(Fanart by @_crowling_ - I really need to learn Y'all's Wattpad @s I am so sorry)

*Rises from a pile of ashes* I HAVE RETURNED!!!!!

Ahem.

Hi. It's been awhile hasn't it?

Oh my gooood it feels so good to be writing again, you have no idea how much I've missed this! I really wanted to upload sooner, but I just felt like I wasn't in the right mind to write something I could be proud of.

But that has finally changed! I can do what I love again, with what is mostly a clear mindset.

Now then.

For those who have been concerned about my current living conditions, you don't have to be anymore. That guy I told you about has moved away from us, and he's not coming back unless we're ready to see him again. I should also mention that even though I made it seem like he's a bad person, he's not. He was just... not good for us, and he knew that. He was just in denial, and in a bad place mentally and was trying everything he could to keep us close to him. He was just using the wrong methods, and they did more harm than good. What he did was still wrong, but honestly the fact he apologised for it, and left us alone makes me believe he will come out of this a better person.

All of us are healing now. Slowly, but it's better than not healing at all.

Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement, and the love you shared. And if any of you are going through something similar, know you are not alone. Know that there is alway light at the end of the tunnel.

(Also the fact this happened just before lockdown is like we dodged a god damn bullet. That would've been so awkward!)

Now then, with all that out of the way. Enjoy this overdue, lengthy chapter because you all deserve it.

Also, uhhh I'm not supposed to do this, so shh,

But... spoiler alert...

Backstory

Okay goooooo!

"We are not using that."

"Yes we are."

"No, we're not. Didn't you hear that Goron?"

"He doesn't have to know!"

My eyebrows furrowed, and I pointed at the cannon Link was standing on "How in the name of the gods is he not going to notice that giant thing going boom?!"

"Uhhh..." he side glanced at the object "His back could be turned?"

"Link can you be serious?" I was beginning to grow impatient with the hero "How the hell can we even operate it?"

"Think about it! I'm strong enough to operate it, and... you're good with bombs!"

"Am I now...?"

"No idea, but I had to commend you on something."

My eyebrow twitched "How about this; I'm good at seeing that this is a really bad idea!"

This had been going on for a while now, and it was starting to get annoying. We were both on our last elixir, it was growing dark, and we were specifically told not to play with the cannons. And yet Link still insists on using one to blow up a Lizalfo camp. He's so freaking stubborn... so am I, but for the right reasons...

Most of the time. Anyway.

"For the last time, we aren't using the stupid cannon!"

"Yes we are!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

Link suddenly smirked, shrugging in what seemed like defeat "Alright, have it your way, we'll use the stupid cannon."

"Thank yo— wait a moment..." I paused, going over our argument in my head until it clicked. In frustration, I stomped over to punch him in the arm "You son of a donkey, you tricked me!"

Link snerked victoriously; he was soooo proud of himself as he leaned against the cannon, "Damn right I did! Shall we get started then?"

"Nope."

"What? Oh come on Y/N," he grabbed my shoulder as I attempted to walk away "Be a good sport."

I glared at him "The fact you unfairly outsmarted me makes absolutely no difference about— what are you doing?"

"Who me? Nothing." He replied, obviously not doing 'nothing'. In fact, he was doing something I never thought a hero would stoop to... he was giving me puppy dog eyes. Incredibly adorable puppy dog eyes, might I add, with quivering lips and everything. I growled and turned my head away.

"Oh come on, Link, act like an adult..."

Don't look at him...

Don't look at him.

Don't—

I looked at him.

You're so weak...

It took about five seconds of staring at his stupid face before I finally caved. I groaned loudly and swatted his hand off my shoulder "Fine! Give me the stupid slate."

"Yay!" He practically squealed, as if he was a kid and I had given him his favourite cake, and he slammed the slate into my hands before going over to the lever. Huffing, I selected the round bomb option and dropped one into my hand, later pushing it into the cannon and giving Link the OK. He grinned and began pushing against the lever (I know he whacks it with a weapon in game, hush), however it seemed to be more of a challenge than he thought, and soon enough he was putting his entire body into it. It was moving, but at an incredibly slow rate.

Slapping a hand over my face, I stomped over and ducked under his arm so I stood between the lever and his chest "Scoot over... we'll push on three."

He chuckled from behind me, which I felt on the back of my neck, before bracing himself "Alright, your call."

"Oh goodie... one..."

"Two..." Link added.

"Three."

The two of us pushed against the hot rusty metal, our heels dragging across the ground as we tried to outbuff this thing. Link's chest had pressed against my back, but I tried not to let it take over my thoughts. Besides, it was working, we were moving it forward. Until finally, the sweet, sweet metallic click was heard, and the cannon began to rotate. Though sweaty and out of breath, the two of us cheered and high fived over our little achievement.

"Okay, Y/N," Link stepped back "Let 'er rip!"

"Gladly." I pressed 'detonate' on the slate, and instantly a flaming blast shot out the cannon and towards the monster camp. Instantly each Lizalfo flew into the air with the explosion, and disappeared into purple mist as soon as their bodies hit the floor. I was smiling, but when I saw Link's smug expression, I lost it instantly.

"You secretly enjoyed that." he teased. I scoffed and pushed the Sheikah slate into his chest as I walked past.

"I didn't. That was so lame."

"You're a liar."

"Can't hear you! Your lameness is messing with my ears!"

"...Real mature, Y/N..."

The path onward was steep and fiery, but it seemed the monsters were all further down where we had already been. Link jumped across a stream of lava and turned to hold and hand out to me, which I took without looking at him and allowed him to pull me over. I pulled away quicker than a calm person would, but quickly excused the action by saying I was worried too much contact would prevent his burns from healing properly. Luckily he bought it, and we continued as normal. Until something caught our eye that is. A small hut of some sorts, with a large boulder blocking the way, and—

"Help meee!!!"

Yeah. I'm willing to bet money that this is the vault.

Link was first to approach, a hand cupped over his mouth as he tried to call out to this trapped person "Hello? Can you hear me in there?"

Apparently he could, as a whiny voice replied "H-Help! I can't get out!!"

"Hey, it's gonna be alright!" It was clear Link was trying to sound as soothing as possible, despite having to yell "We're here to help, just stay right where you are for now!"

"I-I don't think I have a choice, but o-okay!"

Link turned to me, who was trying very hard not to smile in amusement at the stranger's panic. He frowned and flicked my forehead as he walked by "Don't be mean."

I rubbed my temple with a pout "I'm sorry, but a panicked pubescent voice is hard not to chuckle at!"

"Well I'm sure you didn't sound all that flattering during puberty either."

"You're right, I didn't, that's what I'm saying!"

His eyes widened "Um... I didn't expect you to... Gah, whatever, let's just focus on getting that guy out. Any ideas?"

I shrugged and looked around the area, my hands on my hips as I tried to find a solution to getting rid of this boulder "I mean, the only things I can see that can help are those cannons... but—,"

"But nothing, there's our solution." Link began strutting off towards the nearest cannon, leaving me interrupted with my mouth hung open.

"What? But we're— we're not supposed to— it was a one time—," I groaned as he jumped over the gap between the rocks, clearly not listening, and followed after him "Ughhhhhh, Link!"

By the time I had caught up to him, he had already loaded the cannon and was waiting by the lever. Great, we had to push it again... Link saw my immediate expression drop, and his smirk only widened as he beckoned me over with a curling finger. I scoffed, "Seriously, you're enjoying exploding things waaaay too much."

"Why do you think the bomb rune is my favourite," he questioned mischievously as he positioned himself to push the lever "Anyway this is for a valid reason, we gotta be heroes Y/N!"

Oh my God he's such a moron...

"Fiiiiiiine, whatever." I grumbled childishly, and grabbed them lever to push it, mumbling to myself "Stupid eruptions... making me bust my back like this..."

"Hang in there grandma, you can survive one more push." Link teases from behind me, only to cough when my elbow shot out into his gut.

"Shut up, whippersnapper!"

He laughed, but it was slightly pained.

The lever was just as difficult to push as the last. Even with our heat protection, I could feel sweat rolling off my forehead and off my chin, and my limbs we're starting to shake from the force.

Click.

"Oh thank f*ck..." I breathed as we stepped back, watching as the machine turned and repositioned itself. I turned to Link "Go on then, do the thing."

"Alright." He nodded, pressing detonate, and the two of us watched the blast travel through the air and...

Completely miss the target.

"...What..." I growled slightly, the bubbling lava only adding to the the bite in my voice "The f*ck just happened?"

Link, unfazed by my glare walked over to the cannon and inspected it, looking up at the closed off vault a few times while doing so before groaning.

"The cannon doesn't line up with the vault..." he climbed down "We'll have to time it when it lines up while we're turning..."

"Which means... we need to push the lever again..."

"Yeah, 'fraid so..."

"Ugh!!" I stormed up to the machinery, and began to repeatedly kick the lever "F*cking move, stupid rusty sh*t!!"

"Woah woah woah!" Link rushed over and hooked his arms around my shoulders, attempting to hold me back as my legs still kicked around "They'll definitely know we touched the cannons if you dent them, Y/N! Besides, there's no way that'll actually—,"

Click.

Link shut up instantly as the cannon once again turned, just after I had dealt one last harsh kick to it. I was just as surprised as him, now simply hanging in his restraining hold. Slowly I craned my neck to look up at him, and he looked back down at me; we didn't know whether to be relieved to have found an alternative, or annoyed that all the pushing we did was unnecessary...

"That's all it took...?"

"Well..." Link cleared his throat, slowly setting me down "Gorons are known for their brute force... maybe simply pushing the lever wasn't enough for them."

"Mayhaps..." I sighed out, after taking a moment to calm down fully "I mean, this is perfect for you, isn't it? Brute force is your specialty."

"Yeah, I guess that's true." He raised an eyebrow "What will you do?"

I shrugged "I'm good with bombs."

He chuckled slightly at me referencing his previous 'compliment' and once again tossed me his Sheikah technology, before looking over at a nearby rock, where a sledgehammer sat. He smirked and lifted it up, only to wince when his fingers wrapped around the handle. I bit my lip in concern. We forgot about his injuries.

"Actually are you going to be okay doing this?" I asked him, and he nodded with as much confidence as he could show.

"I should be okay for a few swings, just as long as you time it right. You got that?"

I nodded "I'm pretty good at doing that."

"Well," Link smirked at me, "I have the right person for this job then. I'm counting on you, okay?"

Oh dear god, stop that...

I mentally shook my head and pushed a bomb into the cannon, while Link readied himself with his hammer. I gave him the all good, and with a mighty swing he slammed the tool into the lever. The cannon began to turn, and I watched the muzzle of it like a hawk until it lined up with the vault.

Now!

I pressed the button, and the bomb went flying until it collided right into the boulder. Parts of it went flying in all directions, but the majority of it was destroyed by the blast. I let go of the breath I didn't know I was holding and turned to Link, who was already smiling at me.

"What?" I asked.

"That took more strength than I thought."

"And? You still managed."

"Yeah but you managed it with a kick."

"...And that means?"

"It means you're getting stronger, Y/N. Sure, you were rage driven, but I'm taking it as a win." Gently placing the sledgehammer against the rock where he found it, he came over only to lightly ruffle my hair after seeing my slightly surprised expression "Cmon Y/N, take a compliment once in a while. This is good, it means you'll be calamity ready in no time!"

I felt my cheeks redden, and not only because I was being praised by Link... compliments really weren't something I could take easily. I turned away, clearing my throat to rid of any voice cracks that might have been rising up.

"T-Thanks, Limp noodle..." I straightened "Well anyway, if you have time to butter me up, then we definitely have time to check on the person we saved! He hasn't come out of hiding yet."

"Huh? Oh," he looked over at the vault, only to see what looked like a Goron cowering in fear at the very back of it, "Yeah we probably should check on him... hope he's okay."

"Mhmm."

Making our way back to the vault was a lot simpler than the first time, and before we knew it we were standing before a cowering Goron all curled up and shaking. Huh. And here I thought Gorons were fearless.

"Oh man... oh man oh man oh man..." the boy kept muttering to himself, still unaware of our presence "What am I gonna do? The monsters could be waiting out there..."

Ha. Wimp...

Link and I glanced at each other, eyebrows raised, but then I approached the Goron and lightly tapped him.

"H-Huh?" He lowered his hands from his head and slowly turned around, caution apparent. I smirked when his slightly teary eyes met mine.

"Boo."

"AH! MONSTERS!" Before I could even blink, the Goron had scrambled away from me, and now had his back pressed against the wall, his face once again hidden in his large hands.

I couldn't help the amused chuckle that left my lips "Well, I suppose that shows he isn't injured, not seriously anyway."

"Y/N."

Oh boy, here we go.

"What did I say about being mean?" Link scolded as he walked by me, only to stand in front of the Goron boy again. I rolled my eyes.

"Come on, it wasn't that bad."

"The poor guy's shaking like a leaf."

"I'll shake you like a leaf..."

Link rolled his eyes at me, before looking down at the cowering Goron. Expression softening, he tried to calm him down "Hey, it's ok. We aren't monsters, we won't hurt you."

The boy peeped through his fingers, still trembling with fear "Y-You aren't? C-c-come to think of it, you two d-don't look like any m-monsters I've seen..."

I leaned against the doorway "I don't know whether to be amused or offended that you thought we were."

"Y/N," Link shushed me, "Ignore her, she's been too close to the lava."

I grumbled "You haven't been close enough to the lava..."

"Heard that."

"Shut up."

"W-Wait, you two..." The Goron sat up more, now getting a clearer look at us "A-Aren't you Hylians??"

"We are," Link replied, tone softened when speaking to the timid male.

"S-So, does that mean you broke through that crag to rescue me?"

"Right again!"

I rolled my eyes in exasperation. Link was treating this Goron like a child, when clearly he was at least in his early to mid teens... what made it worse was that the guy was actually growing more comfortable because of it. First impressions are key, and I already don't like this Goron because of his. He didn't even try to get out of his mess himself.

"Well thanks, brothers!" the Goron slowly glanced over at me, who quickly turned away with a scoff "U-Um, yeah... You two did me a solid..."

My companion smiled up at him "Not a problem, we're always happy to help. Now, uhhh... can we ask you a question?"

"Oh, s-sure?"

"We're looking for a guy called Yunobo. You know him? Cuz his boss is getting kinda concerned, and sent us to find him."

I rolled my eyes. I was pretty sure he knew the answer to his question already, but I humoured him by not saying anything. Yunobo however seemed rather intrigued.

"S-So that's it, huh?" His lips curled upwards into a shy, yet relieved smile "Well I'm really glad you guys came when you did, a-and that you even thought to look for me in the first place... I-In any case, the name's Yunobo! Though everyone just calls me... uh, Yunobo."

I glanced over at the Goron with a weird look. Yeah no sh*t. Yunobo gulped under my gaze and scratched the back of his neck.

"S-Suppose that would make sense, huh?"

Link remained friendly and nodded in understanding, his hands resting on his hips as he talked to Yunobo. I basically tuned them out; I wasn't really part of the conversation anyway. I didn't even know why I was acting the way I was, but it definitely wasn't the lava. There was just something about Yunobo that just instantly put me in a bad mood.

But as I was slowly tuning back into my surroundings, I noticed a couple of tools against the wall. Mining tools to be exact...

"I don't even know how it happened... I just came here to get some painkillers for the boss, b-but then a magma bomb caused this large rockslide, and that sealed the entrance! I had no way of getting out!"

My eyebrow twitched. Like hell he didn't.

"Why didn't you try using those?" I spoke up to get both boys' attention, gesturing to the mining tools "They look like a way out to me."

Yunobo looked over at them, an awkward grimace on his face "I've... never really been good with mining... I'm not the strongest Goron in Eldin."

I rolled my eyes again . The wimpy act did not look good on someone as big as him. In fact, the wimpy act didn't look good on anyone, in my opinion. He was literally inviting people to walk all over him. I hated people who didn't even try to help themselves. In my irritation, I began to snap at him a bit.

"So what, were you just gonna sit here and wait? Hoping some prince would take a stroll around here and hear your distress? How long do you think you would've stayed in here if we hadn't come along? What if we decided not to help you?" Yunobo was growing more tense the more I spoke, which to me meant he was taking in every word, so I continued "Instead of acting like a f*cking good for nothing, why not be of use to yourself? Because if not, why even come to dangerous places like this if you're just going to end up a pathetic m—,"

"Y/N!!"

The sudden yell from the previously silent blonde made me lose my current train of thought. I had completely forgotten he was there, but he saw everything. And when I looked at him, I could see the disapproval in his glare. It took a lot just to not back off right there... Link took a few steps forward and seized my arm, beginning to lead me outside.

"If you're gonna be a brat, do it out here," he spoke behind clenched teeth, his anger and disappointment apparent "Yunobo doesn't need this right now, and neither do I."

I had to admit, my stomach did churn at that, and my heart did have one of those painful twangs you get when someone you admire or care about is disappointed in one of your actions. I was hurt, to put it simply. Link yelling hurt me. But why? He was right, I shouldn't have acted like that... So why did I?

"U-Um..."

I glanced over my shoulder, where Yunobo was still cowering. He stared at me, somewhat looking guilty.

"Sorry..." he whispered "I-I didn't mean to make you angry..."

I gasped.

All of a sudden Yunobo wasn't Yunobo anymore, but instead a teenage girl kneeling on the floor with her head down. All of a sudden I wasn't being dragged out of the vault, in fact I didn't feel Link's presence at all anymore. All of a sudden the scenery around me had changed, into a long hallway with grey lockers at the sides. All of a sudden...

I was in my old high school...

I frowned in confusion. Why was I here?

As I wondered, more people started to appear around the lone girl, forming a crowd. In front of the girl stood two smirking students, one taking the time to crack his knuckles while the other pointed a manicured finger at her supposed victim. Wait a minute... I knew those two! My eyes widened further, becoming almost owlish. That meant...

The kneeling girl suddenly looked up at the two standing over her, revealing a red slap mark over her tearstained cheek. I began to feel my knees shake.

You... no... why? I thought I forgot about you.

I knew this place. I knew those people. I knew exactly what was happening.

Only this time, I was only a face in the crowd, doing nothing but watching as that helpless girl opened her quivering mouth to utter out weak words.

"I... I didn't mean to make you angry..."

My jaw locked in place, my wide eyes watching as the boy staring down at that quivering excuse of a student raised his foot.

"You are so god damn pathetic."

He made his move to kick her, but I couldn't take it anymore.

"NO!!!"

I screamed out, my hands flying up to clutch my head as I stood hunched over, as if to shield myself. What was that? What the f*ck was that? Why did I think up something so horrible? And why... Why did Yunobo make me think about her?

"Y-Y/N, what's wrong?!" A voice I learned to become familiar with over the recent months suddenly called out to me, and I felt hands place themselves on my arms to try and pull me up to look at the person they belonged to. But I was frozen. I was trying so hard to forget everything I had tossed aside once again, but it was all rushing back to me.

I hated it.

I hated feeling this way.

I hated how that word kept repeating in my mind.

Pathetic... Pathetic...

Just.... STOP!

It did stop. And soon enough, my mind was dead silent. I took the opportunity to slowly lower my hands and raise my head. I met wide, concerned blue eyes that had been furious only moments ago. God, I must look really pitiful for him to change like that. But what happened? Did I just black out? Why was I asking so many silent questions?

I slowly looked back, where Yunobo sat staring at us worriedly. He was still worried... he apologised to me even after I said all those things...

That girl's face flashed through my mind again, and I whimpered before turning away to stare at the sword pattern on Link's tunic.

Just Stop...

"Y/N?" Link called to me again, one hand moving from my arm to move some hair from my face. I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Leave me alone for a bit, Link..."

He was taken aback "B-But—,"

"You should stay with Yunobo until he's ready to head back..." I hated how my voice trembled as I talked to him "You were just about to kick me out anyway, right? You're still mad, aren't you?"

"Well, yeah, but—,"

"But nothing," with that I pushed off him, sighing as I walked past him so I was facing away from both him and Yunobo "I don't want you to see me like this, anyway..."

Link was silent for a bit. From the shuffling I heard, I knew he was resisting the urge to approach me... after a while he sighed, and I heard him re-enter the vault. I made my way to the edge of the rocky path and stared down at the lava, expression blank. Yet so many questions plagued my mind.

Why did we have to meet someone that reminds me so much of a time I want to forget?

Do I still have so little control of my actions?

But... I changed...

Didn't I?

—-

It wasn't long before Link came out with Yunobo. They were chatting and overall being friendly with each other, as if what happened before... didn't happen. I watched blankly as Yunobo turned to Link and bid him farewell, and the Hylian did the same. He then turned to me with his beady eyes, but I looked away before he could even wave. I could sense his disappointment, but he didn't try to fish for something hopeless. Finally, from the corner of my eye I saw him curl into a ball and roll away.

Good riddance...

Before I could react, Link's eyes were on me. He was frowning, but he didn't seem overly angry or upset. He just silently made his way over to me with an unmoving gaze. I knew exactly what was going through his mind.

"I won't say what happened."

"Why not?"

His response was immediate, as if he was expecting me to shoot him down. Well, I suppose with me it wouldn't be completely unexpected, but...

I turned to face him, arms crossed "I have no reason to."

"Snapping at a complete stranger without explanation seems like a pretty good reason to." Again, without missing a beat. Had he been going over this conversation in his head? I took a breath through my nose.

"Look, I have my reasons - private reasons."

"And I respect that, but I can't just say your behaviour was okay. I mean, the moment you saw Yunobo you..."

My eyebrows furrowed "I what, Link?"

He let out a frustrated breath, as if he couldn't quite find the words "It's like you... everything about you just... switched. You became a different person entirely, even your presence changed. And when you screamed out of nowhere, and you were, well you again. It's like you're battling something in your mind, or something like that."

You have no idea...

"Is it Kory again?" He grew concerned again.

"No... not this time." I muttered. It was quite the opposite actually. I wasn't having these thoughts because of Kory, but rather Kory had been a puppet for these thoughts... he made me hear them, without making me let them out...

But now they're out.

"Y/N," Link's hand rested on my shoulder "Talk to me."

But... they'll scare you away.

"I can't..." I whispered.

I sound so weak now...

Link let out a huff, and his hand dropped from my shoulder "If you don't want to tell me, then at least have the common sense to apologise to Yunobo when you next see him. You really upset him."

I scoffed "What's he gonna do, swing a hammer at me? Oh wait, he can't."

Stop it Y/N...

Link's eyes flashed with anger, and once again took a step forward. We were nose to nose now, and my breath caught in my throat; was he always this intimidating?

"Be careful, Y/N." He hissed, voice low "Because right now I'm recognising the part of you I thought you left on Shatterback Peak."

My eyes widened. Why would he...

Link backed off when he realised I wasn't going to give him a response, but his glare was still just as harsh.

"Whatever you're pulling, it's gotta stop... Stop pretending to be the bad guy, Y/N."

At that, I physically stepped back. Eyes wide in slight horror. At that moment, he sounded like...

"When will you stop playing the bad guy?!"

I placed a hand over my forehead. What the f*ck is wrong with me?

"Whatever..." I muttered, not sure what else to say.

There wasn't anything to say.

Link sighed. He ran a hand down his face and turned away from me "We're heading back to Goron city. We'll buy some armour and then talk to Bludo about the Divine beast, because I believe he's our best shot at getting to Rudania. And then, we're finding Yunobo, and you will apologise to him, understand?"

Though feeling small under his demands, I still scoffed as I followed a few steps behind him. "Fine."

Link glanced back, "Fine."

The way back to Goron City was silent, and the tension was thick. I remained behind Link throughout the journey, my feet dragging behind me and my eyes glued to the floor. All I could think about was the memory I had recalled, and how I acted beforehand. Link was right, I had switched into a completely different person, like someone had pulled a lever to change my entire personality.

I upset Link, too...

I glanced up at the boy in front, biting my lip guiltily. He shouldn't have seen me like that... I shouldn't have allowed him to see me like that.

He probably hates you now. He has the right to.

I mentally scoffed at myself. I wouldn't believe that until I hear it from him.

Link suddenly turned his head to glance at me over his shoulder, and I flinched under his cerulean gaze.

But... What if he does?

The blonde suddenly sighed loudly after what seemed like an eternity, only to stop in his tracks and turn to me. I stopped a couple feet away from him, but he beckoned me to come closer as he took our final two elixirs from his pouch, handing me one when I shyly shuffled closer.

"We're close to our limit," he spoke, his expression unreadable "Drink up."

"O-Okay." oh great I stuttered...

I had grown accustomed to the taste of a fireproof elixir, but that didn't make it taste any better. I held my nose as I drank it, as I heard it took some taste away, and swallowed as quickly as possible so I didn't have that sludge in my mouth any longer. I let out a breath as soon as I swallowed, and wiped my mouth before looking over at Link. He had already finished his... beverage, and seemed to shift his eyes away as soon as my own met them.

Was... he staring again?

Cue awkward silence! Neither of us knew what to say, or if it would be appropriate to begin a conversation. I really didn't like when we were like this, because I had no way to distract myself from my embarrassment - though to be honest what was worse was that Link and I had a conflict going on...

I should really apologise, I acted completely out of line. But... I didn't even know I was doing it. If I do apologise, will he ask why I did it in the first place? I suppose that wouldn't be unreasonable... but I don't want him to judge me. Link wouldn't judge me, would he?

I glanced over at Link, who was twiddling his thumbs nervously.

Well, I'll still apologise. If he asks, I can just... uh, well... I dunno what I should do...

"U-Um..." I muttered, clearing my throat after as if to gain his attention, even though I already had it. Link grimaced slightly and reached up to rub the back of his neck.

"Y-Yeah... uh..."

I slowly glanced over at one another, looked away quickly... and took a deep breath.

Here it goes.

"I'm sor—"

"I'm really so—"

Did he just...

"Were you about to apologise to me?!" I asked in bewilderment "Why??"

Link began to stutter, making weird hand gestures as he did so "W-Well, I yelled at you!"

I frowned. "It was deserved."

"I know, but—," he let out a sigh to give himself time to calm his flustered self "There had to have been a calmer way to defuse the situation."

"Maybe there was, but your way definitely worked! The fact you even felt like you had to apologise makes me feel worse about the situation, oh my gosh..." I had my head in my hands now, frustrated with myself all over again "Man, I really messed up..."

"I mean, true..."

"I acted like such an asshole..."

"You kinda did."

"And—,"

"Okay, yes, you screwed up. You said some mean words, you acted kinda bratty, and you freaked out. All in front of a complete stranger."

"Thank you for summing that up, Link..." I deadpanned, "So, um... are you mad?"

The blonde sighed "I was mad, and I still know you were in the wrong... but now I'm just more confused about it all." He took a step forward, eyes not leaving mine. I gulped, but I didn't move back "I know you said you didn't want to tell me what happened, but can you at least give me a small idea? The last time you acted like this, it was because you were scared... so can you blame me for being concerned?"

My eyes widened. I had been concerning him a lot as of late... had my behaviour really been that bad? If that was the case, it would be kinda indecent to not give him some sort of explanation.

I opened my mouth to speak, but hesitated. Link wouldn't judge me, would he?

He might...

I mentally shook my head. That voice of doubt was another thing I had locked away... I had not missed it at all, because there was no way for me to ignore it.

And it was so easy to believe it...

It was a struggle to begin talking. I had restarted my sentence quite a few times, unhappy with what I was going to say. But eventually, I managed something that didn't sound like an excuse for my actions. So, with a tight, rigid frame, I told him what I could without lying. He didn't deserve to be lied to.

"Yunobo... reminds me of someone I used to know, who caused a lot of trouble for me during my mid teenage years. I know, that isn't a good reason, because he's not them, and I shouldn't be mad at him for deeds he didn't partake in... but," I hugged my arms "I looked at him, and I saw them, and it made me angry. And since then, I just can't stop thinking about them, and things that happened, and— Ugh! What I'm saying is, I shouldn't have said what I did, and I should have apologised straight away. But... ya know, pride 'n sh*t."

Link had been listening without trying to interrupt up to this point, letting me speak freely until I felt ready to stop, and then asking questions to anything he didn't quite understand. When I did finish, he crossed his arms and hummed, eyes focused on the path as a single finger drummed against his upper arm. He seemed to be taking in everything I had said, and I just had to let him do that. However, he did eventually speak.

"What were they like?"

I frowned "Uh, sorry?"

"Like, I dunno," he made some gestures with his hands, not sure how to explain it "When you say this person caused you trouble, I picture someone who is - I wouldn't really say bad, but... actually yeah, bad. But then I think of Yunobo, and that's not him at all..."

"Oh," I grimaced "Well... they weren't bad, not to start off with. They were more shy, and quiet, the type of person to stay out of crowds. The 'stay at the back of the room where no one notices you' type, really. But ya know, things happen, and people change. And this person did change, but not in a good way."

"In what way, then?"

"The way that gives people the 'bad guy' label..." I muttered "They caused trouble for everyone, including themselves... and they hurt a lot of people along the way too..."

Link frowned and took a step forward "Including you?"

Without looking at him, I nodded "In a way..."

"Is that why you were so affected when I said you were acting like the bad guy?"

My form tightened, which gave him his answer. From the corner of my eye, I saw him reach for me, but hesitate mid way.

"I'm sorry—,"

"Please stop apologising," I cut him off quickly "this isn't your fault - none of this is your fault! I just have a lot of emotional sh*t, and sometimes I don't know how to deal with it! I'm the one that should be saying sorry, not you!"

"But I probably brought back bad memories, so I have some part to play in this," Link's hand continued after being held in midair, now coming to gently rest on my arm - a much different feeling from when he grabbed to escort me away from Yunobo "I know it probably feels like I'm trying to shoulder the blame, but the truth is there are other, better ways I could've handled that."

I said nothing, my head dropping so I stared at the partly metal path beneath us. Though, I did see Link's chest rise as he took a breath.

"I really don't like it when we fight, Y/N... I know it's only natural, but still... I often feel like I said things that genuinely hurt you, and I did this time. Even if you say you deserved it, I still regret it, like a lot. And the fact you're going through all this right now... it sucks that I don't know how to help you with it."

"You can't help me with the past, Link..."

"Yeah I know... but maybe if I woke up a few years earlier and found a way to make it to your world..."

I managed a small smile, but it was half hearted "You wouldn't last an hour in my world. Trust me."

"I'm the hero of legend, I can handle any—,"

I looked up at him, and over exaggerated my sad expression just a little, but enough for him to stop in his tracks.

"...Oh come on, that's cheating."

Still making the face, I shrugged "You did that not so subtle puppy eye trick. It's my turn."

Link averted his gaze to the side "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You ain't slick, Link..."

"Well, darn..." he pouted playfully, momentarily glancing in my direction to see if my mood had improved in any way. I did chuckle, but it was only a little bit before my face dropped again. I couldn't help it, I still felt like a complete asshole.

"Hey," I glanced up when Link called to me softly "The important thing is that you've acknowledged what you said."

"Yeah I know, and it still upsets me."

"I can understand that, but I don't want that, sooo..." His mischievous expression confused me, but not for long as soon he had my face between his hands, and was squishing my cheeks so it looked like I was smiling "Cmon, life's no fun without sassy Y/N. Where'd she go?"

My eyebrow twitched "She probably got tired of your childish bullsh*t..."

"You don't mean that."

"Oh don't I—?!" I couldn't finish my sentence, since the boy squished my face so tightly my lips puckered. My rage filled eyes looked like they amused him, since he began to chuckle to himself.

"This is a good look for you."

I growled. I was going to kill him.

"You can't stay pouty forever~" he sang out, a large, exaggerated smile stretched across his face "See this? Do this."

"Link..."

"Ah! I don't wanna hear another word until you're happy again."

Oh my word, this guy...

I resisted, but with how he was acting it was impossible to give in. Soon enough I was laughing softly and prying his hands off "Okay, okay you dork. I'm happy, so get off."

"As you wish!" He grinned as he backed off, but soon his features melted into a calmer, more content smile "How are you now?"

"I... feel better." I was genuinely surprised. Since when was it that easy to bring me out of one of my ruts. I averted my gaze, kinda bashful as I rubbed the back of my head "I'll feel a lot better when I apologise to Yunobo, because not gonna lie I feel kinda nervous about that... but it's a start."

He nodded sincerely "I'm glad..."

"Though I still really haven't apologised to you yet."

"And I haven't really apologised to you."

"I already told you, you don't have to—"

"I'm doing it anyway." His lips quirked upward slightly "And you can't stop me." P

I huffed, but not in annoyance "Really?"

"Really." He nodded.

"Okay fine..." I gave in with an eye roll "Shall we do what we originally tried then?"

"Saying it at the same time?"

"You know it."

"Hmm," he thought about it for like, two seconds before nodding - enthusiastically might I add, "Alright let's do it! Countdown?"

"Ye. Three."

"Two."

"One!"

"I'm sorry!"

The two of us let out a large sigh, and Link smiled at me as if he had been relieved of a huge weight. As for me, though I felt better after apologising to Link, I still had this huge cloud of unease floating above my head. However, I didn't give it much thought and smiled back at the boy. Shortly after, we agreed it was time to make our way back to town for real. I did continue to walk behind Link, but that was less to do with the tension between us, nor the fact that I wanted to stare for a bit without getting noticed...

...Okay maybe it had something to do with that? But can you blame me? He managed to get something out of me that I had kept unsaid for the longest time; most people wouldn't even hear a word about it... and, even though it wasn't the entire truth yet...

I feel like, maybe someday, I will be able to trust him with all of it. And maybe that someday... isn't all that far away.

Remember what happened the last time you trusted someone this much?

I covered my mouth before I could let out a gasp, which would likely alert Link. It was true that I hadn't trusted someone as much as I trusted Link for the longest time, but...

...No, that was different. Link is different from... him. He has to be.

My eyes travelled back to the boy, who was still silently walking in front of me with his gaze turned slightly upwards.

I know he is....

I gave myself a moment to take a calming breath.

"Link."

Link perked up at the sound of my call, and turned around almost instantly to reply "Yes—?"

I had approached as soon as he halted, placing my hand on his shoulder to push myself up slightly, so I could gently press my lips to his cheek. I instantly felt him freeze up due to the sudden act, and therefore pulled away without giving him a glance.

"Thank you," I murmured shyly, my face hidden behind my hair "For being someone I can rely on."

He was silent for maybe five seconds, but after that he coughed and managed to get out a stammered "N-n-no p-problem". I must have really surprised him.

What I had done began to really sink in, and soon enough my face was hotter than the fire nation. Thank god my face was still hidden, otherwise I would have looked even more ridiculous as I sped away towards Goron City.

"Whoo, you feel that? I think my elixir's wearing off! Best we head on back!"

Link was quick to join me, speed walking just behind thankfully "Y-Yeah, of course!"

Was what I did crazy? Definitely.

Did I feel stupid doing it?

I reached up to lightly touch my lips.

....Definitely not.

And though I didn't know at the time, the hero less than five feet away from me was smiling from ear to ear.