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“You and me are the world" she said
"Nothing else is real
The two of us is all there is
The rest is just a dream
Always meant to be, I can feel it
Like a destiny thing
Written in the stars
Inescapable fate
Yeah it's out of my hands
Falling into your arms…
…And I don't want to get innocent
But I would love you to take my time
We're on the edge of a beautiful thing"
She said "Come on, let's stay here for a while"
Oh girl, he is the one for sure
Oh girl, he is the perfect boy
~
Paya can’t help her nerves, if she held her hands still they’d tremble. Tonight has been a dream of hers for a long while now. A date with a man she’s fallen for, what else could she want?
Kirin is a new face in the shuffle of Kakariko. Paya found herself infatuated at their first meeting. A free roaming Sheikah whose a master with weapons, the most helpful of hands & an intelligent mind. The handsome face is a nice touch as well.
Paya isn’t the only one, many of the women in Kakariko are in awe of the man. The men have admiration & the children see him as a role model. He couldn’t be more perfect for the Chieftain. She was ecstatic when he asked her on a date.
Walking to Kirin’s house feels like an eternity, each step is heavy, Paya hasn’t felt this frazzled since Link. The thought makes her laugh as the saccharine immaturity of her crush towards Link has now revived itself for Kirin. She would’ve never thought she’d outgrow it but she’s happy she did as now she couldn’t imagine Link being with anyone else other than Zelda.
She’s at his door, her nerves still on high but she claims victory over them as she knocks on his door. A few quiet seconds slip by before the door opens.
“Hey Paya, glad you came by & on time as well!”
Kirin wears a charming smile that causes Paya’s lips to curl up.
“Of course Kirin couldn't pass up such a beautiful night.”
The man chuckles inviting her inside. To call his home tidy would be an understatement, it makes Paya feel like her clean home is slobbish. Everything is placed perfectly & polished to perfection. The decor is typical of a traditional Sheikah but with the precision of Kirin’s eye it shines wonderfully.
“Sit Paya, dinner is almost ready.”
Paya pulls out a seat at the small table as Kirin checks his cooking pot. The aromas are lovely & it causes the Chieftain’s stomach to grumble.
“What’re you cooking?”
“One of my favorites, creamy meat soup.”
“Oh how nice.”
Paya internally prepares herself, she couldn’t have been more unlucky as his favorite meal happens to be one of her least. She has to stomach it as he’s cooking her a meal & this is his home, she won’t be rude.
“I heard that you really enjoy stuffed pumpkins but unfortunately it’s a meal I can’t have.”
“Oh really? Do you have a pumpkin allergy? My auntie Purah has one.”
“Oh no, I just made a promise to myself to never make such a messy, cumbersome meal in my home. For such a tedious process the outcome isn’t that wonderful.”
Kirin’s comment doesn’t rest well with Paya, if anything she finds it quite dismissive & rude. Her conflicted mind settles on the fact that his tone seemed jovial when answering so maybe it was meant to be humorous. That eases her mind a little.
“It is quite an endeavor. Auntie Purah always says Hylia blessed her with never having to cook such a difficult meal.”
That makes Kirin laugh which eases Paya further into thinking he's more humorous than dismissive.
“So how was your day?”
“It was quite busy. Well, everyday is busy. Dealing with a whole town’s nest of issues isn’t easy. Thankfully I’ve had the guidance of Grandma Impa my whole life so that’s helped me understand the nuances but it’s still such a stressful job.
But I will say the smiles of the townsfolk pull me through. They look up to me, I have to present my best & be the beacon of our people. The work is hard but it comes with the title & I’ll bear that cross so I can lead by example just like Grandma did.”
“I could imagine how good it feels for others to look up to you. I’m no Chieftain but when the kids say I’m a role model it makes me feel quite powerful. Hell when the guys in town say they admire me I get proud of what I’ve achieved. Makes me want to rub it in the face of those who doubted me.”
Silence falls into the room. Paya struggles to find an answer as she’s never really cared for the things Kirin is expressing.
“I suppose it’s a nice feeling. I’ve never really put thought into that aspect of my work though. Respect & admiration always comes with a title but it would be dangerously enabling if I were a poor leader.”
Kirin huffs which Paya can’t read as an agreement or dismissal. She didn’t think the man would be this strange to get a read of. She doesn’t dwell on it much as a bowl is presented on Kirin’s end of the table then one is presented in front of her.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure Paya.”
Paya flushes at the flirty tone & handsome smile. As Kirin sits, the good mood fades as Paya remembers what her meal is. She’s thankful Impa taught her how to mask her emotions because her face would twist in displeasure. Once again she scolds herself that he cooked for her & that this is his home not hers.
As Kirin digs into his soup Paya takes her time tasting it. It’s a struggle not to wince, she’s never understood how meat & cream were put together. For vegetables & crabs it works wonderfully but not meat. The bowls aren’t too big so she plans on finishing one bowl. Hopefully her stomach doesn’t twist.
“So what about me charmed you?”
Paya raises a brow & the flush returns. Kirin is quite bold but Paya won’t deny that’s attractive.
“That’s a bold question isn’t it?”
Paya’s smirk emboldens Kirin.
“I get a sense that‘s a possible answer to my question.”
“Maybe.”
Paya contemplates her answer, might as well be honest if Kirin is being upfront.
“I’d say many things caught my eye. It’s quite admirable how you carry yourself. You have many things going for you, a strong warrior, courteous hand & a good head on your shoulders. Everyone in town seems to have taken a liking to you & I value that heavily.”
Paya ties up her answer with a reluctant bite of her soup but Kirin’s chuckle lifts up her spirits.
“How kind of you Paya. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Paya would raise a brow at that if she wasn’t stomaching the soup, she once again can’t read if that’s a humorous quip or sincere.
“You seem like a romantic Paya, I’m curious to know what a future with us together would look like in those striking eyes of yours.”
Paya’s heart flutters at such a question. Not only could he read her as a romantic but he wants to know what she values in a relationship. Putting value into her thoughts & complimenting coaxes her previous tension.
“Oh you read me well Kirin. Oh what could a future of us together look like? Hmm. I see a tranquil bond where we feel comfortable in each other's space. After a hard day of work we feel relief knowing the nights will be just us spending time together. When we sleep we’ll dream to be two souls as one.”
Kirin huffs again, it’s unreadable as usual but the smile seems positive.
“A starry-eyed girl, how cute. You make the world feel so glittery.”
If it weren’t for his smile Paya would find the words insulting. Paya starts to wonder if her nerves are making her take things wrong.
“I have to be, you can’t always be cynical. So how about I return your question. Was there something that charmed you to ask me on a date?”
“Where to start…”
Paya blushes again, Kirin laughs.
“You’re a wonder to behold Paya. A true beauty amongst the waterfalls of Kakariko. A powerful lead that has everyone in awe. How could I resist such a person?“
A smile breaks on Paya’s face, how sweet of him to say.
“Now let me ask, what does our possible future look like in your eyes?”
“Oh it’s prosperous! Our unity would be the pride of Kakariko. We’d lead our town into a powerful force to be reckoned with. Hopefully we’d create a legacy with children whose blood would flow pure Sheikah. Our names would be engraved in the history books with what we’ve done.”
Keeping her face stoic, Paya is now officially off put. She brushes it off, it’s a frivolous answer to a frivolous question.
“That is quite a prosperous future. Quite admirable.”
“Yes it is! Imagine what I could bring to Kakariko!”
“I’m sure many wonderful things.”
A moment of quiet passes as they continue their meal.
“You seem to have many ideas for our town which is wonderful but I wonder what you’d bring into our bond overall.”
Paya doesn’t know why she asks that but something in her gut tells her to pry.
“Myself.”
Paya brows raise at the immediate answer.
“Oh?”
“Yeah I mean it seems you have the romantic piece down. I’d just be the stronghold in our relationship.”
”Stronghold?”
“Well yeah, you’ll need a strong base to rely on. I’m sure bearing my children will have to come with a release of your chieftain role & I’d hold down the fort. Everyone already is fond of me so it’d be easy.”
If Kirin’s answer were a ball it just curved & hit Paya square in the face. What is he talking about? He wants nothing to do with a romantic relationship? He just wants kids as a legacy & a chance at being chief?
“That’s a bit self serving isn’t it?”
“I mean what else would this relationship be?”
Her stomach twists.
“What does that mean?”
He huffs but this time Paya knows it’s intent.
“I understand you’re a bit callow & dare I say credulous-“
“That’s an interesting way to call me stupid.”
Paya doesn’t even let Kirin finish, how dare he say such a thing.
“That’s not what that means Pa-“
“I know what it means Kirin. Inexperienced, innocent, so ready to believe in anything. Sorry, that's a verbose way to call me stupid. Also a starry-eyed girl who makes the world glittery? You were mocking me.”
“Well am I wrong describing you that way? I mean really, you think a town can run on holding each other all night dreaming fantasies in our heads? No, this town needs a powerful chief! One who will bring generations of leadership just like Hyrule kingdom did a century ago!”
“This town already has a powerful Chief.”
“Idealist fantasies aren't power.”
“Oh but your self importance is? What makes you think you’d be such a great chief? You’re making it clear to me that you’ve latched onto my town like a damn parasite to feed your ego. With your deceptive intentions you think Kakariko will admire you as chief?”
“What choice do you have? You need someone like me.”
“I have the choice to run you out of this town. Grandma Impa didn’t need anyone & I don’t either.”
“Pfft I’d like to think a chief would outgrow ‘Grandma Impa’ & ‘Auntie Purah’. You’re proving my point.”
“I’m proving none of the ridiculous things you’re telling me. How dare you think you can speak to me this way. Unlike your desperate attempt to marry into power I actually worked & earned the honest trust of my grandma & the townsfolk to be chief. I actually grasp that having this title comes with work & leading my people by example.”
Both of their words are said calmly but the air between them are tigers thrashing in the water. Kirin is the first to break the calm tone with one of disdain.
“You sound like that grubby sea beast who doesn’t have the decency to put a damn shirt on.”
Paya knows exactly who Kirin is talking about & her blood boils immediately.
“How dare you speak of him that way! He’s more of a man than you’ll ever be! Unlike you his intelligence & courteous nature is honest. He’s a true leader who works alongside his team & doesn’t see them as prey to sate his narcissism. This town has accepted him & would trust him to be a chief before they would you!”
Kirin’s face twists in disgust.
“You disgrace our people by even thinking of such an awful thing. If this town would accept him over me as leader then you & your grandmother have degraded the Sheikah. Tell me Paya, do you value yourself so little that you’d rather have than thing violate your body instead of me enriching it?”
With no hesitation Paya throws the soup at Kirin.
“Rot in hell Kirin, you’re fucking disgusting.”
Before Kirin can respond a knock on the door is heard, Dorian’s voice booms.
“You okay Lady Paya? Do I need to come in.”
Paya stands fixing herself.
“I’m fine Dorian, I was just leaving.”
As she’s walking out she hears Kirin mumble something but she doesn’t bother listening. Dorian opens the door & is surprised at the aftermath, he & Paya both share an understanding look.
“By the way Kirin, only bokoblins & moblins eat creamy meat soup. The shoe sure fits on that foot doesn't it?”
She slams the door, releasing a deep sigh.
“Lady Paya what did he do?”
“He disgraced me, our home & I’m ashamed he’s one of us. He is a rotted hateful man only interested in power. He has no place here & I wish to see him in the wild.”
Dorian has known Paya her whole life & has never heard such venom in her words. He knows her honesty, he has no doubt she’s speaking the truth.
“It will be done, Lady Paya. I’m sorry this happened. I know you were looking forward to tonight.”
“Don’t be Dorian. He deceived us & it’s good I figured him out.”
Dorian notices she’s not walking towards her home.
“Where you off to, Lady Paya?”
“The night is still young Dorian, I’m going somewhere I’ll know I’ll be valued. You & Cado don’t need to worry, I'll be safe.”
~
"Yeah me and you are a world" he said
"But not the only one I need
The two of us is never all there is
That doesn't happen for real
If it was meant to be us
It was meant to be now
Don't see the sense in wasting time
If you're so sure about this
Laurel kismet hardy thing
You know tonight you're mine…
…And I don't want to get obvious
But I have to be gone by three
We're on the edge of a beautiful thing"
He said "so come on, jump with me"
Oh girl, he's not the one for sure
Oh girl, he's not so wonderful
Oh girl, he's not the one for sure
Oh girl, he's not the perfect boy at all
~
Paya stands before her friend's door. Very recently this home was built for him, a gift to say that he has a place in the heart of the Sheikah. After having someone openly dehumanize him Paya felt it was only fair to see him. She knocks on his door, hears his steps & the door creaks open.
“Oh hello Miss Paya! How nice to see you this evening!”
If Kirin’s fake smile made Paya smile then Tauro’s smile by comparison makes Paya’s soul flutter.
“Hi Tauro, I hope to take some of your time. Tonight has been quite a mess.”
“Oh yes certainly, come in Miss Paya.”
Tauro’s formality makes Paya realize Kirin's lack of it. He obviously doesn’t respect her so he wouldn’t ever acknowledge it. To think a stranger is too arrogant to address Paya properly but Tauro still does out of respect even though they’ve grown past formalities. Hell Tauro still says ‘Master Link’/‘Princess Zelda’ & they’re basically family at this point.
Tauro’s place is quite eclectic, the decor is a kaleidoscopic mix of Lurelin, Zonai & everything in between. Most is from the ancient world carefully persevered & lauded by the man. It’s a lived in space that screams Tauro.
He pulls out a chair for her at his dining table, she eyes the oven in his kitchen red hot from being on.
“Are you hungry Miss Paya? I’ve been cooking for a while & it’s almost ready!”
Recalling the pitiful spoonfuls of that awful soup that mostly ended up on Kirin Paya’s stomach grumbles for true food.
“I am but I came unexpectedly so if there’s enough just for you I don’t mind waiting until I get home.”
“Nonsense! A good host always lets the guest dive in first. Also believe me there’s enough!”
Paya’s relieved, eating with Tauro is a blissful answer to the botched date she just experienced.
“What did you make?”
“A favorite of yours actually! Stuffed Pumpkins! A few of them grew in my yard & I was as happy as a clam. I immediately got to cooking them. It’s funny you came by tonight as I made two of them, one for me to eat & I was gonna send you one as a surprise as I know it’s in season.”
Paya starts to ponder why she even wasted her time with Kirin. Nothing about him was considerate, it was pretty obvious but the blinders of infatuation took over. Lost in her thoughts she doesn’t notice Tauro looking at her.
“You good there Py?”
The abbreviation of her name snaps her into reality & rattles her spirit. Only Tauro is allowed to call her that.
“Forgive me Tauro, I'm just thrown off severely tonight.”
”You’re fine Py, you can relax here.”
He pours her a drink as an offering before the meal, for Hylia’s sake did Kirin really not offer her a damn drink?
“If you don’t mind me dipping my toes into the water, what has you so uneasy?”
With a sigh Paya explains everything. The pumpkins are done while she’s talking but Tauro keeps listening as he serves her then himself, that isn’t lost on her. She interrupts her story to savor how good the stuffed pumpkin is, the compliments flow out of her with each bite. She continues & makes Tauro laugh as she recites the final moments where she had her choice words for Kirin.
“Wow Py, I’d like to say I didn’t know you had it in you but I know you’re stronger than people may think.”
“Well I couldn’t help it. The bastard was so sure everything would go his way! That I’d marry him giving him the reigns of chief & become his subservient slave that would pop out his babies. It’s revolting!”
“He sounds like he’s compensating for something.”
Tauro’s gesture with his fingers something small & Paya laughs.
“Oh Hylia I’m sure, thankfully I’ll never find out & I hope no woman ever does.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that Py. I hate that you looked so forward to the date & he completely ruined it.”
“Was it even ruined if it was rotted from the start? Looking back now it was so foolish, falling into my idealistic ways thinking he was the perfect guy. I feel violated & I can only blame myself. I hate to say it but maybe he was right.”
“If he’s right then I’m the demon king.”
“I’m serious.”
“So am I. You’re not wrong for being idealistic or romantic. It’s not like you don’t have a good head on your shoulders. He tried to make it seem like you prance around like a child who has no idea what’s going on.
You manage to utilize your skills & sprinkle in your ideals into them. It’s why Impa & the town trusts your judgement. They know any choice you make is made with good heart, soul & intelligence. I have a home here because of you! So no he isn’t right at all, not about a damn thing.”
Tauro’s words are a relaxing dip into the hot springs of Death Mountain, his presence is a security no other can offer. He gets her, understanding her intentions fully.
“I still can’t believe what he said about you.”
“Eh, the typical hateful words of a pathetic man. I got the sense whenever he’d look at me, he made sure his disdain was known to me.”
Paya grabs Tauro’s hand.
“You should’ve said something Tauro. In no way is that acceptable, you’re one of us & he was out here pantomiming while degrading you. It’s shameful that we gave him a place here. He deserves to be fed to the wolves.”
Tauro smiles & squeezes her hand.
“Being honest I was just waiting to see if he would try & fight me. I kinda wanted to deck him in the face.”
Paya laughs.
“That would’ve been a lovely sight.”
They finish their meals & move to the couch in the living room. They speak about more light topics, anything that crosses their mind at the moment. Paya starts to realize feelings that she thought she’d feel for Kirin start to rise for Tauro.
It was never lost on her that Tauro is a handsome man, the first time they met she was nervous at his attire or lack thereof. But with the chaos of the Upheaval & him becoming her teacher she never had an opportunity to develop these feelings. They’re just friends but tonight Paya might want something more.
Paya looks into Tauro’s eyes past his thick bangs, a detail most don’t know about Tauro is his eyes don’t match. One eye blue & the other green.
“Thank you Tauro, after the disaster of tonight I really needed someplace to feel safe. Like I said earlier I felt so violated by him. I couldn’t go home & just sleep it off.”
The smile Tauro gives makes Paya melt, in her mind it’s certified that Tauro is meant for her.
“You don’t know how much of an honor it is to be that security for you Py. Just know I’ll do it a million more times if need be. I value your thoughts & I’ll listen to any word you’ll speak.”
Her heart is racing, the horizon of paradise is getting closer she can’t let it pass.
“You know Tauro, tonight I intended to meet with someone who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Someone who I’d want in my personal space, whose opinion I’d want to hear. Someone who’s worth my independence, my privacy, my most intimate thoughts.
Grandma Impa taught me many things & one of them was to be reliant on myself because all I have is myself. She taught me that needing someone & wanting someone are different things that motivate a relationship. That there’s a difference between truly connecting with someone & just having someone around to avoid being alone.
I’ve been without a relationship my whole life so far, I can be on my own but I realized that there is someone I want to be with. Someone who makes me feel safe to be myself, someone who gets me completely whose energy & soul match with mine & this already exists without the romance involved.
What I was looking for tonight has always been here Tauro, it’s been here for a while. You’re meant for me Tauro, I know you are. Every part of my soul screams for you & I think it always has. I just never truly listened until I experienced what I did tonight. That asshole claimed being with you is a violation of my body & if that’s the case I’ll violate myself until I’m buried in the ground.”
Paya doesn’t pause for one second, nothing has come more natural for her. She means every word & Tauro knows it. His face is red with mouth slightly open in disbelief.
“Paya…I’m at a loss for words…”
“Then maybe words are good enough.”
The timid nature of Paya has been long gone for years but tonight her boldness is one for the books. Maybe it’s because all she’s been through tonight, at this point she’s following her heart.
She grabs Tauro’s face pressing their lips together, the initial shock quickly fades as Tauro kisses back. They embrace tightly making sure nothing could end this. It lasts for a while before it breaks, maybe it’s to make up for lost time.
“Py, you don’t know how long I’ve been wanting that.”
“Sorry I’ve kept you waiting, I should’ve done this a long time ago.”
They laugh in their haze, all these latent feelings out in the air. It’s comfortable & nothing can stop this. In their embrace they rest their chins on each other’s shoulders.
“Stay with me tonight please Py.”
Tauro whispers.
“I wasn’t planning on leaving.”
She buries herself into the crook of his neck, another wave of boldness hits her.
“Take me Tauro, in your bed, take me. Everything you’ve done for me, for my home, for my people. You make me feel valued, make me want to be a better woman. For that I want to give you the most sacred thing I have, myself.”
Tauro’s heart is racing, he can’t believe this is happening. He never thought this was possible, Paya’s too good for him in his eyes but he trusts her word more than anything, maybe he is good enough.
“You are sacred, I want to be good enough for you but am I worthy of that Py?”
“As worthy as I am to you.”
They kiss again, this time it’s deeper, answering the new desire between them. He takes her into his bedroom.
“What about Dorian or Cado? Do they-.”
Paya rests a hand on Tauro’s cheek.
“They know I’m safe.”
Safe. That’s how she’s felt this whole time with Tauro & that’s how she feels when they make love. In the afterglow of their first time together they say.
“I love you.”
Safe is what Paya will feel for the decades to come, as long as Tauro is by her side she’ll never know its absence.
~
"You and me are the world" she says
"Nothing else is real
The two of us is all there is
The rest is just a dream"
And her heart may be broken a hundred times
But the hurt will never destroy her hope
The happy ever after girl
One day finds the perfect boy…