"Where are you going?" Father asks when I pass the living room on my way out. I stop in my tracks to look back at him. He is sitting on the sofa, reading a book.

"I am meeting a friend," I answer.

"At 7 PM on a Sunday?"

"Yes? There is no curfew, remember?" Don't ruin my mood now, I am on my way to meet Link and don't want anything or anyone to spoil that.

"Trust me, I remember," he sighs, implying that I remind him every time he asks me where I'm going. "I'm just asking because dinner is almost ready."

"I was going to eat out."

"But it's the last day of the week."

"So?"

"We agreed on dining together at least once a week. We haven't dined together this week, thus we are going to have dinner together tonight."

"But... my friend is waiting for me."

"Impa will understand, I'm sure."

"If it was Impa, I would have said Impa is waiting for me," I give him a hint.

"I see. You are meeting your male friend."

That is one way of putting it. "Yes."

"Unfortunately, we have a deal. He will have to wait."

"Are you serious?"

"We agreed on dining together once a week, remember?"

I squint my eyes at him. You dare use my own spells against me? "Trust me, I remember," I say through my teeth, clenching my jaw to hide my grin. His tone is soft, in no way polluted by power and hostility, and the way he cares more about our shared supper than the fact that I am meeting with a boy amuses me. "I will let my friend know that I will be late."

"Er, Zelda," he calls after me when I turn away from him to text Link. I look back at the sofa and wait for him to speak. He looks nervous, should I sit down? "Perhaps we should talk. About that... male friend." Yes, I should sit down.

"What is there to talk about?" I ask, taking a seat on the sofa opposite him.

"Is he... ahem... is he still... a friend?"

"I'm not sure I understand."

"You said you were going to initiate a romantic relationship with him in the near future. Has that been put into motion yet?"

An earthquake, a hurricane, tsunami–anything to interrupt this conversation. Please and thank you. "No. It hasn't."

I can see the relief wash over him. His whole body relaxes and I can even hear the sigh that falls from his lips. "So you haven't... er--" he clears his throat again, "I'm sorry, I'm not sure how to ask this..."

"Then don't," I say, tensing every muscle in my body. I know where he is going with this and I have little faith that a natural disaster will stop him in time.

"I think it's important we talk about these things."

"I disagree."

"Zelda, it is my duty as your father to ensure your safety."

"My safety?" I cringe.

"Have the two of you..." Please don't– "engaged in coitus?"

"Father!" I gasp and hide my glowing face behind my hands. Where is the maid when she is dearly needed? "With all due respect, this doesn't concern you."

"You are incorrect. As your father–"

"As my father, you should learn to respect my privacy," I squeak.

"I am trying, Zelda. But there are certain ways to prevent the many regrettable consequences of sexual intercourse and it is important for you to be aware of them."

"Please," I shake my head in my hands, "I'm kindly asking you to stop talking."

"Perhaps I am not fit to talk about this, I certainly won't force you to share any intimate information with me but I do bid you at least see a gynecologist."

"I... I haven't... I mean, I'm not..." He looks confused by my fractured sentences. "I'm a virgin," I say under my breath, hoping he didn't hear me.

"You are?" he asks uncomfortably.

I am going to throw up. This is by far the most embarrassing conversation I have ever had. I have never been good at talking about these things but to top it all it's Father I'm talking to. Of all people...

"Why does this surprise you? You are hurting my feelings," I admit.

"I'm–I'm sorry," he stammers. "I am not surprised."

"I can hear it in your voice."

"No, I'm sorry. I just haven't talked to you about this before so it's all uncharted territory. I am worried I will say the wrong thing."

"So just stop talking," I tell him once more.

"Are you still planning on being with that boy?"

"Yes." I finally look up from my hands. Never have I seen the color red more saturated. Father's face is burning up. Maybe I should just get it over with while we are at it and ask Father to invite Link for dinner. "I was actually wondering if he could come over for dinner next week."

"Well," Father says and pauses to take a moment to think about his wording. He can be an overthinker too, just like me. I can tell that he is calculating every possible answer. "Under one condition." I truly hate that word. "I want to be present."

"Of course," I say confused. "That's the whole point; you meeting him."

"Oh, really?"

"Technically you have already met him, but I want you to–"

"Wait, I have met him?" he interrupts me.

"Y-yes." Maybe I shouldn't have said that. "He is a student at HU."

"Oh no..."

"What?"

"Nothing." He is clearly struggling to remain calm.

"Isn't that a good thing? Hyrule is a great school."

"Of course it is. I didn't suggest otherwise, did I?"

"You said oh no."

"I'm sure he is... a decent man," he says unsure.

I appreciate his composure, but his prejudice still hurts. I just hope that Father will find Link to be a very agreeable man once they formally meet. Soft-spoken in the presence of new faces but kind-hearted through and through. Perhaps that is exactly the kind of man Father appreciates, knowing how he pulls a grimace every time he speaks to my more –outspoken– friends.

Wait, was his oh no directed at one of my friends? Which ones has he met? He has met Link on multiple occasions, Pik at the scholar's symposium, Revali in Lorule's parking lot. Should I tell him that it is neither Pik nor Revali? He might figure out that it's Link if I give him hints.

"I will be at a conference until Thursday, does Friday work for the two of you?"

"Friday's I usually have dinner with Impa."

"Saturday then?"

"That's inconvenient." Link is competing against Lorule on Sunday and if the dinner takes a turn for the worse, I don't want it to have a negative effect on his performance.

"Sunday?" Before I can answer, he declines his own proposal. "No, Sunday isn't going to work."

"Sunday doesn't work for me either."

"Then we will have to postpone it."

"No," I exclaim. "I don't want to postpone it." I want Father to meet Link before we tell the world about our secret, before we make it official, but I don't want to wait another two weeks to ask Link out.

"Friday should work. I will find another night to have dinner with Impa."

"Alright. I will let my secretary know right away. She will make sure that my schedule remains clear that evening," Father gives a cramped smile, clearly uncomfortable by the whole idea of meeting my soon-to-be-boyfriend.

I am already starting to regret this decision. Everyone will be uncomfortable; Father, Link, probably even the maid. My greatest worry, however, is not the silence or the shouting, but the simple fact that Father might not approve. Not that I need his approval, but it would be nice to see him supportive of our relationship. Especially since Link has become part of my family...

Unfortunately, odds are that Father will be prejudiced against Link. I already know that he has an issue with athletes and values communication and leadership skills, which, to be brutally honest, Link doesn't display. He has many good qualities that make him an excellent friend and teammate, but there is a reason why he isn't his team's captain.

Hopefully Father will see past that and notice how Link's other qualities, such as his dedication, loyalty, courage, patience, respect, discipline, integrity, and selfless commitment outweigh the lacking potential of a young politician.

Not many words are exchanged during dinner. Somehow I prefer this over his casual, jesting, personality. The silence is what I'm used to. Whenever he makes a joke, I just feel like he is up to something or like he is testing me. I wish I could turn those thoughts off and enjoy his new fatherly personality, but after all these years of dealing with a stoic father, that's just the way I feel when he is suddenly smiling and kidding around like a normal parent.

I wonder which personality he will display on Friday. Will he be the diplomatic, manipulative businessman, the cold, tactical president, or this–weird, inexperienced, caring parent? And which version of Link will be sitting at the other side of the table?

I'm out the front door the moment dinner is over. My phone buzzes on my way to Link's house but I don't check my notifications until I arrive at my destination. I open my messages on my way to the porch. It's from Pik... So much to not getting my mood spoiled.

*This is the last time I'll text you. I just feel like I owe you an explanation. Can you come over? I promise I just want to talk.*

I don't know what to reply... This is the fifth time he has texted me since we parted ways the day after Valentine's Day. I've had almost an entire week to come up with a reply, yet when I scroll up, his messages are the only ones in our chat.

*Can we talk?* Was his first message, sent Tuesday night, only a few hours after he told me that that Link and I will never work out.

*Meet me backstage at noon tomorrow* was his second message, sent on Thursday night.

*Are you even reading my message? At least tell me if you don't want to talk to me* sent Friday night.

*Are you up? Can we call?* and *Please* Sent on Saturday at 3 and 4 AM.

The door opens before I even ring the bell and Link greets me with a smile. "You're late."

"I'm sorry. Father insisted on having dinner with me."

"I'm just teasing you. Come in."

I step into the hallway, still staring at my phone. When Pik walked away from me last week, I was disappointed at first. Then I thought maybe space is what we need. Now I'm just indecisive. He appears to feel guilty and I want to give him a chance to explain himself, but on the other hand, I don't know how I would react if he tries to turn me against Link again. I don't want to be forced to turn him down and say mean things again.

"Kafei, Anju, and Teli are playing a board game and asked if we want to join them," Link's voice breaks through my thoughts.

"Sure," I say distracted.

"You okay?" He asks as we walk to the living room.

"Pik–" I begin but Kafei interrupts me in a cheerful chant, raising his beer.

"Zelda! How are you?"

"Hey Zelda!" Teli and Anju say at the same time.

"Hey guys. I'm good, how are you?" I'm always happy to see them.

"Couldn't be better. Less than 3 months left in the semester! Which means less than 3 months until I marry the love of my life," Kafei kisses Anju and takes a sip of his drink. "Join us for a game of Risk?"

I nod and take a seat on the carpet. Link sits down next to me and places his hand on my back before he whispers to me. "What about Pik?" he asks quietly.

"Who's Pik?" Kafei observes us with a smirk.

"A friend. I think..." I'm not sure what we are at the moment.

"Do tell," Kafei supports his chin with his hand and leans closer.

"You're worse than my gossiping girlfriends," Anju teases him.

"No clue what you're talking about," he says to her, then returns his eyes to me. "Spill the tea, sister."

"You do that, I'll go make some popcorn," Anju rolls her eyes in a laugh and gets up.

"Grab some nail polish and hair clips while you're at it, it's about to turn into a girl's night," Kafei jokes, pretending to throw his hair over his shoulder. "So, Princess, who's Pik?"

"The court poet," I jest. "He's a student at HU, artistically gifted and extremely committed to his passions. We've become good friends. Last week, he told me that he... He wanted to be more than friends. I told him that I'm not interested and that I am..." madly in love with the boy sitting next to me-- "That I am already seeing someone else," I say instead. "He was convinced that he would make a better partner. I tried to explain that I am content but he didn't believe me. Now he has been trying to talk to me but I haven't replied to any of his texts."

"Why not?" Kafei asks.

"I don't know what to say. I'm scared that he will say things he will regret."

"Do you still want to be friends with him?"

"I do, the problem is, he doesn't."

"Are you sure? Sounds like he's trying to make up."

"It's stressful. I just don't want to worry about that on top of everything else."

"What else are you worried about?" Kafei asks and even Link looks at me with a questioning look.

"The game on Sunday," I admit half the truth. I'm also getting more and more nervous about asking Link out. I have made it pretty obvious that I plan on being with him, yet he hasn't made any attempt at asking me to be his girlfriend. I doubt he ever would after I turned him down on Christmas. I can't blame him; he is only respecting my wish to give Mipha some time to heal.

"Ah come on, don't stress about the game. That W is ours," Teli laughs confidently.

"But," Kafei ponders, "does this mean after the game you'll talk to–what was his name?"

"Pik. And I don't know."

"You should," Link says to my surprise.

"Why? He insulted you," I mutter, getting annoyed at Pik again.

"Everyone in this house has insulted me at least once," he shrugs. "You included."

"That's true..." I was just like Pik last year. I judged Link by his public profile and thought I knew him when I was the most clueless. "Pik makes a pretty good friend when he isn't acting out of jealousy. He has given me good advice and showed me that he truly cares about me."

It would be a shame to lose this friendship over prejudice. After the game, when Father has met Link and the boars aren't an imminent threat anymore, I will talk to Pik about everything. But for now, I have other worries to be anxious about.

✤ ✤ ✤

I don't receive a single text from Pik and come Friday I start to get worried. Despite his sudden disappearance from my screen, I haven't stopped thinking about him. I haven't seen him on campus, mainly because I've made it my mission to avoid the arts building at all costs. I hope he won't hold it against me that I haven't replied to his texts. I would much rather talk to him in person after the baseball game.

I decide to head home after my last class instead of watching Link at practice. I need to prepare myself mentally for dinner. If Father behaved poorly tonight, this might be The Last Supper I will be having with him. Pik would have laughed at that joke.

When I get home, Father is nowhere to be found and my gut tells me this isn't a good sign. Maybe there will be no supper at all. Did he forget about our dinner? Is he going to stand us up? I call his cell, no answer. I call his office, nothing. Let's keep the anxiety at bay. He might be golfing. No, he doesn't golf on Friday afternoons. Maybe he is stuck in a meeting?

My phone rings and, convinced that it is Father, I answer without checking the name on the screen. "Hello?"

"Hey hey," it's Impa. "I had a feeling that you're freaking out by now so I'm calling to tell you to chill the fuck out."

"Father's not here yet. He's going to be late," I breathe hectically.

"I thought dinner wasn't till 7?"

"Yes."

"So? It's only 5 PM."

"But–"

"Link's probably not even there yet, right?" she cuts me off.

"Right..."

"So just relax."

"Okay..."

"Wanna go to the pier for a bit? I'll take your mind off of it."

"What? I don't have time. I need to shower and memorize thirty-five thousand reasons why Link is a great man."

"Cut it to ten reasons. Meet me in 30 minutes."

"I really don't have the time," I apologize. "We can go to the pier tomorrow."

"Fine," she groans. "Call me if dinner goes wrong."

"You can count on it."

Just as we hang up, the door opens and Father walks in. Still standing in the foyer, I grin at him, thankful to see him. He looks creeped out by my vast smile staring up at him.

"Hello, Zelda," he says hesitantly. "Were you waiting for me?"

"I just got home myself. I'm so happy to see you, I thought you weren't going to come."

"Why would I not come home? I live here after all."

"I meant... Because of... the dinner?" I say mousily.

"What dinner?"

"The-the dinner," I stutter and ball my fists. "Did you seriously forget?"

"I was joking," he says without the slightest sign of a smile.

"Joking?" I let out a puff that was supposed to come out as a laugh. Oh, the panic that joke gave me...

"I will refrain from doing that again," he says impassively.

"No, it's good, joking is good, but at least smile when you do it. Or imply that you are being sarcastic." Do I really have to teach him how to properly jest? I hope he doesn't try to joke tonight and accidentally insult Link. "But just to clarify, you didn't forget about our dinner, correct? You know who is coming."

"I don't know who is coming, but I assure you I did not forget, Zelda." He hands his coat to the maid and walks past me on his way to his study. I follow him, not sure what to say. "Why are you following me?" Why am I following him? "Dinner isn't for another two hours. May I get some work done without getting disturbed? I have to make a call and don't want to be interrupted."

"Y-yes. My apologies."

I use the time to get ready for dinner. After taking a shower, doing my hair and makeup, and sending Link a reminder to come to my house after practice, it's still not time for dinner. I use the remaining time to write my thoughts into my journal but that doesn't make me any less anxious.

So many things could go wrong. The smallest spark could cause a wildfire. I have to make sure the dinner goes as smoothly as possible. If we even get to the dinner part. What if Father takes one look at Link and decides that we can't be together? What if he gives me an ultimatum? Am I ready to choose Link over my own family?

*Don't come in sweatpants* I text Link. His practice should be over by now. It takes him a few minutes to respond but his text makes me smile.

*Coming in a suit. Also ordered a truck full of roses*

*I know you're joking but just for future reference, I don't like cut flowers.*

*They're for ur dad, and I'm dead serious. Dad serious if you will*

*Are you on your way yet?*

*Just about to leave* he replies. I'm so nervous.

*Did you shower?*

*I was hoping to do that at your place* he replies with a winking smiley.

*Don't make those jokes in front of my father.*

*I think he'd appreciate my humor*

*He would ship you back to Japan. In pieces.* I counter and type another message. *Are you nervous?*

*Should I be?*

*I don't know. You are about to have dinner with my father. After all the stories I have told you I am surprised you haven't run yet.*

*I think you're nervous enough for both of us.* Link sounds pretty calm. I'm glad at least one of us doesn't fear the outcome of tonight's dinner. *About to drive, see you soon.*

Ahh, I'm so nervous. I run downstairs to see if Father is done with work. The table is set but Father is still in his study. I bring my knuckles up to his door but don't knock. If I interrupt his work now, he might get upset and let it out on me or Link. I shouldn't disturb him. Not yet at least.

I wait in front of his door for the next thirty minutes until the doorbell rings. I practically sprint to the front door and arrive shortly before the maid. She looks concerned when I give her a wave with my hand, telling her to go back to the dining room. I want to be the one to greet Link.

I open the door as soon as the maid turns the other way. I don't know what I expected Link to be wearing, or what I expected his hair to look like, but I'm surprised to see that he looks like always. With the slight difference that he is wearing black jeans instead of sweatpants. Still, he is wearing a Hyrule hoodie and his hair looks the way it always does. I'm glad he decided to look casual. The familiarity makes me less anxious.

"Hey," I pant.

"Hi," he chuckles. "You look out of breath. Did you workout?"

"You could say that. I ran for the door."

"It's not a far run though."

"Are you ready to get grilled?" I change the topic.

"Are we talking about food or your dad asking me a bunch of questions?"

"The latter."

Father's footsteps approach and I freeze like the zookeeper in Jurassic Park. I wouldn't be surprised if Father asks Link to leave before he even enters the house. Link pulls his hands out of the pockets of his hoodie and aligns them with his sides to politely bow to Father when he arrives at the door.

I'm too scared to look at the tall man, so I can't see the look on his face, but his delayed reaction tells me just how surprised he is and his startled voice confirms it. "Link?" Father states the obvious. Of course he is startled, Link is probably not the type of guy Father pictured in his head. His hand seizes my shoulder, making me look up at him. "Link?" He asks me shocked and looks back at the poor boy. "You? You and my daughter?"

I can't read his expression. Is he angry? Is he excited? Is he having a stroke?

"Him?" he asks me again, his eyes wide and rigid. My money is on angry...

"Father," I try to calm him but he turns back at Link.

"This must be a prank. I told you to protect my daughter, not to--to seduce her! You swore to be her guard." Father points his finger at him, Link doesn't move. "You went behind my back! I--I am speechless. I can't believe you were already involved with my daughter when I entrusted her to you."

"Slow down," I step between the two. "Link and I weren't together back then."

"Don't lie to me, Zelda, not now! I saw the pictures of him on your phone back in August! I always knew something was going on but I decided to trust you."

"Impa sent those photos to me as a dumb joke. I didn't even really know Link back then."

"So you exploited our deal to get with my daughter?" Father barks at Link.

"Hey, stop accusing him!" I bark back. "You're judging him based on one scrap of a lexicon full of information. Just read the pages before you rate the book." Too many metaphors, I'm only confusing them both. "Link and I would have become friends even if you hadn't ordered him to stalk me, which, may I add, was inappropriate and utterly disgraceful, so don't point your finger at him."

I expected this to happen. Or something similar at least. I'm not panicked, I'm actually quite calm on the inside. Link hasn't said a single word and Father is already shouting at him. If we make it to dinner, it can only get better from there.

Instead of giving me a response, Father looks back at Link. "Father!" I force his eyes back to me. "Don't fall into old habits. Don't draw any conclusions yet, please."

He squints his eyes at Link and exhales a long breath. "Alright. I shall not be biased." He steps back. "Please... Come in." He turns around and walks ahead.

Link steps inside. His lips pressed into a soft line, he gives me an impressed look. I exhale. I have no problem putting Father in his place. If he says another word against Link, I will gladly recite my thirty-five thousand reasons why Link is great.

"This is going better than expected," I say with a hopeful grin.

"Maybe you should have invited Urbosa too. You know, as an eye witness," Link jokes in a whisper.

"And Daruk for backup," I add.

"And Impa."

"How would she be helping?"

"She wouldn't. But she'd enjoy the show."

"When you're right, you're right," I giggle.

We follow to the living room and sit next to each other, facing Father together. The maid brings out the food while Father's eyes are stuck on Link.

"I hope you eat duck," Father says through his teeth, struggling to keep himself composed.

Link nods and picks up his fork. "I've made honey roast duck a couple of times, it's a fun dish."

"You cook?" Father asks and Link nods.

"He's really good at it too," I say in admiration. "I even like his shrimp, which says a lot. I don't know how he does it, but his food never fails to amaze me."

I place the napkin on my lap. Link watches me out of the corner of his eye and follows my lead. It's amusing to see him imitating my table manners. I am used to him eating as if he hadn't eaten in a month, unbothered by who is watching.

"When we have guests for dinner, we usually sit down in the living room first to have a drink. But I understand you are underaged," Father says as the maid pours Link and me some water. Since when does age matter when it comes to the standard pre-dinner drink? I was offered champagne at the age of 9, and one of Father's business partners once tried to hand me a cigar when I was still a freshman in High School.

"Water is good," I speak for Link. "Before a game, he is always very fastidious when it comes to his diet."

"Ah, yes, a big game is coming up," Father notes. There are a couple of topics I would like to avoid tonight and the boars game is one of them.

"Lorule has a strong baseball team. Nevertheless, I believe with your level of skill, our team is even stronger. Frankly, it is quite remarkable what you have accomplished for your age. I remember reading your files two years ago when the school was choosing a scholarship recipient. We looked at hundreds of young, promising athletes. When I came across your file, I thought your resume was a sham."

Father praising Link isn't something I haven't seen before, but Father praising Link in front of Link is something I never thought I'd witness.

"Thanks," Link gives him a smile I know all too well. The I-don't-know-how-to-respond-to-this-kind-of-attention-but-I-know-you-mean-well-smile.

"Are you lefthanded?" Father looks at the Link is holding his fork, judgment clear in his eyes.

"I am," Link nods again. Poor thing doesn't know how to carry the conversation.

"What's fascinating is that he can play sports with both hands," I brag as if trying to sell Link.

"I can see that being an advantage. Perhaps a great contributor to your success."

I gently elbow Link when Father isn't looking and mouth to him that he is using the wrong fork. It takes him a second to understand what I'm trying to tell him but when he does, he quickly swaps the forks. I try not to laugh at Link's adorable expression.

"I don't think I recall your major," Father says to Link. My stomach twists; majors are also on my list of topics that should be avoided at all costs.

"Kinesiology," Link answers.

"Interesting. Are you planning on pursuing a doctorate?"

"Father, he is only a Sophomore," I cut in, knowing that a bachelor's degree is all Link is going for.

"So? Any person who attends college should know exactly where they are heading," he tells me, then turns back to Link. "What career have you chosen to pursue?"

"Um, I thought about becoming a trainer," Link answers unsure. "I haven't really decided yet."

"But you are in your second year of college. Where do you see yourself in three years?"

"Father, we invited Link for dinner, not for a job interview," I berate him.

"I am just having a simple conversation with our guest, I thought that's what you wanted," he argues.

"You are interrogating him. Stop it."

"I apologize," he says to both of us. "Hyrule University offers free career counseling, perhaps they can help you in making that decision."

"Thanks, I'll check it out," Link kindly replies.

Three seconds of silence fall over the dinner table. Four. Five. I have to say something. "The duck tastes delicious," I try to lighten the mood.

"I'm sure the cook will be pleased to hear that," Father nods.

Silence, again. This is going to be a long evening if I have to lead every conversation. At least he is putting effort into being polite. It's too bad that Link isn't the type of person who approaches others and Father is incapable of connecting with Link since they have nothing in common. Or do they?

Does Link play golf? Of course he does, he plays every sport that has ever existed. I wouldn't be surprised if he knew how to play pok-a-tok. But overall, Father isn't very fond of sports and I don't want to remind him that my future partner will be an athlete. Does Link care about politics? Does he know anything about international relations? Is he familiar with Leo Tolstoy, George Orwell, or any of the Brontë sisters?

"Tell me about yourself," Father utters the words that no one likes to hear.

"Um," Link's reaction is only natural. What answer is expected of us when asked this question? If we list our accomplishments we come across as boastful egocentrics, if we belittle ourselves we are considered insecure, and if we simply state the facts, such as our hometown or number of siblings or pets, we quickly lose the other's interest by either becoming boring or unrelatable.

"Link is a polyglot," I help him out.

"You are?" Father's interest sounds piqued. "What languages do you speak besides English?"

"Japanese and sign language. And some German I guess."

"You guess?"

"I've been to Europe so much for tournaments that I started to pick up some French and German. I'm probably not good enough to actually talk to anyone but I understand some of it. Zelda also tutored me a bit in German last semester. She's really good at it."

"At German or at tutoring?" Father asks, now looking at me.

"Both," Link answers sweetly.

Flustered, I repress a smile and inconspicuously place my hand on Link's leg. Subtly, he brings his hand under the table to place it on mine. I don't think he has ever complimented me in front of anyone else. It feels strange and I don't know how to react. Do I say thank you or do I deny it? I don't think I have to say anything. Holding his hand in secret is my way of showing him my appreciation.

Before Father notices that our hands are both under the table, we return to holding our silverware. I expected more silence and more shouting. Neither has fully happened yet. Father is doing a decent job at conversing, as is Link. I'm proud of them both. However, I don't think one dinner is enough for Father to get to know the Link I fell in love with. He is still very reserved and tense, which is understandable. As long as this dinner ends on a somewhat good note, we can invite Link more often and eventually they will be less tense around each other.

"So... if Zelda tutored you last semester, you two must have been involved for a few months now," Father tries his best not to sound annoyed. "Has she been living with you?"

"She..." Link glances at me. He doesn't know whether I want him to lie or not. Neither do I.

"It's alright," Father assures us. "I shouldn't have asked. I am just happy that she is back. Clearly, she must have felt comfortable wherever she stayed, considering she lived there for over three months."

"Link has... he has given me a sense of home," I admit. "He has been there for me when I didn't feel good and went out of his way to make me feel better. He has done a lot for me when I didn't really deserve it."

Father's eyes finally soften as he looks at Link. "You took care of her after all."

Link nods and turns his head to give me a sincere smile. "She took care of me too," he replies, not breaking eye contact with me. I would kiss him if Father wasn't sitting across from us.

"Perhaps I prematurely accused you of ill intentions. The way she looks at you... Let's just say I can tell she deeply cares for you."

"Thank you, Father," I blush. His words, even if they aren't an official apology, mean the world to me.

"So, Link, tell me," Father's tone has shifted completely. "Where are your parents? Do they live in California as well?" He doesn't sound intimidating anymore, he sounds genuinely interested.

"They're back in Japan," Link replies.

"You must miss them."

"Yeah, but I try to visit them at least once a year."

"Link also has a little sister who calls him every week to tell him how much she misses him," I chuckle.

"How old is she?" Father asks Link.

"She's 8."

"That is quite the age gap. Is she your only sibling?"

"Yes but she claims our dog counts as a sibling, so I guess I have a brother too," Link laughs lightly.

We are talking about siblings and pets. I can't believe it. Link just laughed and gave more information than he was asked for. Father is actually listening to Link and hasn't interrupted him since we sat down. Even though he isn't overflowing with joy or toasting our relationship, he doesn't look as vexed as he did when he saw Link at the door. I'm sure it will take time to get used to the idea of his daughter dating a celebrity, but I finally have faith that all of this, my relationship with Link as well as my relationship with Father, could actually work out.

Of course, dinner doesn't go without turbulences. Link accidentally knocks over his class and spills water over the table cloth, additionally the maid knocks over a candle when she tries to clean up the mess, burning a small hole in the cloth and nearly gets fired, no pun intended.

Father continues to unintentionally ask us trick questions every here and then but Link doesn't say or do anything that gives Father a reason to denigrate him. He is an admirable man, even Father can't deny that.

After dessert, Father and I walk Link to the door. The two men shake hands. Link thanks us for dinner and gives me a goodbye hug. At the same time as Link lets go of me, Cado arrives for his night shift. Link passes him on his way to his car.

"Hey Link," Cado nods at him. Link returns the gesture and gets into his car.

I smile nervously as Father shuts the door. "Why does the security guard know Link?" Father asks, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Link is pretty famous," I shrug and try not to laugh at the fact that Father and I both know exactly why the security guard knows Link. I am not trying to hide that Link has been here before and I'm glad Father doesn't ask any more questions. I think, deep down, he would be laughing too if he knew that Link and I once ordered pizza for Cado. He would never admit it, but I know he likes Link. He might not like the idea of his daughter dating, but other than that, he has absolutely no reason to disapprove of Link.

"You're grinning like a mad man," Father notes.

"Thank you for this. Thank you for giving this a chance."

"Mh. I must say, he is not... He is not like other athletes."

"Because he is more than just an athlete."

"I suppose he is."

"Is that all you have to say about him?"

"He seems nice. But..."

"But what?"

"It's nothing," Father start walking back to the living room.

"Say it," I follow him.

"I would rather not."

"Why?"

"I don't want to start an argument."

"We can talk about whatever is bothering you without getting into an argument."

Father stops and sighs. "His table manners..."

"That's it?" I laugh.

"You aren't mad?"

"I'm amused."

"Excuse me?" He furrows his brows.

"I'm sorry, it's just funny," my smile grows the more confused he looks. "For the past month, we have been walking on eggshells, which is futile considering that all the eggs broke a long time ago."

"I just want to avoid another dreadful argument."

"Me too, but the goal here is not to avoid arguments but to solve them. I don't want to question every word I say to you, and I'm sure you have been just as cautious around me. It's exhausting and frankly, it feels a bit..."

"Insincere..."

"Exactly. I would like to be able to be myself around you. I think you might like the real me if you get to know her a little. The same goes for Link."

"It's not the arguments I want to avoid, really. It's losing you again."

"Father... I need you to understand that I have no wish to leave you, none at all. Last year... Many things happened at once and it pushed me out the door. I broke under the pressure of being a perfect student, a perfect friend, and most of all, a perfect daughter. I needed your help."

"And I failed you..."

"You haven't failed me yet. We've made mistakes and we are trying to fix them. That is all I am asking. If we can just be honest with each other and genuinely listen to each other, we can become a functioning family again."

Father nods and brushes his hand over his beard. "I am not excited about you and Link."

"Okay," I say slowly, hoping that there is more to it.

"But..." there is a but! "I am indeed fond of him."

Father doesn't look me in the eye and can't see how vastly I'm smiling. I don't have anything to say in return. Sometimes words are overrated. I step closer and hug my father for the first time in years. Neither of us expected this and both seem equally startled, but after overcoming the brief moment of shock, Father puts his arms around me and accepts my hug.

----

(HAPPY NEW YEAR BESTIES!! I totally forgot to leave an author's note at the end of the last chapter because I didn't realize that it was going to be the last chapter of the year!! oH WeLL!

Just as the year ended, this book is only a few chapters away from the end! Ahhhhhh can you believe it?

2021 was a crazy year honestly. Back in February, I had a random idea for a short comic where Revali is standing outside a dorm room, luggage in hand, hyping himself up. He's like "I made it, I'm finally here. A new chapter of my life is starting, college is going to be great! Finally I don't have to see Link at school every day anymore. He's probably at some dumb community college. I will officially compete against him and destroy him!" Then Revali opens the door to his dorm room and Link's just chilling on one of the beds eating ramen. Revali realizes that Link is his new roommate and that they'll be on the same team and that college is going to be hell for him hahaha. I never got to draw that scene but in April, someone replied to one of my stories on Instagram and said I should write a fanfic. I basically just shrugged at myself and thought Why not. Didn't really have a plan for the plot back then and started writing the first chapter. I referenced the game and you guys liked it so I had this idea for the story... After that, I envisioned the whole plot and here we are 92 chapters later! It's crazy how one thing can lead to another.

I am soooo excited to see what this year holds for us! We are so close to 400K reads, I still can't wrap my head around that... 24K comments! AND I'VE READ LIKE ALL OF THEM!! Insane! I love it.

Looking back at these characters, each of them has grown so much. They've gone through hell, but at the end of the day, there is a lot to be grateful for. And the same goes for all of you. I bet 2021 wasn't easy for any of us but in the end, we all grew and smiled so much despite all the hardship! 2022 will probably test our strength once more, but we'll push through :)

Love you guys! Here's to 2022, may it make us cry, laugh, scream, and teach us how rare it is to be alive! We made it this far, let's keep going together! :D <3 <3 Xoxo Ace)