience beginning to wane slowly.

 

“I…” Time began, his voice thick with an emotion that Legend didn’t know how to place. Opening his eyes, Legend looked up to see the way Time’s blues were dilated, dark with intense emotions that floored him.

 

“I don’t want to leave you,” Time whispered, warm breath ghosting across his lips with the words. Legend couldn’t get his mouth to form words, conflicted with just that sentence alone. Time didn’t want to leave him. Didn’t want to leave at all . But on the other hand… they couldn’t continue to do so. His selfish heart screamed at him to keep Time, to keep him right there, in his arms, and never let this moment go.

 

He wrapped his arms around Time’s neck, pulling him further down as he rocked back up again, pulling his legs up around Time’s hips to keep him closer. Time didn’t say anything else, giving a grunt of surprise but he started to move faster, the thrusts hitting a bit harder. Legend gave a surprised yelp at the sudden change of angle and speed, but he held on, clinging desperately to this man as he moved. His heart felt full and weighed down, yet it was still light like summer cotton in the wind.

 

With Time curled into him, encasing him in strong arms, sweet words, and warm embrace, Legend wasn't able to do anything but take. Take the love the man gave him, take the pleasure, all the while whispering back sweet words, digging nails into shoulders and back.

 

"I love you," he whispered, cutting himself off with a pleasure moan. "I love you, Link."

 

"And… and I love you too, Link," Time whispered back, just as breathless as he was. Legend whined high in his throat, the knot that was on his stomach so close to snapping, but he didn't want it too. He didn't want it to end and yet, he did at the same time. He tried to meet back into Time's thrusts, but how he had his feet gave him little leverage. So he adjusted slightly, trying to dig his heels into blankets but it did nothing to help, only to add to his frustration.

 

He must have made some sort of noise because suddenly Time slowed down his thrusts, pulling back to look at him. "Close?" He asked. Legend couldn't even get words our, nodding frantically as he wiggled a hand down to wrap around his cock. The pleasure he gave to himself made him tense, clenching his jaw as he chased the high he was crashing towards. Time grunted, thrusting a few more times before he pulled out.

 

"Together?" Time moaned out the question, already following the same pattern that Legend was. He couldn't speak, his throat tight and his lungs burned for air, but he managed a short nod. Though he couldn't even attempt to try and follow through when he crashed over the edge, giving a shout as he came across his stomach and chest. Heaving for air, Legend’s vision was dark as he lost himself in the pleasured sensation. Though he didn't drift off into bliss with the feeling of molten hot liquid hitting him again, and his ears finally stopped ringing to let him hear the long moan that Time gave.

 

They stayed like that for several moments, Time sitting back on his haunches as he looked down at him. It was silent for a few moments, before Times' hand moved up to his face.

 

"No need for tears."

 

Huh? Legend frowned as he took his clean hand and touched his face, feeling the wet tracks that Time spoke up. He gave a confused noise, not sure why but he also did know. He was shushed when tried to question himself, before Time took the corner of a blanket and wiped him down, pressing close to him again.

 

"I'm here. I'm not leaving." Legend couldn't say anything else, everything coming back and yet he had no words to describe anything. He reached out and pulled him in, not wanting to let him leave his embrace.

 

"Let go so I can get us comfy." Legend didn't want to though. He was content right there. But finally he loosened his arms and allowed Time to sit him up and drag him towards more pillows. Laying down, he watched as Time dragged one of the cleaner quilts over and draped it over both of them.

 

"I'm here," Time whispered, and Legend allowed himself to curl up in his arms, the safety that was around him allowed for a chance to relax. He curled himself into Time's arms, enjoying the embrace where he'd normally been against such full body touch. The cool wind found its way through the small cracks that he'd never gotten around to patching up, but it was a relief against his sweaty skin.

 

It was quiet between them, only the crackle of the fireplace and the storm outside kept them company as they drifted off.

 

"I don't want you to leave me," he whispered into Time's chest, feeling so helpless and easily discarded. But with Time it wasn't so. He felt the other man lift his hand and start to comb through his hair, pulling on small tangles and making it smooth.

 

"I won't. Not without a very good reason. And even then, I wouldn't want to go." Legend let Time's words bounce around his head for a moment before nodding.

 

"Same. I don't ever want to leave."

 

How long they laid there enjoying the soft comfort of each other Legend didn't know, but he found himself drifting off into a quiet sleep, where only the sound of a steady heartbeat echoed in his mind. A reminder that he wasn't alone anymore. And would never be abandoned again if he could help it.

 

The morning came earlier than wanted. Legend groaned as he lay sprawled in the blankets, his back and shoulders sore from his sleeping position. Slowly he cracked his eyes open, trying to see where Time was. Though the first thing he saw was the empty spot beside him.

 

He gave a confused noise, lifting his head to look around. The fire was building back up again, flames kindled by bits of scrap paper and twigs before a few small logs were put in to start feeding more to the flames. No sound of Time in the kitchen area, just the quiet patter of rain still hitting the roof.

 

Just as he was about to get out of bed the front door opened. He turned to try and twist his head around to try and look down the hall. There was shuffling and then the door closing before the sound of wet feet slapping against the hardwood floor.

 

It was Time, his long hair down and wet with rain, much like his white shirt and dark trousers. His face was streaked with water but he had a small smile on his face; cheeks, nose, and eyes red.

 

"Good morning, handsome," Time greeted, voice quiet as he pushed his hair away from his face. "Just waking up?"

 

Legend nodded. "Yeah. How long were you outside?"

 

"Not long. Nature called and all that." Legend hummed in understanding before he settled to letting his eyes roam. He wouldn't lie, the image before him was enticing, but the way his face and eyes were red troubled him.

 

"Are you sure you're okay?" Legend asked as he set up, letting the blanket pool in his lap. Time was working on peeling the wet shirt off but he paused to look at Legend.

 

"Yeah, I'm fine. The rain was just cold and all." He didn't want to doubt Time, so let it slide to stand up, dragging the blanket and a towel with him. Walking over to Time, he took the towel and helped wrap it around his shoulders. The wet 'splat' of his shirt dropping was ignored as he helped dry his hair.

 

"Is the rain letting up?" He asked, curious as he worked the towel around long hair. He got a small shrug from the other man.

 

"It's not a drizzle but it's not coming down really hard." Acknowledging with a hum, Legend finished with Time's hair before he tugged him back towards the blanket pile. Time gave a laugh and stopped only to undo his wet pants as well. They fell to the floor in a pile as well, and Legend made a note in the back of his head they would have to do laundry. Again. (It was always never ending it seemed.)

 

Back in bed, Legend pulled the blankets back over both of them, shivering against Time's cooler skin, but he stayed close.

 

"What's the plan for today?" Time asked as he looked down at Legend. He shrugged, still stoking his fingers to help detailed the long blond and silver locks.

 

"Until the rain stops, not much to do. We could read and have a lazy day. But it would be nice to go into the forest and pick some wild berries."

 

"If you've for a rain cloak maybe we could."

 

"Hmm…" he hummed before pushing Time's hair back. "I might have one somewhere. But I think I'll spend the time together to warm you back up."

 

Time raised one eyebrow towards Legend, a soft smile slowly formed on his face. Legend wasn't exactly sure what was going on in Time's head. He was truthfully close to ignoring it. However Legend himself had a blessed idea. Calmly and repetitively he messed with Time's hair, scratching it while also pushing it back. Making small waves as the white and gold hair repositioned itself back where it once was. The way Time’s face relaxed more in bliss made Legend smile, but he didn’t stop.

 

Over and over again he played with his hair, the strands gliding between his fingers to feel first like coarse hay, then slowly smoothed out to something like soft cotton or velvet. All the while, Time was pressed closed to him, both sharing heat under the blanket and fire again to warm up this cool morning.

 

Though he felt something else warming up in the process.

 

Pausing his hands, Legend looked down towards their hips at the feeling of a hardening length of flesh pressing against his thigh. A glance up and Time was blushing, looking away with his lips pressed together.

 

“Do you like it when I play with your hair?” Legend asked, teasing slightly but he wasn’t about to be mean about it. Teeth bite into a plush lip, Time still was not meeting his eyes as he looked thoughtful.

 

“I guess? I mean, it’s… it’s not a bad thing.” Time paused to look up at Legend, his face turning bashful. “Right?”

 

Legend shook his head and leaned over to press quick and chaste kisses to his lips. “No. It’s not. Do you want me to continue playing with your hair?” Time shrugged in response, making Legend frown. But he went back to playing with Time’s hair. Over and over he moved through the strands, watching gold and silver mix together before separating into sections, then mixing again. He leaned in and gave more gentle kisses as he scratched at Time’s scalp.

 

Pulling his hands away so he could turn himself over, a few strands had gotten caught in the creases of his fingers and wrapped around. So the hiss the pain Time gave surprised him and he tried to frantically see what had happened before he noticed it. As well as the feeling of the hot erection twitch with it pressed against his own growing arousal. He hummed for a moment, giving a few more pets to Time’s hair before he finally turned. He reached around in the blankets to find the vial of oil again and looked back at Time, wiggling it in the air.

 

“I’m still a tad sore,” he began, working the cork out again as he kicked the blanket off him. “But we can try something else if you’d like.” He poured a generous amount of oil in his hand, before he took his palm and worked to coat his inner thighs with the slick material. A glance back up at Time to see he was flushing mad, but he didn’t seem to be upset by this. Good.

 

He moved to situate himself with his back to Time’s chest, feeling strong arms wrap around him again to pull him flush. Again, the hot length against his ass made him shiver before he allowed himself to relax. The blanket was pulled back over them once more as Legend lifted his leg, reaching behind to gently maneuver Time’s cock to be between his thighs.

 

Legend flushed, his own twitching in attention as he adjusted himself. It was silent save for Time’s panting in his ear. No words were needed as they laid like that, Time pressing his face into his neck and shoulder as his hips twitched. Legend twisted his arm around to cup the back of Time’s head, his fingers scratching against his scalp and tugging gently at the strands.

 

“Go ahead and move. I’m okay.”

 

Time gave a hum that sounded more like a whine, but he began to rock his hips. The slow drag of his cock between his thighs was different, but it wasn’t bad. It was quite enjoyable as he felt the gentle movements. Time didn’t say anything as his hips moved faster, the sound of hips meeting his ass had Legend shivering, but he stayed put with his fingers in Time’s hair.

 

This is nice, he thought to himself, humming as the warm friction drifted higher up as Time changed the angle. Now the way his cock dragged on the underside of his own arousal made him shiver and whine, feeling the tendrils of pleasure slowly building up more and more as they laid there side by side.

 

It was nice not having to think, just enjoying the way they moved together without the need and hurried pace that would always leave them heaving for air and himself too sore to walk. The quiet of the rain and the crackle of the fireplace were a gentle backdrop to their quiet life.

 

“Ngh!” Time grunted out, muffling into Legend’s shoulder as he sped up. Legend hissed at the increased speed, feeling the pleasurable drag against his own cock. Fingers curled more into gold and silver hair, earning a sharp thrust of hips and a loud cry of pleasure. Hands drifted, placing over his hips to hold him in place.

 

He let his own hand wander, dragging down his belly to touch the base, where he could feel the quick motions of Time's cock.

 

"Close?" Legend asked, huffing slightly when teeth bit into his shoulder to stop a loud moan. But there was a nod.

 

"Then go ahead. I'll be there soon too," Legend whispered, turning back to close his eyes as he allowed himself the moment. With a loose fist around his own cock, he stroked in quick, short bursts to match Time.

 

The world dulled out. The warmth that surrounded him. The friction of his own hand and Time's thrusts. His ears were muffled by the pounding of blood. Hot pleasure burned. Aching and twisting, but in a delicious way. Teeth bringing sharp pain into relief when Time came across his thighs and balls.

 

The hot feeling of cum hitting the underside of his wrist made Legend gasp, soon cresting after a few more furious strokes. Heavy breathes and even heavier eyes, Legend felt his partner slump slightly as the tension left. He wasn't too far behind. Releasing hair, Legend turned to face forward as Time snuggled closer to him. The blankets would be a mess again, but he didn't care now.

 

"Feel better?" He asked, his voice hushed as he felt adrift. Sleep was close again, ready to grip onto his consciousness.

 

"Mmhmm…"

 

The soft noise Time made was cute, and Legend smiled to himself. He felt the sleepy kisses being pressed to his neck and shoulder, nose tickling behind his ear and around his hairline. But even those stopped with the sound of even breaths. With a hum, Legend allowed his kind to drift further and further on into the quiet, the crackle of fire and the rain on shutters sending him off into the sea of dreams.

 

-----

 

Stepping out into the cloudy afternoon, Legend and Time moved through the dense forest of the Lost Woods. The ground was a bit drier than the roads they had travelled on with baskets in arms to go venturing in.

 

So far they'd found a lot of wild berries to take, many more bushes and trees bearing fruits of the forest to give to those willing to reach. Crabapples, Elderberries, and Cranberries. Chicory and dandelion roots. Acorns and walnuts, some Pine nuts and even Juniper berries. They’d gotten a good haul of great foraging foods in their basket, and still more to explore.

 

“What do you plan to use all this stuff for?” Time asked, grabbing a few wild blackberries and popping them in his mouth.

 

“Jams mainly. But I can also use them in making homemade syrups or selling them in town for making gin. Granny Syrup could also use some of these for potions and healing salves.”

 

“So… a hodge-podge of everything, right?” Legend rolled his eyes as he spotted a cluster of flowers and began to dig down, looking for the root. He was focused on grabbing it, he didn’t look up at the sound of Time grunting. But he did get a bit concerned.

 

“How are you holding up?” Legend asked, his hands covered in mud and dirt as he pulled free some more Chicory, from flower stem and long root. He looked over to see Time was up on his toes, reaching up into some branches.

 

“Just.. getting some more Crabapples,” Time grunted out before he had a hold of the branch and gently pulled it down so he could rest on the flat of his feet. Legend watched him for a moment longer, plucking the sour fruits from the branch before letting it go to settle back down. 

 

“I’m gonna keep looking for more Chicory for us.”

 

“Alright.”

 

“Don’t stray too far off. It’s still dangerous.”

 

“I promise.”

 

He wasn't sure if he believed it, but he decided to go with it for now. His eyes travelled, looking for more Chicory flowers. Spotting more of the pale purple-blue flower, he shuffled over to dig into the dirt to find the root. With it exposed, he pulled the plant free and gave a grin before giving it a gentle shake. A quick look and he found a strange looking mushroom growing at the root of the tree. Yellow coloring, it was like a trumpet turned towards the sky to bellow out. He hummed, trying to remember if these mushrooms were for eating or potions. But he drew a blank.

 

Maybe Time knew?

 

“Hey Time?” He called out, still not looking up from the fungus. “I found a mushroom but I’m drawing a blank on what it is. Could you come over here?”

 

He got no response.

 

Legend looked around, trying to see if he spotted the other man. “Time?”

 

The wind shifted, bringing a chill that made him shiver in unease. Standing and dusting off his pants, he saw Time’s basket placed on the ground, as if set down while he had to use two hands. Legend tried to see if he could get a glimpse of where he was going. But he saw nothing.

 

“Time?” He called out again, setting his own basket down nervously. The whistle of the wind and rustling of tree branches as dead leaves scattered around were his response.

 

A flash of movement from the corner of his eye. He darted to look over and saw a speck of blond. His feet moved quickly, darting through trees to try and catch a glimpse of who he thought was Time.

 

“Time! Wait up!” He beseeched, trying to follow the quickly moving blob of golden yellow. The world was growing darker as well as he followed, the trees getting thicker, the branches higher, and the leaves denser.

 

A laugh echoed out. Like a child.

 

He tried to quickly glance around and see what it was, but there was nothing. Only the giggles and snickers. Looking back ahead where he was still moving, Legend felt his heart drop as he realized he couldn’t see where Time went.

 

“Time!”

 

Still no response. But, he remembered where had been heading. Pressing on, he shoved his way through thick bushes and ducked under low hanging branches. There was no fruit to bear, no seeds to let flutter in the wind. It was just a timeless place, where nothing moved forwards. Yet it was dark and eerie with no life in sight.

 

SNAP!

 

The sound of a branch breaking had Legend coming to a halt, whipping his head around to try and catch any hint of what made the noise. He didn’t see anything right away with the shifting shadows.

 

More giggles. More laughter.

 

“This isn't funny anymore,” he growled out between his clenched teeth. He moved forward, trying to ignore every fiber of his being to turn back, to go get more supplies. But he also knew that if Time ventured too deep, he'd be lost. Forever even.

 

Stubbornly he pressed on, apprehension growing as the light faded more and more, the trees thicker, older, and darker. There was a mist in the air- much like when he first entered the forest to find the Master Sword all those years ago- and it made everything that more dangerous.

 

A rattling noise echoed behind him- hollow sticks that clicked and clacked together in a rhythm he couldn't understand- and he booked it. He ran and ran, heaving for air that burned his lungs, trying frantically to see where he was going and to spot Time.

 

The ground shook under his footfalls, like something burrowing and chasing him. He took a sharp left at the sight of some bright light and followed it. It grew more and more as branches whipped at his face, and thorns tugged at his clothing.

 

His foot caught on something.

 

He was sent tumbling, rolling forward through brush and shrubbery with his momentum. When he stopped there was no noise. No rattling, no giggles, just his heavy breathing. Pushing himself up he shook his pink hair from his face and looked around frantically.

 

He was in a clearing, sky open to view the gray clouds above. The misty filled clearing obscured details of the forest beyond the edges, but it didn't obscure what was in front of him. A large oak tree, with a face carved into it and the opening much like a mouth open in a scream. And Time was standing there, not turning to look back at the noise of his sudden entrance. Standing up, Legend pulled sticks and thorns from his hair and clothes as he stepped closer to the other man.

 

"Time?" He called, whispering to not startle him. The man didn't move, gaze still forward into the dark recess that held no light. A few fairies poked around, illuminating the rim of the opening with their light, but didn't move forward.

 

"Time?" He called again, and finally the other man turned. His face was stoney, no expression to betray his emotions or thoughts. But he wasn't in any trance or enthrallment. A good sign, but still worrisome.

 

"This is…" Time began as he turned forward again. "This is… was… the Great Deku Tree."

 

Legend frowned as he looked up, the dead tree bare of any life for years, dead leaves coated the forest floor at their feet. But there was something else just… so odd about it. A rustle of leaves and Legend looked towards the source. In the bushes, he saw several pairs of glowing eyes and heard hushed whispers that were difficult to discern, but they didn’t move closer. Crunching of leaves beside him and he turned to watch Time make careful steps towards the trees. Legend reached out, grasping his wrist to try and stop him.

 

“Let’s go back,” he mumbled, trying to tug him back away from the opening. Time turned to look back at him, his face still expressionless but he looked down at his hand.

 

Time swallowed thickly and shook his head. “No I... I need to go in there.” Legend didn’t let go, didn’t remove his hand from his wrist. But Time didn’t move. The silence dragged on between them, before Legend finally sighed in defeat.

 

“Let me go with you.” He loosened his hold, waiting for what Time would say. But there was nothing to say. All Time gave was a nod. Slowly they walked to the tree. It didn’t stop the way his stomach twisted in knots from anxiety and worry, the darkness engulfing them for a moment before the light of the fairies floated around them. Their giggles and tingling bell voices were unintelligible to him as they bobbed up and down and led the way in.

 

The grass and moss gave way to hollow wood as they stepped until the fairies had them stop. Looking around in the darkness, it was hard to see what was around them and where to step.

 

"Who's there?" A voice called out, raspy and childlike. It made Legend jump and whirl his head around to try and catch where it was coming from. The sound of leaves rustling and wood creaking bounced around the hollow before there was light. It was slow as it filtered in, like a curtain parting to reveal the dawn of day.

 

He'd been expecting to see some sort of monster- full of teeth and claws with a monstrous eye. The sight of a child wasn't what he'd been expecting. Though certainly they didn't look like any normal child.

 

Where there once was hair it looked like a mixture of vine leaves and straw, coated in a thick tar-like substance, clothing looked rather boyish but in tatters. It may have once been a deep emerald green but it now was splotchy between brown and black with only the hints of green peeking out. Where skin was it was now made of wood, like old gnarled branches bundled together to make limbs and a body. The child's face was still human looking. With pale skin, sunken eyes glowing blue while it's head tilted in confusion.

 

It was tense between them, and Legend dared to glance around the inside of the tree for anything extra.

 

"Why are there adults here?" The boy rasped, eyes narrowed as he stood up, leaves rustling while the branches creaked, as if threatening to break. Legend didn’t dare move, didn’t dare speak with how uncertain this whole situation is.

 

Time didn’t seem to have that same reservation. “I followed the fairies,” he answered with a quiet voice, though with the hollow chamber they stood in it echoed slightly.

 

“Fairies don’t trust adults,” the boy hissed, eyes narrowed as he shifted around. “And you shouldn’t be here anyways! Only-”

 

“-Only the Kokiri know of this place.” Time interrupted, and Legend couldn’t help but feel like he was witnessing something too big for him to step in and stop now. He stepped aside to watch the two of them, trying to look around in the shadows for anything that may come at them.

 

Glowing blue eyes narrowed at Time. “How do you know that name?” The way he spoke was almost acidic, and Legend wanted to reach out and grab Time and get them both the fuck out of there, but he was struck by the way Time smiled, so sad and resigned to whatever it was.

 

“Because I… I was raised by them. So very long ago.” Time began before he stepped towards the boy slowly, his arms open and palms up to the sky. “I was brought in as a baby, raised by The Great Deku Tree and the other children. I learned to play, to speak. To read and write. I learned the passage of seasons and the magic in the world. I learned from them the joys of laughter and the frustration of losing games. But…”

 

Legend was struck just by how tired Time looked. It was as if he was aging before him but yet not a year was passing by in his visage. “But I was never accepted as one. For I was without one… the one thing that would symbolize me being accepted as a Kokiri.”

 

“A fairy…” the boy whispered as a few of the fairies peeked out from the hovels and holes in the side of the wall, tinkling bells and whispered chimes as a few drifted by.

 

“Yes. So when one did finally come to me, bearing the message from the Deku Tree, I was excited!” Time’s sad smile faltered just a bit, now only a few steps away from the boy.

 

“Everyone was so happy for me. So happy to see that finally, I was just like them.” He paused as he knelt down, eye level with the creature again.

 

“All of them were happy for me. Except for one person,” he whispered. Legend could only watch, his feet glued to the wood beneath him as the boy gaped at him with wide eyes.

 

“Link?” The boy whispered, hands reaching out with sharp sticks that could claw at someone’s eyes before they were cupping at Time’s face. “Is… is it really you?”

 

“Well… You were right about one thing, Mido,” Time whispered, his own hands so big against the child’s. “I wasn’t a real Kokiri. I’m… I’m actually a Hylian.”

 

“But… But how?” The boy- Mido, Legend corrected himself- asked, looking so confused and then glancing at Legend.

 

“How what?”

 

“How are you here? Alive?” Mido asked and Legend wondered how Time would react to this. He watched Time give a shrug as he knelt down, still looking at Mido.

 

“Something happened with magic. Something that… that brought me to this time.”

 

“Saria said you died,” Mido whispered, his face twisting into something akin to sadness, anger, and pain all at once in a confusing mess. “She said… she said that something happened and.. And that you couldn’t finish the job! So! So she and the… the other sages had to seal that big pig away.”

 

Time looked down at the ground, and Legend wanted desperately to reach out and hug him, to tell this kid to back off. It wasn’t Time’s fault that things happened like this! It wasn’t his fault that shit hit the fan.

 

“Everything went so crazy after she came back.” Mido mumbled, letting his hands move away from Time to wrap around himself. “Something… something bad happened and… and it went from her to Fado, then Kola got it. Junier, Munier, and Bonnier got it at the same time after Kola.”

 

What is he talking about?

 

Time asked the very question on Legend’s mind, his voice sounding as confused as he probably felt.

 

“It was an infection. Something… dark. So dark…” Mido pulled his arms tighter as he closed his eyes, shivering. “It… It twisted everyone into… into something that isn’t us anymore.”

 

Mido paused and looked down at his feet. “I’m the only one to still be myself… I’m protecting all the fairies since… since they aren’t safe anymore with the others.”

 

Legend dared to step forward now, his throat feeling tight with an emotion he couldn’t place. “How have… how have you survived?”

 

Mido looked up at him, face scrunched up as he glared at Legend. “They got me food, they warned me when it was night time and to sleep.”

 

“I meant… continuing to be alive. Not by how you ate and drank to survive.” Mido blinked a few times before glancing away.

 

“We Kokiri live a long time. We aren’t like Hylians, just look like them.” He turned to face Time again. His face was like a cracked mirror, so many emotions playing across but nothing ever clear.

 

“We are magic and… and as long as the forest is alive, so are we.”

 

A fate tied to something they had no control over.

 

Legend looked away, pursing his lips together.

 

"I'm … I'm the only one that.. that hasn't..." Mido trailed off as he glanced behind Time. There was a rustling again, and Legend dared to look, seeing glowing eyes.

 

"Thornbloods…"

 

"That's what we're called now…" Mido whispered, bringing their attention back to him. "We… we aren't like we used to be."

 

Silence drifted around then, the mad laughter of children in the distance the only thing to break the silence. The wind picked up, making dry leaves dance in the corner of his eye.

 

"I'm sorry…" Time whispered, sitting himself down on his knees completely and ducking his head. "I.. I don't know where it all went wrong or… how I'm alive and yet I'm dead to all of you. But I am so sorry, Mido. That I failed you, failed Saria. I'm sorry… that I couldn't keep my promise."

 

Legend looked over at Time, seeing the way his shoulders shook as his voice warbled with held back tears. He took a few steps forward, reaching out to touch Time's back and rub small circles.

 

"...Once a crybaby, always one," Mido whispered, the hint of his smile in his voice as he walked closer. Time gave a watery laugh, and Legend knew that this was something that went back years for them.

 

"But… I'm sorry I was so mean too, Link." Mido reached out and wrapped his little arms around Time's shoulders, pressing as close as his wooden body could allow with thorns and twigs poking out everywhere.

 

"I… I forgive you, Mido."

 

Legend glanced back out towards the entrance, the sky growing darker now than when it had been before. They didn't have much time before it was too dark to leave. Too dark to see.

 

Too dark to see anything coming after them.

 

"Can… can you do me a favor, Link?" Mido asked, muffled by Time's shirt.

 

"Of course. I'll try to do my best."

 

Mido pulled back and looked very serious at Time. "Can… can you play that song?"

 

It was quiet for a moment but Time gave a nod. He dug around his bags, the tense atmosphere around them making Legend fidget where he stood, before finally the blue purple Ocarina was pulled out. It glittered in the sparse light, and Time sat back a bit to look at Mido. With no further words, Time brought the instrument up to his lips, and began to play a tune.

 

It was light and cheery, a tune to dance around with but also to have the childish glee of exploring. Mido gave a smile, peals of laughter screeching out as he danced. There was a shifting noise above the din of music and Legend turned, jumping in surprise at the myriad of glowing eyes peeking out. The chorus of the song repeated seamlessly as they slowly hobbled in on lanky legs made of twigs and tar.

 

Just like Mido, these 'children' seemed to be made of plant matter, but where there was a human face only bone white animal skulls stuck out from the darkness, their eyes beady and bright, while in what could be described as their 'hair' also held bits of jagged bone.

 

Everything about them was terrifying, and he wanted to grab Time and have both of them leave. But he was stopped.

 

Because these twisted children began to dance too.

 

Chattering laughter and the shuffling of leaves, the Thornbloods were all dancing along with the song. They twisted and twirled around, cartwheels and spins between their movements. All the while they laughed and chirped along like some strange bird.

 

Legend backed away from the center, watching transfixed as they surrounded Time and Mido. Finally the song died off, leaving everyone a giggling mess but they didn't move to attack. Not with sharp claws made of sticks or teeth of bone.

 

One stepped forward, tugging at Time's sleeve. Legend watched as it pointed to the Ocarina again, nodding frantically.

 

"Another song?" Time asked, and Legend had to resist the urge to tell him to quit now. To escape while they could. But his lips wouldn't move, his throat clamped shut, and he couldn't shift his feet. Not that it mattered when Time nodded so easily, and pressed the instrument to his lips again.

 

A familiar haunting tune began to play, gentle and somber. So sad but gentle; like sorrow and hope combined together to create a symphony that acted like a river. His head and heart felt adrift, as if he was floating down a slow rover and looking up at a gray sky ready to let down the heavy burden of water it carried.

 

Blinking back into the present, Legend stared openly at the sight of all of these children encircling Time, quietly weeping thick, tar-like tears, letting them drop onto the wood floor and hearing the sizzle of it eat through the grains. Even Mido was crying; though his tears looked normal from his vantage point.

 

Legend turned away, unable to see and comprehend the emotions he felt listening to this song. When the last note faded, it left a ringing echo in his ears and made him feel much like the hollowed out tree: empty and devoid of anything that was emotions.

 

But looking back, Legend saw Time's expression, and he felt the echo of sorrow in his heart. Slowly he stepped closer and closer, until finally he was weaving around crying forms of these twisted creatures and knelt down beside him.

 

"I think it's time to leave," he whispered, finally able to get his voice to work. Time didn't move or speak, still staring at Mido as the child was reduced to sniffles. Time reached out and gently pulled Mido in close again, hugging him.

 

"You don't have to hold onto the regrets anymore…" he heard Time whisper. Legend heard more sniffles from everyone and he felt so sad for them. The fate of the Kokiri to be made into these things.

 

"Let go. Let it all go everyone."

 

It was as if his words were the key to unlocking a door. Watching as the dark tar seemed to melt away, disintegrating into some strange mist that fluttered away with the wind. He couldn't believe his eyes as slowly, they all shrank down, before finally they were left in plant-like clothes, hats made of straw and wide-brimmed. Their bodies were no longer made of bundled logs and branches with sharp twigs to stick out or bones to strike with. While still wooden, it was smooth and more human-like.

 

Looking back at Mido, the same thing happened to him as the others. No longer were they twisted into darkness, but they were no longer human either. Especially when Legend saw Mido's face look much like some sort of scarecrow with warm glowing blue eyes and a little beak in place of his nose and mouth.

 

"Who're you, mister?" Mido asked, his voice warbling strangely. It was quiet as Mido tilted his head, looking very confused about this whole situation.

 

"....I'm… just a traveller. You and your friends were lost and crying. But you're safe now. Everyone is safe now."

 

It was quiet for a moment before slowly Mido pulled back and wiped his face. "Okay. Thanks mister!" The rest of the kids all stood up, moving around and whispering to themselves before one of them saw a fairy floating outside the tree.

 

One by one Legend watched the children leave, running off with clicks of wood and giggles. It was silent for a long time, only his pulse echoing in his ears with his heart beating so loudly. Finally, Time stood up from where he knelt, and they both left the hollow of the tree to head back out with a few fairies to guide their way out.

 

It broke his heart to see Time's crying face, and the heaviest stone of regret settled in his chest; a weight much bigger than what he's ever carried by himself. All because he didn't find a way to get Time back to his own era. He wouldn't have had to witness this.

 

He wouldn't have had to see what happened to those that he failed in another timeline.

By the time they both reached their home, it was dark, their baskets of foraged goods set in the kitchen to be prepared for canning later. Legend sat on the bed with Time, letting the man use his lap as a pillow. He had wept when they got home, clinging to Legend like a rock on the rolling stormy waves of an ocean.

 

Legend let him cling, ignoring his aversion to clinging touch to let the man have that anchor point. Fingers ran through long blond hair, trying to soothe and comfort where words were unable to. At some point the man had drifted off into sleep, allowing himself a chance to forget. It also gave Legend the chance to think.

 

It hurt to know that Time was reminded of his supposed 'failures' of this timeline, where things went wrong, where he didn't win against the fiend that became Ganon. And even when he was sealed away, the damage the pig had done to their land and the people.

 

He wanted to ease away the man's hurt, to take it away and just toss it and let it sink into the bottom of the ocean like a boulder.

 

I should have looked harder for a way back, he thought to himself as he glared at the wall. He couldn't stop the way his mind was berating himself of all the things he could have done better. He could have looked at different books, thought of different spells, anything and everything that he could have done to send Time back.

 

Back before he became attached, back before they fell in love. Back before Time found out the mistakes that have been made, and the ones he loved so much had been twisted and tormented by a mistake his alternative self failed to prevent. Legend kept himself calm by continuing to stroke through long hair, listening to Time sniffle and cry in his sleep.

 

He looked down, seeing the man was pressed into his stomach and side, his whole body curled up to be so small yet it was impossible with his height. Legend swallowed the thick feeling of anguish from his throat before releasing a shake breath.

 

He regretted not doing anything quicker.

 

Another heavy sigh left him as he took the time to ponder what to do. How could he help? What could he do to ease this man’s burden? Or help him even… even to forget it all? He looked down at Time, pursing his lips in worry as he felt him shift in his sleep- from his nightmares. He thought and thought for a while, humming still in thought as he tried to think of something.

 

Wait…

 

Perhaps a lullaby?

 

There were several that he knew from over the years, from mothers soothing babes to the ones he remembered his Uncle singing. He heaved a sigh, stopping his humming for a moment before he adjusted on the bed again. Clearing his throat, he closed his eyes, getting a gentle rhythm going in his throat for a hum as he started soft and slow.

 

“Goodnight my angel, time to close your eyes

And save these questions for another day…

I think I know what you’ve been asking me

I think you know what I've been trying to say.

 

I promise I will never leave you

And you should always know….” He paused to catch his breath, glancing down at Time to see him shift in his sleep.

 

“Wherever you may go

No matter where you are

I never will be far away.”

 

His fingers continued to stroke through long hair, sweeping it away from Time’s face that relaxed more and more as he sang softly. The sound of rain started again during his singing, bringing the gentle solace for all of them in the dark evening. He could see the stress leaving, the fine lines of worry and anguish smoothing out as Time drifted further and further into sleep.

 

He let the last word hand in the air for a moment before trailing off. The rhythmic breathing from Time told Legend that he was in a deep sleep, his whole weight laying on the bed. Legend waited a few moments before gently beginning to shift the other man around to lay in the bed properly. He stepped out of the room, closing the door softly as he turned the light down from the lantern, allowing the room to have the soft glow of a flame.

 

Standing against the doorframe, Legend could feel himself shake. While it helped bring Time some solace in his sleep, the lullaby was a reminder of what he’d lost, what was no longer there. It left a hollow feeling in his chest as he stood there for a few more moments, before he went to the books again.

 

He flipped through parchment and pages, his fingers trailing across words as he ignored everything else around him. What was he missing? What was he not seeing in these books? Was there really nothing that he could do to help?

 

I don’t want him to leave though.

 

“Shut up,” he whispered to himself, closing his eyes tightly. “I can’t be selfish anymore. He… He doesn’t belong in this timeline. He doesn’t deserve to have this shoved in his face.”

 

But there isn’t anything I can do to help. We’ve looked for months and nothing.

 

Legend paused, that thought entering his mind and he sighed, so heavy and sad.

 

“I know…” He mumbled as he lifted his right hand, rubbing his forehead in his exhaustion. He turned to look over by the fire, seeing the embers glowing low in the hearth. He didn’t care right now to stoke the flame or to bring in more light. He could see the rest of the pillows and blankets that they had left on the floor, bringing only a few into the bedroom after getting back to ensure that they would be alright there in their own room.

 

Opening his eyes, he looked down at the back of his left hand and blinked, staring at it. The etched scar from when he housed the Triforce of Courage all those months ago looked back at him. His mind stopped working as he stared at the acute angles and lines, before it finally clicked in his mind.

 

The Triforce!

 

Why didn’t he think of it sooner!? The answer was right there in front of him the whole time! He sank down in his chair, looking at the back of his hand. He traced the scars gently, his mind whirring back to life as he weighed his options.

 

It would be risky! What if my heart isn’t pure enough for the wish?

 

But what other choice do I have?

 

Does he even want to go?

 

No no, he has to. It’s for his own good.

 

What if I fail at saying the wish right?

 

The idea of failing to say the wish right, or if his heart was too clouded by emotions to make such a wish stung, and he looked away. But then when he glanced back over at the door, knowing Time was right there behind it. Time has suffered enough with the knowledge of what has happened.

 

He didn’t belong in this failed timeline.

 

He didn’t deserve to be hurt because of a mistake that the Gods had made so long ago.

 

He stood up, heart beating fast in his chest, before he began to gather up all the borrowed books and materials, stacking them slowly and evenly.

 

I’ll have to do it. Even if I end up paying the price… I will make things right for us. For him.

Chapter 5: Winter's Frost

Summary:

The aftermath, the inner turmoil, and the future between the two heroes.

Notes:

I hope you all are here for more emotional whiplashes. Does it end on a happy note? Or is it all tragedy? you'll have to read until the end

Thank you all for taking the time to read this BEHEMOTH of a story!

It was noon when they arrived at the castle, books and papers to return to the library. Both he and Time had woken up with headaches and were fairly quiet in the morning. But he wanted to get all of this taken care of. He didn’t want to look back and second guess himself or his intentions. They had spent the morning together, talking quietly, reassuring the other as they laid in bed. Legend had managed to convince Time to come along with him to the castle to return the books.

 

The dreary weather was a warning. Something that Legend kept at the back of his mind, but he didn’t want to think too hard about it. Not right now. Their arrival was a surprise, but they had taken their books back to the archives and were then invited into the tea room with Princess Zelda.

 

It was quiet as they sat together around the table again, steaming hot tea before them as the quiet of the room was… stiff. He looked up at Zelda as she carefully sipped her cup, her face calm while she gave a warm smile at them. A glance at Time to see he was looking just as drained as he felt.

 

“I see you two are… doing well in this dreary weather,” Zelda started, setting down her cup and placing her hands in her lap.

 

“We…. We had an interesting day yesterday,” Legend admitted, fiddling with the spoon he kept in his cup.

 

“Yeah.” Time admitted quietly, his voice gravely with emotion and it made Legend wince in sympathy.

 

“What happened?” Zelda asked, looking between the two of them for a long moment, and Legend dared to try and catch Time’s eyes, hoping to see what he wanted to do about answering such a question. The other hero didn’t answer, shaking his head as he looked down at his lap. He reached his hand over, setting it on Time’s back to rub soothing circles.

 

“It… it’s something a bit personal,” Legend admitted, looking back to the monarch with a sad smile. “Something that we… we will make it through.”

 

Zelda pursed her lips, eyebrows drawn together in concern before she nodded with a sigh. “I hope that it does work out. For the both of you.”

 

Oh how such words left the sting of bile to settle on his tongue. But he pushed the guilt away as he lifted his cup again to sip at the tea. Impa and a servant woman came into the room after a knock, a cart of sweets available. They were placed on the table for anyone to grab and eat; delicate scones and little cakes, slices of warm pie dished up for them to take.

 

“Thank you Ezra,” Zelda stated, her voice warm as she gave the woman a smile. She beamed, giving a curtsey before taking the cart and walking out. Impa closed the door, her eyes watching carefully but she was relaxed. Probably a good thing. Silence settled over them all once more, and Legend fiddled with his spoon again briefly and then reached over to grab a slice of apple pie.

 

“Are you preparing for winter?” Zelda asked as she looked at them, taking a small cake and took a dainty bite from her fork.

 

“Yes. We are slowly preparing. It shouldn’t be for a few more weeks, right?” Legend asked, glancing over at Time when he grabbed a scone to bite into, his eyes distant still.

 

“Hmm… We should be having our first snowfall within the next few days. Perhaps earlier than that,” Zelda predicted, closing her eyes in thought as she took another bite. Legend grit his teeth, and sighed heavily.

 

“You’re usually right about this kinda stuff,” Legend mumbled with a frown, taking another sip of tea as he looked at the tablecloth. Zelda gave a hum, acknowledging his words as she gave a light smile.

 

“If you do have questions about weather prediction, I’m sure there are many others who have studied the patterns much more than I ever have.” She sipped her tea again, seeming to take a moment to gather her words carefully. “But I can see about answering any questions you may have.”

 

Legend frowned, looking over at Time curiously. The other hero was lost in thought, his eyes downcast and long hair pulled into a messy ponytail. He looked just as bad as Legend felt, and he knew he was feeling even worse on the inside. The pang of guilt twisted his stomach, nausea threatening to take over. But, her words did give him an opening.

 

“Actually,” he started, setting down his fork with a bite of pie on it. “I do have a few questions. However,” he paused to glance at Time and Impa. “If I could ask them privately? I would appreciate it.”

 

Zelda halted her movements, just for a split second, while her blue eyes looked up at him sharply. Legend kept his face neutral, not willing to betray his thoughts just yet. A quiet sigh left her nose as she nodded.

 

“Very well. After tea.” Legend nodded in agreement, glancing over to see Time was now staring at him, his face etched in confusion. He smiled and reached his hand out, putting it over Time’s to let him know that it was okay. The larger hand curled around his own, holding tightly in the warm callouses.

 

He fought to keep his face calm, to hold back the tears that threatened to spring forth from the corners of his eyes. The idea that this could be the last time he would ever feel Time’s warmth, his touch. To feel his love. No no no! Don’t think that! He swallowed nervously as he took the bite of pie. He had to think of anything other than what was going to happen. What he would make sure would happen.

 

The idle chatter was calming and helped ease Legend back into the present, his goal of asking Zelda his sole focus now. Impa sat down to join them, bringing in her own advice and talk as the sweets and tea dwindled down until there was nothing left. Impa stood to fetch a servant, leaving Zelda with the two heroes of courage before her.

 

“We will be right back, Time,” Zelda reassured, giving him a gentle smile as Legend stood. He gave the man a smile as well, leaning over to give a gentle kiss. He couldn’t help but linger, wanting to keep the memory of his lips, his warmth and gentleness close to his mind. But he followed after Zelda, moving a few rooms down to her private study. Documents were in neat piles on her desk, the quill and inkwell in place, ready to be used at a moment's notice.

 

She locked her study door with a key and turned to him, eyes narrowed. “What is it you need to ask of me, Link?” Her question was calm, but he knew that she knew something was up. Legend sighed, bringing his hands up to rub his tired face.

 

“I’m going to make this as brief as I can,” he started, looking at her from behind his fingers. She said nothing, but her posture said that she was waiting.

 

“Long story short, we went into the Lost Woods to go looking for foraging. But Time and I we… we were led in by the fairies and…. Well we both found out what exactly happened to the Kokiri.” He turned away, nervously biting his lower lip between his teeth.

 

“Were you hurt?”

 

“NO!” He said, a little too loudly before giving a cough. “No. We’re fine. Physically that is.” Legend fiddled with his long sleeves, looking down at his left hand to the mark of the Triforce.

 

“But after it all happened. I… I finally found a way to send him back,” Legend mumbled, daring to look up at her from under his pink bangs.

 

“Are you certain you wish to send him back?” Zelda asked him, worry in her face and tone of voice as she stepped closer.

 

“After what happened…. I think it’s best that… that…”

 

“You have grown so attached to him.” Legend didn’t deny her words, nodding as he felt the bubble of panic starting to rise up.

 

“I do. I… I love him. So much.” His throat threatened to close up, his last words coming out breathy before he cleared his throat. “But I realized that… that he doesn’t belong here. Not in this Era. He doesn’t need to be reminded that an alternative universe or some weird paradox happened where he failed. And he doesn’t need to have that reminder put into his face every day, every moment of his life here.”

 

Zelda hummed in thought, stepping closer again to reach her hand out and grasp his right hand. “What spell did you find to send him back? Surely you must have found something in the archives.”

 

Legend frowned and shook his head. “No…. there’s not a spell I can use to send him back.” Her frown gave away her unasked question. Slowly he lifted his left hand and grabbed her own gently, peeling away the soft glove to reveal her own mark of the Triforce.

 

“Not a spell… but a wish.”

 

She gasped at him, eyes wide as she stared at him in horror. “That is dangerous , Link!” She hissed, yanking back her hand and glove to put it back on quickly. “Especially with your heart in turmoil as it is!”

 

“It’s the only way though,” he whispered, looking away as he looked at the desk and not her any more. “Yesterday he… he had to do something that nearly killed him in his heart.” Legend clenched his eyes closed, his own chest aching at his decision that he has to make. “I don’t want him to suffer like that again. I… I would wish him to go back to where he belongs, the timeline that he belongs in and…” He trailed off, throat clenching tightly as he felt his anguish pushing up from his chest into his mouth.

 

“‘And’ what, Link?” Zelda prodded, he tone worried as she looked at him. He took a few breathes in, trying to steel himself even though he knew it would break him later on.

 

“I would send him back… and remove all his memories from here.”

 

“But… but that would mean-”

 

“Yes. I’d make him forget about me.”

 

“Link!” She hissed, walking up to him to grab his shoulders. “That would-”

 

“It would remove all the pain he’s suffered, all the questions and problems he’s faced. And it… it will keep him from coming back.”

 

“You would do that to him? To yourself?” Legend dared to look at her eyes for a moment and then turned away again, tears burning at his eyes so he closed his eyes tightly.

 

“Yes. Because… because it’s what’s right.” He choked out, fighting to not sob. Just the very idea of doing this to himself was torturous, but it was the right thing to do. He was reminded of everyone he’s had in his life leaving.

 

His parents. His uncle. Marin. Ravio.

 

“It’s what’s right for him…” He managed out, his voice having grown quiet as he stood there. Zelda’s grip grew tighter before she pulled him into a hug. Wrapped up in her arms, he pressed his face into the soft silks of her dress as tears tried to escape. And they did. They burned with future regret and heartache that he felt in his whole being. 

 

“Would the risk be worth the reward, Link?” She asked, sounding defeated as her words were uncertain in his decision. Legend took a moment to breath in a few times, this throat aching as he tried to find a way to speak.

 

“For him…. I would do anything and everything to make him happy.”

 

“Even if he didn’t want it?”

 

Legend didn’t answer, clutching at her dress before stepping back.

 

“You didn’t even talk to him?”

 

“He’d tell me I’m stupid. That… that it would”-

 

“It IS stupid!” She was insistent as she tried to get his face to look up at her but he kept tugging away. “It’s even more stupid that you haven’t talked to him!”

 

“Zelda stop!” He snapped, glaring at her and her insistent badgering. “I’m doing this for his own good! I’m doing this to make his life better! My own doesn’t matter if he’s going to just be constantly reminded of pain and torment of where things went so wrong! ”

 

It was silent after his outburst, ears ringing but also muffled with blood rushing in his head. Her face was a mixture of hurt and understanding, confusion and worry. Legend looked away and sighed heavily, bringing his hands up to his face and he rubbed his eyes.

 

“I’m sorry. I… I didn’t mean to shout.”

 

She said nothing, the silence growing more as he sagged where he stood, leaning against the desk.

 

“If this is what you think you should do,” Zelda whispered, making Legend look up at her. “Then… there isn’t anything I can do to stop you.” Legend swallowed nervously as he nodded.

 

“I only hope that you know the consequences will be by using this power, Link.”

 

“I’ve thought of every loophole and everything that could go wrong. The worst thing to happen is that I end up in a deep depression. The best thing… is that the Hero of Time is given the chance to have his happiness.” He received a sigh from Zelda before she stepped towards the door.

 

“You will not listen to the wise council I offer you, Link. But for the sake of us all… I hope that this won’t end up being the fall of our fair kingdom.” She unlocked the door but didn’t open it.

 

He hoped so too.

 

She opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, looking back to him as he stepped out of the room.

 

“You remember the way?” She asked, her voice quiet as she looked up at him. He gave her a nod, a small smile on his face. She said nothing else as she gave a small sad smile, and then she stepped away, heading back towards the tea room. Legend took that moment to go the opposite direction, finding the painting that held the hidden entrance behind its heavy frame.

 

With no one else around, Legend dug his fingers behind the frame and pulled. The frame shifted out, just enough for him to pull it out and he could slip in, before he grabbed the metal ring on the other side and tugged it close. Standing in the darkness, Legend took a few breathes in and out before he turned to press his hands against the stone wall. He felt the lantern that was hung up on the wall and he grabbed it, turning the knob to have it sputter to life with a dismal flame. The second lantern was still in place, but Legend left it be as he started down the long stairs going deep deep down.

 

He didn’t know how long he walked, how long he was left with only the echoing sound of his boots along dusty stonework, but it gave him a chance to think things through. He closed his eyes, remembering when Time was first here. How they got to know one another, and how they bonded. The good memories (like the Lunarfall festival) and the bad ones (the first time they fought, the times that he was in a horrible mood, or even when Time had gotten hurt from the Zora.)

 

So lost in his thoughts he didn’t realize he had stepped through the magical barrier hidden in the darkness. His world twisted and turned, spinned before he was suddenly left wheezing, nearly collapsing from the sudden change in atmosphere. He took a few minutes to try and catch his breath and to ease the queasy feeling in his stomach, before he opened his eyes.

 

The bright light was blinding, even from behind his eyelids. But as they adjusted, he saw a beautiful serene field atop mountains. The sky was clear and blue, large clouds drifting along the ground and obscuring the path ahead, as well as the stone pillars that lined the path ahead of him. There was only the wind and the chirping of birds that gave any sound. Taking a few moments, Legend turned off the lamp and set it aside by one of the pillars and walked forward.

 

Every step forward was a heavy punch to his heart and gut. But he didn’t dare stop. Clouds parted, showing him exactly what he had come here for. He was determined to do this. Determined to not stop. At the end of the path, just atop a dais, stood the one thing that could grant him his wish. Golden and bright, the Triforce floated there, serene and undisturbed.

 

He stopped just a few paces before it, looking at the rather simple looking relic of power before him. He heard no grand voice, no whispers, no prophecy to tell him where to go or what to do. All he had was the wind and his own heartbeat in his ears.

 

“This is it…” he whispered to himself, clenching his jaw as he faced the Triforce. “I… I just have to make my wish. And everything will be alright.” A few deep breaths in and he reached out, thinking long and hard about what he wanted to wish.

 

I wish to send the Hero of Time back to his own Timeline, and that he had no memories of his time here. I wish to send the Hero of Time back to his own Timeline, and that he had no memories of his time here.

 

He thought this over and over as he slowly reached out to touch the golden power, but he stopped, feeling the warmth radiating just mere centimeters from his palm. But he stopped.

 

I don’t want him to leave.

 

He stepped back quickly, just before he could actually touch it. His heart beat heavily in his chest as he stared down at his palm.

 

“Come on, Link!” He hissed at himself, gritting his teeth together hard in his own anger. “You have to do this! You have to send him back!”

 

But I don’t want him to leave. He’s been the one good thing to happen to me in my life.

 

“Ugh!” he growled out, clenching his fingers in pink hair as he began to pace back and forth in front of the Triforce.

 

“I don’t want him to go! I know I don’t want him to go! But I have to do this!” he was shouting at himself, shouting at his own damn selfish heart as he paced. The Triforce didn’t react, didn’t do anything. It gave him no solid answer or reasons to either go through with the wish or not.

 

“I know he won’t like it if he ever found out, or if he ever came back to this world. But… but I don’t want him to hurt. I don’t want him to think that… that he’s made mistakes or that he’s going to be reminded of what’s happened.”

 

He stopped in front of the Triforce again, looking down at his hands that he pulled from his hair. “I don’t want him to have regrets by not going back. I don’t… I don’t know what would happen if he stayed here. What other kind of pain he would be in if he stayed here with me.”

 

The idea of sitting in his house alone, with no one to share his life with, no one to talk to. To laugh and enjoy the days with. It was so painful it had fresh tears building in the corners, his heart squeezing in his chest as he stood there with heartache.

 

“But… I’m such a stupid, selfish bastard that… that I can’t let him go,” he sobbed out, his legs giving out as he tried to stifle his crying. The way his throat ached with every held in sob, how his eyes and head throbbed behind clenched eyelids. He wanted to just weep in misery for something he hadn’t even done yet.

 

“I don’t want him to go. I don’t want him to leave me! But… But I know he won’t be happy here in this Era! It’s only… only…”

 

A hand was suddenly placed on his back and he jumped, whirling around to see who was there and ready to fight. ( Stupid stupid stupid! Your back was turned and now someone was here to- )

 

He was staring into Time’s eyes, his eyes sad and yet so gentle.

 

“Wha…” He mumbled, stunned to see him here and witnessing this. “Time! What… what are you”-

 

“The Princess told me everything,” Time whispered, interrupting him from finishing the question. “She told me… how you wanted to send me back using the Triforce.”

 

Legend wanted to be mad. He really truly did. He wanted to be mad at Zelda, mad at Time, mad at himself! But he could only look away, biting his lip as he curled his fist into the stonework beneath him.

 

“Did she say that I’m being a stupid idiot for thinking this?”

 

“Yes. But now I’m calling you something else. A completely bullheaded moron who didn’t think that maybe, just maybe, I had accepted a long time ago that I wasn’t going to go back!”

 

Legend winced, flinching away at the harsh words. But, they were true.

 

“Did you think that I wanted to be sent back to my own timeline like this? That I would be okay and consent to such a thing?” Time questioned when he looked back up. “Maybe I’m happy here with you! Goddesses, I can’t believe that you would think I would want to go back when… when I’ve had so many happy memories with you!”

 

“But… But..”

 

“But what? Good memories and bad memories are always going to be something that we all go through! And even after what happened yesterday you… you think I would want to leave you?

 

“You’ve been the biggest rock in my life and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving and not being able to go back to you!” Time heaved a sigh, pushing his hair away from his face. “I wouldn’t want to be suddenly transported away from you and not be able to find you again! I would want to keep making these memories with you, Legend. How would it be if I just had to try and look back at you and suddenly I no longer had the man in my life that I loved?”

 

“.... You wouldn’t have remembered,” Legend whispered, looking away again as he felt the stare from Time boring into the side of his face. “I… I would have wished that… that all the memories of your time here were gone. So you could live your life happily and without regrets.”

 

There was only silence as he sat there on the ground. He could feel the hot anger that Time was radiating at him, and he waited for anything to be said or done to him.

 

“You…” Time hissed through his teeth, and Legend let his head drop.

 

“I would have given up everything that was my happiness… to make sure you would never be hurt again by me or… or by the things in my Era.” He dared to look up at Time, the stinging pain of tears dripping down from his eyes to leave trails across his face. Time said nothing, just glaring at him with tears forming in the corners of his own eyes.

 

Sighing heavily, Legend stood up slowly, turning to face away from the Triforce again as he stared at Time.

 

“Maybe I don't want that,” Time whispered, angrily wiping away at his face. “Maybe I don’t have any regrets being here. Maybe I don’t think of my time in this era as anything particularly bad.”

 

Legend sighed as he wiped at his face. Gods, he was so stupid.

 

“You should have told me that you thought you regretted being with me, or- or-or regretted any”-

 

“No! I could never regret you, Time!” He interrupted, looking at the man as his heart shattered. He dared to take a step forward, clenching the front of his tunic as he looked at the other.

 

“I am a fucking moron to not talk! Yes! I admit it!” He was right up in Time’s face, able to see the hurt in his eyes and the way his lip trembled to hold back words. “But I was thinking of what was best for you… But I see that… that it was stupid and selfish to… to not consider your feelings on this matter.”

 

His heart thundered in his ears as they both stood there, heaving for air as they both were hurt and angry. Mostly angry at himself. Legend let both his hands drop to his sides, shaking with pent up energy and emotions he didn’t know how to process or feel.

 

“I just didn’t want you to be hurt anymore. I’m… I’m sorry, Time.”

 

The moments passed by, every second passing of no response was a stab to his heart, the ache growing more and more. He looked down at their feet, the vapors of clouds passing by them and sending a chill through him as it dampened his clothing.

 

“I’m sorry that I'm a selfish bastard. I’m sorry that… that I hurt you doing this. I’m sorry that all I can seem to do is fuck up every damn good thing in my life. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you never forgive me”- he was stopped by a hand landing on his shoulder. He looked up, and saw the anger had left Time’s face, only a sad hurt that made his heart ache more.

 

Then Time smiled. So gentle, so loving. He wanted to reach out and hold him there, to keep him close to his heart. He got his wish as Time pulled him closer, wrapping him up in a fierce hug. It was so tight and loving, so warm that it nearly had Legend sobbing in relief from the cold stone of agony he felt inside his chest.

 

“I forgive you, Legend. I forgive you for being a bullheaded, idiotic moron that has communication problems. But… I’m no better.” He felt lips pressing against his scalp, over and over kisses as Legend buried his face into Time’s chest.

 

“I don’t have any regrets being with you. Ever. The only regret I have, is that we both can’t seem to open ourselves up so completely to the other to talk about these things.”

 

“More like I just don’t notice a good thing right in front of me until he’s ready to smack me across the room.”

 

“Only when you’ve been really stupid.”

 

Legend snorted, a watery laugh escaping him as he nuzzled his face completely into Time’s chest, feeling his thundering heartbeat against his face. Pulling back, Legend looked up into Time’s face again and reached up to wipe at his eyes and cheeks.

 

“If I had asked you about this way to go back… would you have agreed?” Legend asked quietly. Time shook his head, giving a small smile back.

 

“Never. I have no regrets being with you, Lege- No. I have no regrets being with you, Link.”

 

Hearing his birth name from his lips had him shivering with the warmth of happiness that blossomed in his chest. “And I have no regrets being with you either, Link.”

 

The way Time’s face brightened up made the dark cloud that hovered over his heart fade away on the winds, and he leaned up to kiss him deeply, not willing to let him go, ever. Time deepened the kiss, both of them clinging to each other desperately to ensure they didn’t ever leave. But air was a necessary thing that he needed and they pulled back.

 

“Let’s head back. We need to do some more talking and not… here,” Time stated, looking back behind Legend. A quick glance and Legend knew what Time meant when he saw the Triforce.

 

“Yeah… let’s go back.”

 

They walked back away from the Triforce, away from the temptation to do something that he would regret doing in his life. No, he didn’t want to do that. Hand in hand, they moved, grabbing the lanterns to pass through the invisible barrier back up to the Castle.

 

“Let’s have a Winter Wedding.”

 

Time gave a sound of surprise and Legend couldn’t help but smile, looking up at him.

 

“.... This is what we need to talk about. Not just jumping head first into decisions.”

 

“Well… I wouldn’t regret it.”

 

“You wouldn’t regret marrying me. But you would regret making stupid hasty decisions.”

 

Legend gave a chuckle as he shook his head at himself. “You got me there.”

 

--------

 

When they arrived home they immediately moved to the bed to curl up together after taking off their boots. They talked, cried, and comforted. Fingers trailed through hair, arms held onto the other. Lips whispered words and secrets, pressing against skin and hair for kisses. The weight they each held was released and held up together by the other. They didn’t want to move away, just clinging to the other as an anchor point.

 

Standing in the kitchen together, they were quiet as they stood around the wood stove, making dinner together in the quiet of the evening. The aroma of herbs surrounded them, a warmth that seeped in slowly to ease the tension they held inside. They didn't need words now, everything they had to say was already spoke before.

 

Legend was finishing in stirring the pot, tasting the stew to make sure it was the correct flavor when he was startled by Time's burst of laughter. He turned and saw the other was standing at the window, having scrapped the vegetable cuttings out the window to the compost bin.

 

"The Princess was right," he mumbled, voice gravelly from their earlier crying. Confused, Legend stepped up to the window and saw exactly what Time was meaning.

 

Snowflakes were drifting down, small, inconsequential to make a difference, but with it brought the chill of winter to them. The frost was starting early, just as Zelda had predicted. Legend glanced back at Time with a small huff, smiling to himself.

 

"Let's hope it's gone by morning. I would like to go out one more time to go forage and get the blankets cleaned before we're stuck inside forever."

 

Time just chuckled before stepping back from the window, sliding the window down after closing the shutters. Legend stirred the pot a few more times, reaching out to grab a pinch of salt to add in to the mixture. He hummed, tired as he watched the stew thicken over the minutes, only to cut off when Time wrapped his arms from behind, resting his chin on Legend’s own head.

 

"You know… I think a winter wedding will be nice."

 

The admission stopped Legend, his hand no longer stirring as he blinked a few times.

 

"Pardon?" He questioned, making sure he understood just what he heard was correct. Time snorted, poking his shoulder lightly.

 

"I'm saying yes. To your earlier statement back at the castle."

 

Legend stirred a few more times- just so it didn't burn- and moved to look Time in the face. Those blue eyes were warm and loving, and every part of his being was alive with hope.

 

"Really?"

 

"Yeah. I wouldn't regret it. So long as you don't regret it."

 

Legend couldn't help but smirk to himself, deciding to voice his immediate thoughts. "Only my wallet. But everything else? No. I won't regret it."

 

Time just gave him a gentle shove and they both laughed, moving back to finish cooking their supper before they would eat, and get to bed early. Sitting and eating together the comfortable silence, warm and fulfilling.

 

He didn't want to let this go away. He didn't want to ever let that go. He would have been miserable if he had gone through his wish. But seeing Time's warm smile, the way his eyes were alight with a happiness and warmth that sent bubbles of joy and peace through him.

 

He would have made such a grave mistake.

 

He didn't need tears to be his only companion in the solitude of Winter's icy grip. It only would have driven him into madness and despair. He rather enjoyed this warmth thank you very much.

 

-----

 

Thick snow crunched under his feet, the way it echoed in the quiet of the early morning late winter. The wind was an accompaniment that chilled one to the bone and left a weight on the soul. More steps moved through the empty silence as the person they came from weaved around gravestones.

 

How long has it been? It felt like years in his heart. It could have been even longer. Yet the flow of time was always so fickle to the mind if someone so wrought with the traumas of his past. 

 

Many gravestones were covered in ice and snow, some so old they no longer had words to tell who they belonged to when you wiped off the frozen water crystals. Others were so tiny yet held the tiniest burdens to behold. But past them the boots moved until they finally stopped at a set.

 

Legend knelt down with a grunt of pain before them, reaching a gloved hand out and wiped off the graves, seeing the names etched into the stonework. Familiar names that made his heart ache and his throat together held back the grief. Then he dug from his bags for a few apples, placing one on each stone.

 

"Hey…" he started, his voice quiet in the early morning air, breath creating a plume of fog that swirled in the air around his vision. "It's been a while. I… I've got a lot to talk about."

 

He was greeted with silence as he stared at the stones, a sad smile on his face as he took a few deep breaths.

 

"A lot has happened and I'm quite sure you've witnessed it all. Witnessed me a stubborn man, stupid, and yet… I hope to think that I was still kind and loving in your eyes. Even when I doubt it."

 

Taking off his glove, Legend wiped at the tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. No use to cry in such cold weather.

 

"I always used to wonder if… If I would ever end up happy.  If I would ever find someone to share my days with. Or- more accurately- if I would find someone to put up with my stubborn pig-headed tendencies."

 

He reached out, tracing his fingers along the letters on each grave as he gave a shaky exhale. It made a large cloud of steam to rise up and blur his vision, though he knew nothing would appear before him.

 

"But… I think I found it. I think…. I finally found that happiness. Even if that happiness isn't what… I think you would have expected. Even from me. I just-" He paused to take a few breathes in.

 

“I just feel so glad to have found that happiness. Especially when we had our wedding a few years ago.”

He stood in the throne room nervously, fiddling with his tie and buttons on his vest. There was a crowd of people all gathered as he stood before Princess Zelda's throne. He had expected this to be a small gathering, but it seemed everyone from Hyrule and the outer kingdoms of Labrynna and Holodrum wanted to witness his wedding. Thus moving from the Sanctuary to the Castle for such an audacious occasion.

 

"Stop fidgeting!" Zelda hissed at him, stepping over to smack his hands and fix what he messed up.

 

"I can't help it!" He hissed back, anxiety making him fidget in other ways. "For one, this is a much bigger audience than what I was intending to have here."

 

"The word does spread fast."

 

"It's because you invited many of the diplomats for this occasion and they got to talking. I only wanted a few of my close friends here rather than nearly all of the two kingdoms."

 

"It will be fine. So stop wiggling around like a broody Cucco."

 

"Are you calling me to be like one of those devil chickens?" Zelda rolled her eyes at his threatening tone, smacking him lightly before she composed herself with grace again. The murmuring crowd of people he did and didn't know had gathered in the room, talking amongst themselves, some even laughing and joking but still keeping a respectful volume. Zelda was at his side still, an anchor point as they awaited for Time to be ready to walk in and for last minute guests to arrive.

 

"What really has you nervous, Link?" She asked him, voice quiet as she looked at him. He swallowed down the anxious nausea he felt in his throat.

 

"...I'm scared that he would regret this. Or that he has second thoughts. I'm scared that… that he won't show up."

 

Zelda laid a comforting hand on his shoulder, her fingers gently smoothing out the crease in his maroon waist vest as she carefully thought her words, if the pinching of her eyebrows was any indication.

 

"I doubt he would do that," she began, tugging lightly at his white dress shirt to fix the placement. "He isn't that sort of person."

 

Legend sighed, glancing down at his polished boots as he shifted again. "I know. It's still something in my mind that won't leave."

 

"Well, you are valid to have those fears, but I am doubtful that that will ever be the case." She gave him a gentle smile, eyes knowing and calm. "He may be dumb to think that he could break your heart like that and get away."

 

"...No threatening the Hero of Time. It wouldn't be becoming of you," he murmured low enough that only she could hear. She gave a laugh, winking at him.

 

"I wouldn't get caught. But I think your worries are about to be put to rest."

 

The sound of double doors opening made everyone's conversations halt, and there stood Lady Impa, with a smile on her face as she was dressed in her own regal attire, still simple but elegant for an older woman still in her prime.

 

"Honored guests, the ceremony will start soon. Please take your seats and we shall proceed."

 

The butterflies started to frenzy in his stomach and chest, and he nervously swallowed. A glance over to one of the windows and he checked himself one more Time.

 

His pink hair was styled and swept out of his face, revealing the healing lightning scars. He was dressed in a soft white long sleeved dress shirt with his sleeves rolled up. A maroon waist vest and matching tie, and black dress trousers. He was… handsome. But he could see the nervous energy even in his own reflection. The crowd's murmurs were still there, but they drew quieter when Impa stepped back out behind the doors.

 

"If you did some trumpet or other orchestra fanfare I will scream at you, Zelda," he whispered, glaring at her. She said nothing but her smile spoke volumes of her intentions. Before he could reach out and grab her- intending to shake her for her sneaky plans- there was the sound of a flute. No, it was an Ocarina!

 

Legend whipped around and stared as the doors opened. While it wasn't a grand affair with bridesmaids or knights to lead, Legend was still in awe. Time wasn't the one playing the Ocarina, it was Irene with a stubbornly focused expression as she tried to play every note of the soft and gentle song. Time probably spent hours with her to help her practice. Time was smiling, pride radiating from him as he stood tall. His blond and silver hair was brushed back nearly and put into a high ponytail, while he was dressed in black dress slacks, a white dress shirt, and an embroidered teal and black vest like he was.

 

They were opposites but still together, and it made Legend’s heart soar to see the man before him looking just as happy. There were a few guards to help lead the procession but it was more for formality than any actual ties to their wedding. Goddesses! He was getting married. He was getting married to this man, who wormed past his abrasive walls, who peeled back layers and layers of hurt, trauma, and worked with him to heal, and he was doing the same.

 

Two broken and jagged pieces of glass, working to fit together to make a beautiful window to view their world from.

 

He ignored the way Zelda reached out to close his open mouth, but it did bring him back to reach his hand out and grasped Time's, having him stand in front of him. He was lost to the rest of the world, focused solely in Time.

 

"Hey," Time whispered as Zelda stepped around them to grab something.

 

"Hey," he answered back just as quietly, before they turned to look at Zelda.

 

"On behalf of the Kingdom of Hyrule, of all its citizens and on behalf of the couple before us, I wish to welcome all of you, esteemed guests.

 

"I am proud to be the one to bless this union between these two warriors. They have fought for their homes, fought for each other, and have built their life together against all the hardships that has been put upon them."

 

Legend glanced from Zelda back to Time, unable to stop the nervous smile on his face from appearing as he gazed at the man before him.

 

"As the reigning Monarch of our fair Kingdom, I bestow upon you the blessing of the goddesses. May the Light of our land guide you and bless you. And may you always walk in the light." She gave a low curtsey to the crowd and moved to let Head Priest to step up. He gave a kind smile to both of them and opened up his book.

 

"Today is a day of joy. It is to celebrate a union of two souls who have traveled far to find one another. Let us now-"

 

Legend tuned out the words he was saying, focusing more on Time and attempting to stay still. He squeezed Time's hands with his own, focusing on him and his smile. Goddesses, he was such a sap for this man. Though he managed to drift his attention back to the priest just in time.

 

"Do you, Link Kearney wish to take Treyvonius Stone in loving matrimony? Through sickness and health? For poorer or richer? And through life until death do you part?"

 

Legend had to hold back his laughter at the 'full' name they had given Time. But he smiled as he looked at Time. "I do."

 

"Please call me Trey. Treyvonius is too much of a mouthful even for me."

 

It got quite a few chuckles of laughter, even from the priest. Legend snorting loudly as he doubled over, attempting to not just start cackling while he used Time's hands to keep himself upright.

 

"Also, Treyvonius is very pretentious. I'd like to think I'm not some stuck up donkey who doesn'-"

 

"Trey stop, before I die of laughter," he managed out through his giggles, standing upright once more to compose himself. Though he still was shaking with suppressed laughter.

 

The priest managed to calm down his own quiet laughter before continuing. "Do you, Trey, take Link in loving matrimony? Through sickness and health? For poorer or richer? And through life until death do you part?"

 

There was no hesitation. "I do." Time answered as well, smiling in a way that brightened the room to Legend’s eyes.

 

"Are there any who object to this union? If so, please speak up now?"

 

Legend felt a small bit of fear as he glanced out to the crowd. No one spoke up, everyone glancing at each other curiously. Until someone did.

 

"I'm hungry! Can we go home now, mama?" A voice popped up from the back.

 

"Gulley!" Another voice hissed, and that got everyone to laugh loudly, even Legend and Time clinging to one another with barely held strength.

 

"Other than the call of a hungry young man, no one else wishes to speak up?" A beat or two of silence before the priest nodded.

 

"Then I announce that this union is finalized. May the grace of the Goddesses bless you with bountiful love, light, laughter, and peace!" He cheered. Before he could even see about exchanging any rings or necklaces, Legend was suddenly pounced upon in a kiss, wrapped up in a bear hug by Time. He struggled in surprise before relaxing, smacking Time in the chest with his hand as he kissed back.

 

"A bit eager, huh?" The priest teased over them but Legend didn't pay any more attention until Time pulled back, and he gave a gasp of air.

 

"You have no idea how long I wanted to kiss you."

 

"You have plenty of time to do that later. Now we have to finish-"

 

"Just a quick signing of the certificate and you are free to go to the party reception. Seres where is- Ah! Thank you my dear!"

 

Seres came over with a gentle smile as she offered them the quill and ink pot, before producing a few documents. Legend was quick to sign his name on each, as did Time (or Trey now) and they were quickly wished away by Impa to the archives for later.

 

"Do you two wish to exchange any rings?"

 

Legend looked from Seres and the priest back to Time and he gave a thoughtful hum before he smiled. He reached into his pocket and pulled a simple box. He opened it- still a bit jittery with nerves- and revealed the two rings. They were bands made of a polished dark metal and inlaid in the metal on the outside was a ring of a bit of polished maple wood inlaid inside the metal. It was so simple looking, but complex when one really thought about it.

 

Just like they were.

 

He slipped the first ring on Time’s finger, making sure it was a good fit, before he handed the other to Time. He smiled as he watched Time slip the matching ring on his own finger. The giddy nervousness wasn’t leaving, but neither was the grin on his face as he interlaced his hand with Time’s.

 

“I now bless this union! You may kiss your… well I would say bride but really, kiss your husband.”

 

Time didn’t waste a second longer and swept Legend up in another kiss. He happily kissed back, the crowd's cheers of happiness and joy ringing in his ears but it was not as loud as the deafening beating of his heart. He held on dearly to Time, clinging to the back of his vest and neck as they kissed. Parting, Legend couldn’t stop the smile on his face from growing more as he looked into Time’s eyes.

 

“Honored guests! I offer all of you to stay for a time, for a feast has been prepared for our wedded couple. If you could all please follow the escorts, we shall have a night of merriment, celebration, and joy to remember this day forward.”

 

Legend glanced over at Zelda’s words, nervous at attending such an event. Looking back at Time, he gave an exasperated smile.

 

“I guess we get to mingle a bit longer before you can whisk me away.”

 

“Damn….” Time mumbled, but they were leading the way into the dinning hall where a whole feast of food was prepared for everyone to have. 

 

The whole night was a blur of food, music, warm mead and wine, and many friends and guests congratulating them for finding happiness. A few older ladies jokingly teased them about when they would be adopting some kids. Syrup even jesting she had created a potion to let them make their own. Legend didn’t know what they responded with other than a gentle no or maybe to all their questions and teasing. Still, when they finally were able to leave, they did so with warm bellies, fuzzy heads, and hearts full of joy.

Walking the cold path from the Castle to their home was a sobering one for them, seeing as they had to pay attention to where they went unless they wished to go drifting towards the river. At the front of the house on the cold winter night, Legend opened the door and was about to step inside when Time stopped him. He turned slowly, head still swimming from the many mugs of mead he’d had.

 

“What are you do-ack! Put me down!” He yelped as Time picked him up, now being carried over the door by Time who laughed at his squirming.

 

“Isn’t it tradition to carry your spouse over the threshold of your home? Or something about bad luck will happen?” When in the cool house, Time pushed the door close behind him with his food before setting Legend down. Pouting, Legend turned away from Time to work on getting his boots off his sore feet.

 

“Ugh, you’d believe that old wive’s tale?”

 

“I mean, why not? Has superstition been wrong?” Legend turned to Time with that statement in the darkness, before reaching up to turn on the lamp to bring some light to their surroundings.

 

“I don’t know. I mean it usually bounces right back off of me anyways. So I can’t say i always believe it.”

 

That apparently was the final straw for Time. He began to absolutely lose it as he laughed, doubled over as he fought to breath in the entryway. Legend huffed, shaking his head before he walked over towards the main room of his home. The fire was out, the warm embers they had left before their wedding a few hours prior were gone. Not caring he was still in his wedding clothes, Legend bent down to the wood pile and pulled a few logs to place them in the pit once more, and began to get the fire going once again.

 

At some point Time had managed to stop laughing, and he felt him come up behind him to wrap arms around him.

 

“Listen, I just had the image from the story I’d told you about my pet rock bouncing.”

 

“Oh by the Goddesses,” Legend mumbled, giving a laugh himself before he turned to Time. “You are insufferable.”

 

“You wanted to marry me though.”

 

“I regret everything now.”

 

“Too bad. You’re stuck with me.”

 

“Oh no, whatever shall I do,” Legend drawled in sarcasm, smiling before leaning in to press his lips into Time’s own. It was warm, slow, and passionate. It was everything he wanted and more, even after all the kisses and toasts they’d gotten from the party.

 

Parting, they stared at each other for a moment before Time gave a smirk and wink. “It is our honeymoon night….” He trailed off, eyes looking him up and down.

 

“I am aware of this, yes.”

 

“Let’s enjoy ourselves, much like we will have each and every day of the rest of our lives.”

 

Legend just raised an eyebrow at him.

 

“Then go get the blankets and pillows. Tonight, I want to remember this day for as long as possible.”

 

“Of course, Link.”

“Are you okay Link?”

 

He was surprised by the calling of his name. Turning around, he blinked a few times up at the man before him and smiled, turning back to the gravestones.

 

“Yeah. I’ll be okay. Give me a few more minutes and then we can get going. Alright, Trey?”

 

Time gave a nod, and he handed Legend a few more apples. “Here, my offering to them.” Legend took them gratefully, and watched as Time stepped away from him, leaving him alone in front of the gaves again.

 

“Even if that happiness was not what many would have expected. I’m sure none of you would have expected it.” He placed the apples that Time offered him and placed them at each grave, next to his own offerings. There was only silence as he thought of words to say, but the cold wind made him shiver again and his knees were starting to ache.

 

“There’s still so much I want to tell you. So much I wish you all could have seen. But I hope that, wherever you guys are, you are proud of me. For finally finding happiness. For finding peace. For… For everything. I’ve been a dumb selfish bastard to many, but this man…”

 

He paused to glance back over at Time as he stared out at the tree tops that was the border to the Lost Woods. “He has been so good to me. For me. And I cherish him for all that he’s given me. And the days to come.”

 

He stood up slowly and stared at the names once more on the graves. His parents and his uncle side by side, there to offer him the quiet solace, but never to give him real answers. The wind blew again, slipping in the seams of his clothing to make him shiver.

 

“I’ll try to come by again soon. Maybe then it’ll be warmer and I can offer you flowers instead of apples from this past harvest.”

 

He dusted himself off before he turned towards Time again. Lacing his fingers with Time after putting on his gloves, Legend smiled up at him. They were a bit older than when they first met, but they still had many years ahead of them.

 

“Ready to get going now?” Legend asked quietly as he gave a sniffle, having fought to not cry that whole time.

 

“Yeah. Do we wanna head to the milk bar and have a few drinks?”

 

“Hm… maybe. I think we should figure out what we’re going to do with the rest of the winter.”

 

“I don’t know. Maybe we’ll get spring early this year.”

 

Legend gave a quiet chuckle, not necessarily believing him. “We’ll see. But let’s get going and out of the cold.”

 

Time didn’t need to be told twice, leading the way towards Kakariko, hand in hand. There were so many moments ahead of them. Yet Legend knew he would cherish every minute of every day with this man.

 

Because how does one measure a year? Do you measure it in the minutes you truly spend in your life, or by the actions and love you have to another?

 

He wouldn’t know the true answer. But he knew what journey he had ahead of him.