A Hidden Kindness

2933 words

“Rabiaaaa!” Zelda cried, running downstairs. “Rabia, zip me up, Link will be here any minute!” she gasped. Rabia blinked and looked up from where she had been tuning her instruments. Zelda ran into the ballroom. She was holding up the top of her strapless, unzipped dress with one hand and the skirt with the other.

“Um… okay?” she laughed. She walked over to her friend and zipped the back of her dress. Zelda untied her hair and let it hang in soft waves over her shoulders. She checked her reflection in a nearby mirror. “Why are you so nervous about this? It’s not like it’s your first date with Link or something.”

“It’s my first FORMAL date with Link,” Zelda said. “No one else knows about us except you, Sheik, Kaikoura… and now all these musicians,” she said. “Tonight is our first public outing and it needs to be perfect.” Rabia hummed.

“Alright, hold on…” she paused, looking Zelda up and down. She grinned and took a flower out of one of the arrangements on the table and a bobby pin from her own hair, and secured the flower to Zelda’s hair. “Now you guys will look more coupley cause you’ll match his woodsy-ness a little better,” she nodded. “Now relax. Everyone in the kingdom ships it.” She sat back down with the rest of the musicians, who were nodding in agreement. Zelda flushed.

“Oh, hush,” she huffed. They ignored her and started playing some music, as the first guest had arrived. “Link!” Zelda waved him over, smiling warmly. The party grew from there. It was open to the public, so many of the people of Hyrule travelled from all over to attend. Saul and Petra were conversing with Cecil and Linda over by the food. Kaikoura and Sheik were occupied by Link and Zelda. No one noticed Finn slip through the crowd and up to Rabia’s side as the song finished up.

“Hey Rabia… it’s been a while,” Finn said. Rabia jumped and closed her eyes. She sighed, counted to ten, then opened her eyes and turned to face him, a fake smile on her face.

“Oh, hey Finn! I was just about to go on my break, so if you’ll excuse me…” she tried to brush by him, but he caught her wrist.

“Wouldn’t you give me the honor of a dance?” he asked smoothly, quirking an eyebrow at her. He didn’t wait for an answer; he pulled her into his arms and out onto the dance floor.

“I was actually hoping to grab some food…” Rabia said, trying to free herself from his grip. “This is my longest break, so…” She searched around for the familiar bulk of a certain man, but he was nowhere to be found. She bit her lip when Finn’s grip tightened.

“Dance with me,” he repeated. Rabia sighed and acquiesced. Luckily for her, he released her after one dance. As soon as his hands were off her, she was gone. She grabbed her food and moved over to join her friends in a large group, far away from him. Zelda gasped when she came over.

“Rabia, everyone LOVES Link! And you were totally right about the flower,” she giggled, looping her arm through Link’s. Link was wearing his signature green tunic and white leggings, only it was a bit more formal than his normal clothes. Rabia smiled.

“I’m happy for you two,” she said. “Besides, it’s not like they weren’t expecting it…” Rabia winked. Zelda scowled.

“It really wasn’t as obvious as you’re making it sound!” she said. Rabia raised an eyebrow and Kaikoura snickered. Sheik shook his head slowly.

“It really… really was,” he stated.

“Yeah well, no one asked you, Sheik!” she poked his nose. He stared at her. “Oh, fine, okay, maybe it was…” she muttered. “But… still!” she paused, staring at something passed Sheik’s shoulder. “Oh no… is that... is that Finn talking to your parents, Rabia?”

“Yeah, he’s… he’s around again, apparently,” Rabia sighed. “He made me dance with him. For once I was hoping Ganondorf would appear just to get me away from Finn. Vaati isn’t… so intimidating.” Zelda gave her a disapproving look.

“You broke up with him for a reason, Rabia. A very good reason! Why would he be here? Besides, he wasn’t invited,” Zelda said. Rabia blinked.

“But… everyone was invited.”

“Everyone in Hyrule. Which apparently includes Finn. I thought he moved…” Zelda muttered.

“He was sent to finishing school,” Rabia sighed. “I wish he’d have moved…” She sighed. “Oh no…” she ducked behind Zelda when Saul and Petra started coming towards her with Finn in tow.

“Rabia! Look who’s here!” Petra chirped. Rabia smiled.

“Oh… Heyyy, Finn! It’s been a while,” she answered. The music changed to an upbeat song and Zelda gasped.

“Oh, this is my favorite! Come on Link, let’s dance!” she cried, dragging Link away with her. Rabia sighed.

“I was just going to finish eating, then get back to the band…” Rabia trailed off, taking a few steps back. Saul frowned.

“Oh, right… well, Finn, how would you like to come to our house for dinner tomorrow night?” Saul asked. Rabia’s face fell, but no one noticed.

“That would be wonderful, sir,” Finn smiled. “I’ll be there.” He stalked off. Rabia gave Saul a withering look before rejoining the band.

~ VAATISPURPLEBUTTVAATISPURPLEBUTTVAATISPURPLEBUTT ~

“Rabia! Finn will be here in twenty minutes and you aren’t even dressed!” Petra frowned at her only daughter, arms crossed over her chest. “All of your brothers are ready. Even your FATHER is ready. Have you even showered yet?” she scowled. Rabia finished straightening the piece of hair she was holding and turned to look at her mother.

“I’m going to be honest here. I really don’t care,” she said. She finished straightening the last piece.
“I look fine. There’s no reason to dress up for dinner at our own house.”

“He’s the lord’s son! You need to make yourself presentable!” Petra said. She opened Rabia’s closet doors and rifled through her dresses, then set one out on the bed with some shoes. “There. That should do it…” Rabia wrinkled her nose.

“I think you’re forgetting something. I HAVE a boyfriend,” she snapped. She snatched the clothes off the bed and moved to her bathroom to get dressed and do her makeup.

“What? That Lord Vaati? What’s he the lord of anyway? He doesn’t even LIVE around here. I suspect it’s a self-given title,” Petra said, checking her own reflection in Rabia’s vanity. “He’s sweet, but he isn’t very… manly.” Rabia brushed passed her mother and headed downstairs.

“Whatever. Let’s just get this over with. I’d prefer to keep Finn out of my life but clearly you two aren’t going to let that be an option.” Petra frowned.

“What happened with you two? You used to be so in love.”

“Yeah, well, he’s an ass, so…” she sighed. “It doesn’t matter.” Her older brother, Rob, wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“Aww, baby sis, don’t be so glum. You should see this as… a new start for you two!” he snickered. “Maybe he’s not a dick anymore!” Rabia scowled and elbowed him in the ribs.

“Yeah right. I don’t want a new start with Finn. I don’t want anything to do wi-” she was cut off from her rant when the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it!” Rabia’s youngest brother, Chase, ran to the door only to be intercepted by her other younger brother, Lance, who pulled the door open.

“Finn!” Lance cried, hugging the other man around the waist. Finn laughed and ruffled Lance’s hair affectionately.

“Hey, little man! How’s it going?” He noticed Chase’s pout and scooped him up into his arms.

“Don’t worry Chase, I didn’t forget about you.” He gave Chase a fist bump, as he knew Chase hated people touching his hair almost as much as his sister did. The two youngest boys ran off to the living room as Petra swept over.

“Finn! It’s wonderful to see you again,” she smiled at him.

“Mrs. Henderson, a pleasure as always,” he kissed the back of her hand politely. “You look as young as ever. I almost thought Rabia had a sister!” Petra laughed warmly.

“Oh, such a charmer,” she smiled and showed him into the living room. “Dinner will be ready soon, dear. Would you like some tea?”

“Tea sounds wonderful,” Finn said. Petra gave Rabia a look. Rabia brought in two cups of tea, handing one to Finn and the other her mother, then sat down on the love seat beside Petra.

“So what have you been doing, Finn? The last we heard, you were going off to school,” she smiled. Finn nodded.

“Oh, yes, I went all the way to Altea!” Finn smiled. “They have much better schooling there than here in Hyrule. For higher education, at least,” he shrugged a little, smiling crookedly. Petra gasped.

“That sounds so exciting! Did you meet the Prince?” Petra asked. Rabia scrolled through her phone, uninterested.

“Oh, Prince Marth? Of course!” he smiled. “Nice guy, a little quiet. Honestly, he wasn’t that special,” Finn laughed. “So Rabia, what about you? What have you been doing since we last talked?” he asked. Rabia looked up from her phone.

“Sorry, what?”

“What have you been doing?” Finn repeated. His smile stayed the same, but there was a slight tightening around his eyes. Rabia chewed her lip.

“Well… I got a steady job in Zelda’s personal wind ensemble… and concert band… and symphony…” she said. “I met King Ganondorf and went on a few dates with him… got a steady boyfriend and… that covers the important stuff I think,” Rabia nodded.

“Boyfriend? What’s his name?” Finn asked. It sounded like polite curiosity, but Rabia could see the slight frown.

“Oh! Right, sorry. His name is Lord Vaati. I met him at Zelda’s charity ball for injured soldiers. He’s a sweetheart. Very kind, plays the piano.” She smiled. “He works as a mage in the prenatal ward of a hospital.”

“Lord Vaati…?” Finn hummed thoughtfully. “Never heard of him.”

“He just finished his apprenticeship a few months ago,” Rabia answered.

“And you… dated a king?”

“I went on a few dates with him, yeah. Very handsome and charming; not a great guy though,” she answered. Saul stepped into the room, stopping the conversation.

“Dinner is ready. The uh… the boys set the table,” Saul stifled a snort.

“Oh goodness. Alright.” Petra ushered Finn and Rabia to the dining room, where, unfortunately, the only open seats were right beside each other. Finn pulled Rabia’s chair out for her, but she ignored him and sat down in the other seat. He frowned, but said nothing. Suddenly the doorbell rang. Saul paused, pushing his chair back in.

“Who could that be?” he wondered aloud. He walked over to the front door and pulled it open. Kaikoura gave a small wave and smiled.

“Heyy! I’m here for the pasta!” she said. “Rabia invited me.” Saul narrowed his eyes.

“Oh, she did? Well, you know you’re always welcome here, Kaikoura.” He smiled warmly at her and lead her to the dinner table. “Kaikoura’s here for dinner! Isn’t that nice?” He pulled up an extra chair between Rob and Lance, and set her a spot.

“Thank you!” Kaikoura chirped. The servers came over with the food and dished it out.

“Kaiky! I’m so glad you’re here!” Rabia said. “I haven’t seen you in like, forever!”

“...You saw her two days ago,” Saul replied.

“I was working! That doesn’t count,” Rabia answered. “We have so much to talk about, you don’t even know.” Saul rolled his eyes. There was an awkward silence.

“So Rob!” Kaikoura started. “What have you been doing lately?”

“Oh you know…” he didn’t elaborate

“Hmm… sounds… interesting,” Kaikoura replied. Rob nodded in agreement. She nodded back, noting his bloodshot eyes and the smell of pot. Saul sighed in disappointment.

“So Finn! You were off studying in Altea… you graduated, right?” Petra asked.

“Oh, yes! I graduated as salutatorian! Second to our valedictorian, Prince Marth. I suspect it was rigged…” he added. Kaikoura gave him a look.

“What are you trying to say about Marth?”

“His dad rigs things in his favor all the time!” Finn said. “I’m just pointing it out.”

“I think you’re just a sore loser,” she mumbled under her breath. Rob tried to cover up a snort and failed spectacularly. Rabia bit her lip to keep from laughing.

“That’s really great, Finn!” Petra said, ignoring her children and Kaikoura. “Do you plan to go into politics like your father?”

“Just what we need, more politicians,” Rob grumbled, rolling his eyes. “The man! Can never get rid of ‘em. They spawn like rabbits.” Rabia choked on her water. Finn patted her on the back. Kaikoura glared darkly at him. Saul just sighed and shook his head.

“Rob, maybe you’d like some air…” he said to his oldest son.

“Nah, man, I’m good! I’d rather stay for the conversation. And the food.” Saul sighed again.

“Why didn’t you guys invite Lord Voldemort to dinner too? He’s a much more eligible bachelor. More successful, better looking, more charming, smarter than Finn… need I say more? I could go on!” Kaikoura spat. Petra gave her a stern look.

“That’s enough, Kaikoura. Finn has never killed anyone.” Rob started laughing so hard tears rolled down his cheeks.

“That justifies it! He’s a good person!” Rob clapped loudly. “YAAAS, never killed anyone!”

“Robert!” Petra snapped. “Go outside and get some air!”

“Nahhh, I’m good! I’m good…”

“NOW,” she all but screamed. Rob huffed and stood, offended.

“Fine! I can see I’m not wanted!” he left the room.

“...Anyway…” Finn said. “Kaikoura, I haven’t seen you in a long time! Who’s your current boyfriend?” he asked curiously. Rabia’s eyes widened and her eyebrows shot up. Kaikoura just raised an eyebrow.

“I’m actually married,” Kaikoura answered. “But, frankly I don’t think it’s any of your business.”

“Second or third marriage?” Finn asked with a hint of a smirk.

“Wow… doesn’t matter… how much time passes,” Kaikoura said. “You will never grow up. You will never become a better person.” Rob walked back in.

“Why is Finn even here? Why is this happening?” he asked.

“Thank you, we all want this answer, please!” Kaikoura said. Rabia started laughing. Finn gave them a dirty look.

“I was invited for dinner, very kindly might I add, by Mr. and Mrs. Henderson. They, and myself, wish to see Rabia and I engaged again.”

“BLEAAAAACH!” Kaikoura made a loud, exaggerated puking noise, drawing a giggle from Rob and the two little boys. “Like I said, where’s Voldemort when you need him?”

“Did we all forget the part where I HAVE A BOYFRIEND,” Rabia said loudly.

“Oh yeah! SHE HAS A BOYFRIEND!” Kaikoura added defensively. Rabia just gave her a look. “Lord… Baati…?” Rabia sighed.

“VAATI! Lord Vaati.”

“Right! Apparently, it doesn’t matter now if Rabia has a choice or not. She’s not even in control of her own life!” Rob said. Finn rolled his eyes.

“Even her best friend forgot she was dating this guy! Clearly he’s not around that often,” Finn responded.

“Yeah well even her best friend fucking hates your guts,” Kaikoura snapped.

“No swearing at the table!” Saul said. “I don’t care about your personal vendetta against Finn, Kaikoura, but there are little ears here!” Kaikoura sighed and turned to look at Saul as Rob took his seat again.

“Saul,” she sighed. “I’m not trying to disrespect you, but you are really unaware of how evil this man is. If it were my choice, he would be buried alive or shut away in solitude for the rest of his life.”

“Those are some… strong opinions, Kaikoura. Thank you for… sharing…” Saul said uncomfortably. Kaikoura glanced at Rabia.

“Just know that this decision should be made by Rabia, not you,” she declared. With that, she stabbed into her pasta in glum silence. Rabia smiled at her friend.

“Thank you, Kaikoura,” Rabia reached over and patted her hand. Rob nodded.

“I agree with that!”

“They used to be so in love!” Saul cried. “How often does that happen?”

“Teenagers fall in and out of love all the time. All. The. Time,” Rob said. “It’s weird to get married that young, anyway,” he muttered.

“See, Rob knows exactly what I’m talking about,” Kaikoura said. Saul sighed.

“Alright. I’ll drop it!” Saul said. “I still think you two would make a great pair.”

“I agree, sir,” Finn said. “Rabia, just one date. Please?”

“... I have a boyfriend,” Rabia sighed as she repeated herself for the third time. “No.” Finn smiled charmingly at her.

“I’ll get you to change your mind.” He stood from his seat. “Thank you for inviting me, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson. It was pleasant.” He nodded politely and left the house. Saul scowled at Rob and the two girls.

“What the hell was that?!” he demanded.

“Finn is a douche and Rabia should be able to be with who she wants,” Rob said, livid. “If you invite him here again I’ll drag him out by the throat.” He left the table too. Kaikoura and Rabia remained spitefully silent. Saul scowled and stomped upstairs. Petra just shook her head in disappointment and followed them.

“...Sissy, what just happened?” Chase asked.

“Well… Finn is a bad man and Dad wants me to marry him,” Rabia said. “Don’t worry about it, okay? You two go play, I’ll clean up.” Lance and Chase ran off as well. Rabia looked at Kaikoura.

“Thanks for coming over.”