Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

Hey

Link answers the call with a quiet, "Hey."

"Hey Link... I'm so sorry but it's going to be later than I thought..."

"Oh?"

"I don't think we'll have time for dinner today. I'm sorry."

"Um... it's okay," he says in a disappointed tone. "Are you on your way home now?"

"Not yet. I am just about to leave the dorms."

"The dorms? You said he's at the beach."

"I'll explain tomorrow."

"Why not now?"

I turn my car keys to start the engine. "Because I'd rather talk in person."

"Why? What happened?" He sounds increasingly alarmed.

"Nothing happened, I would just rather talk in person."

"Do you need me to come?"

"No, everything is okay. It's just not something I want to talk about over the phone."

"Not gonna lie, you're making me nervous."

This was to be expected. I wish I didn't have to tell Link about everything that is going on with Pik but if last year has taught me anything, it's that secrets can cut deeper than knives.

"There is no need to be worried," I tell him. This has to suffice until we can talk in person.

"Alright..." He answers in a sigh.

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine."

"I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Alright..."

He hangs up, leaving me with even more guilt than before. I'll make up for the dinner. Once I tell him about Pik's condition, he'll understand.

------

When I pass the gates and pull into the long driveway leading up to my house, my eyes instantly spot Link's car. What is he doing here?

I park next to his car, still pondering about his unannounced visit. Walking up to the front door, Cado greets me with a subtle bow of the head.

"Good evening, Miss," he says, stepping aside to let me enter.

"Hey," I return distracted and step inside. The maid is the next person I encounter.

"Welcome home, Miss Hyrule. May I take your bag upstairs?"

"Sure," I hand it over, looking past her toward the end of the hallway. "Where is my father?"

"Dr. Hyrule has gone to sleep."

"And Link?"

"The quiet boy?" She asks and I nod. "He is sitting by the fire pit on the patio."

"Thank you."

In leaden steps, I make my way to the glass doors that lead outside. Link is reclined on the patio sofa, watching the flames instead of his phone. That's unusual. His hands resting in the pockets of his hoodie, he looks thoughtful and a tad... annoyed.

When I slide the door open, his head doesn't turn to look at me. He doesn't even greet me. He just keeps his stare on the small fire.

I gulp before taking another step toward him. Feeling brave, I decide to take a seat next to him and speak with an utter lack of confidence.

"Link?" I ask quietly. "What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you," he answers impassively.

"But... I told you the dinner is off."