Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Wars… I think I’m going to-” Wind’s words were cut off by a belch as his stomach roiled. Warriors quickly allowed the sailor to slide off his back. Wind lurched to the side and emptied his stomach in a bush.

“There, there.” Warriors said as he rubbed the sailor’s back soothingly. He was trying his best not to let his own discomfort show but the strong smell of the bile wasn’t helping.

At least he wasn’t doing as bad as Sky. The pity puker was almost vomiting himself somewhere in the back. Meanwhile Time was scanning his surroundings.

“We’re almost at the ranch. About two more hours and we’ll be there.” He announced. Wind stood back up on shaky legs and nodded.

The kid was a mess. His hair was damp with sweat and he was pale as a ghost. Warriors knelt down in front of the sailor so he could climb on his back again. At first Wind had insisted on walking himself but it became clear that whatever bug he had caught sapped his strength from him. They weren’t getting anywhere with him walking so for the past two days he had been carried by the rest of the chain.

They couldn’t wait to reach the ranch. The comfort of a home safe of monsters was always a welcomed sight but especially with one sick. They walked onwards with good pace, only stopping when Wind had to eject what was left of today’s breakfast again, and soon the ranch came in sight.

“Finally.” Legend murmured under his breath. The entire group sped up just a bit more now that the promise of home was in sight. They almost ran through the gate, surprising Malon who was brushing Epona at that moment.

“Boys!” She shouted excitedly, putting down the brush and rushing to greet them. Of course she greeted her husband first, jumping in his arms and smiling as she kissed him. She then turned to the others but her smile faltered when she spotted the sick sailor on Warriors’s back. She walked to his side and soothingly rubbed the kid’s arm. Wind pried his eyes open and smiled when he saw her.

“Hey, Malon.” He said, His voice hoarse.

“Hey there, darlin’ How are ya feelin’?” She asked. Wind swallowed thickly before responding.

“M fine.” He said. Malon shook her head.

“And now the honest answer, dear.” She said, a hint of strictness to her voice. Wind sighed.

“I feel like shit.” He murmured, allowing his eyes to droop closed again. Malon sighed and put her hands on her hips as she looked at the other boys.

“Alright, Y’all go inside and leave your weapons at the door. I’ll make some tea and then y’all can help out around here. Except for you, Wind. You’re going to rest up.” She said before making her way inside.

The first thing she did was rearrange the pillows on the couch so Wind could lie there. Then she quickly put some water in the kettle and set it to boil. She had to scold several of the boys for tracking mud in the house. She may life on a farm but she’d like the house to stay clean, thank you very much.

Warriors deposited Wind on the couch, the sailor making a noise of complaint as he was moved. The tea water wasn’t boiling yet so Malon went upstairs to fetch a blanket. She tucked the sailor in and he immediately buried his face in the soft covers. Malons smiled warmly as she ran a hand through Wind’s sweaty hair. He looked so innocent she could almost forget that this kid stabbed his timeline’s Ganondorf through the head. Almost.

The kettle whistled and Malon quickly went to finish making the tea. Soon everyone was sipping on a warm cup of tea.

“So.” Malon started.

“How long has our favorite sailor been sick?” She asked, looking at Warriors who had taken the only spot left on the couch next to Wind.

“He first vomited two and a half days ago.” He explained.

“Wasn’t pleasant.” Wind murmured as he took a sip of his tea, still bundled up in the blanket. Malon hummed. She was glad the boys got to her home. Being sick was bad enough but to be sick on the trail was worse.

“Well then, y’all stay here as long as you need. As long as I get some help around here from you boys, that is.” She said. She finished her tea and got up to continue working on farm chores. Everyone except for Wind and Warriors went to help.

Soon the chain was spread around the place doing work. Twilight was moving from place to place with haybales and feedbags, Sky had fallen asleep in the cucco pen, Four was repairing a fence with help from Legend, Hyrule and Time were checking on a horse that had managed to injure itself, and Wild was gathering eggs while the cuccos were distracted by Sky’s presence.

Malon finished cleaning the horse pen and went inside to check on the sick boy. As she opened the door she was met with the beautiful sound of someone retching. Amazing.

She looked to where Wind was seated on the couch. He was bent over a bucket throwing his guts up. Warriors was rubbing the boys back soothingly but Malon had to hold back a laugh at how uncomfortable the older man looked. He was staring at the puke bucket with absolute disgust. It’s a good thing the sailor wasn’t looking at him because that face did not really shout ‘comforting presence’. She better intervene.

“Warriors? Can you see if you can help out outside? I’ll take over here.” She said sweetly. Warriors looked at her and then back at Wind, his stare shifting to the freshly filled puke bucket. Realizing he was being saved from the situation he quickly accepted the rescue and left.

Malon waited for Wind to be done and then took the bucket to clean.

“How ya feelin’ now, darlin’?” She asked. Wind let out a shuddering breath as he lied back on his side.

“Like a moblin s stomping on me gut.” He murmured, too tired to hide his sailors accent. Malon gave a sympathetic smile as she placed the rinsed puke bucket next to the couch. She tucked the blankets back over Wind’s shoulders.

“M not a kid.” He complained; but he didn’t fight Malon off, instead burying himself deeper in the blanket.

“But you are sick. So I’m going to care for you whether you want me to or not.” Malon said as she ran her hand through Wind’s hair.

“Hm. Bet ye don’t do that fer the old man.” Wind replied, but he only got a laugh from Malon.

“Oh you bet I do care for him like this when he’s sick! If anything he’s way worse than you!” She said. Wind looked at her curiously through heavy eyelids.

“No way. Tell me how much worse!” He said, a mischievous glint in his tired eyes. Malon tapped her finger to her cheek in thought.

“Are you going to use this info for blackmail?” She asked, looking at the sailor with a raised brow. Wind avoided eye contact, looking far from innocent.

“Nooo.” He said, clearly lying.

“Hmm… Yes you are. Anyways. When my Link gets sick he’s a real baby. He’ll constantly complain about it being cold even with three blankets. He’ll be stuck to my side like glue, I’m pretty sure he uses being sick as a cuddle excuse, and he’ll also try to get away from even the simplest chores. Often he isn’t even that sick. On the trail he’s fine with illness from what I’ve heard but at home a common cold will take him down faster than a group of redeads having a screaming contest.” She said, a warm smile on her face as she thought about how lovingly different her husband can be when no one is watching the two of them.

Wind snorted as he thought about a whining Time.

“An’ he always tells us to be mature.” The sailor chuckled. Malon chuckled as well.

“Nothin’ wrong with needing a bit of comfort now and then. But yes, he can be a bit whiny when sick. Now, want another glass of tea?” She asked. Wind, realizing he still had the flavor of bile and other stomach fluids in his mouth, quickly nodded.

She had just given Wind his cup of tea when Wild ran in and quickly shut the door behind him. His hair was covered in feathers and there was loud, angry clucking outside the door. Wind burst out laughing. Malon sighed.

“Darlin’, did you mess with the cuccos?” She asked. Wild cleared his throat as he put down a little basket filled with cucco eggs on the kitchen counter. His arms were covered in cucco claw marks. His face had several scratches too.

“Don’t mess with the demon birds.” He said as he went to clean his wounds by the kitchen sink. Wind laughed harder even though his throat was dry and painful, Malon just sighed.

“They’re not demon birds. Y’all just don’t know how to handle ‘em. Maybe Sky can give y’all a few lessons.”

“Absolutely not. I’m certain Sky is a dark mage. There is no other reasons the cuccos wouldn’t attack him.” Wild said as he wiggled his fingers as if casting a spell. Malon smiled and stood up proudly.

“Well then I must be a dark witch as the birds do not attack me either. Now get back to work or I’ll cast a curse on you!” She shouted, making a similar spell-casting potion with her hands. Wild laughed and glanced outside through the window.

“Honestly I think I’d rather be cursed than face the cuccos.” He barely got time to finish his sentence when Malon rushed in and tickled him. Wild laughed as he tried to flee.

“Ok! Ok! I’ll go!” He wheezed out as he rushed towards the door. Malon watched as he went outside and closed the door. She had just turned back to a laughing Wind when she heard Wild scream and the clucking of a flock of cuccos. She sighed with a soft laugh. These boys…

Wind was trying to stop laughing. The motion making him kind of sick again. Malon made sure he could easily reach the puke bucket if needed. Thankfully it wasn’t needed. When Wind managed to stop laughing at Wild’s misfortune he was immediately overcome with exhaustion. Malon noticed his eyes were starting to close as he settled on the couch. She fixed the blankets again and told him to get some rest. Soon his breathing evened out as he fell asleep.

It didn’t take long for farm chores to be done. With so many people helping out on the relatively small farm it was a breeze. The chain started to make their way inside again. Wild was covered in even more scratches and feathers. Four had apparently tried to come to the rescue as he too was in a similar state. Sky was scolding them, telling them to be nicer to the cuccos.

“Welcome back, y’all.” Malon said with a warm smile. She had already started on cooking dinner. Hyrule and Time had finished their chores early and were helping. Well, Time was. Hyrule had quickly been banished from the kitchen after he somehow managed to grab the only spoiled vegetable and was proudly cutting the mushy plant. Apparently he shouted something about it being ‘good for building up immunity’ but Malon didn’t agree.

Warriors gently shook Wind awake as dinnertime was getting closer. The sailor murmured some curses as sleep was taken away from him and he was awoken to the shitty feeling of being sick.

Soon dinner was served (Without the rotten vegetable Hyrule cut.) And pleasant conversation spread around the dinner table. It was a nice vegetable soup with bread. Wind was sticking mostly to the soup, the bread being too heavy on his upset stomach. Malon was a bit worried when he announced he was full after barely eating anything. But he was sick and forcing him to eat more than he was able to would probably just cause him to throw it all up again. She did usher him to drink some water, causing Wind to complain about being mothered by her.

Once dinner was done and the dishes where cleaned everyone went to set up their bedrolls in a spare room upstairs. Since Talon wasn’t home Malon allowed Wind to sleep in her dad’s bed. It was more comfortable than a bedroll and would hopefully help the kid recover faster.

Once Malon had changed to her sleepwear she made one last round of the house to make sure everything was in order. She made sure to knock before she checked on the boys to make sure she didn’t walk in on anyone mid change. They confirmed everything was alright and she wished them goodnight. She then checked in on Wind, the kid was already asleep when she did. She planted a motherly kiss on the sleeping boy’s head before heading back to her own room.

Time had since changed as well. He was looking outside through the window, holding both curtains ready to close them. He turned to Malon when she entered the room.

“Everything alright with the boys?” He asked. Malon nodded and planted a kiss on her husband’s cheek.

“All is well. The boys are ready for bed and the sailor is asleep already.” She said reassuringly. Time nodded and closed the curtains.

“I hope Wind recovers soon. He’s usually so lively. It’s odd to see him so calm.” He sighed. Malon shrugged and tucked herself under the covers.

“He’s a tough kid. He’ll be fine. Now, darlin’, Go to bed. You look like you’re about to drop where you stand.” She said with a smile. Time blinked a few times, noticing that he was indeed tired, and went to his side of the bed. Malon crawled into his arms and the two shared a kiss before closing their eyes for the night.

- - - - - - - - - -

Malon woke up in the middle of the night. Something was wrong. She could sense it. Now she just had to figure out if the problem was with the barn or one of her visitors.

She looked to the side at her husband sleeping peacefully. He was a light sleeper on the road but once he felt completely safe there was no waking him. Malon ran a hand through his hair before getting up to check on the others.

She had barely made it out of the room when she heard soft sobbing coming from her dad’s room. She sighed, Wind most likely felt very sick again. She knocked on the door, getting no reply.

“Wind, darlin’? Can I come in?” Still no reply. She asked again but nothing but soft sobbing.

“I’m coming in, ok?” She said, opening the door as quietly as she could. The smell of fresh vomit hit her nostrils immediately. Yep, he’d been sick again. Luckily he had successfully aimed for the designated bucket.

Wind was sobbing softly. He seemed a bit out of it as he shivered under the blankets.

“Oh, darlin’” She said sympathetically. She was about to run a soothing hand through the boy’s hair but she froze when she felt how hot he was. The kid was burning up. No wonder he was out of it. His fever was way too high.

Ok, she needs to do something about this. First things first, the bucket. That smell can’t be good for anyone. She’ll clean it downstairs and immediately grab a wet cloth for the boy’s head.

As quietly as she could she went downstairs and rinsed the bucket. She made a bit too much noise while grabbing a cloth as a bowl was apparently placed on top. She’d have to remind her husband about proper placement of things again.

Hoping she didn’t wake anyone she went back upstairs. Four had apparently woken up. Tired eyes looked at her from the doorway to their room.

“Something wrong?” He asked. Malon shook her head.

“The sailor’s fever spiked but I’ll handle it. You can go to bed. If I need any of the medics I’ll let you know.” She said sweetly. Four nodded sluggishly before turning back to his room. He was basically sleepwalking.

Malon went into her dad’s room again and placed the wet cloth on Wind’s head. The sailor made some noise of discomfort before resuming his quiet sobbing. Malon sighed. Rubbing her hand soothingly on the boy’s shoulder seemed to calm him. Malon sat on the side of the bed for a few minutes before she had to yawn. She needed to get back to bed.

But Wind’s fever would have to be monitored. Not to mention the fact that the moment Malon stopped rubbing the delirious boy’s shoulder he’d softly sob again.

Then an idea popped into her head. She grabbed the bucket and moved it to her room and sat it beside her side of the bed. She went back to Wind and gently picked the half-asleep boy up. Moving into her room she placed Wind in her bed. She lied next to time so she was in the middle. She readjusted the wet cloth on Wind’s head and hugged the sick boy and spoke soothingly to him.

It took a while but eventually Wind’s breathing evened out. He was asleep again. Malon yawned and allowed her own eyes to close. The boy would be fine. She was here to make sure of it.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sunlight filtered through the curtains and birds sang their morning songs as Time awoke. But something was off. Immediately he noticed there was breathing other than that of him and his wife. He sat up and looked around, spotting Wind asleep in their bed. The boy’s face was flush with fever as he was in a sleeping Malon’s embrace.

Time sighed and let out a soft chuckle. If Malon reacted like this to a sick young hero then he was sure she’d be a great mom once they decided to have kids.

But he’d have to remind Malon that the boys were not their kids. Sometimes he forgot that fact himself.

But it didn’t matter right now. So he leaned over Malon and planted a kiss on her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open and she stretched.

“Mornin’ Darlin’.” She said upon noticing her husband awake.

“Good morning. I’m guessing Wind wasn’t feeling too well last night?” He asked. Malon looked to the sailor and nodded before sitting up. Wind made a noise of complaint but stayed asleep.

“His fever spiked and he was out of it. Thought it’s be best to keep m’ close so I could monitor him.” She said, picking up the discarded wet cloth. Time hummed before getting up with a long stretch.

“And you didn’t do this to practice being a mom?” He said, only slightly joking. Malon got a warm smile on her face.

“The boys practically are our children by now.” She said while running a hand through Wind’s sweaty hair. His fever wasn’t as high as before. Time sighed.

“But they aren’t. Once we’re done with our quest they’ll probably go back to their own times.” He reminded. Malon’s smile faltered.

“I know. But until then I don’t mind being their mom. Even if it’s temporary.” She replied. Time looked at the sick boy in their bed. Only thirteen and already he had lost so much. And right now he was sick on an adventure. But Malon was there for him. Time was truly blessed with a woman such as Malon who didn’t think twice about caring for the group he’d picked up.

“There’s a lot of work to be done on the barn. I’ll wake the boys so we can get to work soon.” Time said. Malon nodded, her hand not leaving Wind’s hair.

“I’ll be downstairs shortly.” She said. Time planted one last kiss on her cheek, squeezed Wind’s arm reassuringly, and went to wake the rest of the boys.

Soon the house was alive again as everyone was chatting downstairs. Wild was making breakfast and had dropped flour everywhere. Four was cleaning it up and complaining when Wild, entranced by his own cooking, stepped through the swept up flour again. Time was looking at a broken windowsill with Sky, The skyloftian talking about different types of wood that would replace it nicely.

Legend was complaining about something and the others were seeing how much they could annoy him with the topic. Malon came downstairs soon enough. She said Wind was still getting changed and he’d be downstairs shortly.

She looked at the kitchen and sighed as she saw the mess Wild had made and Four hopelessly trying to clean behind him. She shooed Wild away from the kitchen and took over until everything was clean again.

Breakfast was almost ready when Wind came downstairs. He plopped down on the couch and leaned against Warriors, actively trying to keep his eyes open. Warriors wrapped his arm around Wind’s shoulder and put his free hand on Wind’s head, Wincing at the temperature.

“Hey, sailor. How are you feeling?” He asked. Wind was a bit slow to react.

“Hm? Bit better than last night but worse than yesterday.” He replied. A shiver ran through his body and Warriors soothingly rubbed the boy’s shoulder. Malon approached and gave Wind’s arm a reassuring squeeze.

“His fever was pretty high last night but it lowered relatively quickly.” She explained. Warriors nodded, worry on his face at the idea of Wind’s condition getting worse. Malon gave his arm a reassuring squeeze as well.

“Breakfast is ready!” Wild called out. He had somehow made a mess of the kitchen again in the short time Malon was away. Malon glared at him and Wild was wise enough to look guilty.

The freshly baked bread was cut and handed out. Wind looked at his plate with a mix of exhaustion and disgust. Wild ruffled the boy’s hair.

“Don’t tell me you don’t like what I make anymore.” He jabbed.

“I don’t like the idea of eating anything.” Wind murmured. His stomach was upset and with how much he had to vomit yesterday putting anything new in there sounded like a bad idea. Malon overheard, of course, and approached.

“You have to eat somethin’. You don’t have any tasks today so eat at your own pace, but do eat.” She said, there was a motherly sweetness to her voice. Wind nodded tiredly and started picking at his breakfast.

By the time everyone else was finished he was still halfway. The rest of the chain went around the farm to do chores. Morning or evening, there was always something to do here.

Malon reminded Wind that he could always go to her if he needed something and then went off to do her own chores. Wind finished what was left of his food and lied down on the couch, keeping the puke bucket close if needed.

Malon checked in every so often, Warriors did the same. Hyrule also wanted to check in often but his healing was mostly healing wounds and he was out of his comfort zone with sickness. Not that Warriors was comfortable. His field medicine only taught him the basics and though he was fine with blood and guts he struggled with vomit. He was almost praying Wind hadn’t vomited every time he went to check on him.

After a few hours Time had finished his chores and he went to check on Wind. Wind was standing in the kitchen having poured himself a glass of water.

“Hey, sailor. Feeling better yet?” He asked. Wind nodded.

“A little.” He murmured.

“Haven’t vomited yet today. But my eyes burn.”

“You’re still a ways away from being better. But I’m sure you will recover soon.” Time reassured. Wind nodded again. Time noticed the boy was avoiding eye contact.

“Now then, what’s bothering you?” Time asked. Wind looked away more, tips of his ears turning redder than they already were from fever.

“M’ sorry ‘bout last night.” He said. Time sighed.

“Sailor, there is nothing wrong with needing a little help and support now and then.”

“I don’t want to act like a little kid.” Wind complained.

“I’m a hero. I shouldn’t get upset and need someone to be my mommy when I’m sick.”

“Wind, listen to me.” Time said. Wind turned to look at the old man.

“When Malon decides to care for someone there is no, and I mean absolutely no stopping her. Yes, she’d care for the others differently, but that’s not because she thinks less of you. It’s because everyone needs to be cared for in their own way.” He reassured. Wind nodded slowly. He looked incredibly tired. Time ushered him back to the couch.

“Time?” Wind asked quietly.

“Can you sit with me for a bit?” Time nodded and quietly sat next to the sailor. Wind leaned against him while sipping his water. They sat like that for a while. Wind relaxing against Time’s side.

“Time?”

“Yes, sailor?”

“I miss home.” Wind murmured. Time noticed the boy holding back tears so he soothingly rubbed his shoulder.

“I miss grandma and Aryll. I miss tetra and the crew. I miss the island and the pigs.” Tears started to flow freely now. Time sighed and wrapped both arms around the sailor, rocking him calmingly.

“And I feel bad because you’re home now and I’m sitting here being sick and wanting to leave and go to my home and-” Wind’s words were interrupted by sobs.

“I don’t blame you for wanting to go home. I miss my home when I’m at one of you boys’ homes. And why do you think Sky works with the cuccos all day? They remind him of his home. Missing home is normal. I’m not mad at you for it. Nor am I mad for you vomiting in one of our buckets.” Time said, all the while rocking the sailor in his arms. Wind clutched time’s tunic as he sobbed. Time wanted the boy to be happy but he knew all he could do now was reassure him that everything would be ok and try to soothe him. If that meant having the boy cry out his tears in his tunic then so be it.

About an hour passed when Malon entered the home to check on the sick boy. When she entered the room she saw Wind leaned up against her husband on the couch. Both were asleep. Malon smiled and covered them both with a blanket. She then planted a caring kiss on both of their foreheads before quietly leaving to check on the other boys.

- - - - - - - - - -

After a couple of days Wind was back to his normal self. He was running around the farm excitedly trying to help out. All the while he was telling stories of his adventures on the great sea to whoever he was helping at the moment.

Malon smiled sadly. With the boy healthy again the group would continue their adventure soon. Time, noticing her somber expression, went to wrap an arm around her shoulder.

“Can I ask you what’s wrong?” He asked. Malon sighed.

“I’m going to miss y’all when you’re traveling again.” She admitted. Time hugged her closer to his side.

“We’ll stay safe. Or as safe as our job allows, that is.” Time said, earning a lighthearted punch in the side.

“That’s not safe at all!” Malon shouted. Oh gosh she was going to be worried sick when they’re gone!

“Ok, maybe not my best reassurance, but we’ll make it home. I promise.” Time said. Malon sighed and leaned against her husband again. The two stood there watching the farm for a bit.

“Link?” Malon started. Time hummed in response.

“Can you make me another promise?”

“And what would that promise be?” Time asked. Malon turned away from the farm to look at him.

“When you’re back home, When this adventure is over, promise me we’ll start our family together.” She said. Time smiled warmly.

“I promise. And if you doubt me, Twilight’s existence is proof of my promise already.” He said. Malon smiled and pressed a kiss to her husband’s lips.

“I love you.” She said as she let herself be embraced in her husband’s arms.

“I love you too.” Time responded, holding his beloved wife close.

He thought about what it would be like to have kids of his own. The new chaos it would bring to their home. But if he could handle the chain he could handle kids. And Malon had proved herself to be a good mom, caring for a sick Wind.

He smiled.

Starting a family sounded lovely.