Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

Bonfire

"Oh, yes. It's much cheaper than off-campus housing."

"Do you like living in the dorms?" I ask.

She gives me a cute little chuckle, "I doubt anyone truly enjoys living in the dorms."

"What if I told you there was another, affordable option for you?"

She tilts her head, eager to learn more.

"I've been thinking about moving out of my Father's house to live with some friends. Link and Revali." Her eyes widen but she remains silent for now. "We found a townhome near campus, right next to the beach. The application already got approved but I haven't signed the lease yet. I suppose I was just wondering... Would you be interested in living with us?"

I can't read her reaction. She looks startled and overwhelmed, but also intrigued.

She's about to answer when Pik interrupts our conversation. "Today's class is going to be a very special one!" He says. "Because we have a guest musician!"

The students begin to whisper to each other, wondering who it might be. Could it be someone famous? Or just someone local?

"She's going to sing an original song, for your ears only," Pik continues. "Here she is, everybody! Give it up for Impa Tsutaeru!"

The door flies open and Impa rushes in with an E-guitar strapped around her shoulders.

This can't be good.

"Thanks for the introduction, Pik," she says, grinning at the class. "This one's for you, Zelda!"

Time to run!

"Happy birthday, my lifelong friend," she starts to sing, her fingers hitting random strings of the guitar with all her force and no sense of musical talent whatsoever. "Our memories, they never end," she rhymes, completely off key. "Through thick and thin, you've been by my side. In you, I find my joy and pride!"

It's sweet of her to do this, but I still hate the attention. It doesn't help that Mipha is giggling next to me.

"So here's to you on this special day, let's celebrate yeah-hay," she sings, followed by a brief guitar solo. "Happy birthday, Zelda. You are truly stellar!"

She plays some more ear-wretching chords for a dramatic outro, rocking her head back and forth, her hair wild as her spirit.

When my classmates begin to clap, she bows and cheers, "Thank you! Thank you!" 

Pik claps along, "Truly wonderful, Impa."

The applause settles and Impa places the guitar back on its holder. "I'll be joining the Sheika as their new guitarist and lead singer soon," she jokes confidentially.

I get up to give her a hug. Trying to look serious, I say, "I should have known that you two were plotting something for my birthday."

"Did you like it?" Impa asks. "It was hard to find something that rhymes with Zelda but I think I made it work."

"It was really bad," I laugh. "But I loved every bit of it. Thank you."

As I hug her, we receive more applause from the class and a couple of Aww's.

"Love you," I say as our hug loosens.

"I love you more, Princess."

"Now please get out of here before my social anxiety kicks in," I whisper with a smile.

She laughs, patting my shoulder. "I couldn't stay even if I wanted to. I have to study for an exam. Who would've thought criminal justice is such a tough major?"