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Wild hummed softly to himself as he stirred breakfast. As far as he knew only himself and Time were awake but he occasionally glanced towards the others, checking periodically that he hadn’t woken them up on accident. Hearing a snore from where Legend and Hyrule were cuddled together he stifled a laugh, checking to see if he needed to add more cinnamon or if the pot just needed to simmer a bit longer.
As he leaned back something brushed his back earning a startled squeak from the Champion. A soft laugh was his response and he nearly turned to give Time a piece of his mind for startling him like that.
“Shh,” Time murmured softly, his hand on Wild’s shoulder to prevent him from turning. He felt a tug on his hair, gentle but now that he was aware of where Time was it became more obvious that the group Leader was doing something with his hair. “Just relax, I’m almost done detangling it.”
Wild raised his hands and signed sharply. 'What exactly are you doing? You should stop.'
“Stop fussing. I’m just braiding your hair.”
Making a soft curious sound Wild chanced a glance over his shoulder to see the soft smile on Time’s face and sighed while giving a small nod.
“If you want…” Time seemed to hesitate for a moment, “I can take a picture of it for you?”
Wild knew his ears perked up and a smile spread across his face. Time chuckled softly and resumed the gentle tugging, occasionally pausing to tuck something or another into Wild’s hair.
“When I was younger-” He stopped talking, seemingly getting lost in memories.
Wild hummed, dropping a hand to touch his ankle, the only part of Time that he could touch without turning and possibly ruining his work.
“Sorry, I was just thinking about how I used to have fairies do this for me all the time.”
‘Sorry.’
“Hmm?”
‘Made you sad.’
“You didn’t, I was just thinking that it stopped once I got married.”
‘Why?’
“Probably because I cut my hair.”
“Or you’re just a grumpy old man and they were afraid to catch that from you.” Legend’s voice chimed in.
“Legend!” Hyrule scolded.
Time laughed, his voice tight in a way but it eased as he finished the braid and tied it off.
“They probably were worried you wouldn’t want them doing it when you have Malon to do it now.” Hyrule offered shyly.
“Either way, it’s done.” Wild handed the slate back to Time after materializing bowls for everyone. As he served up breakfast, Time took the picture and hesitated, seeming to think about what Hyrule said.
“Time?”
“Hmm?”
“Could I-”
Wild grinned as he stole the slate back and saw Time’s braid and the flowers he braided into his hair. Turning he tackled the older man in a hug. Time laughed breathlessly as he wrapped his arms around Wild for a moment before pushing him off.
“Sorry, Hyrule, what was that?”
“Could I braid your hair?”
“I-I,” Time seemed to stumble over his words and thoughts before shrugging, “if you want to?”
A brilliant smile was directed his way before the Traveler dashed off to the field nearby. Legend groaned but followed him, not quite managing to hide his smile.
“What was that about?” Four asked, sitting across from Wild who handed him his bowl. Twilight seemed curious too but he didn’t say anything as he moved to wake Sky up. Wind and Warriors were getting ready for the day already, glancing towards where Legend and Hyrule had gone off to.
“Hyrule asked if I would let him braid my hair.” Time answered with a small smile. He gestured towards Wild who turned to show the others the braid in his own hair. Twilight whistled after seeing it.
“Getting fancy there Wild.”
“Time did it.” Wild said brightly, delighted that his mentor seemed to approve as much as he did.
“Okay, Old Man, don’t move.” Legend ordered as he and Hyrule returned.
Time gave a small nod but stayed still while Legend detangled his hair then while Legend ate his breakfast Hyrule took over with the braiding. Wild moved around and watched curious as to how Hyrule was doing it and what sort of flowers were being used for Time. Once Hyrule was done Wild snapped a picture and showed it to Time who smiled, an expression that almost seemed fragile, before pulling them both into a hug. Hyrule smiled and hugged Time back, just as tightly, before going to eat his own breakfast.
“Looks like you aren’t the only one being fancy today, Wild.” Twilight observed, clearly trying to lighten the moment a little.
“Looks like it, but I’m glad. It’s more fun this way.” Wild replied with a wide smile.
The others all agreed, as they finished eating and packed up their gear. Time simply sat there, watching them all with that smile which seemed a little stronger and more whole. Wild gave him a smile in return as he slipped away to clean the dishes, delighted at how much warmer everything seemed than it had just minutes ago.