Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

Brothers

Thoughtfully, I lower my head. "You sent him on an impossible mission."

"It's a very merciful punishment, don't you think?" Suddenly, her smile conveys an underlying seriousness. "Considering you entered my room without consent and prepared to utilize my bed for activities not sanctioned."

Tears threaten to well up in my eyes, but I blink them away, determined to maintain a facade of calm composure when in reality, I feel deeply humiliated! "I'm truly sorry about this."

"Oh, don't fret," she chuckles lightly. "If I hadn't indulged in a bit of fun like you in my younger years, I wouldn't be the mother of three beautiful sons now."

Unintentionally, I cup my tummy and the image of Link's children appears on my mind. I'm too young for that. I don't even know if I want kids...

"But," she continues, "there is a time and place for everything."

She turns on the lamp on the nightstand, illuminating the room with a warm light. The soft glow reveals a large master bedroom of luxury and refinement. The king-sized bed takes center stage, covered in lavish linens and surrounded by elegant furnishings. Near the large windows, a spacious seating area beckons with chairs and a coffee table, and the walls are adorned with tasteful artwork and photographs.

As I allow my eyes to roam over the captured memories, I spot wedding photos, pictures of her sons when they were little, and snapshots from family vacations—Yacht charter in the Amalfi Coast, luxury safari in Kenya, Heli-skiing in Zermatt, and sailing in the Greek Islands. It's strange to see photos of Ramses in casual clothing when I have only met him wearing suits. But he looks content, wearing a smile on each of the photographs. And so are his brothers and parents.

There are also numerous photos of the family posing with famous celebrities, such as singers and movie stars. It's unclear whether her family is meeting them or vice versa, because among the framed photos I find some images of her alone on the red carpet, wearing extravagant dresses and impeccable makeup.

"You must be Ramses' mother," I note, looking at the woman in the picture. Judging by these photos and the family's wealth, I assume she is famous. Yet I don't recognize her. Granted, she is also wearing a mask. For all I know, she could be a model, a singer, an actress, maybe a fashion designer. None of which I'm very familiar with anyway.

"Yes," she confirms. "Ramses is my youngest," she confirms.

"That's why you know who I am. My father must have told you about me."

She nods, "So did my husband and son."

"I'm sure they each had very different opinions about me."

She laughs sweetly, "They only had the best things to say about you, don't worry."

This is so humiliating. I wish Link hadn't removed my mask earlier. What must she think of me? This is probably the worst first impression I've ever made.

"So... Do I meet your expectations?" I joke with a forced chuckle.

"Not exactly. I remember you were much shyer as a child, but then again, people change over time."

My lips part in surprise. "You knew me as a child?"

"Yes, dear. I was close friends with your father in college."

"Wait... did you go to Hyrule University?"

"I'm a proud Eagle, through and through!" she grins. "I met Penn in my junior year. We fell in love at first sight and got married soon after! Rhoam was our best man."

"If my father was so close to you and Penn, how come our families didn't see each other more often throughout the years?"

"Well, you see, Rhoam was supposed to take over the family business once he graduated. Being the heir to the school's presidency, he eventually had to prioritize work and responsibilities over his friends. Penn, however, had a different agenda—he wanted to enjoy life to the fullest. This worked out just fine until they both became parents. Your father wanted to raise you with a focus on structure and discipline, whereas Penn preferred a more laissez-faire environment, allowing our children to explore various interests freely. Consequently, our families drifted apart over time. But that doesn't mean that Rhoam and Penn stopped being friends. They still share their brotherly bond. After all, they will always be part of the same fraternity."