The commons area had been setup to host a small party. All the tables and chairs had been arranged around the edge of the room and a large welcome banner hung from the back wall. Marth, Link, and Peach had organized this unofficial reception for all the new comers who had arrived at the arena recently. It was a small get together of about thirty or so people, yet it was enough to keep the room alive with chatter.

Among those chattering were a certain two princesses.

"No waayyyy," Peach yelped in an incredibly girlish manner, squealing as if she were still sixteen, earning the pair of princesses several awkward stares from the nearby partygoers. "Are you serious?"

Zelda just nodded shy, while blushing.

"Then what!?"

"We... we kissed."

"Really!? So she swings that way after all. I told ya'," Peach said smugly.

"Well, I don't know... maybe. She did seem kind of awkward and embarrassed... But then again, that could just be how she is generally."

"So then what happened... I want more, give details."

Zelda sighed and her eyes glazed over as she recalled.

"Ooohh." Peach perked up thinking it must be something pretty juicy.

"After we kissed, I rested my head on her shoulder while holding hands; and we watched the stars come out. We sat that way for almost an hour."

"What, that's it? That's all you did?" Peach said disappointedly. "Jeez Zel, that's boring. You're such a prude."

Zelda huffed. "It wasn't boring, it was romantic," she said with a pout on her face.

Peach shrugged. "If you say so."

"I do say so."

"You've been going on and on about her for months now, and you finally get a chance with her and you don't capitalize... Lame."

"It's a matter of opinion whether I "capitalized" on the opportunity or not." Zelda said folding her arms across her chest. "What we did was more than satisfying. And besides I wouldn't want to frighten her off."

"Well I seem to recall some fairly... explicit fantasies involving--"

"None of which you will repeat in a room full of people." Zelda said sternly with a stamp of her foot, her face turning bright red.

"I don't know. Just seems to me like a waste to have not acted on one or two."

"Can we... stop talking about this in public..." Zelda turned her blushing face towards the floor.

"Ok, whatever. ...Prude." Peach nudged her with her elbow. "Oh! Well look who's here." Peach glanced across the room to notice Samus staring in their direction, but she quickly looked a way when Peach saw her.

"Huh." Zelda turned around to see Samus trying not to look at them. "She made it!" Her face lit up. She waved to Samus to come over, but she pretended not to notice.

"She'll never come over when I'm here." Peach said smugly.

"Yes, you're right about that... Can't you get along with her better?"

"No," Peach said flatly.

"Listen, I don't want you to say mean things to Samus anymore. She's not as cold and uncaring as she appears, your words hurt her."

Peach smiled, "So you're defending her honor; that's really sweet Zel."

"Come on, I'm being serious. You don't have to be nice; just don't be mean, ok?

"Yeah ok, though it's not like it'll be an issue for much longer."

"Uh! Y-yeah..." Zelda looked down, ashamed. "Listen, I just wanted to tell you again how sorry I am that your stay here is jeopardized. I feel terrible..."

"Ahh It's alright Zel."

"I'll try my best to make sure it doesn't happen."

"Don't worry about it so much," Peach said and patted Zelda on the shoulder.

Again Peach noticed Samus through the crowd, staring at them, circling like a vulture, waiting for her to leave so she could approach Zelda. She was about to make a rude comment comparing Samus to said scavenger, but refrained because of Zelda's request. Instead she just waved to her with a fake smile, causing Samus to quickly disappear into the crowd.

"Well, I'll leave you alone so you can be with her, though I don't know what good it'll do since you're so boring and all."

Zelda narrowed her eyes and stared at her for a while before responding. "Ok then, I'll show you boring... How about you don't come back to the room tonight?"

"Ooohh!?"

Zelda blushed a bit "Uhh... that is... I hate to ask you this, I've already put though so much with my requests..."

Peach glanced again at Samus, who was still circling from a distance. "Well, I think you could do a lot better for yourself, but... if she makes you happy I guess that's all that matters."

"Thanks... and I'm really sorry."

"It's fine...Hmm... It could work out to my advantage anyway..." Peach said looking across the room. "See ya' later Zel." She waved while disappearing into the crowd.

--

Marth and a couple of the new comers were congregated around one of the food tables, chatting. He was joined by a similarly blue haired swordsman, though his was wild instead of neat like Marth's, and a guy with a scraggly beard smoking a cigarette.

He was in the middle conversation with the two when he received a tap on the shoulder and a familiar voice came from behind. "Prince Marth."

"Peach! Uh... Hi." He spun around to face her.

"Would you do a condemned woman a huge favor?" She asked sweetly.

"Of course, anything for you."

"I sort of got kicked out of my room for the night. Think I could crash with you?"

Ike's jaw nearly hit the floor while Snake scratched his chin thoughtfully.

"Oh, yes of course."

"Good," She said slyly, and began twirling a lock of her hair round her finger. "If my days here are numbered I figure I should make the most of the time I have left."

Marth gulped and noticeably started blushing. Peach looped her arm through his and walked off with him, waving to the two left standing there.

"So," Snake nudged Ike with his elbow, "Think all the chicks here are like her?" he said in a gruff voice.

"I... wouldn't know."

"Hmm, I think a secret reconnaissance mission is in order."

--

"Why'd you want to leave the reception so soon?" Samus asked as she and Zelda entered their room. After about five minutes of the two of them, uncomfortably so for Samus, mingling with the other competitors and meeting several of the new comers, Zelda had pulled her aside. Samus assumed she wanted to talk more, but Zelda only said she wanted to leave.

"I'd just prefer spending time with you than attending some large gathering." Zelda said simply as walked over to her bed. She removed her gold shoulder pads, headdress and Hylian sash that hung down the front of her dress. She liked the look of all the ornamentation; however, it became uncomfortable to wear for long periods.

"Oh..." Samus was glad to here that; she though things might have been awkward between them after the incident in the observatory. She thought it odd that Zelda hadn't said a word about it. Perhaps she didn't know what to say either. Maybe she was just as embarrassed and simply wanted to pretend nothing happened. That would most likely be best. Relieved, Samus sat down on the sofa and turned the TV on and put her feet up, "So are you up for watching Xena now?"

"Samus... what kind of person are you attracted to?"

"Uhh..." That came out of nowhere. The question caught her off guard and Samus stammered her answer. "Well...I never really... though about... W-why do you ask?" Maybe things would get awkward after all.

"Mmm..." Zelda shrugged. "No reason... just asking." Zelda sighed and sat down beside her, folding her hands in her lap.

The show was something Zelda had put her on to, and that they watched it from time to time. It was about a warrior woman who traveled around ancient Greece with her companion, fighting monsters, demons, and evil gods. When asked, Zelda said she liked the mythology and gods, which were all very different from how things were in her world. That and another reason, but she wouldn't tell Samus what that was. Samus liked the action and thought the stories of good versus evil were interesting. The special effects were laughable compared to what they were capable of in her world, but she didn't mind.

Samus had been aware of the large amount of subtext between the two main characters, but never paid it much attention before. She only ever commented on it once in passing. But now, in light of recent events, when the two leading ladies got particularly close it became a bit awkward. Hopefully Zelda wouldn't notice. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to watch this particular show at the moment. Would it look weird if she just abruptly turned it off or changed to something else?

Though she didn't have to; at the first intermission Zelda turned the TV off. "Can we talk for a bit?" she said.

"Uh...sure, ok" Samus said timidly. This was it, Zelda would surely bring up what happened earlier, and then what could she do? She would have to explain herself, but how could she when she didn't even understand for herself

Samus waited a bit, but she didn't say anything. Maybe Zelda was expecting her to start. "So, uh... are you feeling better about that thing with Peach?" Samus said hoping to avoid the subject of their earlier encounter.

"Well I'm still worried about it, but, yes, I do feel better... Thanks to you," Zelda said sweetly and smiled softly at her.

"It was nothing really..."

"But it wasn't nothing!" Zelda spoke fervently. "It meant... today meant a lot to me. I found out that you really care about me."

"Of course I do." Samus furrowed her brow sadly. "I've never really had a friend before you. I wasn't sure how to handle things like that."

"I see that now." Zelda gave her a soft smile and took her hand. "Before I believed that you wanted to spend time with me only because we liked similar things."

"Oh..."

"But it's ok; I know how you feel now. You really were trying to help me today. Thank you, you did cheer me up. I'll remember and appreciate that for a long time... and... well," Zelda looked a her hands a bit nervously. "What happened in the observatory... I--"

"Hey look... about that," Samus cut her off. "I'm really sorry. It shouldn't have happened. I'm just--"

"What!? Why not!? That was-- It was very special to me... Don't say it shouldn't have happened. I... I have wanted that for a while now."

"But why? It's weird... I should never have kissed you like that...That was completely out of line. I have no idea what came over me... all those things you were saying... I--"

"Kissed me?" Zelda furrowed her brow in confusion. "Is that what you think happened?"

"Uh... It didn't?" Now Samus was confused, she had been absolutely certain she had.

"I kissed you. And I don't think it's weird at all."

"It's not?"

Zelda smiled and shook her head. "No."

Certain realizations came to Samus at that moment; Zelda's behavior around her, things she'd said, a flip of the hair, the odd wry smile. It was quite similar to how Peach would behave around Marth or Link. It became apparent why Zelda had had introduced her that Xena show. This must be the other reason she liked it that she wouldn't tell Samus. "You... You've wanted to do that for a while?" she asked timidly.

"Yes," Zelda said with a warm smile, not even attempting to hide the blush spreading across her face.

"Does this mean you like me better than Peach?"

Zelda let out a soft chuckle "Let's just say I've never kissed Peach before, and I have no intention to."

"Well, how come it seems like you're much better friends with her?"

Zelda tipped her head to the side, curiously. "What makes you say that?"

Samus shrugged. "I don't know. You just talk to her more You're more open with her... You talk about things you won't talk to me about."

"I don't do that. You're just imagining it."

"Come on, you know what I mean," Samus protested, "Your little giggle sessions over in the corner. The two of you call it 'girl talk' sometimes. You would talk with Peach like that but always excluded me, or changed the subject when ever I was around."

"Oh, that. Well... I just didn't feel comfortable talking about that with you."

"About what? And why not?" Samus questioned.

"Samus 'girl talk' means we're talking about who we like, and why, and... well, you know... how far we've gotten with them."

Samus stared a little dumbfounded. "Oh... I never knew that."

"And besides, I didn't really think you'd like to talk about such things," Zelda added.

"Well not really, it just... it kind of hurt to be pushed away like that."

"I'm sorry, Samus. I didn't realize." Zelda took an apologetic tone.

"Oh wait. So... So you were talking about me?"

Zelda nodded. "Mm-hmm, I couldn't talk about it with you there, you're the one you like."

Samus smiled, but then it quickly faded. "Hey, hold on! You were talking about me... in that way... with Peach..."

Zelda nodded again, and Samus groaned uncomfortably.

"I'm not sure how I feel about that...Could you maybe... not do that anymore."

"She's not that bad you know... but if it makes you so uncomfortable, I won't talk to her about it anymore."

Samus smiled and nodded.

"You know..." Zelda continued "I've liked you in that way for quite a while now... I tried to get you to notice me too, but you never get my hints. I thought you didn't like me."

"I'm not good with subtlety. I just thought that's how friends were with each other."

"Well now you know, Samus," Zelda said and reached out, talking a strand of Samus' hair between her fingers. "And if you're open to such things, if you don't think it's too 'weird' being with another girl, well... I'd want to be more than your friend." Zelda paused and tipped her head to the side. "Is that something you'd want too?"

"Eh...M-more?" Samus chuckled nervously and glanced at her, but wouldn't look her straight in the eye. "Well... How do you mean?"

"If you thought you were the one that kissed me, that means that you must have wanted to on some level."

Zelda had her there. She couldn't disagree.

"You find me attractive, don't you?" Zelda continued.

"I guess..." Samus nodded. "I mean... you are pretty... Yes."

"What's wrong? You're being so shy. What happened to the cold and confidant warrior we all know?" Zelda teased.

"I... Y-you have an effect on me... especially when you're acting like this."

"Oh, is that so... " Zelda smirked and leaned closer. "What kind of effect?"

Samus only blushed, turning slightly to the side.

Zelda found it incredibly adorable, loving the fact that she had the power to reduce the proud huntress to a shrinking violet. "You know, I find you remarkably attractive, Samus. I have since I met you." Zelda brushed the backs of her fingers across her cheek, and leaned closer still. "Would it be ok if kissing you were a regular occurrence?"

"Uh well... I don't usually plan for stuff, so I don't um...I- I don't know," Samus shrugged her shoulders.

"You don't know?" Zelda pouted. "Ok then, how about right now? Can I kiss you right now?"

"Uh, I guess... Ok." Samus nodded slowly, but looked away even more.

Zelda took her by the chin and turned Samus' head to face her. Leaning in, Zelda gave her a soft kiss. Samus closed her eyes, tentatively returning her affections. She didn't realize until it was too late that she was tilting backwards and ended up on her back with Zelda leaning over her, her hands on either side of Samus' head. Zelda smirked as she lowered herself down, and Samus realized it was no accident she was now on her back.

The princess got a ravenous look in her eyes as she renewed her efforts, vigorously assailing the other woman's mouth with her own. Samus was surprised by her aggressiveness, never expecting the normally reserved woman to be so passionate. This was a completely new side to Zelda

Starting with her lower lip, then her chin, and finally her neck, Zelda gently sucked on Samus' surprisingly delicate skin. Her hair fell forward, gently tickling the huntress's face. Samus breathed in deeply as Zelda nibbled on her neck, inhaling sent of her hair; lavender and something else she couldn't identify.

This was odd; this kind of behavior should be setting of all sorts of alarms in her head, but that wasn't the case. She was strangely comfortable with Zelda. She realized she has been for quite a while, but never thought about it much

Working her finger under the collar of Samus light blue jump suit, Zelda stretched the elastic material aside and kissed down her neck to her collarbone.

However it was only this level of physical intimacy that Zelda wanted now which gave her pause. Sharing a room like they did, Zelda had seen her naked plenty of times; either coming out of the shower or when she was changing. It might have bothered her if it were anyone else other than Zelda. This was different somehow.

Zelda found the zipper that ran down the back of the jump suit and slowly undid it.

Maybe if she knew how Zelda viewed her then... but no... she still wouldn't have cared. She laughed inwardly, imagining all those times; it must have been quite the thrill for the princess. So why now was she...

Slowly the Zelda spread the jumpsuit open from the back and started sliding it off her shoulders.

"Mmff... Zelda... wait," she said, putting her hands on the princess's shoulders.

Zelda looked at her with concern. "Hmm? Sorry, am I moving too fast? You haven't ever considered being with another woman?"

Samus shook her head once. "I- I never gave much thought to things like that..."

"Hmm..." Zelda considered this. "So... is it scary to think that you could like girls? I remember it was a bit of a shock for me too... at first."

Samus shook here head. "I'm used to being different... that doesn't bother me."

Zelda tipped her head to the side inquisitively. "It's something else then? You do like me, right?"

"I do... It's just... well, I really haven't... I haven't done anything like this before."

"Never? At all?"

Samus just shyly shook her head.

"I didn't expect that from you of all people."

Samus wrinkled her nose and looked questioningly at Zelda.

"Uh, don't take it like that... What I mean is, you're just so beautiful and strong, and quite aggressive in what you want... well usually." Zelda smiled, ran her hand back through Samus' hair, then tucked the loose strands behind her ear. "I thought you would have... already... been with someone at some point in your life"

"Oh... no, I just... I've never had the opportunity, or a willing partner... I've been alone a lot." Samus lowered her head. "A lot..." she repeated.

"That's kind of sad... but you're not alone now. You have both opportunity and a very willing partner..."

Samus blushed and smiled weakly at her.

Zelda gave her a soft but brief kiss. "It's alright," she said as she traced her finger up the bridge of Samus' nose, then gently brushed aside a lock of hair from her forehead. "You'll like this. I promise," Zelda said as she slid one hand into Samus', squeezing lightly.

With her other hand, Zelda caressed her face as she again kissed Samus, though, a bit softer this time. Zelda's hand moved around, cupping the back of her neck, lifting up slightly, and tilting Samus' head back. To her delight she managed to elicit a soft moan from the hunter. Zelda couldn't control herself for much longer. Her hand went to Samus' shoulder, then slowly down her side to her hip. Samus inhaled deeply, arching her back in the process, as Zelda hand slid her hand, with firm pressure, over her ribs then abs and finally rested on her hip.

Slowly Zelda made a move for her...

"W-wait!" Samus said pulling her lips a way. "Peach might walk in," she said stopping Zelda's advances again. "I can't let her see me like this..."

Zelda sighed and frowned a bit; her shoulders slumped. Samus really was inhibited about this. She would have to put the huntress at ease and force herself to slow down some. This was new and sudden for Samus, but she had wanted it and wanted it badly for quite a long while. She found restraint difficult.

Zelda quickly smiled and shook her head. "She won't," she said reassuringly "I asked her to stay someplace else tonight."

Samus was stunned "Y-you planned this."

Zelda smiled and gave Samus another brief kiss "This isn't my first time with a girl."

Samus gave her an inquisitive and somewhat surprised look, then quickly checked it, deciding it wasn't her place to pry. However, Zelda had seen the question in her eyes.

"It's ok... I'll tell you. Her name was Impa. She practically raised me as a child; we were together always. When I got older, and much at my own behest, we started fooling around... and that was good for a while. It actually got pretty serious...and I... I loved her very much... but... well I think it got to be too much for her. Probably because she was more than twice my age, and technically a servant, though I never treated her as such. She said she loved me too... but not in the same way I did... It hurt... but I eventually got over it, and we're still close... just not the same as before."

"S-sorry."

"Anyway, she taught me how to love a woman."

"Taught you... how..." Samus repeated her.

"Different techniques; what works and what doesn't; all the things that feel good."

"Zelda... could you... could you teach me?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

End

Ok that's it. The end. The story is over. No requests for it to continue. If you crave more Samus x Zelda go read attached.

Though I wont be continuing it, I may have another update update to post after this. Not a continuation of the plot, just sort of something on the side.

Characters owned by Nintendo, not me. Don't sue, I have no money to begin with.

Thanks to Yuritale, arashi-enkou, and Antony Hodges for all their input.

If you want to contact me do so here: G3Rain1 at Gmail com