log 🌻 in the absence of sunshine

[multidisciplinary]

Who: Zelda and Darin
Status: Closed
Where: Zelda's apartment on Eltrut
What: (Backdated to August 15) The aftermath of their fight with Ganondorf the previous night.
Warnings: Major injury, probably some PTSD, and other such warnings that come with hurt/comfort threads (edit: now with themes of self sacrifice, self loathing, and some surprise UST 🌶️)



[ These past twenty-four hours have been the longest, slowest hours Zelda has had to wait through in a very long time. After her century sealing Calamity Ganon, the princess has developed patience in spades-- in stark contrast to how she was before the Calamity. But now, that patience seems to have evaporated and she feels just like that girl she once was, standing impatiently for hours in the Goddess's springs straining to hear Her voice. Time passes with agonizing slowness, and each hour that Darin does not wake feels somehow slower than the last.

Zelda has seen firsthand how quickly his injuries heal, no matter how severe. When she rescued him from the ocean after his fight with Garuda, it took less than an hour for his broken bones to heal. So although the severity of the injuries he sustained from their fight with Ganondorf were deeply upsetting to Zelda, she expected him to heal through the worst of them before the following dawn.

But that wasn't the case. When dawn came, not only did his injuries barely look any better, but he hadn't hadn't regained consciousness. Dawn turned to day to afternoon to dusk and to night again and still Darin did not wake.

Throughout those long, long hours, there was nothing Zelda could do but wait. Wait and try to treat his wounds as she would anyone else's. She cleaned and bandaged his injuries as best she could, and at least that helped set her mind slightly at ease. She didn't know why this was taking so long, but she could care for him through that time. Goddess knows she had done so for Link countless times in the past.

But first aid only went as far as normal wounds. It was all but useless for treating Gloom burns. Usually, the cure for Gloom sickness was sunlight; Gloom faded away in the light and a person's vitality returned over time. Zelda had never seen Gloom burns before she and Link found the corpse of the Demon King below Hyrule Castle. She had an idea how to treat them-- a poultice made of sundelions might work like a concentrated salve of sunlight. But there are no sundelions in this world and the process for trying to fish for them through the rift was tricky and time consuming. And even if it wasn't, Zelda couldn't risk leaving Darin alone. If something happened... If she wasn't here...

These are the thoughts that have gone round and round in her mind all day, interspersed among memories of that fight with Ganondorf. Everything he said. Everything he did. How even the combined efforts of Darin, Ranma, and Zelda were barely enough to injure him at all. She couldn't get these thoughts out of her head.

Now it's nighttime again. Zelda has barely eaten and she has staunchly avoided sleep-- not just because Darin is on her bed, but because if something were to happen and she was not here beside him.... Well, she wasn't willing to risk that. But after twenty four sleepless hours, even anxiety isn't strong enough to keep her awake. The princess finally nods off sometime in the middle of the night, sitting in her chair at the bedside and leaning against the edge of the bed, her head against his shoulder so that, if he shifts, the movement will wake her. ]

Comments

[multidisciplinary]

[ Zelda gasps as Darin suddenly jerks her away from him, holding her at arm's length like she burns. (Which, in a way, she does. They both do.) Her face is downright scarlet, all the way to the tips of her long ears, and she feels strangely out of breath.

Abruptly separated from his warmth, her senses come rushing back to her all at once. Her eyes dart to Darin's, where she finds the same flushed and guilty look as her own, and then promptly dart away. Goddess above, what was that? All she meant to do was tease him a little bit, because his reactions are so cute, and then before she knew it, she was hot like she was last night and leaning in to kiss him.

It's only by some divine miracle that Zelda's legs actually support her when Darin sets her down, because they feel like they're made of jelly.

She listens to him, but she can't bring herself to look at him. She's absolutely appalled at herself. It's one thing that this happened last night-- it had been at least thirty-six hours since Zelda last slept and emotions had been running high all that time. But now that she has eaten and rested, this shouldn't be happening. She usually has much better control over her body's physical urges! This is the second time in two days that she's let herself get all worked up by a friend. ]

Y-Yes, I need to... [ stand in the frigid waters of the Spring of Wisdom for the next six hours and pray until her fervid mind calms down ] ...to wash.

If- If it's not too much trouble to feed Pumpkin, there is shredded chicken in the icebox for him. His bowls are... [ She gestures vaguely at the kitchen cabinets.

Zelda hesitates for a moment, fidgeting her hands in front of her, both reluctant and in a hurry to leave. Oh Goddess, should she say something about what just happened? Apologize? Or should she just say nothing and pretend she wasn't just about to kiss him (and maybe more)?

One more guilty glance up at him... and then hastily averted. ] I- I- I will go, then. Th-thank you for cleaning up.

[ And with that, Zelda turns and forces herself to walk like normal back to her bedroom, where the washroom is connected. Thank Hylia the water is always cold-- she's never needed it more than right now. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Y...Y-Yeah. Yeah o-of course have....have fun. Washing. [What???] Yourself. [WHAT?!?!???!?]

[Darin stares like a complete fool as Zelda scurries away, with her face burning like a crimson beacon. What was that?! What just happened?! Did he just—]

[Was he about to—]

[Darin about faces and marches to the sink where he cranks the cold water to maximum and literally sticks his head under the faucet.]

[Did he almost just kiss Zelda?! Did she try and kiss him?! What the hell was the matter with him?! Yes, he admires her! He admires her more than anything! But all of that because he told he was going to start training? That he wanted to better himself?? To be a better man for...?]

[The cold water practically hisses as his face goes aflame again. Gods, just what did he think he was saying to her?! Of course Zelda would get swept up in that emotional momentum, she's Zelda! But she's also a Princess! A Princess of a kingdom that he has no chance of ever seeing let alone being a part of! He's just a stupid smith! If they had done anything she would have regretted it forever! She was probably just being receptive to his words! Emotions are high! He's practically taking advantage of her vulnerable state! Ugh, he hates himself!]

[He turns the water off and slumps to the ground in front of the sink, his cerulean blue hair matted over his face.]

[But he can't shake the feeling of how nice it would be to be that close to her. To have a shot at being with someone like Zelda. But...she has a knight.]

['His home became our home.']

[He can't be her home but...he can at least make her stay here happy. He just has to remember that no matter what...getting close to him will only break her heart.]

[And he promised to mend it.]

[Darin heaves a sigh now that his hormones have started to settle. He's sopping wet but...at least he's not thinking about Zelda pressed against his body (for now.). Pumpkinpatch pads over and sits in front of Darin expectantly and Darin reaches over to pet him.]

...Thanks, lil' buddy. You protected her from making the biggest mistake she could ever make. I think that's worth a little extra chicken...

[He smiles and hops to his feet, dutifully serving Pumpkinpatch a little extra helping of chicken.]

[When Zelda returns from her shower, she'll find Darin squatting near Pumpkin and making sure he eats. The kitchen is clean, the dishes washed, and he's...well, he's got a towel slung around his bare shoulders. Nothing to worry about.]

[multidisciplinary]

[ If she was confident that she could stay silent, Zelda would just take care of this need on her own and be done with it. But the possibility of Darin overhearing her, even with the sound of the shower to mask her voice, is so mortifying that she doesn't dare take the risk.

Zelda spends the first half of her shower simply standing in the freezing water. She really almost kissed him right then and there in her living room. Why did she do that? A minute before, he was telling her how she had inspired him to improve himself. He called her his hero.

And what does Zelda do? Throws herself into his arms, teases him, flusters him, and nearly kisses him. Yes, at first it was because she was just so happy and so flattered that she couldn't even think of how to say so-- it was just easier to hug him and let her actions speak for her. That should've been the end of it. This was about him, how proud she was to hear he had found that faith, that purpose, she had been trying to give him all this time. Zelda? Her wants? They could take a backseat for a moment.

But no, apparently they couldn't. Once she was in his arms, she got distracted by his closeness. Her thoughts turned selfish. She felt herself getting hot in his arms and instead of exerting a modicum of self control, she pursued it. She took advantage of the emotional moment and tried to kiss him. It doesn't matter that it was an accident, that she wasn't even thinking about what she was doing. He confided something special to her and all she could think about was his body.

She did this last night too. Instead of focusing on him and his injuries, she let herself get all worked up when he suggested they sleep together. He just meant to share the bed so they would both get a proper night's sleep! But what does Zelda do? She completely misinterprets his words. And worse than that, she was ready to go along with it! If he had actually wanted to make love, she would have agreed. And not only last night! Just now! In her living room! She wanted to kiss him! If things had gone further, she probably would've invited him back to her bedroom!

This is not the first time Zelda has wanted to kiss someone. In fact, that thought has been flitting in and out of her mind for years now. There have been more than a few times where she's considered asking Link to kiss her. And why not? Link is very attractive. She loves him deeply. It would probably feel nice.

But the thought of kissing Link never filled her belly with this unbearable fire like the thought of kissing Darin does. She's never looked at Link and been overwhelmed by the irrational desire to go to bed with him. She's never lost control of herself with Link.

Goddess, this needs to stop. She's been allowing herself to get far too comfortable with Darin. With the idea of allowing herself to want things. Wanting things is fine and all, but there has to be a line. She can't just allow herself to indulge in her every want. She can't want him like this. She can't give herself to him. Her body should be for her future consort and no one else.

And on top of all that, he is her friend. She respects him, cherishes him. She should not be objectifying him for her own pleasure. He deserves so much better from her.

After ages in the freezing water, Zelda finally feels both clean and under control again. She dresses fresh clothes, a pair of pants and a light summery blouse, and returns to the living room. Her hair is still damp from being towel dried, so she hasn't styled her usual crown of braids yet.

The kitchen, the living room, everything is all cleaned up and Zelda spots Darin crouched near Pumpkinpatch while the cat eats. Zelda knows Pumpkin to be very territorial and have something of an attitude, but he seems to be unbothered by Darin's presence. That's good, at least.

As Zelda approaches, she catches sight of the towel around Darin's shoulders, which leads her eye upward to his ... damp hair? Did he try to wash up in the kitchen sink? ]

I apologize for taking so long. If you would like to wash properly, you are more than welcome to use my washroom.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin jolts a bit and glances back at Zelda then, just as quickly averts his eyes. Gods why was he getting so self-conscious around her now? He'd made up his mind. No matter what he feels, he has to keep that distance. There's gotta be boundaries! Darin's perfectly happy with them just being exceptionally close friends!]

[Darin claps his hands onto his cheeks, shocking the color from them and snapping his mindset back to the present. Whatever just happened? Forget it. Move on!]

[He hops to his feet and turns to her more fully.]

...Actually, yeah. I'm sure laying next to me when I was all gross and sweaty last night was terrible. A good wash would really help...

[A thought occurs.]

...Could you...actually do me a favor? My apartment isn't far. Could you head over and grab me a change of clothes...? No sense showering and then getting back into these things...I'd like to go out and replace your bed today.

Pretty sure walking around like this won't be doing me any favors...

[multidisciplinary]

[ "I'm sure laying next to me last night was terrible."

Incredibly... and for none of the reasons that Darin thinks.

Reasons that Zelda is not going to think about either, because she really needs to move past this and stop letting it take over her thoughts. She caught that awkward way Darin looked away from her a moment ago. That means he must have noticed what was happening, how worked up she was getting... a realization that makes her wince inwardly. After everything they've been through together, she really doesn't want to make him uncomfortable around her.

His request to go to his apartment and collect a change of clothes is met with a nod of agreement. She was thinking the same thing, that she doesn't have anything here for him to change into after bathing.

Plus, Zelda would really like to get out of her apartment for a bit. Being outside will surely help her clear her head more. ]

Of course, I don't mind. [ She offers her usual kind smile. ] And please, use whatever you need in my washroom. I apologize if there isn't any warm water. That is a regular problem here.

[ Enjoy smelling like a flower when you're done. All of Zelda's soaps are lightly floral scented.

The trip to Darin's apartment is a short one, but Zelda takes her time walking. Despite the late summer heat, she's glad to be outside, feeling the sun on her skin and breathing in the scent of the sea. The last two days have been so stressful and emotional that having an unhurried moment alone helps Zelda center herself.

Darin's home is just as much of a whirlwind of papers as the last time she saw it, although there are plenty of new designs and notes strewn about that catch her attention. Zelda looks them over, but avoids digging around too much. If there's an order to the madness, the princess doesn't want to disrupt it.

Eventually, Zelda collects the only clothing she can find (does he still not have other clothes, or are they just lost somewhere amidst the mess?) and returns to her apartment. She seems noticeably lighter when she arrives, much of her tension having lessened during her walk. If Darin is still bathing when she returns, she'll leave his clothes in a basket in front of the bedroom door and then sit down at her desk. An idea is starting to take shape in her mind and she wants to get it down onto paper. ]

1/2

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin's apartment really is just as much of a mess as ever. Considering he now spends most of his time at the Starmetal Forge, it's no wonder that his home has fallen into more disarray. He really needs someone to come by and help straighten things up...]

[Fortunately, while he only has one other shirt, Darin at least has other essentials. Apparently, he's a fan of prints on his boxers. They range from hammers and anvils to flames and...yes, there's fish. Specifically tropical fish. The man's fashion sense really needs to be addressed. Whatever Zelda decides to grab will certainly be enough...it's probably best not to think on it.]

[On her way out though, as she wanders by his desk, she'll spy a few new designs that he's been working on. He's making more progress on that hookshot grapnel device— he's got some new sketches splayed out around his journal that will likely catch her eye. And likely too will the journal page that's dated the day they went to investigate the Desert Wind.]

Tonight, Zelda and I are going to go look into those missing people. Ever since she crossed paths with that Ganondorf guy she's been tense and I hate it. I don't know what this guy did to her but the way she reacts to the thought of him set my blood boiling. If I have to use my power to put him down tonight, I will. Though, knowing her, I'm probably going to catch it from her if I wind up hurting myself. Honestly, for a princess she really never thinks about herself.

Still can't believe she's a princess either. I've never known a nobleperson who's more focused on people rather than themselves. She's so timid about wanting things. I know the people of a kingdom are supposed to come first but she's a person too! It's like being a Princess has locked her out of just wanting normal things and that's not fair. She's too kind for that. And having her around the forge has been so much fun. Working with someone again feels like home. It makes me miss Acteon. And Zelda? Working with her feels like having a partner. It's nice.

That's why I want to try and end this tonight. Zelda might be mad at me if I get hurt but if I can do one good thing for her it's this. Then she can be free to want as much as she wants.

[There it is. The reason Darin fought so hard the other night. He may have vastly underestimated Ganondorf's power but his intent reads loud and clear.]

2/2

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin's grateful for the time to wash up, honestly. The cold shower really shook him to his senses and did wonders for his mood. Whatever had been going on with him and Zelda was neatly compartmentalized and the fresh feeling of soap and shampoo made him feel like a new man. Darin's never been one to pay attention to scents before but the flowery smell Zelda's shampoo and soaps gave off brought a smile to his face. He even spends a little extra time washing his hair!]

[Wait, is that conditioner? He doesn't know what it does but he might as well use it too!]

[He's feeling much more like himself when he hears Zelda return. He briefly steps out of the bedroom, towel wrapped around his waist.]

Oh, you found everything! Thanks!

[He offers a chipper smile and returns to the washroom with fresh clothes and minutes later, strolls out looking like a new man. Dressed in clean clothes, a tight, sleeveless shirt, and his hair is looking particularly fluffy. It's amazing what a shower can do for you.]

[He strolls over to Zelda at her desk and leans over her a bit, a curious expression on his face.]

What are you working on?

[multidisciplinary]

[ It's what she read in Darin's journal that reminded Zelda of the little seed of an idea that formed in her mind the other night. Those missing people, the reason they snuck aboard the Desert Wind in the first place. If Zelda had been more prepared in advance, had the assistance of more people, a ship, something, then perhaps she could have saved the prisoners.

And then there were the other things Darin wrote, some that warmed her heart and others that made her worry. 'If he could do one good thing for her,' he wrote... Did he already know, when he wrote this, that he was willing to die to defeat Ganondorf? Was he always planning to sacrifice himself? How can Darin understand her so well and still not realize that what she wants the most is him in her life?

She inspires him, he said. He's going to start training because of her.

Perhaps she should follow his example. He inspires her too, after all. And something he said to her months ago still sticks firmly in her mind. "People need to help people. If you see someone fall through those cracks, you climb down and lift 'em out. ... They're your hands. You hold them out to people you deem need it."

It is high time Zelda did just that.

(And it's probably a good thing this idea is rattling around so loudly in her mind, otherwise the sight of Darin in her bedroom doorway wearing nothing but one of her towels would have caused much worse than just a rush of color to her cheeks.)

By the time he's dressed, Zelda has several sheets of paper filled with hastily scrawled notes. ]

I had an idea, actually. It is still very much just a rough thought and I've barely even started to consider the logistics of it, but... [ She picks up the first page. ] What if there were ships whose purpose was not to patrol the seas or pilfer riches, but to come to the aid of those in need? Forget the armadas and the petty factionalism-- Ships that will sail anywhere to care for the people who need it most, to treat the sick and injured without question.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin straightens up and brings a hand to his chin thoughtfully.]

...You're talking about relief ships. People who mobilize in times of crisis. War, battles, things like that.

[It's definitely an appealing concept.]

They could move about freely. The Paladins and the Corsairs would likely endorse someone on neutral ground because everyone benefits from it. It's not like they're at war or anything, everyone stands to gain from it.

[He lifts his eyes to her.]

Zelda, that's an amazing idea...! Especially after what happened with Garuda?? I'm sure natives are already wary enough of riftfarers! This could really take a step in the direction of earning their trust!

[multidisciplinary]

Relief ships...

[ Ah, so this is a concept that already exists. That will make everything easier, actually; if there are already relief ships elsewhere in this world, perhaps she might be able to use them as a template to develop her own. Despite its extensive shoreline, Hyrule had little in the way of a naval presence when her father was king-- nowadays, there's even less. Anything Zelda knows about ships, she's learned here.

She nods along eagerly with Darin. He understands exactly what she's going for. ]

Yes, that is an excellent point. We are a source of strife and instability in a world that isn't even ours. For as much good as we might do to earn their trust, all it takes is one Garuda to set us back to square one.

And those who need help the most are those who are not aligned with the paladins or the corsairs, people who are simply trying to live their lives quietly. When the paladins and corsairs dispatch aid, they prioritize their own people first, regardless of need. And even then, medicine is expensive. Those who have the greatest need for help are often the most marginalized and thereby incapable of accessing it.

Even if we had been able to rescue Ganondorf's prisoners, he had already infected them with parasites. Without a proper doctor or healer, we wouldn't have been able to do anything for them. If there had been a relief ship available, perhaps the prisoners could have been saved.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

And a relief ship with a proper crew could research riftfarer born illnesses and diseases...like those things that Ganondorf infected the people with.

It's like a floating think tank!

[Darin's grin grows as wide as his eyes as he considers the possibilities.]

You could have all types of specializations! Researchers, healers, engineers! Whenever a disaster strikes they could mobilize! If they had forewarning, they could lead evacuation efforts! The possibilities are endless!

Zelda, where'd this even come from?! This is incredible! You could help so many people!

[multidisciplinary]

[ If Zelda didn't know any better, she'd think Darin had already read her notes, because many of these ideas are jotted down-- medicinal research and development, engineers and construction workers to rebuild damaged homes and infrastructure, first responders to help with evacuations.

Her eyes are sparkling with inspiration as she beams up at him. She was enthusiastic about this idea to begin with, but Darin's excitement is both vindicating and infectious. ]

Believe it or not, it was something Ganondorf said that made me think of it at first. [ Here, some of the lightness fades and she turns more serious. ] He said I did nothing when he killed Queen Sonia... I felt so powerless, like I was destined to lose everyone I loved no matter how hard I tried to save them.

I felt the same way yesterday. I couldn't heal your wounds. I couldn't treat your fever. I felt utterly helpless.

[ Zelda roughly shakes her head to dismiss those thoughts. ]

And then I remembered something that you said to me quite some time ago. About not relying on others to act when people need help. When you see someone in need, you help them. As simple as that.

[ She smiles up at Darin. ]

Just because I do not have the authority of a princess in this world does not mean I am incapable of acting. I don't have to stand by and do nothing. I am not powerless.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin's own expression falters when Zelda brings up Sonia. He's reminded of just how much she's lost. That expression shifts slightly to guilt when she expresses just how distraught she was over his wounds.]

[If only he was stronger. That's why he made the resolution to train.]

[But it's what she says next that draws an incredulous look from him. That...sounds like something he'd say. When did he say that? Had she really taken his words to heart that much?]

[Hearing her say that she's not powerless, that she's not incapable of acting fills him with a sense of pride that he can't quite measure. Slowly, that surprised look turns into one of warmth and bashfulness. He's...flattered. Incredibly flattered that she took something he'd said and turned it into such a driving force for good. For change.]

That's...Zelda that's amazing. You're amazing...

I can't wait to see where you take this...!

[multidisciplinary]

[ Her heart flutters in her chest at the sight of his bashful expression. Not with any heat this time, just with affection. He is so terribly cute sometimes. ]

Thank you, Darin.

[ Zelda sets down her pen and sits back, looking over her notes. ]

I will admit, I feel quite out of my depth. I doubt that commanding a ship is anything like leading a kingdom.

[ She's got no shortage of ideas, but how to execute them is another matter entirely. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Well, the good news is...as long as you lead with compassion and understanding and keep an open mind, people will follow you anywhere.

It's how you hooked me, after all.

[He offers her a wink and a grin.]

I think you'll find you're gonna be pretty exceptional at this whole 'Captain' thing~

[multidisciplinary]

[ Now it's Zelda's turn to look bashful. She laughs shyly and looks away from him, tucking a strand of hair behind one ear. (She really has hooked him, hasn't she? Despite all of his best efforts to get away.) ]

I do believe you might be a bit biased, Darin. [ She glances back to him, her chiding gentle. ] All the same, I would like to know much more about it before I take on such a role.

[ The teasing shifts out of her eyes and something a bit more timid takes its place. ]

I know you are often busy with the forge, but could I ask your help with this project? At least in these early stages, until I can get underway.

[ She doesn't actually think he's going to say no, but Zelda is too polite to just assume that he's automatically going to help her. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin watches her carefully. Darin has lived his life watching people for tells and tics for the sake of his own needs and survival and in the short time they've known each other, he's seen that Zelda has one in particular that seems to show itself in a particular situation.]

[Namely, whenever Zelda wants to ask something for herself, the confidence of her station seems to melt away and she becomes a reserved, bashful young woman.]

[If Zelda thought Darin was cute when he was acting bashful and self-conscious, well...the same could be said in reverse.]

[But, more importantly...Darin wants to embolden that side of her. So that she never feels self-conscious for wanting anything, especially in his presence. As far as he's concerned, they're on equal footing in that regard.]

Well, I don't know if I ever told you...but I was raised in a port town.

[Darin moves to her desk and leans on it so he's fully in her view, arms crossed.]

I know my way around ships. And you know, I also happen to enjoy taking on a bunch of projects at once~

[He smirks at her and leans down. And with one hand, he plucks a stray hair from her face and tucks it behind her ear.]

I'm in. I don't care how many projects I have. I'll always make time for you, Zelda.

[multidisciplinary]

[ Actually, no, Darin hasn't told Zelda about growing up in a port town. He doesn't talk too much about his childhood and what he has talked about has been pretty awful (excluding his mentions of his adoptive father), so she makes a point not to ask. No wonder he seemed so comfortable aboard the little boat they borrowed the other night when they sailed out to the Desert Wind. Zelda still barely knows anything about sailing, so it was up to Darin to do most of the work that night.

She is in the middle of musing about the possible extent of Darin's knowledge on ships when he suddenly leans in towards her and tucks a flyaway hair behind her ear. Zelda jolts visibly, eyes widening and cheeks turning pink from the unexpected intimacy of his touch. Wh-What was that all about? A motion that affectionate just because she had a strand of hair out of place? (Not that it didn't feel nice, but still.) And why did it feel like there was something intentional about it, like he's somehow noticed that she often does the same thing when she starts to get nervous?

Zelda has to consciously stop herself from trying to tuck another errant strand of hair behind her ear. If she does, he's bound to notice it for sure. ]

Thank you, Darin. [ There's still some fluster in her expression, but she smiles at him anyway. ] And if there is any way that I can help you with your training, please ask me. I know little more than archery, but I want to help you in any way I can.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[C-Cute...]

[He smiles away the fluster building in his heart and straightens up.]

Actually...there is something I'd like your help with.

[Now it's his turn to be embarrassed. He runs a hand through his own hair to the back of his head...]

I uh...well, I realize if I'm going to keep getting into trouble it's not really fair to have you constantly mend my things. And...well, I'm...I'm not exactly the most fashionable...

I wanted to go out today and get you a new bed as thanks for taking such good care of me. But...while we're out maybe you could help me...um...

Pick out some new clothes...?

[multidisciplinary]

[ (Now that she's consciously thinking about nervous habits, Zelda has noticed that Darin tends to run a hand through his hair when he's self conscious.)

She looks at him in surprise. He wants to buy her an entire new bed? And her help buying clothes? But she doesn't even know what he likes to wear. He tends to just cycle between the same few items all the time. (...Oh, maybe that's part of the problem.)

Her surprise is quick to pass and her usual brightness takes its place. ]

I would be happy to! That sounds like a lot of fun, actually.

[ Zelda pushes her chair back and stands. ]

You needn't buy me an entire bed though. That would be terribly expensive! Really, the bedclothes are the worst of it; the mattress is hardly stained at all.

[ The mattress has several sizeable bloodstains on it, which Zelda thinks she can scrub out with some strong soap and a lot of elbow grease. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

R-Really? [Darin's voice skips an octave when Zelda seems delighted by the idea. A hiccup that he immediately dismisses with a throat clear.] I-I mean...yeah, I thought so too. We could make a day of it...

[But turning his focus to her bed, he shakes his head.]

Honestly, with the forge opened, I've got cash to spare and there's really nothing I want to need save for new clothes. And...well, it's the least I could do. Having slept in that bed it could stand to be a little more comfortable.

Come on, let me treat you!

[multidisciplinary]

[ After everything they've been through lately, spending a quiet day together sounds like exactly what they need. Even when they're not sneaking aboard her mortal enemy's vessel in the middle of the night, Zelda and Darin tend to keep pretty busy, either at the forge or in their own work. A leisurely trip to the markets will be a nice change of pace.

She nods thoughtfully in acknowledgement. Darin has taken on a lot of commissions since opening his forge; it doesn't come as a surprise to hear that he has plenty of funds at his disposal. Zelda is doing better than when she first arrived here, but she still lives by pretty modest means. ]

I suppose it is a little on the unpleasant side. [ She laughs lightly. He's right, that mattress is very uncomfortable. Many of the springs are broken and a few are even starting to poke out. ] All right, I will accept a new bed as a gift.

[ Zelda excuses herself for a minute and returns to her bedroom to brush out her now-dry hair and twist a portion of it up into her usual braid crown. When she returns to the living room, ready to go, there is a hint of giddiness about her... almost like she's about to go on a date. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin's delighted when Zelda decides to accept his offer and when she returns, he's already eagerly pulling on his boots. The excitement in her mannerisms catches his attention and he can't help but wonder if it's because she's excited to be getting a gift. He decides that must be the source of her enthusiasm...after all, who doesn't love getting gifts?]

[That same excitement is contagious and he politely holds the front door open for her as they prepare to exit.]

[Darin and Zelda have been on plenty of outings together since their reconciliation at the forge but the energy today feels different. Maybe it's because of his brush with near-death but the world seems so much more...vibrant. The air is charged all about them and he's just eager to be doing something...well, normal.]

[Maybe that's it.]

[This outing, this everything seemed so normal compared to the way his life had gone since he left Kenmore. He was out shopping for clothes. With a girl his age. Delighting in her company, chatting the day away, laughing. All of the people that were Darin's age had left Kenmore for school or to strike out on their own. No doubt they were becoming scholars or starting families. Living their lives.]

[Darin would often feel this incredible pang of loneliness knowing he'd never get to go out with friends. Socialize. Have a relationship or a life.]

[But today, even in light of the horrors of Ganondorf, he's never felt happier. Because Zelda, a woman he admires more than he ever thought he would, is with him. Enjoying his company. Laughing. For a blissful day she wasn't a princess and he wasn't...whatever he was. They were just Zelda and Darin. And anyone who saw them would assume they were a young couple.]

[First up was getting Zelda her new bed. Darin insisted that she get something larger. Nothing extravagant but at least something she could sink into comfortably. And naturally, she needed several big, fluffy pillows and comforters and blankets to match. Whatever she desires, she gets and Darin happily pays for it and even pays for porters to deliver it to her apartment.]

[From there, it's clothes shopping. And while Darin is woefully out of depth when it comes to fashion, he's thankful Zelda is there to help pick out clothes for him. He's genuinely interested in what she thinks might look good on him and he tries everything on with a level of enthusiasm that she'd swear he was putting on a show for her. He feels...normal.]

[And gods above he's never been happier.]

[Of course, Darin insists on letting her pick out something for herself as well. A blouse or a dress...something to thank her for her time. And then finally, dinner at a cozy little café with a balcony view of Eltrut as the late afternoon sun begins to hang low in the sky. One that Darin makes sure to commemorate with another selfie of the two of them at the table with the balcony railing behind them. After all, they can't use the same selfie forever, can they?]

[And so, with shopping bags in hand, Darin escorts Zelda back to her apartment where her new bed awaits, ready to set up. And given Darin's returning strength, doing so is a trifle.]

[All in all...it was a pretty good day. One that Darin hopes will cause the nightmares and sorrow Ganondorf had imposed upon Zelda to fade. Even if it was just a bit.]

There...the frame and mattress are all set up. We just need to put the bedding down and you're all set. I can bring the old mattress and frame out after.

[multidisciplinary]

[ It's only since arriving in this world that Zelda has started to notice all of the things she has missed out on in her life. She doesn't hate being a princess, not by a long shot, but her royal status has prevented her from indulging in so many simple, almost mundane activities.

The Princess of Hyrule has had plenty of close friends in her life, but not a girlfriend her own age to pick out swimwear together. She had never gone anywhere that her presence didn't immediately attract attention. She had never spent an entire day shopping and chatting and laughing with a boy whose smile made her heart flutter.

It all feels so normal.

Zelda feels normal.

And another little seed begins burrowing into her heart. One that the dutiful Princess of Hyrule should not nurture, because it will just make everything harder in the future when she finally returns to Hyrule. But she can't bring herself to dig it up. She leaves it to spread its selfish little roots throughout her heart.

I want this.

When she and Darin return to her home at the end of the day, Zelda feels lighter and calmer than she has in weeks. Her two separate confrontations with Ganondorf, the knowledge that he had murdered Sonia... Those things still hurt, but after today, they hurt so much less. It's hard to remain mired in grief after a day like today. A day spent trying to convince Darin that he really didn't need to buy her so many pillows and comforters and bedclothes. A day spent holding up clothes against his form to imagine how they would look on him and then flustering when he decided to model them all for her anyway. A day spent modeling a few things for him and then settling on the one that drew the strongest reaction. A day that ended with a quiet dinner together and another photograph of the two of them smiling against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.

It was a wonderful day. Oh, what she wouldn't give for more days like this in the future.

While Darin assembles the new bed, Zelda is back at her desk furiously writing down more thoughts about her relief ship idea. Thoughts about services to provide, staffing, logistics, funding sources, as well as a long list of questions to ask.

When she hears his voice, she puts down her pen for the first time since she sat down. ]

Thank you. I can at least help with the bedding.

[ She rises and heads over to him. ]

You didn't strain any of your injuries, did you?

[ Yes, she's going to worry about that. It's just how she is. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin lifts his shirt enough to expose his abs and the edge of the jagged wound that slices down just beyond his navel. The wound still bears the jagged, Gloom colored frayed edging; the same color as the burns on his biceps up to his shoulders. Almost like a dark brand. But, thankfully, the wound is shut and it appears his body's natural regenerative abilities are in full effect.]

[Maybe the time out in the sun helped along with the meals to replenish his incredible well of stamina.]

Everything looks good. I can feel that I'm still not at one hundred percent but...I've definitely survived worse.

[He laughs, finding it difficult to be downcast after the wonderful day they'd had. Getting to see Zelda enjoy herself and try on some outfits like any other girl her age was enough to cure Darin of seemingly any malaise or illness.]

[With Zelda's help, the bedding is placed and now her new bed is ready. Flush with pillows and blankets, he's sure she'll sleep better than she has since she arrived here.]

There...What do you think of it?

And don't worry about the old one, I'll bring the old mattress and frame out when I head out for the night.