80s animated Link x Reader
Summery: (Y/n) is painfully oblivious to Links affection for her so Zelda has to intervene.
CW: Mostly fluff with a lil bit of angst, isakaied (fem)reader (because we all wish we could be whisked away from current events), probably OOC everybody, men being creepy(dont worry, Link saves the day), swearing, drunken confessions, dorks in love, Alcohol use, author obviously has no knowledge of how castles work/is choosing to ignore the canon castle layout but we will pretend it's ok
It's always an adventure when I'm traveling with Link and Zelda in Hyrule. I'd been with them ever since I was dragged through that portal Gannon opened while trying to watch the 80's cartoon. He was planning on using me to get into the tower the triforce is kept in and steal it so he was keeping me in his dungeon until I agreed or he made a mind control spell. But turns out the goddesses didn't like that plan and for some reason they decided the best ability for me to have is to make hella strong, magical barriers. I got to test it out when Gannon showed up seconds after din the literal goddess of fire left post explanation, thanks to Link and Zelda beginning to storm the castle. Luckily I was able to get a barrier up long enough to escape from him, and was quickly rescued by the aforementioned heroic duo.
Speaking of whom, they were doing their usual back and forth, with Link acting like a dork and Zelda sniping at him while I tried to stay out of it as we continue our journey back to the castle, per a request from the king. Apparently, the hero and princess attending a ball is more important than ensuring the safety of his subjects. I had tried to help Link woo Zelda when I'd first gotten here, and he had gotten a lot better since then, but that only got me on the princess's bad side. She was so determined to get with some prince or another despite how badly those men behaved and the fact that Link was right there and obnoxiously over the moon for her. Thankfully despite her dislike for Link, she did trust my judgement as it was me who had saved us from more than one bad situation based on gut instinct and Link's murmurs of discomfort toward those people and places, but I'm not telling her that. Besides, after the first guy had blatantly been eye fucking me and any other vaguely feminine person in sight right in front of her, Zelda let me vibe check them and so far, all of them have failed. Honestly, the only semi decent guy here seemed to be Link, much to the princess's despair when I mentioned it to her.
Before I knew it wow I was really zoned out, we were at the castle and Zelda was storming off telling Link something along the lines of how she'd make something happen, probably how she'd get him to pay attention to the triforce alone. I glanced over and watched as he waited for her to slam the door before deflating. I gingerly moved closer and opened my arms in a silent offer for a hug. He glanced around before grabbing my hand, basically dragging me to a secluded spot in the garden, and finally slumping into my arms with a deep inhale before sighing dramatically. I carded my fingers through his hair while he murmured something about Zelda and her ultimatums.
"She's blind and stubborn. You aren't nearly as bad as she makes you out to be. Hopefully, she sees how good you can be. Hell, you already are better than any of the Schmucks that she insists on spending her time with." I said as I rubbed his back. I kept holding him until I remembered why we had to return early. I gave him a good squeeze before I let go, mentioning wanting to bathe before the ball the king was hosting as I headed inside. Plus I knew Zelda would be pissed if she has to wait too long, especially when she finds out Link is the reason she has to wait at all. Plus she will demand details. Unfortunately, I can't tell if she demands the details because she's trying to be a good friend or if she's doing it because she's jealous. Is it terrible of me to hope that it's because she's jealous?
*Pov Change; Link*
I watched as (Y/n) left and felt my face get hot, she somehow hadn't heard Zelda demanding that I ask (Y/n) out and her vowing to make it happen before she stormed off, and I am so grateful for that. I could still feel my face burning from what Zelda had said. But what (Y/n) said reminded me that she thought that I was still flirting with the princess and that was frustrating. Somehow (Y/n) had never caught me staring at her or noticed that I had not-so-jokingly asked her for a kiss instead of Zelda. Though, all the free hugs that she offered are pretty nice. Plus the fact that she offered them before I could even ask made the whole thing even better.
Though, her mention of bathing reminded me that the king would probably be pretty mad if I showed up to his party all sweaty and caked in dirt. So, I trudged inside and made my way to the main castle baths since I know that both of the private ones in the tower would be in use by the girls. While cleaning myself, I saw the latest prince who had come to flirt with Zelda was lurking in the baths and showing more interest in the woman's side than would be liked by anyone with decency. On the way to my room, to get changed into something nicer to avoid getting scolded by Zelda, I let a passing maid Ally I think know about the royal pervert and asked that she inform the other gals just in case he tried anything.
Once I was clean, I went up to my room and dressed in the fancy outfit that the princess herself had personally handed over before running off to do some last minute party prep. Honestly, I don't even know what this party is for but I guess it's pretty important if she felt like she had to make sure I was dressed properly and she was right to assume I wouldn't have, if the amount of embroidery and accessories she included were anything to go off of. It took a couple of minutes and a lot of adjustments but I was finally able to look in the mirror and still recognize myself.
Before I got too far from my room, I saw the latest prince in Zeldas line up was trying to get into the stairway leading to (Y/n)'s room. Thankfully she always locks every door and insisted on adding extras. Plus she added on a temporary barrier whenever the princess has company after one of the first ones Zelda had been playing host to, got drunk and got inside (Y/n)'s room shortly after she was brought to the castle. She ended up being moved to the tower after accidentally making such a powerful barrier that the room was unable to be entered by anyone for a while and even though she swears that she removed it, guys still have trouble entering and those who do feel like they are being physically pushed toward the nearest exit. "Can I help you?" I figured I'd give him a chance to explain himself, after all he might be trying to get to Zelda's room, which was on the other side of the landing, although the Stark difference in decorations made it pretty obvious whose was whose. However, the way he jumped while snapping his head to look at me left me certain that he was at (Y/n)'s door on purpose. He tried to stutter out some excuse or another but I wasn't buying it. I didn't even feel bad as I roughly grabbed him while 'offering' to walk back to the ballroom, just to make sure that he wouldn't get lost(and I may have taken far too many turns and gone down extra halls so he would have trouble getting back again but he didn't need to know that). Once inside, I pulled the maid from earlier Ivy? to the side and informed them of the rats Prince's little attempt and they said they would finish letting the rest of the staff and the royals know so he couldn't try again.
Instead of doing what I wanted to do and rearranging that twerps face, I decided to take my anger out on the open bar. Before I could down too many drinks, I saw (Y/n) walk in. She was stunning in a green dress with enough flowers to make her look like she is a forest goddess. When she made eye contact me, her eyes lit up like a bomb and she rushed over while repeating, "We match!" Her words finally had me looking properly at the outfit Zelda had given to me. Finally the dots connected despite my buzz. Zelda had promised that she would get us together and it seemed that she was starting my having (Y/n) and I look like we are already a couple and we had coordinated our own outfits. Even the accessories matched or complemented something on the others outfit. I laughed, mentioning how funny it is while internally cursing Zelda. I asked if the princess had seen her dress and she replied with, "Yeah. She wanted to make sure that we weren't going to be wearing similar dresses, plus she helped with my hair and make up. It's pretty different from the stuff that we had back home."
Oh yeah... That little detail... (Y/n) is from a different world... And there is a really good chance that they will end up going back too... Right... That's why I haven't made a move yet totally not because I'm afraid that she will think I'm a pervert or a cheater.
"Link? Are you ok?" I blinked back to reality When did I get lost in thought? and looked at the object of my affections who had a very worried look directed at me. "If you need me to, I can pretend to get a migraine and have you 'walk me to my room'. Zelda would understand."
I feel my face flush and I let her know that it wont be necessary, "I'm fine. I just need a drink. Do you want anything?" She answers in the affirmative and I go grab two drinks, making sure to grab two (drink that you like). By the time I get our drinks, his royal creepiness has managed to get close and I can see her visibly recoil away as he tries to whisper in her ear. I try to get to her as quickly as possible, but the hall is full and I have to be polite as I get back to (Y/n)'s side before that creep can try anything funny. I manage to hear him saying something about visiting her room later before I manage to cut in with, "Excuuuse me, Princey. She'll actually be in my room." For the second time today his head snapped to me. I let myself smirk at him before adding, "As she often is." Technically not a lie as she does come up to help protect the triforce and puts barriers around it and sometimes we just hang out and chat. One time she insisted that we do face masks, it was nice letting her do what she wanted to me. His royal hot-head seemed to be pretty drunk since before he could come up with a retort, Zelda herself came and dragged him away. She looked at me in a way that told me Hilda maybe had just finished telling her about this guy.
I quickly asked to take (Y/n) to their room and keep an eye on them, but before I finished asking, Zelda insisted on me taking (Y/n) to bed. As I turned to comfort (Y/n), I thought I heard the princess mutter about how she hoped that I have a good night with a little too much giggle in her voice for me to be comfortable. Against my better judgement, I ignored her to turn back to (Y/n) only to see her Downing the last drops of the drinks I had brought over and has a sour look on her face. When did I give them to her?
POV CHANGE: (Y/N)
Why does this keep happening? Who is raising the nobility of this world? Why are they all selfish assholes who only think with their dicks? At least this guy was drunk and we can pretend that it's the alcohol's fault and not him being a creep like all the others. I finish chugging, what was probably meant to be, Links drink as I begin to plan what I'll be taking from the liquor Cellar. I'm already mentality divvying up the bottles between him and I. He is back at my side seconds after Zelda drags her newest failure suitor away. He's probably telling her to wait up for him. I feel myself frown before shaking off the thought.
I look up at the hero and offer up a mischievous grin and tilt an empty glass to him as I ask, "Wanna go on a raid?" He stares at me before grinning back and nodding. We moved quickly and quietly to the cellar and once we had our loot and a quick stop at the kitchens, we made our way back to his room. Before we could get set up, a sharp knock came from his door. We look at each other and nod before we quickly hide our loot.
When Link opens the door, he reveals Zelda. She immediately begins talking, "I'm here to check up on you two. You both are being officially excused and don't have to return to the ball. And, " she turns to me directly, "I wanted to let you know that Prince Finkly has been locked in his quarters and we've had guards posted and patrolling to make sure he does not get out. And he absolutely will be leaving first thing in the morning. I am so sorry. By the time Ilia was able to fill me in on what this guy had been up to he was already several drinks deep and I hadn't noticed you come in." She looked like she was about to cry so I grabbed her by the shoulders, gently making her look at me.
"It's okay Zelda. He didn't touch me, and I honestly couldn't really hear what he was saying because he was too fucking drunk. I'm okay." I emphasized the last sentence so that there would be no room for argument and pulled her into a hug. I held her for a moment before reminding her that there was a ball that she should probably get back to. The reminder had her rushing toward the door, but she turned back to Link.
"Can I have a quick word with you?" Her tone made me shiver and I wondered just how much trouble the loudmouthed hero was in. Rather than find out, I left them to it and used changing into something more comfy as an excuse. Poor Link shot me a look, silently begging that I take him with me but I ignored it and ran to my room. I changed as fast as I could, knowing that climbing up and down the stairs would take up most of the time Zelda would generally need to chew him out.
Once I was redressed, I walked back to Links room. After making sure that Zelda was gone and we were situated on his bed, we talked while we drank and feasted on our stolen goods. Eventually, we started playing (game*) where the winner of each round would ask each other a question or, if they didn't want to answer, the loser would have to take a shot. After like two hours, we had finished the snacks, Link finally wins a round after like 10 losses in a row and asks if I have feelings for anyone in the castle. By this point, I'm far enough gone that I don't realize that it's him answer honestly. I tell him that yeah, I do have a crush. I dropped my voice to a whisper before saying, "You are not allowed to tell him," I shift closer, scooching our games to the side in order to lean in conspiratorially, "but I think Link is kinda cute!" I let out a giggle while continuing. "He's funny and charming and he always comes by to check on me. He peels oranges for me. He's just kinda..." I let out a dreamy sigh, "ya know? Plus he was accidentally matching with-" before I could finish gushing about Link to his face, there was a knock on his door.
I get up and stumble over, opening the door to reveal Ilia. She is there holding a tray of hot food which I happily take and thank her thoroughly. She giggles at my drunken antics, mentioning that she should have brought more water, before turning around. She waves over her shoulder as she begins her descent back down to who-knows-where. I shut the door and look to where Link was, only to find the bed has been vacated. Before I can ask where he is, I am suddenly empty handed. I finally am able to locate the brunette as he places the tray on his desk before he turns back to me.
His face is like a mask, unreadable and hiding his thoughts and pretty. He holds his arms out, the same way I do when I am offering a hug and I immediately launch myself at him. Luckily, he had been answering my questions rather than drinking so he managed to not topple over as I landed in his arms. He holds me close and I can smell the pine soap he used earlier, and I can't help but nuzzle into his neck. He whispers something into my hair that I cant make out, and when I pull back to look at him, he kisses me. I don't need to think about it, when I go pulling him in by the collar as he starts to move away. Link picks me up to move us to the bed, where we continue making out like we're in high school; until our lungs remind us that oxygen is a necessity not an option.
"Do you have any idea how long I've been wanting to do that?" He gasped out while I was still trying to recall which way is up. I don't have a chance to answer before he begins to rant at me about how, "I've been in love with you for months! And the whole time you still think that I'm in love with Zelda!? How could I have been more obvious! Do you remember when the princess almost had an aneurysm when she saw me hand feeding you apple slices. Even the king knew. How dense are you?" Rather than give him a verbal answer, I pulled him in for another quick kiss to shut him up.
I pulled back and simply stated, "I have learned to never assume that anyone likes-likes me. Plus, I'm pretty openly affectionate and thought you were just reciprocating. But now that I know how you really feel, I think I'd like it if we could..." I close my eyes, take a breath and just let it out. "Maybe we can start dating. If you want?" After a moment of silence, I crack one eye open and see that he is looking at me like I'm a painting on display. Finally, he lets out the loudest 'YES' before pulling me in for another kiss.
The next morning, I watched as several people handed the king, Zelda and Ilia rupies after Link and I walked in holding hands and confirmed that we were now courting. It suddenly dawned on me just how many people knew about Link and I crushing on each other and how many people in Hyrule placed bets on whether we would get together.
"Am I really that blind?" Link presses a kiss to my cheek before responding in the affirmative. if he wasn't so cute, I'd be tempted to scold him.
*ngl, I couldn't decide on a game so choose what you want. Poker would probably be best, but I've gotten drunk and played Egyptian Rat Screw/Slap and it was so fun.
For the third time, mobile tumbler has fucked me over by posting before I'm ready even though I have checked that my work is set to save to drafts. I had to make it private to edit it. also, I'm not sure if I should tag this as linked universe, so I won't.
