Lucy was fidgeting in the passenger seat, excitement swelling inside her that escaped in the form of rapidly bounding legs and broad smiles. Link found himself stealing glances at her time and time again, a smile of his own seemingly permanent on his lips.
The sight of Mythical Studios came into view, and Link was quick to pull into the lot. Lucy knot her brows, confused as she quirked her head at Link,
"I'm at work. Why am I at work?" She asked, jokingly. Link let out a soft chuckle, flipping the ignition off before turning in his seat to face her.
"I already told you, it's a surprise." He threw her a charming wink, and she found herself melting in the aftermath. Link quickly pulled the door open, climbing out before jogging around the front bumper to open the door for her.
"M'lady." He reached his hand out, and she found herself grinning as she grasped it, allowing him to gently pull her out of the car, and onto the black pavement.
"This isn't some sort of ruse to get me to work overtime, is it?" Lucy remarked, as she felt Link intertwine his fingers with hers. Link let out a huff of a laugh,
"Let's be honest here, you love your job so much I wouldn't have to trick you into overtime." He countered.
"You got me there." She shrugged. "But I'm still stuck on the fact that we're at work."
Link nodded his head in understanding as he approached the back door, stopping a brief moment to enter the code.
"My life changed when you walked into Mythical Studios. I didn't know it then, but I do now." He began, opening the door and gesturing for her to enter. Her expression softened as she glanced at Link, before stepping past him and into the studio. She heard the door click, before his hand was back with hers,
"You said you would wait for me, for when I've made my decisions and fixed everything. I may not have gotten everythin' together yet, but I know what I want to do." He led her through the narrow hallway, toward the entrance to the set. Lucy's heart was thrumming rapidly against her chest, clinging to his words as he spoke. "I want to be with you, no matter how long it takes to get there." He finished, stopping for a brief moment to glance down at her.
"Link.." She whispered, "I want to be with you. More than anything." He smiled in response, one hand raising to cradle her face as he dipped down to press his lips against hers.
"I wanna show you somethin." He breathed out against her. She pulled back, nodding softly. Link opened the door that lead to the set, his hand still grasping hers gently as he lead her through the maze of cameras and filming equipment.
"I'm not much of an artist, but...I was hoping you could teach me a little somethin'." He commented, his warm gaze trained on her face as she took in the sight.
He had rearranged the set a little bit, setting up a sort of art studio in the middle of the actual filming studio. On the infamous desk was a wide assortment of paint and art supplies. Two easels were set up, side by side, and on one of them sat a seemingly finished product. It was a portrait, resembling Lucy. She was awestruck for a moment, before she turned to look up at Link.
"Link, this is amazing! When did you find the time to do all this?" She asked. He shrugged his shoulders,
"It's been a busy day." He replied. Lucy broke out in a broad smile,
"And the painting! Did you really?" She approached the easel, taking in the work. It wasn't amazing, but she knew exactly who it was when she looked at it.
"I did. I'm not gonna say how long, or how many tries it took me to make it." He earned a soft laugh in response,
"It's wonderful, Link."
He let his warm gaze linger a moment, before speaking up again.
"I already know that I want to be with you. Doesn't matter how long it takes.. There are so many things I want to learn about you, but I'm also a little impatient. So I figured, why not start a little early?"
Lucy turned around to face him, her verdant gaze watered as she glanced upwards.
"Alright, let's get started then." She managed, and Link felt himself ache at the sight of her, a single tear dropping down her cheek. He knew it was a happy tear, but he couldn't help but wrap his arms around her shoulders and pull her close. She let out a breathy laugh, sinking into his embrace for a moment.
"You know what, Link." She breathed out against his chest, and he pulled back slightly, a curious expression on his features. He swiped a thumb against her cheek,
"I love you, too."
He swore he could feel his heart jump right over the beat, an overwhelming surge of relief washing over his entire being. He didn't hesitate a second as he leaned down to kiss her, soft and yet firm at the same time. In this moment, he knew everything he's faced and yet to face, is worth it.
_____
"And your favorite color?" Link asked, before poking his tongue out between his teeth, his gaze darting between his easel and hers. She had to laugh a little at the question,
"Haven't you heard? Artists can't have just one favorite color." She countered, as she continued on with her work. They had decided to paint a flower, simple and sweet. Marigold, to be exact.
"That can't apply to all artists, though."
"You're right." She smiled softly, "My favorite color is purple."
"Mine's blue." He replied. "How in the world?" He stretched over to get a better view of her painting, a confused expression knit his brows. Lucy giggled at the sight, before suddenly reaching up to dot his nose with the brush in her hand. Link gasped, jerking back in surprise.
"Oh, don't worry. It's your favorite color, Link." She taunted, the mischief in her gaze twinkling as she waited for his response. Link narrowed his eyes,
"Well, I hope that's not your favorite shirt." He remarked, and she quirked her head.
"Wait, why-" He dipped his fingers in a pot of paint, before flicking it at her. She cried out, a sharp laugh following suit as she pushed herself off the chair to stand. "Link! I don't even like green." She commented, before quickly rounding the chair to approach him.
The paint battle that ensued was enough to color their canvas', and maybe even a little bit of the checkered floor as well. He would have to explain how it happened, but right now, he honestly couldn't care less. She was laughing as she dodged him, but Link was finally able to rush her, wrapping his arms around her waist with her back against his chest. It took little effort to lift her off the ground, her shirt sliding upwards as his paint coated fingers marked up her stomach and sides.
"Link!" She gasped in mid air, and Link couldn't help the laugh that erupted from his being. It was hearty, loud and genuine. He realized he hadn't laughed like this in what felt like months.
"Drop the paint." He demanded, and she was quick to do so, the clattering of the brush and small pot hitting the ground before he finally eased her back on to her feet. She was quick to turn and face him, the most subtle smirk on her lips as she raised her hand to his face, her fingers running along his jawline and leaving a streak of yellow.
"Oh, you're askin' for it, girl." He breathed out, the cool air hitting the wet paint in a way that sent a shiver down his spine. Lucy quirked her head to the side, her fingers dropping over the cusp of his collarbone to run the trail of his neck, leaving a yellow path in their wake.
"Yellow suits you." She remarked, and Link found himself staring; Her angled features were speckled with bits of paint, a streak of green stretched along her cheek, right below her eye. He could see the dainty freckles that were sprinkled over her nose, the subtle rim of gold that lay along the edges of her verdant iris'. He could honestly say, he's never found anyone as absolutely beautiful as he does her,
"Link?" She asked, softly. He said nothing as he dipped down to kiss her. One hand laying along the side of her neck, still wet with paint to leave a wonderful assortment of colored fingerprints.
"I love you." He breathed out against her lips, taking a step closer to press his chest against hers, the sound of those very same words escaping her brought a small smile to the man, as he let the strong scent of paint and her floral perfume consume him.
- i hope you're enjoying! sorry for any typos or if it's just garbage, haha. leave a comment or vote, please. lots of love, xoxo