Life's rough, write the fluff

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.

Pushing away from his desk, Link stretched his arms out in front of him, arching his back upward like a cat waking up from its early afternoon slumper. He both feels and hears the small cracking in his spine, releasing the built up tension from hours of being hunched over the desk still cluttered with paperwork for various assignments and reports. The window to his right reveals the evening sun, sat upon the horizon line as stars make themselves known, twinkling higher up above. The city's lamp lights below are being lit, signaling the final call to a long days work, lighting late night wander’s paths home, which he realizes unfortunately includes him.

Jumping to his feet with a large grin, Link starts gathering his things together from where they had been unintentionally scattered throughout the room. His excitement bubbled in his chest, hardly able to contain it as his grin widened, practically bouncing on his toes as he shoved a few more pieces of paper into his bag and the rest stored in a pile he knew he would try to procrastinate tomorrow. He couldn’t wait to go home! Today hadn’t been awful by normal standards, but it hadn’t been the best by any means either. The near endless amounts of meetings and paperwork had piled up quickly and kept him from even eating lunch earlier, his growling stomach rumbling loudly at the recollection.

But none of it mattered. Because soon he would be home, wrapped up comfortably in a warm, oversized blanket, fed, and content.

He grabbed his sword and shield, strapping them along his back like he always did. Adjusting his scarf accordingly in case of straying past any higher ups. No need to give them more of an excuse to look down on him, the pricks. Quickly scanning for any missing items, seeing none, he scurries over to the door, tossing it open with unmatched enthusiasm.

The air shifts, the taste of something bitter filling his mouth as the unmistakable pull of magic tugs at him like an octorok sucking up the air and everything else around it. Link staggers back, eyes blown wide as he makes to grasp for the door, it's frame, the wall– anything that will keep him from being sucked into the unexpected, ominous portal that has appeared just beyond the wooden doorway. His fingertips barely curl around the smooth golden doorhandle before his body is jerked forward, head spinning along with the rest of his body as he's sucked through without so much of a shout for help.

_____________

A forest floor cushions his fall from where he is unceremoniously spat out of the other side, dirt flooding his mouth when he hits the ground, unable to brace himself from the impact. The slightly damp grass leaves stains on his pant legs around the knees as he groggily pushes himself up, rubbing at his head to smooth away the dizzying effects that always accompanied traveling through strange portals. Especially when one isn't prepared to do such a task.

Body shifting into autopilot, and unwilling to let himself be caught off guard, Link stumbles to his feet, his stomach still in his throat, heart racing miles a minute. He scans his surroundings with an intense thoroughness that a leaf wouldn’t be able to fall without him knowing.

There was no way this was happening.

Not again.

Not now.

Not today of all days.

Searching the area, he couldn’t find a clear path, only the dense treeline of a forest that had a familiar feel to it but was completely unrecognizable. It was unsettling. He had the oddest feeling of dejavu, though his mind felt certain he hadn't been here before. Not in this exact spot anyway. Chills raced up his arm, the hair on the back of his neck raising higher than his guard as he continues to inspect everything around him. Nothing was recognizable, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary or off putting either.

Regardless, he wasn't about to stay here like a sitting duck waiting for danger to find him. With any luck, he would eventually find a town or village before anything less than friendly crossed his path. Until then, Link planned to stay low and more importantly– stay quiet.

Looking up to the sky, he could barely find the sun's position from beneath the treetops. But it was there, high in the sky which meant it was likely close to midday. Hylia, how far had that portal taken him? Was he even still in his own era?

Did this mean-

Palm smacking against his cheek, Link shook the thought from his mind. Now was not the time to jump to conclusions. He had to stay on top of it. Find a town, gather Intel, go home. That was the plan. For now he had to stick to the plan.

Picking a direction; north, like his knight training had taught him, he started making his way through the trees in hopes of finding a path or someone that could tell him where the hell he was. Or more importantly, how the hell to get back home.

__________

Link wasn't entirely sure how long he walked for before finding a secluded spot to rest. His heart had yet to steady out, and st this rate he was well on his way to a panic attack. And being alone in an unknown environment? That was the last thing he needed right now. So he quickly found a large boulder, tucked away behind a bundle of overgrown bushes and compact trees, sat down, and tried to breathe. Try as he might to focus on calming himself down, to make a plan, a backup plan, and another back up plan for when the first two plans inevitably fell short, all he could really think about was you.

More specifically, how pissed you were going to be at him when he didn't come home tonight.

He had promised.

He promised to come home on time tonight and yet here he sat, in unfamiliar woods with no clear way back to you. All he had to do was close his eyes and he could already envision you sat on the small sofa in your shared living room, arms crossed and eyebrows pinched together in disappointment. The thought of tears in your eyes broke his heart, knowing that he would be the cause of your grief during a time that should be spent celebrating.

Head in his hands, he tried to take a deep breath, suppressing the onslaught of guilt wracking his heart. Now wasn't the time to freak out. He needed to get his bearings and start making a plan on how to get back to you, and the sooner the better.

Rustling to his left jolted him to his feet, sword pointed at a man's throat before he could reach for the sword poking out beneath the odd white cape wrapped around his shoulder. Though given his own long blue scarf he didn't have much room to judge on that account. The guy looked only a year or so younger than him but there was no mistaking the look of a trained knight. He could clearly see the chainmail beneath the green tunic, and only a hyrulean knight carries around that kind of armor.

“State your name.” Link spits, putting more pressure on his sword. Not enough to hurt the stranger but hopefully enough to scare him into telling him any information he might have. A sharp point pressed to his side however and his head snaps to his left, seeing a short blonde teen in a multicolored tunic holding him at sword point as well.

“Drop it” The kid said and Link tightened his grip, glaring between him and the older male in front of him.

“You first.”

“Easy now,” The other man said. “We don't want a fight.”

“Could have fooled me.” Link rebuttals, wondering how he can get to the dagger tucked beneath his belt without the kid skewering him.

“You're the one with a sword pointed at my throat,” he said, eyes narrowing slightly. “Not the other way around.”

Link supposed the cape guy had a point. And if they wanted him dead the kid would have done something by now. So he let his sword drop a bit, slowly taking a step back and only sheathing his weapon when the kid did as well.

“Thank you. We apologize for startling you, we've been wandering this area for some time now.” He explains, seeming much more relaxed than the kid still glaring at him. “I'm Link by the way!” He says with a tight smile, offering his hand out to him in greeting.

Link's heart dropped into his stomach, eyes burrowing into the light blue eyes that smiled back at him.

Oohhh fuck.

You felt nothing.

You weren't upset, or sad; though joy felt more like a long forgotten memory in your current state.

The world around you slowly fades into the heavy darkness. Evening golden glows dulling to greys and blacks before disappearing into the dark shadows. It was a physical representation of your mental state; Still there, but overshadowed by the looming darkness till all that was left looked like an empty void.

What had you even been doing? You remembered sitting down, holding something in your hands that you recalled needing to do. A quick scan of your area revealed a piece of paper fallen to the ground by your feet. It was blank, though the dim light of a newly lit fire illuminated the subtle indents left behind from penmanship on the other side. Had you been reading something?

Did it even matter?

Vaguely aware of Wind crashing into your side, unsure on the reasoning why, but unsurprisingly unable to care, you continued to sit there unmoving, staring down at the paper. The stress and fear for your well being that had been a constant companion from the moment you walked through that portal had seemingly abandoned you. Part of you recognized you should be grateful for its absence, finally able to take a moment and relax without its persistent weight on your shoulders. Instead you just felt-...well nothing.

A small squeeze of your arm was all you could manage to confirm you hadn't merely vanished or transformed into some sort of spirit. Knowing the kind of magic and artifacts kept securely in the bags around it it wouldn't be too much of a shock for one of them to have that type of a side effect. But all of them, Legend in particular, is carefully about their items, and if the quiet chatter around you means anything, it's that none of them are in a panic over a misfired item.

It meant you were alive. If you could call it that. Rather you were breathing. Because deep down you knew you were still functioning. That the heart in your chest was still pumping blood through your body and still full of life.

So why did you feel so empty?

______________

Warriors knew staring wasn't a polite thing to do, could hear Impa’s voice booming in his head to ‘knock it off’, accompanied by a smack to the back of his skull. Yet his eyes refused to look away, entrapped by the scene in front of him so here he was doing it anyway.

Sat near the blazing fire Wild had just lit with nothing more than a ruby and some pinecones, his eyes couldn't leave your form. It wasn't abnormal for you to be off by your own, relishing the rare quiet moments as everyone begins to set up their sleeping areas and settle down. But there was something about your posture that had a warning bell ringing in his subconscious.

Maybe it was the way your back was pressed up against the trunk of the tree, like just one more inch and it would open wide and swallow you whole. Or the way your shoulders were hunched over your knees that you were hugging to your chest. On the surface it all seemed so normal, another exhausted body amidst the sea of his companions finally being able to relax after a long day of traveling and fighting for their lives.

Yet if Warriors had learned one thing during the war, it was that things are often much more than it seems.

He isn't surprised that the others haven't caught on to your silent plight. Too caught up in their own preparations and worries to note the glaring detail that alerted him to your struggles in the first place.

Or rather lack there of.

It was your face that had caught his attention in the first place. The lax muscles that were void of emotion. The way your downcast eyes looked empty; hollow. Its an expression Warriors has seen before, knows it all too well from the months and years spent on the battlefield. There was a time he took had worn it, hollow eyes staring back at him in the water’s reflection. It's the worst kind of disease. One that attacks straight to one's mind with potentially deadly consequences when left alone to grow and fester like an infected wound.

“Uhhh Cap? You a’right there?” A nudge to his shoulder finally pulls his attention away from you and towards the man now sat beside him. “You've been glarin at ‘em for a whiles. Two of ya get in a tussle or som’in?”

“Does Y/n seem–off to you?” He asks under his breath, watching Twilight's head tilts to the side. The tips of his ears twitch repeatedly, coping the same way Wolfie's does when trying to track down a scent. Warriors was inclined to tease him for the obvious doglike behavior, only deciding to bite his tongue when Twilight's face fell into a deep frown.

“They look…. Ordon’s goats, they okay?” He asks, tone much more serious than when he first approached Wars side. “Traveler went with Sky to go check out the area but I can go-”

“No need for that. Not yet anyway.”

“Well what's the matter with ‘em?”

Wars sighs, regretfully shrugging his shoulders. “Im not sure. I haven't seen anything out of the usual for them. They just sort of-” indicating towards you with a wave of his hand somehow proved to be the best description for this situation. It was as if you had flipped a switch. One that turned all abilities to feel and express any and all emotions off entirely. The idea was unsettling. He always admired how expressive you were. Never had to wonder or second guess whether you were doing alright or not cause your face always said it all. What had happened to make it suddenly all disappear?

“Tried talkin to ‘em?”

Warriors rolled his eyes, plopping his cheek into his hand. Gaze drifting back to where you still haven't moved an inch, despite Wind nearly knocking you over when trying to pull off a move Four was teaching him with one of the Champions spears he had been fixing up, he sighed deeply.

“I didn't wanna pry.” Wars respond.

“Aww c’mon Cap. I'm sure ya’d be fine! Two of ya have never had a problem before. In fact yer probably the one they'd open up to outta all of us.”

“I…” He had a point. The two of you had gotten along famously from the moment you met. It was why Time often paired the two of you together, scouting out new areas, completing mundane chores and crawling through dungeons which he thanked Hylia you at least had some experience in. Regardless, he still felt hesitant. Possibly from his own experiences clouding his thoughts, or rather a fear or somehow making it worse. These situations were tricky. A battle in its own right that needed careful planning and strategizing.

Twilight smirked, cocking a knowing brown at him. “Want me to come with ya? Figure it out together?”

Pouting slightly, Warriors shrunk in on himself. He was more than capable of doing this on his own. And the drawl in Twilight's voice indicated that if he accepted his help, he would likely never hear the end of it. And Twilight or not, what was he supposed to even say?

Taking in the look on your face once more, an idea lit up in his mind. He didn't need to know tthe why. The why for now was irrelevant. What mattered was getting you to a semblance of normalcy, and that, Warriors knew the perfect strategy for. Turning to Twilight once more, Warrior's pout morphs into a slanted smirk.

“You can come with. But on one condition.”

______________

Everything had gone quiet. Still.

Time passed by, both the concept and the person, the latter sparring you a short glance before continuing on his way to start his patrol route while the other evaded you entirely. Usual midnight chirping and soft snoring felt muted. Chilly evening air pricking against your skin, cooling the bruise you had received as from a sneaky lizalfos a few hours prior. Muscles in your back had begun to ache against the rough texture of bark digging into them through the thin fabric of your tunic. The world was still encased in shadows, slumbering away without a second thought.

The piece of paper by your feet still hasn't moved and neither had you. Fingers flex towards it, testing your ability to move with little success.

Something cold rubs up against your barely outstretched hand, followed by a quiet whine that you swear almost sounds like your name. Furry paws step into your line of sight, followed by dark grey fur, fur and more fur till suddenly it wasn't just in your vision, but tickling up into your nose and clumping in your mouth.

“Dear Hylia I said- not like that you overgrown dog!”

The voice was unrecognizably Warriors. There's a certain crack to it when things don't go his way, a trait only you have seemed to pick up on which is likely why the others haven't teased him endlessly for it. Even still, it's only confirmed once Wolfie is yanked away from you, revealing the Captain himself standing before you with an incredulous look towards the fluffy wolf that had nearly suffocated you, now grasped in his hand by the scruff of his neck.

“That's so not what I meant and you know it Rancher.” He mumbles under his breath, releasing the grip on his scruff. Back on all four, Wolfie approaches once again, this time settling down across your lap the same way you've seen him do to some of the others during moments of fear or panic after intense nightmares or memories. Is that what this was? A nightmare? You couldn't recall falling asleep, but then again you couldn't seem to remember much of anything at the moment.

Brushing past the mishap, Wars crouches low in front of you, face softening as he studies yours thoroughly with a forced gentle smile. His hand lifts to rest on your thigh, just besides where Wolfie's head is now likely leaving a slobbery wet spot.

“Is this alright?” He asks motioning towards your pseudo weighted blanket. “He may smell like wet dog but he's good for grounding which I think you could use a bit of right now, am I right?”

Managing a non-committal shrug, the smile on his face falls into a small pout. Digging through his satchel, the familiar blue fabric of his scarf, nearly folded up for the night, is pulled out, unfurling before being wrapped around your sore shoulders. He tugs it right around you, giving an extra tug in the front to keep it closed like a blanket.

“Talk to me?” His deep voice is soft. “How do I help?”

Help? Could he even help? You weren't sure how to help yourself let alone imagine how anyone else would be able to manage it. Though if anyone might know what to do it was probably him, or maybe Four but you would rather test your luck with the Captain.

Offering another shrug, the Captain sits back on his heels, thumb caressing circles into your thigh as his other hand scratches the small dip in his chin. He's strategizing. Blue eyes flicking around as if following threads on a map, trying to piece together the best plan forward. Meanwhile Wolfie has purposely nudged his head under your hands, shifting every so often when your fingers stop moving.

“Alright.” He announces quietly enough to not wake the others. “I want you to do something for me, okay? It's just a little exercise I picked up from some soldiers back home.” Pausing for a response that never comes, Warriors continues. “I want you to name me three things you can see, two you can feel and one thing you can hear. Got it?”

Sounded simple enough. Your eyes begin to roam around you, noting the first three items that catch your eye. Mouth gaping open to speak, there's a prolonged silence when no words are vocalized. You try again, feeling like your throat is heavier than lead and coated in honey.

“Just point to them if that's easier.”

Barely lifting your hand away from Wolfie's head, your index finger extends towards a group of flowers by the base of a nearby tree. Then to the fire, and lastly to some of your sleeping companions.

“Good! Now two things you feel?”

You indicated first towards Wolfie, still happily sprawled over your lap with his head propped up on your stomach, then towards the Captains scarf wrapped around you.

“Now something you hear!”

You paused for a moment, letting yourself listen to what was around you. You didn't hear anything. Not enough for it to be discernable anyway. Though you supposed there was one thing you could hear clearer than spring water in summer.

Lifting your finger once more, it lightly pokes Warriors in the chest.

“Okay” Wars chuckles, “Fair enough, I'll take that.” The corner of your mouth tips upward for a split second, long enough for you to feel it, but fleeing faster than you like. Warriors eyes catch the movement as well, looking behind him quickly before seemingly coming to a new conclusion.

“I’’ll be right back. Keep petting Wolfie while I'm gone okay? Long strokes- all across his back like this.” Gently grabbing your wrist, he guides your hand down, running it along the length of Wolfie's back repeatedly. “Just like that? Think you can do that?” You try it solo twice before nodding, unsure as to why you would need such specific instructions for petting a dog. Especially when said dog is your companion who has made it painfully obvious he much prefers scratches atop his head than the drawn out strokes Warriors has instructed you to use.

Its probably something worth mentioning.

You don't.

But you do what he says anyway, running your hand over the coarse fur along his back, adding in a few scratches every now and again for good measure. Nodding his approval, Warriors gets back up, looking over to the two current insomniacs of your group who are currently huddled together quietly.

“Keep doing that, I'll be right back.” And with that he was walking away, leaving you trapped beneath Wolfie's weight. Not that you mind, you've always loved doing this in the past. Especially before you knew of the Ranchers fluffy secret. Though it was often a detail you often forgotten until you realized he was used those puppy dog eyes to get out of certain chore duties. Still, having him here felt-... Comforting. Or at least an equivalent feeling to comfort in your odd state of limbo. If anything it was something to do. A task to focus on rather than staring down into the endless void that was the world around you.

By the time Warriors comes strolling back, the once matted fur is nearly silky smooth. Still draped over your legs, Wolfie adjusts himself to allow the Captain more room to slot himself beside you, shoulder brushing against yours as he places a cup into your hands.

“Here, I made you a little something.” The warmth seeps through the flimsy metal of the cup, steam wafting into the air that carries the delectable smell of your favorite drink to your nose. “Thought you could use a bit of a ‘pick me up’ right about now.”

For just a moment, all you could do was stare down at the drink cradled in your hands. Not only had he went out of his way to make you one of your favorite drinks, but he had even remembered what it was? Bringing it to your lips, you take a cautious sip. He had gotten everything right, down to the smallest flavors.

“Is it okay?” He asks, bracing a hand in your shoulder. “I always hear you talking to the Champion about it but I can make you something else if you want?”

Your eyes captured his, the genuine concern that filled his eyes shifting something in your chest. He would seriously make you another drink simply cause he thought you didn't like this one? Why? It didn't make sense. He should be trying to sleep right now, taking care of himself, not spending his evening trying to make you feel something. Was he getting something out of this? Surely there must be something in it for him to make him do all of this right?

As if able to read your thoughts, Warrior's expression softens as he held your gaze. Leaning in close, his forehead bumps against yours, hand lifting from your shoulder to cradle to back of your skull. “I may not know what's wrong, but I'm here for you no matter what, okay? However long it takes.”

Why?

Why did he care so damn much? Why was he wasting his time trying to fix something beyond repair?

The tears appeared without warning. As did the emotions that flooded back into your system. The grief, sorrow, and pain of it all. It all hurt.

Warriors responds immediately, pulling you tightly into his chest while still cradling your head. The weight on your legs disappears, but the presence now at your back and rough hands soothing up and down your spine indicate Twilight is still very much here as well.

“We’re here for ya Y/n.” He whispers, huddling closer till you are sandwiched in between the two of them. “We ain't goin no where.”

Sobs wrack your body, limbs shivering uncontrollably as your fingers dig into the front of Warriors tunic which is now damp from your tears. His calloused fingers card through your hair, watchful of large tangles and knots as he repeats assurances that it will all be okay.

Trapped between the two of them, you continue to sit there, tears running down your face faster than a waterfall, clinging onto your two companions. Promises to stay by your side, to see you through this were whispered into the air, both men holding you tight enough to make you believe that maybe– just maybe they would keep their word. That they would stay.