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100percentwhumpjuice · 1 month ago

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Whumptober 2024 Prompt 1 - Race Against the Clock

[Roleswap AU Twilight Princess - Zant and Zelda] [Contains whump. Of course. It's the Roleswap AU version of the Midna's Darkest Hour scene.]

Zelda warped back to the lakebed outside of the temple. Taking one last satisfied look at the lake, she turned around to leave--

Someone was standing in the way. Someone tall, robed in black, wearing a horned warhelm of shadow-colored stone.

Zelda nearly screamed. Instead, she gasped and stepped back, albeit careful not to step over the edge of the cliff overlooking the lake. She knew who this was from the prince’s description. The Queen that Rules the Twilight.

Zelda’s hand went for the sword at her side. The Queen was faster, a hand of orange hair emerging from beneath her warhelm and freezing her in place, the same as it had done to the prince of Hyrule when he had tried to fight.

Zelda heard a great splash. From behind her, the Light Spirit Lanayru emerged from the lake. It was only after the initial feeling of relief at possibly being rescued that Zelda remembered who was responsible for Lanayru’s scattering.

The Queen chuckled. “How noble. But have you really forgotten so soon?” She raised a hand, outstretched as though to push something away.

With a roar and another great splash, Lanayru was repelled back into the lake. With another wave of the Queen’s hand, the area once more turned to Twilight.

Zelda cursed her own helplessness as she was once again overcome by the curse of the Twilight. The Queen released her from her spell, and Zelda--now a beast once more--collapsed to the ground. Though exhausted, she fought against the pull of unconsciousness. Even if she couldn’t do anything…at least she could know what was happening. But she couldn’t let the Queen know she remained conscious, or the Queen would surely finish the job. So she kept her eyes shut and played possum.

Thrown unceremoniously out of Zelda’s shadow, Zant stared up at the Queen before him, eyes wide in fear. He scrambled away, tried to flee--

The Queen’s hair repeated its earlier spell upon Zelda. Zant was frozen mid-flight, held above the lake like a shackled prisoner awaiting torture.

Raising her hands, the pieces of the Fused Shadow, save for the one Zant wore as a mask, emerged from the shadows and flew to the Queen. Though she had chuckled at the Light Spirit’s attempts to intervene, the Queen sounded furious when she spoke to Zant.

“The Fused Shadow, Zant? Really?” she hissed. “I’ve been willing to overlook a lot of transgressions from you lately, but I’m beginning to lose my patience. Besides, did you really think such an ancient and withered power would stop me? You really are a fool.”

“Ngh--!” Zant struggled against invisible bonds. “ENOUGH OF THIS! Why are you doing this, Midna?! ANSWER ME!”

“I’m doing what’s best for our people,” she replied, as though it were the most simple fact in the world. “I really thought you would understand that, Zant. But maybe you’re just a traitor. Maybe you’ve always been. Selfish little coward…”

She ripped him from his invisible bonds in a single motion of her hair, and cast him aside roughly. He landed hard on the ground, face in the dirt.

“There. That’s where you belong,” the Queen snarled. “You are vermin. Do you hear me?! VERMIN!”

Zant propped himself back up on shaking, unsteady arms. Defying her with a confidence he hadn’t known he’d had.

“You think yourself some selfless savior of both worlds? If that girl knew how you just tried to abandon her…”

“I…I didn’t--”

“This power is the one thing that can free our people…” she continued, slowly, menacingly advancing towards him. “And you want to take it from me?! After that goddess has so generously granted it to me? To us!”

“It isn’t right--what you’re doing to them--”

Zelda opened her eyes. She still needed to keep up the act until the right moment, but now she wasn’t so sure remaining down was the right move.

The imp must have heard her move. He glanced behind him, and quickly scrambled over to her. “Zelda! Come on, we have to get out of here before--”

The Queen scoffed. “Just look at you now! You’re still just trying to run away and hide! PATHETIC!”

As if commanded by her outburst alone, Zant was pulled away from Zelda and to the Queen’s side. Zelda had seen enough. She got to her feet and lunged at the Queen, snarling.

And she hit a magic shield the Queen had conjured before her. Zelda flew back, tumbling head over heels and landing a short distance away.

“NO!” Zant cried. “Why would you do that?!”

Zelda raised her head drowsily, the world before her hazy and out of focus. She was developing a splitting headache, and couldn’t resist the pull of unconsciousness any longer.

And the imp was alone with the Queen.

“Heh…she looks much better this way,” she sneered. “That pretty face didn’t suit her.” She turned to Zant, face still concealed by that terrible warhelm. “Don’t look at me like that. You and I both know what she is. An oppressor, who should be put in her rightful place beneath us. Where does she get off, pretending to care about you?”

“I…I don’t--”

“Did you think she would save you?” she continued. “That she could fix the parts of you that are broken? Even I couldn’t do that. But I can fix this world. I can make this into a world where light and dark can exist together. Wouldn’t you like that? Then you could keep your little pet.”

The Queen leaned into him, squishing his cheek in one hand in a mockery of affection, as her warhelm exposed her lips and she whispered in his ear.

“Come on. I’ll give you one. Last. Chance.”

“...Prove to me that you’re not a coward. Submit to me and give up this petty rebellion. If you’re good, I might even give you your body back.”

Zant considered it. He pictured a lifetime of servitude beneath the Queen’s heel. Even worse off than he’d been before. No hope of promotion. Enduring her belittlement of him every day. Being transfigured back into an imp any time he failed to please her, treated like a jester at best, and at worst, a pet.

And then he looked back to Zelda. They hadn’t gotten along right away, and they had their disagreements, their fights. But Zelda had tried to protect him. Despite everything, Zelda cared.

…And the Queen who had once been his closest friend and confidant--did not.

Much as he knew he’d be in for it whichever choice he made, Zant turned his head to face the Queen. Stared into those terrible stone eyes. “I won’t help you,” he spat. “And I--I hate you!”

The Queen’s smile fell. Her warhelm once again hid her full face from sight. She shrugged halfheartedly, concealing her true rage behind feigned indifference. “So be it. If you really want to stay in the light so badly…”

Zant was ripped from her side and thrown to his earlier place above the lake, this time facing away from her. “...Then you can have it!”

The Queen summoned Lanayru back above the surface. In the harsh glare of the spirit’s light, Zant flinched away, shutting his eyes. For all the good that would do him.

Compelled by the Queen that Rules the Twilight, Lanayru had no choice in the matter. The spirit could only watch helplessly as its sacred light was used to destroy this unfortunate being of darkness. Even if his ancestors had been fools who sought to subjugate the world…Lanayru knew that their crimes were not his. If it could only break free of this Queen of Twilight’s will, it could send him and the heroine away from here.

From the darkness of her unwilling rest, Zelda’s wolf ears heard the sound of Zant screaming. Worse than he’d ever cried out at a monster’s advance. It wasn’t a sound of fear at all. It was the sound of pain. Terrible, mortally-wounding pain. She tried to get up, to do something, anything at all--but her body wouldn’t move.

The pitiful imp sagged like a ragdoll in his invisible bonds. Discolored from the light. For a moment, the Queen’s control wavered--and it was just enough. Lanayru sent the imp and the legendary heroine far from the lake, to Hyrule Field. It could only hope it wasn’t too late for either of them.

The Queen that Rules the Twilight watched in surprise as Zant vanished from sight, along with the Light Spirit. She turned around, only to find that the transfigured Zelda was no longer there. She clenched a fist in rage. “Always running away…”

…

A flash of light above Hyrule Field. Zelda was slowly lowered to the ground by an unseen force. She at last awoke, and immediately looked around for her companion, eyes desperately searching for his shape in the darkness of night.

There was a familiar weight on her back. She looked over her shoulder…

And gasped. The imp was there, in his usual perch…but slumped over upon her back, limp and lifeless in appearance save for the faint sound of his shallow breaths. Zelda didn’t know what to do. She sniffed, detecting no trace of blood or injury, but her companion looked as though he were on Death’s doorstep all the same! What could she do? She had not a clue what the Queen that Rules the Twilight had done to him.

Zelda nudged him with her nose, cold and wet as a dog’s. The imp shuddered weakly, and clenched a single fist--the one that didn’t hang limply from her side--gripping her fur as he’d done so many times before.

“Zelda, heroine chosen by the goddesses…” Zelda heard the voice of the Light Spirit Lanayru, as faint as evening wind. “Go to the prince locked away in the castle. That prince holds the key that can unlock you from your shadow form…”

Link…If Link could restore her original form, then--perhaps he could heal Zant as well. Zelda wasted no time in racing off through Hyrule Field, gunning for Hyrule Castle in the distance as rain began to fall. She ignored all manner of monsters that tried to stop her in her tracks, pushing past them and darting away from their grasps. An arrow nicked her flank as she ran. Zelda winced, but didn’t dare stop. She was, for once, grateful for her Twilight form, for its speed and agility.

Onward she raced. Panting, paws flying across the ground, kicking up rain-soaked dirt in her wake. Zelda reached the bridge that led to Hyrule Castle Town, and lost not a fraction of her speed. She’d race through crowds of terrified townsfolk if she had to. She just had to reach that castle in the distance…

In through the great wooden gates. Down cobblestone streets. Past curious cats and the shocked gasps and frightened shrieks of the townsfolk who didn’t recognize her shape. Zelda kept racing past, until at last she reached the gate that led to Hyrule Castle itself.

The gate was firmly shut. Desperate, Zelda ran to the gate and scratched at it furiously with her paws. But it was simply no use. The gate was locked, and no amount of futile struggling she could do would open it.

Zelda turned around, looking over the town. She must have missed something. Surely there was another way into the castle! There had to be! She needed to think…how were the monsters getting in and out?

Zelda paused. A small cat came slinking down the cobblestone path towards her. It twitched a single notched ear, then opened its mouth. It only mewled, but in Zelda’s beast form, she understood what its mewling meant. “I haven’t seen you around here before. You look kind of lost.”

Zelda had to try something. She padded over to the cat, and tried to speak. It came out as soft barks, but she knew the cat would understand her in this form. “Please…I don’t have a lot of time. My friend--he’s badly hurt. I think the prince can help him, but I have to get to the castle for that. Is there another way in?”

The cat twitched its ear again, and flicked its tail once. “I believe so. But you’ll have to ask Louise, Telma’s cat. She’s at the same place her master stays. Come on, I can show you.” It turned around, waving its tail to beckon Zelda to follow.

And so Zelda followed. The cat led her down an alleyway lined with vendor stands, some of which were occupied. Their occupants turned away from her and cowered in fear. She didn’t blame them. She’d likely be afraid of herself in this form, if she weren’t stuck in it.

“It’s just up here. But wait, you’ll probably scare all the humans inside--!”

Zelda didn’t listen. She barged right in through the door. If anyone wouldn’t fear her in this state, would see the condition of her companion and want to help--it would have to be--!

But as Zelda burst into the bar, a haggard-looking beast in rain-slicked fur, the barkeep screamed. “BEAST! GET OUT!”

She should have known. Zelda tried to search for a cat. If the humans couldn’t help her, then--!

A soldier clad in a helmet obscuring the top half of his face and clothes that looked perhaps a bit familiar approached her with a sword drawn. “Go on…we don’t want any trouble.” His voice gave Zelda pause. She got the feeling she’d heard this man speak before. Many times before. And that facial hair…

“I said ‘go on’!” he insisted, jabbing the sword in her face. “Be smart. Don’t make me use this.”

Reluctantly, Zelda turned around and slinked out the door, which was roughly shut behind her. What now?

As she reluctantly turned away from Telma’s bar, she heard the meow of another cat from high above her. “You there!”

Zelda glanced up. Perched on a window ledge was a thick-furred white cat. The cat used a pile of boxes to leap down onto the street, and looked back at Zelda. “You’re Zelda, correct?” She approached her, sniffing at Zelda’s paws. “Mmm, yes, I thought so. I could just tell, you know.”

The cat walked a short distance away before Zelda could reply. Again, she cast a glance over her shoulder as she meowed to Zelda. “I’m Louise. Do you remember meeting me in this shop before? Though I don’t think we were properly introduced…”

Zelda opened her mouth to speak, but the cat continued. “In any case, I must tell you, I’m a bit puzzled as to why you look like that. Really, dear, you can’t blame the humans for sending you out, the way you look.”

“I really don’t mean to interrupt,” Zelda finally got a word in. “But I don’t have much time. Not enough to explain why I’m like this. Please, Louise, I need--” Zelda paused, and looked back over her shoulder, realizing she hadn’t checked on her rider in a while. The imp’s yellow eye fluttered a bit as she watched him, but he didn’t seem able to stay with her for long. Even his grip on her coat was beginning to loosen. Zelda turned back to Louise. “We need your help.”

Louise glanced toward Zelda’s back, her eyes focusing on the dying imp. “Oh…Another patient? You certainly are a curious sort…”

“Plea…” Zant’s rasping voice startled Zelda. She hadn’t thought he still had enough strength in him to speak. She was about to tell him to save his breath, but he kept pleading with the cat. “Please…Prince…L-Link…”

Louise seemed to have gotten the message. She turned away, and walked back towards the pile of boxes. “This way!” As Zelda padded over, she continued. “Here, get in through the window. The attic is connected to the castle’s waterway. It’s an old waterway, though…so it could be a rough trip.”

“If it’s our only chance, I’ll take it,” Zelda replied.

Louise flicked an ear as a raindrop landed directly on it. “Well…I suppose all that’s left to do is make sure that the humans don’t notice you.” And she walked over to the door, standing by it like a watchful guard.

Zelda gave her a grateful nod, and set to work on shoving a nearby box towards the pile, as the pile was initially only scaleable by a cat. Once that was done, Zelda clambered onto the first box in the pile, careful to make sure her passenger didn’t slip off of her back. She did the same for the other boxes, until she reached the window.

Zelda crept into Telma’s bar through the window. She paused for a moment, trying to locate the path. Below her, the patrons of the bar went about their business, talking amongst themselves. Zelda located the path then, spotting a few ropes stretched across the way, like narrow bridges. Louise must have used them to get around. Would they support the weight of a wolf, though?

She’d have to try. Zelda took a cautious step onto the nearest rope, and grimaced at the way it wobbled under her. She took a deep breath, and stepped onto it fully, taking care to keep her weight centered on the rope so she wouldn’t fall off.

“How’s it come to this, huh?” the voice of Telma reached Zelda’s ears as she carefully crept by overhead. “Monsters walking in the streets of town…What in the WORLD are the soldiers of Hyrule doing?! The Gorons are so much more reliable than they are, it’s not even funny!”

Zelda kept going. Across another rope. She’d done well so far. Maybe, she thought with a bit of amusement to drown the worry she felt, she could get a job as a circus performer once this was all over.

“I heard that an acquaintance of Telma’s defeated the beast that had been attacking tourists on the bridge,” another patron said as Zelda crept by. “Her name was Zelda. It sounds as though she brought Telma and her young ward to Kakariko Village.”

“And here I was, thinking Hyrule was empty of anyone of valor…,” another voice said.

“Oh no, I don’t believe she’s from Hyrule proper at all,” a third voice said. “No, my understanding is that she’s from the small neighboring province of Ordona. This may sound horribly elitist, but people who do not know the city simply do not know fear.”

Hmph, thought Zelda. Folks who think they know everything…They’re often the most ignorant of all.

Zelda made her way into the attic then, only to be met with a room piled with gold coins and with a golden statue of a short, rotund man with a cat curled up on his head sitting in a regal chair at the far end of the room. Odd. But Zelda didn’t have time for that.

Zelda leapt down into the room, her paws splashing in a shallow amount of water upon the floor. She must be close to the castle’s waterway by now, she thought. She searched every corner of the room, becoming increasingly frantic as time ticked by. She did not have time for this! Why had Louise not been more specific?

As despair began to creep its way into Zelda’s heart, she felt a hand wearily stroking the fur of her neck. Zelda turned her head to look back at Zant. The hand was his, of course. He tried to lift his head up, and gave her a halfhearted smile. “H…hey…” he rasped. “I’m…still…holding on…so…it’s okay…”

Did he really believe that? No, Zelda got the impression that he was every bit as afraid as her. Probably more than she was, in fact. But he was trying to hide it. He’d never done that before.

Zelda watched him with sorrowful eyes, trying to think of something, anything, that she hadn’t tried. Otherwise…

Otherwise…he would…

And if he did, what would she do? Could she really defeat the Twilight Queen all by herself? Without the assistance of another being from the Twilight? And what if she remained a wolf?! She’d stand even less of a chance, then!

Suddenly, Zant’s eye went wide and his face turned to one of shock. For a moment, Zelda feared his time had already run out. But then, something began to lift him upward, as though trying to drag him away. Despite his injury, the imp held on tight, shuddering and whimpering in fear.

An invisible foe! Zelda honed her senses, shutting her eyes and taking in a deep breath through her nose. She saw the room in a dim teal glow, and behind her, its ghastly arms wrapped around her companion, was a ghost. Upon its back it carried a scythe, bringing to Zelda’s mind images of the personification of Death. Was it trying to claim Zant, then?

No. This creature wasn’t Death. It was a wretched spirit, and she’d drive it away from her companion at once. Zelda snarled at the ghost, and snapped at it. Her teeth made contact. Strange. Ghosts weren’t supposed to be solid.

The ghost reeled back, taking up the scythe from its back and brandishing it as a weapon. Zelda turned to face it directly, keeping Zant away from it. The ghost swung its scythe, and Zelda leapt to the side. While it reeled its weapon back in, Zelda ambushed it from the side, tackling it to the floor. The ghost’s head made contact with the floor, and the impact seemed to knock it out cold. That’s when a small round object the color of a plum emerged from its chest, pulsing like a heart. Zelda saw her chance. She grabbed the object in her mouth, and began wrestling it from the ghost’s body, who revived and writhed under her. She tore the object free, and the ghost fell limp, then vanished into smoke. The object vanished as well from its place between her jaws.

So she’d defeated the ghost that had tried to drag her companion away. But she was still stuck without a means of entering the waterway.

And then a meek voice called out to her from the far end of the room. Zelda glanced over, and saw only the statue. It couldn’t have been--!

“Oh. Th-thanks for beating the ghost. Can I call you…doggie?”

No. The statue was speaking. Zelda padded closer.

“I’m Jovani. I…became consumed by greed long ago, and sold my soul to a dark creature that did this to me…,” it explained. “I can’t move…I can’t go see my girlfriend…My pet cat Gengle is frozen on my head…I don’t think I could be any more miserable…”

Zelda huffed. Of course she had sympathy for the man, but now was hardly the time for a sob story! She could help him later. She began to turn away.

“Wait! Don’t go, doggie!” the golden man pleaded. “I-I’m sorry for being so long-winded. I guess you’re in a bit of a hurry. But--please, can you find and defeat the 20 ghosts that lurk in the dark for me? When--when you have the time, of course! It’s just that…I think if you can free the pieces of my soul from the ghosts that hold them, I’ll be free.”

Zelda huffed again. Still, she nodded.

“Thanks…Hey, you’re a pretty smart doggie, aren’t you? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were really a person! But…hahah…that’s impossible, right? Actually…you wouldn’t happen to be trying to get into the waterway, would you?”

Zelda gasped. She turned to face him completely and nodded again, enthusiastically this time.

“Great! Now we can help each other. Here, I’ll open the door for you.” And just like that, a large treasure chest in the center of the room opened up. Zelda could have sworn she’d tried that chest earlier. It had been locked firmly then. “When you’re able to come back, just start digging around the front wall where the cats gather. Good luck, doggie!”

Zelda wasted no further time. She leapt into the chest, and fell down into the old waterway. As Louise had described it, it was a rough ride. Zelda let the water carry her down into a chamber below, then pulled herself up onto the stone surrounding the pool she’d landed in. She crept past giant rats, then opened the gate the same way she’d opened the ones in the dungeon of the castle, which felt so long ago now. She jumped down into the tunnel beyond the gate, and the current took her further down into another large pool of water.

Zelda climbed out, and saw the path before her blocked by a large Skulltula web. Zelda looked around, and spotted a lit brazier standing nearby. A stick just large enough to keep the flames away from her mouth as she carried it was just beside it. Thank the goddesses for good fortune.

Zelda picked up the stick, lit it on one end, and rushed the web, using the flames to keep the Skulltula away as well. Once the way was clear, she kept going, through more webs and past dive-bombing Keese. At last, the tunnels led to a dead end. Zelda spat out the still burning stick, using the light to search for a possible exit. She noticed that the ground in the middle of the room was soft. Zelda started digging, kicking up dirt and little stones as she tunneled through the soft ground.

She dropped down into a chamber below. Glancing over her shoulder once more, she saw that Zant was still there. Still alive, though for how much longer, she didn’t know. She didn’t have high hopes. Link…the prince had to be near. He just had to be! And surely…surely he knew what to do!

Running out through the tunnel ahead of her, she noticed familiar stone walls and iron bars. This was it! The dungeon! She’d finally reached the castle. She rushed up the familiar stone spiral staircase. When she reached the first gap in the stairs, she realized something. The first time she’d crossed those gaps…Zant had helped her. He was in no condition to help her now. And looking over the distance of the gaps, she wasn’t sure she could do it with just her own agility.

Then Zelda noticed that the monsters patrolling the castle had set up ropes around the gaps. She’d done some tightrope walking today already--Zelda knew she could do it again.

Zelda carefully stepped onto the rope. She crept across to the next section of staircase. Then did it again. And again. At one point, she slipped, and wound up dangling over the edge of the staircase several stories up. It was here that she noticed just how sore her legs were. All four of them. It was, regrettably, tempting to give up. She didn’t want to--but her body was putting up a serious fight against her efforts to continue. She thought about the children of Ordon Village. They…would be okay. Ilia, too…she was safe, now. Even if she didn’t remember Zelda’s name or her face. But…but if Zelda never saw her again…could she accept that?

No. She couldn’t. Zelda strained to pull herself up with everything she had left. Growling, snarling at her situation and those who had forced her into it. And just as she pulled herself back up onto the stone, chest heaving…she felt her companion’s grip loosen and slip.

Time moved as if in slow-motion. Zelda whirled around to face the yawning abyss below. She saw the imp begin to fall. She reached out with her jaws, the only part of her that could grab--!

--And caught his arm in her jaws. Zelda winced, hoping she hadn’t put too much force into her bite. But he didn’t react. Didn’t so much as whimper. Fearing she’d been too late even despite preventing his fall, Zelda pulled him back onto the stone beside her. The arm she’d grabbed in her jaws was bleeding somewhat. This is my fault, Zelda thought. If I could have put up an actual fight against that Twilight Queen…I tried, I really, really, tried! But is none of that good enough in the end? I’m so sorry…

Zelda nudged his small body with her snout, her ears pressed back against her head in worry. Zant let out a quiet groan and partially opened his eye. It looked unfocused, almost dim. “Sss…sor-ry…I let…go…” he wheezed.

Zelda gritted her teeth to steel her nerves. She lowered herself to the ground, and painstakingly nudged him onto her back. They still had to get across the roof…

Zelda reached the top of the staircase. She raced through the door that led to one of the allures and from there, the castle’s roof. Zelda tore into the storm, which had only gotten more intense. She darted past the rows of Bulblin sentries stationed upon the allure, wincing as more arrows nicked her hide. She tried to weave through what little space she had to minimize the risk of them hitting her or her companion dead-on. Scrapes were trivial injuries that could be treated later, but if either of them got an arrow lodged in their bodies…

Across the castle’s top, through driving rain and whipping wind, past swooping Argoroks, across wooden bridges flapping in the wind, staying up just long enough for her to use them as a springboard. Soaring down onto the shingled roof below that led to the prince’s bedchamber, fighting to keep her balance upon the rain-slicked surface and steep incline. They were so close now! Just through that window and then--!

Zelda leapt down onto the stone staircase inside. She scaled the stairs until she reached those familiar doors. Zelda dashed into the middle of the room, searching wildly for the prince, panting heavily. She heard a soft groan from just behind her, and a soft thump as her rider lost his grip once again and fell to the floor. Zelda turned to him, looking on with a feeling of pure helplessness as he struggled for breath. She prayed that Link would know what to do. Prayed she hadn’t been too late.

The prince’s fine gloved hand seemed to appear out of nowhere. Had Zelda missed him in her haste to spot him? Link placed a hand gently on the imp’s shoulder. His own face appeared as grim as Zelda felt.

“Please…,” Zant’s voice was little more than a whisper. “Tell me…that her curse can be broken…” He reached one shaking hand out towards the prince, who took it and held it firm in one of his own. “She…she’ll be the only one left…who can save your world…If she…can be healed…then…then I can…greet my fate…with a smile…”

Link turned his cobalt gaze to Zelda. He raised his other hand, and passed it across the shape of her cursed body. “...I am truly sorry,” he said softly. “This is a different magic than what transformed her when she first entered the Twilight. It is an evil power. I do not have the means to break it myself.” He sighed. “But you are not without hope. A sacred grove lies deep within the lands guarded by the spirit Faron. That is where you will find the blade of evil’s bane that was crafted by the goddess Hylia many eras ago, forged by the wisdom and courage of the first heroes. It is a sacred blade that evil cannot touch. That blade alone can undo this curse.”

“Zelda…heroine sent by the goddesses…Like you, I have been granted special powers. Our fates are intertwined. We both have a role to play in this war. That is why…you must defeat the Queen that Rules the Twilight…and the master she speaks of. No one else can defeat both of them.”

“G-good…,” Zant rasped. “I’m glad…that there’s still a chance…Z-Zelda…good luck…you…you’re going to…have to do it alone…from here…I’m sorry…”

Zelda shook her head in desperation. She wanted to shout at him. To tell him off for being so defeatist. To tell him not to give up. Even though by now she knew that he’d only been prolonging his suffering to see her off for the rest of her journey. She held in her tears. She didn’t want them to be the last thing he saw.

“Prince…one last request…” Zant continued. It sounded as though every syllable caused him pain now. “Please tell her…where to find…the Mirror of Twilight…”

Link shut his eyes for a moment. He inhaled deeply before opening them again and speaking. “Zant…I am sorry for my earlier words towards you. I misjudged. Despite your fears, you have a good heart. And now, mortally wounded, your concern is with us. These dark times are the result of our ancestors’ deeds…and yet, it’s you who suffers the worst of it.” Link’s expression softened, yet determination sparkled in his eyes. “Zant. I want you to stay by Zelda’s side for the rest of her journey, and see both of your worlds restored to order. That is why…I pass this now, to you.”

Link placed his other hand upon the one that held Zant’s own. From the prince’s hands, a light began to glow. Slowly, it enveloped the two of them, and Zant’s condition seemed to improve. But Zelda saw that as his condition improved, Link’s form began to fade. As the imp began to float once more, he reached out with his free hand towards the prince, crying out in desperation.

“NO! You--you can’t do this! I’m not--I’m not worthy!”

Link closed his eyes and smiled. It was the first time Zelda had seen him smile.

“PLEASE! Link, I--I CAN’T HAVE YOU DIE FOR ME!”

The prince let out a soft chuckle. Slowly, he released his grip upon Zant’s hand…and faded into nothing.

Zelda watched as her companion slowly descended back down to the floor. His color restored, even his wounds had been healed. He stood upon the stone floor, staring at his hands. He looked as though he were about to cry.

And then, he closed his eye, breathed deeply and slowly, and lowered his hands to his sides. When he opened his eye again, his face was calmer than Zelda had ever seen it before. Determined. There was still fear, but he no longer seemed paralyzed by it. He turned to face Zelda. “Let’s finish this. To Faron Woods.”

Zelda nodded. The imp clambered back onto his usual perch, and she slowly turned to leave. She paused as Zant spoke quietly into the stillness of the room. “Link…I understand, now. Why someone would risk their life for someone else…I just wish…I’d understood it sooner…”

#holy hell this one is so long #can't help it. i got in the zone #this is practically an entire chapter of the roleswap fic #credit to redrumrose for a lot of the ideas behind the au #whumptober 2024 #twilight princess #role swap au #zant #twilight princess zelda #put this one just here instead of on my canon x canon ship blog because i don't really ship them in this au #though maybe someday i'll expand that blog's definition to include platonic and queerplatonic ships and not just romantic

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brunchable · 23 days ago

Text

How To Impress a 21st Century Girl.

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x f!Reader

Themes: Rom-Com, Fluff, Mutual Pining(Heavy?), First Date, Flirtation and Playfulness.

Summary: Sam had forced Bucky to use Tinder to solve his abysmal love life. Bucky tells himself that if third time isn't a charm, he will officially give up trying to find a partner.

A/N: I'm a sucker for rom-coms, I hope you guys enjoyed this because I enjoyed writing it.

tags: @hzdhrtss @winterslove1917

It had all been Sam’s idea. "Come on, man. You need to get back out there!" Sam had said, way too enthusiastically, while setting up a Tinder profile for him without even asking. Bucky had resisted at first, arguing that dating apps probably weren't his thing. But Sam was persistent, reminding him that it was 2024, not 1944, and that "no one meets in grocery stores anymore."

Reluctantly, Bucky had gone along with it, figuring it couldn’t hurt to try. What was the worst that could happen?

Well, now he knew.

Bucky was starting to think Tinder was out to get him. His first two dates had been disasters—and not just normal awkwardness, but spectacularly bad. The first girl, Jenny, had brought her ex-boyfriend to the date. Apparently, he was her ride, and they were still "good friends." Bucky had spent two hours third-wheeling a reunion he hadn’t signed up for. The second girl, Alicia, had a collection of ceramic frogs. And when Bucky said “collection,” he meant obsession. The girl spent an entire dinner showing him photos of different frog figurines. It was ribbiting. Literally. One of them even made croaking sounds.

So, now here he was, on date number three, standing outside some trendy café, wondering what fresh nightmare awaited him. This time, though, he’d let you plan the date. Maybe handing over control would be better than having to smile through another amphibian-themed dinner.

You showed up right on time, and Bucky was genuinely relieved to see no ex-boyfriend hovering in the background. You were wearing a paneled knit dress with spaghetti straps that hugged you just right, and your short hair was perfectly tousled. You smiled at him, but the look on your face told him you were just as unsure as he was.

“Hi,” you greeted, and Bucky instantly forgot every single normal response. Holy shit he is TALL.

“Hey, I’m Bucky.” he mumbled back. He was really nailing this whole dating thing.

You walked inside, and the café had that minimalist vibe. A lot of plants. A lot of exposed brick. The kind of place where you’re not sure if you’re supposed to sit or admire the interior design.

As you both sat down, Bucky tried to channel his inner suave. He could do this. He had faced way worse than an awkward date. Like alien invasions. Like that one time he lost his arm again. This was nothing.

Except... why was talking to an attractive woman harder than fighting off super soldiers?

“I, uh, like your dress,” Bucky said, already feeling the heat creep up his neck. Nice, Barnes, real original.

“Thanks,” you replied, with an amused smile playing on your lips. “I like your... jacket.”

Bucky nodded, looking down at his worn leather jacket. “Yeah. It’s... warm.”

Warm? That’s what you’re going with? He mentally slapped himself. This was going well. So well. He tried to change the subject and scanned the menu. “Uh... so, what’s good here?”

“I don’t know, I’ve never been,” you said, fiddling with the edge of your napkin. “The internet said they have good coffee, though.”

“Internet reviews, huh?” Bucky raised an eyebrow. “That’s always a gamble. Could be great... could be a disaster.”

Cue the awkward silence.

The waiter had barely placed the food in front of you both before the quiet tension stretched between you like you were sitting in a library, not a café. Bucky poked at his bagel as if it might come to life at any moment, while you took a delicate sip of your coffee, your eyes darting between him and the wall behind him.

You both chewed in the most nonchalant way possible, each of you hyper-aware of the silence that was growing louder by the second. You were mentally cursing every decision that led to this exact moment, and Bucky, for his part, was questioning whether retiring from the whole Avenger thing had been a mistake.

Say something. Anything, Bucky thought, taking another bite of his bagel, which suddenly felt like chewing rubber. Ask about herr favorite food? No, that’s boring. Comment on the weather? Oh, yeah, nothing like ‘Hey, it’s been cold lately,’ to really sweep her off her feet. Real smooth.

Meanwhile, you were trying to figure out how you managed to forget how to make normal conversation. Maybe ask him about his hobbies? No, that’s basic. Compliment his hair? What are you, in fifth grade? Pull yourself together!

Bucky, still chewing the world’s driest bagel, caught your eye for a split second, and you both did that polite half-smile thing that happens when you’re not sure whether you should talk or continue pretending to enjoy the food.

Did she just smile at me because I’m being awkward, or am I overthinking this? Bucky wondered, immediately breaking eye contact and pretending his coffee was the most fascinating thing on the table.

You, on the other hand, were screaming internally. Oh God, did I smile too weird? Was it the kind of smile that says, ‘I like you,’ or the one that says, ‘I’m trapped in this date and don’t know how to escape’?

You both took another sip of your drinks at the exact same time.

Alright, Barnes, get it together. Say something smart, Bucky told himself, putting his mug down carefully.

“So, uh... how’s your coffee?”

You blinked, your brain scrambling for a response. How’s my coffee? It’s coffee. Just say it’s good. Don’t overthink it.

“It’s... good. How’s your bagel?”

Bucky looked down at the circular piece of bread like it had personally betrayed him. “It’s... round.”

Round? Really? You went with ‘round’? Smooth, real smooth, he chastised himself, nodding like he had just made the most profound statement about bagels ever.

Your lips twitched. Did he just describe his food as ‘round’? Okay, maybe I’m not the only one struggling here.

You took another sip of your coffee, trying to hide your smile. God, this is like watching two middle schoolers on a first date.

You both glanced at each other again. Smile. Look away. Silence.

Bucky ran a hand through his hair. Alright, clearly, she thinks I’m a complete idiot. But it’s fine. I can recover. Just... find a topic. Literally any topic.

You picked at your napkin. Okay, maybe I should mention the escape room next. But what if he hates escape rooms? What if he thinks they’re boring? You cleared your throat slightly, ready to speak, but then—

Bucky cleared his throat at the same time. You both froze, staring at each other like deer caught in headlights.

“You go first,” Bucky said quickly.

“No, no, you first,” you insisted, waving your hand.

Bucky’s brain blanked. He blinked, searching for anything to say. “Uh... did you... park nearby?”

You stared at him, and then a smile slowly spread across your face. Did he really just ask me about parking? You nodded. “No I–um took public transport. Did you?”

Bucky gave a stiff nod. “Yeah. Close. Very close. Super convenient.”

You both stared at each other for a beat, and then, in a miraculous moment, you both cracked up at the exact same time.

“Parking?” you laughed, shaking your head. “That’s the best we’ve got?”

Bucky held up his hands. “Hey, I panicked, okay? The bagel threw me off.”

You wiped a tear from your eye, your shoulders shaking with laughter. “And I thought the frogs were bad.”

Bucky couldn’t help but laugh harder. “Okay, in my defense, this date is way better than ceramic frogs.”

“Glad to be the non-frog date.” You raised your cup in mock salute.

You both chuckled, and for the first time, the awkward tension seemed to melt away. Sure, you were a bit of a mess, but at least you were a mess together.

As you calmed down, you leaned forward, a playful grin on your face. “So, what’s next? You ready for the escape room?”

“I dunno. Should I be worried?” Bucky smirked, feeling a lot lighter.

“Only if you’re bad at puzzles,” you teased.

Bucky crossed his arms, leaning back with a smirk. “Oh, trust me, I think I’ll manage.”

And with that, you both finally stood up to head for the next part of your date, the awkwardness left behind with the round bagel and the overly complicated coffee.

× × × ×

As soon as you stepped into the Asylum escape room, the mood shifted from "awkward first date" to "this might be how I die."

Oh, great. Creepy hospital décor. Perfect first-date vibes. You eyed the flickering lights and eerie medical tools scattered around the room, trying not to let on how much it was creeping you out. At least it’s better than ceramic frogs, you thought, glancing at Bucky.

“This is supposed to be the hardest escape room they have,” you said, glancing at Bucky. “Takes most people at least an hour. You ready for this?”

“Yeah, sure. I mean... it’s puzzles, right? How hard can it be?” Bucky shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to appear calm. I’ve literally fought aliens. How bad could a few puzzles be?

“You’ve never done one of these before, right?” You looked at him, a bit skeptical.

He shook his head. “First time. But, uh... I’m good under pressure.” Under pressure? What am I saying? I sound like I’m about to defuse a bomb, not solve a riddle. Get a grip, Barnes.

“Alright. Let’s do this.” You smiled, trying to hide your own nerves.

The clock started ticking, and immediately, you were plunged into darkness. A loud creak echoed through the room, followed by a voice over the intercom: “Welcome to the Asylum. You have 60 minutes to escape. Good luck... you’ll need it.”

Perfect. Creepy voice? Check. Flickering lights? Check. Yep, I'm doomed. You moved toward a stack of papers, squinting at the dim lighting. “Okay, first thing’s first... we need to find the clues hidden in this room to unlock the door.”

Before you could even start, Bucky was already inspecting a random pipe on the wall. He tugged at it, and it came loose, revealing a hidden key taped to the back. Oh, that was... lucky? Or did I just break something?

You froze mid-step. “Wait. How did you—”

“I... uh... just pulled on it.” Bucky looked just as surprised as you. Did I just accidentally solve this?

“Okay. Lucky guess.” You stared at him.

Bucky shrugged. “Maybe.” Play it cool, Barnes. Don't look like you’re clueless here.

You both moved into the next room, which had even creepier décor. Faint writing on the walls, jars filled with unidentifiable things, and a mannequin in the corner that Bucky immediately side-eyed like it was going to jump out at you. Okay, I don’t trust that mannequin. Why’s it looking at me like that?

You picked up a piece of paper with some cryptic writing on it. “This says something about finding the light within the dark. I think it’s a clue. We need to—”

“Found it,” Bucky called out.

You turned to see him holding up a blacklight. How does he keep doing this?!

“They always hide something with a blacklight, right?” He grinned, flashing the light on the wall, revealing a series of glowing numbers. That’s a thing, right? People hide stuff with these lights all the time... right?

“Oh, you’re just full of ideas now, huh?” You crossed your arms, smirking.

Bucky rubbed the back of his neck, trying to play it cool. “Just... using my instincts.” Yep. Totally knew that.

You worked through the next few puzzles, but by "worked," what you really meant was Bucky accidentally stumbling into the solutions. Every time you tried to figure out a clue, Bucky would casually touch something, pull a lever, or press a random button that—surprise—opened the next door or revealed the next key. At first, you thought he was joking. But as the minutes ticked by, it became clear: Bucky was somehow solving the escape room by sheer dumb luck—or so you thought.

This is starting to freak me out... Am I secretly a genius? Bucky thought.

At one point, you were trying to decipher a complicated code etched into the wall, mumbling to yourself about numerology and patterns, when Bucky—completely oblivious—pulled a book off the shelf, and a hidden door creaked open in the floor.

No. No way. “Are you—” You blinked. “Did you just—”

Bucky glanced at the open trapdoor, confused. “What? Was that not supposed to happen?”

You slapped your forehead. “No! I mean, yes, but—oh my God, Bucky, you’re breaking the game.”

He raised his hands in surrender. “I swear I’m not doing it on purpose!” Seriously, I just touched a book. How is that a thing?

You looked down at the trapdoor, then back at him. “What are you? A puzzle savant? Did you plan this?”

Bucky laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Nah, I just thought the book looked weird.” Great, now she thinks I’m some kind of escape room wizard.

You gaped at him. “The book looked weird?” Weird? Dude, I’m starting to think you have X-ray vision.

“I mean... yeah. It was dusty.” It wasn’t even that weird... or was it?

You squinted at him, hands on your hips. “You’re telling me you spotted a dusty book and thought, ‘Aha! Hidden door.’?”

“Isn’t that... what you’re supposed to do in these rooms?” Bucky shrugged, looking genuinely sorry. Please tell me that's how this works.

This man is unbelievable. You stared at him for a long moment before bursting out laughing. “Oh my God. You’re accidentally good at this. You’re just walking around solving stuff like you do this every weekend!”

Bucky chuckled, his shoulders relaxing a little. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m glad she’s laughing. “I swear I’ve never done this before.” This isn’t even the weirdest thing that’s happened to me this week.

“I don’t know whether to be impressed or terrified,” you teased, stepping closer to him. “You’re like a walking cheat code.” Sure, Sherlock. Whatever you say.

“Hey, I’m just here to help.” He smiled, clearly enjoying your reaction. At least she’s impressed. That’s something.

I think you might secretly be a robot. You shook your head, grinning. “Alright, escape room prodigy, let’s see if you can crack the last one.”

You entered the final room—a dimly lit chamber with a creepy-looking mannequin in the corner and random medical equipment scattered around. You narrowed your eyes.

“Okay, this is the hardest part. No way you’re going to just... guess your way out of this one.”

“Yeah, this one’s. . . tricky.” Bucky glanced around, clearly trying to look casual. Please don’t let me stumble into the solution again...

Please don’t let him find the solution immediately. Just this once.

You pointed at the mannequin. “We need to find a code hidden somewhere in this room. The clue says it’s ‘locked in the mind.’ So it has to be something mental, right? Like a puzzle?”

Bucky stared at the mannequin for a second, then slowly reached out and twisted its head off. Inside, there was a slip of paper with the code on it. Oh, come on. You’ve got to be kidding me.

“Are you KIDDING me?!” Your jaw dropped.

“I just thought... you know... maybe the head comes off?” Bucky held up the paper, looking sheepish.

Why am I even here?! You threw your hands up in the air. “Of COURSE the head comes off! Because that makes total sense! Sure!”

Bucky bit back a laugh. “Well, it did say ‘locked in the mind.’” Technically, I was right.

You glared at him, then shook your head, laughing despite yourself. “Okay, that’s it. You’re banned from escape rooms. You ruin them.”

“Ruined it?” Bucky asked, grinning. “We escaped, didn’t we?” She’s totally impressed, even if she won’t admit it.

“We escaped in twelve minutes, Bucky! Twelve!” You slapped his arm playfully. “That’s not normal!”

He laughed, ducking his head. “Sorry?” Guess I’m not so bad at this ‘fun date’ thing.

As you both stepped out of the escape room, the staff was standing there, looking like they’d just witnessed the impossible.

“You’re... done?” Pink-haired Girl asked, your eyes wide with disbelief.

Wow. They look like I just told them Santa isn’t real, Bucky thought.

You, just as confused, looked over at Bucky. “Uh. . .yeah, I guess?”

“Looks like it.” Bucky gave a casual shrug. No big deal. Just casually shattering dreams.

Clipboard Guy checked his stopwatch again, his mouth hanging open. “Twelve minutes. No. That’s not possible. People are supposed to break down in there. We’ve had people cry!”

Cry? What is this, an escape room or emotional boot camp? “You want me to go back in and tear up a little? You know, for the full experience?” Bucky raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“People have left that room emotionally damaged. You just... strolled out.” Pink-haired Girl blinked.

You stared at Bucky, still wrapping your head around it. “I didn’t even get through the first clue, and you were already unlocking half the room.”

“You were working hard. I just sped things up a bit.” Bucky chuckled softly, glancing at you with a playful smile. I mean, you were giving it a solid effort...

The Master of Puzzles guy appeared, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “Did you... have the answers beforehand? Because that’s the hardest room we’ve got. We’ve had people rage-quit in there.”

Bucky rubbed the back of his neck, looking amused. “Nah, just good at finding my way out of things.”

“I didn’t even do anything. You solved the whole thing!” You shook your head, still half-laughing, half in disbelief.

“Hey, you were a great moral support.” Bucky smiled at you, nudging you lightly. Seriously, though, it’s good to have someone to watch while I dismantle a room’s dignity.

Clipboard Guy muttered, “We’re gonna have to ban him. He’s banned.”

Oh no, I’ve ruined their sacred puzzle temple.

“He broke the hardest room we’ve got. Who even does that?” Pink-haired Girl nodded, still dumbfounded.

“Well, I’d offer to go back and struggle a bit, but... I don’t think it’d be convincing.” Bucky smirked, leaning casually against the counter. Trust me, I can’t fake being bad at something. Even if I tried.

As you headed for the exit, Bucky held the door open for you, giving the staff one last glance before he leaned over to you, voice low.

“What? You wanted to be stuck in there all night?”

“Honestly? It would’ve been nice to solve at least one puzzle.” You groaned, though you were smiling.

“Next time, I’ll let you have the first clue. Promise.” Bucky chuckled softly. And by let you, I mean I’ll stand far away from everything and try not to accidentally win.

“You better.” You laughed, shaking your head as you both stepped out into the night.

× × × ×

The arcade was buzzing with lights, sounds, and the faint scent of popcorn. It was a complete shift from the eerie asylum escape room, and you were already eyeing the rows of flashing machines and claw games with glee.

Alright, this is more like it. No creepy mannequins here, just good old-fashioned fun.

Bucky, on the other hand, looked around like he had just entered a foreign world. The last time he’d been in an arcade, they didn’t have all this flashing neon or half the games that were here now. What happened to the simple stuff? Pinball machines and jukeboxes. Now I’ve got ten-foot robots staring at me while kids slap buttons like their lives depend on it.

Still, he couldn’t help but smile at how excited you looked. Okay, if she’s this excited, maybe this won’t be so bad.

“Okay, so... how does this place work again?” he asked, watching a kid furiously slap buttons at a nearby game.

You laughed, giving him a gentle nudge. “It’s simple! We just play a bunch of games, earn tickets, and then trade them in for really weird prizes. Easy.”

Bucky nodded, though he still looked a little confused. “So, you win tickets by—?”

“By being amazing at games, obviously,” you said, your eyes already darting toward a nearby basketball shooting game. “Let’s see if you can keep up.”

Bucky followed you, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “Oh, I’ll keep up.” Alright, let’s see if I remember how to be competitive at... basketball?

You started with basketball, and while you had a decent shot, Bucky quickly became the Michael Jordan of arcade basketball. He tossed shot after shot into the hoop with ridiculous ease, barely even looking like he was trying.

Oh, come on. Seriously? Why is he good at everything? You shook your head in disbelief. “Oh, come on. Are you serious right now? Are you even aiming?”

“I dunno. I just... throw.” Bucky shrugged, not missing a single shot.

“This is what I get for going on a date with someone who’s literally built for accuracy.” You playfully narrowed your eyes at him. Why am I pretending like I’m mad? It’s honestly impressive.

He flashed a boyish grin. “You wanted to see if I could keep up.” Oh, I’m keeping up, doll.

You crossed your arms, pretending to pout. “I wasn’t trying to lose in record time.”

When the game ended, Bucky had a ridiculous amount of points, and you had... well, significantly fewer. He collected your combined tickets from the machine, glancing down at you with a playful glint in his eyes.

“Should I carry these, or do you want to hold on to the three tickets you earned?” he teased, raising an eyebrow.

How is he still charming even while teasing me? This is unfair. You scoffed, rolling your eyes as you snatched a couple of tickets from his hand with a grin. “You know what? Fuck you.”

“Careful, doll. You keep talking like that, and I might just take you up on it.” Bucky’s smirk widened, and he leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice just enough to make your pulse quicken.

Okay, that was a little too good. I should not be blushing right now. Your eyes widened for a second, a flush creeping up your neck before you shot him a playful glare. “You wish.”

“You know I don’t have to wish for anything.” He chuckled, stepping back with a wink.

Well, that escalated quickly. You tried to bite back your smile, but it was impossible with the way he was looking at you. “I’m starting to regret bringing you here.”

Bucky held up the stack of tickets, grinning like a kid who just won the lottery. “You’re only regretting it because I’m walking away with all the prizes.” Did I just turn an arcade into a battlefield?

“Yeah, yeah, keep rubbing it in.” You huffed, shaking your head, though the smile on your face said otherwise.

Bucky shot you another wink. “Oh, I plan to.”

This guy is dangerous with that smile. You smirked, leaning in a little. “So... what happened to the awkward guy who pointed out that bagels are round? Because this,” you waved at the arcade tickets, “does not feel like the same guy.”

“What? You weren’t impressed by my bagel observations?” Bucky chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. I was doing my best back then, okay?

You laughed, giving him a playful nudge. “Oh, I was very impressed. I just didn’t know you were hiding this arcade legend behind all that bagel wisdom.”

He grinned, eyes glinting. “I’m full of surprises, doll.” You have no idea.

“Clearly,” you said, still teasing him as you walked toward the next game. “Let’s see how many more surprises you’ve got.”

You dragged him over to the shooting gallery game, where you were met with an array of plastic rifles and paper targets.

“I’m kinda good at this,” you declared, grabbing one of the rifles with renewed determination. “You can’t have a crazy aim for everything.” Finally, something I can win.

Bucky raised an eyebrow, amused. “Okay. Let’s see what you got.”

You aimed and fired... missing every single target. You winced as the targets flipped back and forth, mocking you with their tiny, evil faces. Are you kidding me?

“You’re holding it too tight.” Bucky stepped up beside you, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Oh, great. Here we go. The expert.” You groaned. Of course, I’m holding it too tight. Leave it to Bucky to know everything.

Bucky smiled, but instead of saying anything, he stepped behind you, wrapping his arms around you, his hands gently guiding yours on the plastic gun. You froze, your heart skipping a beat as you felt the warmth of him so close. His breath was soft against your ear as he leaned in to guide your aim, his voice low and steady.

Why does he have to be so good at this? I can barely think straight.

“Relax,” he murmured, his hands adjusting yours gently. “Don’t grip it so hard. Just like this.”

How am I supposed to relax when he’s practically wrapped around me?

Your pulse quickened, your senses suddenly overwhelmed by how close he was. His cologne—woodsy and warm—filled your lungs, making you a little dizzy. You swallowed hard, focusing on anything but the way your back pressed against his chest. “Okay... relax. Right. Got it.”

“You’re not relaxing.” Bucky’s voice was low, almost teasing.

Yeah, no kidding. Not exactly easy when you smell like a lumberjack dream.

“I am relaxed!” you shot back, though your heart was racing so fast you were sure he could hear it.

Bucky chuckled, and the soft rumble of his laugh vibrated against your back. “If you were relaxed, you wouldn’t be holding your breath.”

If she’s holding her breath, I must be doing something right.

You blinked, realizing that yes, you were in fact holding your breath. You exhaled slowly, trying to focus on the targets instead of the fact that Bucky was basically wrapped around you.

“Good,” he said quietly, his hands still steadying yours. “Now, pull the trigger. Nice and easy.”

Yeah, this is totally normal. Just shooting targets, totally not thinking about how close we are.

You followed his lead, squeezing the trigger gently. The shot rang out, and the sound of a hit echoed through the machine. The target flipped backward, signaling a perfect hit.

“I did it!” you exclaimed, your excitement bubbling over as you turned your head to look at him.

Your faces were just inches apart. Bucky’s eyes locked on yours, and for a moment, neither of you moved. The air between you was thick with tension, the good kind—the kind that makes your heart race and your stomach flip.

God, she’s close. Just a little closer...

Your gaze flickered down to his lips, and Bucky swallowed hard, momentarily forgetting where you were or what you were doing. All he could think about was how easy it would be to lean in just a little more, to—

“Uh, sorry!” A kid nearby bumped into the machine, jolting you both out of the moment.

Of course. Great timing, kid.

You quickly stepped out of Bucky’s embrace, your face flushed. “Well, um... thanks for the lesson, Barnes.”

Bucky cleared his throat, his ears a little pink. “Yeah. Anytime.” Anytime? Seriously, Barnes? That’s all you’ve got?

You moved on to a few more games, but the tension between you still lingered, electric and unspoken. After a particularly intense game of air hockey (where you almost won, thanks to Bucky being a little too distracted by you), you found yourselves at the prize counter.

Your eyes scanned the shelves, but one prize in particular caught your attention: an absolutely massive goose plush sitting at the top of the prize display. It was ridiculous, almost comically large, but it made you smile instantly.

“Oh my God,” you muttered, pointing. “That goose is so cute.”

Bucky followed your gaze and raised an eyebrow. A goose? Really? She could pick anything, and it’s that giant bird?

“You like that thing?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.

“I mean, look at it. It’s the size of a couch,” you said, laughing. “No one’s ever gonna win enough tickets for that.”

Bucky looked thoughtful for a second. Then, without saying a word, he handed all of your tickets to the guy at the counter. Challenge accepted, doll.

The kid behind the counter stared at him. “Uh, you know this isn’t enough for the goose, right?”

Bucky nodded. “Yeah, but... what’s it take to win that thing?”

Because clearly, winning giant plush birds is my new priority in life.

The kid blinked. “Like... a thousand tickets.”

Bucky smirked, then turned to you. “Wait here.”

“What are you doing?” You frowned, confused.

Please don’t say you’re going to try and win a thousand tickets... oh my God, he’s going to try and win a thousand tickets.

Bucky said nothing and disappeared into the crowd. A few minutes later, you saw him at one of those old-school, rigged basketball games. His face was calm, determined—like he was about to go to war.

One after the other, Bucky sank shot after shot, racking up points so fast that you had to rub your eyes to believe it. Within minutes, he had earned a mountain of tickets. He moved on to another game, this time skee-ball, and then to another. Every single game, he dominated, earning enough tickets to make the counter kid’s jaw drop when he returned with what looked like a roll of tickets big enough to use as a belt.

“Holy crap,” you muttered, watching as Bucky handed the tickets over, a satisfied smirk on his face. The kid counted them, eyes wide, then slowly reached for the giant goose plush.

The oversized goose was practically half Bucky’s height as he carried it back over to you, grinning.

“Here you go,” he said, handing it to you with a proud look. “You said you liked it, right?”

Who just... casually wins a giant goose plush? How did he do that?

You stared at the giant, fluffy creature, then at him, your heart flipping over itself. “Bucky... this is insane. It’s huge.”

“Well, I couldn’t just leave without winning you something.” He shrugged, his grin boyish and a little shy. Yeah, Barnes, act like you’re not insanely proud of yourself right now.

He’s... adorable. Stop. Focus. “You really didn’t have to... but I love it.” You laughed, hugging the goose to your chest.

“Good.” Bucky’s eyes softened as he watched you smile. Worth every single ticket.

Your heart raced, your face heating up as you looked at him over the massive plush. “You’re full of surprises, Barnes. Who knew you’d be this good at arcades?”

Just trying to impress the girl, no big deal.

“Maybe I just wanted to impress you.” He smiled, a little more reserved this time.

Well, mission accomplished, buddy. You blushed, the air between you crackling again with that familiar tension. “Well, mission accomplished.”

You stood there for a moment, just smiling at each other, the absurdly large goose between you, until you laughed and nudged him with your elbow.

“You know, this might be the best date I’ve ever been on,” you said, your tone light but sincere. Was that too much? Did I just over-share?

Bucky’s smile grew, his eyes softening. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you said softly, holding the goose a little tighter. “Definitely the best.” Okay, that was smooth. Not awkward at all.

You left the arcade with the giant goose plush between you, its goofy face almost mocking the awkwardness that had suddenly crept back into your steps. Bucky walked beside you, hands stuffed into his jacket pockets, trying to figure out what to say.

Do I say something? Or just... keep walking?

The sounds of the city filled the silence around you, but neither of you spoke. The playful energy from the arcade had faded into something quieter, more uncertain.

Why am I so bad at this? Just say something, Barnes.

After a long stretch of quiet, Bucky cleared his throat. “So... is this the end?” Smooth, real smooth.

You blinked and glanced over at him, trying to keep your heart from doing a flip at his words. “Well, that’s all I had planned. Why?”

Bucky hesitated, his jaw tightening slightly as he looked ahead, his mind clearly weighing something. Okay, don’t screw this up. Don’t sound too eager.

For a moment, you thought maybe he was going to say goodbye, that maybe this was the end of your date after all. But then, he spoke quietly, almost as if he was embarrassed to admit it.

“I kind of don’t want to go home yet.” Well, there it is. Now she knows.

You felt a flutter in your chest, your face heating up as a small, shy smile tugged at your lips. You ducked your head, looking down at the sidewalk to hide the blush creeping across your cheeks. The way he said it—so simple but sincere—made your heart skip.

Why does that sound so much cuter than it should? You bit your lip, an idea suddenly coming to you.

“Well...” you started, glancing up at him. “There’s a new building by the riverside with a sky deck. It just opened recently, and it’s supposed to have the best view of the city.”

“Sky deck, huh?” Bucky raised an eyebrow, intrigued. A sky deck? Yeah, that sounds better than awkwardly walking home.

You nodded, a little more excited now. “Yeah. It’s pretty high up, and overlooks the whole city. I haven’t been yet, but I heard it’s amazing at night.”

“Sounds better than going home.” Bucky tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into a soft smile. Thank God. I’m not ready for this to be over yet.

“Then let’s go.” You grinned, feeling your heart race just a little faster.

You shared a quick, almost nervous glance at each other before walking in the direction of the riverside. The awkwardness wasn’t completely gone, but now, it was laced with anticipation, a kind of giddy energy that made your stomach flutter. You hugged the plush goose a little tighter, trying not to let your excitement show too much, but inside, you were buzzing.

× × × ×

The city lights shimmered below you as you lounged on the comfy chairs, drinks in hand. The night air was cool, but it didn’t come close to breaking the warmth buzzing between you and Bucky.

She’s... something else, Bucky thought, leaning back slightly. His gaze kept shifting between the breathtaking skyline and you, but he found himself more captivated by you. How am I supposed to focus on the view when she looks like that?

Noticing the quiet, you smirked. “So, you were really gonna end the night without showing off more of your endless talents?”

Oh, she’s teasing now. Alright, two can play this game. Bucky raised an eyebrow, amused. “What, beating you at arcade games wasn’t enough?”

You laughed, shaking your head. “You’re a walking cheat code, Bucky. But I feel like there’s more you’re holding back.”

His eyes flickered over your face, lingering on your lips for just a little too long. More than you know, doll. “Maybe I am.”

Your breath caught for a second, but you quickly recovered, tilting your head and flashing him a grin. “Oh yeah? Like what? Some secret talent I should know about?”

Keep your cool, Barnes. Don't blow it now.

Bucky leaned in just a fraction, his voice lowering, his eyes never leaving yours. “I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. But I only show them to people who ask nicely.”

God, does he have to sound that smooth? Your heart flipped at the way he was looking at you, intense, as if he was seeing through every joke and teasing comment. How am I supposed to keep this casual?

“Nicely, huh? And what do I have to do for you to show me?” you asked, your voice quieter now, the playful banter fading into something more charged.

“Keep hanging around,” he said softly.

I’m in deep now. Bucky's eyes dropped to your lips again, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to blur into nothing. Should I kiss her? Maybe I’m reading this wrong...

His eyes dropped to your lips again, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to blur into nothing. It was just him—his voice, his presence, the way he was looking at you like he wanted to kiss you but was holding back.

You swallowed, feeling the tension build like a slow fire. You sipped your drink, trying to cool yourself down, but it did little to shake the feeling that something between you had shifted. Stop overthinking, just go with it.

“I could do that,” you murmured, a small smile playing on your lips. You felt his eyes on you, and the air between you felt electric. You glanced at him, catching him staring at your lips again. Your pulse jumped. He’s really staring... isn’t he?

“You’re staring,” you said, teasing, though your voice had a soft edge to it, your heart thudding in your chest.

Bucky blinked, caught, but instead of pulling away, he smirked. “Am I?”

Yeah, Bucky, play it cool. Like you haven’t been staring for the past five minutes.

“Mhm,” you teased, though your voice was barely steady. Why does that smirk make my heart race? “I mean, I get it. The view’s great and all.”

Bucky’s smirk deepened, his voice dropping lower. “You could say that.”

I can’t believe this is actually happening. You felt your face heat up at the way he was looking at you. The intensity of his gaze made your stomach do wild flips. Why is this so... intense?

“You’re not just talking about the city, are you?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled softly, sending shivers down your spine. Just kiss her already. “Maybe not.”

Your breath hitched. “And what are you looking at?”

He leaned in slightly, his gaze locked on yours. “What do you think?”

She knows exactly what I’m looking at.

Your heart raced, the pull between you growing stronger with every passing second. His eyes kept flicking down to your lips, making you wonder if he was going to kiss you. I really shouldn’t wait any longer...

Bucky cleared his throat suddenly, as if shaking off the trance he’d been in, and leaned back into his seat, looking almost embarrassed. Okay, maybe I’m rushing this.

“Sorry... I didn’t mean to—”

“No,” you interrupted quickly, your voice softer, gentler now. God, why did he stop? “Don’t be. I didn’t mind.”

His gaze snapped back to yours, the tension flaring again. She didn’t mind? Well, maybe I didn’t screw up, after all—or I did because you didn’t kiss her you idiot. He opened his mouth to say something, but instead, a soft smile tugged at his lips, and his expression softened.

“So... orthopedic ward, huh?” he said, shifting the conversation, though his eyes were still locked on you. “How do you handle that? All those broken bones?”

Smooth, Barnes. Talk about bones to distract yourself from the fact you were just about to kiss her.

You took a deep breath, relieved for the break in intensity but missing it instantly. Great, now I’m thinking about how close he was... “Well, it’s mostly convincing people not to do dumb things. Like skateboarding down staircases. You wouldn’t believe what people put themselves through.”

Bucky chuckled. Yeah, I believe it. Considering I’ve done dumber things in my time. “I can believe it. I’ve been there.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You’ve skateboarded down staircases?”

“No, but I’ve done some pretty stupid things in my time,” he admitted, leaning in again. Pretty sure falling for you might top the list. “But if I did something dumb, you’d patch me up, right?”

You smirked, your eyes twinkling. He’s flirting again. I can’t take this seriously. “Oh, I’d patch you up. But I’d make sure to remind you how dumb you were the entire time.”

“Fair,” Bucky said, the distance between you shrinking again. Patch me up, lecture me—just keep talking, I don’t care. “But I think I’d be a good patient.”

You shook your head with a grin. Good patient? Doubtful. “I doubt that. You’d probably complain the whole time.”

“I wouldn’t,” he replied, his tone teasing but soft. I’d let her take care of me, no problem. “If you were the one taking care of me, I’d be on my best behavior.”

He’s definitely not just talking about broken bones... Your heart skipped at the way he was looking at you again, his voice dropping to something more intimate. The banter was light, but underneath it all, there was that same intensity. Okay, now I’m thinking about kissing him again...

“You don’t strike me as someone who’s ever on their best behavior,” you teased softly, though your breath caught in your throat.

Bucky smirked, his eyes flicking to your lips again. “Maybe you bring it out in me.”

God, I hope so.

The words hung between you, heavy with meaning. Your pulse raced, and you leaned into the moment, letting the tension simmer between you, unspoken but undeniable. He’s close again…

“I’ll have to see that for myself,” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the pounding of your heartbeat.

She’s close, too. Just lean in, Barnes. Bucky’s gaze darkened, his voice low and rough. “You just might.”

A small smile tugged at your lips as the tension between you crackled, thick and electric. You shifted slightly, leaning in with a playful smirk. “So... tell me, you got any other dates lined up after this one?”

Bucky’s eyes flickered with amusement as he leaned back, crossing his arms. Dates? I can barely keep up with this one. “Why? You worried I’ve got someone else lined up?”

You grinned, holding his gaze. “Maybe. Should I be?”

Not a chance. He leaned in closer, the space between you shrinking as his voice dropped lower. “I don’t know... do you have any other dates lined up?”

He’s really turning this on me, huh? You blinked, your heart racing, but you quickly shot back, “Well, maybe... maybe not. Depends on how this one ends.”

Bucky chuckled softly, his eyes dropping to your lips again, the intensity rising. Alright, Barnes, time to end this date right. “Guess I better make sure it ends right, then.”

Before you could respond, Bucky reached out, his fingers gently tilting your chin up. His other hand slid to the back of your neck, his thumb brushing tenderly against your cheek as he leaned in, your lips so close you could feel his breath.

Your heart was pounding, your breath shallow, as his parted lips brushed against yours, soft and slow, his head tilting just slightly. The kiss was gentle at first, his lips locking against yours in a way that made everything around you fade to nothing. He could taste the faint sweetness of your daiquiri on your lips, and with a soft groan, his tongue did a slow, savoring lick against your bottom lip before slipping past, deepening the kiss.

Your hands instinctively moved up, cupping his face as you kissed him back, your fingers sliding along the scruff of his jaw. The warmth of his touch, the way his thumb stroked your cheek, the way his lips moved against yours —everything about it was intoxicating, pulling you under.

Then Bucky pulled back for a quick gasp, his breath mingling with yours , before diving back in, capturing your lips with even more intensity. The kiss deepened, more urgent this time, as though neither of you wanted the moment to end. His hand on your nape tightened slightly, pulling you closer as the kiss intensified, his lips pressing more firmly against yours.

They didn’t stop until they couldn’t breathe anymore, finally pulling apart when the need for air overtook you, both of you breathless and flushed. Their foreheads rested together, the cool night air doing little to cool the heat between you. Bucky’s thumb gently stroked your cheek as he whispered, his voice rough, “Definitely no other dates lined up after this.”

You smiled, your hands still cradling his face, your heart pounding. “Good. Neither do I.”

× × × ×

As Bucky’s motorcycle came to a slow stop outside your house, and glanced up at your front porch. You hopped off the bike, shaking out your hair with a satisfied grin.

That ride was way too short... you thought, glancing at him as you handed Bucky his helmet, which he stubbornly told you to wear instead of him.

Bucky, being the gentleman, didn’t just let you off with a wave. He slid off the bike and stood up straight, dusting his hands like he was about to help carry your groceries.

Alright, Barnes. Play it cool.

"I’ll walk you up," he said casually, like it wasn’t 2024 and people usually just waved from their cars.

You raised an eyebrow, your lips quirking into a smirk. "You’re walking me to my porch?"

Bucky nodded, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. She thinks it’s weird? Hell, I thought that’s what you’re supposed to do.

“Of course. What kind of guy lets a lady walk to her door alone?” he replied, shrugging like this was completely normal.

You tried not to laugh, biting your lip to hold back a smile. He’s serious. Oh my God, he’s really serious. "Wow, okay, Mr. 1940s. What’s next, you gonna tip your hat and call me ‘ma’am’?"

Bucky smirked, taking a step closer. Alright, go with it, Barnes. “I could, if that’s what you’re into.”

You snorted, rolling your eyes but smiling as you walked together toward your porch. He’s ridiculous... and kinda sweet. You couldn’t help but notice how he slowed his pace just a little, like he was savoring the moment, hands tucked into his jacket pockets, casual yet somehow... considerate.

When you reached your porch, Bucky stopped, glancing at your door as if making sure it was safe territory. This is it. Play it smooth.

You turned to him, unable to hold back a laugh this time. "So, do I get a secret code to get into my own house, or...?"

Bucky grinned, leaning casually against the porch railing. “Just making sure you get home safe.”

Alright, Barnes, she’s not buying it. But hey, it worked.

“You know, they invented porch lights for a reason.” You shook your head, amused. He’s seriously acting like my personal bodyguard right now.

“What can I say? Old habits die hard.” Bucky shrugged, leaning in just a little closer, that playful glint in his eye. Please don’t laugh, please don’t laugh.

You looked up at him, crossing your arms with a smirk. “You know, there’s a fine line between being a gentleman and babysitting.”

Bucky chuckled. She’s killing me with that smirk. “Hey, you never know. There could be a rogue bagel out here, just waiting to trip you up.”

Oh, not the bagels again. “Oh my God, not the bagels again!” you burst out laughing, shaking your head.

He raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “You know they’re round, right?”

This man is unbelievable. You groaned, pressing a hand to your forehead. “I think we’ve officially come full circle.”

“Just like a bagel.” Bucky gave a slow, dramatic nod.

You couldn’t help but laugh again, but you shook your head, standing on your porch with your hands on your hips. Why do I like this guy so much?

“Alright, alright, you’ve escorted me safely to my door. Anything else, or are you going to salute me goodbye?”

Bucky’s grin softened, and with a playful twinkle in his eye, he gave a small, mock salute. She’s gotta be messing with me right now, right? “Goodnight, ma’am.”

“Goodnight, soldier.” You couldn’t stop smiling as you opened your door, turning back to look at him. Don’t walk away, don’t walk away yet...

As you slipped inside, you peeked out one last time, watching as Bucky lingered for a second, that charming smirk still on his face before he finally turned and headed back to his bike. Say something, Barnes. Don’t just leave like a dork.

But then he stopped, halfway to his bike, and turned back around, something flickering in his eyes.

No, I’m not leaving yet. Not without...

Before you could ask what he was doing, Bucky closed the distance between you with a few long strides. Without hesitating, he gently tilted your chin up, his thumb brushing your cheek as he leaned in and kissed you—soft, quick, but just enough to make your heart race. His lips parted against yours, and for a split second, you tasted the warmth of him before he pulled back, just enough to meet your eyes.

That... was... wow.

Your breath caught in your throat, your heart doing a somersault. Did that just happen? You were still processing when Bucky grinned, his voice a little more hushed. “I guess I couldn’t leave without a proper goodbye.”

Smooth, Barnes. Real smooth.

You blinked, trying to find your voice, but all that came out was a soft, “No complaints here.”

Bucky chuckled softly, his hand still lingering at your neck for a moment longer. Then, he cleared his throat, stepping back a bit. “Hey, uh... you got a number I could call sometime?”

He’s asking for my number after that?

You smiled, feeling your heart flutter as you reached into your pocket, grabbing your phone. “Yeah, here—let me put it in.”

As you typed in your number, Bucky watched you, that familiar twinkle back in his eyes. Best decision I’ve made all night.

When you handed his phone back, your fingers brushed his, sending a small jolt up your arm. Yep, I’m done for.

Bucky pocketed the phone, flashing that boyish grin again. “Alright. I’ll call you.”

Yeah, you better. “I’ll hold you to that.”

He took a slow step down from the porch, but not without glancing over his shoulder one more time. “Goodnight... again.”

You stood there, grinning like an idiot. “Goodnight, Bucky.”

As Bucky made his way back to his bike, you slipped inside your house, leaning against the door as your heart raced. Did he really just kiss me? Again? Oh, this is definitely not over.

You peeked out one last time through the crack in the door, watching him as he swung his leg over his bike. Even from your doorway, you could hear him muttering with a smirk, “Just trying to keep the rogue bagels at bay.”

You rolled your eyes, laughing softly as you finally closed the door behind you, your heart racing a little more than you expected. I’m never going to forget this night...

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