Free to Love - A Zelda x Link Fanfiction

XVII: Unforseen Events

Link's Perspective:

I hated myself. I hated myself so, so much. How could I fall for petty emotions when I had a job to do? I had to protect Zelda, the princess, instead of woo her.

I was a moron. I was going to get myself and her killed. I had to focus, I had to keep myself at arm's length. There was no way a romance could work between us.

A guard and a princess. What a joke. To be rather honest, even being friends was pushing it. I was too close to her.

I wanted to keep her away this morning, but then I dragged her out, then left her to her thoughts on the ride here. It was arm's length, probably farther considering we barely spoke the entire time. But the distance hurt.

I knew it would hurt more to fall head over heels in love with her only to be forced to break her heart.

But standing with her, having swept her up with almost inhuman speed, her pressed against the tree... It was too much. My logic disappeared and all I saw was the beautiful woman in front of me, panting and flushed, scared, but happy to have me there.

Then the words slipped out.

"You're so beautiful."

I hadn't meant to say them. I realized what I had done when I saw the micro-emotions flash across her face. Fear at first, then shock, confusion, consideration, joy, then...

She lunged forward and kissed me.