Chapter Text
The blonde hero, clothed in green, walked through the grassy fields of Hyrule. He held the reins of his horse, keeping his dear steed, Epona, close to him as he traveled. Epona trotted beside her master, content as he petted her neck.
“We’re almost there, girl. Then you can rest.” He assured her in a gentle tone. His tone was always steady and calm. Even when he was a child. Don’t be mistaken, though. Me may have been a quiet kid, but he was quiet and mischievous. He always got into all sorts of trouble.
The young man smiled as relief washed over him. Lon Lon Ranch had finally come into view. He was hungry, tired, and desperately missing a certain redhead. He picked up his pace ever so slightly as he grew more anxious.
He entered through the main gate and walked in as if he owned the place. He wasn’t disrespectful in any way! He had just been here so many times that this place almost DID feel like home.
He led Epona into the stable and unpacked all of the supplies he had her carry. He removed her saddle and began brushing her out. His pointed ears twitched as he heard the door quietly slide open. He didn’t turn however, knowing exactly who it was.
The redheaded girl, however, didn’t recognize her good friend due to the cloak he wore. She held her pitchfork like a weapon and stood tall. She tried to look intimidating as she said, “We don’t take kindly to strangers, mister! What do you think you're doing in here?”
Link held up his hands as he turned. He pulled off his cloak as he grinned at her, “Fiery as ever, I see. That’s good!”
She gasped and dropped her makeshift weapon. She ran to him as she cried, “Link!”
He caught her in a tight hug, stroking her hair, “Sorry about startling you. I was worried you’d run me through with that pitchfork.”
He teased her as he poked her cheek. She lightly swatted his hand away. She hid her face against his chest in a poor attempt to hide her tears. Link could easily tell she was crying, but he pretended not to notice.
“Dummy.” She said through her sniffles. She smacked his chest lightly, “Stupid, stupid fairy boy! Leavin’ me like that! How cruel of you!”
Link’s smile turned sad and he wrapped his arms around her securely, “I’m sorry… I’m really sorry…”
She placed her hands on his chest, pushing back enough to look up at him. She had no more tears, but her nose and cheeks were a little red and her eyes were puffy, too.
“You surely ought to be! Now, hurry up and come inside. Are you hungry? I’m making stew.” She rambled. It would take more to fully gain her forgiveness and smooth everything out, but she still wanted to take care of him first and make sure everything was alright.
Link wasn’t one to complain, and he’d definitely never dream of arguing with someone like Malon. Therefore, he gladly let her lead him inside to eat. He was starving, anyway.
Malon poked his head, “Now! Don’t you ever leave without telling me again! What adventure did you even go on this time?!”
She was huffy as she had Link sit at the table. He chuckled lightly, “I’ll tell you all about it. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t think it would take me so long.”
He tried to avoid the simple answer to her question on where he had been. To be honest, he was on a quest to get something just for her. And it had to be perfect! The perfect ring fit for the future wife of the Hero of Time.
Malon kept prying with question after question as she served him some food to eat. Link was pretty good at telling her basically everything except the ring part. He usually wasn’t so talkative, but he felt comfortable around Malon and easily slipped into storytelling mode. He told her all about the dungeons he tabled in and the monsters he slayed. He loved how Malon would listen in honest interest, unlike her father who just liked to humor him.
Malon sat with him as he began to eat, “Do you plan on going back out on more adventures soon?”
She asked because he was known to have an itch for adventure. He was constantly coming and going, and she didn't really mind. She always said men who sat around doing nothing were boring! Besides, she always loved hearing about his adventures. He had become much more open about them over time (though she suspected he left out a few details that he knew would only worry her). She liked a man who couldn't sit still, but her heart still ached whenever he took off again.
He would go off to risk his life for whatever reason, and she would be left behind to hold down the fort. She was left here to wait for his return. Actually, now that she thought about it... she hated it every time he left. She felt selfish wanting him to stay. She always said she likes a busy man, but couldn't he be busy here? Busy with her?
At the very least, she was glad he always returned to her.
Link hummed softly as he ate, pulling the redhead out of her thoughts and back into the conversation. She watched him as he sat his spoon down, “Actually, I was thinking of staying for a while. If that’s alright with you, of course.”
Her breath caught in her throat and her face completely lit up, “Of course that’s ok! I’ll get the extra room ready for you!”
The extra room she mentioned was actually the storage room where they kept a lot of their food storage. Whenever Link came over, she unrolled a bed mat for him. It may not have been the most luxurious accommodations, but Link didn’t mind.
Malon moved to get up, but Link gently grasped her arm before she could make it far, “Wait- uh…”
She looked at him, tilting her head a little to the side as she waited for him to finish what he began to say. Link couldn’t help admiring her big, deep blue eyes with long lashes. He easily found himself lost in those eyes and Malon blushed lightly from his gaze. She turned away awkwardly, playing with the ends of her hair.
“Erm… Link?” She said shyly. He only hummed in response and her gaze cast down to his hand, which still held her arm, “I should go get your room ready, so…”
His eyes widened and he quickly let go, “R-right, sorry.”
He quickly got flustered, not unlike a small child. Malon watched him as he fumbled over his apology. He then stood to clear the table and help her out. She, in turn, couldn’t help but smile warmly. He hadn’t changed at all.
After they cleaned up and set up the guest room, Link turned to his farm girl, “Where is your dad, by the way?”
Malon gave him a light chuckle, “Delivering milk. Knowing him, I expect him home sometime between tomorrow and 4 days.”
The hero frowned just the tiniest bit when she said that. He didn’t ever tell Malon this, but he wasn’t the hugest fan of her dad. Not like it was any of HIS business, but Link just didn’t like lazy people. Especially if said lazy person doesn’t ever take proper care of their daughter.
Even though Link had never voiced his feelings about her father, Talon, Malon knew exactly how he felt. She was good at reading the stoic hero, and she could read him as easily as a children’s book. She placed her hands on her hips, “Oh, stop frowning, mister!”
Link gave her a little huff as he crossed his arms and turned away, “I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t have to!” She exclaimed as she smacked him lightly, “What’s wrong?”
He grumbled and begrudgingly began to explain his feelings. He was trying to be more open with Malon since their last serious talk about being honest and truthful.
“What if I was an intruder in the barn like you originally thought? It just bothers me that you’re always here by yourself. You do almost all the work while I’m gone, and you have to defend yourself in emergencies as well?” Link waved his hands in exasperation as he went on. He was practically ranting at this point, which was a strange sight for Malon since Link was often so quiet by nature, “9 out of 10 times I return, you’re here alone! It’s so ridiculous! You shouldn’t have to fend for yourself like that!”
Malon hummed and nodded along as she listened, “So, it bothers you that I’m a young woman living practically alone?”
He nodded firmly as he continued, “You have no proper protection here! If word got out that a pretty young lady lived out here in the middle of nowhere alone, who knows what creeps will come around!”
The red head smiled and couldn’t help a chuckle, “And not to mention that I have to work all alone, too. This ranch is hard for a young woman to keep up on alone.”
“Exactly!” He exclaimed, glad she could see his point of view. “You need-”
Before he could finish, Malon moved closer to him. She stood on her tippy toes and clasped her hands behind her back as she stared at him. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, “You mean I need a man? Like someone to defend and protect me? And someone strong who can help me around the farm? Maybeee… Someone like you?”
Link froze and took a step back. He was suddenly feeling MUCH less talkative now, “O-oh! Me?”
She laughed, “Oh, I’m just teasing you!” She grabbed his face, squishing his cheeks is a way she knew only annoyed him, “And stop ranting about me father when you’re not much better, Mr. Hero!”
“What’s that supposed to mean?!” He asked defensively as he pulled away from her grasp.
She pouted, “What do YOU mean? You always stay a few days before running off on another adventure! I feel like I’ve always been really patient and understanding, Link. But a girl gets tired of waitin’, ya know?”
She then went quiet, waiting for Link to argue or at least say something. But he only looked at her and she could practically see his wheels tuning. She huffed softly and crossed her arms. She didn’t know what would irk her more: if he chose to argue, or if he continued to stay silent! Malon couldn’t stand silence, so probably that.
The hero went silent as he gazed down at the short, fiery girl. Guilt knotted in his stomach and he couldn’t stop himself from reaching up and gently grabbing a lock of her hair. He twisted it between his fingers, feeling the soft texture and letting the gesture calm him a bit. It seemed to calm Malon, too, as she unfolded her arms and let them hang by her sides.
They were both quiet for a moment. Of course, Malon was the first to lose her patience. She broke the silence first and spoke softly, “Just… tell me what you want.”
Link released her hair and his hand moved down to grab her hand. His thumb brushed over her knuckles, “I… want to stay.”