The Legend of Zelda: Timeless (old)

Chapter 20

She stood, motionless, as the man who had torn her apart smiled at her,

"What are you doing here? You said you wouldn't come," Reuben asked, stepping forward. Link shrugged,

"I changed my mind. Or, I guess you could say, I got mine back," he looked at her before stepping towards her, hand extended. She held up her hand,

"Don't," she said coldly before turning to the rest of them, "Thank you all for tonight. I had fun," she turned and walked out of the ranch, making sure to avoid him.

Of course, he followed her,

"Wait," he said, grabbing her arm,

"Leave me alone," she warned,

"Just let me explain," She tried to pull out of his grip,

"There's nothing to explain,"

"Yes there is," Just his voice reminded her how bad she wanted him,

"Go away," she said, quieter,

"Give me 5 minutes, then, if you still want me to go, I will," She whipped around to face him,

"You don't get it. I was getting better. People were starting to be able to stand being around me. I was starting to get back to normal. Then you show up again. You rip the scab back off, and for what? One night with you? Then you'll leave tomorrow, or next week, or even next month, it won't matter when. Because, in the long run, You're going to leave. You always leave," The look on his face was hurt,

"Just hear me out, please. I am never leaving you again. When I left, I wasn't myself. Dark Link had somehow managed to put a spell or something on me to make me believe that, no matter what, I couldn't go back. If I had been actually myself, I wouldn't left in the first place. During those three years, I would have been here, with you. I wouldn't have let you down," She remained silent. He continued, "Do you remember what I said to you before I left?"

She did,

"Ok, first, you should know that I don't regret anything that happened during the fight against Ganon. However, it did change me. I have a huge temper, I'll admit that. I wouldn't change a thing, though. If I hadn't, who knows what would happen to Hyrule, or to you. I am so sorry, Zelda. I never wanted to hurt you, and I hate that I did. I tried so hard to control myself, to bring back the patience I had before, but it's hard,

"I don't want to be someone you're scared of. I want you to feel safe around me, and you would, if I could be the way I was before. I want to be around you, all the time. Your way more than a princess to me,"

"Link..."she said, wiping away tears,

"No, I want you to know this," he took a deep breath and closed his eyes," I love you, Zel," he said quietly,

"That was 100% me," he said, bringing her back to the present, "After that, it was like I disappeared. Even when Reuben came for me, I refused to come, but I knew something was wrong with me. That's when part of me came back. I finally forced myself to come, all the while everything in me screamed to go back. Somehow, though, I kept finding the will to continue. It wasn't until I saw you that I truly came back to you,"

It was a lot to take in,

"Link..." He took her hand and placed it on his chest, where she could feel the steady beat of his heart,

"It only beats for you," he said quietly, "I loved you then, yet, somehow, I love you more now," he leaned closer, and her heart pounded.

She backed up,

"I'm sorry. Even if it wasn't you, I can't just pretend like it didn't happen. Plus, I'm leaving for Hyrule Castle tomorrow morning," he nodded,

"Then, I'll go too,"

"I can't ask you to do that," He smiled, making her head spin. Somehow, he still had that effect on her,

"Wherever you are, that's where I want to be. I'm going to get your forgiveness, and I can't exactly do that from here,"

She nodded, hesitant.