Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

Another Smiley Face on the Glass

"It's okay, I believe you. I just got worried is all."

"I understand. And I'm truly sorry for worrying you."

"So..." I try to focus on the actual problem at hand. "You brought home a homeless person. Now what?"

"It's not just any homeless person," she says. "It's Malice."

My eyes widen and I take a second look at the girl. "Holy shit."

"Yes..."

I'm speechless. It's shocking to see Malice like this. Even though she's associated with Ganon and always treated Zelda like shit, I feel really bad for her.

"We have a spare guest bedroom," Zelda says, "I thought maybe she can get some rest and recover."

"That's nice. But... Is your dad not gonna say something?"

"He won't. Because he will never know. We have 2 more days until he comes back from his business trip. Hopefully that will be enough time for Malice to sober up."

"And then what? Take her back to the streets?"

"Of course not."

"Well, did you think this through?" This isn't like her at all.

"No, I just... I saw her on the streets and I couldn't turn my back on her. I couldn't... I couldn't just walk away without helping her. She needs a bed and a meal. And once she feels better, I will figure out how to proceed."

I let out a long breath. Her mind is all over, but at least her heart is in the right place. "Okay. How can I help?"

"I need help getting her inside."

I give her an understanding nod and reach into the car for Malice. I slide my arms under her back and knees, and pick her up bridal style. She's short and underweight, making it easy to carry her inside. 

In the meantime Zelda distracts Cado by showing him some "Suspicious" footprints in the backyard. If anything, they'll find my footprints. But at least it gives me enough time to take Malice upstairs unseen. Fingers crossed Zelda's dad won't check tonight's surveillance footage.

Zelda meets me in the hallway upstairs and opens the door to one of the guest bedrooms. I walk up to the king size bed and let Malice down gently. I'm surprised she hasn't woken up yet. She's probably drugged up or something. Whatever she took must be pretty strong.

"Now what do we do?" I ask, standing next to Zelda as we take in the sight of Malice's small body curled up on the giant bed.

"Now we wait for her to wake up."

Zelda and I close the door on our way out and return to her bedroom, which is right across from the guest bedroom. I join Zelda on her bed, taking a moment to breathe and process the situation.

"What have you been up to tonight?" She asks. "Did you miss me?"

"I kept myself busy," I say.

Her tired eyes gaze at me and she smiles exhausted. "I love the fit, by the way," she tucks on my hoodie. "I haven't seen you wear this in a while. It looks good on you."

I wish I could return the compliment but she's wearing a shirt I've never seen before. I try to force myself not to stare but I can't help it. That shirt is screaming for attention.

"Is that Pik's t-shirt?" I ask, hoping she'll say no.

She looks down at the vintage design and back up at me with an apologetic face. Oof.

"It's not what you're thinking."

"I'm too tired to think anything," I say. "Just asking where you got it."