3rd Shard

[cantstopme]

Characters: WW Link, AU! Link, and OoT Zelda
Setting: The workshop and OoT Zelda's rooms
Format: I prefer action but whatever works for you guys!
Summary: WW Link apologizes for being a child of the corn
Warnings: cuteness and later ear piercing

[Outside of the workshop]

[Hello, big brother(??)!! Remember how you met your lil' bro? Peekin' in all cute like into the workshop - well, that's what he's doing now, arms wrapped around something. And when he notices you there, he's gonna run over with.... well, actually, not a smile at all. A very apologetic frown. But he's not gonna speak until he's got your attention.]

[Outside of Zelda's room.]

[Hey there, princess; hopefully you remember this little guy - it'd be hard not to, right? Well, he's currently sitting outside of your dorm's door, arms wrapped around something in his lap and.... soaking wet, for some reason or another. Sitting in a puddle, as if he'd swam not too long ago, and still coughing up a little bit of water. Remind him to never dive again.]

Comments

[ocariness]

[ Hello there, Hero of Winds. You've caught Link making some jewelry (mostly to cheer up their friends after this terrible series of incidents); namely, earrings and bracelets and whatnot.

Also, arrows, because well, those run out quickly. They turn, but do not stop their gentle work on the hoop of the earring, bending the metal. ]

... You can come in. I am not angry.

[cantstopme]

[He still gives them an apologetic frown, and shuffles over to them, stopping nearby because he feels he really shouldn't impose too much. Link scuffs a foot on the floor before moving closer and placing his gift on a surface nearby for them, and takes a step back.]

Um... I brought you something.

[ocariness]

[ ... Funny, because Link has been hoping that since that... incident, perhaps they could help bring the other's spirits up with some gifts of their own.

But whatever they're doing is put down momentarily. Ahh, the younger Link is afraid, is he? ]

... Did you?

[ Hmm. Now they're curious what it is. Despite the mess he got Zelda into, they're not angry at the younger Link. They figure this boy did not mean any harm, and neither did Samus.

... The earring is picked back up with a quiet sigh, and they begin going back to finishing it. Honestly, may as well get this over with. Link is bad with words, as much as they wish they weren't, so being direct is best.

Link wants the boy to explain his 'gift' first before they go looking, to be honest. There's a small head tilt. ]

I'd like you to know that I do not blame you, but I can scarcely speak to someone so far away, now, can I?

[ You may notice they've... got quite a set up themselves, here: all sorts of carvings and jewelry and things, laid out on the table. Earrings and necklaces and bracelets and rings and small animal carvings and, of course, belt buckles. ]

[cantstopme]

[He scuffs his foot on the ground again, before coming closer.]

... I feel like you should be mad.

But um... It's something really important to me. The thing I brought you.
I thought that since you're important to me too, I should give you something important to me as an apology for the stuff I caused.

... My sister gave me the idea, since she did that for me on my birthday.

[He scoots the gift closer to them now, looking up at them; he's surprised to be honest, considering the mess he'd caused for Zelda.]

[ocariness]

... I am not angry, though. I might be, if this had been your doing, but this is not the first time the people who took us have forced us to do things we usually would not.

Not all adults anger easily over senseless things.

[ Come here, silly boy. ... Oh, hey, the earring is done! That makes a nice pair. Link now has several pairs of them, in different colors: red, blue (just like theirs), green, orange, and purple.

Pleased with this work, the blue hoops are set aside, and Link turns to examine the other, young hero, and the 'gift' he brought. Now that they're getting a good look at it... Link is quiet.

Honestly? They've no idea what this is, ha... ha. ]

... What... is it, exactly?

[ Herp derp forest kid. ]

[cantstopme]

It's... it's my sail. From my boat.

I don't really need it here, since I won't be able to sail, but it's really important to me, since I used it in all of my travels, and it's the only thing I really have to remember the king by.

[He lifts it up and unfolds it to show the other; probably letting the smell of the sea off of it's surface thanks to the ocean spray it had been hit by all that time. It's a very nice smell to the boy, since it smells like home.]

I was going to use it as an extra blanket kind of, but... but I think you'd like it more.

[Even if... they can't really use it.]

Um... If you don't want it, that's okay; not a lot of people really need stuff like this, so...

[ocariness]

[ ... He's--giving something this important to them?

Really? They can't even comprehend this properly; it would be like if Link gave away the Kokiri Tunic. ]

I... I could not possibly take this from you, it means so much...

[ ;;; slkgjfkjhg why are you so precious oh my god what do they even... but... pausing. It's... an odd scent to this Link, being of the grassy plains and the forest. Zora's domain had lots of water, but all of it was fresh. ]

So this is what the sea smells like. I... I have never seen one. I would not know.

wow I feel like he just grab my keyboard and ran with it sorry

[cantstopme]

Mhm. I want you to keep it, since you're important to me too.

[His voice is a little wobbly, and it's kind of obvious that this is a very important thing to him, but he is determined, damn it.

He holds it out to them with a nod and shaky hands, and a very serious face.]

I learned from a very good friend that sometimes it's good to let go of things that you've held close for a long time. If you keep stuff that's this important for too long, it kind of becomes a security blanket and a thing to hide behind, but by keeping it, it's hard to be courageous and brave.

And my sister taught me that to show others that they're special and important, that sometimes you have to trust them with things you wouldn't normally trust others with, because it shows them that they're... well, they're special and trustworthy, and neat too.

So... So I'm going to give this to you, so I can be as courageous and brave as you are. And to show you that I'm sorry for making a mess of stuff and that you're really important to me...

... Um. Big brother.

[That's said with a little bow of his head, since he's still not used to calling someone else big brother.]

Links are keyboard stealers

[ocariness]

[ ......... Wow, what do you even say to that? ]

...

[ UGH WHY IS LINK SO BAD AT THIS... ]

Then... I'll just hold on to it for you. Until that time arrives.

[ ... T-this kid akjshf. Link has no idea how to even react... there's a long, silent moment while the hero thinks over what the boy has said, and finally comes to the conclusion that he's very much right, and perhaps it's only fair they exchange.

Thus... Link removes a necklace with a gold, odd feel to it from around their neck, and places it on the table, as well.

An intake of breath. This boy... is so brave. To say they were hoping to be 'brave' like them? Ludicrous. They... they were not worthy of that title, and yet this child believed in them so, so very much--Link was not sure how to feel. Worthy of his position, surely... more than them. ]

... I cannot accept taking something for nothing. Consider it an even trade; this is the scale of one of the Zora. I hope that, in time, you will find it useful. It should... allow you to dive and swim better. I'm not sure what you could find use for it in, either, but...

[ Hopefully...? He'll find it useful. Anyway, this done, Link just... walks over to the boy and ruffles his hair. ]

You are the future, Hero of Winds. I am just the past. ... However, if you truly believe that I'm worthy of that, then... it is fine, little brother. ... Be at ease.

[ ....... It felt so odd to say. They'd heard it from Darunia and Gorons so many times, but... still strange. There's a twinge of guilt when the other Link says "brother" (how long should they lie?), but it's kept silent. ]

[cantstopme]

[He puts the sail on the table, and looks at the scale for a moment or so. That's not right, is it? He's giving the other a gift, he doesn't need one in return... but they seem set on it, and it's very useful to him.

It makes him rethink his own gift for a bit, considering his has no use at all, but... but importance and thought are what matters, right?

After a moment, Link looks up at the other, and takes a quick step forward to wrap his little arms around what he could reach of the other -- most likely their legs, considering his height.]

I, um... thank you. A lot. It's really nice and I'll be able to use it a lot, I promise. I'm... I'm a really bad swimmer, even though I come from the sea... Grandma never could teach me how to swim, since she's so old, so I had to kind of teach myself. But I'm still bad at it.

[There's another pause, as he shifts a little bit, still not letting go of the other.]

You're a lot kinder and stronger and braver than you let yourself think... I think. You seem like it. And... and just 'cause you're "the past" doesn't mean you're not important. We wouldn't have the future if it wasn't for the past. Um...

I'm sorry, I'm not really good at talking, but... but it's true.
I really think you're worthy of everything you have - all the good stuff.

[And after a moment of that, he takes a step back and gives the other a little bow, before moving to take the scale and put it around his own neck; lifting it up a bit to look at. It's... really, really nice actually.]

[ocariness]

[ ahsldkajshg You are starting to break their heart, little hero. S-sob. Link messes with the earring on their left ear for a moment, quiet. There's a bit of a flush to the Hero of Time's cheeks; compliments are... not something they're used to.

They're used to be ridiculed and laughed at by people, disbelieved. This... boundless faith--it was so strange. ]

I--ah... t-thank you. I'm... not very good with words, myself... I usually just let Navi speak for me...

[ ... Yeah. Let them just take this sail and honestly hold it gingerly, like it is the most important thing they've ever received. ]

I'm... grateful. Truly. I... do not often get to give back what I am given, at least, not directly...

[ A-ahhh, so embarrassed. Still messing with the earring a little, but... f-ff. This kid... Link felt so bad lying to him, but honestly, they were--scared. What might he think of his 'hero' if they weren't... ]

i just. can't get link to use "cool", it's just not a link word.

[cantstopme]

[Link gently places the scale under his tunic, next to his heart, before looking up at the other with the biggest, warmest smile.]

I think you do. You give me a lot of courage, and I feel safe being around you. Plus you're really neat and I can tell that you're going to have a lot of stories to tell me.

[He blinks though, his attention grabbed a bit.]

Um... are those earrings?

[The little hero gets on his tiptoes a bit too look at the one the other is playing with, intrigued.]

... They look really nifty.

Linkisms: never using up to date words.

[ocariness]

[ Contemplating how to live down all these compliments--BUT WAIT HE MENTIONED SOMETHING ELSE. Time to latch on to this topic for dear life. ]

... Oh, yes, they are.

[ It was the manly thing to do, okay!!! Also it... helped solidify the differences between "that blonde girl with the long hair in green" and "The Hero of Time". ]

Do you think so? ... I did it back when I'd first started my journey. I can't imagine not wearing them now, it would feel... well, naked.

EFF THE POLICE let's just go with "generically injured" for now

[sageprincess]

[To say Zelda wishes she could sleep for a week is an understatement. It seems like the tower has started to settle down, and with it, so has the adrenaline that was keeping her going through this whole ordeal.

So it takes her a moment after hearing one of Link's coughing fits to realize someone is at her door, and then it takes her another to force herself out of bed (ow) and walk over to see who it is.

When she opens the door, well, she's a bit surprised, to be honest. Both by who it is and his soaking state.]

... Link?

SOUNDS GOOD TO ME also sorry notifs are wonky

[cantstopme]

... Mm.

[He gets up then, trying not to slip in the water that's gathered around him, and gives her a bow when he's standing and steady.]

I... came to say sorry, Princess Zelda. I-I was being really... weird, and I don't know why.
But I didn't like it - it was bad of me.

[He holds the bottle in his arms out to her, looking down at the floor with an apologetic frown. The water in the bottle sloshes a little, and a brightly colored little fish swims around the sides.]

... I brought you a present. It's an apology gift.

AWESOME and no worries, I'm probably heading to bed soon anyway sob

[sageprincess]

[... Oh, sweetheart. She looks at the fish, then to the boy, and then she's slowly bending as much as her body allows so she may gently cup his cheek in her hand.]

Do not blame yourself. It was all a trick of the tower; you cannot hardly be held responsible for things you did when you were not of your right mind.

[She tilts his head up so he may see her small, tired, but sincere smile.]

I am simply glad to know you are safe once more.

sobs and clings to 8(!!

[cantstopme]

[He blinks a little, making sure he doesn't let his eyes tear up, and holds the bottle out to her a little more.]

... I apologized to big brother already. ... Um. The other Link, I mean.
I was really rude to a lot of people... I don't like what this place does to people.

But, um... I'm glad you're okay too, princess.

[That's said as he returns her smile, though his still seemed a little melancholy. It's only because he's still upset with himself, however.]

... He gave me a scale so I could swim better. The other Link, I mean. Um...
I'm not really good at swimming without it, but I used it to catch you this. It's a really pretty fish; I thought you would like it because... you're really pretty too.

I-in a good way, I mean. Not like when I was being... weird.

[He scuffs his foot on the ground a bit, seemingly a little nervous.]

The tragedy of having a diurnal schedule ;~;

[sageprincess]

["Big brother"? A-aww.

She listens to his explanation, brows furrowing just a bit because it's obvious he's still nervous about speaking with her. Sigh. He honestly doesn't need to give her anything in apology, in her mind, but if it will make him feel better...

She gingerly takes the bottle after a moment, peering at the little fish inside.]

... It is quite beautiful. [Looking back to Link.] But you did not need to go through such trouble for my forgiveness. I understand you were just as much of a victim as I was during that ordeal. You need not apologize.

[cantstopme]

[But he feels like he should apologize. But if she says he doesn't, then he doesn't...

He pauses for a little bit, looking to the side, before taking a quick step forward to give her... a gentle hug actually, since she's probably in a lot of pain.
A gentle, sopping wet hug.]

... I'm still sorry. But if you say it's okay, then it's okay, I guess.
I don't think I'm gonna eat sweets in this place, anymore.

[sageprincess]

[Thankfully she hasn't been bothering with her nicer, more princessly dresses in recent days. The water won't do much damage. But all the same, returning the hug in full is out of the question, so she'll have to settle for patting the crown of his head and stroking the hair away from his face.]

Nor do I, to be quite honest. And I am certain we are not the only ones.

[cantstopme]

[Unfortunately for you, princess, he would have hugged you anyway - nice dress or not. When you come from the sea, all of your clothes have to be water proof.]

... Are you going to name the fish, princess?

[That's asked with a small smile of course, still gently hugging her as he looks up at her.]

[sageprincess]

[Gosh, sorry her country is landlocked, okay.

She blinks at his question, then brings the bottle back up to her eye level once more.]

I suppose I should, hm?

[Watching the little fish swim around for a moment, she thinks. The lady Ruto would not appreciate being associated with something to be kept as a pet, she believes, so that's out. Perhaps she just should go with the first name that comes to mind...]

... I think Daphnes is a suitable name. What do you think?

[cantstopme]

... ? You're going to name him after the king?

[He's on his tip toes now, trying to peer into the bottle as well, even though he's already seen the fish multiple times.]

Umm... I think he'd be okay with that. The fish kind of looks like a Daphnes, too.

[sageprincess]

King?

[Looking back down at Link now, head tilted. Boy, she's from a hundred years in the past, what king are you talking about.]

[cantstopme]

Well, um... the King of Red Lions. He was my boat, and the king of Hyrule.
Daphnes... something or other. I don't really remember his full name, it was long and hard to say.

[He's going to give her the same confused face - how do you know his name if you... don't know who he is?]

I've... got a figurine if you don't know who I'm talking about. Though I'm kind of sure you do... it'd be weird if you didn't, right?