Life's rough, write the fluff

"All finished!" Hyrule announced, spinning in place to reveal his work from the past 30 minutes, the tall blades of grass and a myriad of flowers scattered about blowing in the wind of his sudden disturbance. The smile on his face was brighter than the midday sun, lighting up the field the two of you had nestled down into earlier that morning. "Do you like it?"

Held delicately in his outstretched hands was a handcrafted crown, made entirely of the freshly plucked twigs, fresh leaves, grass and flowers you had spent the morning collecting.

"It's beautiful!" You beamed, admiring its details and little personal touches of fairy magic he wove throughout the piece.

"May I? He asks, raising it higher towards your head. You nod, quickly lowering your head as Hyrule places the flower crop directly on top. You were surprised at how comfortable it is, not twigs or sharp edges poking at your skull, and the floral scents form all the different petals mixed beautifully.

"How do I look?" You ask with a cheeky grin, giving him a quick pose to show it off. Hyrule chuckles, cupping your face as he leans forward.

"Beautiful," he answers, honesty dripping off each vowel. It brings a blush to your cheeks, shying away slightly till his hand guides your face back up to his. He leans down, soft lips hovering over yours. "May I?"

You don't respond, but simply close the gap between you and him, letting space and time slip away as you kiss him. His mouth molds against yours, tasting of sweetened berries and something else you could quite name, but it was sweet and almost surreal. His fingers trace down to your jaw, the tip of his tongue slipping past your lips, pulling a hum of pleasure from you. A chuckle rumbles against your mouth, replaced by a small peck before Hyrule pulls away.

Honeyed eyes stare down at you in admiration, as though memorizing each and every detail from your face do to the tips of your toes. You return the expression, reaching up to brush away a few loose curls that had fallen into his face when-

"Ouch!" Reeling back, your hand flies up to your face, rubbing at your cheek which feels as though you just got stabbed by a sewing needle. Hyrule immediately responds as well, pulling back in surprise, eyes scanning you over questioningly before they catch the small striped bug flying away from its hiding place in one of the flowers atop your head.

Hyrule is quick to shoo it away, anxiety spiking in his veins as he cups your face in his hands. 'Are you alright?" He asks, tilting your head to the side to take a better look at the swelled bump now forming in the top of your cheekbone. "I'm so sorry! I had no idea- I didn't realize there was a bee or that it would- are you okay? Do you need anything? I can heal you-"

"Honey I'm fine," you assure him, pushing past the sting that was already beginning to dull. "It just surprised me more than anything."

But his hands are already glowing. Held up to the level of his pleading, puppy dog eyes. You giggle, unable to resist the near pitiful look as you let your hand fall away from your face, revealing the bump to him. Hyrule's hands hover over your for just a moment, the warmth from his skin and tingle from the magic dancing just above the newly acquired "injury". You hold a breath, waiting for the sensation of liquid honey sinking into you, soothing away any ache and tenderness as if it had never existed.

Yet it never comes. Instead, there is a deep sigh, and instead of the feel of magic, Hyrule lips press delicately onto your cheek. He pulls away with a boyish grin, and an exaggerated "MWAH!"

"All better!" He declares, puffing out his chest slightly. But his eyes say it all. Honeyed eyes so full of joy and love that you could have, they practically were glow brighter than his hands from a moment ago. You match his smile, a surprised laugh shouting past your lips as he lunges forward to you, wraps his arms around your waist and topples backwards. You land flush on top of him, your laughter mixing with his as flower petals and butterflies flew up around you.

"Link!" You tease, tapping his chest, yet making no effort to push off or away from him. He holds you close, letting you rest on top of him as he brushes away lose strands of hair.

“Come on guys!!” Wars pleads with the group. “Were almost there I swear! It's just a bit further!”

“Buddy, chill. We're just gettin our bearings” Twilight explains, already taking some of the bags off of Epona and replacing them with others. “We got plenty of sunlight left, we'll make it before you even know it.”

But it was right there! Warriors could see the castle spires standing above the horizon line. A welcomed beacon guiding him back home just as it had all those months ago upon his return from a victorious battle. Golden Three how long has it been since he had seen home? Since the journey started he supposed. It was hard to tell how long exactly that had been, time travel and all making keeping track of dates and times a migraine waiting to happen. He's positive it has only been a few weeks though, Legend all but confirming his suspicions but refusing to elaborate on how the hell he could tell, that prick.

Wars banished the train of thought, not wanting to spiral from the paradoxical nightmare that was time travel. What mattered now was that he would be home by sun down. In just a few more hours he would be back where he belonged, in your welcoming arms. Or at least semi-welcoming. He hoped.

The reality of what he, and subsequently the others, were likely about to walk into sent a chill down his spine. You had a temper. One that had out matched the fiery fury of Volga during the final battle with Cia. Of course it's just one of the many things that he loved about you, even during the unfortunate moments when your anger was directed towards him. Though that didn't mean he was thrilled at the idea of facing it head on. He'd rather face down that cape wearing creep with the long tongue than face your wrath head on. But that was just another detail that didn't seem to matter. Wether you were angry, hurt, or upset, he was going to see you. He was going to see your beautiful face, hold you in his arms and make up for every missed moment 

“You okay there Captain?” Four asks sliding up beside him. “You seem more anxious than usual.”

“Well yeah wouldn't you be?” Sky quipped, handing the last of the bags back to Twilight you strapped them onto Epona's saddle. “This is the first time we've been in his era since we set out on this journey. I'm sure he's excited to see people, right Captain?”

“Is that so?” Time asks, a knowing glint in his eyes.The smallest blush crept onto the apples of Warriors cheeks as he gave a curt nod to Time's inquiry, making some of the others begin snickering.

“I bet a certain princess is really excited to see him again too.” Wild teases, nudging Hyrule who is matching his mischievous smirk.

“First of all, isn't Wars Zelda already Queen?” Four corrects, folding his arms over his chest. “And secondly, seriously? Pretty sure the Cap has told us countless times there's nothing go on between the two of them.”

“So he says!” Wind chimes out.

“Oh please,” it was Legends turn to add to the conversation. Though the look on his face made it obvious he'd rather be talking about anything else than Warriors hypothetical love life. “Who the hell would wanna see this guy anyway. He's probably excited to finally get back to a decent tavern is all and flirt with the barkeep to get a free drink.”

“Why you little-” Wars starts to argue, only to be cut off by Time putting a heavy hand on his shoulder. Wars anger deflated as quick as it came, letting the others continue to bicker over wether or not there was a special someone in his life. It was comical to listen to their theories, not one of them being right though Sky had come close. Glad to know at least one of them had faith in his love life.

His hand drifted to the metal brooch attached to his scarf, pretending to adjust it like he always did around the boys. Behind it, hidden beneath the layers of blue scarf being held up by its clasp was a small golden ring, kept there for safe keeping. His fingers lingered over it, tempted to pull it out know and prove all of his companions wrong right there and then. But as always, he kept quiet, letting your existence go unknown for a little while longer to his eight companions.

Leading on down the path, Warriors could feel the Old Man eyeing him curiously. A part of him wondered if Time had figured it out long ago, or if he simply had an inclining on the truth. Honestly, Warriors couldn't count the times he had almost told him, wanting to share the news with the one person he knew would understand. Yet every time, fear crawled it's way into his mind, convincing him to wait, to not risk it. Despite how badly he wanted to shout his love for you to the whole world and those beyond, he knew it was too dangerous. And the last thing he would ever do is put you in harm's way. 

Not when he knew that witch was still out there somewhere.

Shaking it off, Wars tunes back into the conversation, just in time to hear the 2 magic words. “Wanna bet?” Wars smiled to himself as everyone placed their finally guesses, dumping rupees into the bag that was given to Twilight for safe keeping. He was going to revel in their reactions to the truth, but more so he was going to enjoy watching a certain pink haired hero lose out on so many rupees.

It took a little over an hour, by then the topic of conversation having changed two or three times, but they finally reached Castle Town. It was mid afternoon, the street crammed with vendors and villagers going about their day. Soldiers strolled past in pairs, positioned strategically on corners to have the best views of all comings and goings throughout the bustling crowds. The fresh smell of baked goods, beer and fine foods hit him hard as he took in a deep breath, breathing it all in for the first time in weeks.

Home. He was finally back home.

Rejuvenated, Warriors picks up his pace, ushering the boys to follow him into the crowds with a warning to stay close. It was easy to get lost in this town, to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of it all. He would let them explore it later, for now, he had somewhere he needed to be.

“Uhh Cap?” One of the shouts from behind him. “Isn't the castle that way?” Sparing a glance over his shoulder, he can see Four pointing in the opposite direction to where the castle is, confusion on his face. Warriors smirks, knowing damn well Four had placed his bet in favor of a relationship with someone in the castle

“Very astute. But we aren't going to the castle. Not yet anyway.” 

“So where are we going?” Wind asks, trying to shake off Twilight who keeps him from wandering off or picking things into his pocket he ought not to.

“There's someone I need to see first.” The happiness in his tone was palpable, despite the slouch in a couple of their shoulders at the realization they were losing the group wide bet. Warriors barely even noticed, fully steam ahead down the cobblestone street he knew would lead to the outskirts of town. To the quaint cottage nestled between others that looked just like it but where inside lived his whole life. His whole heart. His entire world.

It took only a few minutes, the anticipation rising with each step while the sun began to slowly make its descent. It was just around the corner, Wars practically jogging in excitement, till all at once Wars thought it would burst through his chest. Rounding the final corner, his feet halted, frozen in place as his destination finally came into view. 

Confusion slammed into him harder than a moblin club.

The typical bright and lively house was dark. Eeriely so. Black drapes covered the windows, a thin black-tinted veil floating in front of the door. Solid black flags waved in the breeze from where they hung from the tiled roof. He recognized this decor all too well. The look, it's heavy feeling already weighing on his shoulders, engraved into his mind from having helped apply it to too many houses himself after every return home form battle. Surely this was some sort of mistake.

“Wars,” he could hear Time call out cautiously from beside him, though he couldn't peel his eyes away from the sight before him.

“Whats wrong?” Some of the others whispered. “Is everything okay?” They were addressed to him, this being his era and all. But he couldn't bring himself to answer. 

How does one explain that their house is decorated for a soldier's funeral?

His eyes caught sight of the two soldiers standing on either side of the door, as if the house itself needed guarding. Feet moving on their own, he immediately noticed the way their eyes widened, like they were shocked to see him walking their ways.

“C-C-Captin!” One of them shouted, giving a short salute before turning to the other rapidly, whispering something before they ran off. If his anxiety wasn't already at dangerous levels it sure was now.

“Soldier.” Wars greeted, trying his best to keep his tone smooth and unbothered. “Excuse me, my companions and I are eager to rest for a while-” he reached for the front door, the knight having the audacity to block his path with the spear in his hands. Sapphire eyes burned into his, daring the lowly soldier to make another move. The kid looked terrified, but held his ground.

“What's the meaning of this?” He demanded. Warriors could feel the others huddling behind him, a respectable distance to give him a semblance of privacy if needed but close enough to assure him they had his back.

“Orders sir. No one is allowed access inside without explicit permission.”

“This is my house.” He snarled, but the soldier still didn't move. 

“I-I know. Apologies Captain, I'm just-

“Following orders. I get it.” Warriors spat, sighing heavily. “Fine. I'll speak to the Queen and get whatever ‘orders’ you have sorted out. In the meantime, can you atleast bring Y/n out here then? I would like to see her.”

The fear that flashed across the soldiers face was immeasurable, shooting a cold chill down Warriors spine.

“I…I'm afraid I can't do that either sir.”

The tension in the air thickened, Warriors voice dropping low as he glared the soldiers down. “Why the hell not.”

“She…well she's not here. Sir.” The cold chill that had run through him a moment ago was slowly heating up, blazing an angry fire in his veins.

“Where is she?” 

“She-

“Where is she?” He asked again coldly.

“She's gone.” The soldier admits, stepping away from Warriors whose eyes widened. “I'm sorry Captain. No one's seen her for days. It's why we've been instructed to watch over the house. In case either of you returned.”

The silence that fell was cold and hallow, much like the way Warriors chest felt. What did he mean no one has seen you? Surely he must be mistaken. You were probably just in town, or visiting a friend in his absence. Surely you were still here though. You had to be. You had to be.

Warriors let out a breathy chuckle, like the words the soldier had said was nothing more than one of Winds silly pranks. The soldier just stared at him, glancing to the Chain stood at the ready just behind him, hands fidgeting nervously as they waited to see what would happen. Wars asked again, “Where's Y/n?”

The soldier curled into himself, Wars looming over him as he asked yet again,

“I asked you a question, soldier. Where is she?” When all the soldier could say was that he didn't know, it was as if something inside him snapped. The weeks apart catching up to him, his heart crying out, longing for you, mind spinning in circles trying to process everything. The decor, the orders, and now he was supposed to believe that you were just gone??

His hand shot out, fisting the front of the knight's tunic, nearly lifting him completely off the ground. “Where the hell is she!?” He snarled, no longer in the mood for pranks if this indeed was one.

“I don't know!” The soldier squeaked, eyes wide.

“Cap-” Warriors harshly shrugged off Twilight's hand, eyes glued to the soldier who looked ready to run for his life. His anger flared, tears breaking along the edges of his vision.

“WHERE IS SHE!?” He had to know. Surely he knew something on your whereabouts. Why the hell wasn't he telling him!? What the hell was this soldier trying to keep from him? Every second that went by came another crack to his heart, the frail organ shattering before his very eyes at the disappointing realization that it could all be true. 

That you were gone.

Had something happened? Had you left on your own accord or were other forces at work that now kept him from you? He needed to know. He needed to see you, to hold you, to know you were alright! And he wasn't going to stop until he did.

His other hand joined the first, both now lodged into the soldiers tunic has he shoved him against the wooden front door of his home. The soldier squeaked as Wars shoved him again, multiple pairs of hands grabbing around his arms and shoulder to try and pry him off the poor boy. He shrugged them off, fighting to maintain his grip as he growled.

Peppermint.

The scent, hidden beneath layers of sweat, dirt and a heady musk, encompassed you like a warm blanket. You breathed it in, letting it gently guide all of your senses back into awareness like a beacon, chasing away the heavy haze of sleep clouding your mind. 

Heavy limbs, accompanied by a deep soreness settled in your muscles make it painfully aware that you were indeed conscious, though that wouldn't describe your current state of being as ‘awake’ either. Just the thought of opening your eyes felt like a massive battle. Stiff joints and appendages begging you to return to a more restful dreamland. You contemplated the idea, though truthfully you were rather content staying the way you were now, burrowed deep in a silky soft fabric, resting securely against a sturdy surface that rose and fell gently. You sighed contently, nuzzling deeper into it as a different sort of weight wrapped around your form. Arms you figured, given the recognizable feeling of shaky fingers grazing up and down your arms, tracing up to your shoulders, pressing firmly into the pulse point of your neck for a second only to slide back down to your wrists. It was a soothing gesture, brushing away the ache and remaining pricks of pain that you somehow understood would still be there far after you actually awoke.

A warm, steady breath grazed over the top of your head, matching the quiet thumping of a strong heart beating beneath your ear. You copied its pace instinctively, breathing in and out, in and out over and over till you easily slipped back into the blissfulness of slumber.

________________

The next time you woke, you were being lifted gently into the air, supported by large, steadfast hands. They were different from the ones from early, though the sense of familiarity was still ever present. Hushed voices surrounded you, too quiet and muffled to tell who each one belonged to but close enough to register that they felt safe, despite the words they spoke being too jumbled for you to make heads or tails of.

The smell of peppermint lingers around you, peeking out through what you can only guess to be smoke from a longstanding campfire.Heat radiates to your left, an occasional crackling of wood and flames mixing in with the conversation taking place above you that confirms your suspicions. 

“He's finally getting some rest. Took some convincing but with any luck he should be out for awhile.” You think it's Time talking, given the deeper voice and way the ‘suggestion’ leaves little room for arguing. But it doesn't match the new set of hands beginning to tug at your clothes. These ones are much smaller, still as strong and steady as the previous but with a softness to them that you knew none of your traveling companions could be capable of. They peel back the layers of your tunic, flitting about with something on your side that you can't for the life of you recall putting on, but it's there, wrapped around your torso, carefully being pulled off as though the one doing so is afraid it'll take your skin off with it if not done properly.

For a moment it feels as though it has, the last layer ripping off like a well worn bandaid that had been glued to your skin. The heat beside you wards off the chill of the air to the now exposed area, but you can't help but whimper when a cold liquid is slowly poured on it instead. With the little coordination you possess, you curl in on yourself, gritting your teeth against the sharp sting as those same, delicate hands press what feels like a damp cloth to the irritated area. The resulting groan that escapes your lips is embarrassing. Sounding more like a wailing alley cat than a hylian. But you suppose it works as the hands freeze from their work.

“Y/n?” This time as the voice calls out your name, you recognize it as Malon, the drawl in its tone unmistakably thick yet sweet. “Oh heavens I didn't mean to wake ya! Are you doing alright? Can I get ya anything?”

Slender fingers card through your hair, brushing away loose strands that had been stuck to the edges of your face. Leaded eyelids break apart, your world hazes and disoriented, but the bright red hair stands out like a blazing night fire, illuminated by the real fire opposite her. Her brows are furrowed, eyes slightly downcast but the smile plastered on her mouth is still as bright and genuine as the first time you met her.

“Malon?” Your voice cracks as you speak, vision focusing up on her familiar face.

“Its me hun, you feeling alright?”

“I-..I think so?” You answer, rubbing groggily at your forehead.

“You've been unconscious for some time now.” Time’s face appears just beyond Malon's shoulder, his hand braced against it as he crouches down to your level alongside her. “We were starting to worry the hit to your head was more serious than initially thought. Though now that you are awake we should have some of the others take a good look at you.”

Others. You perk up at the word, pushing yourself up onto your elbows. The sudden movement irritates your head, along with the aches lower down towards your ribs enough to make you wince. You can feel Malon and Time both reach towards you, unsure if they planned to help you up or insist you lay back down. 

“Where-” you stutter, struggling to form the correct words through the pain. “Where is-”

“Its alright, everyone's here.” Malon explains, hands hovering over your arms. She doesn't push you down, though the hesitation is palpable as she tries to soothe you. “We're all alright, see?”

Scooting over to the side, and pulling her husband over with her, you can better see the remaining area of camp and more importantly its occupants. Everyone is split into groups no smaller than 3 or 4, chatting quietly amongst themselves while others silently bask in each other's presence. 

Sky and Sun were off beneath the shade of a large willow tree. There were sewing tools in her hand, a pile of white cloth beside her with Sky's sleeping head occupying her lap. He was completely at peace, muscles lax, a slight smile with eyes closed. It was the exact opposite of what he had looked like from before you had passed out. If he opened his eyes would they be their normal gentle selves? Or would they still be glowing brighter than a lightning strike at midnight?

Either way, you were content not knowing for the moment. 

Close by was the next group of heroes, Wind and Wild both huddled around an enthusiastic Dot, fiddling with something in their hands while listening intently to her words. Dot’s hair was down, ends tickling around her waist and the bow hanging precariously off the corner of Four's book that he holds in his hands, careful not to knock it off as he turns the page. You can't make out what she is saying, though given the wild gestures she's making and what looks to be corrections in how Wind is holding something, it's a safe bet that she is explaining something to them. Four mostly keeps to himself, only adding in a comment here and there, or an exasperated look when Wild seemingly almost broke whatever it was they were messing with.

Lastly, off to the right side of the clearing, you could see Twilight chatting away with Artemis and Lana, the blue haired girl taking a particular interest in the shadow crystal kept around his neck. And just beyond them were Hyrule and Aurora, the couple sat side by side, hands locked in each other's grip as the ladder chatted away with Legend. The blue cap has been returned to his head, covering the bandage wrapped around  it that matches the one on his arm. But besides that and the look of existential confusion on his violet eyes as the flicked back and forth between the sweet couple, he too seemed to be fairing well.

Eyes scanned over each and every one of them, counting them off in your head, noting every detail in assurance that they were in fact alright. Heart rate spiking, your eyes scanned quicker and quicker, sweat beading along your forehead and when you realized someone was missing. Noting your growing distress, Malon reaches for you once more, wrapping an arm over your shoulders and tucking you into her side

“No need to fret, he's right over there.”

Gesturing over towards Sky and Sun, you watch as Time walks towards them, shaking a second sleeping figure tucked beneath the tree's shade that you had failed to notice. Beneath a small pile of blankets, Warriors is curled onto his side, brows pinched restlessly despite the clear exhaustion weighing on him. Its hard to say for sure if he's truly even asleep or not, but the panic begins to reside knowing he's at least trying.

“Poor thing, took three of ‘em to convince him to rest up.” Malon explains, “He's been so worried ‘bout ya he insisted on watching over ya himself. It wasn't till Sky pulled him down and pinned him there that he finally let himself relax a bit.

Warriors jolted awake the moment Time's fingertip grazed his shoulder, your own stomach lurching in sympathy. His eyes were wide, panic evident at the way he scrambled up like a newborn foul. Time had to grab hold on his shoulders, forcing him to look at him before you could see the tension in his shoulder relax enough for him to take a steadying breath. The scene of Time speaking to him swiftly blurred through thick tears as Warriors head snapped towards you. Sapphire burned through the heavy tears now sliding down warmed cheeks, your name, falling from his parted lips in a mixture of shock and pure loving adoration, phrased as a question as though he didn't believe his own eyes.

“Wars” you blubbered, arms immediately reaching out towards him. 

Seven strides was all it took. Four strides till his hands clasped around your own. Six untill his arms were wrapping around you, your face was being buried into the strong build of his chest, covered only by the thin cream undershirt he still had on. And seven until your face was cupped between his hands and his lips slammed against yours. Desperate and needy, his mouth devoured yours, body pressed flush against yours. The kiss itself might as well have lasted a lifetime, capturing each of your senses till all you knew was the man before you. How long has it been since the last time you had even embraced like this let alone kisses? Hours? Days? How long had you all been trapped in that mansion? How long had he been subjected to Cia’s obsessive infatuation? 

You clung tighter to him at the thought, moving your lips against his like this alone would convey every thought and worry that plagues your mind. He returned it tenfold. Sliding down to your waist, his fingers dig deep into your sides, pulling you closer till your back was arched, toes barely still scraping on the ground. The angle exasperated the pain in your ribs, threatening to snap if you didn't straighten back out. Ignoring it, you lean further into his touch, one hand hooking to the back of his neck while the other braces against his chest.

“I'm sorry” he whispered into your open mouth. “I'm so sorry this was all my fault. I never should have allowed us to go in that damn-”

“Don't you dare blame yourself!” prying your face away, sandwiching his face between your palms, forehead resting against his. “None of that was, nor ever will be your fault do you hear me!?”

A weak sigh, tears matching your own sliding down the softened curves of his face. The corner of his mouth tilts upward, a wet breathy chuckle escaping.

“Whatever you say sweetheart.” he whispers, tucking your head beneath his chin. “I'm just so glad you're alright.”

“Me too.

“As are we.”

Still locked in Warriors arms, you crane your neck to look over at Artemis, now standing beside the two of you. Her hands clasped in front of her, posture stiff and strong while her face showed only gentleness. “The others were kind enough to fully fill me in on what transpired to you all. So I would like to sincerely apologize for everything that has happened to you.”

“Oh!” You stammer, stepping away from Warriors slightly to better face her. “You don't have to apologize. Most of this I'm afraid was my own doing if I'm being honest. Couldn't keep my mouth shut.”

“So I've heard.” She says, a light chuckle behind the words. You glance beyond her shoulder, having caught the snorts of laughter coming from Twilight and Wild who were now putting something into a pot that hung over the roaring fire. Beside you, red flushes onto Warriors cheeks, which he tries desperately to hide behind the hand he runs down his face at the memory of your taunts to the sorceress. You smile unapologetically to yourself as Artemis continues on. “However, I must insist. Back when the war ended, I truly thought Cia had changed her ways and would adhere to the agreement of our truce. Link warned me not to trust her and I'm afraid I did not heed that warning. As a result, I feel like I must take responsibility for everything she has put you all through.”

“Your Highness-” Wars interjected, but silenced when Artemis raised her hand. 

“Link,” her voice quiets, eyes full of sorrow meeting his. “You were right. And I am truly sorry for not listening back then. But from now on I will see that she is watched over more closely.”

Biting back the urge to protest, he simply nods his head as Artemis smiles. “Get some rest Captain. That's an order.” You don't think it actually is by the way they both laugh. Though you also have a feeling it will turn into one of she finds out he infact does not follow through on her suggestion. “You too Y/n. I'm glad to see you are alright.”

“Thank you” As she walks away, Warriors slips his hand into yours, fingers interlock with each other's. You can feel the slight tremor in his palm and the way his fingers fidget nervously as he brings yours up to his mouth, kissing the bruised knuckles.

“She's right,”  A breathy admission, turning your hand to place another kiss this time on the inside of your wrist. “But let's get you a clean bandage first. I am not chancing that wound getting infected.” A kiss to your forehead, followed by a weary smile. Finally, he turns away, bending down to ruffle through the confines of his bag that Malon hands over. Emerged is a fresh roll of bandages and a small bottle filled with the familiar red liquid of potion. You cringe at the sight, it's unsavory flavor ghosting over your tongue in anticipation. Warriors chuckles at the reaction, setting it back down and out of sight. “May I?”

Plopping down onto the ground with a sting of pain. Lifting up your shirt, you can see the wound clearly for the first time, it's dark purple splotch with yellowish green edges marking most of your right side, trailing towards your back where likely the worst part of it is hidden from your view. The moment Warriors applied the slightest pressure to the area, you had to bite back a pathetic cry, clenching your jaw as your hands moved to try and push his away weakly. Warriors remained steady, patting the red stained cloth over the wound despite the tears pricking in the corner of your eyes.

“I know, I'm sorry.” He whispered, eyes focused on his work. “Itll feel better soon. I promise.”

It was a relief when Warriors discarded the damn cloth, finally satisfied with the cleanliness of the wound before wrapping a fresh bandage around your torso. Getting your shirt back on took a bit more work as well, needing more help than expected when you quickly realized you could not lift your arms above your head without inflicting pain upon your ribs. Warriors was more than happy to help with this task as well, showering you with whispered comforts between littering your face and neck with stolen kisses before tucking his arms beneath you and pulling you snug  atop his lap. 

Giggling, you lean your head back, his shoulder now your pillow while he hugged you tight. The position felt familiar, an odd sense of dejavu flowing through your mind without the ability to determine why exactly it felt this way. Surely the two of you had done this before, but you couldn't help but squirm slightly at the feeling that something was missing.

“Uhhh, guys?” Cracking open an eye, Hyrule stands a few steps away, golden eyes meeting yours with an intense seriousness to them. “Sorry, I.. I thought you might want this.”

Stepping closer, he hands over something folded neatly in his arms, and it takes only a short glance to recognize it as Warrior's scarf. Excitement rushes through the Captain as he takes it from him, unfolding it partly to inspect it, looking for damage, or more likely, any trace of Cia left behind.

“I took the liberty of washing it for you.” Hyrule explains, fidgeting. “Hope you don't mind.”

“Of course not,” you respond, sitting up straighter so that you are no longer rlounged across Wars. “That was very sweet of you, thank you.” The corner of Hyrules mouth twitches upward, and in a flash, Hyrule has lunged forward, not crushing you, but slinging his arms around you in an awkward hug.

“Thank you,” he says, voice cracking. “Aurora told me what happened down in those dungeons. Thank you for being there for her when I…I couldn't.”

It takes you a moment to remember clearly what exactly he's referring to. If anything you should be thanking her for making sure you didn't bleed out on that damp dungeon floor. Memories of fights dance through your brain, the pain, the never ending maze of hallways and doors. If anything you felt like a giant hinderance. That's when you recalled the shadows slinking into the cell. Their unnatural movements clawing for Aurora at Cia’s command, shoving them away before volunteering for her ridiculous “demonstration.” 

Patting his back gently, you offer a soft smile. “No need to thank me Rulie. I'm just glad everyone's okay.”  Peeling himself off of you, he wipes his face with his sleeve, giving you his warmest smile. “But you better start writing her letters, you twit! She was completely in the dark to what was going on and for that you owe me!” Honeyed eyes go wide, nodding his head apologetically with a tight chuckle. 

Once promising to do as you have said from here on out, he departs, leaving you and Warriors alone in each other's company once more. Without a word, Warriors wraps his freshly cleaned scarf around the both of you. Relaxing back against him you take in a deep breath inhaling the distinct smell of-

Peppermint.

You can't help but smile, knowing that everyone made it out safely. That Warriors is out, safe and by your side. It would be foolish to think that everything would be exactly as it was, that he won't be affected by everything that has just happened. But for now, laying your head in the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent as you both drift off to sleep, maybe, just maybe it'll all be alright.