Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

The Crying of Lot 49

"Sweetheart," he greets me first, keeping his smile in place for the man next to him. "You are fashionably late."

"Hello Father," I say, joining them. "My apologies for being late."

"You arrived just in time," the other man chips in, sounding much more relaxed than Father. "However, I am afraid cocktail hour is about to end, which means you missed premium drinks and gourmet hors d'oeuvres." The man extends his hand, "You must be Zelda."

Shaking the man's hand, I say, "And you must be..."

"Penn," he introduces himself.

"Penn?" I repeat, a hint of surprise in my voice. "Like the author?"

"You're familiar with my work?"

He sounds just as surprised as me, and before I can answer, he turns to my father who shrugs and proudly says, "My daughter has excellent taste."

Little do they know that I only know Penn's name because he signed Pik's book. I don't even remember the title of the book if I'm honest.

A young waiter, clad in a discreet black uniform, appears with a silver tray. "Good evening, sir," he addresses Penn first. Then my father, "Dr.Hyrule." Then me, "Ms. Hyrule."

The tray slightly trembling in his nervous grip, he seems intimidated by these two men, as if one wrong move could get him fired. Or worse.

"May I offer you some seared ahi tuna on wonton crisps with wasabi aioli?" He asks the three of us. "Or perhaps a glass of vintage champagne to elevate the evening?"

Penn declines with a subtle wave of the hand. The waiter glances as me with bright red cheeks. "What about you, ma'am?"

"I'm good, thank you." When I give him a friendly smile, his cheeks take on an even darker shade of red. He remains standing in front of me, and by the looks of it, he wants to say something to me. 

"Would you ever want to..."

But Father clears his throat before the waiter can finish his questions. We turn our attention to him, who is no longer smiling. Then, Penn addresses the waiter in a slightly more serious tone. "I'm sure some of the other guests would love some champagne."

The young waiter nods and turns away. The way people look at and treat Penn makes me think he must be another big shot, like my father. It's quite possible that he is the one who organized this event.

"So," Penn returns his attention to me, "Tell me about you."

"Me?" I stiffen, inclined to treat the situation like an important job interview. If Father is friends with this man, it means he thinks highly of him. Which also means that I must make a good impression. "I am currently in my sophomore year at Hyrule University, where I am double majoring in Biology and Political Science, which reflects my commitment to a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education."

Penn laughs lightly, "I already know that. Your father has told me all about it."

I nod respectfully. "Then what would you like to know?"

"Your dreams and ambitions, dear. What ignites your passion?"

I consider what Father would want me to answer. He doesn't think a career in biology is a commendable goal. So I answer simply and dishonestly, "Politics. I am an aspiring leader."

Penn, with a knowing smile, shakes his head. "You cannot fool me, Zelda. You cannot fool me! I have a knack for spotting when someone's putting on an act. So, regardless of your father's expectations, what is it you desire?"