Both Link and Zelda hadn't uttered a word to each other since the incident at her birthday celebration. Link had distanced himself from her for the few days they had been traveling with the Sheikah.

He couldn't believe he had kissed Zelda. What was he thinking? He knew she didn't like physical contact and (the way he remembered it) he had held her close to him, though she had obviously been uncomfortable, and had kissed her. Before he had done so, he could have sworn he saw intense fear in her eyes. What had he done?

Zelda was more confused than anything. Ever since her wedding to Ganondorf, she had detested anything to do with 'love' and relationships. She didn't even know the meaning of 'love' anymore. So when Link took her hips and leaned down, she was genuinely terrified, she hadn't had the best experience with things like this.

But now that Link had backed away from her for the past two days... She almost missed it...

She didn't know what she had liked about it. Maybe it was the weird way in which his hands were barely touching her, only really there for comfort. Maybe it was the softness of Link's lips which she had never imagined anyone to have. Or maybe it was the strange feeling of gleeful bliss that their tender exchange made her feel...

***

That night, they all camped out in the forest that followed Lake Hylia. Zelda smiled as the small Sheikah children ran through the foliage and played their cute little games.

She dipped her water pouch into the lake and made sure it was full up before moving over to her own campfire which was near to the water edge.

Link sat down and leant against the tree trunk behind him as he stoked the fire and stared off into the distance. Zelda sighed as she walked over to him and off red him some water.

He took it gladly and as they exchanged the water pouch, their fingers touched for a fraction of a second. Zelda yelped in surprise.

It was funny. It was just a simple brush against his finger and yet, since their kiss, she didn't know if she should panic or faint.

The last rays of sun disappeared over the horizon and Zelda went through her pack until she found their spiced wine. She was about to sit down and begin her usual routine when Link got up.

He approached her timidly before he spoke softly, "I want to show you something..."

Before Zelda could say anything, Link turned, picked up a price of burning firewood to use as a torch, and walked away from their camp. She followed him hesitantly as he led her away from the entire Sheikah encampment but kept close to the water edge.

When Link thought he had found the right spot, he gestured for Zelda to come a bit closer. He then made her turn away from the water's edge and close her eyes.

She heard the hiss of the burning wood being plunged into the lake before Link came to her side and turned her round.

She tensed up as he put his hands in her shoulders and helped her move round with h r eyes still shut tight.

"Open." He whispered.

Zelda's jaw dropped and her eyes widened as she marveled at the beautiful scene.

She had seen the night sky lit up with stars before but nothing compared to this.

The silvery stars shimmered with brilliant vibrant lights. The sky behind the stars was a luxurious mix of royal blues, baby blues, purples and greens.

That wasn't all. With the surface of Lake Hylia so still, the perfect sky was mirrored on the water. It was like there were two skies meeting at a single line in the horizon.

"I couldn't get you a birthday present so...?" Link chuckled awkwardly.

Zelda, for the first time since their kiss, let out a giggle at his joke.

"Look... I'm sorry for what happened at your celebration..." Link looked down at his feet sheepishly.

Zelda tore her eyes away from the perfect view to look at Link. She raised her hand and took his chin so he looked at her. She stared into the deep blue depths of his eyes.

"You don't need to apologize..." She smiled at him before shoving one of the wine bottles into his hands, "It was unexpected but not unappreciated..." She trailed off quietly.

"Look, I know you don't like being close to anyone so I can give you as much space as you want-" he spoke softly but was cut off.

"I didn't say I didn't like it..." She smacked a hand to her mouth as she realised that she had just said that out loud.

Link smirked at her as he stiffled a laugh, "Really?"

"Well it was nothing like how Ganondorf kissed me." Zelda pouted as she took a swig of her spiced wine.

Link crossed his arms and cocked an eyebrow at her before speaking sarcastically, "Really? So I was better than the guy that tried to rape you? Wow, thanks!" He rolled his eyes playfully.

Zelda let out another giggle as Link took a sip of his wine before she spoke again, "Look, I don't know what to think." She huffed, "The only person I have to compare that kiss to is Ganondorf..."

"Yuck!" He chuckled, "Well in that case, I better step up my game..."

With that, he came forward and gave her a small peck on the lips before hurrying off towards their camp.

Zelda let out a small whimper at their extremely short exchange as she felt something stir in her.