#wolfie needs a flea bath

[ordonianhero]

Apple of our Eye

genre: family/fluff/comfort

Rated: T- language and some suggestive subjects, injuries. (SFW still, just a bit of morning snogging.) alcohol use.

words: 4,189

Notes: "Apple of our eye' is a term of which someone who is very much are proud of. I got inspiration on this through a discussion I was having about Malon, Time and Twilight are very much alike and is know that they are blood related. From the Malon Arc from @linkeduniverse . Here you go: @wissi-my-little-cow and @that-one-loz-nerd

So the chain return to Lon Lon Ranch after Twilight is injured. The chain are thrilled to be back there and being able to take it easy while Twilight is healing up. It however not all that easy and lot like Time, Twilight struggles with being unable to do anything. However with some help, Malon is able to share that is is not the only one like that. Blood is blood.

Anyways, I hope all enjoy this little fic. Again I am sorry for typos and grammar. I attempted to correct along the way.

Cold, winter air snuck through the cracks of the farm house windows and door. Time buried himself more into his wife. Burring his face into her luscious fire red hair. Letting out a soft hum. Smiling softly. Malon let out a soft chuckle and a squeak as he pulled her closer to him, as he snuggled her closely. The resident rooster let out a morning call. The sun may have not been up yet and it was still dark out, but them cucoo's didn't care. Morning was morning. Time groaned and then swore in Hylian for the damn bird alarm.

He felt his wife shift. They had farm work to look after. She turned over and kissed his forehead gently. He peek his one good eye open. He looked at the radiant goddess before him. Her softly smiling at him. The red hair covering part of her face. He reached up and tucked it gently behind her ear. She leaned into his touch a bit. He shifted closer, gently kissing her. She smiled into the kiss and returned his kiss. He drew her in closer as they kissed. She let a soft giggle.

"are you hungry dear." She giggled.

Moving his lips to her jaw, nipping slightly. Gaining a quiet yet soft sound from her. She could feel him smiling to himself. Making his way down her neck.

"Hm. Wouldn't you be with my long absent." he hummed.

"Hm. Yes. But we got some chores to get done Mr. or we may be getting some live stock plotting our demise if we don't get to them." She whispered.

He moved to face her again, softly smiling. He leaned back in to kiss her.

"Hm. Five more minutes." he whined.

"Two." she bargained.

"Three."

"Three, then we need to get up fair boy." She chuckled kissing him.

He smiled into her kiss and puller her as close as they could before deepening their kiss. She ran her hand up his chest. He fingers gently touching old scares he has gotten over the years of his adventures. His hand made its way through her hair. She felt her body getting fluttery, she pulled away. Gaining a whimper from him. The cold could be felt as she pulled away.

"You're too much handsome, but it's time we get about our day." she spoke soft, giving him on final kiss before moving out of bed to go get dressed for the day. Time flopped on his back staring at the ceiling and let out a long sigh. He laid there bit before making his way out of bed.

-----

When Malon enter the kitchen, she nearly jumped out her skin. There sat one of the eight boys whom were traveling with her husband. Leaned over a book and a mug of tea to the side of him. He looked up.

"Sorry. I couldn't sleep. Felt best to no disturbed everyone. so I came to the kitchen." He apologized.

She smiled at him. "No worries dear. startled me is all."

Time entered dressed to go about taking care of the farm animals. "Morning first born."

Twilight blushed and pulled the book to his face. Malon worked to make some more tea. Time chuckled, then turned his head to read the title of the book which his pup was reading. It was a book about running a ranch and about looking after the farm animals. He wasn't sure why They needed to read it. It was in this young man's blood. Like sword fighting, this lad was a natural with animals of all kinds. He clearly got that from Malon. Like the cute button nose his wife has. He saw as their eyes raised to look back at him.

"Just some light reading." he explain.

Malon handed her husband a cup of tea, taking a quick look over twilight's shoulder. "mhm, light reading my butt." she teased, turning to get her own cup and pouring some into the rancher's nearly empty mug.

"Sleep?" Time ask, taking a seat to have his tea.

"Just a little." They responded.

Time knew all too well how poorly the pup slept. Well most of the lads equally suffer from demons in their sleep. Twilight shared Time's own poor sleeping habit. He would even extend his watch at night. Often Time and Twilight shared a shift. Malon took a seat near Twilight. She looked over at her husband, with a questioned look. Time looked back at her before clearing his throat.

"what interrupted your sleep?" he carefully asked.

Twilight set the book down, softly smiling. then picked up his tea and took a sip. "Not anything really new. I just couldn't sleep."

Time hummed. Malon, placed a hand on the youth's back. Rubbing it gently. "I am sorry. How long you been awake?" Malon asked.

The first bit of morning light was dotting the sky. "Hm, 'bout 4am." was his response.

Time finished his Tea and stood up. "How's the side?" He suspected that his injury from the dark knuckle from a few days ago was bothering him. Sure the pup was healed some, but there was still a soreness and linger effects from it. Hyrule's life spell came in hand, but could only do so much. The rest would have to be Twilights body healing it self and purging the infection that lay within him. Twilight hadn't given an answer. Which was an answer in itself. The elder sighed. That was probably the root of the pup's new bout of sleep loss.

"Well you're to take it easy today. The other lads can pitch in on the heavy duty stuff. If you get an itching to do anything, maybe help Malon out a bit." Time said softly as he walked over to him. He give the youth a soft squeeze on his neck. He then leaned over and gave his wife a quick peck before exiting to do the morning chores. Twilight had hid his face behind his book at their pda. Which gained a chuckle from Malon.

"Well with that young man, how about to help me with making up some apple pies. You do know how to do an apple pie right?" she was quick to ask. Knowing not all the lads were great with cooking. The last thing she wanted was exploded science project. The rancher nodded, closing his book.

"Ilia and I would bake together festivals and holidays." He replied.

Malon got up after finishing her tea. Moving towards the sink to wash her cup out. "Is Ilia your boo?" she asked, eyeing him.

She saw the blush move from the tip of his ears and move down to his cheek. She sense they must be something, but also sense they might not be.

"Well, it's complicated. Yes and no. I am working through some things. I don't want to drag her through that." He answered Malon honestly. He made his way to wash up his own cup.

"That is very thoughtful of you. However I sure she wants to be there for you either way." Malon stated, moving about the kitchen gathering up what was needed to make up the pie.

He nodded. "It's complicated still. It partly involves another person who left. whom I grew fond of. I doubt a woman wants to be listening to someone they love talk about another woman." He explained, taking the apples from Malon.

That Malon paused to look at him. She watched him fluctuate through a wave of emotion, before resigning to a face that she often saw on her husband when it came to the topic of his companion. Yup, he was very much like her husband in that department. However he seem to be a bit more emotional. He could try and stuff his feeling down, but like a book, they showed. Without even asking, the rancher had taken up to helping wash, peel and cut up the apples they were to use.

Malon grabbed a bowl for which Twilight can toss the cut apples into. Later will be used to toss in the lemon, lemon zest, cinnamon, nut meg, flour, and two kinds of sugars. Malon went to getting the oven to warm up. Than went about making the pie crust. She put the first fold of crust in a pie pan, then set the other aside. After the apples were cut up, She tossed in the ingredients and Twilight set to folding them in, coating the apples.

"Curious, is there a specific apple one uses for pies?" Rancher asked as he folded the apples in the ingredients.

"Well, yes and no. There are some better suited for the best tasting pie." She explained as she whipped up an egg for egg wash.

"The best is usually Granny smiths, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Jazz, Golden Delicious, Jonagold and Pink Lady." she continued setting the whisk egg down.

"Wow, there are so many types of apples." The rancher replied in a shocked state. Malon gave a chuckle.

"Like there is so many different berries." Explained Malon. "Okay, let's get these tasty apples into the pie. Handing him a spoon with holes to let the juices to drain. To avoid the pie going soggy.

She stood by, helping him along the way. Teaching the perfect ratio of apples to be laid up in the pie. Diving it up along the two pie pans. Once they completed that, teaching him how to fold the top pie crust onto the other. She than coated the crust with egg wash and slicing four slips to let steam out. Followed by covering the crust end with foil. Once the pie was placed in the Oven at 400 degrees. she set a cucoo timer for 25mins.

"Once that chimes, we remove the foil and let it cook for another 30-35mins at 375."

"Oh, I would of never knew that. Sure the cook would." Twilight chuckled awkwardly, doing a gesture she often caught her husband doing. Rubbing the back of his neck.

"That I do believe is true." she chuckled with him.

Together Malon and Twilight set to cleaning up the kitchen. Though she started picking up that Twilight's wound was bothering him. "Go take a seat dear. I can finish up the rest." She suggest, placing her hand gently on his arm. She knew how her husband was when it came to injuries. she expected to go full on Mama Lon on him. However he gave no fight, He slid into the nearest chair and placed his arm around his mid section. Holding his side. She could hear his pained breathing. Taking in deep breaths.

"Was this too much for you?" she asked walking over to him and crouching down. He shook his head. She gently rubs his back. He was hunched over and gritting his teeth. His face scrunched up in a pained look. She then Shift, getting up.

"Okay, Lets go move you to the couch and I can make you up a hot water bottle to help with your pain. I am not going to let you play tough on me." She stated helping him up.

They slowly made their way over to the couch and He slowly lowered onto. She took his feet and moved him to a laying down position. He rested his head on the couch pillow and closed his eyes. Malon returned to the kitchen to make up a hot water bottle. Only returning shortly. She shifted his hand and laid where the injury was. He relaxed as the warmth seem to ease of the pain and like as if he was a small child, Malon set to placing a blanket over him. Tucking him in. No sooner did she do that, he seem to drift off to sleep.

-----

Time carrying wood into the house, kicked his boots off before making his way into the living room. Where he spotted Twilight sleeping. That's good, he's getting a bit more sleep. He stacked the wood up in the wood basket before making a fire to warm up the area. Malon came into the room and leaned on the side of the wall.

Time walked over the Pup and bushed his bangs back, letting his hand rest there, checking for a temperature from the infection. So far nothing. Then made his way over to his wife.

"Well the animals are not going to end us. Sort of spoiled them a bit." He said with a smirk on his face.

"I am assuming you are making them plumb with extra carrots." Snorted Malon.

"well death won't come this day." Time stated turning to his wife.

"MMMMHMMM, keep telling yourself that dear." Malon replied with a smile, resting her hand on his chest and quickly giving him a peck, before leaving him to start working on breakfast for the lads whom would be waking soon.

-----

The apple pie scent waft through the house. stirring up the other's who had been sleeping. Time sat in a lounge chair reading the book, of which Twilight had been reading. The boys started trickling in. Greeting "Good morning" sleepily as they entered. First being the Warriors and Wild. With Wind trailing behind them. Next came Four and Legend and the last were Sky and Hyrule. Malon gave out tea and coffee. As they each took a seat at the table. Warriors however went over towards the old man and spotted the rancher laid up on the couch.

"When did he wake?" he asked quietly, looking over at twilight.

"He said he had woken about 4am." Time replied, not looking up from the book.

The Captain hummed. "Doubt that. I can't imagine he slept well."

"Well he's resting now. I am leaving you lads to helping out around the farm today. Letting him rest." Time stated, closing the book and setting it aside.

He pushed up from the chair and lead Warriors back to the eating area. where Malon served them all up a good hearty breakfast. The morning chatter was quiet.

----

Malon took the pie out once it was done, setting it on the rack to cool down. She heard a soft moan come from the couch, then a quiet whine. She made her way over. She removed the hot water bottle, that had lost its heat. Taking it back to the kitchen to warm it back up. Then returning with it, placing it back on his side. The pain on his face was evident. She felt so bad there was nothing they really could do for him. Maybe rub some pain relief ointment. Otherwise, nothing. He choked up a sob. She pulled up a chair beside him. Running her hand gently through his hair. Trying to sooth.

"I-I'm sorry." he sob.

"Shhh, its okay." she softly whispered.

"I failed them." his blue eye leaking of tears.

"You failed no one my dear. These things happen." she wiped his tears away.

"Now I am useless and a burden." He closed his eyes, more tears spilling over.

"You helped me with a pie. You are no burden at all. nor are you useless. You may be down for the count right now. However in time, you will be back up and probably giving my husband a few more grey hairs." She chuckled.

He stayed quiet, the tears flowing. "Sorry." he whispered, so softly it could barely be heard.

She continued to stroke his hair. "I don't think anyone is holding this against you at all." she explain.

His eyes opened and looked pained, "But I have disappointed him."

Ah. He hates disappointing her husband. "Honey, you are the apple of our eyes. He maybe grumpy or stern, but he is that way because he know how capable you all are. Even more so that you are our child." she bushed her hand across his damp cheek.

"But he is no saint. He has made some of the same mistake you lads have made. Come home injured and bloodied. Being a stubborn man and say he is fine. So don't be so hard on yourself. You did your best. That all anyone can ask of you." she continued.

The rancher sniffled. Than rubbed the tears from his eyes. "I will try to do better." he said once he dried the tears away.

"well best for you right now it resting, so you can get better." she said with a warm smile.

He gave a little nod. "Okay."

She brushed his hair gently and hummed a tune, which lulled him back to sleep. She knowing him to be an emotion lad, she knew most of his emotions were probably a reaction from being infected. Time had told her how he was before they arrived. Like he was fighting a really bad flu. Weak and faint. Unable to even keep food down. The most he had manage was clear liquids at most. Then started working on eating bread. Now he had started to be able to have soup. She then returned to the kitchen to start on food for the evening.

----

Wind squawked as he was dragged by Warriors to go wash up. He had managed to roll around in the mud and then proceed to toss it at the others. How he found mud hole, nobody knows. Malon had to chuckle a bit at the sight of her husband who looked a little less amused being covered in mud, that had sparked a mud fight. She shooed them all to get cleaned up.

"AAAARRRGH, I AM THE MUD MONSTER!" screamed the sailor as he was hauled off to the bathing area.

"NO, you're just a Monster." growled Legend.

Time spotted the Cub and Traveler trying to make a beeline to avoid bathing. He snagged them both and proceeded to drag them off with the rest of the lads.

Malon chuckled again. Shaking her head. The boys sure are a handful. However she enjoyed them all.

She went about setting the table up, Placing nice fresh bread on the table. A nice pot warm vegetable stew. Along with some drinks for the lads. She could hear squealing from the Washroom.

"THIS IS ABUSE! HANDS OFF ME YOU DOUGHNUT!"

"OI!"

"So, still want children in the future?"

"Well you lot sure are giving me a good practice run- OI back in the water you gremlin."

"NO- AAAAACK. HELP! THE OLD MAN GOING TO DROWN ME."

Malon then was startled by a soft laughter coming from behind her. She looked over and joined Twilight in laughing.

"Think we have a few grumpy soggy heroes in a few." Twilight chuckled.

"That we will." She responded.

---

Once they were all cleaned up, they came in for eating. All staring hungrily at the food before them. They all said a silent grace, then begin to dig into their food. Twilight carefully ripped his roll up and dunked it into the soup. sopping it up enough before plopping it into his mouth. Time chuckled as both him and the cub made a face and swayed happily.

"How is it that you managed to find the one mud hole in the entire ranch sailor." Chuckled Four.

"I dunno, being around pigs does that to you." Wind spoke, with his mouth full.

"Could not talk with your mouth full kid." sighed Warriors.

Wind swallowed, "Sorry. My bad."

Twilight smirked, "are you mama captain now?"

"Just trying to teach proper table manners, so none end up like you." Smirked the Captain.

"Well, I got better educate then a an owl. Apparently its polite to throw up at the dinner table when eating with owls." jabbed the rancher.

"EWWWWWW!" Wind squealed, scrunching up his face.

"Who." Responded Warriors.

"Who indeed." laughed Twilight.

"Oh get a room you two." groaned Legend.

"NO thank you, I don't want wet dog smell."

"That's wet wolf to you....."

"that sheds....probably has fleas. Old man, we got to do something about that."

Twilight snorted and glared a bit," That flea bag happened to give you comfort at one point. Careful what you say or you may be asking for new boots."

"You leave my boots alone." gasped Warriors.

"fine, your cape then."

"YOU WOULDN'T?!"

Twilight didn't respond, just smirked slyly and popped another soup soaked bread chuck into his mouth.

"DAD! He's being mean."

Time just shook his head and looked at his wife apologetic. Malon giggled and waved that is was fine.

"Guy, there's a lady at the table. Please keep your filth out of your mouth." Sky piped up, covering he ears.

"If you want filth...."

"NO WARRIORS!" everyone barked.

He just laughed before carefully sipping a spoon full of his soup.

---

Once dinner had been finished, table cleared with and dishes done. Pie was served with choice of whip cream, ice cream, both or none at all. Long with a warm evening tea or hot cocoa. The adults taking part in some alcoholic drink as a form of night cap.

Wind and Hyrule opted to put everything on their pie. whereas some just went one or the other toppings. As they all took their first bite there was a unison of "MMMM" at the table.

"This is delicious, Mrs. Mal." Legend stated with a big grin on his face.

"Oh, well I wasn't the only one to make it. I had help from Rancher here." She responded, with her hand out reached toward Twilight.

"Thank you Mal and Rancher." The lads all said together.

Twilight blushed and bought his cup of warn Chateau Romani to his lips. Time just beamed at him.

---

The Night started to finally calm down, as now everyone was fed. Sleep threatening to have them all drop like flies. Well one was down for the count all ready. Wind, who was all curled up and tuck up next to Warriors. Legend was going through his inventory. Four taking care of his sword. Twilight went to work on replacing the damaged part of his chainmail. Time sat next to Malon reading once more, while Malon was knitting. Wild was organizing his slate. As Hyrule and Sky set to patching up tunics.

Slowly the boys moved to go to bed. Soon leaving Twilight, Malon and Time alone in the main room, the fire still going. Twilight was so focused, his tongue stuck out to one side. Something Malon knew Time did himself. She smiled at that little quirk. she Lightly tapped her husband and pointed it out. He smiled back at her and nodded.

"I wish father was here to meet them all." she quietly spoke to Time.

"Oh I sure he would have a ball with the bunch of them." He chuckled.

The room went quiet again, the only sound being that of the crackling fire and occasionally Twilight sucking in air. Which at first Time just took as his pup's fingers hurting when dealing with the chain mail. However he picked up on the reason was the injury. Time set the book down and Moved away from his wife, walking over to the rancher. As he couched his knees made a crack sound.

"How you feeling pup?" He gently asked, placing a hand on their back.

"Nothing I can't handle."

There it was Malon chuckled.Father like Son.

"Uh hu, where'd that get you last time?" Time replied a bit more stern.

Twilight didn't reply. Time placed a hand over Twilight's, who was working away at the chainmail. Then slowly taking it away and setting it aside.

"We are not going to play this game son, you and I are one in the same. Stubborn to heck. However it's okay to let others care for you okay. Let me get some pain relief ointment on you and off to bed you go." He spoke softly to them.

Time helped him up. Twilight wincing once standing. Then begin to sway. Time placed an arm around them carefully and walked their way off towards where everyone was sleeping. Malon got up as well to make up a fresh hot water bottle, for it seemed to help.

Once the ointment was place and new bandages put on, Time helped Twilight to his bedroll. Malon quietly handed Time the hot water bottle, which Twilight gladly took. Then signed "Thank you." As Time was about to leave. Twilight looked at him, with pleading eyes for him not to go. He signed to him, "Can you stay with me a bit, just till I fall asleep?" Time looked at his wife and then back at him and nodded. He took a seat next to where Twilight was. Malon watched as he snuggled up against Time. Time pulled the blanket around the Pup's Shoulders. Malon left them be, smiling. Time quietly hummed a soothing tune. Lulling Twilight into a peaceful sleep. Then himself. Malon returned bringing a blanket to partly cover her husband. The sight before her was beautiful.

Good night my dears. With that, she blew out the candle in the room. Leaving with the only sound of sleeping lads.